15 Minutes Share Your Voice

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Emeka Oguh. Emeka is the CEO of PeopleJoy, a company that helps HR leaders attract and retain top talent with turnkey student loan and education benefits.

In this episode, they discuss Emeka's entrepreneurial journey, focusing on his experiences in the tech and finance sectors, and his current venture, PeopleJoy, which aims to help individuals achieve financial wellness by addressing student debt and other financial challenges. Emeka shares insights into his career path, the importance of passion in entrepreneurship, and how AI is influencing business operations.

"Entrepreneurial success is driven more by mindset—passion, resilience, and vision—than by initial capital. My journey shows how strategic thinking and determination can overcome limited resources to achieve significant success."

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In this episode, Emeka reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from early childhood ventures to launching his first company in mobile app publishing, before diving into the mission behind PeopleJoy—helping individuals achieve financial freedom by removing barriers like student debt through employer-sponsored repayment assistance and financial wellness solutions. The conversation also explores the evolving role of AI in business, with Emeka emphasizing its power to enhance efficiency and augment human capabilities while underscoring the importance of preserving a strong human element, especially in financial services.

Connect with Emeka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emekaoguh/

Check out PeopleJoy: https://peoplejoy.com/

Recorded on 2/19/26

In this edition of the AmiSights Podcast, Bryan Clayton shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a small lawn mowing business to founding GreenPal, a tech platform that connects homeowners with lawn care services. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the process of selling it, and the impact of technology and AI on modern entrepreneurship. Bryan emphasizes the importance of customer service and the personal fulfillment that comes from helping others succeed in their own businesses.

"I think if you're doing entrepreneurship well, you should evolve into a whole new person every year or two, because you're always being confronted with new challenges."

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Today's episode covers three main topics: Bryan's journey from running a small lawn mowing business to founding GreenPal, highlighting the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the personal fulfillment of building a business; strategies for growing a small business, navigating operational hurdles, and planning effectively for a sale; and the impact of technology and AI on enhancing customer experiences, streamlining operations, and transforming the landscaping and gig economy space.

Connect with Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214/

Check out GreenPal: https://www.yourgreenpal.com/

Recorded on 1/6/26

This week on the AmiSights Podcast, we're joined by Brandi Nelson, Senior Director of Growth Operations at MultiFunding, for a powerful conversation on SBA lending, relationships, and what it really takes to guide entrepreneurs through successful financing.

From navigating borrower fatigue to understanding risk in business acquisitions, this episode is packed with practical insights for lenders, advisors, and entrepreneurs alike.

If you care about client experience, strong partnerships, and smarter SBA strategies, this is one you don't want to miss.

"The SBA has done a great job, and so have bankers, in educating themselves to make this an affordable source of capital. It's a smart way to accomplish your goals while preserving working capital and often an easier path to a 'yes.' The key, though, is finding the right bank and making sure they truly understand what they're doing, because not all lenders have the same level of expertise."

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On this episode, we dive into recent SBA policy changes—including the removal of the SBSS score—the need for clearer messaging and borrower education, and how COVID-era publicity has shaped perceptions of SBA lending, while also featuring Brandi's background in commercial and SBA lending and how MultiFunding's relationship-driven culture aligns with her approach to supporting entrepreneurs and referral partners, and breaking down how SBA programs can be used strategically for growth and acquisitions with a focus on strong cash flow, realistic payment structures, thorough due diligence, and proper buyer education.

Connect with Brandi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandilnelson/ Recorded on 1/12/26

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we're thrilled to have Julie Zarr, Business Loan Advisor at MultiFunding, and her client, Jeffrey Peterson, CEO of The Wash, as our guests. They share the story of their collaboration, the deal they worked on together, and how the right guidance can make all the difference. Jeffrey's journey is truly inspiring, and we're honored to feature it.

"I want my employees to have a safe place to come to work. I want them to be prideful in where they're going. Have a living wage and be safe with a group of people that's in. Understand an inclusive environment and then give a quality product to our community."

In this episode, Jeffrey Peterson shares how he launched The Wash laundromat in Washington State, detailing his motivation, the challenges he faced, and the support he received through the SBA process while working with Julie Zarr. He also discusses his commitment to hiring individuals with developmental disabilities and building an inclusive, supportive workplace. In addition, Jeffrey explores the practical side of starting the business—from developing a plan and securing funding to navigating construction and community resources to bring his vision to life.

Connect with Jeffrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewash509/

Check out The Wash: https://the-wash.com/

Recorded on 1/16/26

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we welcome John Corcoran, who shares his expertise on using podcasts as a tool for building meaningful relationships and driving business success.

