Shows
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE100: Lady Gaga's Father - Joe Germanotta - from WiFi to TrattoriaJoe Germanotta (Lady Gaga's father) shares his journey from childhood food memories to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant and technology sectors. He discusses the evolution of his businesses, including the creation of Wi-Fi services for hotels and the challenges of running a restaurant post-COVID. Joe emphasizes the importance of creating unique dining experiences, supporting emerging artists, and encouraging creativity in children. His insights reflect a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and a commitment to community. He also shares some tips on raising daughters all dads could benefit from!01:06The Evolution of...2025-06-0456 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE99: Matthew Johnson - iMedicare and Amplicare Co-founder with a successful exitIn this conversation, Flaviu and Matt discuss their entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges they faced while building and selling their company, the health issues that impacted their work, and the lessons learned about company culture and navigating exits. They also touch on Matt's transition to a new venture in the consumer space and share practical life hacks for organization and productivity.Chapters04:31 The Journey of Building a Company08:36 Health Challenges and Their Impact13:04 Lessons Learned from Startup Experiences17:24 Navigating Success and Market Timing2025-05-2248 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE98: From Spotify to Soulmates - Brandon Dawkins’ Dating Coach RevolutionJoin us as Brandon Dawkins, a former Spotify product manager turned NYC dating coach, shares his unexpected journey from corporate life to founding Beyond Nice, a coaching service revolutionizing love for nice guys. With a CPA background, a passion for community, and a fresh take on dating, Brandon delivers a story brimming with humor, hustle, and heart.In this episode, Brandon unpacks his pivot from layoffs in December 2023 to launching Beyond Nice, helping singles dodge the friend zone and find confidence. He spills on quirky first dates—like Taylor’s cargo-shorts fiasco turned taco triu...2025-04-1040 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE97 Alan Lin: From China to Liquid Salad HustleJoin us as Alan Lin, a design veteran turned food innovator, shares his wild journey from China’s booming creative scene to launching Liquid Salad, a health food disruptor that hit the market on March 24, 2025. With 12 years of experience design, a knack for turning chaos into opportunity, and a fresh take on greens powder, Allen delivers a story packed with entrepreneurial hustle, cultural flair, and a dash of absurdity.In this episode, Alan unravels his path from studying abroad in Beijing to thriving in China’s “champagne and cocaine” era, only to pivot into founding Liquid Salad—a daily fr...2025-04-0352 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE96 Adrianne Nickerson: From Cancer Care to Oula’s Maternity RevolutionJoin us as Adrianne Nickerson, a healthcare innovator and founder of Oula, shares her inspiring journey from co-founding a cancer support startup to revolutionizing maternity care for women across the U.S. With a data-driven passion and a knack for building community, Adrianne offers a fresh perspective on transforming a broken system into a warm, evidence-based experience,starting with her own life-changing birth story.In this episode, Adrianne dives into creating Oula, a maternity care company blending midwifery and obstetrics, now expanding from New York to Connecticut. She reveals how patient feedback scrapped birth...2025-03-2041 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE95 Joel Duncan: From Marine Corps to Pothole Empire & Michigan GritJoin us as Joel Duncan, a former Marine and corporate finance professional turned entrepreneur, shares his remarkable transition from a structured career in Michigan to owning Spray Patch Road Repair, a niche pothole repair business. With a blend of military grit, financial acumen, and a leap of faith, Joel offers a gripping tale of self-education, strategic acquisition, and hands-on leadership in a blue-collar world.In this episode, Joel unpacks his path from enlisting in the Marine Corps at 18 to climbing the corporate ladder, only to pivot toward buying a business in 2025. He dives into the nuts and bolts of...2025-03-1339 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE94 Paul Adams: From Northern England to Jay-Z & Phoenix Rising GloryJoin us as Paul Adams, a seasoned entertainment industry veteran with a distinctive British accent, shares his extraordinary journey from a working-class background in northern England to managing global superstars like Duran Duran, Justin Timberlake, Radiohead, and Jay-Z. As a key player in music management and co-owner of Phoenix Rising FC, Paul delivers a compelling narrative of persistence, human connection, and navigating the unpredictable worlds of music and sports.In this episode, Paul dives into his unconventional rise, from managing friends’ bands to working with top-tier talent and co-owning a soccer club with Diplo. He reveals how surviving accidents, ma...2025-03-0647 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE93 Gabby's Journey from China to Celebrity Marketing in New York CityJoin us as Gabby Gabriel, the visionary founder of GAB Inc. and GAB China, shares her incredible journey from teaching English in Shanghai to leading a global marketing empire. With an adventurous spirit and a talent for turning challenges into opportunities, Gabby transformed a spontaneous move to China into a decad of entrepreneurial success. From building one of China’s largest LGBTQ communities to launching GAB China—a powerhouse agency connecting brand with Chinese markets—and expanding her vision through GAB Inc., Gabby’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and cross-cultural leadership.In this...2025-03-0536 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE92 Manik Bhat: From Medicine to Mission with HealthifyJoin us as Manik Bhat, the visionary behind Healthify, shares his remarkable journey from medicine to tech entrepreneurship, driven by a mission to improve health outcomes through social services. With a background in philosophy, health care, and a knack for innovation, Manik has made significant strides in integrating technology with social welfare. Healthify is a platform that connects families to essential social services, aiming to reduce health disparities by addressing root causes.In this episode, Manik takes us through the inception, growth, and eventual sale of Healthify. He discusses the intricacies of managing a mission-driven startup in the complex...2025-02-1346 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE91 Fungi Forward: Addy Malhotra's Journey from Tech to Agricultural Innovation.Join us as Addy Malhotra, Co-Founder & CEO of Enhanced Nature, shares his journey from an accidental discovery to revolutionizing agriculture with beneficial fungi. With a background in electrical engineering and a family legacy in manufacturing, Addy has pivoted to create a brand that leverages nature's efficiency for sustainable farming solutions. Enhanced Nature isn't just about agriculture; it's about harnessing the power of symbiosis for global food security.
In this episode, Addy walks us through the evolution of his business, from his first venture in tech outsourcing to pioneering work with mycorrhizae. He explores the...2025-01-3037 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE90 From Law to Skincare: Hyper Skin's Journey to Inclusive BeautyJoin us as Desiree Verdejo, the founder of Hyper Skin, shares her inspiring journey of transforming personal struggles into a skincare revolution. With a background in law and a passion for beauty, Desiree has built a brand focused on addressing skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, particularly for deeper skin tones. Hyper Skin is not just about beauty; it's about inclusivity and empowerment in skincare.
In this episode, Desiree takes us through the process of founding and scaling Hyper Skin. She discusses the challenges of breaking into the beauty industry, the importance of understanding your market, and...2025-01-2333 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE89 Saving Lives with Aviation: How Laura Epstein is Revolutionizing Organ Transplant LogisticsJoin us as Laura Epstein, the founder of Pulse Charter Connect, shares her inspiring journey of combining aviation expertise with a mission to save lives. With a background in aerospace engineering and a passion for logistics, Laura is redefining how organ transport operates. Pulse Charter Connect is a healthcare logistics platform that ensures vital organs and surgeons reach their destinations quickly and efficiently, contributing to life-saving procedures.
