Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Founders Future

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we dive deep into the journey of Dr. Michael Grosser, founder of Able Workplaces. Dr. Grosser brings over 20 years of international experience in diplomacy and organizational psychology, including a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a focus on interpersonal trust. His unique background spans work across 10+ countries with international organizations, embassies, and global firms, including leading major projects like workplace stress studies for 10,000 employees and national culture transformation programs during post-conflict recovery.

Founded in 2020 and based in New York, Able Workplaces is revolutionizing workplace culture through what Dr. Grosser calls "trust intelligence" - a productized approach to measuring and building interpersonal trust in high-stakes leadership environments. Moving away from traditional consulting models, the company is developing a three-tiered system: digital PDF toolkits, AI-enabled trust diagnostics and dashboards, and eventually SaaS licensing platforms. Dr. Grosser discusses the critical trust crisis facing modern workplaces (citing that only 24% of Americans trust company leadership), his strategic pivot from traditional coaching to technology-driven solutions, and his vision for scaling the business to $250K in year one while addressing what he calls the "broken" state of white-collar work environments.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Hady Mendez, founder of Boldly Speaking LLC, a Latina-owned business that empowers women and people of color through DEI-focused coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements. With over 20 years of corporate experience at companies like JPMorgan Chase, BNY Mellon, and Slack, Hady shares her journey from being "the first or the few or the only" in corporate rooms to building a mission-driven venture after her layoff from Salesforce. She discusses how her business has evolved from trying to solve every problem to finding her niche in empowering Latinas and women of color, and how she's built authentic relationships on LinkedIn with nearly 14,000 followers.

Hady opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, revealing that consistency in her business only began in the last six months after years of adaptation and resilience. She shares her revenue model that serves both corporations seeking to elevate their ERG leaders and individual coaching clients, while maintaining authenticity and transparency in all her interactions. The conversation covers her upcoming book launch in September, her approach to scaling through higher-value services rather than working harder, and her philosophy of building a diverse team of fellow Latinas. Hady emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast, asking for help, and staying true to your mission while adapting to market needs.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Christoph von Dühren, founder of CRACK1M.IO (formerly Growthbase), a specialized consultancy focused on helping B2B SaaS and Fintech startups break through the crucial $1 million ARR milestone. Christoph shares his transition from IT consulting for banks to building his own consultancy, including the challenges he faced during the crypto crisis and FTX collapse that severely impacted his target market. He explains his strategic decision to niche down specifically to complex B2B products in the SaaS and Fintech space, working primarily with early-stage companies that have often been "burned" by previous attempts at scaling.

The conversation explores Christoph's systematic approach to building scalable revenue systems for founders, his 12-18 month engagement model that transforms chaotic founder-led processes into structured playbooks, and his philosophy of working only with committed clients who understand the critical importance of proper distribution strategies. Operating as a solopreneur from Thailand, Christoph discusses his content-driven lead generation strategy, the challenges of educating European founders about systematic approaches to growth, and his vision for continuing to do work that energizes him while helping founders achieve sustainable success in an increasingly cautious economic environment.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Maximillian Porter, founder of Techify Agency, to explore his unique journey from psychology graduate to AI automation entrepreneur. After graduating from the University of Utah with a psychology background, Maximillian made a bold decision to leave a stable physical therapy franchise opportunity and drive seven hours to Salt Lake City with just enough money for rent and a vision to leverage AI in business. His "raw dog" drive in silence led to the breakthrough realization that businesses were losing massive revenue from leads who simply wouldn't answer phone calls, inspiring him to create an AI-powered SMS system that mimics human behavior to re-engage cold leads.

Maximillian shares how Techify Agency has revolutionized lead follow-up processes across multiple industries including roofing, solar, home services, mortgages, and real estate by using behavioral psychology integrated with AI to create natural, sales-trained text conversations. Operating on a pay-per-performance model, his AI system reaches out to "dead" leads after 48 hours, engages them in human-like conversations, handles objections, and books callbacks for sales teams. From his initial warm network outreach to his strategic LinkedIn prospecting approach focused on building genuine relationships with successful entrepreneurs, Maximillian discusses his plans to scale through strategic partnerships and his exciting pivot into the multifamily real estate space with AI leasing agents.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Ammar Elm sits down with Jon McGlothian, president and co-founder of TMOG Learning Center. Jon shares his journey from a military background with the 3rd Ranger Battalion to Fortune 500 corporate executive, and ultimately to founding his training and consulting organization in 2010. TMOG Learning Center provides specialized training in project management, Lean Six Sigma, and leadership development to both organizations and individuals, with a unique focus on serving the military community in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

What sets TMOG apart is their dual-benefit approach - delivering immediate organizational results while ensuring employees gain portable skills they can take with them throughout their careers. Jon discusses the challenges of building awareness in the training industry, overcoming trust issues from past negative experiences, and creating a supportive ecosystem where former students become customers, contractors, and even employees. He emphasizes the importance of staying close to clients, maintaining post-training relationships, and using the hero's journey framework to guide their approach to helping individuals and organizations achieve their professional development goals.

