The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted | Ep. 201 with Melody Wilding Author of Managing Up

Founder's Story

#Business #IBH Media #Entrepreneur #Award Winning

1:03:29

Finally, we find out who is unbeatable, unhateable, and unbreakable in the final five episodes of Battle Camp Season One. Host Chris Burns is joined by the multi-talented comedian Dana Moon to relive the cockroach mac & cheese, Trey’s drag debut, and the final wheel spin. The Season One Winner joins Chris to debrief on strategy and dish on game play. Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/WeHaveTheReceipts Text us at (929) 487-3621 DM Chris @FatCarrieBradshaw on Instagram Follow We Have The Receipts wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.…

27 days ago 17:59

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Melody Wilding is a professor of human behavior at Hunter College, a licensed therapist, an executive coach, and the author of Managing Up. She was named one of Insider’s Most Innovative Career Coaches and has been praised by thought leaders like Daniel Pink. Through her research and coaching, Melody has helped thousands of high-achievers navigate the complex relationships and unspoken rules that define career success.

💬 In This Episode:

Melody Wilding joins Founder's Story to unpack the real reason many talented professionals get stuck in their careers—it’s not about skill, it’s about mastering the psychology of the people around you. From decoding power dynamics to influencing with integrity, Melody explains how to “manage up” to leaders, navigate workplace politics, and take ownership of your career trajectory.

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building your own business, this conversation is packed with actionable tools to help you lead, influence, and grow.

🧠 Topics We Cover:

Why your biggest workplace challenges aren’t technical—they’re psychological
The 10 Conversations that unlock influence, visibility, and career growth
How to master both your inner psychology and the psychology of others
The difference between managing up at junior vs. senior levels
Why avoiding workplace politics is a dangerous mistake
How to communicate with different leadership styles and power personalities
The “ownership conversation” and how to act like a business owner in your job
How small, strategic asks (aka “foot in the door” technique) create big change
How to build internal visibility without being self-promotional

💡 Key Quote:

“Politics are going to happen whether you like it or not. If you opt out, you do so at your own peril.”

📘 Grab the book → ManagingUp.com

🎁 Bonus templates & scripts included with sign-up!

Connect with Melody:

🌐 ManagingUp.com

📚 Author of Managing Up

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY
* Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com
* Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
* Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder
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216 episodes

The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted | Ep. 201 with Melody Wilding Author of Managing Up

Founder's Story

published 27 days ago

MP3•Episode home

💬 In This Episode:

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building your own business, this conversation is packed with actionable tools to help you lead, influence, and grow.

🧠 Topics We Cover:

Why your biggest workplace challenges aren’t technical—they’re psychological
The 10 Conversations that unlock influence, visibility, and career growth
How to master both your inner psychology and the psychology of others
The difference between managing up at junior vs. senior levels
Why avoiding workplace politics is a dangerous mistake
How to communicate with different leadership styles and power personalities
The “ownership conversation” and how to act like a business owner in your job
How small, strategic asks (aka “foot in the door” technique) create big change
How to build internal visibility without being self-promotional

💡 Key Quote:

“Politics are going to happen whether you like it or not. If you opt out, you do so at your own peril.”

📘 Grab the book → ManagingUp.com

🎁 Bonus templates & scripts included with sign-up!

Connect with Melody:

🌐 ManagingUp.com

📚 Author of Managing Up

216 episodes

#Business #IBH Media #Entrepreneur #Award Winning

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Founder's Story

1
Want to Be on Shark Tank? This is How You Win Even Without a Deal | Ep 220 with Dr. Arjen de Jong Founder of AirTulip 25:53

