Extraordinary America

Kamin shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, detailing her initial business aspirations and the challenges she faced transitioning out of the structured military environment. She candidly discusses experiencing bankruptcy and foreclosure, highlighting the evolution of her strategic vision over the years and the mindset shift required from military life to entrepreneurship.

You can hear the full episode on January 9th

In today’s episode, we sit down with Jayden Vasquez, an inspiring entrepreneur with a background in the Air Force. Jayden shares his journey from military service to founding his company, Money and Morals, which focuses on teaching businesses how to implement ethical practices for long-term success. 

With mentorship from a private angel investor, Jayden emphasizes the importance of resilience, mindset, and ethics in entrepreneurship. He also introduces the concept of "ethonomics," combining ethics and capitalism to create a new economic system. Please tune in to hear Jayden's insights on building generational wealth, the role of mentorship, and his passion for psychedelic therapy for veterans.

Highlights:

(05:07) Resiliency allowed Jay to continue pursuing the entrepreneurial dream.

(11:09) There is a tidal wave of younger generations pursuing entrepreneurship.

(31:05) How does economics affect our current Gen Z generation and the American dream?

(43:04) Money and morals teach companies how to build assets for their companies.

Jayden Vasquez bio:

Jayden Vasquez is a dynamic entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning aviation, healthcare, and business. A former F-35 mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, Jayden gained valuable experience in high-stakes environments where attention to detail and teamwork were paramount. After his military service, he transitioned into emergency medical services, earning his EMT certification and developing the ability to remain calm and effective during crises.

Jayden's journey led him to the publishing world, where he worked with Indigo River Publishing, honing his communication and content development skills. Currently, he serves as the personal assistant to an angel investor, gaining hands-on experience in business strategy and investment. Driven by a passion for ethical entrepreneurship, Jayden is actively researching and developing a company that promotes high standards of integrity in business.

He envisions building a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who prioritize ethics, collaboration, and social responsibility, revolutionizing the future of business.

Connect with Jayden:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayden-vasquez-5b08272b9

https://www.moneyandmorals.org

In today’s episode, we sit down with Jayden Vasquez, an inspiring entrepreneur with a background in the Air Force. Jayden shares his journey from military service to founding his company, Money and Morals, which focuses on teaching businesses how to implement ethical practices for long-term success.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, January 06th.  

In this podcast episode, Sherry Rais discusses her background and expertise in supporting startups, non-profits, and academic institutions with strategic planning and fundraising. 

She shares her strategic vision for expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapy to improve mental health and alleviate suffering. The conversation explores the importance of mindset and mental health, comparing the effectiveness of psychedelic treatments with traditional antidepressant drugs. 

Sherry also highlights the connection between mental health and poverty, emphasizing the need for accessible mental health solutions. She concludes by discussing the concept of intrinsic happiness and its role in achieving overall well-being.

Highlights:

{03:00} Who is Sherry Rais

{06:30} Strategic vision 

{13:03} Mindset and mental health

{22:38} Psychedelic treatment vs Antidepressant drugs 

{33:05} Mental health and poverty connection

{43:36} Intrinsic happiness 

Sherry Rais bio:

Sherry Rais, MSc, has helped dozens of startups, non-profit organizations, academic/research institutions, and small businesses raise funds, operate according to their mission and values, and implement processes that enhance their overall efficiency. Sherry believes in living and working in alignment with purpose and is currently focused on expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapy to alleviate human suffering. 

Before this, Sherry consulted for over 10 years with the United Nations and World Bank, implementing cash transfer programs at the national level in over 35 countries. Sherry holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and International Development from McGill University. She also completed the Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Research from CIIS in 2021. In addition to being Enthea's CEO, she is the Executive Director of the Boston Psychedelic Research Group and the Grants Manager for CIIS.

Connect with Sherry:

https://www.enthea.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryrais

In this podcast episode, Sherry Rais discusses her background and expertise in supporting startups, non-profits, and academic institutions with strategic planning and fundraising. 

She shares her strategic vision for expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapy to improve mental health and alleviate suffering. The conversation explores the importance of mindset and mental health, comparing the effectiveness of psychedelic treatments with traditional antidepressant drugs.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, December 26th

In this podcast episode, Cosmos interviews Michael Klepacz on the art of sustainable, eco-friendly entrepreneurship. Michael shares his background, discussing how his upbringing in Toledo, Ohio, and his experiences in the Air Force shaped his passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship. 

The conversation delves into the motivational factors that drive entrepreneurs forward and explores the intersection of AI and law, highlighting the importance of staying informed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

Michael also addresses a significant danger zone to avoid in business and emphasizes the importance of sustainable, eco-friendly entrepreneurship, particularly in Europe, where substantial profit opportunities exist. He shares effective solutions for overcoming challenges in this field and discusses the potential of natural materials like linen, hemp, and tree-free paper. 

Throughout the episode, Michael provides valuable insights into building a successful eco-friendly business while promoting environmental responsibility.

