Shows
The Catalyst EffectThe Real Scaling FormulaIn this Catalyst Effect episode, recorded live at Austin Tech Week, we dive into two high-impact conversations that every founder should hear.The first conversation explores the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven development. We dig into why AI is accelerating engineering productivity for some teams while completely derailing others. From overreliance on LLMs to the importance of choosing the right architecture and tech stack, this segment exposes the truth behind “AI hype vs. AI reality.” You’ll hear insights on how disciplined requirements, guardrails, and modular development allow companies to compress nine-month projects into three months—without sacrificing quality.Ryan Les...
2025-12-1137 min
The Catalyst EffectBuilding Beyond the Hype: Real Talk on Bitcoin, AI, and Founder RealityIn this special episode of The Catalyst Effect, recorded live at Austin Tech Week, Isaac Carter sits down with two founders who are shaping the future of technology—one through Bitcoin-driven value creation, the other by redefining the architecture of AI itself.This episode brings together two high-impact conversations:🔥 Segment 1: Bitcoin Beyond the Hype (Featuring insights from Car Gonzales)From running a Bitcoin accelerator to helping founders build sustainable, value-driven businesses, this conversation breaks down:Why Bitcoin is increasingly becoming a real payment layer for startupsHow founders can create sustainable value instead of chasing token trendsWhy Austin is emerging as th...
2025-12-0332 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Operating Rooms to International Markets: Founders Reimagining the FutureIn this special double-feature episode of The Catalyst Effect, we sit down with two leaders who are shaping the future of global innovation — Ana Sizova and Colton Yee.These conversations explore the real challenges and breakthroughs happening where technology, healthcare, global markets, and human impact intersect.Ana shares how AI is transforming the way surgeons prepare for complex procedures, analyzing each patient case individually rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.We discuss:• how AI elevates surgeons before they ever enter the operating room• the future of medical decision-support tools• t...
2025-11-1928 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Vision to Traction: How Founders Turn Ideas into Scalable Systems | The Catalyst Effect PodcastIn this special episode of The Catalyst Effect Podcast, recorded live at Austin Tech Week and presented by Capital Factory, host Isaac Carter sits down with three visionary founders—Steven Laidlaw (Stellar), Victor Cruz (TDE), and Brock Wagehoft (Fractional COO)—to explore what it really takes to scale ideas into sustainable, impactful companies.🔹 Steven Laidlaw shares how his personal $80,000 loss inspired Stellar, a platform protecting condo owners and HOAs from financial ruin through smarter reserve planning and predictive capital management.🔹 Victor Cruz, CTO and co-founder of TDE, dives into the future of holographic AI companions and how hu...
2025-11-1251 min
The Catalyst EffectThe Founders Shaping Tomorrow: How AI, Drones, and Logistics Are Changing Our World🎙️ The Catalyst Effect: Voices of the Founder – Austin Tech Week EditionAt Austin Tech Week, hosted by Capital Factory, we sat down with three visionary founders who are reimagining the future of technology, from AI to logistics to public safety.🚀 Uday Ayyagari – Founder & CEO of Aurus.AIUday shares how Aurus is redefining document intelligence for fintech and beyond. His AI platform, Doe Crunch, can process complex portfolios of financial documents in minutes—compressing what takes banks weeks into hours. He discusses how mid-market companies can finally harness AI to streamline loan origination, a...
2025-11-0554 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Idea to Execution, What Founders Get Wrong (and Right) - AustinTech Week Pt.1Three conversations. Three perspectives. One mission — to build with clarity.In this special Catalyst Effect highlight episode, Isaac Carter sits down with:Javiera Avilez, Marketing Strategist at Contollo, to discuss why every startup faces the same challenges — and how clarity and execution separate success from failure.Michael Dreger, founder of Maidin, to explore how AI is reshaping design, branding, and the power of finding your niche before you scale.Dan, founder of AutoHDR, who shares how his AI startup revolutionized real estate photography — bootstrapped, profitable, and powering 15% of Zillow listin...
