Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

What if the biggest catalyst for startup innovation wasn’t Silicon Valley—but the United States government and it’s US Space Force? 🚀 In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob visits with Roxanne Aragon, Program Director at the Disruptive Technology Index (DTI), one of the Key leaders in the Space & Defense Technology economy in Southern California, to uncover how public funding programs like SBIR and STTR are quietly powering breakthrough technologies in space, defense, and beyond. Roxanne breaks down how startups can successfully navigate government partnerships, why hardware companies face unique challenges, and how Los Angeles has been reborn as a hotspot for space innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, investor, government leader or simply curious about how big ideas get funded, this conversation reveals the hidden systems driving tomorrow’s technology.

Feel free to follow and engage with ROXANNE here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanneblairaragon/
• Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dti-la/
• Website: https://www.dti.space/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers

02:45 Roxanne Aragon: A Key Player in Space Innovation

07:24 The Intersection of Government and Innovation

12:14 Misconceptions in the Startup Ecosystem

15:41 Understanding Key Acronyms in the Space Industry

22:46 The Shift in Government's Role in Space

28:24 Los Angeles: The Heart of Aerospace Innovation

32:08 Disruptive Technology Index: Bridging Innovation and Government

32:59 Collaboration with Space Force

34:54 Building the Space Economy

40:31 The Importance of SBIR/STTR Funding

43:25 Mitigating Risks in Defense Innovation

49:27 Storytelling in Government Innovation

55:57 Accessing Government Opportunities

58:24 Skills for Future Innovators

What if a personal tragedy sparked you to change your life plan, and the world? Can someone build the next Tesla like company, but better. In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob crosses the Atlantic, from Los Angeles to Lagos, Nigeria, to talk with Frederick Akpoghene, Founder and CEO of JéGO Technologies, to explore how his journey through tragic loss led him to tackle one of Africa’s biggest challenges: reliable energy. Together, they unpack the rise of renewable power in Nigeria, the emerging electric-vehicle movement, Autonomous driving, and the innovative energy solutions JéGO is building to electrify enterprises and communities across the continent. Frederick also shares his hard-won lessons on resilience, resourcefulness, and what it really takes to build something world-changing.

Feel free to follow and engage with FREDERICK here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-a-kevbe/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abovav_mind/
• Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jegotechnologies
• Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jego-technologies-inc/
• Website: https://www.jegopods.com/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers

04:31 The Vision Behind Jego Technologies

10:14 Personal Journey and Purpose

12:44 The Impact of Loss on Innovation

16:34 Energy and Economic Empowerment

22:35 Leapfrogging Technology in Africa

31:58 Navigating Energy Challenges in Nigeria

35:09 Modular Energy Solutions and Jego X Stations

38:57 Building Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles

43:58 Commercializing Energy Solutions

49:01 The Future of Energy and EVs in Nigeria

53:55 Investor Perspectives and Market Opportunities

01:00:37 Entrepreneurship and Product Market Fit

01:04:53 Building a Sustainable Energy Future

01:08:47 The Role of China in Nigeria's EV Market

01:19:08 Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

The final Stoppage Time in this format… but what a way to go out! In this episode, we slow down, reflect, and talk about what really matters as 2025 wraps up: the people in your life.

I share insights on how to stop chasing new connections for the sake of it, and instead invest deeply in the amazing people you already know and trust. Think of it as a roadmap for building stronger, more meaningful relationships—personally and professionally—as we head into 2026.

Take a break, grab a walk, and join me for a heartfelt conversation about slowing down, appreciating your network, and creating intentional connections that truly last.

💡 If you want to make 2026 your year of deeper relationships, this episode is for you!

What happens when a successful big-law partner decides the system is broken—then sets out to rebuild it? In this episode, Rob sits down with Manuel Deó, a former Big Firm Partner, who left the traditional legal world to become the Co-Founder and CEO of AMBAR, a “modern operating system” for today’s Big Corporate Legal industry, designed to give lawyers more freedom and clients a better experience. Manuel shares his journey from burnout to innovation, and how he and his partner are working to transform one of the world’s most old-school professions.