Highlights:

{02:30} Michael background 

{07:30} The motivational factor that will drive you forward

{12:30} AI and the law

{17:00} A danger zone to avoid

{21:03} Sustainable, eco-friendly entrepreneurship 

{31:33} Profits in eco-friendly entrepreneurship in Europe

{36:15} An effective solution to deal with that

{41:49} Natural materials 

Michael Klepacz bio:

Michael Klepacz, born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, grew up in a Polish community where his blue-collar upbringing instilled the values of hard work and perseverance. Inspired by his parents' dedication, Michael joined the Air Force at 18, where he developed a passion for learning and exploration. Despite a medical discharge ending his aviation career, he pursued his interests in sustainability, project management, and entrepreneurship.

After returning from teaching English in Poland, Michael’s acceptance into UCLA’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities reignited his entrepreneurial spirit. He went on to earn a business degree from Kozminski University in Poland. In 2015, he founded Natural Materials Unlimited, a company specializing in eco-friendly textile products made from sustainable materials like linen, hemp, and tree-free paper. 

Now living in Poland with his wife and daughter, Michael is committed to promoting sustainable living and environmentally conscious business practices. He continues to explore new opportunities and remains inspired by his experiences in countries like Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, and Spain. 

Connect with Michael:

https://michaelklepacz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeklepacz 

https://michaelklepacz.com/podcast 

In this podcast episode, Cosmos interviews Michael Klepacz on the art of sustainable, eco-friendly entrepreneurship. Michael shares his background, discussing how his upbringing in Toledo, Ohio, and his experiences in the Air Force shaped his passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, December 19th. 

In this episode, Gerri Knilans, president of Trade Press Services, shares her extensive experience in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. She discusses her journey from running a nursery school to founding Trade Press Services and emphasizes the importance of having a structured, service-oriented approach in business. 

Gerri introduces her 8-step process for developing a successful marketing plan, highlighting the necessity of a clear vision, quantifiable goals, strategic planning, budgeting, scheduling, delegation, and monitoring progress. She also underscores the value of integrity, transparency, and personal responsibility in entrepreneurship and offers advice for new entrepreneurs to be curious and proactive in understanding market needs. 

Gerri's insights focus on the importance of financial education and practical skills in achieving business success and sustaining growth, advocating for a holistic approach that balances financial acumen with a commitment to service and ethics.

Highlights:

{02:39} Gerri’s Career Journey

{06:15} Entrepreneurial Motivation and Vision

{09:20} Traits for Entrepreneurial Success

{11:34} 8-Step Marketing Plan Process

{20:10} Scaling a Business

{27:00) The Role of Financial Education

Gerri Knilans bio:

Gerri has a diverse professional background with over 45 years of experience as a sales and marketing expert, entrepreneur, consultant, author, and educator. She sets the vision for Trade Press Services and uses her wealth of experience to develop innovative and impactful marketing solutions for clients. ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX have recognized her as a top marketing communications professional. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and performed postgraduate work at Loyola University.

Connect with Gerri:

Website: https://www.tradepressservices.com 

Contact: [email protected] 

Phone: 805-496-8850 

In this episode, Gerri Knilans, president of Trade Press Services, shares her extensive experience in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. She discusses her journey from running a nursery school to founding Trade Press Services and emphasizes the importance of having a structured, service-oriented approach in business.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, December 12th

In this podcast episode, guest Martin Saenz shares his journey from meeting his wife in 2003 to achieving financial freedom and success in various entrepreneurial ventures. Initially realizing that corporate America was not their path, Martin and his wife pursued education through Robert Kiyosaki's books and created a roadmap for financial independence. 

Martin launched a company in 2005 that sold goods and services to the federal government, overcoming initial struggles to achieve success. He discusses the critical transition from employment to entrepreneurship, emphasizing education, time management, and mindset. 

Martin provides insights into building a successful business, highlighting the importance of networking, scalability, and starting with a side hustle. He also delves into investment strategies, stressing the need for focus and diversification over time. The podcast covers the creation of passive income streams, risk mitigation, and evaluating investment opportunities. 

Martin underscores the value of continuous education, networking, and maintaining a balanced life. He shares lessons learned about internal growth, hiring for culture, and achieving work-life harmony. The episode concludes with Martin's reflections on financial literacy, goal setting, and the role of community and culture in attaining financial freedom. Martin's impressive accomplishments include founding a government contracting company, managing substantial real estate investments, co-founding hedge funds, and authoring five books on investing and government contracting.

Highlights:

{01:05} Introduction and Background

{3:30} The process of leaving corporate and starting on your own

{06:00} Investment Strategies

{14:30} Creating Passive Income Streams

{18:00} Mindset and Challenges

Martin Saenz bio:

Martin has founded and sold a Government Contracting company that produced 14MM in federal contracts, purchased and managed 10MM in commercial & residential properties, co-founded a 35MM hedge fund that that has helped save over 1000 homeowners from foreclosure, and has co-founded a 50MM Income Fund that manages a portfolio of performing mortgage notes

Martin is the author of five books…4 on investing and one on Government Contracting

He speaks at investment conferences around the country and is a frequent guest on investment-related podcasts

Connect with Martin:

https://martinsaenz.com

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Martin-Saenz/author/B072MMBF7Q?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true