2025-10-2936 min
The Catalyst EffectFixing Trust with AI: The Future of Car RepairIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter sits down with Michael Peterson, founder of Raise a Hood, to talk about how artificial intelligence is rebuilding trust between car owners and mechanics.From growing up in a mechanic’s garage to leading a startup that predicts vehicle issues before you even visit the shop, Michael shares how technology can bridge one of the biggest trust gaps in the auto industry — and why the human touch still matters.💡 Topics covered:How AI can diagnose vehicle problems before the mechanic doesThe g...
2025-10-1638 min
The Catalyst EffectBuilding Access Through TechIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter talks with Angel Mosley, founder of Cybase Risk Management and Cybersecurity Game Changers.Angel shares how she’s using technology to create access and opportunity — from empowering underrepresented youth in Dallas to helping companies stay secure and prepared for cyber threats.💡 A powerful conversation about purpose-driven innovation, resilience, and using tech to do good.
2025-10-1420 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Problem to PropTech: Spacer’s StoryIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter sits down with Derek from Spacer, a startup transforming the home search experience through personalization, local insights, and AI.They dive into how Spacer helps families and individuals discover not just homes — but the right communities and lifestyles that fit them best.From startup challenges and go-to-market strategy to lessons learned building in the proptech space, this conversation is full of insights for founders navigating product-market fit and early growth.
2025-10-1315 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Survival to Strategy: Building Hope Through TechIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter sits down with Andre Butler, founder of Gotel Communications and the nonprofit Tecmo Institute of Technology, to discuss how exposure, technology, and education can transform communities.From bringing tech opportunities to underserved neighborhoods to gamifying career discovery for kids in Nicaragua, this conversation explores how innovation can restore hope — and how founders can use technology for impact, not just profit.💡 Topics covered:Using technology to build access, not just efficiencyThe power of exposure in shaping young mindsGamifying education to in...
2025-10-1010 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom RC Blimps to Military Tech: How Galaxy Unmanned Systems Reinvented FlightIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, host Isaac Carter sits down with Jason White, founder of Galaxy Unmanned Systems — the winner of the DFW Startup Week pitch competition — to unpack one of the most fascinating startup comeback stories in aerospace.Jason shares how his company pioneered autonomous, lighter-than-air blimps for broadcasting and surveillance — years before “drones” were even a thing — and how a sudden FAA regulation in 2007 wiped out their entire industry overnight.From there, he and his team found themselves working with the U.S. Department of Defense, deploying aerostats in Afghanistan and saving lives on the front lines...
2025-10-0623 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Classroom Frustation to Startup Innovation - The Catalyst Effect Podcast with Lee ArnoldIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect Podcast (recorded live at Dallas Startup Week), Isaac Carter and Fernando Labastida sit down with Lee Arnold, founder of Campus Centry, to talk about the future of educational technology.Lee shares his journey from being a classroom teacher frustrated with disconnected tools, to building a platform that consolidates and simplifies the EdTech stack for schools. Together, we dive into:✅ Why multiple, non-integrated apps are burning out teachers✅ How to identify the right features to prioritize when building✅ The difference between MVP (Minimum Viable Product) vs. MM...
2025-09-3019 min
The Catalyst EffectReinventing Payment for StartupsIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter sits down with Tricia and Carson, the founders of BoglePay, a FinTech startup tackling one of the biggest pain points for small businesses and startups: high transaction fees.They share how their platform makes ACH payments frictionless and affordable, giving businesses a way to reduce costs while still keeping credit card options for customers. From MVP development to early customer adoption and go-to-market strategy, this conversation dives into what it really takes to bring an innovative payment solution to market.You’ll learn:✅ Why credit card...
2025-09-2611 min
The Catalyst EffectProtecting Founders: Living Benefits, Financial Security & EntrepreneurshipMost founders plan for success. Few plan for survival.At Dallas Startup Week, I sat down with Tim and Maria — seasoned advisors who specialize in living benefits. Unlike traditional life insurance, living benefits protect you while you’re still alive: when a heart attack, cancer, or another crisis strikes, and your family still needs to pay the bills.As founders, we’re often the worst-served when it comes to financial safety nets. No corporate benefits, no HR department, just risk stacked on top of risk. This conversation reminded me that protecting your family and bu...
