Entrepreneur Perspectives

Featured Guest: Mike Donohue, SVP of Global Sales at Gupshup | The Future of Customer Engagement, Conversational AI

“The world is moving towards conversational engagement, where AI and messaging apps are transforming the customer experience.” – Mike Donohue

Conversational AI and messaging platforms are revolutionizing the way businesses connect with customers. This change is driving the future of commerce, marketing, and support. From automating customer interactions to creating personalized, real-time engagement, this technology is creating a new era of customer experience—worldwide.

In this episode, Mike Donohue, Senior Vice President at Gupshup, shares insights on this technological shift, the future of customer engagement and messaging in business, and his journey from startup hustler to a leader in the world of conversational engagement and AI.

Topics discussed in ‘The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI | Gupshup and Mike Donohue’

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

Connect with Mike Donohue and learn more about Gupshup:

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

Credits:

Deep dive into this episode ‘The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI’:

1. Conversational Engagement and AI-Driven Business Models

2. Global Reach and Messaging Trends in Emerging Markets

3. AI Agents and Customer Service Evolution

4. Real-Life Applications of Conversational Commerce

5. Career Path and Industry Insights

6. Industry Dynamics and the Future of Work

7. The Value of Building Skills and Taking Initiative

8. Podcasting and Conversational Media

Episode Takeaways

The post EP 176 | The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI | Gupshup and Mike Donohue appeared first on KazSource.

Featured Guest: “Sneaker” Steve Patiño, CEO & Founder of AGS Labs Inc. / ALES GREY

“The gift is not the end result” – Pharrell Williams

“Stick with the shoes, stick with the shoes.” – “Sneaker” Steve’s mom

Discover how passion and persistence led “Sneaker” Steve Patino from working for free sneakers to becoming a global footwear powerhouse and now a pioneering force in sustainable footwear. This episode features Steve Patiño, CEO & Founder of AGS Labs Inc. / ALES GREY, who transformed DC Shoes during a $1 billion sales growth period, co-founded the celebrity-favorite Android Homme luxury footwear brand, and is now revolutionizing the industry with the world’s first circular bio-based footwear made in the USA.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Perspectives, we discuss:

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

Connect with “Sneaker” Steve and Learn More About ALES GREY:

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

Credits:

More about ALES GREY:

ALES GREY by AGS LABS Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, is pioneering foot-tech innovation by accelerating local green manufacturing in the USA with sustainable products made from future-focused materials.

By making their products in the USA, the company is amongst the top percent of companies capable of producing footwear with the highest quality certified standards. Additionally, local manufacturing allows them to minimize the carbon emissions from the transportation of their products, which are typically associated with heavy long-distance overseas shipping.

ALES GREY, currently available at REI stores across the country, on Amazon, and other key retailers, takes an innovative approach that uniquely combines advanced engineering with injection molding technology and sustainably certified bio-based materials. Their footwear is designed for frontline workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those focusing on foot health recovery. They’re not just making shoes — they’re taking the steps to a more comfortable, healthier, and safer future for all.

The company was founded by a global footwear and manufacturing expert with 30 years of experience, “Sneaker “ Steve Patiño. He founded the company, naming it in honor of his gen alpha son, to create a positive legacy in the world for future generations.

More About “ Sneaker “ Steve Patiño:

Founder and CEO of AGS Labs Inc. / ALES GREY a Los Angeles based foot-tech company that combines advanced footwear engineering with local North American manufacturing and future focused bio-based materials.

Previously, Steve held the position as the Global Director of DC SHOES INC. during a remarkable $1Billion-dollar sales growth in just five years with the action sports company under Quicksilver Inc. Patiño is a Global Footwear expert with a 30-year career in the shoe and fashion industry.

Steve was the consultant for J Balvin, one of the biggest music stars from Latin America. Steve’s company, ALES GREY, has also launched special projects with Bad Bunny & SWAROVSKI® on multiple sold-out luxury collaborations.

After DC Shoes, Steve was the co-founder & President of Android Homme luxury footwear. The biggest celebrities in Sports, Music, and Entertainment wore his products (Justin Bieber, Usher, Lebron James, Lewis Hamilton, Karim Benzema, Nas, Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Lamar, and much much more…)

Steve’s products and designs have sold at the best retail stores in the world (Barneys, Saks, Nordstrom, Selfridges, Kith, Fred Segal, and Internationally ). A continuous learner, Steve earned certification from Stanford Graduate School of Business in partnership with LBAN Latino Business Action Network ). He pursued his undergraduate academic pursuits at New York University and actively engaged with the Entrepreneurship Club at Stern School of Business.

Before NYU, Steve attended the prestigious Vassar College and earned accolades as Valedictorian with Phi Theta Kappa honors at La Guardia College. Steve was born in Queens, NY, and has strong Colombian roots. Currently, he resides in Beverly Hills, CA, with his wife Samantha and son Greyson Alessandro, who is Colombian / Mexican. His son is the namesake and inspiration behind the name ALES GREY. The company was created to leave a positive legacy in the world for future generations.

