In season 4's first episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Mark Rampolla, a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor, and author who didn’t just build a brand—he built an entire category. As the Founder of ZICO Beverages, Mark turned coconut water from a niche health trend into a global phenomenon, ultimately selling the company to Coca-Cola in 2013.

But success didn’t come easy. Five years on the verge of bankruptcy, high-stakes negotiations with Coca-Cola, and personal struggles—including chasing shiny objects, burying emotions, and relying on substances—shaped his journey in ways he never expected. Mark has since redefined what success means, stepping into the role of investor and mentor, and now as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, he backs mission-driven consumer brands like Liquid Death and Thrive Market.

In this conversation, Mark opens up about:

• Why the traditional entrepreneurial success formula is broken—and how to flip it.
• How being first to market nearly killed ZICO, and how he finally turned it around.
• The biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital—and how to fix them.
• Why real freedom isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create right now.
• Lessons from losing millions as an investor—and how he learned to play the game differently.

Mark’s upcoming book, An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom, explores how founders can reclaim control of their lives, and in this episode, he shares his hard-won lessons on balancing ambition with well-being, success with self-awareness, and risk with resilience.

Oh, and yes—he really did personally unload 5,000 cases of ZICO in his early days.

Key Takeaways:

• The path to freedom isn’t through financial success—it starts with mindset and intention.
• Entrepreneurs fail when they chase growth for growth’s sake instead of aligning with their deeper purpose.
• Raising capital is a skill, and most founders make it harder on themselves by not understanding the game.

Connect with Mark Rampolla:

• LinkedIn: Mark Rampolla

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

Mark’s story is raw, real, and packed with lessons for any entrepreneur—whether you’re building your first startup or trying to find your way back to the freedom you thought success would bring. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Braving Business, we welcome Dennis Stearns, a financial strategist, futurist, and entrepreneur renowned for his ability to navigate complex challenges and anticipate future trends. As the founder of Stearns Financial Group, Dennis has helped countless business owners think ahead and play smart, creating sustainable success even in uncertain times.

With accolades like "Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Most Admired CEO," Dennis’s career spans decades of advising companies on innovative growth strategies, value acceleration, and creative exit planning. He is also the author of “Ninja Entrepreneurs: How Top Business Owners Achieve Success” and “Fourth Quarter Fumbles: How Successful People Avoid Critical Mistakes in the Last Quarter of Life.”

In this conversation, Dennis shares:

• The critical role of adaptability in building a successful business.
• Lessons from his experience as a chess master and how strategy applies to leadership.
• Memorable stories of helping businesses pivot, innovate, and scale.
• How to prepare for future challenges and stay ahead of the curve.
• Insights on the evolving role of leadership and the power of building resilient teams.

Dennis also highlights his work with Triad Growth Partners, focusing on CleanTech innovations, and his passion for empowering business owners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you’re scaling a business, navigating a transition, or planning for the future, Dennis’s wisdom will equip you with the tools to think smarter, act decisively, and achieve lasting success.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience comes from surrounding yourself with the right people and being prepared to pivot when needed.
• Strategy is as much about anticipating future challenges as it is about solving today’s problems.
• Building a great team culture is a cornerstone of long-term business success.

Connect with Dennis Stearns:

• Website: Stearns Financial Group

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Apurva Desai, a seasoned digital technology and media executive, investor, and mentor whose career spans Silicon Valley, Asia, and the Midwest. From his early days at tech giants like Intel and Yahoo to scaling startups like Vuclip and guiding them through successful exits, Apurva’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and innovation.

Now leading Sarvian Inc., a CFO and digital transformation consultancy, and serving as a Partner at Interstate Fusion Ventures, Apurva mentors entrepreneurs, drives innovation, and bridges the gap between coastal and Midwest startups. He’s also pursuing global storytelling projects and inspiring the next generation as an instructor at UC Berkeley’s Center for Law and Business.