In this episode of Founders, Future, host Ammar Elm sits down with Gabriela Fiorentino, founder of Nest Earth, a consultancy and community at the intersection of sustainability, wellness, and impact investment. Gabriela shares her journey from architecture and urban design to creating Nest Earth, which was sparked by becoming a mother and feeling overwhelmed by the lack of eco-conscious support for parents. What started as a desire to create healthier homes for families has evolved into a comprehensive offering that includes both community resources and one-on-one consultancy services for parents with children ages 0-5.

Throughout the conversation, Gabriela discusses her dual business model, which includes an accessible community platform that serves as a "do-it-yourself" resource with expert guidance, and higher-touch consultancy services that typically run for three months and focus on creating healthier living spaces. She also reveals her expansion into working with small businesses and schools, recognizing the opportunity to help local establishments implement sustainable practices that save money while creating customer loyalty. Gabriela emphasizes the importance of starting before you're ready and gaining clarity through action, while sharing her goals of reaching consistent $20K+ monthly revenue and building authority in the sustainable living space.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Amar Elm sits down with Dr. E. Keith Murvin, CEO of Bright Future Group, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to empowering frontline managers with confidence, resilience, and high-impact leadership. Dr. Murvin brings a unique perspective from his extensive background spanning military service, HR leadership, academia, and strategic consulting. He identifies a critical gap in organizational development: frontline managers are often promoted based on technical skills rather than leadership capabilities, leaving them under-supported yet fully accountable for team results, engagement, and compliance.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Murvin outlines his comprehensive approach to addressing this challenge through his book "Balance and Engage: The Front Line Manager's Playbook" and the self-paced Effectiveness Blueprint training program. His business model serves both individual frontline managers seeking professional development and organizations looking to scale leadership training across multiple managers. With a goal of reaching 10,000 subscription users over the next 12 months, Dr. Murvin focuses primarily on healthcare, government, and logistics sectors where frontline management support is most critically needed. He emphasizes the importance of providing over 100 practical tools and tips that managers can use long after completing the training, setting his approach apart from traditional leadership development programs.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, Nicholas Capman, founder and CEO of The FDA Group, shares his entrepreneurial journey—from pivoting away from a teaching career to building an award-winning life sciences consulting firm. He delves into how The FDA Group bridges the gap between contractors and consultants, offering specialized expertise in quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and clinical operations. Nicholas also reveals key insights on scaling challenges, fostering employee passion, and why focusing on existing clients drives long-term growth.

Listeners will gain valuable lessons on leadership, the importance of understanding financial storytelling, and why implementing systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) can transform business operations. Nicholas’s candid reflections on early mistakes, balancing ambition with family, and preparing for future private equity opportunities make this a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, Gordon Tolson, founder of Glory Scars, LLC, shares his journey from surviving a near-fatal car accident to building a creative studio that helps brands embrace their defining moments—scars and all. Gordon discusses how his resilience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges of balancing freelance work with scaling his agency, and his mission to help visionaries and corporations craft authentic, enduring brand identities through graphic design and multimedia storytelling.

Listeners will gain insights into Gordon’s unique approach to branding (treating it like a "movie trailer" to captivate audiences), his strategies for bootstrapping growth through social media and word-of-mouth, and his candid reflections on the hurdles of securing capital and consistent clients. Gordon’s story is a testament to turning adversity into fuel for creative entrepreneurship, offering inspiration for anyone navigating the unpredictable path of building a purpose-driven business.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, James Kenna, founder of Matchbox Media LLC, shares how he bridged his background in tech consulting and freelance film production to build a creative powerhouse for B2B businesses. James dives into his "story-first" philosophy, the challenges of scaling a creative services company, and why live event filming (like their work with TEDx Gramercy Park) has become a cornerstone of their growth—blending authenticity with strategic content that cuts through the noise of AI-generated media.

From bootstrapping with referrals to mastering the art of consultative sales, James reveals how he balances being a one-person sales team while eyeing expansion. He also shares his vision for the future of human-centric content, why Google Sheets is his secret weapon, and his best advice for founders: "You can figure out 70%—the other 30% requires jumping in." A must-listen for creatives and entrepreneurs navigating the messy, rewarding journey of turning artistry into a scalable business.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnay, we explore the transformative work of Susan Hayer, founder of Values Matter in Organizations. Susan shares her journey from recognizing the gap between corporate values and real-world actions to building a consultancy that helps organizations embed their core values into daily operations. She discusses her innovative 5 Stages of Values Maturity framework—from reactive to transcendent—and how aligning values with processes can dramatically improve culture, retention, and revenue growth.

Susan dives into the challenges of convincing leaders that values work isn’t just "nice to have" but a strategic imperative, citing research that strong cultures drive 4x revenue growth. She also previews her upcoming AI-powered digital platform designed to help companies measure and act on their values in real time. For founders navigating organizational change, Susan offers sage advice: "Don’t just think bigger—think differently. Every stage of growth is a chance to reinvent how you operate, lead, and deliver value."

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ryan Dugmore, founder of FreedomFormers. Ryan shares his powerful story of overcoming paralysis and breaking free from societal conditioning to create Sovereign Architect, a transformative framework designed to help individuals reclaim autonomy over their body, mind, and mission. He discusses how his near-death experience reshaped his perspective on success, why most people optimize inside broken systems, and how FreedomFormers provides the tools to build a life of true freedom—not just the illusion of it.

