INspired INsider Podcast

INspiredINsider Poddcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz features interviews with successful entrepreneurs, Ecommerce founders, Agencies, & visionary leaders. CEO's and Leaders reveal deeply personal stories and explore the tough journey, big challenges, and mistakes that they overcame to achieve success. You will find inspiring stories from: Founders of Atari, Baby Einstein, P90X, Einstein Bagels, RxBar, Orlando Magic and.... There are also amazing inspirational tales... - Jonny Imerman with Imerman Angels fought and beat cancer. His organization matches mentors with people battling cancer. It is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world. - Jordan Guernsey was founder of MoldingBox a multimillion dollar company while fighting Stage 3 Melanoma. He said it was the best thing that ever happened to him. May he RIP as he lived life to its fullest until the very end. Thank you for listening from your host of http://InspiredInsider.com Dr. Jeremy Weisz.

[Venture Capital Series] Investing in Purpose-Driven Companies With Eva Yazhari 07/31/2025

[Venture Capital Series] Investing in Purpose-Driven Companies With Eva Yazhari Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, an early-stage impact venture capital firm investing in conscious leaders building businesses to solve critical challenges in emerging markets like India and East Africa. Under her leadership, the firm backs purpose-driven companies in healthcare, climate resilience, and financial inclusion in underserved markets. A former Wall Street executive, Eva leverages her institutional investment expertise to promote equitable ownership and long-term value across her portfolio. She is also the author of The Good Your Money Can Do and co-hosts The Beyond Capital Podcast, where she features mission-aligned global leaders. In this episode… In a world where capital often flows toward the most visible or hyped innovations, essential needs in emerging markets remain underfunded and overlooked. Entrepreneurs with purpose-driven missions in healthcare, fintech, and mobility often face structural barriers to scale — especially in regions like East Africa and India. How can investors and founders work together to create sustainable, impactful businesses in these challenging yet opportunity-rich environments? Eva Yazhari, an experienced venture investor and advocate for conscious capitalism, shares how aligning investment strategy with social impact can unlock untapped market potential. Eva emphasizes the importance of backing founders who are in love with the problem — not just their own solution — so they can adapt and thrive in volatile markets. She outlines how early-stage businesses should demonstrate product-market fit, scalable unit economics, and a path to profitability in order to attract aligned capital. Her philosophy of “no investment is neutral” encourages both investors and consumers to intentionally direct resources toward businesses that reflect their values. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, about purpose-driven investing in emerging markets. Eva discusses how to evaluate undervalued opportunities, why relational leadership matters in early-stage ventures, and what it means to build a business with stakeholder alignment. She also explores her investment thesis, personal values, and the power of aligned mentorship. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37617585

[Top Agency Series] Humanizing Your Brand: Secrets Unveiled With Joshua B. Lee 07/29/2025

[Top Author Series] Mastering Social Media & Building Wealth Through Relationships With Matthew Loop 07/24/2025

[Top Author Series] Mastering Social Media & Building Wealth Through Relationships With Matthew Loop Dr. Matthew Loop is the President of DCincome, the world’s largest social media training company tailored for chiropractors, and the Founder of Profit 365, where he and his team help small businesses and entrepreneurs scale using social strategies. Since 2005, he has trained over 43,000 professionals in 25 countries, authored the international bestseller Social Media Made Me Rich, and spoken at renowned venues, including Harvard and NASDAQ. A former chiropractor deeply in debt, Matthew turned to social media marketing — starting on MySpace — to transform his career, eventually generating hundreds of millions in client revenue. Today, as an investor, philanthropist, bestselling author, and top‑paid social media strategist in North America, he continues to empower business owners to multiply their influence and income online. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs and service-based professionals find themselves stuck trading time for money, relying too heavily on one income stream. While their expertise may be top-notch, they often lack systems, positioning, or modern tools to scale their businesses or diversify revenue. How can they multiply their income and establish greater long-term financial freedom? Dr. Matthew Loop, a social media strategist and investor, shares practical strategies for building multiple streams of income, starting with affiliate marketing and expanding into online courses, product sales, and business acquisitions. Matthew emphasizes the importance of targeting, positioning, and consistent content distribution across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. He encourages entrepreneurs to amplify their reach with paid ads, craft compelling stories to cut through digital noise, and use automation tools to streamline operations and training. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dr. Matthew Loop, President of DCincome and Founder of Profit 365, about building scalable revenue through digital marketing and acquisitions. Matthew discusses the power of affiliate marketing, why positioning is key to trust and visibility, and how business owners can scale faster by acquiring profitable companies. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37530530

[Private Equity Series] Unlocking Real Estate's Best-Kept Secret With Alice Chen 07/22/2025

[Private Equity Series] Unlocking Real Estate's Best-Kept Secret With Alice Chen Alice Chen is the Partner & U.S. Leader at Pender Hastings Capital, a private equity firm specializing in niche, high‑return land development and real estate strategies. A former corporate and M&A lawyer, she pivoted into private equity and has built, operated, and exited multiple businesses across international trade, financial services, CPG, and technology. Named a “Top 40 Under 40” and featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Success Magazine, Alice regularly shares her expertise through thought leadership and podcasts. She is deeply engaged in scaling U.S. land developers with strategic capital and advancing the firm’s mission to partner with founders driving long‑term value. In this episode… Many investors struggle to find real estate opportunities that balance risk, scalability, and meaningful returns — especially in a volatile interest rate environment. Traditional multifamily strategies have become saturated or unstable, and it’s hard to identify truly differentiated theses. How can investors uncover high-return niches that are both under-the-radar and backed by strong fundamentals? Alice Chen, an investor and private equity expert, shares how her firm navigated away from unstable multifamily deals and toward land development — an overlooked segment with a high barrier to entry. Alice explains how land development offers a built-in moat due to long-standing relationships and operational expertise that are hard to replicate. She advises investors to pursue strategies aligned with macroeconomic tailwinds, like the U.S. housing shortage, and stresses the importance of timing, mentorship, and relationship-building in achieving sustained success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Alice Chen, Partner at Pender Hastings Capital, about seizing overlooked investment opportunities. Alice discusses how to evaluate land development as a private equity strategy, the importance of choosing the right co-founders, and the role personal routines play in professional success. She also shares insights on portfolio diversification, healthy habits, and early career lessons from M&A law. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37499445