2025-09-2216 min
The Catalyst EffectInvesting in Success Market Validation firstToo many founders think raising money will solve their problems. It won’t.At Dallas Startup Week, I spoke with Dan Sinawat (VC Arena) and Boris Todtenhaupt about why community beats capital every time. Because at the end of the day, investors don’t fund ideas — they fund people. And the only way they’ll trust you is if you show up, build real relationships, and prove you can execute.This blog dives into why relationships are the real currency of entrepreneurship, and why every founder should chase community before they chase capital.
2025-09-2221 min
The Catalyst EffectRevolutionizing Policing Safety First: Conversation with Dr. Leah Lewis- The Catalyst Effect PodcastIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter sits down with Dr. Leah Lewis, founder of Cocoon Technologies, to discuss how innovation can transform one of the most high-stakes moments in society: the traffic stop.Dr. Lewis shares the story behind LARA (License and Registration App) — a contactless policing solution designed to bring safety, trust, and accountability to both officers and citizens. Together, Isaac and Leah explore:How tragedy and lived experience can spark powerful innovation.Why rethinking what we measure in policing (and startups) matters.How technology can bridge divides and open up new dialogues around trust an...
2025-09-1918 min
The Catalyst EffectStop Building Products Nobody Wants | Ray Fajardo on The Catalyst Effect Podcast80% of startup failures come down to two things:1️⃣ Building something nobody wants.2️⃣ Failing to deliver the product to the right audience.In this episode of The Catalyst Effect Podcast, Isaac Carter sits down with Ray Fajardo to unpack why so many founders start with technology instead of people — and how to flip that script for success.
2025-09-0215 min
The Catalyst EffectUnlocking Startup Valuation: The Power of Intangible Assets| The Catalyst Effect Podcast with Alejandra SantosRevenue growth gets the headlines, but it’s not the whole story. In this episode of The Catalyst Effect Podcast, Isaac Carter sits down with Alejandra Santos to unpack the often-overlooked drivers of business value: intangible assets.They explore:✅ Why intangible assets can multiply your valuation✅ The difference between revenue multiples and IP-driven multiples✅ How founders can position their businesses for higher long-term valueIf you’re building a startup and only focusing on revenue, you might be leaving millions on the table. This conversation will shift how you think about grow...
2025-08-2727 min
The Catalyst EffectWhy Insurance ≠ Healthcare: A Patient-Centered PerspectiveIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect, Isaac Carter sits down with Ifeanyi Umejei to explore one of the most critical challenges in today’s health industry: the confusion between healthcare and health insurance.Ifani shares how this misalignment impacts both doctors and patients, and why real innovation in healthcare must start with listening to patients and focusing on their actual needs—not just insurance systems.🔑 Key takeaways:The difference between healthcare and health insuranceHow insurance-driven models affect patient experienceWhy patient interaction should drive systemic improvementsWhat...
2025-08-2340 min
The Catalyst EffectFounders Need More Than Capital — Building Startup Community | The Catalyst Effect PodcastIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect Podcast, Isaac Carter sits down with Luke B. Gajary to discuss a truth too many founders learn the hard way: funding alone isn’t enough.From isolation to burnout, many visionary founders believe they must carry the entire weight of their startup on their own. Luke shares why community is just as critical as capital — and how intentional networking, venture studio collaborations, and founder–funder events can spark real growth.Whether you’re building your first MVP or scaling to the next stage, this conversation is packed with insights on building the relation...
2025-08-1915 min
The Catalyst EffectChoosing the Right Startup to Back | Ichan Stall on Angel Investing & Founder VisionIn this episode of The Catalyst Effect Podcast, Isaac Carter sits down with Ichan Stall to dive into the world of angel investing.They discuss:💡 Why a founder’s vision can matter more than perfect numbers🏇 How investors decide “which horse to bet on”📊 Why most early-stage startups fail — and what separates the survivors🚀 The role of passion, clarity, and long-term thinking in attracting investmentWhether you’re a founder looking for funding or an investor searching for your next opportunity, this conversation offers real-world insights into what makes a startup worth backing.