Feel free to follow and engage with MANUEL here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manueldeo/
• Website: https://www.ambarpartners.com/en
• Website: https://news.ambarpartners.com/dr-no

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers and Manuel Deo

06:31 The State of the Legal Industry: Outdated or Broken?

11:18 Generational Shifts in Legal Practices

12:20 Client Perspectives on the New Legal Model

15:27 Outcomes Over Processes: A New Paradigm

21:15 The AMBAR Community: Independence and Belonging

27:40 Understanding AMBAR's Business Model and Future Vision

32:04 The Future of Legal Talent and Networks

34:20 Competition in the Legal Industry

37:20 Scaling Legal Services with Technology

40:13 The Shift Towards Project-Based Legal Work

42:19 Generational Changes in Career Perspectives

45:08 Applying the Ambar Model to Other Industries

47:08 The Journey from Lawyer to Entrepreneur

52:04 Skills for the Future Lawyer

This week on Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob, I take a moment to reflect on the people who show up for us when we need it most—the friends, mentors, and chosen family who remind us who we are when pressure and self-doubt start creeping in.

After a week filled with conversations about building, storytelling, and sustaining this creative life, one powerful exchange with a longtime friend shifted my perspective and opened the door to a deeper reflection on gratitude, mentorship, and the value of long-term relationships. That thread connects directly to my conversation with this week’s Entrepreneurial Thinkers guest, Rich Fleischman, a trusted friend of more than two decades, and our shared belief in the power of mentorship and meaningful connection.

This episode is about people—the ones who ground us, encourage us, and help us keep moving forward. Because every honest conversation holds the power to teach, inspire, and remind us that we don’t do any of this alone.

Thanks for listening and for being part of the journey. Peace.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Personal Challenges and Self-Doubt

04:17 The Importance of Long-Term Relationships

08:58 The Power of Mentorship and Community

Think accountants just crunch numbers? Think they’re boring compliance people? Think again. In this episode, Rob and Richard Fleischman, Partner at Haynie & Company, dive into the dramatic evolution of CPA firms over the last twenty years—and why today’s accountants are becoming indispensable strategic partners for growing businesses. They unpack how strong client relationships, industry collaborations with other service providers, better communication, and the smart use of AI are reshaping the profession. Richard shares real-world insights on mentorship, firm culture, and navigating global compliance challenges, all highlighting the passion and collaboration fueling the modern accounting world.

Feel free to follow and engage with RICHARD here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-fleischman-cpa-54a6123/
• Website: https://www.hayniecpas.com/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers

06:20 The Evolving Role of CPAs

10:50 Teaching Entrepreneurs About CPA Relationships

17:11 The Modern CPA Firm Landscape

24:41 Sales and Business Development in Accounting

35:11 Leveraging Relationships with Other Professionals

38:05 Managing Client Expectations

38:58 Building Professional Relationships

40:58 The Importance of Integrity in Business

42:52 Haney's Core Values and Growth

46:17 Collaboration and Team Dynamics

52:20 The Impact of AI on Accounting

59:34 Passion for Helping Others

01:04:58 International Expansion and Compliance

It’s Friday and we’re back with another Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! This week, we dive into one big theme that kept showing up in every conversation I had: the power of telling your unique story.

From my chat with LA startup lawyer Alex Bruno to conversations with founders, mentees, and friends, I was reminded that even in an era dominated by AI, our humanity and our personal stories remain our greatest advantage.

In this episode, I reflect on why storytelling matters more than ever—how it shapes trust, influences business decisions, and opens doors we didn’t even know existed. I also share how Diana and I are rethinking our own story as The Storytellers Company moves into 2026, and why so many leaders struggle to communicate the vision they see so clearly in their own minds.

If you’re building something, leading a team, or simply trying to better express who you are and what you stand for, this episode will push you to think deeper about your story and how you choose to tell it.

Thanks for spending your Friday with me. Peace, love, joy… and clarity on your story.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business

05:58 Connecting Through Humanity and Technology

11:38 Embracing Your Unique Narrative

What can one of LA’s best local lawyers teach us about scaling your business? Can Lawyers make it easier to do find and do business with them? In this episode, Rob and Alex Bruno, Founder and Lawyer at the Bruno Group, break down the essential legal fundamentals every entrepreneur needs in place before scaling, while also talking about the importance of storytelling and building great relationships in your community! From why a simple written agreement can prevent major problems to how founders can use technology like Ai, this conversation gives you the clarity you need to protect your ideas and build your business from day one.