In this conversation, Apurva opens up about:

• The contrast between working in large corporate environments and growth-stage startups.
• Leading through uncertainty, including navigating two M&A deals that fell apart at the last minute.
• The evolving role of the CFO and the critical skillsets leaders need today.
• Building strong, collaborative team cultures that stand the test of time.
• His journey as a global storyteller and his upcoming media project.

Apurva also shares memorable anecdotes, including how he became a global “expert” on the Indian Head Wiggle, and the surprising connections between storytelling, leadership, and resilience.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an emerging leader, or someone navigating a major pivot in your career, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for embracing change, creating impact, and leading with authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is built by embracing adaptability and recognizing when it’s time to pivot.
• Storytelling isn’t just a tool for content creation—it’s essential for leadership and team-building.
• Leaders in today’s world need to blend technical expertise with emotional intelligence to navigate complexity.

Connect with Apurva Desai:

• LinkedIn: Apurva Desai

Contact Us: Questions? Comments? Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

In the transformative first episode of 2025 of Braving Business, we dive into the extraordinary story of Marquel Russell, a 9th-grade dropout who sold drugs on street corners before turning adversity into advantage, rising to become a multimillion-dollar strategist and one of the most sought-after business scaling experts in the world.

Marquel’s journey began with humble beginnings and real-life challenges that shaped his mastery of direct response marketing. Over the years, he has generated over $250 million in revenue for his clients, developed the Predictable Scale Flywheel™, and launched a mission to help 1 million service-based business owners add $1 million to their revenue—a bold initiative he calls The Trillion Dollar March.

But Marquel’s story is about more than just numbers. It’s about resilience, faith, family, and the relentless pursuit of creating systems that enable entrepreneurs to scale without sacrificing their health, happiness, or values.

In this episode, Marquel shares:

- How he transformed his life from a 9th-grade dropout to advising elite CEOs and business owners.

- The key principles behind the Predictable Scale Flywheel™ and how it helps businesses scale sustainably.

- Why burnout is a common trap for entrepreneurs and how to work 50% less while achieving more.

- The power of data-driven decision-making: "Men Lie, Women Lie, But Numbers Don’t."

- His ambitious mission to contribute $1 trillion to the global economy by empowering service-based businesses.

Marquel’s insights are practical, motivational, and deeply rooted in his personal journey of overcoming setbacks and leveraging faith and family to build a life of purpose.

Key Takeaways:

- Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter and building scalable systems.

- Trust the data: let numbers guide your decisions instead of emotions.

- Overcoming adversity starts with mindset shifts, radical focus, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

- Scaling a business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your personal life.

Connect with Marquel Russell:

- Facebook: [Marquel Russell](https://www.facebook.com/ceomarquelrussell)

- Instagram: [@marquelrussell](https://instagram.com/marquelrussell)

- LinkedIn: [Marquel Russell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquel-russell/)

- Twitter/X: [@marquelrussell](https://x.com/marquelrussell)

Resources Mentioned:

- The Predictable Scale Flywheel™

- Strategic Scale Institute

In this unforgettable episode of Braving Business, we meet Crystal Ball, whose life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of embracing freedom. Raised in poverty and repression within the infamous “Shiny Happy People” cult, Crystal’s childhood was defined by control and fear. But breaking free was only the beginning.

Crystal shares her journey through profound loss, including surviving Hurricane Michael, losing both grandparents, and helping her husband recover from a stroke—all in one harrowing year. These challenges, combined with the unexpected catalyst of motherhood, pushed her to leave a 13-year corporate career and accidentally embark on a path of entrepreneurship.

Now thriving in Panama City Beach, Crystal combines her passion for real estate and the coastal lifestyle as a successful entrepreneur and Sales Director of a boat club. She’s also preparing to release her autobiography, “Diary of a Cult Girl,” in early 2025, a bold and deeply personal account of breaking generational cycles and reclaiming self-worth.