2 days ago25:53

25:53

Dr. Arjen de Jong, an aerospace engineer and founder of AirTulip , joins Founder’s Story to share how clean-room tech, fluid mechanics, and a little smoke visualization led to a Shark Tank pitch—and a consumer sleep product unlike anything else on the market. From clean air in dentist offices to hydrogen water-style traction for your bedroom, Arjen walks us through how laminar airflow can drastically improve health, reduce allergies, and even reinvent how we think about air. Key Discussion Points Clean Room to Clean Sleep: How a cigarette in a laminar flow booth sparked the product idea Pivoting Post-COVID: Why dentistry was the real product-market fit before sleep Shark Tank Secrets: The casting line, the 30-minute pitch, and walking away from an offer Visualizing Air: How lasers and wind tunnels helped explain an invisible product Consumer Trust vs. Engineering Genius: Why educating the market is the hardest part Scaling a Physical Product: The difference between B2B machinery and consumer DTC Long-Term Vision: From side hustle to orbiting planet—Arjen’s exponential success roadmap Key Takeaways Think Laterally: The best innovations come from cross-industry application of existing tech Educate First, Sell Second: Customers need to believe the invisible before buying Personal Experience Sells: Real stories of health improvement drive conversion Community = Credibility: DTC success hinges on trust, repetition, and consistency Don’t Just Launch—Prepare for the Surge: Shark Tank is a spotlight, not the finish line Closing Thoughts AirTulip isn’t just another sleep gadget—it’s a physics-first approach to rethinking how we breathe. Dr. Arjen de Jong’s journey proves that the smartest solutions aren’t always the loudest. Tune in to learn how engineering curiosity, strategic pivots, and real-world validation turned laminar airflow into a movement. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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Dehydration is a Massive Problem: How Two Founders Are Turning Water Into a Health Empire | Ep 219 with Yash and Smile Founders of Dr. Water 24:57

2 days ago24:57

24:57

Yash (the "Water Genie") and Smile (an Ironman athlete) co-founded Dr. Water to solve what they call the world’s most overlooked health crisis: dehydration. With backgrounds in sustainability and performance science, the duo reveals how hydrogen water can transform energy, recovery, and aging—while also cutting plastic waste. They share the journey from building DTC wellness brands to going viral on TikTok and pitching billionaires via cold emails. Key Discussion Points The Spark of a Problem : Why 75% of Americans are dehydrated—and what that does to your body. From Ironman to Founder : How Smile’s training journey revealed major hydration myths. Hydrogen 101 : The science behind hydrogen water, molecular research, and anti-aging benefits. Design Meets Wellness : Creating the first modern hydrogen tumbler with UV filtration. Go-to-Market Playbook : Why social selling (TikTok, Meta) beat Amazon for this brand—and how they got their first billionaire buyer. Founders Who Fit : Why this co-founder duo works—9 years of history, clarity of roles, and shared obsession. Educating a Market : Using MMA athletes, NFL doctors, and real stories to take hydrogen water mainstream. Key Takeaways Water is Wellness : You can’t absorb supplements, recover well, or think clearly without proper hydration. Science Backed, Lifestyle Led : Products need to heal and be something people love showing off. Social is the New Shelf : Founder-led brands that educate and entertain will win on TikTok and YouTube. Complementary Founders Scale Faster : Visionary + executor beats any solo genius. Hydration is the First Habit : If you fix water, you unlock the foundation for every other wellness behavior. Closing Thoughts From battling microplastics to unlocking cellular energy, Dr. Water isn’t just a hydration brand—it’s a movement. Tune in to learn how two first-time founders went from global agriculture and Ironman races to building a multi-country wellness company that just might reshape the water industry from the inside out. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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From Deepfakes to Burn Rates: The Hidden Dangers That Break Startups (And How to Outsmart Them) | Ep 218 with Sanjay Chadha Co-Founder of SAV Associates 23:13

