Future-Proofing Business With AI, Relationships, and Resilience: EO Leaders Share Their Journey
Release Date: 06/05/2025
Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast
Nima Gabbay is a Principal at Bay Investment Group, a real estate investment and development firm. He focuses on creating strategies to market properties and generate steady cash flow. His work is primarily concentrated in San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area. Nima has built his career in real estate by identifying opportunities and managing projects across the region. In this episode… Building wealth through real estate isn’t just about big budgets or perfect timing; it’s about vision, grit, and knowing how to create value where others see problems. What does it really take to...
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Roman Slavinsky is the Director of Student Success at A+ Tutoring Inc. and the creator of an AI hiring tool developed to scale educator recruitment. A former science teacher, he founded A+ Tutoring in 2010 to support K–12 and college students. Seth Casden is the CEO and Co-founder of Hologenix, the company behind CELLIANT®, a mineral-infused infrared textile designed to enhance wellness and performance. He launched the company in 2002 and has secured FDA clearance and partnerships with top brands. Beau Atkins is the CEO of Evolve Family Law, a Saskatchewan-based firm offering flat-fee and...
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Catherine Tyler is the Founder and CEO at Baer Reed Inc., a women‑owned business and legal process outsourcing firm that delivers secure, cost‑effective support to law firms, corporate legal departments, and regulated industries. A former litigation attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Cruncher and Winston & Strawn, she launched Baer Reed in 2010 after recognizing a need for high‑quality, scalable legal support. Under her leadership, the company has grown to serve Fortune 100 and Am Law 100 clients. Uday Bhasin is the Managing Director at Tradeways, an emerging markets advisory firm...
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Cindy Free is the Owner and CEO of HR Annie Consulting, a firm specializing in human resources support, training, and compliance for small to midsize businesses. With over two decades of experience in HR leadership, Cindy helps companies build strong people strategies. She is known for her pragmatic approach to aligning culture and compliance. Wesley Naidoo is the Managing Director at Oasis Group, a global provider of information management services including data storage, digital transformation, and secure destruction. He leads strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence across...
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Ryder Meehan is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Upgrow, a performance-driven digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, paid media, and conversion optimization for B2B tech companies. With over 20 years of experience, he led digital marketing teams at Samsung, Microsoft, Razorfish, Fossil, and Tatcha. Ryder has managed more than $1 billion in Google Ads spend and has been featured in Forbes and Business News Daily. He has also contributed to university-level digital marketing curricula and frequently speaks at industry events. In this episode… What does it take to scale a digital marketing...
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Zhubei is the Co-founder of Venture Education, a Beijing-based consultancy that provides market intelligence on K–12 education in China to organizations worldwide. Before co-founding Venture Education, she taught English to thousands of university volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Committee and coordinated between CCTV and its overseas partners. Adam Horowitz is the Principal of Lever Capital Partners, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in complex commercial real estate financing across the United States. He founded the company in 2009, leveraging his extensive experience to arrange...
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Ashley Du is the Founder of Meaningful Beginnings, a premium childcare provider in San Francisco offering licensed early education for children aged 0-5. She started the business in 2013 from her home after identifying a gap in high-quality, affordable childcare options. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into multiple centers and is known for its nurturing environment and Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. Ashley also mentors aspiring daycare owners and leverages her real estate expertise to support their growth. In this episode… Some entrepreneurs are driven by vision; others...
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Chad Nikkel is a Business Guide at Next Level Growth, a firm that helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams scale their companies while maintaining a work-life balance. With over 25 years of experience, he has founded and scaled 11 businesses, including facilitating seven acquisitions and four high-value exits. Ashley Richards is the Founder and CEO of E Squared Marketing, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping service-based businesses grow through smart strategy, standout content, and meaningful connections. Ashley is passionate about creating flexible work environments, particularly...
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Genevieve Barter is the President of Palmeira Home + Health, a leading home healthcare provider delivering personalized skilled nursing and therapy services to patients in the comfort of their homes across multiple states. After more than eight years working in home health, she acquired the company she loved to close the gap between small caregivers and large, impersonal providers. Under her leadership, Palmeira has expanded into multiple states while maintaining a human‑touch, goal‑oriented approach to care. In this episode… Building a meaningful business in healthcare isn’t...
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Michael Hsu is the Founder and CEO of MEASURE × HACK, a financial literacy and business performance company that helps entrepreneurs understand and manage their money through systems and metrics. He is also the Founder and CEO of DeepSky, a leading CFO consulting and outsourced accounting firm. Lisa Riley is the Owner and President of multiple Tulsa-area Pinot’s Palette studios, part of a US paint‑and‑sip franchise offering guided canvas painting with wine and cocktails. Under her leadership, she expanded to three locations and built a reputation for creativity. Lisa also...
info_outlineMichelle 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.