Episodes

4 hours ago
4 hours ago
Michael Pyle, a financial planner and LinkedIn influencer, discusses his journey in the financial services industry and the power of LinkedIn as a networking tool. Michael shares insights on building a community, the importance of vulnerability in content creation, and the impact of financial planning on individuals' lives. He emphasizes the need for genuine connections and the value of helping others navigate their financial journeys. The discussion also touches on the challenges of content creation and the significance of understanding one's audience.
Takeaways:
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and community building.
Vulnerability in content can lead to deeper connections.
Salespeople often need financial guidance due to their unique challenges.
Formatting content for readability is crucial for engagement.
The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with personal growth.
Helping others with financial planning can be life-changing.
Content creation should focus on delivering value to the audience.
Building a tribe on LinkedIn can lead to meaningful relationships.
Imposter syndrome is common but can be overcome by focusing on value.
The financial planning industry can benefit from more authentic voices.
Keywords: LinkedIn, financial planning, community building, content creation, networking, sales, entrepreneurship, personal finance, vulnerability, social media
Sound Bites:
"LinkedIn is just a tool."
"Salespeople get a really bad rap."
"I want people to get solid help."
"I was a terrible student."
"I will be their biggest cheerleader."
"Nobody cares about your price."
"I always enjoy talking to you."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Pyle
02:23 The Power of LinkedIn as a Tool
09:33 Michael's Journey in Financial Planning
15:26 Building a Community on LinkedIn
22:43 Content Creation and Engagement on LinkedIn
30:30 The Impact of Financial Planning
36:13 Reflections and Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

