Agents of Innovation

Francois de Neuville is the founder of Man Uncharted and author of "The Illusion of Time: 11 Lessons How Not to Suck at Life."

Francois is a survivor of the 2018 tsunami and 7.5 earthquake in Indonesia. He was an officer and platoon leader in the Belgian military and trained as a commando-paratrooper. Through his adventures around the world, François brings a unique perspective and depth of knowledge to his work as a high-performance coach, speaker, and author. François is dedicated to sharing his insights with others and empowering people to show up in a way they’ve never done before to achieve greatness. With his guidance and support, you too can learn to master yourself, master your time, and create an epic life that is truly fulfilling.

Learn more about Francois at: https://www.francoisdeneuville.com

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/UjHrx9Z9QqU

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / innovationradio

Twitter: / agentinnovation

Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org

0:00 Introduction to episode

3:24 Surviving the Tsunami: A Life-Changing Experience

10:08 The Universal Truths of Time

11:10 Confronting Mortality: Lessons from Bhutan

15:26 The Perception of Time: Speeding Up or Slowing Down?

19:14 The Nomadic Lifestyle: Embracing Freedom and Minimalism

26:22 Choosing Your Problems: Empowerment Through Travel

30:48 Suffering is a Choice: Perspective on Pain

34:56 Pain vs Suffering: Understanding the Difference

36:19 The Grieving Process: Navigating Loss and Healing

39:46 Embracing Discomfort: The Path to Growth

43:19 Challenging Comfort Zones: Adventures and Risks

48:44 Living Boldly: The Importance of Taking Risks

55:41 Man Uncharted: Building Brotherhood and Resilience

Douglas Pestana has over 13 years of experience in data science, machine learning, natural language processing, and AI. Throughout his career, Douglas has managed data science and analytics in healthcare, startups, and Fortune 500 companies. He has built and deployed various AI models, making him the perfect fit to lead the development of our innovative contract review software. He’s also the founder of Remix Institute, a startup that trains members for careers in AI.

You can learn more about Douglas Pestana and his team at LegalMente AI here:

https://legalmente.ai/team/

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/J9UdhqRpM_E

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / innovationradio

Twitter: / agentinnovation

Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org

0:00 Episode Intro

2:24 Introduction of Douglas Pestana

4:20 Early life and education in Tampa, Florida

5:25 Excelling in Mathematics and Cultivating Strengths

11:00 First Post-College Job as a Data Analyst in Las Vegas

14:44 Putting the Odds in Your Favor

16:51 Where Innovation Flourishes Most

18:54 Using AI to Be a Problem Solver

20:12 Real Value of Machine Learning: Predicting the Future

22:30 How AI can help entrepreneurs

23:50 AI Machines: Automating Known Factors to Predicting the Unknown

30:55 How to Integrate AI into our daily habits

38:08 What is LegalMente and why was it founded?

42:14 How the average person & lawyers can benefit from LegalMente AI

44:40 Will AI eliminate jobs for lawyers?

51:10 How solo practitioners and small legal firms can use LegalMente AI

53:23 How LegalMente uses technology and the law in its product

53:50 How and why everyone should begin utilizing AI tools in their daily use

55:13 How Fearless Journeys helps entrepreneurs connect and solve problems

55:48 Entrepreneurs are Problem Solvers

58:28 How Alexander McCobin and Ron Paul brought Francisco and Doug together

Riley Kaminer is the Founder of ClearCritical, a team of storytellers and strategists helping VCs amplify their vision. They turn investment theses and portfolio successes into compelling narratives that engage LPs and elevate their firms' brands.

An experienced tech journalist, Riley’s research and writing has appeared in Forbes, The Times (UK), Rest of World, Cities Today, Refresh Miami, and many more. Through his coverage of 400+ startups – and ghostwriting for dozens more – he is keenly aware of what gives stories long-term impact. Riley leverages his experience as a journalist to empower startups to build their own media ecosystem. His bespoke content strategy will enable you to become a thought leader and spread your ideas at scale. Ultimately, this content creation helps your company gain credibility, lock down leads, and drive sales. As a founder, your insights can change the world. But these ideas won’t go anywhere unless you create content. Work with Riley and unlock your inner thought leader.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/XZaLosM6V2k

