Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

Erynn Petersen shares her journey of refounding Emme, a healthcare startup, focusing on making healthcare costs transparent and accessible. She discusses pivots, product-market fit, leadership lessons, and the impact of AI on healthcare innovation.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(01:30) - The Journey of a Refounder  

(03:20) - Pivots and Product Evolution  

(06:09) - Investor Confidence and Market Dynamics  

(08:57) - Solving Healthcare Affordability  

(11:50) - Real-Life Success Stories  

(16:22) - Lessons Learned from Failure  

(18:57) - Navigating Success and Disruption  

(20:53) - Preparing for Growth  

(25:22) - Leadership and Team Dynamics  

(28:10) - The Role of AI in Healthcare  

(33:21) - Investing in Leadership Development  

(35:04) - Closing Thoughts

Links & Resources

• Erynn’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erynn-petersen-599502/
• Guest Website: https://emme.com/

  
  

Keywords 

healthcare, startup, refounder, product pivot, AI, healthcare costs, transparency, leadership, innovation

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this episode of Founder Real Talk, host Josh Broward interviews Aaron Warner, CEO of ProCircular, about the human side of cybersecurity, the challenges faced by founders, and strategies for growth and risk management. They explore how cybersecurity can be a strategic advantage and the importance of understanding risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters 

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(06:30) - ProCircular's Unique Approach to Cybersecurity  

(11:56) - Lessons from the Cybersecurity Landscape  

(17:58) - Navigating the Challenges of Growth  

(23:31) - Investing in Leadership and Personal Growth  

(31:02) - Conclusion and Call to Action  

(35:52) - Podcast Outro

Links & Resources 

• Procircular: https://www.procircular.com/
• Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-r-warner-8aab211

Keywords 

cybersecurity, founders, risk management, growth strategies, human-centered security, ProCircular, AI in cybersecurity, industry challenges

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this insightful interview, August Sun-Chen, CEO of Hazel, shares his journey of building an AI-powered procurement platform for government, emphasizing the importance of understanding sector-specific sales, the power of AI in streamlining complex processes, and lessons learned from early mistakes. Discover how Hazel is transforming government operations and the key strategies for founders to succeed in navigating bureaucratic challenges.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(06:44) - AI's Role in Streamlining Procurement  

(11:23) - Real-World Impact of Hazel's Solutions  

(18:13) - Adapting Sales Strategies for Government  

(24:31) - Evolving Leadership and Team Dynamics  

(30:02) - Maintaining Passion and Preventing Burnout  

Links & Resources 

• Hazel AI: https://www.hazelai.com/
• August’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustschen

Keywords 

AI, government procurement, startup lessons, sector-specific sales, public sector innovation, Hazel, founder insights, government efficiency, AI in public sector, startup growth

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this episode, Josh Broward interviews Adam Goldstein, CEO of Sway, about his entrepreneurial journey, pivots, and leadership growth. They discuss building a successful event business, overcoming challenges in sales and growth, and investing in personal development.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(02:43) - The Evolution of Sway  

(08:46) - Understanding the Business Model  

(13:58) - Key Wins and Challenges  

(18:54) - Hiring and Leadership Development  

(23:56) - The Importance of Goal-Driven Leadership  

(27:41) - Impact of Coaching on Leadership  

(30:10) - ROI of Coaching and Personal Development  

(34:45) - Podcast Outro

Links & Resources 

• Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldsteinadamm
• Sway: www.trysway.co
  

Keywords 

startup, entrepreneurship, event management, sales, leadership, business growth, founder journey

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

Sumer Daou discusses innovative solutions in maritime energy, focusing on floating hydrogen ports and hybrid boats powered by wind, solar, and hydrogen. He shares insights on sustainable maritime technology, safety, market potential, and his entrepreneurial journey.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Founder Real Talk

02:08 Innovative Solutions in Maritime Energy

09:31 The Journey of a Founder

13:17 Lessons from Struggles and Failures

17:56 Current Challenges and Future Goals

21:41 Investing in Leadership and Personal Growth

24:14 Seeking Connections in the Industry

Links & Resources 

• Sumer’s LinkedIn: https://lb.linkedin.com/in/sumer-daou-681b19b
• Blue Invest Readiness Program: https://www.blueinvest.eu/

  
  

Keywords

floating hydrogen ports, hybrid boats, maritime energy, sustainability, hydrogen safety, green shipping, renewable energy, startup journey

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this episode, Brian Schopfel, co-founder of Ordinary Everything, shares insights on helping early-stage founders with go-to-market strategies, branding, and navigating the challenges of startup growth. He discusses the importance of foundational identity, iterative cycles, and personal leadership development.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters 

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(02:01) - The Importance of Foundational Branding  

(06:58) - Personal Branding and Its Impact  

(09:54) - Lessons from Failure and Struggle  

(17:40) - The 90-Day Cycle for Business Validation  

(20:58) - The Hard Truth of Startup Life  

(24:26) - Evolving as a Leader  

(29:49) - Connecting with Early Stage Founders  

(32:08) - Podcast Outro

Links & Resources [Brands, resources, and links mentioned during the episode]

• Ordinary Everything: https://www.ordinaryeverything.com/
• Ordinary Genius Newsletter: https://www.ordinarygenius.com/

Keywords 

startups, founders, branding, go-to-market, iteration, leadership, entrepreneurial journey, early-stage, business strategy

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

This episode is a live recording from our last FRT event in San Francisco: How To Find Product Market Fit. 

