Pillar6 Podcast

This is the Pillar6 Podcast. Where we talk about important topics around money, life, success and the balance of it all.

How To Scale an eCommerce Services Company From Startup To Private Equity Exit With Ilya Vinogradsky 05/12/2025

How To Scale an eCommerce Services Company From Startup To Private Equity Exit With Ilya Vinogradsky Ilya Vinogradsky is the Co-founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Officer of Astound Digital, a global digital consultancy that helps brands grow revenue by enhancing their online relationships with consumers. Founded in 2000, Astound Digital delivers personalized digital commerce experiences by combining technological expertise with creative talent. Ilya leads the company's technical teams, ensuring the quality, scalability, and cohesion necessary to provide flexible, innovative solutions that maximize customer value. With over three decades of experience, he has been instrumental in establishing Astound as a trusted partner for iconic and innovative brands worldwide. In this episode… Scaling a business from a small startup to a global enterprise is no easy feat, especially in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. How do entrepreneurs navigate market shifts, manage growing teams, and make the tough calls that lead to lasting success? And when the time comes, what does it take to prepare for a high-stakes private equity exit? According to Ilya Vinogradsky, a seasoned entrepreneur who grew a company from a living-room operation to over 1,000 employees, the key lies in continuous learning and adaptability. He emphasizes the importance of embracing risk while building a strong foundation of trust with co-founders and employees. By codifying company values and leading by example, he cultivated a resilient culture that can weather crises and scale sustainably. This intentional approach allowed the company to survive economic downturns, grow internationally, and ultimately attract private equity investment. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Ilya Vinogradsky, Co-founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Officer of Astound Digital, to discuss how to scale e-commerce services companies from startup to private equity exit. They explore building a values-driven culture, navigating inflection points, and evolving leadership for growth. Ilya also shares lessons from surviving the Great Recession and preparing for an acquisition. /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/36530305

IT Security Essentials for Business Owners and Individuals With Arash Shokouh 04/17/2025

IT Security Essentials for Business Owners and Individuals With Arash Shokouh Arash Shokouh is the Founder and Managing Principal of Ophtek LLC, a company specializing in cybersecurity, managed IT security and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. With over 18 years of experience in computer technology, his background includes roles at several startups and a tenure at IBM, where he contributed to developing some of the world's fastest computer processors and holds patents in computer architecture. Beyond his professional endeavors, Arash has served as a small business development commissioner for the City of San Jose and teaches computer engineering at his alma mater, San Jose State University. In this episode… Cyberattacks are no longer just a risk for large corporations — they’re an everyday threat to individuals and small businesses alike. With phishing emails, AI-powered scams, and persistent system intrusions growing more sophisticated, what can the average person do to protect our data and avoid becoming the next target? Cybersecurity expert and IT professional Arash Shokouh outlines the essentials for fortifying digital systems, drawing from over two decades of experience. Arash emphasizes adopting a Zero Trust mindset, which means verifying every request — even those from familiar contacts — and avoiding convenience at the cost of security. With riveting anecdotes, including his recruitment by the CIA, he demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber adversaries and why individuals should migrate to secure platforms like Gmail and install trusted tools such as Malwarebytes. For businesses, he advocates consolidating services under platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 and hiring professionals to strengthen account security, monitor systems, and ensure compliance with best practices. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Arash Shokouh, Founder and Managing Principal of Ophtek, on IT security essentials for businesses and individuals. Arash shares insights into persistent cybersecurity threats, the critical shift toward Zero Trust, practical steps to secure communications, and how to vet managed service providers. Resources mentioned in this episode: Arash Shokouh: | | Phone no.: (650) 731-7154 Ophtek: | | Check if Your Email Was Part of a Breach: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/36198930