In this episode, Crystal reveals:

• How her upbringing shaped her drive and why hyper-achievement can be a trauma response.
• The role of radical honesty and forgiveness in rebuilding her life.
• The hilarious story of how she offered her ex-husband as part of a real estate deal, which made headlines in the New York Post.
• What “success” looks like now and how it’s changed over the years.
• The values she’s instilling in her children to break harmful cycles.

Crystal’s story is raw, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that healing, freedom, and purpose are within reach—even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• “Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.”—Crystal’s favorite quote by Helen Keller encapsulates her journey of resilience and courage.
• How counseling, partnerships, and boundaries helped her overcome trauma and rebuild.
• Why she believes honesty and openness are the keys to resilience in life and business.

Connect with Crystal Ball:

• Facebook: Crystal Ball

Resources Mentioned:

• Diary of a Cult Girl (coming 2025)
• New York Post feature

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03:00] Crystal’s childhood in the “Shiny Happy People” cult and breaking free.
• [00:10:30] Surviving Hurricane Michael and navigating loss.
• [00:20:15] The story behind leaving corporate America and her “life-changer baby.”
• [00:30:45] How she hilariously offered her ex-husband as a bonus in a home sale.
• [00:40:10] Radical honesty, boundaries, and breaking generational cycles.
• [00:50:00] Her advice: “If they’re not in the arena, don’t worry about them.”

Crystal Ball’s extraordinary journey reminds us that resilience and transformation are possible for everyone. Tune in for an episode filled with courage, humor, and hope!

In this powerful episode of Braving Business, we sit down with the legendary Bruce George, a visionary entrepreneur, award-winning poet, and co-founder of the groundbreaking Def Poetry Jam on HBO. With a career spanning four decades, Bruce has earned accolades such as a Peabody Award and a Tony Award, but his true passion lies in empowering others through his Genius is Common Movement.

Bruce’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and collaboration. From navigating financial hurdles to aligning with influential partners, he has transformed challenges into steppingstones. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to make an impact, Bruce’s story will leave you inspired to embrace your unique genius and push past adversity.

In this episode, Bruce shares:

• The behind-the-scenes story of how Def Poetry Jam became a cultural phenomenon.
• Why he founded the Genius is Common Movement and how it’s transforming lives by challenging elitist notions of talent.
• Lessons learned from overcoming financial challenges and aligning with influential collaborators.
• How poetry and activism have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
• A personal quote that has guided him through life’s challenges and how it can inspire you too.

Bruce also opens up about his proudest accomplishments, surprising moments from his career, and his ambitious vision for mainstreaming the Genius is Common Movement.

If you’ve ever doubted your creative potential or struggled to stay true to your vision, this episode will reignite your belief in what’s possible. Don’t miss this compelling conversation with a cultural trailblazer who proves that genius isn’t rare—it’s common.

Key Takeaways:

• "Up you mighty race, you can accomplish what you will." – How this Frederick Douglass quote shapes Bruce’s perspective on perseverance and purpose.
• The importance of faith in yourself and in a higher power when facing adversity.
• Why recognizing your own genius is the first step to unlocking your full potential.

Connect with Bruce George:

• LinkedIn: Bruce George
• Learn more about the Genius is Common Movement: geniusiscommon.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Def Poetry Jam on HBO
• Genius is Common Movement website and initiatives.

Tune in to hear Bruce George’s poetic wisdom and entrepreneurial grit in action. His story reminds us that true genius lies in recognizing the creativity and worth within ourselves.

In this episode of the Braving Business podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Gardner, a PGA award-winning innovator and entrepreneur in the golf gear industry. Jeff’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and unyielding determination. From inventing the groundbreaking Alignment Ball Marker to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Jeff proves that persistence and passion are the ultimate game-changers.

