In this episode of Founders Future, host Laura Skinner interviews Thomas Helfrich, CEO of InstantlyRelevant creator of the "Never Been Promoted" podcast. The conversation explores Thomas's entrepreneurial journey, his unique approach to building communities, and his insights on personal and professional growth.

Key Topics DiscussedProfessional Background & Business Evolution

1. Thomas transitioned from corporate roles (including Chief Innovation Officer at a billion-dollar company) to entrepreneurship after experiencing multiple layoffs
2. Founded InstantlyRelevant.com to solve lead generation and conversation challenges in marketing
3. Created the "Never Been Promoted" podcast, which gained 1 million YouTube subscribers in 31 days through strategic advertising ($24,000 investment)

Business Strategy & Growth

1. Developed an interconnected business model combining:
2. InstantlyRelevant (marketing services)
3. Never Been Promoted podcast (top-of-funnel content)
4. Cut The Tie mastermind community
5. Uses podcast interviews strategically to identify potential clients and community members
6. Employs a team of 8 people to manage content production and social media
7. Recorded 363 shows in 2024, releasing 5 podcasts per week

Cut The Tie Initiative

1. Upcoming book and mastermind community focused on helping entrepreneurs overcome limitations
2. Addresses the "fear-excuse cycle" that holds people back
3. Creates peer-led mastermind groups of 4-10 people
4. Focuses on breaking patterns that prevent personal and professional growth

Notable Insights

1. The importance of building genuine communities before launching products
2. The value of reinvesting in content and advertising for growth
3. The need for entrepreneurs to find balance between passion, proficiency, and profit
4. The significance of focusing on one core business area and doing it exceptionally well

Key Business Lessons Shared

1. Focus on the intersection of:
2. Passion (what energizes you)
3. Proficiency (what you're good at)
4. Impact/Profit (market demand)
5. Maintain focus on core business objectives
6. Build a team to scale effectively
7. Use strategic hiring in different resource markets
8. View failure as a pivot opportunity rather than an endpoint

Personal Perspectives

1. Discussed challenges with ADHD in entrepreneurship
2. Shared views on higher education and student debt
3. Emphasized the importance of practical skills over traditional education
4. Stressed the value of learning through early-stage startup experience

The episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses while overcoming personal and professional challenges.

In this episode of Founders, Future, host Joe Fitzgerald sits down with Lee Salz, the founder of Sales Architects and a renowned sales strategist. Lee shares his journey from working in the fitness industry to becoming a leader in sales consulting. He discusses how he built Sales Architects, the challenges he faced in the early days, and the strategies he used to establish his brand, including writing books and leveraging LinkedIn groups.

Lee also dives into the evolving landscape of sales, emphasizing the importance of AI adoption, thought leadership, and continuously redefining the value salespeople bring to clients. He shares insights on how businesses can develop scalable, high-performing sales teams and gives a sneak peek into his upcoming book, The First Meeting Differentiator.

Join us as we explore Lee’s entrepreneurial path, his predictions for the future of sales, and the advice he’d give his younger self about building a successful business.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Elliott Boll sits down with Arnav Kothapally, the 21-year-old CEO and founder of Arakos Media. Arnav shares his journey from being a national-level cricket player in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the digital marketing space.

He opens up about the challenges of starting a business at a young age, the hustle required to land his first client, and the lessons he learned about setting clear expectations in client relationships. Arnav also discusses how he carved out a niche in the highly saturated marketing industry by offering high-quality, cost-effective animated video content tailored for IT companies.

Looking ahead, Arnav reveals his strategies for scaling Arakos Media, including leveraging AI, LinkedIn automation, and expanding his sales team. He also shares insights into how AI is transforming the industry, the balance between creativity and automation, and why perseverance is the key to long-term success.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of startup growth.

In this episode of Founders, Future, host Laura Skinner sits down with Crystal Barrow, founder of Shape Your Success Coaching, to dive into her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Crystal, a former prosecutor and Federal law enforcement officer, shares how she transitioned from the legal field to becoming a sought-after career coach, specializing in professional transformation, career transitions, and work-life balance.

Crystal reveals how her legal background equipped her with valuable transferable skills that give her an edge in coaching clients, and she discusses her passion for helping people—primarily women—navigate career changes and discover their true calling. From her early days helping friends with career advice to leaving her law practice in 2019 to build her business full-time, Crystal opens up about the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Crystal also talks about the growth of her coaching business, how she connects with clients through social media and referrals, and the importance of personal touch in sales. She discusses her strategies for finding and nurturing leads, the significance of empathy in her sales process, and how she's looking to scale her business globally in 2025.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the realities of growing a business, overcoming self-doubt, and trusting the process—plus actionable insights for anyone considering taking the leap from side hustle to full-time entrepreneur.