5 days ago23:13

23:13

Sanjay Chadha, co-founder of SAV Associates , brings over 25 years of global experience in corporate finance, cybersecurity, and risk management. From navigating boardrooms in Vietnam and Madagascar to safeguarding data in North America, Sanjay has advised more than 1,000 clients on building resilient, profitable companies. In this episode, he reveals the costly mistakes most founders make—plus how to prevent a deepfake disaster from taking down your business. Key Discussion Points Why He Left Corporate Life: The spark that pushed Sanjay to leave Big Four consulting and build a global advisory firm. Global Lessons from 7 Countries: What living and working across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East taught him about scaling internationally. How to Think Like a CFO: The most overlooked financial mistakes—and why founders must read the story behind their numbers. Cybersecurity & Deepfakes: Why AI is a blessing and a bombshell—and how one email nearly tricked his entire firm. Risk is the New Currency: Why protecting data matters more than profits in today’s tech-driven landscape. Cash Burn ≠ Growth: The trap of fast-spending founders and the secret to building companies that last. Key Takeaways Startups don’t fail from bad ideas—they fail from poor financial fluency. If you can’t read your numbers, you can’t write your success story. Cyber risk isn’t optional anymore—one deepfake could cost your company everything. Global mindset, local agility: Scaling safely starts with structure, not size. Every number tells a story—and your CFO should know how to read it. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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How Kit Gray Built a $50M Podcast Empire—and Took It Public | Ep 217 with Kit Gray co-founder of PodcastOne 26:45

5 days ago26:45

26:45

Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne (NASDAQ: PODC), reveals how he parlayed childhood radio fandom into a thriving public podcast network. From early iPod hacks with Adam Carolla to structuring live reads, community-first ad packages, and an IPO, Kit shares the timing, tactics, and tenacity behind PodcastOne’s $51M revenue and its 200-show roster. Key Discussion Points Radio Roots & Howard Stern : How listening to sports talk and Stern’s brand-building ignited Kit’s love for audio. Selling the Download : Early deals with Adam Carolla (ProFlowers, LegalZoom) that proved CPMs & CPA tracking worked. Building a Network : Moving from one-off ad reads to 360° packages—audio, video, social—for A&E, Lady Gang, Jordan Harbinger, and more. Timing the Tides : Why the iPhone, COVID lockdowns, and YouTube’s podcast push turbocharged growth. Going Public : Lessons (and flip-flops) on spinning out, partnering with bankers, and using equity to align talent. Community over Impressions : Why buying engaged audiences beats mass buy, and how brands scale with niche pods. Key Takeaways Be first, but stay fast: Early movers in on-demand audio captured both talent and advertisers. Proof precedes scale: Start with one host, one campaign; use hard ROI data to win bigger deals. Sell the community, not just ad slots: True influence lies in loyalty, not lowest CPM. Equity aligns interests: Offering stock to creators fosters retention and shared upside. Adapt or fade away: From iPods to social streams to IPO filings, continual reinvention is non-negotiable. Closing Thoughts Dive into how Kit Gray built a soup-to-nuts podcast empire—signing singers turned podcasters, structuring ad-stacked communities, and trading on NASDAQ—and walk away with a playbook for finding, owning, and monetizing the next great audio audience. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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The Future of Flying: What Elite Travelers Want (And How JET365 Delivers) | Ep 216 with Alessandro Figliano Founder of Jet 365 15:35

5 days ago15:35

15:35

Alessandro Figliano, Founder & CEO of Jet 365, shares how he turned a love for flying into a luxury aviation brand trusted by F1 and high-net-worth clients. From flying school to building a white-glove charter service, Alessandro breaks down how Jet 365 blends safety, personalization, and tech into an experience the new generation of elite travelers demands, while maintaining the service standards legacy brands lost. Key Discussion Points Pilot to Founder: How Alessandro funded a flying school through his first business, then transitioned from hobbyist to charter operator. Seeing the Gap: Why a fragmented broker space inspired Jet 365’s concierge model—tailored for both tech-savvy users and traditional luxury clients. F1-Level Partnerships: How a personal network led to Jet 365 becoming the aviation provider for a Formula One team. Luxury that Listens: The power of referrals, retention, and saying yes—even when a plane breaks down hours before takeoff. High-Touch Meets High-Tech: How Jet 365 is building a new platform to serve both automated and white-glove clientele. Custom Over Scale: Why Alessandro rejects fast growth in favor of sustainable, service-first expansion. Key Takeaways Solve before you scale: High-end clients don’t care about volume—they care about flawless delivery. White-glove wins: Luxury is less about cost and more about care. Every detail matters. Two types of clients, one standard: Whether booking online or via a concierge, the experience must exceed expectations. Build in public (quietly): Real partnerships and growth happen behind the scenes, not on Instagram. Sustainability > speed: Growth that protects service levels will outlast shortcuts every time. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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David Royce Went from Door-to-Door to $500M - This is How | Ep 215 26:08

