Shows
Founders' ForumWhat Sports Taught Me About Winning in Business with Coach Malcolm HairstonWhat happens when life throws you off course? For Coach Malcolm Allison Hairston, CEO of Raku Products LLC and inventor of The Hipsetter, those moments became the training ground for greatness.In this episode of Founders' Forum, Marc talks with Coach Malcolm—a leader, educator, and motivator—about how he turned personal and professional challenges into a blueprint for success. Drawing from his experiences in sports and coaching, he shares powerful lessons on discipline, mindset, and leadership that every entrepreneur can apply.From overcoming adversity to helping others unlock their potential, Coach Malcolm’s journey is a m...
2025-10-2228 minFounders' ForumShikha Miglani on Turning Data into Decisions That MatterWhat if scaling your business wasn’t about doing more, but choosing better? In this inspiring Founders’ Forum episode, host Marc Bernstein talks with Shikha Miglani, co-founder of Saarthee, a global strategy, analytics, and AI firm helping enterprises across telecom, media, retail, banking, and healthcare make smarter, fairer decisions with data.From being the only woman engineer on India’s factory floor to leading a respected AI company, Shikha shares a journey that proves you can balance innovation with empathy, and scale without losing authenticity.She opens up about how Saarthee’s mission was built on a tim...
2025-10-1527 minFounders' ForumHow Jim Logue Scaled a Company from $9M to $35MJim Logue didn’t start ThermOmegaTech, he reinvented it. When he stepped in, the company was overly reliant on one industry and struggling with culture. Today, it’s a $35M business with nearly 150 employees, serving sectors from aerospace to railroads—and even space.In this conversation, host Marc Bernstein and returning guest Branden Moyer, founder of Buzz Brands, talk with Jim about the “four pillars” that guided the turnaround: staying relevant, putting customers first, engaging employees, and committing to continuous improvement. Jim opens up about the challenges of scaling, why small wins build trust, and how delegation and cultur...
2025-10-0828 minFounders' ForumWhat Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Challenges with Tatiana BarakshinaEntrepreneurship is never a straight line—it’s full of zigzags, ups and downs, and lessons learned along the way. In this episode of Founders' Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Tatiana Barakshina, PhD, MBA, Managing Partner at Bazis Americas LLC, to explore her remarkable journey from Russia to the U.S. and her path to co-founding a successful healthcare market research firm.Tatiana shares how her educational journey, from earning her MBA in Illinois to completing her PhD in Chicago, shaped her passion for marketing and consumer insights. She also reflects on the challenges of building a bu...
2025-10-0124 minFounders' ForumLeading a Legacy Through Uncertainty with Karla TrotmanWhat does it take to step into a family business, honor its legacy, and still make it your own?Marc Bernstein welcomes Karla Trotman, President & CEO of Electro Soft Incorporated, to share her remarkable story. From the company’s humble beginnings on her family’s kitchen table to becoming a trusted manufacturer for the defense, aviation, and transit industries, Karla has guided Electro Soft through challenges and growth with vision and grit.Key Takeaways:How doubt can actually be a powerful leadership toolThe difficult—but necessary—family conversations that shaped h...
2025-09-0328 minFounders' ForumWhen Setbacks Shape the Story: Dick DeNenno on ResilienceFrom growing up on a dairy farm to leading a successful packaging machinery company, Dick DeNenno’s story is one of faith, resilience, and entrepreneurship. As founder and president of Reliant Packaging Machinery, Dick has spent 35+ years in the industry and built a reputation for being knowledgeable, attentive, reliable, and likable.In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein talks with Dick about his unexpected journey—from teaching in Rome and pursuing ministry to navigating financial struggles and ultimately creating a thriving business serving the food and pharmaceutical industries. Through challenges big and small, Dick shares how integr...
