Founder Connect with Elizabeth O'Neill

In this powerful episode, Alex Turnbull—founder and CEO of Groove, Helply and Instant Docs—gets real about the ups, downs, and everything in between on his 20-year journey as an entrepreneur. Interviewed by his sister and coach, Alex shares how embracing "small but mighty" shifted everything in his business and life. From burnout to rebuilding, from flashy startup myths to focusing on profitable, purpose-driven work, this conversation is full of heart, wisdom, and real talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling company.

 What You’ll Learn:

• Why “going big” isn’t the only path to success—and how choosing to stay small and profitable can be incredibly fulfilling
• The emotional toll of burnout and how Alex worked through it (with the help of a coach)
• What it means to define your own version of winning as a founder
• How customer development and listening are critical for non-technical founders
• The value of persistence, self-awareness, and trusting your gut—even when the industry says otherwise

This episode is a must-listen if you’re building something meaningful and want permission to do it your way.

Connect with Alex: https://helply.com/newsletter

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode of Founder Connect, I interview Denielle Finkelstein, co-founder and co-CEO of Unicorn, a company on a mission to make period products as accessible as toilet paper in public bathrooms. Danielle shares her journey of launching and scaling Unicorn, the pivotal moments of struggle and growth, and how she and her co-founder, Thyme, stayed committed to their mission despite challenges. The conversation covers the reality of fundraising as female founders, the power of community and networking, and the importance of persistence in building a business that challenges the status quo.

What you'll learn:

• The importance of persistence and resilience in navigating the ups and downs of startup life.
• How to stay aligned with your core mission and recognize when you're straying from it.
• Lessons from the fundraising journey, including how energy and confidence play a crucial role in investor meetings.
• The power of mentorship and community—why having the right advisors, investors, and support system can make all the difference.
• How to take and act on tough feedback to refine your strategy and leadership.
• The systemic impact of Unicorn's mission—why period products belong in every bathroom stall and how that simple shift can create real change.

Denielle Finkelstein, Co-founder and Co-CEO of UNICORN, is a trailblazing entrepreneur with a passion to advance women in society. After a distinguished 20+ year career as an executive in the fashion industry, Denielle joined forces with her cousin, Thyme Sullivan, to drive systemic change for future generations of women.

Denielle's visionary leadership and infectious enthusiasm fuel UNICORN's mission to revolutionize period care. By strategically placing period products in EVERY bathroom stall, UNICORN challenges norms, advocates the importance of basic needs, and leads a historic journey of empowerment. Denielle and the UNICORN team are redefining workplace standards and championing women's progress globally, one bathroom stall at a time.

UNICORN’s strategic partnerships with industry giants like JPMorgan Chase and American Express, have positioned them as a formidable force for health equity, access, and wellness in the period care industry.

CONNECT WITH DENIELLE:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denielle-finkelstein

www.everystall.com

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode of Founder Connect, Elizabeth interviews Kate Minogue, a Chief Product Officer and data and AI advisor. Kate shares her unique perspective on integrating people, strategy, and data in organizations, emphasizing how data and AI can support business goals when approached pragmatically. The conversation explores data-driven decision-making, the role of AI in startups, and the importance of balancing technical expertise with business needs.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The importance of being intentional about the role of data and AI in your company
• How to avoid implementing AI or data for its own sake and focus on business objectives
• Why early-stage startups should focus on hiring generalists who can "get their hands dirty."
• How to identify gaps in your team’s expertise and hire the right person or advisor to complement existing skills
• Questions leaders should ask to ensure they are leveraging data effectively
• How founders can upskill themselves to make better decisions before delegating responsibilities
• Lessons from working with startups and scale-ups
• Why being pragmatic about AI capabilities and data resources is essential
• Examples of balancing sophisticated AI ambitions with budget and resource constraints
• Tips for using consulting or fractional roles to fill skill gaps
• The value of starting with MVP solutions and evolving team structures as the company grows

Kate is a Fractional Chief Product Officer and Data & AI advisor to companies at various stages. She has a unique focus on bringing People, Strategy and Data together in all projects rather than treating them as disconnected. Kate is passionate about making lives easier and seeks out companies and products that have the same desire whether B2B or B2C.