Feel free to follow and engage with ALEX here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrunoesq/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbrunoesq/
• X: https://x.com/alexbrunoesq
• Website: https://www.brunogroupinc.com/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers

04:46 The Importance of Human Relationships in Law

07:29 Evolution of the Los Angeles Economy

10:48 Diversity and Its Impact on Business

12:29 Adapting Legal Practices Over Time

15:19 The Role of Technology in Law

21:20 Understanding the Bruno Group

24:50 Defining Startups vs. Small Businesses

29:21 Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations

33:15 The Importance of Specialization

34:43 The Power of Storytelling in Business

38:06 Innovative Business Models for Lawyers

46:47 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey

52:37 Understanding Business Exits

58:03 Actionable Legal Advice for Founders

Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — the special USA holiday-weekend edition! 🇺🇸🦃 In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Rob dives into a wide-ranging conversation that blends gratitude, personal reflection, and one of the most important workplace topics of 2025: how, where, and why we work.

Fresh off Thanksgiving week (bum knee and all!), Rob unpacks the evolving debate around “Return to Office or Not” — moving far beyond corporate talking points to explore how the meaning of “the workplace” is transforming for employees, leaders, entrepreneurs, and companies worldwide. Drawing from his powerful conversation with this week’s “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” guest, Stephen Hargett — Founder & CEO of Wrkspace in Los Angeles — Rob reflects on how work culture, physical space, co-working, flexibility, and our “whole person” needs are reshaping the future of work.

You’ll hear insights on:

✨ The rise of personalized, flexible workspaces

✨ Why the real question isn’t if we return to offices, but how workplaces must evolve

✨ How making work feel a bit more like “play” might just unlock our best selves

✨ What Stephen is learning from designers, architects, executives, and innovators every day

And alongside all this forward-looking conversation, Rob opens his heart with raw gratitude: navigating a challenging 2025, recovering from a tough knee injury, reflecting on devastating events in Los Angeles, celebrating family and chosen family, honoring his incredible team, and recognizing the joy, love, and resilience that anchor him through every season.

If you need inspiration, perspective, big ideas, or simply a warm voice reminding you to find meaning even in hard times — this is the episode to settle in with.

Hit Follow or Subscribe to join our community and never miss a new conversation from Entrepreneurial Thinkers or a new Friday edition of Stoppage Time.

Wishing you peace, gratitude, and a beautiful weekend wherever you are.

See you next week ❤️💫

What if the key to better work isn’t another policy—but more play, curiosity, and humanity? In this episode, Rob visits with one of Los Angeles’ up and coming young entrepreneurs, Stephen Hargett, Founder at Wrkspace, to explore how our relationship with work is rapidly evolving. They discuss how the pandemic reshaped workplace expectations, why rigid mandates fall short, and how intentional, human-centered environments can unlock creativity and productivity. Stephen shares his vision for an intelligent workplace operating system—one that blends technology with emotional intelligence to elevate the human experience and help companies deliver better work experiences for their employees. Together, they explore the power of humility in leadership, the future of co-working spaces, and the essential questions every corporate leader should be asking to build a thriving, people-first culture.

Feel free to follow and engage with STEPHEN here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shargett/
• Website: https://wrkspace.app/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers

04:00 The Evolution of Work: From Traditional to Flexible

11:39 The Future of Work: Play Spaces and Creativity

20:28 The Dichotomy of College and Work

24:53 The Changing Landscape of Co-Working Spaces

29:50 Workspace: The Intelligent Operating System for Workplaces

32:20 Understanding User vs. Customer

34:31 Nimble Solutions for Space Management

36:42 The Challenge of Point Solutions

39:51 The Origin Story of Workspace

45:32 The Vision for Workspace's Future

47:27 The Role of AI in Workspace

52:01 Life Lessons from Sports and Family

57:58 Key Questions for Corporate Leaders