6 days ago26:08

26:08

David Royce , a serial entrepreneur (Aptive Environmental) recounts his journey from a broke college door-to-door rookie to scaling a pest-control startup into a $500 million national leader—and why he’s now taking a well-earned sabbatical. Key Discussion Points The Rookie Summer : How a disastrous first week of door-to-door sales prompted David’s self-education marathon in sales books. Systems Over Spark : Building replicable training, manuals, and processes that delivered 2× results and launched him into leadership. Scaling Pains : Why hyper-growth nearly bankrupted his first venture and how he raised capital to keep pace. Leveling Up : Swapping his original exec team for seasoned billion-dollar operators to navigate the jump from regional to national scale. Entrepreneurial Highs & Lows : The dopamine rush of the early years, the burnout of success, and the intentional one-year pause to rediscover purpose. Investor IQ : Why proven operators attract funding, and the difference between a slick pitch deck and a battle-tested team. Sabbatical Mindset : Lessons on stepping back, letting others lead, and treating entrepreneurship like a lifelong sport you can pause and replay. Key Takeaways Master your craft first: hands-on experience de-risks your startup journey. Build playbooks, not personalities: systems scale; individuals stall. Growth capital is a double-edged sword—raise just enough to stay nimble. Only the paranoid survive: swap in fresh talent as your needs evolve. Sabbaticals can reboot your passion—sometimes stepping off the gas is the smartest move. Closing Thoughts Tune in to learn how David Royce became an accidental CEO, why he sold his own dream once (and why he’ll do it again), and how even the fastest-growing entrepreneurs need time off to stay in the game. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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He Turned Niche Websites Into a Multi-Million Dollar Empire—From Farm Roots to Digital Mastery | Ep214 with Matt Raad Co-founder of eBusiness Institute 30:05

8 days ago30:05

30:05

Matt Raad (CEO & Co‑Founder of eBusiness Institute ) shares how he and his wife, Liz Raad, went from farming and zoology students to buying, scaling, and exiting online businesses. Learn why “page‑five” passion sites can be goldmines, how AI accelerates growth, and the blueprint for low‑risk, high‑cash‑flow digital entrepreneurship. Key Discussion Points From Kangaroos to Cashflow: How Matt & Liz leveraged rural roots and early manufacturing M&A mistakes to discover online’s superior risk‑return profile. Valuing Digital Assets: Why net profit × 1–5× multiples, recurring revenue, traffic quality, and audience/community strength are your core due diligence metrics. Finding Diamonds in the Rough: Hunting bargains via Flippa classifieds and private outreach to page‑5+ Google sites—plus the art of negotiating with cash and escrow.com. Build, Automate, Flip: Renovate niche blogs with SEO, monetization (ads, affiliates, sponsorships), and AI‑assisted content editing to boost profits. Scaling with AI: How ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini are slashing team sizes, turbocharging site builds (ten‑minute bootcamp wins!,) and cutting content costs. Exit‑Ready Growth: Why hitting 7‑figure ARR unlocks private‑equity interest, and how leadership + repeatable processes maximize your sale multiple. Key Takeaways Start Small, Win Big: Learn website building, buy a sub‑$5K site, and experiment with AI—no big capital required. Audience Is Asset: Communities trump page‑one rankings; loyal followings drive recurring, scalable revenue. Due Diligence Matters: Practice on low‑risk deals, use escrow for safe transfers, and know threshold profit multiples. Niche Is King: Passionate micro‑niches host undervalued sites ripe for 10× upside with the right know‑how. Exit Strategy: Buyers buy growth potential and proven teams—build with scalability and clear leadership in mind. Closing Thoughts Ready to quit the nine‑to‑five grind? Tune in to discover a battle‑tested playbook for buying, scaling, and exiting online businesses with Matt & Liz—plus actionable steps to launch your own digital side hustle. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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From Law School to Garbage Trucks: How Alfonso Guerreri Built a $Millions Waste Empire | Ep 213 with Alfonso Guerreri Founder of RICI 20:43