In this episode, Laura sits down with Scott Leese, the founder of Scott Leese Consulting, to explore his unique approach to business growth and personal fulfillment. Scott shares how he built a $9 million consulting business in five years—without paid ads—relying on referrals, community engagement, and his strong LinkedIn presence. He explains his pre-qualification process for clients and why he prioritizes balance over material success. Laura and Scott also reflect on the evolving challenges of entrepreneurship over the past five years, discussing strategies for adapting to change while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Tune in for insights on sustainable business growth and redefining success.

In this episode of Founders, Future, host Elliott Boll sits down with Dr. Nick Eckert, the founder of Safety Reloaded, to dive into his inspiring entrepreneurial journey and discuss the innovative ways his company is empowering individuals with life-saving safety knowledge.

Nick shares the story behind the founding of Safety Reloaded, a company born out of frustration with traditional safety training. Initially starting as a concealed carry instructor, Nick noticed a gap in how safety was being taught and wanted to offer a more holistic approach that included first aid, situational awareness, and non-lethal defense options—not just firearms.

Throughout the conversation, Nick opens up about the challenges of standing out in a crowded market and the importance of focusing on high-quality, personalized training. He also reflects on how he grew his business over nearly a decade, starting part-time while still holding down a 9-to-5 job, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way about leadership and resilience.

Nick discusses his passion for expanding the reach of Safety Reloaded and the importance of making safety training accessible to all, including underserved groups like women. He also touches on the exciting future of safety technology, particularly in non-lethal defense options, and how Safety Reloaded plans to continue evolving with the needs of its community.

Finally, Nick shares invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of action over hope and the value of learning from failure. His message is clear: entrepreneurship is a journey of growth, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and adapt.

Tune in for an episode packed with practical insights, inspiration, and real-world advice for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Elliott Boll sits down with Jeffrey Morris, the CEO of DreamSmart Behavioral Solutions and widely known as "The High-Trust Guy." From his early days as a Marine Corps Scout Sniper to becoming a pioneer in behavioral technology, Jeffrey shares how trust, leadership, and behavioral insights drive business success.

Jeffrey breaks down the 4A framework—Assess, Analyze, Action, and Actualize—developed from his military training and refined for the business world. He also reveals why 87% of corporate teams underperform and how understanding behavioral "superpowers" can transform team dynamics.

Discover the critical role of trust in leadership, the metrics that reveal a company’s culture, and how behavioral technology is reshaping industries like FinTech, EdTech, and mental health solutions. Jeffrey also shares his vision for scaling his insights through AI and joint ventures to impact a billion people worldwide.

Whether you're a founder, executive, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, team performance, and the power of trust in building a thriving business.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Elliott Boll sits down with Billy Shea, entrepreneur and founder of a coaching business rooted in personal growth and leadership development. Billy shares his transformative journey—from discovering the power of the 3-Minute Survey to overcoming self-doubt and scaling his own business. He opens up about his early struggles, the impact of mentorship, and the driving force behind his mission to help others unlock their potential.

Billy discusses the challenges of entering the competitive coaching industry, the importance of consistency and conviction, and how his experience in sports shaped his mindset for success. His inspiring message of perseverance, self-awareness, and service to others is a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to push through obstacles and make a lasting impact.

Tune in for powerful insights, actionable advice, and a story that proves true growth comes from resilience and purpose.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Elliot Boll sits down with Rohan Inneh, CRO of T.R.I Consulting, to discuss his transition from a successful career in the Big 4 to entrepreneurship. Rohan shares how his corporate experience shaped his perspective on success, work-life balance, and the importance of operations in high-growth companies.

He challenges traditional notions of work-life balance, advocating instead for maintaining momentum in different areas of life. Rohan also highlights common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need to unlearn corporate structures and adapt to the resource constraints of startups.

A major focus of the discussion is the evolving role of AI in business operations. Rohan explains how AI can drive efficiency, improve decision-making, and enhance company workflows, cautioning founders against delaying adoption. He stresses the importance of networking and relationship-building over relying solely on content strategies, advising founders to prioritize real connections that open doors to opportunities.

In this episode of Founders Future, host Joe Fitzgerald sits down with Jessica Mumford, founder of Undivided Attention, a digital marketing agency helping startups and scaling businesses navigate brand growth in an evolving landscape. Jessica shares her journey from the fashion industry to becoming a marketing strategist, highlighting the challenges of entrepreneurship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting boundaries while building a business.

She also dives into the role of AI in digital marketing, discussing how businesses can leverage automation tools to enhance personalization and efficiency. With a focus on scaling, adapting to new technology, and empowering clients, Jessica reveals her vision for the future of marketing and what it takes to grow a sustainable business.