2025-08-2727 minFounders' ForumHow Branden Moyer Builds Unforgettable Brands Through StoryFrom Disney custodian to bold brand strategist, Branden Moyer’s journey proves that knowing your story can transform your business. In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein talks with Branden, founder of Buzz Brands, about creating unforgettable, story-driven identities and why authentic branding starts with self-awareness.Branden shares how his time at Disney shaped his approach to customer experience, how a cleaning company with the wrong name taught him the value of clear messaging, and how beekeeping brought clarity during personal and professional challenges. His ventures—Made to Bee Clean, The Sticky Badger, and Crew 1912—showcase his comm...
2025-08-2027 minFounders' ForumHow Competency-Based Screening is Revolutionizing Recruitment with Sandesh SukumaranWhat if your resume didn’t matter as much as your actual skills? In this episode, Marc Bernstein sits down with Sandesh Sukumaran, the self-funded Founder and CEO of Outcome Logix, to explore how the hiring landscape is evolving—and how tech, transparency, and a bit of fishing zen can lead to smarter staffing.Sandesh opens up about his entrepreneurial journey from Mumbai to Pittsburgh, from Y2K hiring days to leading an AI-powered staffing firm. He also shares the personal risks he took to build Outcome Logix, the importance of responsible AI in recruitment, and why he's...
2025-08-0628 minFounders' ForumMarc Bernstein’s Radical Reinvention: Building a Financial Future Through 'Fiscal Therapy'What happens when the podcast host becomes the guest? In this special episode of Founders' Forum, the script is flipped as Ryan Sullivan, founder of Podcast Principles, interviews Marc Bernstein about his incredible journey from aspiring rock star to entrepreneurial financial advisor. Marc opens up about his early dreams of music stardom and how that passion eventually led him to law school and a career in entertainment law. But after years of navigating the entertainment industry’s challenges, Marc found a new calling — financial planning — and began reshaping the way entrepreneurs receive financial guidance.Join us as Marc s...
2025-07-1628 minFounders' ForumUnbreakable: Jason Sfire’s Story of Resilience Through 54 Surgeries and TriumphJason Sfire’s entrepreneurial journey, Founder of multiple family-owned businesses defies the odds. At 25, after a devastating 35-foot fall that led to 54 surgeries over 25 years, he refused to let physical challenges stop his drive. Despite shattered bones and ongoing recovery, Jason built a real estate empire of 18 companies and 1.8 million square feet.Joining Marc as guest co-host is Sari Greene, a cybersecurity entrepreneur, author, educator, investor, and community activist, adding her perspective to this powerful conversation.Early in the episode, Jason reflects on social media’s impact on identity, setting the stage for his story of r...
2025-06-0429 minFounders' ForumWhat You May Not Be Hearing About BitcoinAlex Pron, founder of Crossover Capital, joins Marc Bernstein to reveal how independent financial advisors are empowering clients with education on Bitcoin and alternative investments. After 12 years at Merrill Lynch, Alex left to start Crossover Capital when he realized his clients weren’t being given the knowledge they needed to make informed decisions—especially about Bitcoin.In this episode, Alex uncovers the alarming reality behind SEC fines levied against major institutions like Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch, highlighting how these practices have cost clients millions. He also explains how AI and technology enable smaller advisory firms to comp...
2025-04-1630 minFounders' ForumEntrepreneurship’s Toughest Test: Turning Setbacks into SuccessWhat happens when everything you’ve carefully planned falls apart? In this episode, co-hosts Marc Bernstein and Ang Onorato turn an unexpected guest cancellation into a powerful conversation on resilience, adaptability, and the lessons that emerge from life’s disruptions. Drawing from personal experiences—including a business lost to fire, navigating health challenges while running a business, and overcoming financial hardship—they explore how setbacks often pave the way for growth and transformation.In this episode, Marc and Ang discuss:The peaks and plummets of entrepreneurship and how to navigate themThe power of vulnerability in leade...
2025-02-1927 minFounders' ForumFrom Solo Organizer to Team Leader: Janet Bernstein’s Journey to Scaling SuccessCan you truly balance the chaos of entrepreneurship with the joyful madness of the holiday season? Join us as we unpack this challenge with our guests Jess Hallahan and Janet Bernstein, who share their ingenious tips for maintaining sanity during the festive rush. From strategic advice on pacing tasks to the delightful suggestion of dancing stress away to holiday tunes, you'll find yourself equipped with new tools for juggling multiple roles. Adding depth to our conversation, Janet, a stellar professional organizer from England, takes us on her inspiring journey from Scarborough to leading Philadelphia's largest organizing team. Her story...
