Future-Proofing Business With AI, Relationships, and Resilience: EO Leaders Share Their Journey

Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast

Michelle Bomberger is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, a firm that provides fixed-cost, strategic legal services tailored to the needs of small and midsize businesses. She’s a former Ernst & Young consultant and award-winning entrepreneur recognized for her innovative legal approach.

Michael Sacher is a Partner at WestPoint Financial Group, a firm that offers personalized financial services, including insurance, investment, and retirement planning. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, he mentors advisors and supports his community through organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity.

Odette D’Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Gourmet Ventures, which includes Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes — companies known for their custom cakes and artisan petit fours. A third-generation baker, she’s also a podcast host, certified coach, and food finance consultant.

Jonathan Oliff is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Tim, a South African company focused on AI-driven performance marketing, podcast production, and online education. He brings over 15 years of creative industry experience and co-hosts The Incredible Machines podcast.

In this episode…

Building a business that can weather uncertainty, embrace innovation, and foster long-term relationships isn’t easy, but it’s what separates thriving companies from those that stall. From legal strategy and financial resilience to brand building and media innovation, how do today’s top entrepreneurs prepare their companies for the future?

According to seasoned entrepreneur Michelle Bomberger, future-proofing starts with aligning services to how clients want to be served, not just how the industry has always operated. She highlights the power of fixed-fee legal models that eliminate barriers to proactive decision-making and explores how coaching legal teams to think like entrepreneurs fosters more valuable client partnerships. This shift not only increases trust but also enables businesses to navigate emerging technologies like AI with clarity. Michael Sacher emphasizes the power of open, authentic communication with clients during financial turbulence, while Odette D’Aniello reflects on building a multi-generational, family-run bakery brand from scratch. Jonathan Oliff adds perspective on storytelling, brand voice, and the scrappy creativity needed to launch a media company in an emerging market.

In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneur's Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how founders Michelle Bomberger, Michael Sacher, Odette D’Aniello, and Jonathan Oliff are embracing AI thoughtfully, building deep client relationships through transparency, and creating resilience through innovation. You’ll also learn why mindset and strategic coaching are key to long-term success.