[Direct Response Series] How To Build a High-Performing Sales Team With Nick Loise 07/17/2025

[Direct Response Series] How To Build a High-Performing Sales Team With Nick Loise Nick Loise is the Founder and Chief Sales Officer of Sales Performance Team, a company dedicated to helping small and midsize businesses enhance their sales leadership, processes, and systems. With a background as a salesperson, sales leader, entrepreneur, marketing executive, and President's Club winner, he brings a wealth of experience to his clients. Nick has authored and co-authored several books on sales and marketing, including Moving the Sales Needle in Your Business and The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Sales Team. He is also a sought-after speaker who has shared the stage with industry leaders such as Dan Kennedy, Russell Brunson, and Barbara Corcoran. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with low sales conversion rates despite having a steady stream of leads. Sales teams often lack structured processes, fail to properly follow up, and lose opportunities due to ineffective recruiting and inadequate onboarding. How can companies create scalable sales systems, hire the right people, and consistently close deals? Nick Loise, an expert in building high-performing sales teams and developing sales systems, provides actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of building proven, repeatable sales processes rather than relying on individual salesperson styles. He highlights key tools like CRMs, follow-up automation, and AI-driven pipeline analysis to streamline operations. Nick also stresses that active listening is a critical, often overlooked skill in sales, and he recommends using flowcharts instead of rigid scripts to guide sales calls. He shares proven methods for recruiting top sales talent using direct response techniques and detailed screening processes to avoid costly hiring mistakes. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Nick Loise, Founder of Sales Performance Team, about building effective sales teams and systems. Nick shares insights on sales process design, sales team recruiting, and using technology to improve pipeline management. He also discusses active listening, overcoming constraints in the sales cycle, and the differences between selling and closing. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37413080

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Data Exploration for Everyone With Mike Palmer 07/15/2025

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Data Exploration for Everyone With Mike Palmer Mike Palmer is the CEO of Sigma Computing, a company that makes data exploration, analysis, and business intelligence accessible to all. Under his leadership, Sigma has experienced remarkable growth, going from $2 million to $100 million in IRR over three years and raising a $200 million funding round. Mike's expertise in business transformation and customer experience has been a driving force behind Sigma's success. He specializes in scaling enterprise solutions and driving innovation across product, marketing, and operations. In this episode… Many businesses struggle to unlock the full potential of their data, especially when complex systems limit access to only technical teams. This creates bottlenecks that slow decision-making and restrict company-wide collaboration. How can organizations make data accessible, actionable, and manageable for everyone, regardless of technical skill? Mike Palmer, an expert in scaling technology solutions and driving enterprise growth, shares how to break down these barriers by focusing on user-friendly, no-code platforms that allow non-technical users to analyze and act on live data. He emphasizes starting with mid-market customers to perfect the user experience and building scalable, intuitive products that eliminate complexity. He suggests prioritizing real-time collaboration, developing features like instant data write-back, and continuously collecting customer feedback to drive product evolution. Mike also highlights the importance of growing strategically by securing the right investors, resisting distracting acquisitions, and building a team culture that values direct feedback and long-term development. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mike Palmer, CEO of Sigma Computing, about creating accessible, scalable data solutions. Mike discusses how rebuilding their product from scratch led to exponential growth, why a mid-market focus sharpened their user experience, and how his team strategically expanded to enterprise clients. He also shares lessons on fundraising, product-led growth, and sales team evolution. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37408730

Mastering Business Exits and Beyond With Bruce Eckfeldt of Eckfeldt & Associates 07/10/2025

Mastering Business Exits and Beyond With Bruce Eckfeldt of Eckfeldt & Associates Bruce Eckfeldt is a Strategic Coach and Master Facilitator at Eckfeldt & Associates, where he works with CEOs and leadership teams to scale their businesses. As a former Inc. 500 Founder and CEO, he successfully scaled and sold his business. Bruce focuses on developing leadership skills, optimizing companies for transactions, and navigating mergers and acquisitions. In this episode… Many business owners dream of a profitable exit, but few are prepared for the emotional, strategic, and operational complexities that come with selling a company. Beyond valuation, sellers often overlook the personal identity challenges, the intricacies of deal structures, and what life will look like post-exit. So, how can founders approach their business exits in a way that minimizes regret and maximizes future opportunities? Leadership coach and former tech CEO Bruce Eckfeldt emphasizes the importance of reverse-engineering the exit process to align with long-term personal and professional goals. He advises founders to confront their emotional attachment to their businesses early and to develop networks and interests outside of work. He recommends proactively organizing company information and sharing all potential risks upfront to build buyer trust and streamline transactions. Bruce also highlights the need to carefully evaluate earnouts, deferred payments, and non-compete clauses to ensure the deal supports the seller’s next venture. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Bruce Eckfeldt, Founder of Eckfeldt & Associates, about planning business exits as a launchpad for future success. Bruce shares why treating exits as springboards leads to more fulfilling outcomes. He also discusses the pitfalls to avoid, how to prepare for post-sale life, and the psychology behind successful transitions. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37357295

[Private Equity Series] Building Success and Diverse Leadership With Vivian Gonzalez 07/08/2025

[Private Equity Series] Building Success and Diverse Leadership With Vivian Gonzalez Vivian Gonzalez is the President of Park Capital Search, a global finance and accounting executive search firm that helps organizations — from private equity-backed companies to public corporations — build senior leadership teams in areas like finance, accounting, data science, and business analytics. With a focus on retained, C-suite and functional leadership assignments, Vivian spearheads senior-level placements that shape the operational health and strategic direction of client organizations. Vivian is a recognized member of CHIEF and contributes thought leadership on efficient and transformative hiring practices for today’s rapidly evolving economy. In this episode… Executives stepping into private equity roles often face overwhelming expectations, vague performance goals, and high-pressure environments. Many leaders don’t receive clear guidance on negotiating equity or navigating the cultural shift that comes with PE-backed companies. At the same time, firms risk costly mis-hires by failing to define tactical needs during the hiring process. How can both sides align to build strong leadership teams that scale effectively? According to Vivian Gonzalez, a seasoned executive recruiter, success begins with clarity, communication, and advocacy on both ends of the hiring table. Firms must set expectations early and look beyond credentials to assess mindset, humility, and grit. Candidates, meanwhile, benefit from partners who help them package their experience, position their value, and negotiate for long-term upside, including equity. With the right match and support, executives can step into transformative roles that accelerate both personal and business growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Vivian Gonzalez, President of Park Capital Search, to explore how executive search drives successful outcomes in private equity-backed companies. They discuss what sponsors really want in C-suite talent, how candidates can break through career ceilings, and why humility and grit are often stronger indicators of success than titles. Vivian also shares stories of executives who turned career stagnation into seven-figure exits — and how her immigrant upbringing and background as a competitive gymnast shaped her leadership journey. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37330205