10 days ago20:43

20:43

Alfonso Guerreri , A Harvard-educated lawyer turned hands-on entrepreneur, founded RICI Contracting in 2022 and has since grown it into a full-service powerhouse. Today, RICI delivers construction, asphalt paving, snow & property maintenance, waste management, and facility services across Ontario. Alfonso shares how he parlayed legal training into strategic vision, weathered early food-truck misfires, and now innovates a once-old-school industry with sustainability, operational excellence, and client-first focus. Key Discussion Points: Law Meets Hard Hats: How a top-tier legal education taught Alfonso discipline, risk assessment, and negotiation skills he now applies to multimillion-dollar contracting bids. Early Failures to Firm Foundations: The food-truck chapter that taught him to test market fit, manage debt serviceability, and pivot swiftly into construction. Building RICI’s Service Portfolio: The step-by-step playbook for adding roll-off trucks, portable toilets, paving rigs, and snow-plow fleets—each driven by recurring revenue needs. Ideally Niche Clients: Why focusing on property managers, REITs, and pension-fund portfolios ensures monthly billing reliability and repeat business. Innovation & Sustainability: How Alfonso is modernizing a legacy sector through advanced equipment, AI-powered fleet surveillance, and eco-minded operational upgrades. Scaling with Discipline: His criteria for debt-financed expansion, in-house versus subcontractor work, and turning low-risk jobs into entry points for higher-ticket contracts. Key Takeaways: Strategic Pivoting: Embrace early failures as fast-feedback loops that uncover scalable opportunities. Debt Serviceability Test: Only invest in capital assets when your recurring cash-flows can safely cover the payments. Client Lifetime Value: Lock in high-margin, recurring services for the same ideal customers rather than chasing one-off gigs. Operational Excellence: Leverage technology, standardize processes, and build sustainability into every service offering. Closing Thoughts: Alfonso Guerreri’s journey from articling desks to asphalt crews illustrates that true entrepreneurial grit lies in mastering finance-savvy expansion and relentless client focus. Tune in to discover how RICI Contracting is redefining Canadian facility services—one strategically financed roll-off bin at a time. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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1
Y Combinator Alum: College Campus Inspiration to Conviction | Ep 212 with Brian Le Founder of Need 24:53

10 days ago24:53

24:53

After engineering stints and an immigrant-family push toward a PhD, Brian Le accidentally fell into entrepreneurship, first by noticing Bird scooters on campus, then by solving students’ last-minute snack and supply crises with app-powered micro-convenience. A Y Combinator alum, Brian tells how COVID tested Need’s model, why blind ambition is a superpower in your twenties, and how he sees college (and AI) shaping the next generation of founders. Key Discussion Points Engineering Roots → Accidental Startup: How Bird scooters at UCLA sparked a “Why not?” moment. YC Crash Course: The plunge from no-name founders into the world’s top accelerator—and why every twenty-something should consider it. Pandemic Pivot: When campus shutdowns zeroed out revenue, why doubling down on your mission becomes your strongest play. Pitching 101: The art of “selling” your startup: story-driven conviction and painting a vivid vision five-to-ten years out. College’s True Value: It isn’t just classes—it’s community, hands-on experiments, and leadership labs for budding founders. AI as a Tool, Not a Threat: Why aspiring entrepreneurs should harness AI to supercharge impact, not replace human ingenuity. Key Takeaways Ignorance Is Bliss: Youthful “delulu” ambition fuels moonshot ventures that grizzled veterans second-guess. Sell the Vision: A great pitch isn’t a slide deck—it’s an emotional story backed by unwavering conviction. Embrace Crisis: A downturn isn’t a dead end—it’s a moment to build your foundation and outpace slow movers. College = Sandbox: Beyond tuition, campus life offers accelerators, orgs, and friendships that forge real-world entrepreneurs. Check them out https://wefunder.com/need Closing Thoughts Brian Le’s journey proves that true founders are often “accidental”—ignited by frustration, honed by trial, and scaled by audacious positivity. Whether you’re racing a scooter or racing a market, the college decade remains the ultimate launchpad for ventures that dare to deliver. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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Solving Stomach Issues and Sleep: How a P&G Beauty Boss and a Gastroenterologist Built YayDay | Ep 211 with Colin Walsh & Dr. Roshini Raj Founders of YayDay 28:55