In this episode, Laura takes us behind the scenes of founding and growing Pulse Charter Connect. She sheds light on the challenges of innovating in the niche...2025-01-1630 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE88 Jeb Banner, Revolutionizing Event Management with OpenDate.Join us as Jeb Banner, the seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of OpenDate, shares how he’s revolutionizing event management by fostering meaningful connections and streamlining operations. With a rich history of entrepreneurial success, Jeb’s latest venture, OpenDate, is redefining how communities plan and manage events with purpose-driven technology.
In this episode, Jeb takes us behind the scenes of building OpenDate, shedding light on the challenges, insights, and motivations that have shaped its development. By addressing inefficiencies in traditional event management systems, OpenDate empowers organizations to simplify operations while building stronger relationships with their audi...2024-12-2646 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE87 Revolutionizing Networking: Arjun Rai’s Vision with SelfTactJoin us as Arjun Rai, the visionary entrepreneur behind SelfTact, shares how he’s redefining personal productivity and networking. Drawing from his entrepreneurial success with HelloWoofy and other ventures, Arjun’s latest innovation, SelfTact, empowers professionals with a personal CRM designed to enhance relationship management and streamline follow-ups.
In this episode, Arjun takes us behind the scenes of building SelfTact, exploring the challenges, insights, and motivations that shaped its development. With a clear focus on solving the inefficiencies of traditional CRM systems, SelfTact bridges the gap between technology and meaningful human connections, enabling users to n...2024-12-2042 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE86 Revolutionizing Skincare: Cristiana Banila on Epigenetics, Biotech, and the Longevity RevolutionJoin us as Cristiana Banila, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Mitra Bio, shares her groundbreaking journey in the biotech and skincare industries. From her academic roots at the University of Oxford to leading innovations in non-invasive skin diagnostics, Cristiana is revolutionizing how we understand and care for our skin. Combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial grit, she’s creating tools that help people measure and enhance their skin health, driven by epigenetic biomarkers.
In this episode, Cristiana dives into the science of skin aging, the challenges of launching a biotech startup, and how Mitra Bio is shaping the future of...2024-12-1232 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE85 From Personal Adversity to Purpose-Driven Success: Mark DeRosa’s Journey in Benefits and RecoveryJoin us as Mark DeRosa, Founder of Vantage Point Benefits and Co-Founder of Woodhaven Recovery, shares his inspiring journey from family tragedy to entrepreneurial impact.
Motivated by his father’s workplace accident and personal experiences with addiction recovery, Mark has dedicated his career to solving complex challenges in employee benefits and creating safe spaces for teens in crisis.
In this episode, Mark discusses balancing two mission-driven businesses, competing against tech giants in the benefits industry, and leading with integrity in every decision. Whether you're a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or...2024-12-0740 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE84 Redefining Cardiovascular Care: Ian Koons on Innovation and the Journey of Karoo HealthJoin us as Ian Koons, Co-Founder and CEO of Karoo Health, shares his journey from sports professional to healthcare entrepreneur. Motivated by personal experiences with cardiovascular disease, Ian co-founded Karoo Health to revolutionize cardiac care through value-based models and innovative technology.
In this episode, Ian discusses scaling a mission-driven business, leading with innovation, and transforming the cardiovascular care landscape. Whether you're a healthcare professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
• TRANSITION TO HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Ian's shift from sports to health...2024-11-2841 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE83 Fee-Free Fundraising: François de Kerret on how Zeffy is Revolutionizing Nonprofit ImpactJoin us as François, Co-Founder and CEO of Zeffy, shares his journey from physics student to mission-driven entrepreneur. Discover how his passion for social impact and frustration with nonprofit inefficiencies led to the creation of Zeffy—a fee-free fundraising platform ensuring nonprofits receive 100% of donations, supported by a voluntary tipping model.
In this episode, François discusses scaling a mission-driven business, leading with innovation, and transforming the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
🔑 Key Highlights
2024-11-2131 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE82 Leadership and Innovation with Steve Zehngut, Founder of Zeek InteractiveSteve Zehngut, Founder of Zeek Interactive, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his journey from filmmaker to tech entrepreneur and agency leader. He delves into the early days of web development, navigating the dot-com crash, and the decision to sell his agency after nearly 30 years.
In this episode, Steve discusses how he built Zeek Interactive into a respected agency, adapted to rapid changes in technology, and leveraged storytelling from his film background to craft compelling digital experiences.
He shares insights into leadership, innovation, and embracing AI as a tool for creativity...2024-11-1442 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE81: Navigating the Defense Industry with John Dewey, CEO of Dewey ElectronicsJohn Dewey, President of Dewey Electronics, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his journey from artist and consultant to defense contractor and CEO. He delves into the unique challenges of the defense industry, managing a public-to-private business transition, and finding a niche in manufacturing specialize military equipment.
In this episode, John explores how his family business evolved into a leading provider of rugged, mission-critical power products for military applications. He shares insights into government contracting, the lengthy sales cycles, and how he built a resilient business by focusing on reliability and engineering excellence.2024-11-0742 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE80 Growing with Purpose: Michael Caito on Strategic Decisions and Accountability SystemsMichael Caito, Owner & CEO of MAP Consulting, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his expertise in scaling businesses through strategic leadership and process-driven growth. He discusses how he built and sold his food delivery company, Restaurants on the Run, to Grubhub, and how these experiences inform his current consulting work.
In this episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making, timing, and building the right team for long term success. He highlights the value of creating systems of accountability that allow businesses to scale efficiently and free leaders from daily operations, enabling them to focus on growth.
Key...2024-10-1746 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE79 Unlocking Business Freedom with Adi Klevit: How Systems and Processes Drive SuccessAdi Klevit, CEO and founder of Business Success Consulting Group, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her expertise in creating and documenting processes for scaling businesses.
Adi discusses how she turned her background in industrial engineering into a consulting practice that helps businesses implement efficient systems and processes to support growth.
In this episode, Adi explains the crucial role of processes in scaling a business, the challenges entrepreneurs face in documenting and implementing them, and how processes can lead to greater freedom and worklife balance. She emphasizes the importance of having well documented procedures for consistency...2024-10-1047 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE78 Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Essential Lessons from Rich ShinnickRich Shinnick, the founder of Touchstone Security, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his journey from various jobs to becoming a cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur. Rich discusses how his background in the Air Force and Goldman Sachs shaped his leadership style and business approach.
The conversation covers cybersecurity challenges for small businesses, scaling a business, and the importance of mentorship. Rich also reflects on building self-sufficient teams and balancing professional and personal life.
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Background:
Rich’s transition fr...2024-10-0350 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE77 Behind the Mic: Reflections on Two Years of Founder SecretsIn this special two-year anniversary episode of the Founder Secrets podcast, hosts Taylor and Flaviu reflect on their journey from launching a creative experiment to building a platform for insightful conversations. They discuss the evolution of the podcast, their experiences with diverse guests, and the balance between creativity and audience engagement.
Taylor and Flaviu explore the distinction between founders and managers, address shifting societal perceptions of entrepreneurship, and delve into economic trends, including the housing market and opportunities in overlooked industries. They also discuss the potential and limitations of AI, the importance of human connection, and the...2024-09-2641 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE76 Risk and Reward: Inside Chris Yeung’s Entrepreneurial JourneyChris Yeung, Founder and CTO of Vimbly Group, joins Founder Secrets to share his journey from finance to building a successful holding company. He explains how his background in finance and risk management shaped his approach to creating businesses that prioritize strategic opportunities and risk-adjusted returns.