You can learn more about Riley Kaminer at: https://rileykaminer.com

Find his company ClearCritical at: https://www.clearcritical.com

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / innovationradio

Twitter: / agentinnovation

Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org

0:00 Episode Intro

1:47 Introduction of Riley Kaminer

3:04 Growing up with an international mindset

5:58 Attending College in the UK / Scotland

8:54 Studying abroad in Madrid

10:18 Comparing to U.S. college experience

13:10 Degrees in Business, Spanish, and Latin American Studies

14:58 Becoming a Writer Requires Collecting Experiences

16:18 Working for a Film Distributor in the UK

18:00 Moving to Spain with a Digital Nomad Visa

18:59 Living and Working in South Florida Post-Pandemic

23:03 Writing about Tech for Refresh Miami

25:17 Freelance writing for a variety of publications

25:48 First job develops work ethic

28:12 What sparked early interest in journalism

31:58 Founding ClearCritical to tell stories in a different way

35:21 Repurposing your skills in a rapidly changing economy

39:59 How ClearCritical can help you

41:28 The importance of repetitive storytelling

47:52 Choosing to live and work from Madrid

51:48 Personal benefits of entrepreneurship

Vuk Velebit is the co-founder and executive director of the Pupin Initiative, which has become the hub for bolstering US-Serbia ties, doing so through collaborative and non-partisan efforts and policies. The Pupin Initiative was established with the same values that renowned Serbian-American scientist and inventor Mihajlo (Michael) Pupin espoused over 100 years ago. They bring together young entrepreneurs, cross-field experts, and value creators from both the United States and Serbia, focus on creating impactful networks through a bottom-up approach, and provide an authentic understanding of local contexts. The Pupin Initiative is privately funded to ensure commitment and efficiency, and to surpass any bureaucratic shortcomings.

Vuk Velebit is a leading new-generation political analyst, renowned for his expertise in foreign and security policy, media analysis, and political strategy.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5qvATL-79q8

You can learn more about the Pupin Initiative at: https://pupin.org

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: / innovationradio

Twitter: / agentinnovation

Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org

0:00 Episode Intro

1:55 Introduction of Vuk Velebit

3:52 Why the Pupin Initiative?

5:55 Who was Michael Pupin?

10:28 Serbia's dynamic geographic location

14:06 U.S. companies with hubs in Belgrade

16:08 Serbia's startup ecosystem & US trade partnership

17:00 High-skilled tech talent

18:16 Why most Serbians speak English

24:05 Real Estate Investment in Belgrade waterfront

28:53 The need for internal investment in Serbia

30:43 Serbian economy and access to international markets

37:15 Serbian Dinar a very sound currency

37:50 Visiting Belgrade & learning its history

43:40 U.S. Presidential visits to Serbia

46:38 Connecting Belgrade and Miami

48:45 The affect of Russia, Ukraine, and Israel on Serbia

51:48 Serbian Orthodox Church & rich history in Belgrade

54:25 Events and Activities of the Pupin Initiative

58:01 Meeting with decision makers in Washington DC

1:01:06 The future of Serbia and U.S.-Serbia relations

Kevin Comer and Brian Graham are both frequent travelers on group trips organized by Agents of Innovation podcast host Francisco Gonzalez, who is also the founder & CEO of Fearless Journeys. In this unique podcast episode, the three recount personal and group trips and offer lots of great travel advice while recounting amusing stories -- some of which are almost hard to believe!

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zGZWcKE1WAg

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/innovationradio/

Twitter: twitter.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: www.fearlessjourneys.org

Find Brian Graham on Instagram at @brianhgraham

Find Kevin Comer on Instagram at @kevininFlorida

Guardian Capital S.A. is a Buenos Aires-based financial advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized investment strategies. With a team of seasoned professionals, the firm offers tailored solutions in asset allocation, risk management, and portfolio optimization to ensure clients' capital is both protected and positioned for growth.

Episode 156 of the Agents of Innovation podcast features two of their co-founders, Tomás Ambrosetti and Martin D'odorico.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRFF3p8qmrEG4l4uR1BDZQg

On the 2024 Fearless Journeys group trip to Argentina, our group visited with Tomas and Martin. Now, we bring the world a full conversation with them about how they have grown to about 1,000 clients in just two years as a firm. They use many social media platforms (see below) to communicate financial education messages; these communication and media efforts also help to expand their brand and attract new clients.

You can learn more about Guardian Capital at: https://guardiancapital.com.ar

Follow Guardian Capital on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardiancapital_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guardiancapital

YouTube:

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org

Julian Castillo is an urban architect with Siudad, a company in Guatemala City that proclaims that CITY (spelled "Siudad" instead of the grammatically correct "Ciudad") "is a positive mindset to improve city life." They believe that Guatemalan cities have the opportunity to become successful urban hubs, bringing economic prosperity, well-being and health to their citizens and visitors.

Siudad is committed to facilitating, educating and empowering Guatemalans to plan, design and build the cities of the future.

Julian Castillo was our guest on episode 155 of the Agents of Innovation podcast.

You can learn more about Siudad at: https://siudad.org

You can find Julian Castillo online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julián-castillo-holzheu-9a002599/

You can also WATCH this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/c82rDVMvOUQ

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/

Dennis Hulbert has had a very successful career for 39 years with the U.S.D.A Forest Service as the Region 5 Aviation Officer representing California and Pacific Islands. After retiring he began to focus on his lifelong passion as a musician and his work with the music group that he founded 33 years ago, Machaira. Working with such notable musicians as John McFee from Doobie Brothers, Billy Kirchen from Commander Cody, Dennis is looking to take his band to a new level. This current journey is allowing Dennis the opportunity to work/record with many great players: Marc Russo- from Doobie Brothers, Mic Gillette from Tower Of Power, Michael Hossack- from Doobie Brothers, Brent Bourgeois from Bourgeois Tagg, Scott Joss from Merle Haggard, and Keith Edwards from Ricky Skaggs, to name a few. Dennis is devoting his time to developing and managing the Machaira band and the Go Girls of Machaira. Along with co-managing Machaira Entertainment, a multi facet entertainment endeavor.