2025-08-1936 min
The Catalyst EffectRedefining Success: Adi Prakash Talks Outcome-Driven Business ModelsAt DFW Startup Week 2025, Catalyst Effect Podcast host Isaac Carter sat down with Adi Prakash to challenge the traditional “time for money” mindset in business.In this conversation, Adi shares why true success isn’t measured in hours worked — but in measurable outcomes that create real impact for customers, partners, and communities.✅ Learn why outcome-driven strategies beat hourly billing✅ See how aligning goals with clients leads to better results✅ Discover the power of defining success and milestones early
2025-08-1920 min
The Viral Genius PodcastWhy 90% of Startups Fail at Go-to-Market (And How to Fix It)Guest: Isaac Carter, CEO & Founder of Contollo, Software Development Expert & Author of "Before You Build"A candid discussion between two founders who discovered that the best software development strategies are actually marketing strategies in disguise—and why that changes everything for startups.Key Highlights:Why 40% of startups fail from lack of product-market fit (and how to avoid it)The 5-person discovery method that eliminates guesswork before you buildHow Isaac went viral 4X and ditched expensive LinkedIn ads for organic contentWhy "code is cost, not value"—and what that means for your MVPThe injection molding stor...
2025-06-2546 min
The Catalyst EffectFrom Dysfunctional to High-Performance – Fixing Broken Tech TeamsIn this episode, we explore the real-world challenges tech teams face within Agile frameworks. Our guest, David Posey, shares practical insights on improving team processes, fostering accountability, and creating a culture of clear, open communication. We dive into defining what success looks like, navigating uncertainty in project scope and timelines, and the leadership qualities that truly elevate Agile teams.Whether you're a product owner, developer, or project manager, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to help your team stay aligned, focused, and empowered.Want to connect with our guest, David Posey?👉 Book a mee...
2025-04-021h 10
The Catalyst EffectVeteran vs. Junior – Lessons from New Products vs. Established SystemsIn this episode of the Catalyst at Effect podcast, host Isaac Big Data Carter discusses the complexities of delivering tech projects that meet business needs. Joined by veteran Tim Dickey and business analyst Dr. Gabriel Huerta, they explore the challenges of technical debt, the importance of thorough analysis, and the necessity of understanding user needs. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of effective teams and the strategic positioning of IT within businesses to drive success and achieve product-market fit. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of defining a clear mission statement for teams, prioritizing features effectively using...
2025-03-1949 min
The Catalyst EffectProcess vs. Culture in Scaling CompaniesOn this podcast, our invitees discussed the critical role of leadership in guiding teams through growth and change. Regardless of a company's culture, effective leaders can help employees adapt to new processes by fostering clear communication, setting expectations, and providing the necessary support. Melissa Iraheta emphasized the importance of structured workflows and proper training, while JC Rodriguez highlighted how understanding team motivators and natural talents can make transitions smoother.
2025-03-0551 min
The Catalyst EffectThe Key to Quality – Why Analysis Shapes SuccessIn this episode of the Catalyst Effect Podcast, host Isaac Carter, Freddy Sotelo, founder of Unified Wellness, who is transforming the wellness industry with innovative ideas and Dr. Gabriel Huerta discuss the critical role of analysis in developing successful business solutions, particularly in the healthcare sector. They explore various aspects of analysis, including functional and technical requirements, non-functional requirements, and the importance of business analysts in bridging the gap between business needs and technical execution. The conversation also highlights the journey of Unified Wellness in transforming healthcare enrollment and the significance of effective communication and alignment between business and...
2025-02-2050 min
The Catalyst EffectConcept to Market: Why Discovery MattersIn this episode, our amazing team from Contollo discusses the importance of the discovery phase in the concept-to-market method. As the first step in the process, discovery can be a deal-breaker when deciding whether to launch a business.
2025-02-0551 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 78 | 2024 World Champions, Materia, Endora. and ContolloEpisode 78 of We Code You Launch takes listeners to the thrilling finale of the inaugural CodeLaunch World Championship 2024, where startups from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico battled for glory in front of 550 attendees, 50+ investors, and a vast livestream audience.Host Jason W. Taylor and co-host Raheel Malik dive into the evening’s highlights, including the intense competition between eight innovative startups. The episode celebrates the triumph of Materia Bioworks, crowned World Champion by audience votes, and Endora, which swept the Judges and Investors Choice awards.Listeners will hear exclusive interviews wi...