Episode Highlights:

• Jeff Gardner’s Alignment Ball Marker, a tool designed to help golfers improve their game affordably, earned the title of "Best New Product" at the 2022 PGA Show, sparking both praise and debate among golf purists.
• His path to success was anything but smooth. Jeff faced obstacles like USGA compliance challenges, trademark disputes, and navigating the complexities of international manufacturing.
• Jeff shares how his competitive drive, project management skills, and relentless research helped him overcome setbacks and keep moving forward.
• He recounts pivotal moments in his journey, including days when everything seemed on the verge of collapse and the lessons he learned about resilience and adaptability.
• Golf’s emphasis on patience and precision shaped Jeff’s entrepreneurial philosophy, influencing how he approaches life and business.
• Jeff reflects on the transformative moment of seeing his product in action and helping everyday golfers improve their game.
• A key milestone in Jeff’s journey was winning the "Best New Product" award at the PGA Show, which affirmed his hard work and innovative vision.
• He gives listeners a sneak peek into his plans for new products, emphasizing the importance of making his current venture a complete success before embarking on the next big idea.
• Jeff shares his core message: the importance of unwavering dedication to achieving your goals and embracing the challenges along the way.

Key Discussion Points:

• The story behind the Alignment Ball Marker and its impact on the golf world.
• Navigating legal challenges like trademark disputes and compliance with golf regulations.
• Lessons learned from working with international manufacturing partners.
• The role of individual competitiveness and drive in Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey.
• The transformative power of perseverance and how Jeff stayed motivated during tough times.
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: "How bad do you want it?"

Quotable Moments:

• "If everybody is somebody, then nobody is anybody."
• "Never give up until all hope is lost."

Connect with Jeff:

• Instagram: @alignmentballmark

Listener Engagement:

What inspired you most about Jeff’s story of resilience and innovation? Share your thoughts and let us know how his journey motivates you to pursue your own big ideas at https://bravingbusiness.com/contact-us

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business podcast or its hosts.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Stay brave!

Join Tal and PJ as they welcome Jessica Gonzales, a Latina powerhouse in resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to the Braving Business Podcast. Jessica's journey is a testament to overcoming adversity, bootstrapping innovation, and redefining sustainability.

Episode Highlights:

Jessica began her entrepreneurial career by bootstrapping her first company, InCharged, from her parents' house, turning it into a global event technology success, partnering with brands like Google and Coca-Cola. But the pandemic turned her world upside down, leading to the bankruptcy of both her companies. Instead of giving up, Jessica pivoted and launched Lux Disinfect, a disinfection tech company, during COVID-19. This new venture not only thrived but also prepared Jessica for her next chapter.

Today, Jessica is the founder of Happen Ventures, where she’s tackling sustainability head-on, focusing on "beneficial reuse" to transform waste into community resources. A single mother and mentor, Jessica’s "nothing is impossible" mantra fuels her relentless drive to make a difference.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Bootstrapping InCharged from scratch and landing powerhouse clients like Google and T-Mobile.
2. Navigating the collapse of her companies during COVID and the mindset to pivot quickly.
3. Launching Lux Disinfect and selling it within two years.
4. Exploring the sustainability industry through Happen Ventures and its mission to reduce landfill impact.
5. What "beneficial reuse" means and its transformative potential for communities.
6. Challenges of being a Latina CEO in male-dominated industries.
7. The role of resilience in entrepreneurship and Jessica's belief that "nothing is impossible."
8. Balancing single motherhood with leading high-impact businesses.
9. Vision for expanding Happen Ventures and making a global environmental impact.
10. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs facing setbacks.

Quotable Moments:

"Sometimes you sulk, but then you pivot and move on quickly." "Nothing is impossible if you have the will to push through the hard moments."

Connect with Jessica:

• Instagram: @happenventures
• LinkedIn: Happen Ventures
• YouTube: Happen Ventures
• Facebook: Happen Ventures

Listener Engagement:

What resonated most with you from Jessica’s story of resilience and reinvention? Share your thoughts and stories of overcoming challenges at www.bravingbusiness.com.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Stay brave!