Dennis was our guest on Episode 154 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. Learn more about him and his band Machaira at: https://www.coopdeville.com and their YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_2eojoSgKJKcF_FzMd-iTg

You can watch this full episode on YouTube podcast: https://youtu.be/O2IJrOYxJs8

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also learn more about how to join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/

0:00 Episode Intro

2:46 Introducing Dennis Hulbert

3:16 Work for the U.S. Forest Service

4:58 Innovating in the fire retardant space

7:43 Be a good team leader

8:22 The inspiration to go into the U.S. Forestry Service

9:12 Aviation Officer in California and Pacific Islands

11:24 Early days learning music

13:02 Faith music, tours of Russia, American diplomacy

14:00 Surround yourself with good people

14:14 Over 40 people have been in the band, world tours, top guest artists

14:35 Nonprofit band, have never charged a penny

15:25 Taking band to the next level

16:10 11-person band, seasoned professionals, and a movie

18:09 A future reality TV show?

19:03 California, Montana, and tours

19:46 New album: Life is a Rock and Roll Circus

21:51 The business of music

26:25 Profiles of other band members

30:52 The origin of the band name, "Machaira"

32:30 New album releases March 2025 and live shows

34:45 Cover of Elvis Presley "Saved"

35:15 Agent of Innovation Matt Stone as Elvis

37:00 Learn by doing, never miss a gig, and practice

39:50 Keys to success

Nick was our guest on Episode 153 of the Agents of Innovation podcast.

You can find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasbourdon

You can learn more about Reef Arches at: https://reefarches.com

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

Watch this episode on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/lteqI8n6yu8

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/

0:00 Episode Intro

2:25 Intro to Nick Bourdon and Reef Arches

3:40 How Reef Arches solves the problem of beach erosion

5:55 How humans reacted to beach erosion before Reef Arches

7:18 How Reef Arches was conceived and patent achieved

9:19 Being an entrepreneur within a larger company, Hedrick Brothers Construction

15:35 Partnering with local governments in Florida

19:45 Ripple effects across the economy

24:51 Reef Arch construction material and design

29:05 Nick Bourdon's early life and education

32:00 Nick's habits and daily routine

34:02 Transporting Reef Arches

35:00 Nick's first job

36:30 The freedom of being an entrepreneur

37:30 Innovating within a company

48:12 Mentorship

49:20 The ideal customers and products

51:40 Facing the competition

52:43 Global economic solutions

54:10 Last words

Edwin H. (Ed) Moore, Ph.D., is the President-Emeritus of the Independent Colleges and Universities ofFlorida, a Tallahassee based association of 30 private, not for profit colleges and universities. He led the Association from 2003 until 2019. He also served as the Executive Director of the Higher EducationFacilities Finance Authority in Florida and as Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Independent College Fund, a non-profit organization.

Over his career he has served in leadership roles in both legislative and executive branches, in the private sector and in several not for profit organizations. He is a recognized policy expert. He has served in many significant positions in a wide array of policy arenas, including education, insurance, healthcare, mental health, criminal justice, and many other areas. As Florida recovered from Covid related issues he was asked to serve as Executive Director of the RESET Florida Task Force, helping to develop action plans to bolster the Florida economy. He authored "The Speakers Vol. II, a history of the Speakers of the Florida House of Representatives."

Ed was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a member of the Florida Commission on Ethics and previously to the Florida Constitution mandated Government Efficiency Task Force. He currently serves as a Trustee for the HCA Florida Capital Hospital, and as a member of the Florida Historic Capitol Foundation Board of Directors. He is a frequent guest on The Morning Show with Preston Scott, The Ed Dean Show, The Usual Suspects, and several other state outlets.

Ed earned a BS and an MSPA in the 1970’s from Florida State University, the master’s while working full-time. He had previously earned an AA from Broward Junior College while working full-time. After he sold his company and returned to Florida in 1999, he both worked full-time and pursued and earned his Ph.D. from FSU.

He has been married to Kathleen Armstrong Moore for 50 years. They have four adult children and eight wonderful grandchildren. They reside in Tallahassee.

Ed was our guest on Episode 152 of the Agents of Innovation podcast.

You can follow him on X at: https://x.com/AFloridian

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vy4pXUfsTHc

Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast

Subscribe to this channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRFF3p8qmrEG4l4uR1BDZQg

You can also subscribe to the Fearless Journeys travel channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAHpA_AXxBafhI2jH8_rtg

You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys

You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/