2024-12-0434 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 75 | CodeLaunch Mexico 2024 Champions – FIZI and K'uub México Break New Ground! In this exciting episode of We Code You Launch, host Jason W. Taylor brings you the inside story from the stage at CodeLaunch Mexico 2024! Hear from this year's standout startups who wowed the crowd at Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus GDL on October 16. Champion FIZI—on a mission to bring digitization to local businesses, with the expert support of Contollo—and Judges' Choice winner K'uub México, streamlining logistics for a sustainable future with DWSoftware, share their journey, insights, and what's next. Dive into the energy, challenges, and wins that make CodeLaunch the ultimate stage for startups! #WeCodeYouLaunch #CodeLaunch #Startup...
2024-10-3126 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 73 | CodeLaunch Canada 2024 PCL Hackathon Sponsors Draft the FinalistsIn Episode 73 of the We Code You Launch podcast, hosts Raheel Malik and CodeLaunch founder Jason W. Taylor host the draft for 6 incredible Finalists selected for CodeLaunch Mexico 2024, set to hit the stage on October 16th at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus GDL! Hear about the startups poised to compete for the coveted CodeLaunch belt:FIZI – Empowering local businesses with ContolloCar-e Mobility – Streamlining car repairs with SIACK'uub México – Revolutionizing logistics for sustainability with DWSoftwareKeskinube – Innovating retail through AI with team...
2024-09-2410 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 74 | Meet the CodeLaunch Mexico 2024 FinalistsIn Episode 74 of the We Code You Launch podcast, host Raheel Malik introduces the 6 groundbreaking startups set to compete on stage for the CodeLaunch Mexico 2024 belt on October 16th at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus GDL. These innovative finalists, backed by top development teams, are ready to change the game:FIZI – Digitizing local businesses with ContolloCar-e Mobility – Simplifying car repairs with SIACK'uub México – Optimizing logistics for sustainability with DWSoftwareKeskinube – Bringing AI-powered innovation to retail with team RomioAlterGard – Redefining g...
2024-09-2430 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 72 | CodeLaunch Canada 2024 Winners Reveal Lodestone, Materia, and Contollo’s 4th PCL Championship!In Episode 72 of the We Code You Launch podcast, hosts Raheel Malik and CodeLaunch founder Jason W. Taylor sit down with the big winners from CodeLaunch Canada 2024! Join us as we talk to:Dennis Chow, founder of Lodestone, the Judges’ Choice Award winner,Hasitha de Alwis, founder of Materia, the Overall Winner,Isaac Carter, founder of Contollo, who won the PCL Championship for the 4th time and also coded for Materia’s winning pitch!Isaac also shares exciting insights on
2024-09-2420 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 69 | Contollo Founder Isaac Carter and The Painful Path - Figma and AgileIn this episode of the We Code, You Launch podcast, we are thrilled to have Isaac Carter, the Founder of Contollo and PS-AI, join us. Isaac takes us on a deep dive into "The Painful Path - Figma and Agile," sharing his insights, experiences, and the challenges faced while navigating these essential tools and methodologies in the software development world.Whether you're a seasoned developer, a project manager, or just starting in the tech industry, Isaac's journey offers valuable takeaways that can help you navigate your own path more effectively. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding...
2024-08-1530 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 68 | CodeLaunch Canada 2024 PCL Hackathon Sponsors Draft the FinalistsJoin us for Episode 68 of the We Code You Launch Podcast as we dive into the excitement of the CodeLaunch Canada 2024 Draft! In this special episode, six outstanding software development teams draft the finalists they will be supporting for this year's competition. Discover the strategies and insights behind their selections, and get to know the teams that will be pushing the boundaries of innovation.Drafting Teams:Contollo - Isaac CarterTEAM PUMPKIN - Harmeet Singh MongaOLLON - Chris EllefsonCaffiene2Code (Improving) - Andre Wolf
2024-07-2508 min
Radio New Geography and ScienceApprofondimento: Guerra Congo - Grandi LaghiOggi parliamo della guerra "dimenticata" che si svolge da decenni in Congo per il contollo delle sue ingenti risorse minerarie. [Foto di Welcome to All ! ツ da Pixabay ( www.pixabay.com)]
2023-08-0903 min
We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch & ImprovingEp. 22 | Interview with Contollo Founder Isaac Carter
2022-11-3050 min