Finding the Right Fit Without Following the Script With David Goldman 04/03/2025

Finding the Right Fit Without Following the Script With David Goldman David Goldman is the Founder of Ruby Peak Recruiting, a firm specializing in direct-hire recruiting for top level executive assistants nationwide. After moving to San Francisco from Colorado in 2001, he began his recruiting career and established Ruby Peak Recruiting in 2008. With over two decades of experience, David has been instrumental in connecting companies with exceptional talent, particularly in administrative and executive assistant roles. His dedication to building long-standing relationships and reducing friction points at every step of the process has made him a respected figure in the recruiting industry. In this episode… Starting and running a business doesn’t have to follow a rigid script, especially in industries built on human connection. Often, doing what simply makes sense can lead to better outcomes and better engagement from all sides. So what happens when you ditch the conventional playbook and trust your instincts instead? According to David Goldman, a recruiter with over two decades of experience, having genuine curiosity, trusting his intuition, and being adaptable have been his biggest business advantages. David highlights how traditional recruiting methods, especially ones focused on control, convention, and rigid processes, can stifle connections, slow the rate of progress, and produce subpar outcomes. David also explains why being present, letting go of “the way it’s always been done,” and truly understanding each person’s unique working style has shaped his unconventional but highly successful approach. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with David Goldman, Founder of Ruby Peak Recruiting, to talk about building a business by breaking away from convention. David explains why trusting intuition can create stronger client relationships, how curiosity unlocks better hiring decisions, and why rigid interview processes often backfire. David also shares his take on post-pandemic hiring trends and how to work best with recruiters. Resources mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/35986125

Managing Properties with an Investor + Owner’s Mindset With Ryan Shane 03/20/2025

Managing Properties with an Investor + Owner’s Mindset With Ryan Shane Ryan Shane is the President of The Housing Guild Management Co., a property management company based in San Francisco that specializes in managing apartments, homes, and commercial spaces throughout the Bay Area. Under his leadership, the company continues the legacy established by his father, Lawrence Shane, who founded The Housing Guild in 1977 with a commitment to providing exceptional service to property investors. Ryan brings a personal perspective to property management as an owner and investor, which ensures that clients' investments are well cared for and their returns maximized. In this episode… Buying and owning investment property is one thing, but managing it successfully is another. Individual property investors can get blindsided by making emotional investment decisions or focusing solely on the bottom line. What if I told you that the key to long-term success was finding the right balance between the two? According to Ryan Shane, a seasoned real estate investor and second-generation property manager, adopting an investor and owner’s mindset is critical for maintaining a thriving real estate portfolio while maximizing returns. He highlights the importance of viewing each property decision through an ROI lens, from maintenance choices to tenant selection. By thinking beyond short-term gains and prioritizing long-term value, owners can avoid costly mistakes and increase profitability. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Ryan Shane, President of The Housing Guild Management Co., to discuss why every property owner needs an investor and owner’s mindset. Ryan shares key strategies for evaluating real estate opportunities, making cost-effective property decisions, and balancing cash flow with long-term appreciation. He also explains the common pitfalls that owners face and how professional management can help you avoid them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Email: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/35785535

Estate Planning Ideas for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals With Michelle Lerman 03/06/2025

Estate Planning Ideas for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals With Michelle Lerman Michelle Lerman is an attorney specializing in estate planning, real estate law, and business law, with a focus on serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and real estate investors. Michelle and her husband co-founded Lerman Law Partners, LLP, and joined forces with Cunningham Legal to enhance their collective expertise. She has been named a Top Attorney and received the Top Women Attorneys award in Northern California by San Francisco Magazine multiple times. In 2018, Michelle released the third edition of her book, Create Your Best Legacy: What Every Homeowner, Real Estate Investor, and Parent Must Know About Estate Planning, Living Trusts, and Probate. In this episode… Increased wealth brings increased options and opportunities — but also complexities, especially when it comes to estate planning. With recent tax law changes and potential changes on the horizon, ultra-high-net-worth individuals need proactive strategies to safeguard their assets and minimize estate taxes. What key planning techniques should affluent families consider right now to protect their wealth for future generations? According to Michelle Lerman, a renowned estate planning attorney with over 35 years of experience, ultra-high-net-worth individuals must act to give themselves options in advance of any significant estate and gift tax changes. She highlights the importance of irrevocable trusts as a powerful tool to preserve wealth while maintaining flexibility. Strategic gifting, life insurance planning, and entity structuring can also help minimize tax burdens and protect family assets. Without a proactive approach, wealthy families risk losing millions to unnecessary taxation and legal complications. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Michelle Lerman, an Attorney at Cunningham Legal, to discuss advanced estate planning strategies for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. They explore the impact of upcoming estate tax changes, why now is the time to establish irrevocable trusts, and how to protect family wealth from divorce or legal risks. Michelle also shares key liquidity strategies, including how life insurance can cover estate taxes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Michelle Lerman: | Contact no.: (415) 308-3640 /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/35555885