Ryan breaks down his unique approach to personal transformation, from his Sovereign Briefings to the MetaFitness Architecture and the exclusive Sovereign Senate. He also explores the future of the personal development space, emphasizing the importance of questioning mainstream narratives and designing your own reality. With insights on solopreneurship, content creation, and the dangers of chasing hollow metrics, this episode is a must-listen for founders seeking purpose-driven growth.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we sit down with Erica Diamond, founder of Erica Diamond Self-Care Redefined, to explore her journey from high-achieving entrepreneur on the brink of burnout to becoming a leading voice in women's wellness. Erica shares how a pivotal moment at age 27—when her therapist introduced her to yoga and meditation—saved her from collapse and inspired her mission to redefine self-care beyond "bubble baths and spa days." Now, through her coaching practice, Busy to Bliss course, and keynote speaking, she empowers high-performing women to reclaim their time, energy, and joy using her signature 4-step roadmap: mindset, body, time, and transformation.

Erica opens up about the strategic pivots that shaped her business, from transitioning her online course to evergreen to doubling down on speaking as her primary revenue driver. She emphasizes the importance of honoring entrepreneurial seasons—whether scaling rapidly or intentionally winding down initiatives—and why staying true to your values is the ultimate growth strategy. For founders navigating the wellness space, Erica’s hard-won wisdom on outsourcing weaknesses while protecting your unique voice (like her fiercely guarded Tuesday newsletters) offers a masterclass in sustainable scaling.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we meet Melanie Varga, the passionate founder behind Neuronest AI—an innovative app designed to empower neurodivergent teens and their families. Melanie shares her deeply personal journey of raising twins with ADHD, whose struggles with executive function skills inspired her to create a safe, AI-powered space featuring brain-training games, mindfulness tools, and a secure AI companion. She reveals how the app’s unique design (including avatars named by her sons) helps teens build independence while giving parents control over content, addressing critical gaps she experienced firsthand with other platforms.

Melanie discusses Neuronest AI’s upcoming launch, including its beta testing phase and plans for future versions tailored to adults (Mindful Nest) and younger children (Narrow Nest). She emphasizes the app’s focus on safety—like its restricted AI wrapper to prevent inappropriate queries—and its potential for widespread adoption through therapist endorsements and partnerships with organizations. For founders tackling socially impactful ventures, Melanie’s story is a testament to turning personal pain points into scalable solutions that prioritize both innovation and compassion.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we meet Annmarie Bhola, founder of Enhanced Building Solutions and a trailblazer bridging engineering expertise with transformative coaching. Annmarie shares her powerful origin story—from nearly causing a disaster due to inadequate training as a young engineer to surviving cancer and experiencing a spiritual awakening that reshaped her mission. Now, she combines her 20+ years in MEP commissioning with HeartMath coaching, helping high-stress professionals regulate emotions through biofeedback while still revolutionizing facilities management training for major NYC hospitals.

Annmarie discusses her unique "tough love" coaching approach, using AI to scale her methodology while maintaining quality, and her vision for creating sacred spaces that harmonize physical environments with emotional wellbeing. For founders navigating pivots, her journey exemplifies how to merge seemingly disparate passions (like engineering and spirituality) into a cohesive, purpose-driven business. She leaves us with a crucial insight: "Give value before you look to make a dollar"—a philosophy that’s organically grown her practice through transformative client results.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we sit down with Nathan Chase, founder of Circle PPC, who shares his mission to disrupt the traditional digital marketing agency model. Frustrated by "one-stop-shop" agencies delivering subpar results, Nathan built Circle PPC to specialize exclusively in PPC campaigns—particularly for the workers' comp insurance sector—while offering a unique twist: a hands-on course teaching business owners to manage their own ads. He reveals how his team combats industry skepticism through personalized outreach and education, aiming to onboard 100 clients within a year.

Nathan discusses the challenges of reframing prospects' perceptions of digital marketing, especially those burned by past agency experiences. He emphasizes the power of niching down, sharing how Circle PPC’s dual approach (done-for-you management and DIY training) creates flexibility for clients. For aspiring founders in competitive spaces, Nathan’s journey proves that passion paired with specialization can carve out a meaningful niche—even in saturated markets.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Tom Snyder, Founder and Managing Partner of Funnel Clarity, a sales consulting firm rooted in the science of human performance and buyer behavior. Tom shares his journey from working in the White House to becoming a serial entrepreneur and eventually launching Funnel Clarity to help B2B sales teams overcome stagnation, discount-driven deals, and inefficiencies. With a focus on science-backed methodologies, Tom explains how his firm delivers measurable improvements in quotas, deal size, and sales culture—backed by client relationships that often span 15+ years.

Tom dives into the three pillars of Funnel Clarity’s success: diagnostic-driven engagements, ongoing coaching/reinforcement, and intentional company culture. He also reveals why traditional outbound sales fail in his industry and how strategic marketing (SEO, thought leadership, and paid ads) fuels their predictable lead flow. For entrepreneurs, Tom shares hard-won lessons: "If you don’t have customers, you have a hobby—not a business," and why adaptability is the key to long-term growth.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we meet Kelly Lorenzen, founder of duplicatemyself.com, who shares her mission to empower small and family-owned businesses by acting as their "duplicate"—handling marketing, project management, and consulting so they can focus on their passions. Drawing from 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience (including running a medical practice), Kelly reveals how her firm solves a critical pain point: business owners needing someone who thinks like them while executing their vision. With 70% of her clients in health/wellness and 30% in home services, she emphasizes niching down to industries she knows intimately, allowing her team to deliver unparalleled value.