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Retail Sustainability With Andy Ruben of Trove 07/03/2025

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Retail Sustainability With Andy Ruben of Trove Andy Ruben is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, a re-commerce technology company that powers branded resale programs for major labels like Patagonia, Lululemon, REI, and Levi’s. Before Trove, he spent a decade at Walmart as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, where he launched global sustainability efforts, led omnichannel and private-brand strategies, and integrated e‑commerce — including the rollout of grocery delivery. Ruben founded Trove (originally Yerdle) in 2012 and introduced the first branded resale platform with Patagonia’s Worn Wear in 2017, helping advance the circular economy across more than 150 global brands. He advises BCG and Earthshot Ventures, serves as Lead Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair at Zevia, and has been featured on NPR, TED, and testified before Congress on sustainable business practices. In this episode… Most brands sell products once and lose the customer until their next full-price purchase — often years later. In today’s economy, that leaves businesses vulnerable to rising acquisition costs, volatile supply chains, and growing consumer demand for sustainability. So, how can companies reclaim the value of their products, strengthen customer relationships, and stay competitive in the circular economy? Andy Ruben, a sustainability expert and retail pioneer, shares how brands can tap into the hidden inventory in customers’ closets by implementing buy-back and resale systems. He explains how branded resale builds loyalty and trust, reduces acquisition costs, and attracts new customers. He emphasizes the importance of starting small, using technology to streamline trade-ins, and designing programs that reinforce the brand's core values. Andy also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, including hard-earned lessons about building a startup, pivoting business models, and executing founder-led sales in the early stages. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Andy Ruben, Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, about transforming retail through branded resale and the circular economy. Andy shares his startup origin story, the evolution from peer-to-peer to B2B, and insights on customer retention. He also discusses business development missteps, his leadership experience at Walmart, and why speed and focus matter most when launching a new venture. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37268975

Mastering Life and Business Secrets With Mike Agugliaro of FuDog Group 07/01/2025

Mastering Life and Business Secrets With Mike Agugliaro of FuDog Group Mike Agugliaro is the Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, a training and coaching company specializing in personal growth and development. He blends ancient wisdom, neuroscience, and modern performance strategies to help entrepreneurs and individuals design lives rich in health, wealth, relationships, and impact. Mike is a self-made entrepreneur and martial arts expert who began his career as an electrician and scaled a home services company to $32 million in annual revenue before selling it to private equity in 2017. He then founded CEO Warrior, the largest coaching organization for home‑service businesses globally, helping clients generate over half a billion dollars in additional revenue in six countries. A sought‑after speaker, author of more than 20 books, and multi‑black‑belt martial artist, he’s on a mission to transform one million lives across 100 countries within 10 years. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs pour themselves into their business success while silently sacrificing their health, relationships, and personal fulfillment. When success comes at the cost of disconnection or burnout, the real question becomes, can you build wealth and live a deeply fulfilling life? Mike Agugliaro, business strategist and mindset expert, shares how to break this cycle by focusing on holistic growth — across life, business, and legacy. He emphasizes the importance of growing together in relationships, mastering one’s mindset, and designing a movement rather than just a business. Mike offers tactical advice around breaking through limiting beliefs, healing sales trauma, and reshaping habits that sabotage success. His framework, the Parthenon, integrates leadership, marketing, business, health, wealth, and relationships into one life-by-design blueprint. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mike Agugliaro, Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, about building a purpose-driven life and business. Mike explores the power of immersive learning, why curiosity strengthens relationships, and the importance of mastering your inner dialogue. He also discusses what happens after exiting a business, creating movement-based companies, and rewiring your mindset for lasting success. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37214525

[Veteran Entrepreneur Series] Empowering Veterans With Purpose & Entrepreneurship With Phil Randazzo 06/26/2025

[Veteran Entrepreneur Series] Empowering Veterans With Purpose & Entrepreneurship With Phil Randazzo Phil Randazzo is the Founder of American Dream U, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military service members transition into successful civilian careers or launch their businesses. Since its founding in 2003, American Dream U has provided educational programs and mentorship to over 16,000 veterans and their families, featuring guidance from top entrepreneurs and business leaders. Beyond his nonprofit work, Phil has authored several books, including Mission Next, Funding Your Bigger Future, and Shark Talk. As an entrepreneur, he maintains business interests across healthcare, compliance, and franchising industries. He has been recognized for his service with honors like the key to the City of Las Vegas and a commission on Nevada’s Veterans Services Commission. In this episode… Many veterans struggle with transitioning from military to civilian life, facing uncertainty, emotional upheaval, and misaligned career paths. Standard programs often push veterans into roles that mirror their service jobs without exploring their passions or personal growth. But what if the transition could be a transformative opportunity to rediscover purpose and design a life that truly fits? Social impact entrepreneur and leadership mentor Phil Randazzo shares how identity challenges, suppressed emotions, and outdated belief systems can hinder veterans from fully integrating personal growth. He offers insights into shifting from seeking external relief to practicing internal integration — through tools like meditation, storytelling, journaling, and self-reflection. Phil emphasizes the importance of releasing inherited emotional patterns, cultivating awareness, and building community for sustained change. His journey of emotional awakening, marriage transformation, and helping over 19,000 service members provides a roadmap for creating lasting impact and self-discovery. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Phil Randazzo, Founder of American Dream U, about empowering veterans through personal transformation and entrepreneurship. Phil discusses his turning point, strategies for sustainable change, and the power of community. He also explores childhood belief systems, how transition impacts family dynamics, and the importance of integrating lessons rather than chasing relief. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37157855

