Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu

By Flaviu Simihaian & Taylor Trusty

Join Taylor (@ttrusty) and Flaviu (@FlaviuSim) as they interview inspiring founders, and discuss entrepreneur ideas, news, experiences, struggles and successes. This is Founder Secrets. Watch the epis... more

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FAQs about Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu:

How many episodes does Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu have?

The podcast currently has 104 episodes available.

Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu episodes:

September 05, 2024 E74 Kotryna Jukneviciute: ARÊTE; Revolutionizing Fashion-Tech with AI and Sustainability
Kotryna Jukneviciute, the co-founder of ARÊTE, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her journey in revolutionizing the fashion-tech industry. From her childhood in Lithuania to building a platform that combines AI with fashion, Kotryna dives into how ARÊTE evolved into a cutting-edge styling and shopping app that offers personalized fashion experiences while supporting emerging brands worldwide.
In this episode, Kotryna discusses ARÊTE’s growth, the strategic decisions behind its development, and the unique challenges of running a platform focused on both consumers and designers. She highlights the importance of personalization, the role of emerging designers in setting trends, and ARÊTE’s commitment to ethical fashion by avoiding fast fashion brands.
Kotryna also explores the app’s marketing strategies, including organic content creation and events like fashion week pop-ups, as well as ARÊTE’s focus on building community among both users and designers. Additionally, she shares her vision for the future of fashion-tech, where AI-driven personalization and sustainable practices redefine how we shop.
Key Highlights:
• Fashion-Tech Revolution: Kotryna’s journey from Lithuania to co-founding ARÊTE, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized fashion recommendations tailored to individual styles and preferences.
• Empowering Emerging Brands: ARÊTE’s mission to support independent designers from across the globe, offering a platform where creativity thrives without relying on fast fashion.
• Personalized Shopping Experience: How ARÊTE uses AI to provide users with curated outfit recommendations based on their style, occasion, and vibe, making shopping more enjoyable and efficient.
• Sustainable and Ethical Fashion: ARÊTE’s focus on partnering with designers who prioritize craftsmanship and ethical production, avoiding mass-produced, low-quality fashion.
• Organic Marketing and Community Building: Kotryna shares insights into ARÊTE’s marketing tactics, from hosting fashion week events to creating engaging social media content that resonates with users.
• Business Model and Scaling Strategy: A look into ARÊTE’s two-sided marketplace model, connecting designers with consumers, and the steps taken to scale the platform globally.
Join us as Kotryna takes us through her entrepreneurial journey, offering a glimpse into the future of fashion-tech, where personalization, sustainability, and technology intersect to create a unique shopping experience.
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40min
August 29, 2024 E73 Irina Constantin: Vaunt; Simplifying Global Property Investments with Tech
Irina, the visionary behind Vaunt, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her journey in transforming the real estate industry through innovative technology. From her roots in Romania to expanding her business globally, Irina details how Vaunt evolved from a custom ERP project into a comprehensive SaaS-enabled marketplace that simplifies real estate transactions for both developers and buyers worldwide.
In this episode, Irina discusses the growth of Vaunt, the strategic decisions that guided the company’s direction, and the unique challenges of catering to an international clientele. She offers insights into the power of technology in breaking down barriers in traditional markets and emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs in different regions.
Irina also delves into her marketing strategies, including the use of targeted social media campaigns on platforms like Reddit, and her approach to customer acquisition through niche communities. Additionally, she shares her vision for the future of real estate investing, where Vaunt continues to disrupt the market by making global property investment accessible and straightforward.
Key Highlights:
- Global Expansion from Romania: Irina’s journey from developing a custom ERP to creating Vaunt, a global real estate platform that bridges the gap between developers and international buyers.
- Simplifying Real Estate Investment: Vaunt’s role in enabling buyers to invest in properties abroad without the need for travel, offering a seamless and tech-driven experience.
- Strategic Customer Acquisition: How Vaunt leverages social media and niche online communities to target potential investors and developers, including successful campaigns on Reddit.
- Focus on Accessibility: Vaunt’s commitment to lowering the barriers to entry in real estate investing, offering properties starting at $100K to attract a wider range of investors.