Unlocking DSTs: A Hidden Tool in 1031 Exchanges With Amit Urban 02/17/2025

Unlocking DSTs: A Hidden Tool in 1031 Exchanges With Amit Urban Amit grew up in a family of real estate professionals, and early on, he saw how smart investing has helped people generate wealth and help them to live the way they dreamed. Now, as a real estate professional with Fortitude Investment Group, Amit helps rental property owners and investors navigate 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), and passive real estate investment opportunities. With over 15 years of experience in real estate, Amit has worked in both domestic and international markets, including developing shopping malls in China. In this episode… Many real estate investors know that 1031 exchanges are a powerful way to defer capital gains taxes, but few have explored the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) as an alternative to traditional 1031 exchanges. Could this lesser-known tool provide greater flexibility, diversification, and passive income for investors looking to simplify their portfolios? According to Amit Urban, a seasoned real estate expert, DSTs are highly effective tools that allow investors to reinvest their 1031 exchange proceeds into institutional-grade properties without the burden of direct management. He highlights that DSTs provide diversification across multiple asset classes, passive income, and estate planning benefits, making them an attractive option for those transitioning out of hands-on property management. Amit highlights common examples and reasons investors are turning to DSTs as a way to preserve and grow their wealth while reducing taxes and operational headaches. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Amit Urban, Registered Representative at Fortitude Investment Group, to discuss how DSTs fit into the 1031 exchange landscape. They break down who benefits most from DSTs, how they compare to direct property ownership, and why they offer a compelling tax-deferral strategy. Amit also shares key considerations, risks, and estate planning advantages of using DSTs as a long-term wealth-building tool. Resources mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/35309870

HR Under Trump 2.0 and What’s Next for Employers With Becky Barton 02/06/2025

HR Under Trump 2.0 and What’s Next for Employers With Becky Barton Becky Barton is the CEO of People415, a human resources consulting firm that helps growing businesses grow faster with streamlined workflow policies, talent management, and HR compliance. With over 20 years of experience in HR strategy and operations, she specializes in aligning workforce planning with business goals. She has worked with companies across various industries, advising on hiring practices, employee classification, compensation, and compliance. Becky also speaks on HR trends and workplace regulations, providing guidance to business owners and leaders. In this episode… The landscape of HR is shifting once again with the second Trump administration, which will impact companies in different ways. Naturally, employers are left wondering: how will this administration impact my business, and what should we be doing? How can business owners and HR professionals stay ahead and ensure they’re making the right moves? According to Becky Barton, a leading HR expert and thought leader, in the short term, employers should prepare for a pro-business shift in federal labor policies, with many regulations likely being rolled back. She highlights how this could reduce compliance burdens at the national level but increase complexity for multistate employers as states like California continue to enforce stricter employment laws. With expected changes in wage laws, worker classification, workplace safety, and immigration enforcement, businesses must be proactive in auditing their HR policies to mitigate risk and adapt to new realities. In the longer term, continue to focus on best practices, building your corporate culture, and building a strong, committed, and motivated workforce. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Becky Barton, CEO of People415, to discuss what the Trump 2.0 presidency means for HR and business owners. They explore the likely rollback of federal labor regulations, key compliance risks for employers, and strategies to prepare for shifting workplace policies. Becky also shares actionable insights on worker classification, AI’s role in HR, and best practices for building a resilient workforce. Resources mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/35165315