CONNECT WITH KATE:
Website
Linked in

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode of Founder Connect, our guest is Eben Pingree, co-founder and CEO of Kinsome. Eben shares insights into his journey as a founder, the inspiration behind Kinsome, and the importance of strengthening intergenerational bonds. He reflects on the impact of his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how it motivated him to create a platform to help families connect more deeply, even across distances.

Eben also discusses broader startup lessons, including:

• The importance of choosing the right co-founder through alignment in values and vision
• How to approach hiring early team members with a focus on cultural fit and long-term alignment
• The learning curve of his first startup and how those lessons shaped his perspective on building businesses

Eben is the co-founder and CEO of Kinsome, a platform focused on strengthening the bonds between kids and their grandparents.  Previously, he served as Chief Product Officer at EverTrue, a fundraising technology company focused on schools, through their successful sale to Rubicon Technology Partners.  He also held a senior Product role at SessionM, which sold to Mastercard, and founded another Consumer Social company called Syft while in business school.  Eben earned his BA from Williams College and an MBA from Dartmouth College, spending 7 years between investing in venture capital funds from the endowment space.  

Eben lives in downtown Boston with his wife and 3 kids, in a building where his parents and younger brother and family also live!

CONNECT WITH EBEN:

Linked In
Facebook
Instagram

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode, Elizabeth interviews Kelly Olson, an expert in customer growth and retention for startups and small growing teams. Kelly shares her journey of transitioning from working in full-time roles to fractional leadership, allowing her to help companies improve their post-sales process, retain customers, and foster brand loyalty. They discuss the importance of a structured and proactive post-sales process, the challenges founders face when scaling their business, and how making strategic shifts can prevent churn and enhance customer retention. Kelly also offers practical tips for improving customer onboarding and leveraging existing systems to optimize the customer journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of understanding and improving the post-sales process to retain and grow your customer base.
• How a lack of process can lead to chaos and customer churn, and the steps you can take to address these challenges.
• The role of fractional leadership in helping businesses scale without the burden of full-time commitments.
• Practical advice on creating repeatable processes for customer management, segmentation, and forecasting.
• How focusing on customer outcomes and value can turn clients into long-term advocates.

Connect with Kelly:

​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/olsonkelly/

https://www.ko-knows.com/

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In today's episode, we delve into the world of sales with Alice Meyerhoff, a seasoned expert in sales partnership and go-to-market strategy for mission-forward organizations. We explore the mindset shift from selling to advising, the importance of believing in your product, and practical strategies for building a sales team. Alice shares her experiences in various sales roles, including working with non-profits and engineering firms, and offers valuable advice for founders on structuring sales teams, using CRM tools effectively, and aligning sales incentives. We also touch on the broader applications of AI in business and personal scenarios, making this episode a rich source of insights for founders and sales professionals alike.

Alice Myerhoff leads Myerhoff Consulting which offers sales, partnership & go-to-market strategy consulting to mission-forward organizations. Over the last decade, she has dedicated her career to supporting organizations with a positive social impact, holding executive-level positions in workforce development, gender equity and education-focused organizations. She is a Founding Limited Partner at How Women Invest, a venture fund that invests exclusively in women-led companies. She is an executive board member of Lincoln Families, an Oakland-based nonprofit which provides support services that disrupt the cycles of poverty and trauma, and a board member for Girls Inc of the Island City, which delivers life-changing programs and experiences for ethnically and economically diverse girls, equipping them to overcome serious barriers and grow up strong, smart, and bold.

In her free time, Alice bikes, plays tennis, does yoga, reads a ton and travels. The ideal trip combines all of those things and may or may not include her husband and two daughters.

Connect with Alice:
www.myerhoffconsulting.com

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode of Founder Connect, Elizabeth chats with seasoned startup veteran Ben Carcio about the importance of thoughtful leadership transitions in startups. Ben shares his experiences from his successful venture PromoBox, which he grew to over $10 million in ARR, and his latest endeavor, Trevr, a marketing AI startup. They discuss the emotional challenges of stepping down as a CEO, the importance of creating a support network for transitioning leaders, and the need for practical playbooks for CEOs navigating these difficult transitions. Ben also reflects on the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the value of learning and adaptability.