Kelly discusses her unique "brain dump" consulting approach, retainers for ongoing support, and her upcoming ventures—including online workshops and a book—to help early-stage entrepreneurs scale. She stresses the importance of consistent marketing ("never take your foot off the throttle") and outsourcing tasks outside your zone of genius. For founders in service-based businesses, Kelly’s journey proves that specialization, community-building, and practicing what you preach (like using Asana and calendly tools) are keys to sustainable growth.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we dive into the world of HR innovation and cultural transformation with Kimberly Celic, founder and CEO of Transformative People Solutions. Kimberly shares her journey from HR leadership roles at major firms like Credit Suisse and J. Walter Thompson to launching her consultancy, which helps businesses redefine workplace culture and leadership strategies. She challenges traditional HR norms, advocating for a "people-first" approach that aligns hiring, culture, and employee fulfillment with a company’s core identity. Kimberly also teases her upcoming book, The 4th Relationship, and her vision for a SaaS platform focused on employee fulfillment—blending self-awareness, purpose, and workplace relationships.

Kimberly discusses the gaps she sees in today’s HR practices, from outdated career pathing to the lack of strategic alignment between people functions and business goals. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in hiring and company culture, urging leaders to slow down and define their organizational identity before scaling. With insights on referrals, storytelling in sales, and her plans to scale Transformative People Solutions, this episode is a must-listen for founders and executives looking to build resilient, people-centric workplaces.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we sit down with Cortney Ketchum, founder and CEO of The Review Mediator, a pioneering company in online dispute resolution for business reviews. Cortney shares her journey from corporate leadership at Fortune 500 companies to launching a business that helps companies combat fake or defamatory reviews while mediating genuine customer concerns. She dives into her unique approach—blending policy expertise with AI-driven dispute resolution—and discusses the challenges of educating the market on why businesses have the right to challenge unfair reviews.

Cortney also outlines her vision for scaling The Review Mediator, including the upcoming launch of an automated dispute resolution platform and strategic partnerships with reputation management firms. With ambitious revenue targets and a focus on networking as a key growth driver, she provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating emerging industries and building trust in the digital reputation space.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, Virginie Descamps, CMO and Chief Innovation Officer of Alurx, Inc., shares her journey into wellness technology and the company's mission to revolutionize preventive healthcare. Alurx addresses the growing confusion around sleep, nutrition, and stress management by offering a personalized, AI-driven wellness app that combines expert-vetted advice with interactive coaching. Virginie explains how the company evolved from selling supplements to building a digital ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of timing in entrepreneurship and the shift toward AI-powered, habit-forming health solutions.

Virginie dives into Alurx’s unique approach, which includes a voice-activated AI wellness coach that adapts to user feedback in real time—a feature developed in partnership with Pseudolabs. She discusses the challenges of customer acquisition in both B2C and B2B markets, particularly in corporate wellness programs, and highlights the blurred lines between sales and marketing in the AI era. With plans to refine their prototype and expand partnerships, Virginie underscores the importance of affordable, accessible wellness tools in combating chronic diseases.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, seasoned marketing strategist and trading educator Yasha Harari shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching his marketing agency at a young age to founding Alpha Trading, a platform revolutionizing retail trading through volatility, entropy, and probability-based strategies. Yasha dives into the challenges of running dual ventures, the importance of adapting to change, and how his team rebuilt his marketing agency from near collapse during the pandemic by leveraging automation and AI.

Yasha also unpacks the flaws in traditional trading methods and explains how Alpha Trading empowers retail traders with institutional-grade tools—free of "chart art" and lagging indicators. He discusses the future of both businesses, including expanding institutional partnerships for Alpha Trading while maintaining a lean, education-focused retail community. His key advice for new entrepreneurs? "Lean into change—it’s the only way to stay ahead."

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, Tyler Cerny—founder of Cerny Enterprises and creator of a viral TEDx Talk with 2.5M+ views—shares his journey from college athlete to high-impact business strategist. Tyler reveals how his early days as a commission-based consultant led him to develop a unique "done-for-you" model, helping founders and executives amplify their brands through paid speaking, viral TEDx Talks, and strategic outbound systems. He breaks down his philosophy of "purpose-driven business," emphasizing the power of visual storytelling in sales and why referral partnerships often outperform traditional marketing.

Tyler dives into the predictable lead gen strategies fueling his 7-figure agency, including LinkedIn outreach and leveraging his viral TEDx Talk as a top-of-funnel asset. He shares hard-won lessons on qualifying clients, structuring service agreements, and why he prioritizes profitability over arbitrary revenue targets. For entrepreneurs eyeing exits, Tyler outlines his 12-month plan to systemize operations for acquisition while expanding into speaker reels and websites—proving that the best business opportunities often emerge from serving clients beyond the initial ask.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we dive into the mind of Doug Hall—serial entrepreneur, innovation expert, and founder of Eureka Ranch and Dexter Bourbon Company. Doug shares his journey from Procter & Gamble to pioneering systematic innovation, revealing how businesses can move from chaotic problem-solving to scalable, process-driven growth. He discusses why 94% of business failures stem from broken systems, how to turn employees into proactive problem-solvers, and why "if you're not unique, you better be cheap." Plus, Doug opens up about transitioning from operator to mentor, the power of honest leadership, and his latest ventures—including a custom Bourbon-making machine that’s disrupting the whiskey industry.