In this episode, Chris discusses the evolution of Vimbly Group, key strategic decisions, and how he balances risk and reward to identify the right opportunities. He also shares his personal philosophies on delegation, leadership, and managing multiple ventures effectively.
Key Highlights:
Corporate to Entrepreneur: How Chris’s finance background influenced his methodical approach to...2024-09-1936 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE75 Walk Slow, Smile More: Lessons from PropFuel CEO Dave WillDave Will, co-founder of PropFuel, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey from corporate life to building a member engagement platform for associations. From his early experiences at SAP to founding Peach New Media and eventually selling it to a private equity firm, Dave explores how his path shaped his approach to building businesses that focus on personal connection and engagement.
In this episode, Dave discusses the evolution of PropFuel, the strategic decisions behind its growth, and the challenges of transitioning from an employee recognition tool to a conversational engagement platform. He highlights the power of...2024-09-1247 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE74 Kotryna Jukneviciute: ARÊTE; Revolutionizing Fashion-Tech with AI and SustainabilityKotryna Jukneviciute, the co-founder of ARÊTE, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her journey in revolutionizing the fashion-tech industry. From her childhood in Lithuania to building a platform that combines AI with fashion, Kotryna dives into how ARÊTE evolved into a cutting-edge styling and shopping app that offers personalized fashion experiences while supporting emerging brands worldwide.
In this episode, Kotryna discusses ARÊTE’s growth, the strategic decisions behind its development, and the unique challenges of running a platform focused on both consumers and designers. She highlights the importance of personalization, the role of emerging designers in se...2024-09-0539 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE73 Irina Constantin: Vaunt; Simplifying Global Property Investments with TechIrina, the visionary behind Vaunt, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her journey in transforming the real estate industry through innovative technology. From her roots in Romania to expanding her business globally, Irina details how Vaunt evolved from a custom ERP project into a comprehensive SaaS-enabled marketplace that simplifies real estate transactions for both developers and buyers worldwide.
In this episode, Irina discusses the growth of Vaunt, the strategic decisions that guided the company’s direction, and the unique challenges of catering to an international clientele. She offers insights into the power of technology in breaking down barriers in...2024-08-2930 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE72 Molly Ruland: Virtual Ventures; Shifting to Remote Success and Strategic Podcasting.Molly Ruland, CEO & founder of Heartcast Media, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her entrepreneurial journey, including the pivot of her podcast production business from a brick-and-mortar setup in Washington, D.C., to a fully virtual operation based in Costa Rica.
In this episode, Molly discusses the unexpected growth of her business during the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal reasons that led her to relocate, and the challenges she faced in transitioning to a virtual business model. She provides insights into the strategic use of podcasting for business development, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over focusing on metrics...2024-08-2246 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE71 Jamie Pabst: Revolutionizing Mental Health, the Spiritune StoryJamie Pabst, the founder & CEO of Spiritune, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her unique journey from a diverse background in journalism, fashion marketing, and finance to creating a groundbreaking music therapy platform. In this episode, Jamie discusses the challenges of launching Spiritune, which uses scientifically-backed music therapy to enhance mental health and well-being.
She also explores the intricacies of fundraising as a female founder, the importance of B2B partnerships in scaling the business, and the impact of music on cognitive and emotional regulation. Throughout the conversation, Jamie emphasizes the significance of building a strong team, fostering...2024-08-1542 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE70 Matt Bachmann: Wandering Bear Coffee's Story of Innovation and Resilience.Matt Bachmann, the co-founder & CEO of Wandering Bear Coffee, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his journey from consulting to entrepreneurship. Matt discusses how he and his business partner, Ben, transitioned from management consulting to creating a unique coffee brand. The conversation covers the challenges they faced, the impact of COVID-19, and their strategies for adapting and growing the business. Matt also touches on co-founder dynamics, decision-making, and balancing professional and personal life.
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Background:
Matt's transition from management consulting to co-founding Wandering Bear Coffee with his friend Ben.
Starting Wandering...2024-08-081h 00Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE69 Liz Gallo: Transforming Education: A Mission to Innovate with Whymaker.comLiz Gallo, the founder of WhyMaker, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her inspiring journey from teaching to entrepreneurship. Liz discusses how her passion for hands-on, engaging education led her to create a company that provides professional development, curriculum writing, and educational products. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in the education system, the importance of career and technical education, and how businesses can support schools. Liz also shares her vision for the future of WhyMaker and her strategies for balancing a busy professional and personal life.
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Background: Liz Gallo's transition...2024-08-0154 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE68 Patrick Stiles: Addiction Recovery and Building a Business EmpireWhen Patrick Stiles was just 16, he found himself in the throes of meth addiction, a struggle that would shape his future in unexpected ways. Our latest episode features Patrick, founder of Vidalytics, as he shares a raw and inspiring journey from the darkness of addiction to the heights of entrepreneurial success.
Key Highlights:
Overcoming Adversity: Patrick opens up about his battle with meth addiction and the tragic loss of his best friend, a pivotal moment that redefined his life and career.
Early Business Ventures: Hear about Patrick's early business ventures, from getting fired to launching his own firm...2024-07-0249 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE67 Ionut Patrascoiu: Global Market Dynamics, Customer Connections, and Networking TipsUnlock the secrets to successfully scaling your startup and maintaining customer connections with insights from Ionut Patrascoiu, the brilliant mind behind FameUp. Discover why staying close to your customers is crucial and how delegating too soon can derail your business.
Key Highlights:
Staying Close to Customers: Learn why maintaining close customer connections is vital for your startup’s success and how premature delegation can lead to setbacks.
Maintaining Customer Ties: Discover strategies for keeping close ties with your customer base while scaling effectively.
Global Connections: Get practical advice on building global connections and uncover unexpected growth ha...2024-06-1738 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE66 Jon Tsourakis: Luck vs. Grit, Teamwork, and TrustWhat if luck plays a bigger role in your entrepreneurial success than sheer grit? Join us as Jon Tsourakis unravels this intriguing notion and shares his wealth of knowledge on building powerful entrepreneurial teams.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Personal Effectiveness: Debunking common myths about rigid routines and extreme organization, highlighting the importance of personal effectiveness in entrepreneurship.
Carving Your Own Path: Reflecting on own journeys, cautioning against the pitfalls of blindly following online advice.
Inspiring Transformation: Learn how prioritizing a positive work culture and minimal micromanagement led to the creation of Oyova, the Digital Mastermind...2024-06-0234 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE65 Dan Clark: Unlock Peak Productivity with Science of Focus and Brainwave MusicJoin us as we explore the intriguing world of BrainFM with CEO Dan Clark, who shares his insights on how music combined with neuroscience can dramatically alter our mental states.
Key Highlights:
Innovative Approach to Focus and Productivity: Discover how BrainFM uses the power of music to guide our brains into desired states, such as deep concentration or relaxation. Learn about the science behind brainwave music and the sophisticated techniques used to embed modulating waves directly into music, optimizing cognitive functions in ways traditional playlists cannot.
Dan's Journey and BrainFM's Transformation: Hear about...2024-05-2240 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE64 Peter Swan: Journey from Developer to Startup VisionaryEmbark on a journey with us as Peter Swan, the CEO of Gust, unveils the twists and turns of his career leap from software developer to head honcho.
Key Highlights:
Lessons from Early Experiences: Delve into the invaluable lessons gleaned from Peter's earliest job experiences, which often set the stage for success in the tech industry. Discover how these lessons shaped his professional trajectory and leadership style.