- Business Model and Market Positioning: Irina explains Vaunt’s unique SaaS-enabled marketplace model, which avoids property ownership, focusing instead on providing a secure and scalable tech platform.
- Marketing and Growth Tactics: Discussion on the importance of understanding market-specific liquidity expectations and using high-quality tech solutions to build trust and credibility with customers.
Join us to learn from Irina’s experiences in building Vaunt, a pioneering platform in the real estate industry. Discover how technology can transform traditional markets and the importance of aligning business strategies with global customer needs.
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31min
August 22, 2024 E72 Molly Ruland: Virtual Ventures; Shifting to Remote Success and Strategic Podcasting.
Molly Ruland, CEO & founder of Heartcast Media, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her entrepreneurial journey, including the pivot of her podcast production business from a brick-and-mortar setup in Washington, D.C., to a fully virtual operation based in Costa Rica.
In this episode, Molly discusses the unexpected growth of her business during the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal reasons that led her to relocate, and the challenges she faced in transitioning to a virtual business model. She provides insights into the strategic use of podcasting for business development, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over focusing on metrics like downloads. Molly also shares her learnings from previous business failures, her transformation into a better leader, and the value of investing in high-quality production to enhance brand credibility.
Key Highlights:
• Relocation to Costa Rica: Molly’s decision to move to Costa Rica during the pandemic, influenced by the remote growth of her business and the physical health benefits she experienced while there.
• Business Growth During COVID-19: The 200% growth of Heartcast Media as podcasting became an essential tool for business development during the pandemic.
• Podcasting as Business Development: Molly's approach to using podcasting not for visibility but as a strategic tool to build relationships and fill the business pipeline.
• Personal Transformation: Molly's journey from running a struggling business to educating herself, becoming a better leader, and building a successful company with strong foundations.
• Challenges and Strategy: Discussion on the importance of focusing on relationships rather than metrics like downloads and using high-quality production to represent a brand effectively.
• Tools and Tactics: Recommendations for using platforms like Riverside instead of Zoom for podcasting, and the value of outsourcing podcast production to maintain quality and consistency.
Join us to learn from Molly Ruland's experiences in podcast production, business development, and personal growth as an entrepreneur. Discover how strategic podcasting can drive business success and the importance of aligning your business goals with your personal well-being.
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47min
August 15, 2024 E71 Jamie Pabst: Revolutionizing Mental Health, the Spiritune Story
Jamie Pabst, the founder & CEO of Spiritune, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her unique journey from a diverse background in journalism, fashion marketing, and finance to creating a groundbreaking music therapy platform. In this episode, Jamie discusses the challenges of launching Spiritune, which uses scientifically-backed music therapy to enhance mental health and well-being.
She also explores the intricacies of fundraising as a female founder, the importance of B2B partnerships in scaling the business, and the impact of music on cognitive and emotional regulation. Throughout the conversation, Jamie emphasizes the significance of building a strong team, fostering a culture of trust, and developing a distinct brand identity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how music can be a powerful tool for mental health and how Spiritune is pioneering a new approach to wellness through sound.
Key Highlights:
•⁠ ⁠Introduction and Background: Jamie’s transition from a non-linear career path in journalism, fashion marketing, and finance to founding Spiritune, a music-based mental health platform.
•⁠ ⁠Founding Spiritune: The challenges of launching a company focused on music therapy, including early development and the integration of scientific research into the product.
•⁠ ⁠Music Therapy and Mental Health: How Spiritune uses evidence-based music therapy to improve cognitive and emotional health, with a focus on the science behind music’s impact on the brain.
•⁠ ⁠Fundraising and Female Entrepreneurship: Jamie’s experiences with fundraising, particularly as a female founder, and the strategic decisions involved in choosing between grants and investor funding.
•⁠ ⁠B2B Partnerships and Expansion: The importance of B2B partnerships in scaling Spiritune, including collaborations with enterprises for employee mental health benefits and partnerships with fitness and healthcare organizations.
•⁠ ⁠Customer Interaction and Feedback: The role of direct customer interaction in refining the product, including feedback from Spiritune’s users and how it informs the platform’s development.