Annuities: Misconceptions, Regulations, and Best Practices With David Cranfield 01/23/2025

Annuities: Misconceptions, Regulations, and Best Practices With David Cranfield David Cranfield is the Brokerage Director at Pinney Insurance, a full-service BGA. Pinney's services help financial advisors, planners, and insurance agents expand their knowledge on insurance products and source solutions for their clients. Some of David’s areas of focus include annuities, life and disability income insurance in business planning, estate planning, and individual insurance planning. With extensive experience in the insurance and financial services industry, he also serves as the Regional Vice Chair of the National PAC Committee for NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). In this episode… Annuities are one of the most debated topics in personal finance — praised for their lifetime income guarantees yet criticized for complexity, fees, and misuse. How can people separate fact from fiction and determine if annuities are the right financial tool for their needs? According to David Cranfield, a seasoned financial professional and self-professed “insurance geek,” annuities are neither inherently good nor bad — they are simply tools that must be used properly. He highlights that many misconceptions stem from an overwhelming number of annuities marketed by unqualified insurance advisors who fail to understand and explain critical details, such as guaranteed and non-guaranteed (i.e., movable) contractual provisions, fees, and various add-on riders. However, at their core, annuities excel in providing security for retirees concerned about market volatility and outliving their assets. But improper use, such as locking too much of one's liquid assets into long-term products like annuities, can lead to financial challenges when unexpected life events arise. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar speaks with David Cranfield, Brokerage Director at Pinney Insurance, to discuss common misconceptions about annuities, regulatory improvements, and best practices for informed decision-making. They explore how guarantees differ between products, why understanding surrender charges is crucial, and the importance of working with educated advisors. David also shares tips on evaluating annuity options to ensure they align with your financial goals. Resources mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34967245

Comprehensive Tax Planning for Small Businesses With Becky Brown & Morgan Holmes 01/16/2025

Comprehensive Tax Planning for Small Businesses With Becky Brown & Morgan Holmes Becky Brown and Morgan Holmes are the Founders of Stride, a comprehensive tax planning, bookkeeping, and accounting firm that helps companies accelerate growth. With a combined background in bookkeeping and taxation, Morgan and Becky joined forces to help MSPs, digital agencies, and professional services achieve their business goals through better financial planning and accounting. Focusing on small to midsize companies, Becky and Morgan help streamline financial operations, strategic planning, and effective tax management. In this episode... Keeping your books in order may be a chore, but it is essential to the financial success of any business. Whether it’s setting strategy, improving profitability, minimizing expenses, managing payroll, or navigating tax laws, accurate financial records are essential to making informed decisions and achieving sustainable growth. How can you incorporate all these elements into your annual business plan? According to financial experts Becky Brown and Morgan Holmes, start with a check-up of your balance sheet and income statement. They highlight the importance of not only recording transactions accurately but also understanding the interplay between your balance sheet and income statement. Then, set cash flow projections and ensure that your “accounting team” is on the same page. A holistic approach ensures accurate record-keeping, tax filing, and improves forward-looking projections. When paired with proactive tax planning, business owners can make more strategic decisions, maximize deductions, manage liabilities, and free up cash to invest in the growth of their business or personal financial goals. With these tools, businesses can reduce friction, improve efficiency, and gain peace of mind. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Becky Brown and Morgan Holmes, Founders of Stride, to discuss the essential strategies for smarter bookkeeping and tax planning. They cover the critical importance of monthly financial reviews, the benefits of aligning bookkeeping and tax services under one team, and actionable year-end tax-saving tips. Becky and Morgan also share insights on choosing the right entity structure for your business and planning for future financial changes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Stride: | /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34877740

Estate Planning for Families with Non-Taxable Estates With Rachel Dodson 01/09/2025