2025-01-0828 minFounders' ForumCourageous Conversations and Career Evolution: Dawn Mahan on Navigating Vulnerability, Entrepreneurial Success, and Project Management MasteryWhat if the power of courageous conversations could transform both your personal and professional life? Join us as we uncover the bravery behind these honest discussions with insights from our guest, project management expert Dawn Mahan. Known for her transparency and spiritual preparation, Ang shares her personal journey towards clarity, while Marc Brookland emphasizes empathy and the importance of being ready for anything. Dawn opens up about her own vulnerability journey, recounting her experiences of sharing her entrepreneurial story and the strength that comes from being open.Dawn's career journey is a testament to the unpredictable yet...
2024-11-0628 minFounders' ForumBalancing Ambition and Fulfillment: Craig Lerch on the Real Estate Evolution and the Power of CoachingEver wondered how a simple pause could be your secret weapon in communication? We discuss the magic of well-timed beats in public speaking, and Marc draws a fascinating parallel to music, showing how silence can amplify your message. Our guest, Craig Lerch, shares a life-changing lesson from his mentor on the power of listening more and speaking less.Get ready for a fun twist on the real estate industry as we discuss evolving identities and playful nicknames. Craig, lovingly known as the "ROG" (Real Estate Opportunity, outstanding Out of the Box Over the Top, old Guy), reveals...
2024-10-0230 minFounders' ForumEmpowering Teams and Clients: Marc Brookland on Strategic Pivots, Company Culture, and Achieving Client SuccessDiscover the essential strategies for embedding genuine core values into your business as we are joined by Marc Brookland, the insightful founder and CEO of SEO Locale LLC. Learn how transparency and other core values evolve from one's personal and professional journey, shaping a company's ethos and ensuring consistent alignment with clients and employees. We'll reveal our own approach to identifying and harmonizing these values among partners, offering a roadmap for other entrepreneurs aiming to create a value-driven organization.Navigating the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, SEO Locale faced immense challenges, from significant client losses to...
2024-08-1427 minFounders' ForumShaping Reality: Ryan R. Sullivan on Mindset, Entrepreneurial Success, and the Future of PodcastingCan our thoughts truly shape our reality? Discover how your mindset can transform your life as we break down Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think." We analyze the neutrality of thoughts and how our interpretations of them influence our actions and worldview. We'll discuss the pervasive impact of media and societal pressures on our thinking patterns and how taking control of our mental processes can mitigate these negative influences. Drawing from Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking" and "The Magic of Thinking Big," we set you up for an intriguing exploration into the power of mindset...
2024-07-1728 minFounders' ForumCorporate Impact: Elevating Communities through Social Responsibility with Ed Satell and Regina Black LennoxWhat if the essence of freedom is more profound than we think? Join us for an enlightening conversation with our guests Regina Black Lennox and Ed Satell from the Satell Institute. We delve into the fundamental principles of American democracy, the historical significance of the upcoming semi-quincentennial, and the vital role of free enterprise. Ed provides a rich historical context, comparing the U.S. governance model to monarchies, and sheds light on the continuous pursuit of democracy and innovation.Explore the mission of the Satell Institute, a trailblazing organization dedicated to enhancing corporate social responsibility. Discover how...
2024-07-1028 minFounders' ForumPositive Affirmations and Ethical Leadership: How Ed Satell and Regina Black Lennox Build Lasting SuccessCan conditioning your mind with positive affirmations really transform your life? Join us as we explore this profound question with our special co-host, Regina Black Lennox, a seasoned educator who has seen the lasting benefits of positive thinking firsthand. Drawing inspiration from David Nguyen's book "Don't Believe Everything You Think," we dive into how Regina's morning affirmations and mindful meditation have significantly shaped her personal and professional life. Regina shares compelling stories from her teaching days, illustrating the long-term impact of positive affirmations on her students. We also welcome our guest, Ed Satell, who offers invaluable insights into living...