7 days ago
7 days ago
Janice Tam, Co-Founder and CEO of TrueToForm, shares her journey in building a body scanning and fit prediction software platform for the apparel industry. She discusses the evolution of her startup, the challenges of technology development, and the importance of market validation. Janice emphasizes the need for capital efficiency and the impact of location on startup growth, highlighting the support from her community. She also reflects on lessons learned and future aspirations for TrueToForm.
https://www.truetoform.fit/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-hy-tam/
Takeaways:
The idea for TrueToForm originated in business school.
Personal experiences with fit issues drove the passion for the startup.
The transition from hardware to software was crucial for scalability.
Building a capital-efficient startup is essential in today's market.
Market validation is key to understanding customer needs.
Community support can significantly impact startup growth.
Emotional runway is as important as cash runway for founders.
Feedback from users is vital for product improvement.
Location can influence networking opportunities and startup success.
The future of e-commerce is evolving with technology advancements.
Keywords: TrueToForm, Janice Tam, body scanning, fit prediction, apparel industry, startup journey, capital efficiency, technology development, market validation, community support
Sound Bites:
"There's so much variation in sizing from brand to brand."
"The purpose of a business is to make money."
"It's a very exciting time to be in this space of e-commerce."
"We were able to meet a lot of people quickly, get feedback quickly."
"We're leaving no stone left unturned, that's for sure."
"Keep in mind that there's two pieces of runway."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to TrueToForm and Janice Tam's Journey
02:47 The Evolution of TrueToForm: From Idea to Execution
05:54 Understanding the Fit Problem in Fashion
08:49 Building a Capital Efficient Startup
12:14 Navigating the Challenges of Technology Development
15:10 The Importance of Market Validation
17:56 Expanding into Ready-to-Wear Market
21:03 The Impact of Location on Startup Growth
24:09 Community Support and Resources
26:50 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Kasey Devine interviews Anthony Dann, a healthcare entrepreneur, about his journey from studying entrepreneurship to building a healthcare startup focused on remote patient monitoring. They discuss the importance of personal branding, the challenges of raising funds, and the unique landscape of healthcare technology. Anthony shares insights on the need for preventative care and the role of data in improving patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes and the evolving expectations of healthcare consumers.
Takeaways
Anthony's journey from studying entrepreneurship to founding a healthcare startup.
The importance of personal branding in today's entrepreneurial landscape.
Challenges faced in raising funds for a startup.
The unique advantages and challenges of building a business in Minnesota.
The need for preventative care in the healthcare system.
How data can empower healthcare providers to make better decisions.
The evolving expectations of patients regarding healthcare technology.
The significance of adapting to market changes in entrepreneurship.
The role of location in accessing funding and talent.
The importance of connecting with the audience and gathering feedback.
Keywords: entrepreneurship, personal branding, healthcare technology, startup funding, patient care, preventative care, rural health, med tech, business growth, data-driven healthcare
Sound Bites
"I enjoy attention, but it's not about me."
"I had to admit that maybe we needed to change."
"It's about the company, not me."
"We have to focus on preventative care."
"It's a unique paradigm in American healthcare."
"The data is there to collect."
"We need to bridge the gap in rural health."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Anthony Dann
02:59 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
06:06 Personal Branding in the Startup World
09:00 Building a Healthcare Startup
11:59 Navigating the Funding Landscape
15:02 The Role of Location in Business
17:50 The Future of Healthcare Technology
20:46 Connecting Data to Patient Care
24:08 The Importance of Preventative Care
26:55 Engaging with the Audience
29:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
In this episode, Kasey Devine interviews Summer Song, founder of Omi Live, a life shopping platform for eco-friendly brands. Summer shares her journey as an introverted entrepreneur, the challenges she faced stepping out of her comfort zone, and her vision for helping other businesses grow. The conversation delves into the innovative concept of live shopping, its potential in the U.S. market, and the importance of community building for brand success. Summer also discusses the unique challenges female founders encounter in securing funding and gaining respect in the business world.
Takeaways
Summer emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones for personal and professional growth.
Building a network and community is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially those starting from scratch.
Live shopping combines entertainment with e-commerce, creating a unique shopping experience.
Summer's vision includes helping over 100 brands grow through her platform in the next five years.
The importance of focusing on existing resources rather than overthinking what is lacking.
Female founders often face unique challenges in gaining respect and funding in a male-dominated industry.
Community building requires more than just marketing; it involves creating genuine connections.
Summer's journey reflects the blend of comfort and discomfort in entrepreneurship.
The need for continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Engagement with eco-friendly brands is a priority for Omi Live, inviting collaboration and feedback.
Keywords: entrepreneurship, comfort zone, live shopping, eco-friendly brands, female founders, business growth, community building, marketing strategies, self-development, networking
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Summer Song and Omilife
01:56 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
05:49 The Birth of Omilife and Live Shopping
09:35 Understanding Live Shopping
11:17 Vision for the Future
13:02 Upcoming Projects and Challenges
16:38 Introspection and Advice to Younger Self
19:44 How to Follow Summer's Journey
20:28 How Listeners Can Help

Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
In this episode, Andrea Zechmann, Founder and CEO of Levelrie, shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of personal finance, creativity, and understanding the market. She discusses the challenges of starting a company, the significance of being resourceful, and her vision for revolutionizing women's fashion by creating an end-to-end experience similar to Spotify. Andrea encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their journey and invest in themselves.
Takeaways:
The start of an entrepreneur's journey is often the hardest part.
Understanding personal finance is crucial for founders.
Being a good steward of money is essential for success.
Passion for your idea is key to long-term commitment.
Entrepreneurship is a superpower that everyone can harness.
Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.
Creativity is vital in finding unique solutions as a founder.
Building connections is more valuable than climbing the corporate ladder.
The fashion industry is ripe for disruption and innovation.
Women often face unique challenges in fashion that need addressing.
Sound Bites
"You have to be a good steward of money."
"I think entrepreneurship is a superpower."
"I want to create the machine, not be a cog."
Keywords: entrepreneurship, startup, personal finance, women's fashion, business journey, innovation, creativity, leadership, founder mindset, e-commerce
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship
02:29 The Journey to Starting a Company
10:06Financial Foundations for Founders
12:39 Building the MVP and Customer Discovery
22:44 Vision for the Future of Fashion
28:27 The Superpower of Entrepreneurship