Estate Planning for Families with Non-Taxable Estates With Rachel Dodson Rachel Dodson is the Principal at Ayoub & Dodson LLP, a law firm in Oakland, California, specializing in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. A certified specialist in estate planning by the California State Bar, she has over a decade of experience guiding families with young children and individuals with non-taxable estates to create practical and personalized estate plans. Rachel also serves as a Professor of Wills & Trusts at UCLaw SF (formerly Hastings) and has been recognized as a Northern California Rising Star each year by Super Lawyers since 2015. In this episode… Estate planning is often approached with trepidation and regarded as a complex task reserved for the wealthy. However, it’s a crucial aspect of lif, impacting everyone with assets, children, and specific wishes for the future. But why is estate planning so universally important, and how can you navigate its intricacies? Rachel Dodson, an estate planning expert, provides crystal-clear answers as she underscores the importance of foresight and professional guidance. Rachel explains that the concept of an estate extends beyond lavish properties; it includes your everyday belongings and most importantly its about the people you care about. Developing a plan for your estate can be much more manageable than you might think, and she encourages a proactive approach to organizing your assets. It’s essential to create a revocable trust so heirs can avoid the costly and lengthy probate process. A trust facilitates the management of an estate when an individual cannot make decisions due to incapacity or death. The essence of estate planning is designed to ensure the efficient transfer of assets by creating essential documents such as trusts, wills, and health-care directives. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar hosts Rachel Dodson, Principal at Ayoub & Dodson LLP, about creating a tailored estate plan that resonates with individual needs and circumstances. Rachel analyses the vital components of a robust estate plan, shares insights on common pitfalls, such as writing your own will, and highlights the peace of mind that comes with a structured plan. Resources mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34778000

Investing in Multifamily Real Estate with David Saxe 12/19/2024

Investing in Multifamily Real Estate with David Saxe David Saxe is a Co-founder and Managing Principal at Calvera Partners, a real estate investment firm that finds, acquires, and optimizes multifamily properties in high-growth markets. Under his leadership, Calvera Partners has successfully grown from investing in seven-unit buildings to acquiring 300 unit apartment complexes in different markets. David's passion for real estate is influenced by his family's history, his academic background, and professional experience working with some of the largest real estate investment firms in the nation. In this episode… Building wealth through real estate may sound simple, but navigating constantly shifting markets, interest rates, housing trends and property features to build value and generate income requires professional insight. So what are some best practices and bright spots in real estate investing? According to David Saxe, a seasoned real estate investor, multifamily properties remain one of the most stable and rewarding asset classes despite economic challenges. He highlights the importance of capitalizing on supply and demand imbalances, identifying distressed investment opportunities, and investing in growth markets. By focusing on value-add properties and leveraging innovative financing strategies, David demonstrates how thoughtful execution can transform underperforming assets into consistent income-generating investments. And how building an investment fund can provide additional flexibility, leverage and ability to take advantage of opportunities in a competitive market. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with David Saxe, a Co-founder and Managing Principal at Calvera Partners, to discuss building wealth through multifamily investments. David shares his journey from small-scale Bay Area properties to managing large multifamily funds, explains why out-of-state markets present unique opportunities, and offers practical advice for individual and professional investors. Resources mentioned in this episode: Calvera Partners: | | /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34523310