Panelists

• Daniel Chapellin: Co-founder & COO of Wealthing VC Fund
• Greg Hayes: CEO of Branch, the fastest growing office furniture brand in North America.
• Chelsie Hall: Founder & CEO of ViralMoment, a social video analytics platform.
• Nathan Maton: Managing Director of Basal Capital and a three-time founder.
• Alex Caveny (Host): Advisor at Berkeley Skydeck and Wisdom Partners mentor.
  

They discuss real-world challenges, strategic pivots, and the evolving landscape of technology and investment, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at all stages.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners, Entrepreneurs First, Startup Intros, Sway, and Lead Generation Hubs, 

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Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters 

(00:00) - Introduction 

(02:36) - Understanding Product Market Fit  

(08:08) - The Journey of Founders and Their Pivots  

(16:15) - Navigating Challenges and Course Corrections  

(24:28) - The Role of Founders in Business Success  

(32:09) - Adapting to Market Changes and AI Influence  

(41:24) - Finding Product-Market Fit with AI  

(44:53) - The Power of Prototyping and User Feedback  

(45:44) - AI in Diagnostics: Accuracy and Ethics  

(48:09) - The Role of AI in Team Dynamics  

(50:40) - Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising  

(54:34) - Lessons Learned: Cautionary Tales for Founders  

Links & Resources 

• Daniel Chapellin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/danielchapellin
• Greg Hayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghayes4
• Chelsie Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsie-hall
• Nathan Maton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmaton
• Alex Caveny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-caveny
  

Keywords 

startup growth, product market fit, pivots, AI in startups, founder lessons, investment strategies, market timing, go-to-market, startup challenges

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this episode, Tanuj Sharma, CEO of Kana Health, discusses how AI-driven clinical decision support is transforming behavioral healthcare. He shares insights on the challenges of mental health care, the importance of understanding customer problems, and the journey of building a platform that supports both care providers and seekers.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters 

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(02:14) - The Crisis in Mental Health Care  

(05:51) - Personal Motivation Behind Kana Health  

(11:14) - Learning from Early Mistakes  

(14:12) - Shifting Customer Profiles  

(18:27) - Investing in Leadership and Team Dynamics  

(20:10) - Current Challenges and User Behavior  

(22:51) - Advice for Seed Stage Founders  

(27:52) - Get in Touch with Kana  

Links & Resources 

• Tanuj’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanujsharma/
• Kana Health: https://www.kanahealth.ai/
• Amplitude: https://amplitude.com/
• Pendo: https://www.pendo.io/

Keywords 

mental health, AI, clinical decision support, healthcare innovation, startup journey, behavioral health, healthcare technology, founder insights

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this episode, founders Tram and Alex from Hot Boy Chili Oil share their entrepreneurial journey, challenges, and growth insights. Discover how they built their brand, scaled operations, and the importance of community and resilience in business.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(02:09) - The Birth of Hot Boy Chili Oil  

(05:18) - Personal Connections to the Business  

(12:32) - Recent Wins and Growth  

(15:37) - Navigating Opportunities and Challenges  

(21:56) - Lessons Learned Through Struggles  

(25:51) - Investing in Personal Growth  

(30:05) - Current Challenges and Solutions  

(33:58) - How to Support Hot Boy Chili Oil  

(38:24) - Reflections on the Founder Forum  

Links & Resources

• Alex Nguyen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexnguyen309
• HotBoi’s Website: https://hotboi.co/

Keywords 

entrepreneurship, food startup, chili oil, scaling business, founder lessons, startup growth, community support

Welcome to Founder Real Talk, a podcast for founders, by founders. 

We explore the real journey of building and growing a company. Each episode, we go beyond the highlight reel to unpack the strategies, decisions, and hard lessons that shaped successful businesses, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the growth.

In this episode, Ronnie Green, CEO of AlgoPear, shares his inspiring journey from living out of his car to leading a fintech company focused on financial inclusion for community banks and credit unions. Discover how his personal experiences and innovative solutions are transforming the future of banking for the next generation.

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This episode was brought to you by Wisdom Partners. If you’re looking for more real conversations, practical resources, and honest founder stories, follow us for upcoming episodes of Founder Real Talk. We invite you to subscribe to our Substack newsletters to receive weekly articles, insights, and resources designed to support founders through every stage of the journey!

Contact us: wisdompartners.llc/contact

Subscribe to our Substack: blog.wisdompartners.llc

Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Founder Real Talk  

(01:27) - Understanding AlgoPear's Mission  

(08:23) - Recent Wins and Industry Breakthroughs  

(12:04) - Lessons Learned from Struggles  

(15:12) - Investing in Leadership Development  

(21:39) - Building a Winning Team  

(27:31) - Connecting with Community Institutions  

(29:13) - Tools for Transitioning Roles  

Links & Resources 

• Ronnie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronniemgreen
• AlgoPear: https://algopear.com/

Keywords 

fintech, financial inclusion, community banks, credit unions, startup growth, digital banking, financial education, innovation, leadership, startup challenges