[Top Agency Series] Scaling With SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics With Tyler Lane 06/24/2025

[Top Agency Series] Scaling With SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics With Tyler Lane Tyler Lane is the Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 13 years of experience in digital marketing, he has successfully created, launched, and evaluated SEO, content marketing, analytics, and social strategies, bringing his expertise to Session Interactive. Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. In this episode… Many companies struggle to turn their digital marketing investments into measurable outcomes, often due to blind spots in data tracking, ineffective SEO strategies, or lackluster paid media performance. Businesses waste money and miss growth opportunities without understanding user behavior or proper attribution. So, how can organizations build more intelligent, results-driven marketing systems? Tyler Lane, an expert in SEO, paid media, and analytics, shares how a deeply analytical approach can transform marketing effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of a clean analytics setup to ensure accurate attribution and performance tracking. He recommends auditing conversion events and tailoring data dashboards to support strategic decisions without overwhelming teams. By focusing on user intent, leveraging both organic and paid strategies, and staying ahead of AI's role in search behavior, Tyler provides a framework for sustainable digital success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Tyler Lane, Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, about building results-focused marketing campaigns. Tyler explores actionable SEO strategies, the power of clean analytics, and the impact of customer journeys on conversion. He also discusses agency culture, the role of AI in search, and his path from IBM to launching his own business. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37112620

[SaaS Series] Unveiling Freight’s Hidden Secrets With Chadd Olesen of AVRL 06/19/2025

[SaaS Series] Unveiling Freight’s Hidden Secrets With Chadd Olesen of AVRL Chadd Olesen is the CEO and Co-founder of AVRL, an Austin-based automation company specializing in logistics and supply chain technology. Since launching AVRL in 2017, he has led its transformation from a natural language processing startup into a freight tech powerhouse, now automating over 60 million shipments annually. Under Chadd's leadership, AVRL has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the US, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list. He is known for his consultative approach to automation, empowering brokers and carriers to integrate technology without sacrificing human expertise. In this episode… Breaking into a saturated and highly competitive industry like freight and logistics is no small feat — especially when innovation is rare and copycats abound. Startups in this space face challenges like differentiating their offering, managing growth without overexposure, and surviving tight margins. So, how do you build a technology-driven solution, scale it, and protect your edge in a legacy industry? Chadd Olesen, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in voice and automation technology, shares how he strategically navigated these hurdles by focusing on deep integrations, word-of-mouth growth, and selective client onboarding. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear problem — such as inefficient freight pricing — and solving it with adaptable, robust tech. He warns against the allure of big corporate logos, advocating instead for smaller, agile client relationships and value-based pricing. Through lessons learned the hard way, Chadd recommends hiring scrappy engineers over corporate veterans and using automation to minimize human error and maximize scalability. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL, about disrupting the freight industry through automation. Chadd discusses entering a legacy space without industry experience, how his team landed enterprise clients like Walmart and JB Hunt, and the strategic decision to operate in stealth. He also explores product-market fit, the funding process, and how his leadership evolved after becoming a parent. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37066405

[Author Series] How To Handle Conflict Like a Pro With Gabe Karp 06/17/2025

[Author Series] How To Handle Conflict Like a Pro With Gabe Karp Gabe Karp is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and conflict management expert known for his book Don't Get Mad at Penguins: And Other Ways to Detox the Conflict in Your Life and Business. He began his career as a trial lawyer, later becoming Executive Vice President and General Counsel at ePrize (now Merkle), where he helped grow the company into a global leader in digital promotions. Currently, Gabe serves as an Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners and a Venture Partner at Lightbank, advising early-stage tech companies and serving on multiple boards. His work focuses on transforming conflict from a liability into a strategic asset, drawing from over 30 years of experience in law, business, and venture capital. In this episode… Navigating conflict is one of the biggest challenges in both personal and professional relationships. Whether dealing with strong personalities, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, or managing unspoken resentment, unresolved conflict can slow progress, damage culture, and erode trust. So, how can leaders turn conflict into a tool for growth instead of a source of frustration? Gabe Karp, conflict management expert and author of Don't Get Mad at Penguins, shares a framework for transforming toxic conflict into a productive force. Drawing on his experiences as a former trial lawyer, executive, and venture capitalist, he explains how leaders can shift team dynamics by normalizing direct communication, embracing discomfort, and identifying common conflict traps such as ego, the need to win, and misaligned expectations. Gabe introduces strategies like the debrief/pre-brief meeting format, ego-neutral negotiation, and fostering cultures of candor and accountability, all of which help teams surface issues before they escalate. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Gabe Karp, Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners, about building healthier team dynamics through conflict. Gabe discusses how to dismantle ego-driven tension, the power of cultural feedback loops, and why expectations shape most of our frustrations. He also explores lessons from litigation, handling difficult terminations, and creating space for honest team dialogue. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/37036845

How To Build Predictable Income and Reduce Taxes With Noah Rosenfarb of Wealthrive 06/12/2025

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Business Intelligence With Craig Dunham 06/10/2025

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Business Intelligence With Craig Dunham Craig Dunham is the CEO of Voltron Data, a company specializing in GPU-accelerated data infrastructure for large-scale analytics, AI, and machine learning workloads. Before joining Voltron Data, he served as CEO of Lumar, a SaaS technical SEO platform, and held executive roles at Guild Education and Seismic, where he led the integration of Seismic's acquisition of The Savo Group and drove go-to-market strategies in the financial services sector. Craig began his career in investment banking with Citi and Lehman Brothers before transitioning into technology leadership roles. He holds a MBA from Northwestern University and a BS from Hampton University. In this episode… In a world where efficiency and speed are paramount, how can companies quickly process massive amounts of data without breaking the bank on infrastructure and energy costs? With the rise of AI and increasing data volumes from everyday activities, organizations face a daunting challenge: achieving fast and cost-effective data processing. Is there a solution that can transform how businesses handle data and unlock new possibilities? Craig Dunham, a B2B SaaS leader with expertise in go-to-market strategy and enterprise data systems, tackles these challenges head-on by leveraging GPU-accelerated computing. Unlike traditional CPU-based systems, Voltron Data's technology uses GPUs to greatly enhance data processing speed and efficiency. Craig shares how their solution helps enterprises reduce processing times from hours to minutes, enabling organizations to run complex analytics faster and more cost-effectively. He emphasizes that Voltron Data’s approach doesn’t require a complete overhaul of existing systems, making it a more accessible option for businesses seeking to enhance their computing capabilities. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Craig Dunham, CEO at Voltron Data, about building high-performance data systems. Craig delves into the challenges and solutions in today’s data-driven business landscape, how Voltron Data’s innovative solutions are revolutionizing data analytics, and the advantages of using GPU over CPU for data processing. He also shares valuable lessons on leading high-performing teams and adapting to market demands. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36911610