The post EP 175 | Make the World Less Grey with Footwear Legend “Sneaker” Steve Patiño appeared first on KazSource.

Discover how innovative materials science is revolutionizing performance wear and wellness products. This episode features Seth Casden, the CEO and co-founder of Hologenix, creators of CELLIANT®, a groundbreaking infrared technology.

In this episode of “Entrepreneur Perspectives” we discuss:

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

Learn more about Seth Casden & CELLIANT®:

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

Credits:

More about Seth Casden:

Seth Casden is the CEO and co-founder of Hologenix, a materials science company dedicated to developing products that amplify human potential, including its flagship innovation CELLIANT®. Under his leadership, Hologenix has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. for three consecutive years.

The post Episode 174 | Infrared Technology Meets Performance Wear with Seth Casden appeared first on KazSource.

Discover how mindful consumption and healthy habits can fuel entrepreneurial success. This episode features Lisa Hammonds, the co-founder of Full Leaf Tea Company, a USDA-certified organic tea company based in Southern Oregon.

In this episode of “A Full Leaf Tea Entrepreneurship Story to Boost Your Day” we discuss:

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

Learn more about Full Leaf Tea Company and Lisa Hammonds:

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

Credits:

More about Lisa Hammonds and Full Leaf Tea Company:

Lisa Hammonds and her husband, Matt, established Full Leaf Tea Company about ten years ago. Their venture began with a modest budget – just $100 in savings and a $2500 credit line – but was rich in enthusiasm for tea as a healthier alternative to coffee.

From these humble beginnings, their company has flourished into a diverse tea emporium, now offering over 200 products. Their catalog features USDA-certified organic loose-leaf teas, ranging from timeless favorites to innovative blends designed to address specific wellness goals.

The journey wasn’t without obstacles. Lisa and Matt entered the e-commerce world with limited experience, facing financial constraints and steep learning curves. However, their dedication to quality and customer relationships helped them overcome these challenges.

Full Leaf Tea Company has evolved beyond selling tea; it’s become a platform for educating consumers about tea’s benefits and promoting sustainable practices. Lisa and Matt’s story exemplifies how continuous small improvements can lead to significant achievements in business.

The post Episode 173 | A Full Leaf Tea Entrepreneurship Story to Boost Your Day appeared first on KazSource.

It might seem counterproductive for a marketing group to say online content is affecting our lives for the worse. But we believe you need to think through all sides of any important topic.

We often say the impact that online content has on your life and your business is amazing. I mean, here you are reading this or about to listen to this podcast episode — twenty years ago that seemed almost impossible. So yes, there are positives all over the place with online content. But it would be naive of us to think there aren’t negatives.

Now more than ever, people have access to immediate content all over the world. This includes good news and more typically, bad news. Bad news sells. Bad news generates user engagement. And all the news nowadays includes all the comments about the news (good and bad). This is where it gets toxic. It could be as simple as you are excited that your football team won a game, you leave a comment to that news saying as much, and here come the naysayers — saying how they got lucky, they aren’t good, or much worse. Or the news could be related to something devastating or it could be clickbait to get you to go down a scary rabbit hole.

Simply put, online content is affecting our lives. And sometimes it is in amazing ways, but we are seeing how online content is affecting our lives for the worse. We hope a podcast episode like this featuring a mental health professional will help. We hope to create content for the better and content to make you think. And we hope you too will create content with these same things in mind while understanding all sides of online content.

This episode features Derek Bylsma of Millennium Counseling Center. He and his team create useful content as well. Check it out: Millennium Podcast

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We published another book! Check it out on Amazon: Reach for the Stars

Your new favorite podcast is ready for your ears: Saviors of the Metaverse

This episode was produced by the team at KazCM

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In this episode of Entrepreneur Perspectives, we feature Caroline Ailanthus, a novelist and fiction enthusiast. Caroline juggles her roles as an author, blogger, freelance writer, and editor. In her work, Caroline explores the themes of ecological and societal bifurcation, exploring the seismic shifts that define our times.

Caroline appeared on our show in early 2023. At that time, she gave us permission to write badly. Today, she encourages us to trust the written work.

Trust the Written Work with Caroline Ailanthus highlights:

Bifurcation Events blurb:

There are moments that divide life into before and after. Death can do it. Any disaster can. But so can miracles. So can love.

Andy, a scientist, calls these moments bifurcation events, a technical term that may or may not apply literally. He’s seen his share, most dramatically in the complete collapse of the civilization of his youth–and the beginnings of another. His story, or part of it, was told in the novel, Ecological Memory. Here are the related stories of some of his family and friends.

One novel. Two novellas. Five short stories. Bifurcation Events. BUY CAROLINE’S BOOK NOW

About Caroline Ailanthus:

Caroline Ailanthus is known for her deep dives into complex themes using the medium of science fiction. Her books, including To Give a Rose, Ecological Memory, and her latest, Bifurcation Events, weave intricate narratives that explore the profound impacts of ecological and societal changes. Caroline’s work challenges readers to reflect on the world around them while entertaining them with richly crafted stories.