Join us in welcoming Sarah Hurley, a self-made entrepreneur, global brand creator, and founder of SH Brands Group and the Sarah Hurley Academy. From starting her business with just £40 to building a multi-million dollar enterprise, Sarah’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering self-belief.

Episode Highlights:

Sarah shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a tower block, overcoming an abusive first marriage, and later, the heartbreak of losing her second husband. Despite these hardships, she transformed her life, building a seven-figure licensing empire that spans over 50 brands and 30 million licensed products sold globally.

Key Discussion Points:

1. How Sarah’s tough upbringing instilled a relentless drive for success.

2. The pivotal moment when she risked her last £40 to launch SH Brands.

3. Overcoming personal tragedy and channeling grief into the creation of the Sarah Hurley Academy.

4. The significance of teaching others sustainable business practices and financial independence.

5. Insights on how to stay resilient and adaptable in the face of life’s challenges.

6. Her approach to empowering others to build their own businesses.

7. The importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself in business.

8. Reflections on the power of community support and mentorship.

9. The creative process behind launching over 50 successful brands.

10. Future plans for expanding her business and continuing her mission of uplifting others.

Quotable Moments:

“Your past doesn’t define you; it fuels your drive.”

“You don’t need millions to start a business—just grit, determination, and belief in yourself.”

Connect with Sarah:

- Instagram: [@Scaryhurley @sarahhurleybrands @sarahhurleyacademy

- LinkedIn: [Sarah Hurley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmhurley)

- Website: [Sarah Hurley](https://www.sarahhurley.com)

Listener Engagement:

We’d love to hear your reflections on Sarah’s journey and how her story of resilience and entrepreneurship resonates with your own experiences.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

Join us as we welcome Bernadette McClelland, ranked one of the Top 35 Women in Sales Globally by Sales Hacker, Tony Robbins collaborator and author of six books on sales and leadership including most recently 'SHIFT and DISRUPT: Stop Selling Widgets. Start Selling Wisdom'.

Episode Overview:

Bernadette McClelland’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and reinvention. From a successful corporate career with Xerox to a life-altering personal and financial setback, Bernadette’s story is both inspiring and instructive. In this episode, she shares how she turned adversity into an opportunity for growth, becoming an accomplished speaker, author, and coach. We dive into her experiences, including the turning point that led her to embrace “deliberate disruption” as a philosophy, and her mission to guide others through challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The courage it took to leave a secure corporate career at Xerox and step into the world of entrepreneurship.

2. How a devastating injury led to financial loss and a complete restart, and what it took to bounce back.

3. Embracing the concept of "deliberate disruption" as a guiding principle for overcoming life's biggest challenges.

4. The lessons learned from trusting the wrong people and finding clarity through difficult times.

5. Insights from working with Tony Robbins and other prominent figures on building resilience.

6. The transformative experience of mentoring incarcerated individuals as they prepare for re-entry.

7. The power of reinvention and staying aligned with your core values through tough times.

8. Bernadette’s latest focus on leadership through her upcoming book, The Rise of The Disruptive Leader.

9. Advice on how to find purpose, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

10. A lighter look into Bernadette’s love for adventure and the unique travel experiences that have shaped her outlook.

Quotable Moments:

- “Bouncing back is not enough; sometimes you need to deliberately disrupt to find a new path forward.”

- “Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the willingness to move forward despite it.”

- “The most powerful transformations happen when we embrace the discomfort of change.”

Connect with Bernadette:

- Website: [bernadettemcclelland.com](https://bernadettemcclelland.com)

- LinkedIn: [Bernadette McClelland](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadettemcclelland)

Listener Engagement:

We’re eager to hear your thoughts on Bernadette’s philosophy of “deliberate disruption” and how it resonates with your own journey. Share your takeaways and stories of courage in the comments!

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Stay brave!