12 days ago28:55

28:55

Colin Walsh CEO & Co‑Founder of YayDay; CEO of P&G Specialty Beauty and Dr. Roshini Raj board‑certified gastroenterologist, Gut Renovation author, co‑founder of Tula & YayDay share how beauty meets biotech in a gut‑first wellness brand. They reveal why fiber + magnesium is only the start, and how gut health underpins sleep, mood, immunity—and even skin health. Key Discussion Points Roots in Beauty & Medicine: How Roshini’s probiotic skincare journey at Tula and Colin’s 20‑year beauty career sparked a gut‑health collaboration. Gut Microbiome 101: What exactly lives in your gut, why its balance matters for everything from digestion to mood, and how fiber (prebiotics), beneficial bacteria (probiotics), and postbiotics play their part. YayDay’s “Triple Play”: The science behind their prebiotic fiber blend, digestive enzymes and sleep‑boosting magnesium glycinate—why it works where Metamucil and melatonin fall short. Brand with a Cause: Reinventing embarrassing “health” routines into a joyful, results‑driven ritual—how great packaging, expert science and rapid, tangible benefits build trust in a crowded wellness market. Marketing & Growth: Lessons from Procter & Gamble on creating proven efficacy, growing word‑of‑mouth, and earning “trust capital” through real customer results. Exit Strategies: What acquirers really buy (growth potential + leadership) and why thoughtful timing—and full clarity on post‑exit roles—matters for founders. Key Takeaways Your gut is its own “organ” —its microbes influence sleep, skin, mood and immunity. Simple rituals win: combining prebiotic fiber + enzymes + magnesium delivers near‑instant sleep and digestion benefits. Brand trust is built on proven results , expert endorsement and joyful, approachable design. Marketing health means sampling broadly, showcasing real reviews and earning attention over time. Whether you build or sell , acquirers want teams who can scale the brand far beyond today’s footprint. Closing Thoughts Tune in to learn how two industry legends turned an awkward health topic into YayDay’s delightful daily ritual—plus practical tips on gut wellness, branding in a noisy market, and creating exit‑worthy growth. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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Unbranded to Unforgettable: How Korosh Farazad Reinvents Hospitality | Ep 210 with Korosh Farazad Founder of Farazad Advisory 15:36