Avoiding Pitfalls of Business Entity Formation With Doug Bend 12/12/2024

Avoiding Pitfalls of Business Entity Formation With Doug Bend Doug Bend is the Founder of Bend Law Group, PC, a boutique law firm based in San Francisco that advises startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners on entity formation, entity maintenance and ongoing legal requirements. Providing tailored guidance, Doug’s team is integral in forming over 50 new entities each year. With years of experience helping businesses navigate the complexities of legal entity formation, liability protection, and ongoing business operations. Doug has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Time, and The Washington Post. In this episode… Starting a business can be exciting, but choosing the proper legal structure and staying compliant can often feel like navigating an overwhelming maze. With many important considerations during the formation process and with various ongoing requirements, how do you ensure that your business is set up for success without being sidelined by unexpected issues? According to Doug Bend, a seasoned business attorney and an expert in small business legal matters, the key is to assess your business’ unique needs and long-term goals before selecting an entity type. He highlights the importance of understanding factors like liability protection, tax considerations, and ongoing compliance obligations, which can vary significantly by state, like California’s high state franchise tax. Doug also stresses that maintaining your legal entity — renewing licenses and adhering to filing deadlines — is crucial for liability protection and to avoid penalties. He warns that failing to address these steps can result in expensive errors and exposure to potential liability. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Doug Bend, Founder of Bend Law Group, PC, to discuss avoiding the pitfalls in business entity formation and compliance. Doug explains when and why to transition from a sole proprietorship to a formal entity, the impact of compliance requirements like the Corporate Transparency Act, and how to manage ongoing entity maintenance. Doug also shares actionable advice for effectively dissolving inactive entities to minimize costs. Resources mentioned in this episode: Doug Bend: | | /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34407025

From Freshman Year to Acceptance Letters: A Roadmap to College Success With Bradley Solomon 11/26/2024

From Freshman Year to Acceptance Letters: A Roadmap to College Success With Bradley Solomon Bradley Solomon is an Independent Educational Consultant at Solomon College Advising, a San Francisco-based counseling service dedicated to guiding students and families through the college admissions process. Students work closely with Bradley on pre-college planning, including developing a college list, editing college essays, and completing applications. After a successful career as a trial attorney with the California Attorney General's Office, Bradley decided to focus on guiding families through the college application process. He graduated with honors from the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program and interned at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School and with private counselors at College Admission Coach. In this episode… The college admissions journey can be overwhelming, filled with questions about grades, extracurriculars, and essays. Families often wonder when it’s the right time to start planning and how students can position themselves for success. With acceptance rates shrinking and competition rising, how will students and parents navigate this high-stakes process without losing balance? According to Bradley Solomon, a seasoned college counselor with years of experience guiding families, the best time to start planning is the first day of high school. He highlights that every decision — from course selection to summer activities — can significantly impact a student's application acceptance. Critical strategies are building strong teacher relationships, taking on meaningful extracurriculars, and maintaining focus on a few key activities rather than overloading themselves. These choices, combined with early college visits, not only enhance applications but also inspire students to strive for their best while staying organized and focused. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Bradley Solomon, Independent Educational Consultant at Solomon College Advising, to discuss how families can approach the college planning process with confidence. They explore practical advice for each high school year, strategies for creating a strong application, and the importance of a well-balanced college list. Bradley also shares tips for reducing stress, maintaining balance, and finding the best college fit for every student. Resources mentioned in this episode: Solomon College Advising: | /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34146975