2024-07-0328 minFounders' ForumBalancing Busyness and Fulfillment: Will Schmahl's Journey from Bird Breeding to Innovative App DevelopmentIs the relentless pursuit of busyness actually holding us back? Join us as we tackle this critical question and explore the phenomenon of busyness in modern entrepreneurship, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Ang delves into the psychological aspects, explaining how busyness can sometimes be a defense mechanism against deeper personal issues. Our guest, Will Schmahl, adds a fresh perspective on balancing personal fulfillment with societal pressures to stay busy, emphasizing the nuances introduced by remote work.We journey through the entrepreneurial life of a remarkable individual who turned childhood inspirations and family legacy into a...
2024-06-2628 minFounders' ForumAdapting to Rapid Change: Freda Thomas on Leveraging LinkedIn, Entrepreneurial Resilience, and Personal GrowthCan you keep up with the pace of today's ever-changing business landscape? Join us as we uncover the secrets to navigating rapid transformations in technology, politics, and social dynamics. Our guest, Freda Thomas, shares her invaluable tips on leveraging LinkedIn for growth and how a positive mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. We take you on an extraordinary journey of a woman influenced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and raised by inventive parents in Atlanta. From crafting costumes for Broadway shows to touring with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, her versatile career culminates in a...
2024-06-1928 minFounders' ForumMaximizing Hidden Potential: Jake Still on Junk Removal, Visionary Business Growth, and Empowering Young EntrepreneursEver wondered where untapped potential lies? Marc Bernstein kicks things off with a touching story about his son’s act of compassion in the junk business, leading to a reflection on Russell Conwell's timeless message of finding "Acres of Diamonds" in our own backyards. Our guest, Jake Still, teases us with his own fascinating discoveries during junk cleanouts, promising more enthralling stories ahead.Ready to maximize your marketing efforts for growth? Listen to Jake Still, founder and CEO of Junk Rescue, as he shares his rapid expansion journey and the challenges he faced along the way. With a...
2024-06-1227 minFounders' ForumThe Power of Team Dynamics: Howard Guttman on Leadership, Consulting, and Building Sustainable SuccessWhat if your voting decisions were influenced as much by a candidate's team as by the candidate themselves? This episode explores the often-overlooked importance of evaluating a political candidate's team, drawing insightful parallels to the corporate world where effective leadership and high-performing teams are essential for success. Our special guest, Howard Guttman, a distinguished business consultant, shares profound insights on how the composition and function of high-performing teams differ significantly between business and politics. We unravel why the strength and capability of a leader's team, whether in corporate settings or government, are key indicators of their overall effectiveness.
2024-06-0528 minFounders' ForumThe Language of Resilience: Jack Korbutov on Entrepreneurship and InnovationWhat drives an entrepreneur to leave the comfort of a steady job and venture into uncharted territories? We're exploring the transformative power of entrepreneurship on individuals and communities with our special guest Jack Korbutov PharmD, RPh, FACA, FACVP, and we'll uncover the essence of impactful entrepreneurship and how understanding one's mission can lead to remarkable success. Hear from Marc Bernstein and Ang Onorato as they share their insights on tying purpose to business impact, and how a clear vision can lead to both personal and financial freedom.From the wrestling mat to the compounding pharmacy, Jack Korbutov's...
2024-05-2927 minFounders' ForumEntrepreneurship and American Democracy: Dr. Stephen Hess on Balancing Business, Legacy, and Personal GrowthFree enterprise and fundamental freedoms take center stage as Marc Bernstein kicks off the episode by sharing his recent induction into the Union League of Philadelphia. Ang Onorato joins in to stress the importance of returning to core national principles and engaging with organizations that uphold these values. We are thrilled to have Dr. Stephen Hess, a distinguished dermatologist from Philadelphia, as our special guest. Dr. Hess highlights his admiration for the Union League’s historical significance and its support for business leaders in the city. Together, they offer a powerful discussion on the intersection of entrepreneurship and American de...
2024-05-2227 min