•⁠ ⁠Leadership and Team Dynamics: The significance of building a strong team and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within a startup environment.
•⁠ ⁠Brand and Marketing: How Spiritune has developed its brand identity, focusing on the intersection of music, technology, and mental health, and the strategies used to reach a broader audience.
•⁠ ⁠Impact of Music Therapy: Specific examples of how Spiritune has helped users achieve their desired emotional states, backed by research and real-time user feedback.
•⁠ ⁠Conclusion and Call to Action: A recap of Spiritune’s journey, the importance of music therapy in modern mental health care, and where to find more information or access the platform.
Join us to discover how music is transforming mental health and entrepreneurship with Spiritune’s founder, Jamie. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and the power of sound in healing and business.
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43min
August 08, 2024E70 Matt Bachmann: Wandering Bear Coffee's Story of Innovation and Resilience.
Matt Bachmann, the co-founder & CEO of Wandering Bear Coffee, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his journey from consulting to entrepreneurship. Matt discusses how he and his business partner, Ben, transitioned from management consulting to creating a unique coffee brand. The conversation covers the challenges they faced, the impact of COVID-19, and their strategies for adapting and growing the business. Matt also touches on co-founder dynamics, decision-making, and balancing professional and personal life.
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Background:
Matt's transition from management consulting to co-founding Wandering Bear Coffee with his friend Ben.
Starting Wandering Bear Coffee:
Initial challenges, including door-to-door subscription sales and innovative packaging solutions.
Retail and Expansion:
Complexities of retail distribution, pricing strategies, and funding promotions.
Crisis Management and Adaptation:
Impact of COVID-19 and the pivot to a direct-to-consumer model.
Customer Interaction and Feedback:
Value of direct customer interaction through Costco roadshows.
Leadership and Team Dynamics:
Importance of hiring skilled team members and fostering teamwork.
Personal Insights and Life Hacks:
Strategies for managing time and maintaining work-life balance.
Brand and Marketing:
Development of Wandering Bear's distinct brand identity.
Sustainability:
Focus on multi-serve packaging and minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Overview of Wandering Bear's presence in retail and online.
Join us for practical advice, heartfelt stories, and insights into building a successful coffee brand.
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1h 1min
August 01, 2024E69 Liz Gallo: Transforming Education: A Mission to Innovate with Whymaker.com
Liz Gallo, the founder of WhyMaker, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share her inspiring journey from teaching to entrepreneurship. Liz discusses how her passion for hands-on, engaging education led her to create a company that provides professional development, curriculum writing, and educational products. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in the education system, the importance of career and technical education, and how businesses can support schools. Liz also shares her vision for the future of WhyMaker and her strategies for balancing a busy professional and personal life.
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Background: Liz Gallo's transition from a technology education teacher to the founder of WhyMaker, focusing on enhancing hands-on and engaging teaching methods.
Starting WhyMaker: The challenges of leaving teaching, forming an LLC, and building a business network through conferences and outreach.
WhyMaker's Offerings: Professional development, curriculum writing, and selling educational products to schools.
Educational Challenges: Discussing the perception of a "broken" education system, teacher workloads, standardized testing, and the need for better support.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Highlighting the benefits of CTE programs in providing clear career paths, higher graduation rates, and better employability for students.
Approach to Professional Development: WhyMaker's focus on enhancing existing teaching methods through collaboration and practical implementation.
Integrating AI in Education: Training teachers to effectively use AI tools in classrooms, balancing technology with teaching.
Women and Minority-Owned Business: The advantages of being a certified women-owned business in securing government contracts and promoting supplier diversity.
Life Hacks: Travel and organization tips from Liz and the hosts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Future Goals: Liz's ambition to train one million educators over the next ten years and create high-quality professional development adaptable to educational changes.
Join us for an insightful episode filled with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a deep dive into the intersection of education and entrepreneurship.