[Sweets and Snack Series] Revolutionizing the Snacking World Against All Odds With Jake Karls 06/05/2025

[Sweets and Snack Series] Revolutionizing the Snacking World Against All Odds With Jake Karls Jake Karls is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a Montreal-based functional chocolate company known for its bold transparency and viral storytelling. After early ventures in fitness and fashion, he found his niche in brand building and community engagement. Since launching Mid-Day Squares with his sister and brother-in-law, Jake has helped scale the company to produce over 90,000 bars daily and achieve multimillion-dollar revenues. Recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, he champions authenticity and emotional connection as the keys to modern entrepreneurship. In this episode… Launching a new food product is already a challenge, but doing so in a saturated market like snacks, with refrigerated items that require special handling, makes it even more difficult. Entrepreneurs often encounter skepticism, limited shelf space, and high operational costs, particularly when trying to differentiate themselves with bold branding and unconventional strategies. So, how can you grow a disruptive food brand without compromising product integrity, consumer trust, or scalability? Jake Karls, an expert in community-driven brand building and marketing, outlines how he and his co-founders tackled these challenges through relentless storytelling, unfiltered transparency, and unapologetic self-belief. He emphasizes the importance of building a fan base rather than just a customer base, capturing early momentum by personally delivering samples and gathering feedback. He also shares actionable strategies like leveraging content for trust-building, securing unconventional financing, investing in manufacturing infrastructure, and leaning into therapy to strengthen co-founder dynamics and leadership. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jake Karls, Co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, about building a disruptive snack brand from scratch. Jake dives into creating brand loyalty through storytelling, taking risks like owning manufacturing, and dealing with crises like a potential recall. He also discusses mental health in entrepreneurship, redefining success, and how dancing with a boombox helped land investors. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36858905

[Top Giver Series] Mastermind Magic and Marketing Secrets With Joe Polish of Genius Network 06/03/2025

[Top Giver Series] Mastermind Magic and Marketing Secrets With Joe Polish of Genius Network Joe Polish is the Founder of Genius Network, an exclusive group of renowned and successful entrepreneurs. He is an established marketer and has helped thousands of businesses, from large corporations to small family-owned companies, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Additionally, Joe is the Founder and President of Piranha Marketing and the host of three top-rated business and marketing podcasts, including I Love Marketing. He is also a passionate philanthropist and the Founder of Genius Recovery, which works to change the global conversation around addiction and recovery. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out in a crowded market, build authentic relationships, and create a lasting impact without burning out. Despite working harder, they often miss out on strategic opportunities that come from real connection and clarity in communication. So, how can business leaders market smarter, not harder, while also growing meaningful networks and purpose-driven success? Marketing expert and entrepreneur Joe Polish shares many insights for solving these issues through relationship-first strategies, direct response marketing, and storytelling. He emphasizes the danger of chasing profits over purpose and encourages listeners to shift their focus toward giving and creating value. He outlines practical tips such as mastering the fundamentals of storytelling, avoiding transactional relationships, and investing in personal development through books, mentors, and masterminds. Joe also shares lessons from his journey, including how addiction recovery and resilience shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Joe Polish, Founder of Genius Network, about building relationships that drive business success. Joe explores how giving without expectation builds trust, the role of direct response marketing, and how storytelling can transform your business. He also discusses overcoming adversity, top book recommendations, and the importance of meaningful follow-up. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36829620

[Top Agency Series] Building a Results-Driven Dental Marketing Agency With Brett Allen 05/29/2025

[Top Agency Series] Building a Results-Driven Dental Marketing Agency With Brett Allen Brett Allen is the host of The Marketing 32 Show and the Founder of Marketing 32, a dental marketing agency specializing in internal and external marketing strategies to help dental practices grow. Under Brett's leadership, Marketing 32 has successfully supported over 215 dental practices across the US, Canada, and Australia by implementing its unique Practice Impact Formula, which guarantees growth within 30 days or the service is free. Brett's journey into dental marketing started with his expertise in search engine optimization and online marketing, which he honed as a marketing director in Houston before launching his own company. In this episode… Navigating the dental marketing world can be a frustrating experience for practice owners who invest heavily in agencies yet see minimal results. With so many marketers making big promises but failing to deliver, how can dental practices ensure they choose a partner who drives growth and stands behind their work? Brett Allen, an expert in dental marketing and growth strategies, tackles this challenge by sharing the critical importance of niche specialization, performance-based guarantees, and leveraging technology like AI call tracking to ensure accountability. He emphasizes that practices must seek agencies that offer transparent results, avoid long-term contracts, and provide clear metrics for success. Brett also dives into the significance of nurturing patient relationships and internal teams to create lasting growth, offering practical insights into building trust and avoiding common industry pitfalls. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Brett Allen, Co-founder and CEO of Marketing 32, about creating results-driven dental marketing strategies. Brett discusses why offering a strong guarantee sets agencies apart, how his collegiate swimming background influences his business mindset, and what practices can do to better engage existing patients to foster growth. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36764380

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Referral Marketing With Predictive Technology With Ben Dixon of Naxum 05/27/2025