Harness AI as a Creative Partner at Work and in Life With Matt Strain 11/21/2024

Harness AI as a Creative Partner at Work and in Life With Matt Strain Matt Strain is the Founder and Principal at The-Prompt.ai, a consultancy dedicated to helping businesses adopt and integrate AI tools to enhance productivity and drive innovation. With a strong background in technology, leadership, AI and a knack for making complex technology accessible, Matt works with companies across industries to adopt AI and create practical, effective solutions. He has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times and Forbes and frequently shares insights on using AI as a strategist, educator, creative partner, and consultant. In this episode… In an era when artificial intelligence is increasingly woven into both professional and personal realms, knowing how to leverage its capabilities can make a huge difference. Can AI be more than just a tool? Can AI be a creative partner in shaping ideas, creating solutions and enhancing our productivity? According to Matt Strain, an AI strategist and consultant, AI isn’t just a faster and better search engine; it’s a dynamic partner capable of sparking new idea, unlocking capabilities and creating efficiencies with ease. Matt highlights that AI's real value shines when it’s used beyond search or summarizing data, but rather by challenging our thinking and expanding our capabilities. By treating AI like a creative collaborator, users can unlock solutions that may have otherwise gone unexplored. This approach enables professionals and everyday users alike to broaden their capabilities, saving time on routine tasks while expanding their possibilities. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Matt Strain, Founder and Principal at The-Prompt.ai, to discuss how AI can be harnessed as a creative partner in both work and life. They explore practical applications that save time, how to integrate AI for business strategies, and ways to use it as a tool for innovation. Matt also shares advice on overcoming common AI fears and misconceptions. Resources mentioned in this episode: Special Mentions Quotable Moments: "My initial micro fame came when we were coming up on Valentine's Day, and I had an idea for a cocktail book." "It's a good starting point, but you have to validate what comes out of it. You've got to taste test it." "I think everybody can save 2-3 hours a week easy, right, without too much work?" "The companies that I find interesting is Moderna... they wanted all employees to create a custom GPT." "I tend to focus on the positive side, like I aim for that rational optimism target." Action Steps: Adopt a growth mindset towards AI: This approach helps overcome the fear of AI replacing jobs and instead focuses on how AI can augment human capabilities, thereby creating new opportunities. Integrate AI into daily tasks: Using AI for routine tasks such as emails, report summarization, and meeting notes can significantly enhance productivity. Engage in continuous learning and experimentation: Regularly experimenting with AI tools in various scenarios, from creative projects to complex data analysis, can deepen understanding and proficiency. Encourage AI adoption in executive leadership positions: Having company leaders model AI usage can inspire broader organizational acceptance and innovation. Establish clear AI usage policies: Implementing well-defined guidelines for AI use within an organization helps address concerns about data privacy and ethical usage. /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/34074001

CTASafe on Corporate Transparency Act Compliance 11/14/2024

CTASafe on Corporate Transparency Act Compliance James (Jay) O'Neil is the CEO of CTASafe, a compliance technology and consulting company focused on helping small and closely held businesses meet the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements. With a background in law, Jay combines legal expertise with practical solutions for businesses facing new regulatory obligations. His experience includes guiding clients through complex compliance laws, and he works closely with accountants and business attorneys to streamline CTA compliance and ensure accuracy in reporting. In this episode… Navigating the complexities of new regulations can be daunting for small business owners, especially when the stakes are high. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), recently enacted, requires businesses to report detailed ownership information to avoid hefty fines. But what exactly does this mean for your business, and how can you ensure compliance? According to Jay O'Neil, a seasoned attorney and expert in compliance law, the CTA aims to create a comprehensive database to help prevent money laundering and other financial crimes. He highlights that the law applies to any small business entity registered with the Secretary of State, provided it meets specific size and revenue thresholds. While the Act’s intentions are clear, the details are complex, from identifying beneficial owners to understanding filing deadlines. Jay emphasizes that missing the January 1, 2025, deadline could result in severe financial penalties, making it crucial for business owners to understand and address these requirements now. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar speaks with Jay O'Neil, CEO of CTASafe, to discuss the challenges and obligations of CTA compliance. They cover essential details on reporting requirements, potential penalties for non-compliance, and how CTASafe’s platform helps streamline the process for small businesses. Jay also shares practical advice for staying compliant in the face of evolving regulations. Resources mentioned in this episode: James (Jay) O'Neil: | CTASafe: | | | CTASafe Coupon Codes: $20 off of one time filing (PILLAR61FILE) | $400 off of concierge consulting options (PILLAR61124) Quotable Moments "The Corporate Transparency Act is essentially an attempt by the federal government to create a database of small businesses and their owners." "Easy to do wrong, hard to do right. If your test is whether you filled in something on each of the boxes, you're going to be able to do that pretty easily." "You have 30 days to file an update, or you're subject to the same penalties. Filing incorrect has the same consequence as failing to file." "So you can imagine if you had to call up eight different owners and officers of a company and say, hey, can you mail me your driver's license?" "This is a law enforcement database. We need to know within 30 days of where the money launderers are so we can go after them." Action Steps Understand the requirements: This foundational knowledge helps you identify if your business is a mandatory reporter, thereby avoiding potential penalties. Conduct a beneficial ownership analysis: Analyze your business structure to identify all beneficial owners, including those with substantial control, community property interests, and any complex ownership scenarios to ensure accurate reporting and mitigate the risk of underreporting, which could result in fines. Implement a compliance monitoring system: Set up a system to monitor and update any changes in ownership or company information within the required 30-day period to avoid lapses in compliance due to overlooked updates or changes in business operations. Engage professional help: Leveraging professional expertise can simplify the process and provide clarity, especially regarding complex ownership structures and legal nuances. Schedule regular compliance reviews: This routine helps maintain vigilance against any unreported changes and keeps your business aligned with evolving legal requirements. /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/33918158