From why SOPs should empower, not control, to the critical advisors every founder needs (banker, lawyer, accountant), Doug delivers hard-won wisdom for scaling with integrity. Whether you're struggling with innovation, team engagement, or just staying ahead in a chaotic market, this episode is packed with actionable insights—straight from a man who’s helped over 2,000 companies transform their futures.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Jason Duncan—serial entrepreneur, exit strategist, and founder of The Exiter Club. Jason shares his incredible journey from school teacher to lighting business owner to coaching other entrepreneurs on how to "exit without exiting" their companies. He reveals the 3 tiers of entrepreneurship (Owner-Operator, Owner-Manager, and Owner-Investor) and why most founders get stuck in the first tier. Jason also opens up about his darkest moments—nearly filing bankruptcy due to a bad business partnership—and how faith and fear pulled him through.

From buying vs. building businesses (especially in the "Silver Tsunami" of retiring boomers) to the 7-stage Exiter Operating System (XOS), Jason delivers hard-hitting insights for scaling beyond owner-dependence. Whether you're burning out in the daily grind or dreaming of a self-sustaining business, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom from someone who’s lived it—twice.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, AI business strategist David W. Gwynn shares his 30+ years of entrepreneurial journey—from Wall Street to pioneering AI consulting. David dives into how his company, AI Advisors, helps fintech, insurance, and healthcare businesses integrate AI for growth, emphasizing ROI-driven strategies, scalable implementation, and the future of agentic AI. He also discusses the challenges of vetting clients, building capacity, and why deep industry expertise beats a broad approach.*

David highlights emerging AI trends like voice and visual interfaces, the rise of AI agents, and the importance of starting small with high-impact use cases. He also reveals his favorite AI tools, including custom GPTs and Gamma, while offering insights for aspiring AI entrepreneurs on navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, Melissa Reeves, founder of Story Fruition,LLC, shares how she combined her tech sales expertise and acting background to revolutionize business storytelling. After noticing entrepreneurs drowning in data-heavy pitches, Melissa created the trademarked Storyteller’s Mind Movie Method—a framework that transforms dry presentations into vivid, audience-engaging narratives. She reveals how her approach helps STEM-focused founders, executives, and rising stars craft compelling stories that drive funding, customer engagement, and career growth.

Melissa dives into the power of "edutaining" storytelling, offering tangible examples like her AI-powered talking book and certification programs. She also discusses the balance between automation and human connection, the future of AI in storytelling, and her top advice for founders: master your origin story, vision, and customer success narratives to stand out in crowded markets.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, Scott Buss, CEO of Advent Jets, shares how he revolutionized luxury travel by blending private aviation with bespoke concierge experiences. From solving the gap in high-end travel to handling everything from jet charters to VIP security, Scott reveals his philosophy of "serve before you sell" and the power of personalization—like surprising clients with tailored in-flight touches. He also discusses the challenges of scaling while maintaining human connection in an increasingly tech-driven industry.

Scott opens up about Advent Jets' evolution, from organic growth through referrals to future plans like membership tiers and strategic partnerships with sports teams. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of trust and Midwest humility in luxury service, while offering insights for aspiring entrepreneurs on building a business rooted in problem-solving rather than trends.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Jasmine Fluker, founder and CEO of The Pivotal Paradigm Project, a consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jasmine shares her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship—from being tracked into a technical program in Alabama to becoming a classroom teacher and eventually launching her own DEI consultancy. She discusses how her early experiences with systemic inequity fueled her passion for creating inclusive workplaces and the pivotal moment when a friend’s request for DEI training sparked her business.

Jasmine dives into her boutique consultancy model, which focuses on schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations, offering strategic intensives, long-term DEI roadmaps, and retainers. She opens up about the challenges of scaling her impact, her innovative approaches to lead generation (like LinkedIn storytelling and speaking engagements), and her vision for the future—including digital products and retreats for DEI leaders. Jasmine also shares hard-won lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of resilience and diversifying revenue streams early on.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Dr. Jason William Johnson, the innovative founder behind SoundStrategies—a Chicago-based consulting firm transforming business education through music, storytelling, and AI. Dr. Johnson shares his journey from delivering rap-infused keynote speeches to building a scalable digital platform that helps entrepreneurs and organizations learn through interactive, music-driven modules and AI-powered coaching. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from in-person workshops to a tech-enabled solution, the surprising effectiveness of his method (with 85% of users calling it the best learning platform they’ve used), and his ambitious $1.8M revenue target for the next year.

Dr. Johnson also opens up about the tensions of scaling versus maintaining work-life balance, his bootstrap approach to growth, and the unique enterprise licensing model that fuels Sound Strategies. From targeting CSR departments and foundations to exploring Gen Z professional development, he reveals how he’s leveraging his extensive network while building predictable lead generation for colder audiences. Listeners will walk away with insights on blending creativity with technology, the realities of founder-led sales, and the tough decisions facing visionary entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Michael Joesten, founder of Michael Joesten Human Capital Consulting. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey—from his early days in hostile work environments to successfully selling two businesses before pivoting to leadership development. He discusses his passion for creating healthier workplace cultures, his scalable group coaching model, and the importance of curiosity in both leadership and sales.