Strategic Moves in the Startup Ecosystem: Gain insights into Gust's strategic evolution, from offering free software to angel investors to providing indispensable tools for budding entrepreneurs...2024-05-1140 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE63 Flaviu Simihaian: Tennis Courts, Crossing Borders, and Building BusinessesNow, it's Flaviu's time on the hot seat!
Join us on a captivating journey our dear friend Flaviu Simihaian, a small-town Transylvanian prodigy turned Romanian tennis star, as he shares his awe-inspiring transformation.
Key Highlights:
Pursuit of the American Dream: Flaviu shares his remarkable transition from the tennis courts of Romania to the entrepreneurial hustle of the United States. Experience the visa challenges and stark realities of adapting to a new culture.
Navigating New Beginnings: Gain insights into Flaviu's journey of building relationships, navigating the educational landscape, and fostering a love...2024-04-291h 00Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuE62 Taylor Trusty: Crafting Success through Mentorship and Growth TacticsAfter a year and a half of running this podcast, it's time to put Taylor on the hot seat.
In this episode, join Taylor and Flaviu as they dive deep into Taylor's journey to entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights:
Heartfelt Beginnings: Taylor and Flaviu start with a candid discussion on the essence of their collaboration, exploring the joys of the creator economy and the art of asking the right questions.
Lessons Learned: Delve into the significance of punctuality and discipline in shaping Taylor's entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how structured environments and valuable advice have fueled Taylor's...2024-04-1159 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuNik Tarascio: Private Jets, Purposeful Business, and the Power of DreamsNik Tarascio, CEO of Ventura Air Services and a symphonist of entrepreneurship, orchestrates a narrative on how the aviation industry is more than just a business—it's a passion that connects and transforms.
Embark on a journey that transcends the conventions of boardroom talk, as we navigate the skies of strategic management, the human connection, and the quest for enlightenment in our latest episode.
If you're a leader seeking an expanded consciousness or simply curious about the interplay of business and spirituality, this episode is your first-class ticket to an elevated perspective.
--------- EP...2024-04-0341 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuJonny Imerman: The Heart of Cancer Support and CommunitiesJoin us as we welcome Jonny Imerman, the heart behind
Imerman Angels and CLŌZTALK.
His own narrative is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on another's life.
We also delve into the creative ways that branding and merchandise can serve as more than just a fundraising tool, but as a beacon to unite survivors and warriors in the fight against cancer.
This episode spans from the deeply emotional journeys that touch the lives of those affected by cancer to the pursuit of balance, f...2024-03-2648 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFelix Lee: Cultivating a Global Network of Guidance and Support"Growing up, I never understood the true value of mentorship—until I met someone who believed in my potential, even when I didn't. "
That's the same ethos Felix Lee brings to the table as the founder of ADPlist.org, an innovative platform that's reshaping the landscape of mentorship and community in the business world.
Felix walks us through this intricate dance, sharing the challenges he's faced fostering authentic connections in an economy that often prioritizes transactions over relationships.
Join us for these stories and more, as we uncover the multifaceted journey of a yo...2024-03-1845 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuZoya Lehrer: Kismet in Business and the Making of a Scheduling PowerhouseUnlock the magic behind entrepreneurial partnerships in our latest episode featuring Zoya Lehrer, whose chance coffee with a former colleague sparked the innovative company Orgo.
Journey with us through the evolution of productivity tools as we discuss Orgo's revolutionary digital calendar designed to tackle the juggling act of family life.
Tune in to be inspired by the intersection of technology, time management, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us forward.
Connect with Zoya
LinkedIn
https://www.orgohq.com/
Follow us:
Instagram: @foundersecretspod
Tiktok: @foundersecrets
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Youtube: @foundersecretspod2024-03-1142 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuNadav Shoval: Build a Safer Digital CommunityUnlock the secrets of entrepreneurial resilience and discover how trust is being rebuilt in the digital world with Nadav Shoval of OpenWeb.
Join us as Nadav shares the genesis of OpenWeb's commitment to creating a safer, more respectful online community, and learn how overcoming adversity isn't just for the trail—it's at the heart of every transformative company.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
00:00 - Building Trust and Transparency in Tech
16:05 - Building a Business
25:29) - Building Businesses and Personal Growth
36:17 - AI in Software Development Cost Trends
...2024-03-0538 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAlex Skatell: The Art of Remote Work for Startup SuccessEver found yourself wondering if location truly matters in the digital age?
Alex Skatell, co-founder and CEO of Topline, is living proof that it doesn't. Trading the bustling streets of Washington D.C. for the serene setting of South Carolina, Alex harnessed the power of remote work to tap into global talent pools and dodge the internal politics that can stunt startup growth.
But what about the mechanics of entrepreneurship? Alex doesn't hold back on sharing the gold — from the significance of strategic hires to the advantages of assembling a diverse leadership team.
Ep...2024-02-2644 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuDaniel Dubois: From Startup Struggles to Real Estate RevolutionUnlock the secrets to emotional resilience in business as Daniel Dubois takes us through the highs and lows of startup life. He spills the beans on why detaching your self-worth from your business outcomes is not just good advice but a survival tactic for entrepreneurs.
This episode isn't just about the past—it's about shaping the future of business through community and technology. Daniel regales us with tales from the trenches, from dropping out of college to rub shoulders with the League of Innovators, to embracing .
He then takes us behind the scenes of his am...2024-02-1146 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAlex Poe: Navigating the Startup JungleDive into the fast-paced world of startups as we sit down with the dynamic Romanian entrepreneur, Alex Poe, fresh from his Techstars experience in San Francisco.
Join the conversation as Alex spills the beans on Mentor Madness, the Jobs-to-be-Done framework, and the exhilarating journey to Demo Day. Discover the secrets behind Chambr's evolution from gamifying corporate learning to becoming a tech startup during a pandemic. Uncover the strategic approach to building niche products, forming valuable partnerships (hello, Microsoft!), and the art of personalized introductions in enterprise sales.
Get ready for a rollercoaster of insights, from...2024-01-3041 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuWinston Brothers: Conquer Tech Addiction with Innovative Wellness AppUnlock the secrets behind transforming sibling rivalry into startup success as we chat with the Winston brothers, Jack and Charles, who've turned family ties into a powerful entrepreneurial force.
Their brainchild, the Present app, is reshaping our digital lives with a clever twist on reducing screen time by rewarding real-world engagement. The pair open up about the rollercoaster ride of leaving their stable jobs to tackle tech addiction, and how their deep-rooted connection drives their mission to help us all foster healthier digital habits.
Feel the pulse of innovation as we navigate the intricate features...2024-01-0539 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuShahrouz Varshabi: Redefining the Creative Process using AIThe design industry is ripe for revolution, and Shahrouz Varshabi of Designity is at the forefront with a transparent, retainer-based approach that's turning heads.
Our conversation with this visionary entrepreneur takes you on a journey from his roots in Iran to the innovative corridors of Designity in the United States. Hear firsthand how Shahrouz's early endeavors, driving VIPs and extracting pearls of wisdom, paved the way for a design empire that empowers students and revolutionizes the way we think about creative collaboration.