[SaaS Series] Revolutionizing Referral Marketing With Predictive Technology With Ben Dixon of Naxum Ben Dixon is the CEO of Naxum, a referral marketing technology company that provides innovative solutions to businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Naxum has introduced tools like the UNIFY platform and predictive action engines, revolutionizing how companies approach referral marketing. With a background in sales and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Ben has been instrumental in developing platforms that enhance user engagement and drive growth. He is passionate about helping companies use referral marketing to build strong, trust-based relationships, ultimately driving success in their respective industries. In this episode… Growing a business through traditional advertising is more challenging than ever — trust is low, attention spans are shorter, and competition is fierce. The answer may lie not in shouting louder, but in empowering your best customers to become your strongest advocates. So, how can companies create authentic connections, build trust, and turn relationships into revenue without burning out their teams or budgets? Ben Dixon, an expert in referral marketing and sales systems, shares proven strategies to solve these challenges. He explains the evolution of marketing technology from first-generation tracking to cutting-edge predictive platforms that guide sales reps like a top-performing mentor. He emphasizes identifying the right target audience by focusing on individuals motivated by pain who are already taking action to solve their problems. Ben also discusses how layering multiple referral channels, gamifying engagement, and offering seamless mobile experiences can unlock massive business growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ben Dixon, CEO at Naxum, about building and scaling referral marketing systems. Ben shares insights on predictive sales technology, identifying the right audience, and the power of gamification. He also dives into strategies for supporting a global workforce, lessons from client case studies, and how to create lasting trust through referral programs. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36723525

[Top Agency Series] Navigating the Future of Intelligent Products With Mark Rickmeier of TXI Digital 05/22/2025

[Top Agency Series] Navigating the Future of Intelligent Products With Mark Rickmeier of TXI Digital Mark Rickmeier is the CEO of TXI Digital, a Chicago-based digital product innovation firm specializing in UX research, design, and software development. With over two decades of experience, he has led the creation of more than 100 digital products for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to mission-driven nonprofits. Beyond his role at TXI, Mark is the Founder of initiatives like Walkshop, a leadership development retreat, and the Sticky Note Game, a facilitation technique enhancing team collaboration. He is also an active member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board, contributing thought leadership on innovation, company culture, and inclusive design. In this episode… Creating a digital product is more complex than building a mobile app or launching a new platform. Many companies waste time, money, and resources by rushing into solutions without fully understanding the problems they are trying to solve. So, how can organizations shift their mindset to ensure they are innovating in the right direction from the beginning? Mark Rickmeier, an expert in product innovation and intelligent systems, shares how companies can avoid costly missteps by adopting a discovery-first approach. He emphasizes using frameworks like the Double Diamond method to better understand user needs before jumping into development. He advocates for integrating design thinking early in the process, gathering real user insights, and validating assumptions rapidly. Mark also stresses the importance of building a strong data foundation to prepare for future AI and intelligent product opportunities, encouraging businesses to think beyond traditional digital transformation toward smart solutions. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark Rickmeier, CEO of TXI Digital, about building intelligent products through discovery and design thinking. Mark discusses the critical importance of solving the problems first, shares lessons from projects spanning industries like rail, healthcare, and food innovation, and explores the future of agentic AI interfaces. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36667370

[Top SaaS & Israel Business Series] Unlock Your Company’s Digital Wisdom With Yuval Gonczarowski 05/20/2025

[Top SaaS & Israel Business Series] Unlock Your Company’s Digital Wisdom With Yuval Gonczarowski Yuval Gonczarowski is the Founder and CEO of Akooda, an AI-powered operations intelligence platform that helps organizations unify and analyze internal data to drive faster, smarter decisions. Under his leadership, Akooda has secured $11 million in seed funding, used by Fortune 500 companies to streamline operations and unlock insights across digital workflows. A graduate of Harvard Business School with a MBA and the Technion from Israel Institute of Technology, Yuval previously served in Israel’s elite Unit 8200 and held technical and leadership roles at Intel, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Tomorrow.io. He brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and business acumen to the enterprise tech space. In this episode… Information overload and organizational silos pose significant challenges for growing companies. As teams scale, finding the right data, the right person, or simply understanding cross-functional collaboration becomes chaotic and time-consuming. How can leaders eliminate these inefficiencies without adding more complexity to their workflows? Yuval Gonczarowski, an expert in AI-powered enterprise intelligence and operational analytics, shares how companies can solve these challenges by leveraging their digital footprints. He explains the evolution from traditional organizational charts to dynamic knowledge graphs, enabling companies to map collaboration patterns in real-time. He emphasizes actionable insights like implementing topic-based search, integrating systems like Slack and Salesforce for unified visibility, and using anomaly detection to spot inefficiencies. Yuval also offers strategies for improving productivity without disrupting current workflows, such as Slack-based search commands and Chrome extensions that surface hidden insights. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Yuval Gonczarowski, CEO of Akooda, about optimizing enterprise operations through AI-driven insights. Yuval discusses how to eliminate information silos, speed up decision-making, and roll out enterprise tools with minimal disruption. He also shares the story of Akooda’s first customer, explains the ROI of reducing information hunting, and details lessons from serving large-scale enterprise clients. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36636260

Revolutionizing Custom Logo Apparel With Fred Meyers of Queensboro 05/15/2025

Revolutionizing Custom Logo Apparel With Fred Meyers of Queensboro Fred Meyers is the Founder and President of Queensboro, a custom logo apparel business he started in 1982 while a student at Columbia University. Inspired by the popularity of Lacoste shirts and a desire to offer high-quality polos with personalized logos, he began his venture from his college dorm room. Over the past four decades, Fred has grown Queensboro into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, serving small businesses and major clients like Costco and Pepsi. Today, the company operates out of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Dallas, Texas, continuing its mission to help people share who they are with the world through custom apparel. In this episode… Growing a small business can feel overwhelming, especially when building trust with customers, standing out with a strong brand, and managing complex logistics as you scale. How do you offer irresistible products, build lasting relationships, and maintain operational control without getting buried under inefficiencies? Fred Meyers, an expert in direct marketing and custom product development, shares how entrepreneurs can create a powerful customer experience through trust, transparency, and dynamic offers. He explains the critical importance of offering risk-free guarantees, using relatable marketing strategies, and investing in custom technology to track customer orders in real-time. Fred also highlights how building a strong internal culture focused on principled, proactive, positive, and productive employees drives business success over the long term. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Fred Meyers, Founder and President of Queensboro, about growing a multi-million dollar custom apparel business. Fred discusses building trust with customers, evolving the product line, and scaling operations without losing personal touch. He also shares direct marketing insights, early entrepreneurial challenges, and leadership lessons based on relationships and trust. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36574485