Michael dives into his ideal client profile, the challenges of predictable lead generation, and his vision for scaling his consulting firm. He also offers invaluable advice for new entrepreneurs, emphasizing the power of faith, allowing success to unfold organically, and avoiding the trap of forcing outcomes.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Leahanne Hobson, founder and CEO of Alinea Partners, a Vienna-based global IT consultancy. Leahanne shares her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, detailing how she built a boutique, lifestyle-focused business by productizing consulting services—like their unique B2B "secret shopper" program—to deliver clear value for clients like Microsoft and IBM. She also discusses the power of referrals, LinkedIn for demand gen, and her philosophy on AI adoption (like Microsoft Copilot) as an enablement tool rather than a sales pitch.

Leahanne opens up about scaling challenges, maintaining a "liquid" team structure, and her focus on AI, cybersecurity, and compliance for 2025. She leaves listeners with a golden nugget: "Focus on people power, not position power." A must-listen for founders balancing growth with intentionality in high-tech consulting.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, we meet Crystal Corbin, the spirited entrepreneur behind The Liquor Connoisseur. What began as casual tastings with friends evolved into a mission to transform how we experience alcohol—emphasizing education, storytelling, and mindful drinking. Crystal shares how she and her husband turned their passion for spirits into a podcast, merch line, and tasting events, all while debunking myths (like why you shouldn’t fear high-proof tequila) and spotlighting underrated brands.

Crystal dives into her unique business model—from merch sales to corporate tastings—and her vision for launching their own spirit brand. She also gets candid about challenges like cracking the podcast algorithm and securing capital in a competitive industry. Along the way, she drops gems on the history of spirits (including Oklahoma’s distilling scene) and her mantra: "Drink to remember, not to forget." For aspiring entrepreneurs, her advice is simple: "Just start—perfection can wait."

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, we welcome Susan Lunning, founder and CEO of The Whole Health Way. Susan shares her transformative journey from cardiac care nurse to holistic wellness entrepreneur, blending her medical expertise with energy healing and life coaching to help clients align mind, body, and spirit. She reveals how personal tragedies—including the sudden loss of her husband—reinforced her mission to empower others to live intentionally, using principles of gratitude, visualization, and nervous system regulation to create lives they truly love.

Susan breaks down her unique approach, which focuses on four pillars of well-being (health, relationships, vocation, and financial freedom) and her scalable programs, including VIP coaching and vision workshops. She emphasizes the power of "living as if" your goals are already achieved and discusses her ambitious vision for The Whole Health Way Foundation—a sanctuary for transformation. Along the way, Susan shares profound insights on overcoming fear, rewiring limiting beliefs, and the importance of trusting yourself to manifest abundance.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, Neil Mackinnon , founder of Neil Mackinnon Coaching, shares his journey from professional musician to leadership coach. Rooted in the creative industries, Neil specializes in helping ambitious individuals find clarity and purpose. He discusses the relational nature of his coaching practice, the power of referrals, and his philosophy of non-directional coaching that fosters authentic growth.

Neil also opens up about the challenges of building a sustainable coaching business, emphasizing the importance of patience and long-term thinking. He reflects on his vision for the future, including expanding his impact while staying true to his relational approach. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Neil offers wisdom on embracing the journey rather than expecting overnight success.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we dive into the inspiring journey of Elian Haan-Bakke, transformation coach and founder of Elian Haan, LLC, with over 40 years of experience in fitness, wellness, and executive coaching. Elian shares how her holistic approach—combining somatic healing, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness—helps executives, leaders, and midlife women move from feeling "stuck to unstoppable." She discusses her unique revenue streams, from one-on-one coaching to speaking engagements, and her vision for scaling her impact through corporate partnerships and her upcoming book.

Elian also opens up about her organic, relationship-driven sales process, emphasizing alignment over aggressive marketing. She highlights the importance of daily action, persistence, and self-care for entrepreneurs, while reflecting on her own routines that keep her energized. Whether discussing her TV show, podcast, or community-building efforts, Elian’s passion for empowering others shines through, offering listeners actionable insights for personal and professional growth.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Mishal Saeed sits down with Catherine Knabb, founder of Knabb Consulting and franchisee of Network In Action Memphis & Virtual. With over 30 years of corporate and cost accounting experience, Catherine shares her journey from optimizing global projects to empowering entrepreneurs through franchise consulting and premium networking groups. She dives into her mission of ethical franchise matching, the importance of relationship-driven networking, and how she’s building systems to scale her dynamic business while staying true to human connections.

Catherine discusses the challenges of balancing automation with personalization, her strategies for client acquisition, and her vision for the future of franchise consulting. She also reflects on the lessons learned from transitioning out of corporate, the power of storytelling in business, and her advice for aspiring founders—emphasizing the value of aligning passion with purpose.

In this episode of Founders  Future, with host Mishal Saeed, Ifunanya Eze, CEO and lead consultant of The Almond Brand, shares her inspiring journey from witnessing familial communication gaps to becoming a certified relationship coach and mental health advocate. Rooted in her faith and passion for healing, Ifunanya founded The Almond Brand to bridge generational divides, helping singles and couples cultivate resilient relationships through temperament-based coaching, community building, and transformative conferences. She reveals how her personal experiences shaped her mission to prevent toxic relationships before they begin—focusing on proactive solutions rather than reactive fixes.