So, whether you're a design aficionado, an aspiring creator, or a seasoned entrepreneur...2023-12-2943 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuKat Weaver: Rising From the Ashes to Pitch PerfectionJoin us on a riveting journey with Kat Weaver, the powerhouse CEO of Power to Pitch, as she recounts her transition from a budding college entrepreneur to a seasoned pitch competition champion. Listen in as Kat unveils the pivotal moments of her business adventures, including how her mother's bridal store fire reshaped her path and led to a remarkable streak of pitch victories.
We turn our focus to the brass tacks of fundraising and the often-overlooked world of non-dilutive funding and grants. Kat's insight comes from her own experience as a two-time founder and as a mentor...2023-12-2036 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAI Merging with Surgery: An Entrepreneur's Tale with Peter VerrilloHere's a promise for you - by the end of this episode, you'll be brimming with fresh insights into healthcare entrepreneurship, startup accelerators, and cutting-edge surgical technology.
Peter Verrillo, the founder of a surgical startup, sheds light on the motivation behind his venture that seeks to harness the power of AI to improve surgical outcomes. From the limitations of current technologies to the importance of human judgment in surgery, we cover it all.
Ready to ride the waves of entrepreneurship, AI, and surgical tech breakthroughs? Join us on this extraordinary episode of Founder Secrets.
2023-12-1139 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuA Comprehensive Look at AI: Its Promises, Pitfalls, and Potential with Liz O'SullivanStep into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence with our knowledgeable guest, Liz O'Sullivan, co-founder of the rising AI firm, Vera. Revel in Liz’s lucid insights drawn from her extensive experience in the AI field, as she unravels the complexities of AI’s current landscape, the hurdles it faces, and its immense potential. Listen closely as Liz expounds on her collaboration with the government, the crucial role of regulations in the fast-paced AI field, and the inspiration behind Vera’s inception.
As we explore the exciting potential of AI, we highlight how it can revolutionize fields such a...2023-12-0135 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuCourage in Every Swing: Makenzie George's Journey from Sports to StartupsThere's something powerful about chasing our passions. Today, we get to converse with an athlete whose tenacity in a Division 1 golf team sculpted her into a resilient entrepreneur, Makenzie George. Her life is a testament of how the courage to leap into the unknown can lead to extraordinary journeys.
Balance is a tough act, but Makenzie seems to have mastered it. We dissect the necessity of striking a balance between work, passions, and values. Makenzie explains how aligning her hobbies with her work has led to a more fulfilling career and offers advice to those looking to...2023-11-2434 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFrom Pain to Strength: A Therapist's Entrepreneurial Journey with Megan BruneauOn a journey of courage, heartbreak, and resilience, we're thrilled to welcome therapist and entrepreneur Megan Bruneau to our podcast. Megan opens up about her own battles with depression and anxiety, and shares the path that led her from a rough childhood, through a heartbreak, to the founding of her own business.
As you listen, you'll discover the complexities of entrepreneurship, and how Megan’s passion for writing and unwavering dedication illuminated the power of failure, turning it into a stepping stone towards growth and strength.
Megan opens up about the importance of self-awareness, authenticity in...2023-11-1648 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuThe Power of Mentorship and Redefining Futures with Stefania MagidsonReflecting on the life-changing power of education and the role of mentorship in fostering personal growth, we recently sat down with Stefania Magidson, the founder of the Blue Heron Foundation.
As she recounted her journey from her humble beginnings in Romania to the creation of the Foundation, we were moved by her determination, her heart for service, and her passion for empowering vulnerable Romanian and Moldovan orphaned youth
by providing them merit based college scholarships and a mentorship program.
From offering IT and English courses to establishing a nurturing community of mentors, the program embodies Stefania's unwavering c...2023-11-0836 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuThe Evolution of Video Commerce, Management, and Monetization with Nick Mattingly
Get ready to unlock the secrets of video commerce as we sit down with Nick from Switcher Studio, a company that has revolutionized the live video landscape. We cover the astonishing journey of Switcher, from being a video creativity platform to an all-in-one video commerce platform satisfying unanticipated customer needs.
Together, we explore how Switcher Studio has grown from being a tool for live stream creators to an advanced platform offering innovative features like affiliate links, QR codes, and Shopify integration.
As our conversation shifts gears, Nick gives us a glimpse into the remote work culture at Switcher, a...2023-11-0135 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAlexa Curtis: The Power of Cold Pitching and Inspiring FearlesslyWe're thrilled to present a captivating conversation with the fearless Alexa Curtis. Get ready to be inspired as we journey through Alexa's remarkable career progression, from leveraging TV sponsorships to cold-pitching a radio show to Disney, and creating the empowering Fearless Summit. Alexa's audacious spirit and unique approach to financial independence offer a profound perspective on stepping beyond your comfort zone and harnessing the power of cold calling techniques.
In this episode, we also explore the importance of personal branding, evaluating partnerships, and Alexa's unique approach to cold pitching. Alexa shares her process of sending out thousands...2023-10-2443 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuMastering the Podcasting Business with Blue Wire's Kevin JonesJoin us on a thrilling discussion with Kevin, the savvy CEO of a thriving podcast company, Blue Wire, that hosts over 300 podcasts. His fascinating journey from being a journalist to discovering the enticing world of podcasting will surely capture your attention. With a keen eye for media and an unwavering belief in the potential of podcasting, Kevin reveals how Blue Wire has become a profitable venture for podcast creators.
We discuss the critical aspects of content creation and growth in podcasting. Kevin highlights the importance of finding niche topics and using multiple platforms to build your brand...2023-10-1331 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuBuilding a Digital Health Empire: A Conversation with Carly StockdaleEver thought about the evolution of risk in the realm of entrepreneurship? Prepare to be enlightened by our guest Carly, who imparts her wisdom on maintaining a positive energy, balancing ambition and understanding life's fragility. Join us for this refreshing conversation that teems with authenticity, and pick up on Carly's infectious positivity and drive.
Carly also treats us to an intriguing account of her journey in building a digital health company. She underscores the importance of understanding customer needs and creating just the right product-market fit. How she managed 'recaps' and her experiences of being part of...2023-10-0440 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuExploring the Intersection of AI, Law, and Entrepreneurship with Atty. Rania SedhomPrepare to get a fresh perspective on how AI is revolutionizing the legal profession in our revealing conversation with Atty. Rania Sedhom.
We will be scrutinizing the profound impact of AI on the legal sphere, and weighing the risks and rewards it brings along. We investigate how tasks like legal research are being revolutionized, and even potentially automated by AI. Yet, we also shed light on the potential pitfalls, such as the risk of machine error, and the impact on training opportunities for budding lawyers.
So, strap in for an informative journey that explores the...2023-09-2441 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFrom Crowdfunding to Crowd Granting: The Charitable Revolution with Emily RasmussenWhat if there was a more impactful and cost-effective way of giving to charity? Ever heard of a Giving Circle? Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with Emily, the founder of Grapevine. Listen in as she delves deep into the innovative concept of Giving Circles, and how it's revolutionizing charitable giving.
Emily helps us understand the changing preferences of the younger generation and the subsequent challenges in engaging them in charitable work. We also touch upon the exciting possibilities that crowd granting presents over traditional crowdfunding.
Tune in to this episode to...2023-09-1547 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuTurning an idea into a Successful Business Venture with Stanley VergilisIn this episode, we are in for a riveting ride on the rollercoaster journey of Stanley Vergilis, the mastermind behind Hux.com and Hotspot.com.