[SaaS Series] Navigating the Crypto Landscape With Edward Woodford of Zero Hash 05/13/2025

[SaaS Series] Navigating the Crypto Landscape With Edward Woodford of Zero Hash Edward Woodford is the CEO and Co-founder of Zero Hash, a leading crypto-as-a-service platform that enables businesses to integrate digital assets into their offerings. Under his leadership, Zero Hash has processed over $45 billion in transactions and secured over $170 million in funding from prominent investors, including Point72 Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures. Before founding Zero Hash, Edward co-founded Seed CX, a CFTC-registered derivatives execution venue, and gained experience at various hedge funds and startups. He holds a BA in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Warwick and a master's degree in finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In this episode… Many businesses struggle to navigate the complexity of integrating digital assets like crypto and stablecoins into their platforms. As regulations shift and technology rapidly evolves, companies face overwhelming barriers when adopting seamless, secure payment infrastructures. So, how can organizations overcome these hurdles to leverage emerging technologies and stay competitive? Edward Woodford, an expert in crypto infrastructure and digital payments, shares valuable insights on breaking down these barriers. He emphasizes the importance of abstracting technical complexities through infrastructure solutions, allowing companies to easily embed crypto and stablecoins without getting bogged down in regulation or fragmentation. He outlines the value of stablecoins for instant, low-cost transactions, highlights the growing importance of crypto rewards, and advises businesses to pivot quickly based on customer needs and market signals, just as his team did during their early pivot from a B2C to a B2B model. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Edward Woodford, Co-founder and CEO of Zero Hash, about building digital asset infrastructure. Edward discusses simplifying crypto adoption, evolving company strategy through customer feedback, and the critical role of stablecoins in future payment systems. He also shares insights on team development, leadership growth, and scaling through major fundraising rounds. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36545240

[Top Agency & Israel Business Series] Modern PR and Media Ownership Secrets With Omri Hurwitz 05/08/2025

[Top Agency & Israel Business Series] Modern PR and Media Ownership Secrets With Omri Hurwitz Omri Hurwitz is the Founder and CEO of Omri Hurwitz Media, a leading PR agency specializing in tech startups and high-profile entrepreneurs. As a tech marketer and media strategist, he has built a global reputation by blending traditional media with social platforms to amplify client narratives and drive brand growth. Beyond PR, Omri owns equity in multiple media outlets, including Hurwitz TV — a digital publication that fuses business, lifestyle, and entertainment content. His innovative approach and emphasis on authenticity have positioned him as a rising influencer in the modern media landscape. In this episode… Breaking through the noise to get media coverage or PR traction can feel overwhelming, especially for startups and entrepreneurs fighting for attention in competitive markets. Many founders struggle with traditional PR tactics that no longer resonate with reporters or audiences, often leading to wasted time and missed opportunities. So, how can companies modernize their approach to media and PR to stand out and succeed? Omri Hurwitz, a media entrepreneur and investor, shares how he tackled these challenges by reinventing traditional PR with a data-driven, tech-first approach. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with reporters’ incentives — like focusing on amplification and article virality — rather than pitching from a self-centered brand perspective. He also reveals why acquiring media assets and leveraging AI for predictive insights gives his clients a competitive edge. Additionally, Omri explains how emotional intelligence, clear writing practices, and charisma are critical skills for anyone looking to boost their media presence and leadership impact. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Omri Hurwitz, Founder of Omri Hurwitz Media, about building a modern media empire through data, acquisitions, and innovative PR strategies. Omri also discusses key PR pitching mistakes, using AI to predict article success, and how personal habits like daily writing have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36481570

[Private Equity Series] Building Enduring Businesses With Keith Burns 05/06/2025

[Private Equity Series] Building Enduring Businesses With Keith Burns Keith Burns is the CEO and Co-chairman of Lullwater & Co., a private investment firm dedicated to building enduring companies through long-term partnerships. He also serves as Co-executive Chairman of Apex Physics Partners, the largest medical physics services provider in the US, and previously led Seneca Creek Partners, a search fund that completed 15 acquisitions and achieved a successful investor exit in 2019. A former attorney and Goldman Sachs executive, Keith holds a BBA from Emory University and a JD and MS in real estate development from Columbia University. He is an adjunct assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and actively mentors emerging entrepreneurs through teaching and board service. In this episode… Scaling a business feels like navigating chaos — especially when taking over a company in its awkward adolescent phase, where systems are fragile, leadership is thin, and growth potential remains untapped. Many entrepreneurs struggle with transitioning ownership, aligning staff, and building toward a sustainable future without losing what made the business special. So, how do you effectively professionalize and grow a service business while honoring its core culture? Keith Burns, an experienced investor and operator, shares his strategic approach to acquiring and scaling service-based businesses. Drawing from his background in law, finance, and healthcare services, he outlines the importance of starting with a rock-solid foundation — listening to employees through HR assessments and building trust. He emphasizes the power of recurring revenue models, the risks of integration debt, and how to avoid common pitfalls like promising no change during acquisitions. Keith also dives into red flags to watch for, such as poor seller alignment or low cash flow conversion, and offers frameworks for assessing business viability and long-term potential. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Keith Burns, Co-chairman and CEO of Lullwater & Co., about strategic business acquisitions and scaling through thoughtful integration. Keith discusses how he grew the largest medical physics company in the US, shares lessons from teaching entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago, and talks about identifying business red flags, embracing culture, and choosing the right problems to solve. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36435745

[Top Agency & Direct Response Series] Why Direct Mail Works and How To Do It Right With Rick Rappe 05/01/2025