Ifunanya dives into her unique coaching framework, which blends psychology, technology, and faith to create scalable solutions—including her vision for a therapeutic AI app. She discusses the challenges of client commitment in coaching, the power of nurturing communities, and her ambitious goal to influence policy changes for healthier relationships globally. Listeners will gain insights on balancing personal authenticity with business growth, the importance of cultural context in coaching, and why empowering singles today can reshape families for generations to come.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, Dr. Joseph Drolshagen—renowned business coach and Rapid Growth Specialist—shares his transformative journey from corporate sales to founding IFGT Coaching & Consulting. Driven by his own struggles with subconscious limitations, Joseph reveals how his unique Subconscious Mindset Training (SMT) Method helps entrepreneurs and business owners achieve 200%+ year-over-year revenue growth by addressing deep-seated mental barriers. He discusses his vision for the upcoming IFGT Institute, where he’ll certify coaches in his proven methodology, and emphasizes the power of personalized, mindset-driven success over generic one-size-fits-all approaches.

Joseph opens up about his early career regrets, including passing up a life-changing opportunity due to self-limiting beliefs, and how this inspired his mission to help others break through their own mental blocks. He explains why rapid revenue growth starts with subconscious reprogramming and shares insights on building a "dream team" that aligns with his impact-driven philosophy. Listeners will gain valuable advice on crafting a Dynamic Vision for their business and why authenticity—not imitation—is the key to sustainable success.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we sit down with Larry Wolff, founder and CEO of Wolff Strategy Partners, a consulting firm specializing in business transformation and digital strategy. With 25+ years of experience as a CIO, COO, and CEO at Fortune 500 companies, Larry shares how he pivoted from corporate leadership to consulting—driven by his passion for helping multiple companies navigate inflection points rather than just one. He reveals why 70-95% of digital transformations fail (hint: it’s not just about technology) and how his firm tackles this by aligning IT, operations, and strategy to unlock millions in hidden value.

Larry pulls back the curtain on the challenges of scaling a consultancy, from the "roller coaster" of lead generation to the discipline required to balance client work with business development. He also shares hard-won insights on AI’s transformative role in business, why predictive analytics is the "gateway drug" for C-suites skeptical of AI, and his counterintuitive sales approach: "The best way to blow a sale is by selling." For founders in the consulting space, Larry’s advice is gold: surround yourself with puzzle-piece partners, define real differentiators, and don’t let "founder-itis" cap your growth.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Raoul Didisheim, founder and principal consultant of Didishheim Consulting, a boutique advisory firm helping entrepreneurs, executives, and family offices scale their businesses through digital transformation. Raoul shares his journey from agency leadership to entrepreneurship, detailing how his 25+ years of global experience shaped his consulting approach—focusing on mid-market companies that need strategic digital upgrades but aren’t large enough for traditional agencies.

Raoul breaks down his client discovery process, emphasizing the importance of deep competitive analysis and tailored solutions—from website overhauls to SEO and paid media—that drive real revenue, not just impressions. He also shares insights on leveraging AI for efficiency, the pitfalls of unpaid proposals, and why referrals remain his most valuable lead source. For founders looking to modernize their digital presence, Raoul’s blend of hands-on strategy and candid advice offers a roadmap to sustainable growth.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Carl Grant III, founder and CEO of Rainmakers Group, a business development consulting firm with a unique edge—25+ years of experience driving revenue growth at giants like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cooley LLP. Carl shares his unconventional journey from launching a cable TV startup with his father to becoming the first business development hire at PwC during its historic merger, revealing how he pioneered professional services growth strategies before they became industry standards.

Carl breaks down his firm’s high-touch approach to helping law firms, investment banks, and corporations scale—through training, outsourced business development, and capital raising—while grappling with the challenges of transitioning from big-firm resources to entrepreneurial constraints. He also drops hard-won lessons on leveraging technology (from early email adoption to AI), why referrals alone won’t sustain a consultancy, and his "anchor client" dilemma: the bittersweet reality that success means clients eventually outgrow you.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Lori Davis, founder and CEO of My Reservation People, a virtual call center revolutionizing reservations for premium pet care facilities. Lori shares how she identified a critical gap in the $147B pet care industry—helping pet hotels convert inquiries into bookings while delivering personalized, trust-driven service. With proprietary training systems and a "goodness wins" philosophy, her team becomes an extension of each client's business, boosting revenue while maintaining the human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Lori opens up about scaling her bootstrapped business through employee empowerment (including her work-from-home team's industry-leading retention) and why word-of-mouth referrals dominate her growth strategy. She also reveals her vision for 2025—expanding internationally to Australia and developing industry-specific software—while staying true to her core mission: helping pet parents feel confident leaving their furry family members in caring hands.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we dive into the inspiring journey of Otis McGregor, founder and CEO of Tribe + Purpose. Otis shares his transition from a 25-year military career as a Green Beret to becoming a leadership coach and consultant, helping small business owners and leaders find clarity, build influence, and create lasting impact. He reveals how his passion for coaching high school rugby led to the realization that leadership development was his true calling, shaping the mission of his company today.