Hear about how he landed an investment from Tim Draper of DFJ, a venture fund that has invested in the likes of Tesla and SpaceX.
Stanley’s unique approach to building a product experience on Hotspot that stands out from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Google, and Yelp, is sure to inspire entrepreneurs.
Get ready for an episode packed with entrepreneurial wisdom, innovation, an...2023-09-0941 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuSaaS Entrepreneurship After a Finance Career with James AdlerListen in as we follow the incredible journey of our guest, Jim, who transitioned from finance to entrepreneurship, and co-founded a successful SaaS business. He gives us insights into the nuances of private and growth equity investments and the vital decision-making processes in choosing a path to follow. Jim also discusses the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business and the ingenious strategies they implemented to adapt, survive, and thrive.
If you're a budding entrepreneur or a finance professional considering a career pivot, this episode is a must-listen for you. Be prepared...2023-09-0138 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuElianna Goldstein: Changing the Game in Skin Cancer Prevention through Modern Health RitualToday, we're jumping into a fascinating conversation with Elianna Goldstein, founder of Modern Ritual Health, who decided to take a stand against the silent predator that is skin cancer.
Growing up in a family of medical professional, she transitioned from advocating against free tanning beds on college campuses to founding a health tech startup. We'll learn about the unique challenges Elianna faced in developing AI models for skin health care and breaking into the market.
So, get comfortable and join us for this inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and healthcare.
2023-08-2534 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuIndie Maker Tiago Ferreira on Building an AI Business Today
Ever wonder how a full-time indie maker navigates the world of entrepreneurship? Join us as we chat with Tiago, an innovative full-time indie maker who's making waves in the podcasting industry. His journey started with working on a climate change app, before he eventually carved a niche in podcast services with his brainchild, Pod Squeeze.
This remarkable tool leverages artificial intelligence to generate podcast descriptions, show notes, and tweets, soaring to an impressive 11K MRR within just five months.
Tiago openly shares about his trailblazing path, the failures and victories he experienced, and the unique community that supports and...2023-08-1824 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuYossi Hasson: Raising $50 Million to Build an NFT Startup that Upends EntertainmentYossi Hasson has an amazing story that led to him raising $50 Million to start Metaversal. Born in South Africa, he started his first business there, sold it and then came to NYC to launch the TechStars arm of Blockchain/Crypto. From there, he got an amazing amount of experience that led to him starting Metaversal.
Beyond tech and startups, Yossi gives back through the Code School he started in South Africa to help kids learn how to code and get jobs at top companies. Really an amazing human being Taylor and Flaviu had the privilege of interviewing...2023-08-1141 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuVictor Chu: The Boy Candy Seller Turned Business InnovatorAs kids, we've all had our little business ventures, be it a lemonade stand or a garage sale. But for young Victor Chu, selling candy on the school bus was just the beginning. Fast forward to 19 years old, he was already hacking his way through expensive car insurance costs by registering a company. This episode is a fascinating look into Victor's entrepreneurial journey, from an innovative kid to a resourceful businessman.
Victor's journey is not without its pitfalls. From being entangled with MLMs to managing a sudden transition into his father's pharmacy business, Victor's resilience is truly...2023-08-0431 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAli Rashan MD - Physician to Entrepreneur Taking on Healthcare in NYC with ClearMDToday we explore the captivating world of healthcare with our distinguished guest, Ali Rashan MD, a veteran physician turned founder of ClearMD. After an intense 18-year journey filled with trials, tribulations, and an arduous medical training, Ali has some fascinating insights to share about the importance of peer groups and the crucial role his extensive background played in his entrepreneurial endeavors. He takes us through his brainchild - a 'health hub' aimed at revolutionizing outpatient care by dismantling the traditional hospital setting and offering patients an enhanced infrastructure.
Ali's detailed account of the paradigm...2023-07-2836 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuNoah Berkson - Being a Young, Productive Entrepreneur and InvestorJoin us as we engage in an enlightening discussion with Noah Berkson about the perks and pitfalls of being the youngest person in the room, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. We dig into the complexity of building relationships at the same age while remaining focused on your business. The conversation also explores how one can maintain their sense of self when their identity is deeply intertwined with their business.
In this intriguing dialogue, we navigate the transition from being an entrepreneur to an investor. Our guest shares valuable insights on family office investing...2023-07-2228 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuVarun Goyal - From Motorola to Digital Health StartupEver wondered how to strike the perfect balance between being ruthlessly competitive and genuinely authentic in the world of business? Ready to demystify the growing buzz around digital health? Tune in to our candid conversation with Varun Goyal, a renowned entrepreneur who founded Illuminative.Health. This episode takes you on a journey from Varun's early days at Motorola to his current venture, which was sparked by a personal experience with medication mismanagement - a prevalent issue that calls for a digital solution.
As our chat with Varun continues, we explore why technology alone isn't...2023-07-1725 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuSel Watts: The Power of Perseverance and CommunityIn this episode, Taylor and Flaviu interview Sel Watts of WattsNextGroup and The HR Linc!
Are you tired of feeling disconnected in today's connected world? Do you crave a community where you can cut out the noise and focus on your specific needs and discussions? In this episode, we dive into the importance of communities, particularly entrepreneurial and HR communities.
Sel Watts shares her experiences with different communities and her motivation for starting a new community focused on HR departments of one in innovative companies and fast-growth startups. She believes that bringing...2023-07-0745 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuJason Somerville on M&A and Advisory ServicesIn this episode, Taylor and Flaviu host Jason Somerville, of GW Partners who shares his experience and valuable insights around Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). But the most important lesson? Taylor advises founders to consider selling their companies early and seek assistance from knowledgeable professionals. Don't wait until it's too late! Be proactive and empower yourself by understanding the selling process. Tune in to learn more about the impact of leverage and debt on businesses, finding the right advisors, and predicting M&A activity in the coming months. Don't miss out on this valuable advice for a successful and...2023-06-3044 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFrom Accountant to Sex Toys Entrepreneur - Clay Ferguson of Simpli PleasuresHave you ever thought about starting your own business but didn't know where to start? In this podcast, Clay, co-founder of Simpli Pleasures, shares his journey from accounting to starting a sex toys business. The most valuable lesson he learned was the importance of building a real brand and asset, rather than just being a middleman for other businesses. Clay also discusses the mistakes he made when starting his sex toys business, including not having a proper factory vetting process. He shares his actionable strategy for success, which was to start drop-shipping and access middlemen with tens of thousands...2023-06-2355 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuShad Mohammed - Running a Successful Digital Marketing AgencyIn this episode of the "Founder Secrets" podcast, we talk to Shad Mohammed, CEO of Van West Media, about digital marketing and the agency world. They cover topics such as the different types of founders in the agency world, the importance of having a three-letter domain name, how technical people can improve their sales skills, the importance of building relationships with clients, the competition in the industry, the impact of AI on the agency world, managing difficult conversations with clients, and the challenges of retaining talent in professional services businesses.