12 days ago15:36

15:36

Korosh Farazad traded a UK law career for two decades of pioneering structured finance in hospitality real estate. Today, his Farazad Advisory specializes in value-add hotel acquisitions—85–200 rooms, no global brands, 3–5-year hold—in gateway cities across North America and Western Europe. From SLS Dubai to a sudden Swiss relocation, Korosh reveals the deal architecture, market pivots, and hard-won lessons behind his boutique empire. Key Discussion Points: The Spark: How a people-person’s obsession with behind-the-scenes hotel value drove Korosh from courtroom to keys. Deal DNA: Why only sub-200-room, unbranded hotels qualify, and how minority stakes plus franchise tie-ins deliver 1.8–3× returns. “SLS Dubai” Benchmark: The guest-experience blueprint that turns check-in into a 24-hour mousetrap of F&B and nightlife options. Market Pivot: Exiting a cooling UK scene, relocating to Switzerland in five weeks, and sealing first Swiss deals in record time. Architects of Upside: Balancing debt-serviceability and in-house expertise to self-power roll-off trucks, paving rigs, and franchise roll-outs. Failure → Fuel: Why every crash taught him more than success, and how relentless iteration builds the confident dealmaker. Key Takeaways: Start Small, Crawl First: Deeply master every back-and-front-of-house nuance before running. Value-Add Over Core: Seek the “unfinished canvas” hotels that reward hands-on branding and operational revamps. Crystal-Clear Criteria: 85–200 rooms • no legacy brand • three-to-five-year hold • gateway city tourist flow. Speed to Market: Quick pivots (e.g., Switzerland in five weeks) beat protracted, high-cost transformations. Closing Thoughts: Korosh Farazad’s journey reminds us that hospitality deals aren’t hotel-chain clones but stories begging to be rewritten. Tune in to discover how structured finance, guest-obsessed engineering, and bold market moves can redefine real estate success—one boutique acquisition at a time. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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2 Rejections. No Office. Global Success – The Kuty Shalev Playbook | Ep 209 with Kuty Shalev Founder of Lumenalta 25:25

13 days ago25:25

25:25

Kuty Shalev shares how a college accounting grad became a pioneer of fully remote software consulting—25 years before “work from home” was a thing. He explains why speed, adaptability, and “soft skills” (EQ as deliberate practice) trump raw IQ in today’s agile, AI-driven world. Key Discussion Points: A Serendipitous Start From PwC-sponsored coding at Columbia to founding a lean software firm with Pricewaterhouse as Year-One client. Early adoption of Skype‐powered remote teams to solve developer shortages. Building a True Remote Culture Lessons learned: codifying checklists, connectivity standards, and clear response SLAs. Hiring only those who thrive in remote settings—surfing from the beach, caring for family, or rural living. Soft Skills as a “Must-Have” Reframing EQ as a learnable “soft skill” through deliberate practice and gamified coaching. Engineers with high EQ excel at adapting to rapid change, cross-team collaboration, and maintaining motivation. Digital Transformation Reimagined Rejecting one-size-fits-all platforms in favor of modular, vendor-agnostic architectures. Rapid, low-risk proofs of concept that scale, saving time and budget. Remote model enables access to global talent, faster staffing (2–3 weeks), and reinvesting office savings in senior engineers. Speed & Resilience Speed as competitive advantage in a landscape where AI and new tools emerge daily. Overcoming early stumbles by showing up, iterating fast, and leveraging trust and feedback loops. Key Takeaways: Speed Wins: Rapid iteration and fast staffing trump slow, monolithic “big-bang” IT projects. EQ Matters: Soft skills can be learned; they unlock collaboration, resilience, and better outcomes. Remote Is a Strength: A 25-year remote track record proves that location-agnostic teams deliver quality, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Modularity Over Monoliths: Architect for choice—cloud providers, SaaS, and stacks—so you can pivot as technology evolves. Show Up Relentlessly: Consistent effort, forgiveness of failure, and learning from mistakes fuel long-term success. Closing Thoughts: Lueinalta’s journey shows that innovation isn’t just about tech—it’s about people, practices, and the courage to redefine work itself. By mastering speed, empathy, and modular design, founders can build resilient organizations ready for whatever comes next. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