Ben Carcio is a seasoned start-up veteran with over 20 years of experience building and launching companies. A 5-time entrepreneur, his most successful venture was Promoboxx, which he grew to over $10 million in annual recurring revenue. As a Techstars alum, Ben mentors and advises dozens of founder CEOs, helping them navigate the end stages of their businesses. Recently, Ben shared insights on LinkedIn about shutting down his marketing AI startup, Trevr, highlighting the importance of discussing failure and how founders can transition to their next venture. Alongside exploring leadership roles at growing startups, Ben is building a community dedicated to supporting founding CEOs as they navigate their exits and next steps.

CONNECT WITH BEN:
Linkedin

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Ashley Blackington, the founder and CEO of Dovetail®, a B2B care tech company. Ashley shares her compelling journey from being an occupational therapist to becoming an entrepreneur. We chat about the unique challenges of founding a startup, especially as a mother of four during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashley talks about the importance of staying true to one's vision, the value of contracts in business relationships, and the necessity of balancing personal life with the demands of entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear her insightful perspectives on leadership, efficiency, and the reality of building a business from the ground up.


Dr. Ashley Blackington (OTD, OTR/L) is the Founder & CEO of Dovetail®- a B2B CareTech company helping families streamline the logistics of care. Dovetail® was inspired by her time as a clinician and seeing the impact on family caregivers trying to navigate care without tools to simplify the process. She is also the host of the AND/BOTH podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts), a show featuring conversations with moms honoring themselves as individuals alongside motherhood. She is a mom of four kids, lover of hot coffee, all varieties of books and a good driving soundtrack. You can read more of her work on her Substack. Her forthcoming book examines the intersection of generational trauma, feminism, and personal accountability.

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY:
AND/BOTH Podcast
Dovetail® Website
Substack

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In today's episode, we feature Erynn Petersen, the CEO and founder of Emme. Erynn shares insights from her extensive career in technology and her journey with startups. Erynn emphasizes the importance of not taking oneself too seriously while taking the mission seriously, recounting lessons learned from massive failures and the resilience it takes to keep going. She discusses the pivotal moment of taking over Emme, maintaining user privacy, and balancing business models with user needs. Erynn elaborates on how age and experience have influenced her current venture, including the challenges and rewards of both failure and success in startups. She highlights the intersection of her professional and personal lives, such as using 360-degree feedback with her children, and offers practical advice for new founders on customer acquisition cost and lifetime value. Her approach is rooted in values of transparency, inclusivity, and kindness, aiming to create meaningful and user-centric products.

Emme is a seed stage healthcare technology company with a mission to put women's health in women's hands, starting with birth control. Emme's products, the Emme app and Emme Smart Case, are together an integrated technology-enabled solution designed to safeguard the birth control pill experience and help reduce the rate of missed pills. With our foray into birth control pill management we are working on solving the adherence problem overall, helping busy women manage their pills and their health. We care deeply about our users' data and privacy is a first class principle in our design process.

Connect with Erynn:
Website: https://www.emme.com

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/

In this episode, Jason Griffith, co-founder and co-CEO of Synco, joins me to discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurial life. Jason shares insights from his extensive experience in founding multiple startups, including SiteCompli, and offers advice on selecting the right co-founders, building company culture, managing crises, and the importance of values in a business. He emphasizes the necessity of having tough conversations and adapting to change while maintaining a resilient and passionate mindset. This episode is a deep dive into the realities of startup life, from initial survival to scaling and beyond.

Jason Griffith is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Synco, the centralized communications platform for leading Property Management teams. Prior to founding Synco, Jason was the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of SiteCompli, a compliance automation platform used across 1M+ residential units & 70% of Class A office properties in NYC that is now part of Inhabit, a collective of property management software companies backed by Insight Venture Partners and Goldman Sachs. Jason is passionate about building great real estate technology solutions powered by great teams. 

Connect with Jason:

Website: teamsynco.com

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsynco

Links Mentioned:

Lifelabs

Feiner Points of Leadership

Jason's article on co-founders

CONNECT WITH ME:
• Website: www.elizabethoneill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-oneill-consulting/
• Email: [email protected]


LET'S WORK TOGETHER:
• Find out how to work with me here: https://elizabethoneill.com/howitworks/