Two Types of Founders [00:01:22] Discussion of the t...2023-06-1739 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuDave Kerpen: From Ballpark Vendor to Successful Entrepreneur, Author, and InvestorToday we interviewed Dave Kerpen, an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and speaker, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and how he manages his time. He talks about his unique story of starting as a ballpark vendor and falling in love with sales and marketing, which led him to start his first formal company. Dave emphasizes the importance of solving problems and looking for solutions as an entrepreneur. He also discusses the effectiveness of email as a marketing channel and how it may become less effective as more people figure it out. Dave shares his experience with the Positive Intelligence program...2023-06-1228 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuLessons from 3-time Founder in Cybersecurity - Jack DanahyThe podcast episode features an interview with cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, Jack Danahy. Throughout the conversation, Jack discusses his experiences with founding and selling companies in the cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting to changing circumstances. He also stresses the value of communication and collaboration in building successful companies. Jack addresses the issue of fear in cybersecurity and how it can lead to inactivity, and discusses the responsibility that comes with using generative AI and other automation in software development.
Origins of Interest in Cybersecurity [00:02:05] Jack Danahy talks about how he got i...2023-06-0447 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuKat Cozadd on Money, Manifestation, and the Hangover Free SocietyToday Taylor and Flaviu spoke with Kat Cozadd of the NO Bullsh*t Manifestation Show and the Abundant AF Babe Academy . They went through Kat’s businesses, reaching an all-time high today with the launch of the Hangover Free Society. We talk manifestation, mocktails, and more!
First Business [00:01:15] Kat talks about her first business selling flower pens as a child and how it kickstarted her entrepreneurial spirit.
Manifestation [00:02:38] Kat explains the concept of manifestation and how it can be used to intentionally create one's reality.
Entrepreneurial Journey [00:03:33] Kat discusses her exper...2023-05-1839 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuSam Lundin Deep Dive on Abundance360: The Future is NowIn this podcast episode, Flaviu and Taylor welcome back Sam, a guest who just returned from the Abundance 360 conference, where they discussed future technology, including AI, quantum computing, and organ printing. They also talked about new ways of spying, YouTube channels that summarize movies, and a new phone trick. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the potential democratization of technology, the impact of AI on the music and film industries, and the challenges of scaling businesses and building successful communities. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and risks of new technologies and business models, and how they...2023-04-0645 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuScaling a Sales Process and TeamIn this episode Taylor asks Flaviu about his experience scaling a sales team in his last Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company. Then Flaviu and Taylor deep dive on what it takes to scale a sales process successfully, and share some tips they’ve learned the hard way.
Transitioning from founder-led sales to building a sales team [00:00:14] Flaviu Simihaian shares his experience of transitioning from being the primary salesperson to building and managing a sales team.
Learning perseverance in sales [00:02:50] Flaviu talks about his experience of persevering in sales, including going to conferences and optimizing the...2023-04-0130 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuJeremy Schwach on scaling culture, consulting vs product in healthcare, and some killer insightsJeremy flew in from Miami to join Taylor and Flaviu in the NYC studio and discuss YPO, and his background scaling a healthcare business once, and now getting ready to do it again.
(1:35) The value of Young Presidents Organization (YPO)
(2:35) How often do you cry?
(3:10) Overview of how Jeremy built Bluetree Network
(5:10) Service vs Product Businesses
(9:20) How to build a high performing culture as you scale
(13:05) How do you know if someone is a high performer
(15:05) Defining an A player
(17:34...2023-03-1049 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuMaggie Xue on Building the Blue Bottle of Tea and FundraisingMaggie started Us Two Tea in 2020 with the vision of reinventing Asian tea and bringing a modern, tasty, healthy, and sustainable product to the market. We also each shared a few stories of raising money early on from angels vs. VC.
(2:35) Us Two Tea Story
(4:01) What does it meant to be an Asian Owned Tea Brand
(5:44) Challenge of importing tea from China
(7:08) How UsTwoTea became Google’s tea
(8:06) The Blue Bottle of Tea
(9:41) The biggest challenge for Maggie right now?
(11:27) Talking to 100 customers
(13:22) Ho...2023-03-0424 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuPeter Ungureanu on Peer Groups, Taiwan, Newsletters, and wasting timePeter Ungureanu, a Romanian-American serial entrepreneur with a recent exit comes from Taiwan to join Flaviu and Taylor in the NYC studio. They chat the value of Entrepreneur Organization (EO), peer groups in general, and share lots of tips.
(1:20) The value of EO and Peer Groups
(6:19) Difference between Taiwan and US Entrepreneurship
(11:08) Best startup ideas we’ve seen recently
(17:55) Tome - The AI-powered storytelling format
(22:14) Best newsletters we subscribe to
(29:39) How to waste time in a startup2023-02-2536 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuMindie on VR, AR, Big Customer playbooks and The Fat JewishFlaviu, Taylor and guest Mindie Kaplan (from the Male Room podcast) riffed today on VR, DAOs, Scrappy Sales playbooks, AR, and some lessons from selling a startup.
(0:15) The best and worst of building a company and living in New York City
(4:25) Virtual Reality (VR) Business Applications
(8:58) Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) in Sports
(12:10) How Mindie launched her VR company and a great story about The Fat Jewish in an air balloon
(18:47) The scrappy playbook
(21:05) Taylor won Toyota leveraging the Amazon Paradigm
(22:38) Is Augmented Reality (AR) here?2023-02-1237 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFlaviu and Taylor deep dive in service businesses, door-to-door, and C-Corps vs LLCs(0:17) How would you market a painting business?
(4:54) How would you get the first customer?
(5:27) Taylor’s attempt of going door-to-door
(9:09) Flaviu’s process to getting a job as a waiter
(13:33) Can service businesses scale 10x?
(17:20) Thumbtack penalizing users that can pay more
(22:15) No more free lunches
(23:12) C Corp vs LLC Decision2023-02-0425 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuBryan Cush - Doctors spending $1 Million on Google AdsTaylor and Flaviu speak with Bryan Cush of Tidal Health Group, a digital agency focused on companies in the healthcare space. We talked Bryan’s learnings from working on a cruise ship, to how Tidal helps doctor groups with key insights and SEO.
(0:12) Living on a cruise ship for 3 years
(7:41) From cruises to starting an agency
(18:14) Doctors have 1 million dollar ad budgets2023-01-2932 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAdriaan Kolff - Starting and scaling a recruiting company in UkraineTaylor chats with Adriaan Kolff, co-founder of MatcHR and Pantala about starting his company in Ukraine, meeting his wife at Burning Man, and advice from past failures as well as a few successes.
(0:43) How Adriaan met his wife at Burning Man
(5:55) Starting a business in Kiev
(8:37) Moving and building a business based on a spreadsheet
(10:26) Early misconceptions of starting a recruiting business
(12:24) Covid - a blessing in disguise
(15:50) Lessons from managing a business fully remotely in a war zone
(19:40) Learning from working at a big...2023-01-1541 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuOffice Furniture - The Future (and Past) with Marc SchwartzbergTaylor and Flaviu interview Marc Schwartzberg about the journey of a family business from 1920 to 2022 and the many changes and restarts that had to happen to get Marc where he is today. We also talk about the office space industry, where things are heading and any tips Marc offers younger entrepreneurs
Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcschwartzberg/
Office Furniture Heaven: https://www.officefurnitureheaven.com/
(0:35) Dallek Office Furniture started in 1920
(1:45) Two brothers going in the family business
(2:34) How did the 2008 recession affect furniture sales
(5:25) EOS and Traction...2023-01-0635 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuAmina Abubakar - the American Dream is Alive!Amina Abubakar was a delight this week as she inspired Taylor and Flaviu in this podcast episode. Amina represents the American Dream, and she is a stellar entrepreneur that is a leader in the pharmacy world in the US. She also finds time to give back to her home continent through rohovoyage.com , a way to travel with purpose in Kenya and beyond. Check it out!