Connect with Caroline:

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“Feed the creative!” In this episode of Entrepreneur Perspectives, we feature Rich Herrera, host of Eat Your Content. We have a creativity-focused conversation about managing a day job, food culture, cooking shows, Jacksonville, and, at the theme of it all, podcasting.

“EP171 | Food Culture and Podcasting After Hours with ‘Eat Your Content’ Host” topics:

About Rich Herrera and Eat Your Content:

Rich Herrera excellently juxtaposes his role in customer service management with his avid engagement in the creative and culinary worlds. His journey from managing client relationships to discussing the finer details of food and culture highlights the fulfilling nature of embracing creative endeavors alongside a traditional career.

To learn more about Rich’s insights into podcasting, cooking shows, and food writing, listen to his podcast Eat Your Content on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and follow him on social media for real-time updates and culinary highlights.

Reflections:

Rich’s day-to-day might remind you of a scene from “The Office”—good people, steady work, nothing glamorous but fulfilling in its own right. Yet, beyond these daily routines, Rich fuels his passion through his podcast, “Eat Your Content,” exploring everything from the nuances of popular cooking shows to Jacksonville’s food scene.

Why mention this? Like Rich, you might be contemplating a creative venture of your own. Whether it’s podcasting, writing, or another form of artistic expression, there’s something uniquely liberating about pursuing what genuinely interests you outside the regular 9-to-5.

I hope Rich’s story inspires you to explore those creative impulses.

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The post EP171 | Food Culture and Podcasting After Hours with “Eat Your Content” Host appeared first on KazSource.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Perspectives, we dive into the world of risk, survival, and the art of embracing uncertainty with Alexander Concepcion. Alexander, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for the unpredictable, shares his journey and insights into what truly matters. He is currently focused on three key endeavors:

Alexander Concepcion highlights the profound beauty in the ordinary and the enriching experiences from romancing uncertainty. Alexander’s new book, “Survival First: The Rebel Entrepreneur’s Guide to Risk, Riches and Immortality,” is now available on Amazon.

Topics for “Recognizing the Drama in the Ordinary with Alexander Concepcion”:

About Alexander Concepcion:

Alexander Concepcion’s background is as diverse as his approach to entrepreneurship. From experimenting with different career paths to ultimately founding Taco Street Locating, Alexander has continually sought out the unknown, finding lessons and opportunities in the most unexpected places. His journey exemplifies the power of listening to one’s inner voice and courageously stepping into new territories.

To learn more about Alexander’s insights and experiences, read his book Survival First and explore the Taco St. Locating website for a unique perspective on apartment hunting in Texas. | LinkedIn | Instagram

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In this episode of “Entrepreneur Perspectives,” we feature Kevin Anderson, the visionary behind Kevin Anderson & Associates, a leading ghostwriting, editing, and writing services company. With a client list that includes New York Times #1 bestselling authors, major publishers, and notable public figures, Kevin shares insights into the world of books, writing, the power of storytelling, and his journey from a remote farm in Northern Alberta to the helm of a ghostwriting and editorial powerhouse.

Kevin Anderson & Associates on the Formative Process of Reading, Writing, and Publishing:

– Work-from-Home: Kevin discusses his early adoption of remote work and how it has shaped his business operations.

About Kevin Anderson, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Kevin Anderson & Associates:

Raised on a small farm and initially homeschooled, Kevin’s early exposure to literature and online education paved the way for his academic achievements, including a magna cum laude BA from the University of Lethbridge and advanced studies at Harvard University. Despite beginning his career with aspirations of academia, Kevin’s passion for empowering voices through literature led him to establish his firm, which has since become a beacon for authors seeking to share their stories with the world. Discover more about Kevin Anderson & Associates and their services: KA Writing website | LinkedIn

Final Thoughts:

Kevin Anderson’s story reminds us of the impact one can make by following their passion and adapting to the changing landscapes of their industry. His dedication to amplifying voices and sharing stories is inspiring and a call to action for all of us to explore the power of our own narratives.

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In this episode of Entrepreneur Perspectives, we feature Dr. Shaan Patel, founder and CEO of Prep Expert. Shaan, a Shark Tank success story, shares his insights on the SAT, ACT, and the broader implications of striving for excellence. Dr. Patel, a perfect SAT scorer and an entrepreneur funded by Mark Cuban, discusses the cultural and systemic challenges within the college admission process, the return of standardized testing, and the importance of resilience and self-motivation in academics and life.

SAT & ACT Resilience with Prep Expert Founder Shaan Patel highlights:

About Dr. Shaan Patel:

Dr. Shaan Patel is not only the Founder and CEO of Prep Expert but also a board-certified dermatologist, bestselling author, and renowned SAT tutor. After transforming his own SAT scores from average to perfect, Dr. Patel embarked on a mission to help students nationwide achieve their college dreams, resulting in over $100 million in scholarships for Prep Expert students. His journey from aspiring medical student to successful entrepreneur and Shark Tank participant is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.

Where to Find More:

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re a high school student aiming for your dream college or an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of the business world, this episode with Dr. Shaan Patel offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-motivation, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us as we explore the intersections between education, personal development, and entrepreneurship in this conversation.

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