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this conversation, Katie Shahan, a founder and entrepreneur, shares her journey from working in a small business to starting her own startup, Yarlow. Katie discusses the importance of networking, building confidence, and the challenges of entrepreneurship, especially for women in tech. Katie emphasizes the need for genuine connections and support systems, exemplified by her initiative, EmpowerHer, which fosters a community for female entrepreneurs. The conversation also delves into the innovative features of Yarlow, an app designed to help homeowners manage their properties effectively, and Katie's vision for its future.
Takeaways:
-Building a startup requires talking to customers, not just building in isolation.-Networking is crucial for building confidence and support in entrepreneurship.-EmpowerHer is a community for women entrepreneurs to connect and support each other.-Finding five reliable people in your network can significantly impact your entrepreneurial journey.-Yarlow aims to provide homeowners with essential maintenance tips and resources.-Transparency in business can lead to better customer relationships and feedback.-It's important to balance creativity with market needs in product development.-Engaging with your community can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.-The app Yarlow is designed to help homeowners manage their properties effectively.-Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, but building a supportive network can alleviate that loneliness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Katie Shahan01:22 Building a Startup: Lessons from the Garage07:14 The Importance of Networking11:01 EmpowerHer: Creating a Supportive Community17:22 Yarlow: The Homeowner's Companion23:15 The Journey of Entrepreneurship27:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
In this conversation, Kasey Devine interviews Sabrina Rucker, CEO and Co-Founder of Storyforge, a writing platform aimed at underrepresented new writers. Sabrina shares insights into the unique work culture at Storyforge, emphasizing authenticity, creativity, and support. She discusses the challenges of traditional publishing and the mission of Storyforge to provide a clear path for aspiring writers. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mental health, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Takeaways:
Sabrina Rucker is the CEO and co-founder of Storyforge.
Storyforge aims to support underrepresented new writers.
The work culture at Storyforge is intentionally non-corporate and creative.
Authenticity in the workplace fosters better ideas and collaboration.
Sabrina emphasizes the importance of mental health days for employees.
Storyforge provides a clear progress bar for writers to track their publishing journey.
The platform is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all writers.
Sabrina believes that culture is more important than strategy in a company.
Community engagement is crucial for the success of Storyforge.
Storyforge aims to revolutionize the traditional publishing process.
Sound Bites
"We have a crazy work culture."
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
"There's gotta be a better way."
"I would love to read them."
"I would love to see what you could do."
Keywords: Storyforge, workplace culture, creativity, publishing, underrepresented writers, authenticity, startup culture, community, mental health, storytelling
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Storyforge and Sabrina Rucker
02:32 Creating a Unique Work Culture
10:32 The Importance of Authenticity in Workplace Culture
21:31 The Vision and Mission of Storyforge
27:10 The Impact of Storytelling and Creativity

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode, Kasey Devine interviews Clare Richards, CEO and Co-Founder of Impacks, a company dedicated to providing parents with an easy way to purchase school supplies online. Clare shares her journey from community service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and making meaningful asks. The conversation explores the mission of Impacks, the challenges of starting a business during the pandemic, and the role of community service in leadership development.
Takeaways
Community service can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Building authentic relationships is crucial for success.
Starting a business requires resilience and adaptability.
Networking should be proactive, not reactive.
The school supply market is ripe for innovation.
Impacks aims to alleviate the burden of school supply shopping for parents.
Engaging parents in giving can create a larger impact.
Community service can develop leadership skills in employees.
It's important to ask for help when needed.
A for-profit model can effectively address social issues.
Keywords: community service, entrepreneurship, school supplies, business leadership, social impact, networking, education, startup journey, nonprofit, leadership development
Sound Bites
"Everything happens for a reason."
"You have to invest in those relationships."
"It's much easier for me to give."
"It's a really amazing structure."
"This is a pretty good market to be in."
"It's a win-win."
"We need to earn their trust."
"We can help make it a lot better."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Clare Richards and Impacts
02:05 The Role of Community Service in Business
11:49 The Journey of Starting Impacks
19:12 Building Relationships and Making Asks
28:00 Understanding Impacts' Mission and Services
32:44 The Importance of Community Service in Leadership