"As we move forward, if not right now, we're not going to be able to tell what is real and what is fake online. Connecting with people in a genuine way, whether it's in person or through a podcast, is going to be crucial in the years ahead."

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The three main points of this episode are the importance of building strong relationships as a foundation for business success, the evolution of podcasting into a powerful tool for creating media presence and meaningful connections, and the challenges of podcast production—along with the need for clear strategy, accountability, and the right support to use podcasting effectively as a business growth tool.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corcoran/

Check out Rise25: https://rise25.com/

In this edition of the AmiSights Podcast, Aaron Lee shares his journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to navigating the challenges of running a marketing agency, especially during the pandemic. He discusses the importance of relationships in business, the fragility of marketing agencies, and the lessons learned from selling his business. Aaron also reflects on finding his passion after exiting and offers valuable advice for those looking to acquire a marketing agency.

"The real value in a marketing agency isn't just in the numbers; it's in the relationships and the people. Understanding the motivations and interests of your team is crucial to sustaining and growing the business."

Today's episode explores how becoming an accidental entrepreneur taught Aaron Lee that relationships, not rigid planning, often lay the groundwork for early business success, how community, mentorship, and hard-earned lessons reshaped his leadership style and approach to building a sustainable business, and how redefining success, adapting through crises, and valuing people over numbers ultimately transformed both his company and his life.

Connect with Aaron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlee01/

Check out Bloom Growth: https://www.bloomgrowth.com

Recorded on 12/19/25

In this edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Loren Feldman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of 21 Hats. Tune in as we discuss the evolution of podcasting, the challenges of building a community for small business owners, and the impact of AI on entrepreneurship.

"The best way you can learn is by talking to other people on similar journeys. So I tried to build, I'm trying to build a community."

This episode explores the power of building community among entrepreneurs through shared experiences and practical insights, examines how AI can be used to support business operations and content creation, and discusses the changing media landscape—highlighting the importance of authentic storytelling as the shift from print to digital continues.

Connect with Loren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feldmanloren/

Check out 21 Hats: https://21hats.com/

Recorded on 11/10/25

In this new edition of the AmiSights Podcast, dive into the world of emotional intelligence with Virginia Knudsen! Learn how self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication can elevate your leadership skills and enrich your relationships.

"Emotional intelligence is composed of self-awareness, who am I, and why do I react the way I react, and how do my behaviors and reactions affect others?"

Today's episode explores a passion for personal and professional development rooted in the company's mission, the vision of building a thriving community for business owners, leaders, and CEOs, and the distinction between IQ and EQ—with a special emphasis on the power of emotional intelligence.

Connect with Virgina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiaknudsen/

Check out BOAR: https://boarcommunity.com/

Recorded on 11/6/2025

In this week's episode of the AmiSights Podcast, we dive straight into one of the biggest questions shaping our future: How will AI redefine the way we work, create, and compete? Joe Apfelbaum breaks down the rapid acceleration of AI technologies and what it means for marketers, content creators, podcasters, and anyone trying to stay relevant in a digital-first world. From job displacement to the rise of machine-generated content, Joe offers a candid look at how AI is reshaping expectations—and why understanding digital strategy will become a critical skill for every professional. Whether you're excited about the possibilities or wary of the shift, this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about the future of work.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeapfelbaum/

Recorded on 11/4/25

We're kicking off a new series on the AmiSights Podcast — The Rundown, where we break down the stories making waves in small business, SBA lending, and entrepreneurship. When big news breaks, The Rundown delivers. In these special episodes, Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer share timely insights on what's happening in the world of small business lending—and why it matters to you.

In this first installment, Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer share real-time insights from the NAGGL Annual Conference — set against the backdrop of a government shutdown that's sending ripple effects across the lending industry.

What happens when Washington stops? For many small businesses, it means stalled approvals, frozen funding, and uncertainty about the future. Ami and Lynn discuss how shutdowns disrupt SBA operations, what lenders are experiencing on the ground, and why collaboration within the industry matters more than ever during uncertain times.

"We live as part of an ecosystem that runs on the SBA," says Ami Kassar. "It's a reminder of the far-reaching implications of this program — and how we all make our living by supporting and helping borrowers through it."

The main topics of today's episode include:

• Government shutdowns create ripple effects throughout the lending ecosystem.
• SBA lenders face stalled deals and client uncertainty during shutdown periods.
• Conferences like NAGGL play a vital role in maintaining connection and clarity amid disruption.
• Staying informed — and united — helps the industry adapt when Washington goes quiet.

Recorded on 11/3/2025