Making Space for Big Questions With Andy Cahill 11/30/2023

Leadership and Change Management Strategies 09/28/2023

Utilizing Military Spouses To Build a Lifestyle Business With Laura Renner 06/29/2023

Utilizing Military Spouses To Build a Lifestyle Business With Laura Renner Laura Renner is the Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Makers, a virtual assistant agency supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs with admin support. Freedom Makers pairs companies with qualified, versatile, and experienced military spouses. Laura, a former Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force, is passionate about connecting talented military spouses with motivated small business owners. As a small business owner, she understands the stress associated with running a business and the challenge of being a military spouse struggling to build a career when assignments can change at a moment’s notice. In this episode… In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, lifestyle businesses have increased in popularity. As a result of global lockdowns, remote work is becoming normalized — allowing people the flexibility to work from anywhere. Military spouses who often forego career opportunities due to the unpredictability of active duty assignments and transfers have benefited from the accessibility to remote positions. Are military spouses the answer for small business owners looking to outsource specialized work? Finding the ideal virtual assistant is a challenge for many business owners. Confidentiality, trust, and discipline are key skills required when hiring an assistant, but finding the right person can be an arduous task. According to Laura Renner, the environment that military families live in helps them to stay organized, making them an asset for entrepreneurs. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Laura Renner, the Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Makers, to discuss how utilizing military spouses as virtual assistants can help build your lifestyle business. Laura shares why military spouses are ideal candidates for virtual assistant roles, what criteria to consider when hiring an assistant, and why lifestyle businesses utilize virtual assistants. Resources Mentioned in this episode /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/27319953

Grow Your Business With the Support of a Consultant With Crystal Shanks 06/22/2023

Grow Your Business With the Support of a Consultant With Crystal Shanks Crystal Shanks is the CEO and Certified Business Coach at Run Right Business Consulting, where business and executive coaches help entrepreneurs and executives thrive through professional and personal development. Run Right’s coaching program is uniquely personalized for each person and focuses on core needs, including marketing, sales, operations, leadership, financial mastery, career advancement, and mindset. Crystal has coached thousands of owners and businesses worldwide to generate maximum profits and substantial results for nearly 15 years. In this episode… People hire business coaches and consultants for various reasons, including having a sounding board, gaining accountability, and helping with business challenges. They provide valuable support and guidance to leaders wanting to propel themselves to another level of success. However, to effectively support clients, consultants must ask a bevy of questions to identify pain points. With 14 years of coaching executives and leaders under her belt, Crystal Shanks is no stranger to the business world. If you’re looking to elevate yourself or grow your business, her advice is to work with a business coach and be ready to be vulnerable and connect on an emotional level. Coaches can unveil barriers blocking your potential to reach your goals, so you must be willing to share to get to the heart of things. When you commit to the process, the walls will break and clear a path to determine what’s holding you back and the measures you can take to move forward. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Crystal Shanks, CEO and Certified Business Coach at Run Right Business Consulting, to discuss the influence of executive coaching on business growth. She shares what motivates people to work with a business coach, inspirational case studies about past clients, and the differences between a business coach and a life coach. Plus, Crystal offers a special homework assignment as a first step toward growing your business. Resources Mentioned in this episode /episode/index/show/pillar6/id/27231561