[Top Agency & Direct Response Series] Why Direct Mail Works and How To Do It Right With Rick Rappe Rick Rappe is the President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a Seattle-based agency specializing in direct mail marketing services, including lead generation, acquisition, loyalty, and win-back programs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Rick has developed and managed some of the largest and most successful direct-marketing-driven sales channels in the country. Under his leadership, RPM delivers performance-driven direct mail programs tailored to clients' unique goals. In this episode… Direct mail often gets overlooked in today’s digital world, but it’s quietly powering some of the biggest marketing wins behind the scenes. While everyone’s chasing online clicks and social media impressions, there’s a different channel consistently driving actual sales. So, why does direct mail still work, and what’s the right way to use it? According to Rick Rappe, a direct response marketing expert, direct mail works because it's tangible, measurable, and scalable when done correctly. He highlights that success hinges on understanding key variables like cost per sale, audience segmentation, and offer structure. The impact? High-performing campaigns that often outperform digital in both engagement and ROI. Rick also stresses the value of rigorous testing, using his Rapid Performance Method to optimize processes, from list targeting to format design. This strategic, data-driven approach transforms mailers from static promotions into dynamic sales engines. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Rappe, President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, to discuss how to build direct mail campaigns that convert. They explore why the proper format matters more than flash, how to avoid the most common mistakes marketers make, and why testing beats guessing every time. Rick also provided valuable insights on integrating AI into direct mail strategy. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36384230

Re-Release [Top Giver Series] Beyond Giftology: The Art and Science of Gifting With John Ruhlin 04/29/2025

Re-Release [Top Giver Series] Beyond Giftology: The Art and Science of Gifting With John Ruhlin John Ruhlin (1980–2024) was an American entrepreneur, speaker, and author best known for pioneering the concept of strategic gifting in business. He founded The Ruhlin Group, a firm specializing in personalized corporate gift strategies, and authored the best-selling book Giftology, which emphasizes the power of generosity to build lasting relationships. John began his career as a top sales representative for Cutco Cutlery, where he developed innovative approaches to client engagement. He passed away suddenly in August 2024 at 44, leaving a legacy of kindness and a transformative approach to business relationships. In this episode… Standing out in business is more challenging than ever. With overflowing inboxes, advertising fatigue, and increasingly transactional relationships, how can you break through the noise and cultivate genuine, lasting connections with clients and partners? John Ruhlin, author and expert on strategic gifting, shares how intentional, personalized gift-giving can become a powerful business development tool. He explains that gifting is often done wrong — too promotional, poorly timed, or lacking personal relevance. He offers actionable strategies, like making the gift about the recipient (not your brand), targeting the recipient’s inner circle, and sending gifts during off-peak times to avoid holiday clutter. John also emphasizes using thoughtful research to personalize gifts and create memorable touchpoints that turn business relationships into emotional connections. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews John Ruhlin, Founder of The Ruhlin Group, about the art and science of strategic gifting. John shares how meaningful gifting builds loyalty and generates referrals. He also discusses why timing matters more than cost, how to win over executive gatekeepers, and what happens when a gift goes hilariously wrong. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36351360

[Top Agency Series] Data-Driven Growth and Mission-Focused Strategy With Paul Burani 04/24/2025

[Top Agency Series] Data-Driven Growth and Mission-Focused Strategy With Paul Burani Paul Burani is the Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Mission Flywheel, a consultancy that empowers mission-driven organizations to scale revenue through data-driven strategies and measurable social impact. His career spans over two decades, including leadership roles at Google and in the edtech sector, where he focused on workforce development and economic inclusion. Paul's expertise aligns business growth with social outcomes, helping clients in sectors like climate, education, and healthcare prove their impact to investors and stakeholders. Through Mission Flywheel, he supports purpose-driven ventures in building sustainable, high-performing revenue models. In this episode… Scaling a business is never a straight line — especially when growth hinges on aligning a company’s mission with its revenue strategy. Many leaders struggle to build sustainable momentum without compromising their core values or burning through capital. How can growth-stage companies maintain velocity while staying true to their purpose? Paul Burani, a seasoned revenue strategist and fractional CRO, offers a blueprint for achieving capital-efficient growth rooted in clarity, data, and customer-centricity. He recommends starting with a clear articulation of the core problem and then layering on insights from data — whether from existing operations or direct customer research. He emphasizes the power of using data to optimize internal decisions and create feedback loops that fuel continuous momentum. Paul also discusses how transparent OKRs and cross-functional collaboration can replace rigid funnels with resilient flywheels. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Paul Burani, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Mission Flywheel, about data-driven growth strategies for mission-led companies. Paul discusses the flywheel model, transitioning from startup to scale, and how to unlock customer insights. He also shares lessons from Google, approaches to managing high performers, and his thoughts on building work cultures rooted in purpose. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36289360

[SaaS Series] The SaaSpreneur Model Explained With Shaun Clark 04/22/2025

[SaaS Series] The SaaSpreneur Model Explained With Shaun Clark Shaun Clark is the CEO and Co-founder of HighLevel, an all-in-one marketing and CRM platform designed to help agencies and businesses streamline their operations. Before establishing HighLevel in 2018, he founded InvoiceSherpa, a platform focused on automating accounts receivable and invoice payments. Shaun's entrepreneurial journey is underpinned by his education in Computer Science at Oregon State University and participation in Stanford University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Under his leadership, HighLevel has experienced significant growth and was named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Southwest Award by Ernst & Young. In this episode… Growing a software company is hard enough — but building a community of loyal users, minimizing churn, and scaling support simultaneously? That’s the challenge facing many SaaS founders as they move from startup to sustainable success. So, how do you turn one-time users into long-term advocates while keeping your team and customers happy? Shaun Clark, a seasoned SaaS entrepreneur, shares how he overcame early failures selling directly to small businesses by shifting focus to the agencies that serve them. He emphasizes solving the nurture gap in marketing with automation and prioritizing customer experience through real-time Zoom support. He explains how leaning into white-labeling, building a transparent feature voting system, and investing in an affiliate program helped create a community-driven ecosystem where clients became evangelists. Shaun’s approach underscores the power of listening deeply, building with user feedback, and scaling with heart. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Shaun Clark, Co-founder and CEO of HighLevel, about building a customer-focused SaaS powerhouse. Shaun shares how a failed go-to-market strategy led to a breakthrough with agencies. He also discusses co-founder dynamics, the SaaSpreneur movement, and using community feedback to guide product development. /episode/index/show/inspiredinsider/id/36259260

INspired INsider Podcast

TOPICS