The Educator’s Guide to Design Thinking by Liz Gallo: https://amzn.to/47f7LJ8
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55min
July 02, 2024E68 Patrick Stiles: Addiction Recovery and Building a Business Empire
When Patrick Stiles was just 16, he found himself in the throes of meth addiction, a struggle that would shape his future in unexpected ways. Our latest episode features Patrick, founder of Vidalytics, as he shares a raw and inspiring journey from the darkness of addiction to the heights of entrepreneurial success.
Key Highlights:
Overcoming Adversity: Patrick opens up about his battle with meth addiction and the tragic loss of his best friend, a pivotal moment that redefined his life and career.

Early Business Ventures: Hear about Patrick's early business ventures, from getting fired to launching his own firm during the 2009 financial crisis, and how a frugal lifestyle and unyielding drive led to his initial success.

Financial Security and Motivation: Explore the shift in motivation that comes with financial security and the complex interplay between ambition, self-esteem, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Game-Changer in Video Sales: Discover what makes Vitalytics a revolutionary player in the video sales industry. Patrick shares invaluable tips on mastering video sales letters and the psychology behind viewer engagement.

Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping: Explore the pressures and benefits of raising venture capital versus bootstrapping, providing a balanced view of both paths.

Innovative Product Trends: Learn about innovative product trends like interactive videos and life hacks for maintaining peak performance.
Join us for an episode packed with practical advice, heartfelt lessons, and inspiring stories that highlight the resilience and determination required to transform personal adversity into entrepreneurial triumph.
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50min
June 17, 2024E67 Ionut Patrascoiu: Global Market Dynamics, Customer Connections, and Networking Tips
Unlock the secrets to successfully scaling your startup and maintaining customer connections with insights from Ionut Patrascoiu, the brilliant mind behind FameUp. Discover why staying close to your customers is crucial and how delegating too soon can derail your business.
Key Highlights:
Staying Close to Customers: Learn why maintaining close customer connections is vital for your startup’s success and how premature delegation can lead to setbacks.
Maintaining Customer Ties: Discover strategies for keeping close ties with your customer base while scaling effectively.

Global Connections: Get practical advice on building global connections and uncover unexpected growth hacks that can propel your business forward.
Unique Networking Experiences: Ionut opens up about his unique networking experiences, from jujitsu classes to Central Park runs, offering valuable tips on pitching to venture capitalists.

Cultural Insights and Cost-Effective Solutions: Hear anecdotes on cultural differences, cost-effective moving solutions, and the importance of face-to-face meetings.
Don't miss this chance to glean wisdom from one of Romania's top entrepreneurs, packed with actionable insights for both personal and professional growth.
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39min
June 02, 2024E66 Jon Tsourakis: Luck vs. Grit, Teamwork, and Trust
What if luck plays a bigger role in your entrepreneurial success than sheer grit? Join us as Jon Tsourakis unravels this intriguing notion and shares his wealth of knowledge on building powerful entrepreneurial teams.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Personal Effectiveness: Debunking common myths about rigid routines and extreme organization, highlighting the importance of personal effectiveness in entrepreneurship.

Carving Your Own Path: Reflecting on own journeys, cautioning against the pitfalls of blindly following online advice.

Inspiring Transformation: Learn how prioritizing a positive work culture and minimal micromanagement led to the creation of Oyova, the Digital Mastermind Group, and Jobs in Sports.

Role of Luck and Seizing Opportunities: Jon hints at a potential fourth acquisition, underscoring the critical role of luck and seizing the right opportunities in entrepreneurial success.
Connect with John: To connect with Jon and benefit from the Digital Mastermind community, find him on LinkedIn or visit digitalmastermind.com.
Get ready for an episode packed with authenticity, resilience, and actionable wisdom.
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35min
May 22, 2024E65 Dan Clark: Unlock Peak Productivity with Science of Focus and Brainwave Music
Join us as we explore the intriguing world of BrainFM with CEO Dan Clark, who shares his insights on how music combined with neuroscience can dramatically alter our mental states.
Key Highlights:
Innovative Approach to Focus and Productivity: Discover how BrainFM uses the power of music to guide our brains into desired states, such as deep concentration or relaxation. Learn about the science behind brainwave music and the sophisticated techniques used to embed modulating waves directly into music, optimizing cognitive functions in ways traditional playlists cannot.

Dan's Journey and BrainFM's Transformation: Hear about Dan's personal quest for flow state and his pivotal role in transforming BrainFM from its initial struggles to a game-changing tool in a competitive market. Dan shares his experiences and the unique value BrainFM offers against both free and paid alternatives.

Creating a Shareable Product: Delve into the philosophy of creating a product that compels customers to share it, driving sustainable growth and word-of-mouth referrals. Dan reflects on his personal transformation from user to CEO and the values that guide his leadership.
Business Differentiation and Life Hacks: Learn about the importance of differentiation in business and discover some favorite life hacks, including digital tools that streamline daily tasks.
Tune in for an enlightening session that just might lead you to your next productivity breakthrough with BrainFM. Grab your headphones and join us for compelling narratives, scientific insights, and practical advice to enhance your focus and productivity.
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41min

FAQs about Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu:

How many episodes does Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu have?

The podcast currently has 104 episodes available.