Founder's Story

1
From Breakouts to Breakthroughs: Waepril’s Rise to a 180K-Strong Skincare Community | Ep 208 21:46

16 days ago21:46

21:46

April (“Waepril”) shares how battling teenage acne sparked her obsession with ingredient-led skincare and launched her Instagram career. From zero views in quarantine to brand partnerships and a new website, she reveals the mindset, strategies, and resilience needed to turn personal struggle into a thriving beauty business. Key Discussion Points: Origins of Her Passion: Teenage acne eroded April’s confidence, driving her to decode product labels and hunt active ingredients that truly work. Emphasis on teaching followers how to read ingredients rather than chase marketing claims. Authentic Community Growth: Early quarantine boredom turned into daily posting despite tiny view counts—passion kept her going. Advice for new creators: embrace originality, adapt trends into your own voice, and persist through slow growth. Monetization Pathways: As follower count climbs, brands seek her out for product launches and paid collaborations. Amazon affiliate links and TikTok/IG Shop as accessible entry points before launching a full e-commerce site. Content Differentiation: Stand out by infusing every reel with your personality and story, not just mimicking top trends. Trend hijacking vs. trend transformation: use popular formats as springboards for unique angles. Overcoming Personal Loss: A pause after her father’s passing led to renewed clarity and commitment—turning grief into motivation. Balancing vulnerability and positivity to build deeper audience trust. The Future of Social Commerce: Huge potential in live selling on TikTok, YouTube Commerce, and Amazon Live, especially for beauty demos. The importance of user-friendly affiliate programs for creators without bespoke websites. Key Takeaways: Ingredient Literacy Is Power: Teach your audience to look past branding and focus on actives that actually deliver. Passion Fuels Persistence: When growth stalls, genuine enthusiasm and a personal “why” will carry you forward. Authenticity Wins: Audiences connect with real stories and personalities more than polished, generic content. Accessible Monetization: Start with affiliate links and brand collaborations before scaling to full e-commerce. Closing Thoughts: April’s journey proves that turning personal pain into purpose can create a loyal, engaged community—and a viable business. By prioritizing ingredient expertise, authentic storytelling, and resilience, any creator can transform their passion into influence and income. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

Founder's Story

1
She Hit the Ceiling—So She Built Her Own Empire: Sheelam Chadha’s Bold Move to Reshape Europe’s Real Estate | Ep. 207 15:55

21 days ago15:55

15:55

Sheelam Chadha discusses her bold journey from two decades in corporate real estate to launching her own firm, Dry Capital , symbolically founded on International Women’s Day 2025. Driven by the desire to break the glass ceiling and leverage her extensive experience in the volatile European real estate market, Sheelam shares insights into navigating uncertainty, the importance of trust, and the power of strategic networking. Key Discussion Points: From Corporate to Founder: The motivation behind launching Dry Capital after encountering limitations in the traditional corporate structure. How Sheelam turned professional frustrations into entrepreneurial opportunity by creating a company aligned with her vision and values. Navigating Market Volatility: Insights on how major events—like Brexit, COVID-19, and recent interest rate hikes—have reshaped the European commercial real estate landscape. Why traditional bank financing is increasingly limited, and how Dry Capital provides alternative private capital solutions to help companies navigate prolonged market challenges. Challenges and Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: The barriers faced by women in traditionally male-dominated industries and how Sheelam overcame criticism by cultivating resilience and self-belief. Practical advice on why women should embrace risk, leverage supportive networks, and pursue their entrepreneurial visions without hesitation. Strategic Networking and Building Trust: How critical building and maintaining a professional network has been throughout Sheelam’s career. Advice for young professionals: proactively attend industry events, build genuine relationships, and cultivate trust that can last decades. Valuable Corporate Experience: How experiences during economic downturns and corporate restructuring periods provided Sheelam with invaluable insights and resilience. Why challenging times offer greater learning opportunities compared to periods of easy growth. Key Takeaways: Embracing discomfort and uncertainty can drive significant personal and professional growth. Genuine trust and integrity within professional relationships can be a key differentiator and asset throughout one's career. Courage, belief in oneself, and leveraging past corporate experiences can empower entrepreneurs to launch and scale their own businesses successfully. Our Sponsors: * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Square: https://square.com/go/founder Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

Founder's Story

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The Real Reason Entrepreneurs Burn Out—And How to Fix It | Ep. 206 with Aaron Marcum Founder of Breakaway365 26:51

21 days ago26:51