Otis breaks down his three-tiered approach to leadership development—Do It Yourself, Done With You, and Done For You—and explains how he helps businesses cultivate strong leaders. He also shares powerful insights on trust, the importance of masculine leadership, and his vision for the future, including the Steel Men Tribe, a community for men seeking purposeful leadership.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Jaythan Elam, founder and head of product at Jointley Studio, a Tennessee-based design studio revolutionizing UX and digital experiences. Jaythan shares his journey from UX leadership at Storable to founding Jointley, detailing how the company evolved from a traditional agency into a unified launch partner—offering end-to-end services like product design, operations, and legal support. He discusses the challenges of scaling, the shift toward AI-driven predictive modeling, and his vision for creating a transparent, one-stop platform for startups and businesses.

Jaythan also opens up about Jointley's growth strategies, including word-of-mouth referrals, conference networking, and an upcoming content push to build awareness around their unique offering. He reflects on bottlenecks like balancing founder-level work with hands-on design, the importance of bootstrapping, and their ambitious $8M ARR goal for Year One. Tune in for insights on transforming fragmented vendor experiences into seamless, collaborative partnerships.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Tiffany Moore, founder of Amor Sales Education, a sales training business revolutionizing how professionals—especially in insurance and financial services—approach lead generation and closing. Tiffany shares her journey from selling at a tanning salon to developing her AMSE Framework, which combines LinkedIn automation, ethical energy-based selling, and workflow optimization to help clients book more meetings and close deals. She dives into the gaps she noticed in traditional sales training and how her hands-on, high-touch coaching model delivers real results by focusing on personalized scripts, follow-up systems, and mental resilience.

Tiffany also opens up about her mission to empower single mothers and young professionals through sales careers, her bootstrapped business journey, and why she avoids paid ads in favor of organic, relationship-driven growth. Tune in for insights on virtual prospecting, becoming a market authority on LinkedIn, and why Tiffany believes the future of sales lies in authenticity, automation, and energy—not pushy tactics.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, Nayerie Youssefian, founder of Phoenix Coaching, shares her deeply personal journey from surviving a suicide attempt to becoming a certified master coach specializing in trauma, transitions, and the Enneagram. Nayerie reveals how her near-death experience became her calling—helping others move from pain to purpose through her unique blend of heart-led coaching, workshops, and her upcoming book, Clarity Cookies.

Nayerie breaks down her 3-month coaching package ($2,400 for 12 sessions), her innovative "Broken Open Book Club," and her plans to expand with workshops like Your Mess Is Your Message. She emphasizes the power of authenticity in a saturated coaching market, crediting her virtual assistant’s Canva-driven social media strategy and her mantra: "People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care."

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Larry Szeliga, founder of MYOB Publishing, LLC, as he shares his unconventional journey from financial literacy advocate to organizational development expert. After retiring from a successful corporate career, Larry initially focused on teaching financial literacy to students before pivoting back to his true passion: helping companies build high-performance teams and transform toxic workplace cultures. With decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, Larry reveals his unique "diagnosis before prescription" approach and why he insists on in-person consultations to truly understand an organization's needs.

Larry breaks down his three-phase culture transformation framework and four-step team-building methodology, emphasizing that he teaches companies to fish rather than doing the work for them. He shares powerful anecdotes—including how he transformed a toxic CEO who would schedule Saturday meetings just to yell at employees—into a collaborative leader through a simple $100 accountability system. For entrepreneurs struggling with business pivots or consultants wondering how to balance passion with profitability, Larry offers hard-won wisdom about knowing when to walk away from what doesn't work and doubling down on what does.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Todd Nilson, founder of Clocktower Advisors, as he shares his journey from agency strategist to independent consultant specializing in online community building. Todd reveals how a personal need for flexibility to care for aging parents led him to launch his consultancy, where he now helps B2B companies and nonprofits create engaging digital spaces that foster authentic connections. With refreshing honesty, he discusses overcoming the mental hurdles of entrepreneurship, the importance of outsourcing early, and why he's built his business primarily through warm networking rather than cold outreach—a philosophy rooted in his belief in human-centered connections.

Todd breaks down his unique approach to community strategy, explaining how he helps organizations either launch new digital communities or revive struggling ones through customized 3-6 month engagements. He shares exciting details about his new venture, Talent Led—a SaaS platform aiming to humanize the hiring process—and reflects on lessons learned over nearly a decade in business, including the value of leaning into business development sooner. For any consultant wrestling with scalability or professionals interested in the future of digital communities, Todd offers practical wisdom about maintaining quality while growing strategically.

In this episode of Founders, Future, host Mishal Saeed sits down with Alfredo Paredes, CEO of Capitol Consulting & Communication, an award-winning strategic communications firm with roots dating back to 1965. Alfredo shares how his journey from working with a Washington consulting firm to founding his own agency was driven by a passion for solving complex communication challenges—from political campaigns to corporate branding across Latin America and beyond. He reveals the power of word-of-mouth referrals and deep client relationships in scaling a boutique consultancy, while navigating challenges like corruption and competition in emerging markets.

Alfredo dives into the evolving landscape of strategic communication, where neuromarketing and AI are transforming how brands connect with audiences. He also sheds light on his unexpected venture into water treatment technology, highlighting the urgent global need for sustainable solutions.