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this conversation, Marin Nelson shares her journey of sobriety and how it led her to co-found Sobrynth, a company focused on providing support for substance use disorder in the workplace. Marin discusses the importance of sharing personal stories, building community, and creating safe spaces for individuals to seek help. She reflects on her experiences in recovery, the challenges of starting a business, and the need for change in workplace culture regarding substance use. The conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability and the impact of community support in recovery.
Takeaways:
Marin Nelson is a long-term recovery advocate and CEO of Sobrynth.
The power of sharing personal stories can foster community and support.
Creating a sober community in the workplace is essential for recovery.
Sobriety can enhance leadership and employee performance.
There is a significant gap in workplace support for substance use disorder.
Community and connection are antidotes to loneliness and substance use.
Grief can catalyze personal and professional transformation.
Entrepreneurship requires courage and a willingness to take risks.
Businesses can positively impact society while being for-profit.
It's important to trust the process and seek help when needed.
Keywords: sobriety, recovery, workplace support, substance use disorder, storytelling, community, entrepreneurship, mental health, Sobrynth, personal growth
Sound Bites:
"I couldn't stay silent."
"My sobriety makes me a better leader."
"If not me, who? If not now, when?"
"We need to show that businesses can do good."
"I need to talk to someone who understands."
"You're not alone. There is hope."
"You're not alone. There are 21 million of us in recovery."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Marin Nelson and Sobriety Journey
02:31 The Power of Sharing Stories
04:03 From Personal Struggles to Professional Impact
06:51 Creating a Sober Community at Work
12:49 The Importance of Community in Recovery
16:39 The Catalyst for Change: Grief and Purpose
20:56 Taking the Leap: From Employee to Entrepreneur
22:50 Sobrynth: Bridging the Gap in Workplace Support
29:16 Understanding Sobrynth's Mission and Services
33:24 Advice to My Younger Self
34:54 Engaging with Sobrynth and Community Support

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Summary: Ryan Shapiro, Founder of PEOMG, discusses the importance of PEOs in supporting small to medium-sized businesses. He shares his journey into the PEO industry, the complexities of finding the right PEO for businesses, and the current climate for small businesses. Ryan emphasizes the need for authenticity and responsibility in the PEO consulting space and offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also outlines the plans for PEOMG and the impact they aim to have on the industry.
Takeaways
Helping small to medium-sized businesses is our core mission.
Complex problems are what drive my passion.
PEOs can support a wide range of industries.
Navigating the PEO landscape requires careful evaluation.
The current business climate is challenging but full of opportunities.
Finding the right PEO is crucial for business success.
Authenticity and responsibility are key in consulting.
Entrepreneurs should assess their weaknesses.
PEOmg aims to expand and support more businesses.
Education and fun are essential in the PEO industry.
Keywords: PEO, HR outsourcing, small business, entrepreneurship, talent retention, business growth, employee support, PEO industry, consulting, business solutions, PEOMG, Ryan Shapiro
Sound Bites
"I like complex problems."
"It's a relationship, it's a partnership."
"Businesses are people."
"What am I really not good at?"
"We couldn't be happier about the results."
"There's nothing sexy about the PEO industry."
"We do it to educate and have fun."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to PEOMG and Ryan Shapiro
02:38 The Mission Behind PEOMG
05:32 The Complexity of PEOs and Small Business Solutions
12:00 Navigating the PEO Landscape
19:49 Current Climate for Small Businesses
22:28 Identifying the Right Fit for PEOs
25:49 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
28:21 Future Plans for PEOMG