(1:26) How Amina raised the money to get from Kenya to America
(4:18) Why Amina started a pharmacy
(10:46) Mistakes in the process of figuring out a new business
2022-12-2341 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuHow do you know if an idea is good, AI Avatars, LovesEternalFrame.com and moreTaylor and Flaviu have a lot of fun talking about AI and how to decide on a startup idea, a cofounder, and much more.
(1:20) What is Chat GPT?
(3:31) Taylor’s AI Poem Business Idea loveseternalframe.com
(8:07) Book written by AI - What Makes Us Human: An Artificial Intelligence Answers Life's Biggest Questions
(10:27) Avatar AI Apps Taking over; LensaAI reaches 13M installs , AvatarAI.me
(13:59) AI Generated Business Emails on Twitter
(16:10) Is AI all Hype?
(21:53) How do you know if your startup idea is go...2022-12-1634 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuKelly Faetanini on Leading the Bridal IndustryTaylor and Flaviu get to interview THE KELLY of kellyfaetanini.com - an amazing creative designer of wedding dresses, and an innovator in the bridal industry. So many insights below, from starting the business, to investor challenges, bridal industry secrets, and much more.
(1:14) Kelly Faetanini’s origins in San Marino
(3:58) Nature vs. Nurture in artistic talent
(5:37) The leap from designer to entrepreneur
(9:29) QR Code for Bridal
(11:29) Early mistakes Kelly made
(14:02) How Kelly found her investors
(15:18) The vision for Kelly Faetanini
(19:01) Fi...2022-12-1052 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuGlobalization with Bryan LuomaFlaviu and Taylor talk to Bryan Luoma, a half Filipino / half Finish entrepreneur who went from Civil Engineering in Minnesota to a rapidly growing business named Tahche in the Philippines.
(3:15) Being on stage is better than being in the audience
(5:43) Why Bryan became a Civil Engineer?
(8:25) What made Bryan take the plunge to Entrepreneurship?
(11:08) The Craigslist hack
(13:48) Misconceptions about staffing in the Philippines
(15:14) Is the pendulum swinging back to the office?
(16:31) 50% of all nurses in the US are Filipino
(18:43) How to manage 2 businesses...2022-12-0235 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuHow we got our first customers, hacks, and some gratitudeTaylor and Flaviu go over some tips, hacks, and stories of how they got their first customers and how they would get their first customer today. Also, covered some interesting stories of gratitude (Happy Thanksgiving!), how Wave Cars hacked Shark Tank, Bill Gurley giving some “advice”, alt lenders, and tax softwares that gave their customers’ data to Facebook (who does not want it).
(1:13) Tip: Bilt.com
(2:27) The Power of Gratitude [Twitter Link]
(5:51) How to Hack Shark Tank (Link Mentioned) - Wave Cars
(9:57) Bill Gurley talk and VC Advice
(15:27) Alt Lender...2022-11-2436 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuMona Patel - Reframe, Motivate, Creativity, and Talking to GodThis is the best episode of Founder Secrets yet! Flaviu and Taylor speak with Mona Patel, a creator, writer, founder, CEO, entrepreneur, and general amazing person. This is one you won't want to miss.
(5:15) - How do you know who to trust?
(6:36) - Writing "Reframe: Shift the Way You Work, Innovate, and Think"
(8:25) - Pre-Frame
(10:50) - Hiring your replacement
(17:05) - How you listen better?
(18:45) - Grey Zone, Sexual Harassment and Racism
(22:40) - What brings Joy, Impact, Ease, and Abundance
(27:15...2022-11-1851 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFTX + Twitter = Mt Gox, Motivation, Sales, and Unsexy BusinessesIn this episode, Taylor and Flaviu go over some news with FTX and Twitter, then deep dive on how to get the motivation to start a company, sharing some of their personal stories, discuss whether founders should do sales. Then they talk about donations as a company, and a liquor business that’s (maybe) successful in South Carolina.
(1:02) - FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried
(5:35) What is the price of Bitcoin in 6 months?
(7:01) Twitter Elon Fiasco
(9:47) How to get motivated to start a business?
(14:54) How Taylor found his co...2022-11-1232 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFighting consumerism with Namu ParkIn this episode, Taylor and Flaviu talk to Namu Park about her journey to starting The-Sloth.com , a fashion tech startup fighting consumerism by enabling everyone to resell their clothes.
(2:11) - Deciding to be an entrepreneur
(3:32) - What is The Sloths?
(9:18) - Why the name Sloth?
(11:45) - Learning Product Design and Product Management
(15:00) - To have or not have a cofounder
(18:22) - What is the vision?
(20:54) - How to acquire customers
(23:47) - How does Sloth make money?
(26:31) - The challenge of...2022-11-0536 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuOther Parents Like Me (OPLM) - Liz and Casie on Mental HealthThis week Taylor and Flaviu are back in the studio and brought a serial entrepreneur friend from EO, Liz Reitman. Liz and and Casie Fariello are the founders of Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com). They took their personal experience and saw a big need in mental health for parents supporting their children struggling with addiction. It is an amazing story and a big challenge they are taking on. So much to learn from these two.
(1:26) - From Flight Attendant to Entrepreneur
(3:39) - Why start OPLM?
(4:49) - How Liz and Casie Met
(9...2022-10-2947 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuFinance Job to Jamaica: Retta on personal and business growth on AmazonTaylor and Flaviu sit down with Retta Abraham in Ocho Rios, Jamaica to talk through his journey from being second generation immigrant from Ethiopia and Japan, building a successful career in finance, and then leaving it all to find personal balance, growth, and freedom via entrepreneurship. In particular Retta focused on Amazon seller businesses in ecommerce, and he shares some very valuable tips from his journey.
( 4:12 ) - Selling Lollipops
( 05:25 ) - A kid’s vision of suit and tie and banking (50B in deals)
( 10:40 ) - A quiet period in Wall St when Retta decided to...2022-10-2231 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuSam Lundin on owning 9 businesses, founder optimization, decision making, email, credit cards and more
Scaling Vimbly to 9 businesses
Building intellectual property that can be licensed to other companies
Fundraising to profitability
Banking → Hedge Fund → Startup
How to get traction, which products to double down on
Finding a cofounder
Minibet and how to try ideas that don't work out
Keyboard shortcuts - email tips
Optimizing your day - journaling (workflowy), reading, meetings, and thinking time
Can people improve their judgement?
Chase vs. Amex vs. Delta points (Amazing tips!)
No 5 minute calls
2022-10-1650 minFounder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuMonthly Reflections, Biden's CTO problem, Zoom Hack, Apple products reviewTopics:
Month in review - How to review the last year/month.
Question-based project management
Biden’s CTO problem
Working out tips
Zoom hack to focus better
Apple review of current devices
Being real vs. raising money
Industries and startups succeeding though the recession
2022-10-0938 min
Founder Secrets with Taylor and FlaviuSBF vs Jack Dorsey, Fake LinkedIn Accounts, Cron vs VimCalTopics covered in this episode:
Sam Bankman Fried vs Jack Dorsey
Why does everyone want to buy twitter?
Larry Ellison texting with Elon Musk
Fake Linkedin Profiles - CISO How Google gets around Linkedin Restrictions
HubermanLab Podcast Hubermanlab.com
Cron, VimCal - like SuperHuman for calendars
2022-09-3025 min