Future-Proofed

Michael Shore joins Brent Muller on Future-Proofed to share his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to solar entrepreneur, to launching his newest venture — Juice Capital. After two successful exits in renewable energy, Michael is now focused on investing in "electricity tech": innovations that address the rapidly growing global demand for power driven by AI, EVs, and data centers. He discusses the need to move beyond traditional clean tech labels and focus on scalable, independent solutions in generation, storage, transmission, and energy efficiency. From smarter motors to building-level AI optimization and climate risk modeling, this episode is a masterclass on where the future of sustainable business is headed — and how smart capital can drive it.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Michael Shore’s Career Journey
01:10 – Peace Corps in Mali & Discovering Sustainability
03:00 – Launching One of the First Solar Farm Companies in the U.S.
04:30 – First Exit & What Came Next
05:30 – Starting Heart of Waraba & Global Entrepreneur Network
07:45 – The Birth of Juice Capital & Its Mission
10:00 – Why AI, EVs, and Crypto Are Power-Hungry — and What That Means
12:00 – Why Wind & Solar Alone Won’t Cut It
13:45 – Examples of Efficient Energy Tech & New Innovations
15:00 – Ecobot & Automating Environmental Compliance
16:00 – NextPower360 & Revolutionizing Wind Turbine Efficiency
18:00 – The Role of AI in Clean Energy Tech
19:00 – Hickory Nut Gap: A Sustainable Farm Michael Supports
21:00 – Smart Grids & Smarter Transmission
23:00 – The Climate Service: Climate Risk Tools for Enterprises
26:00 – Why Every Business Needs a Climate Risk Plan
30:00 – How Michael Uses AI in Branding, Business Ops & More
32:00 – What Investors Look for in Tech-Driven Sustainability Startups
34:00 – Nimble Energy & AI for Building Energy Optimization
35:00 – Best Growth Advice for Early Stage Founders

🔗 Connect with Michael:
🌐 Website: http://www.tprenewable.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljamesshore/

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#JuiceCapital #MichaelShore #ElectricityTech #CleanTech #FutureProofedPodcast #AIandEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateRisk #SmartGrid #EnergyEfficiency #CleanEnergy #Ecobot #NextPower360 #NimbleEnergy #GreenInvesting #TechForGood

https://valeogrowth.com/

Ari Hirsch, founder of InstaSteam, shares how a dorm-room laundry struggle sparked a revolutionary travel steamer—now used in hotels, cruise ships, and homes worldwide. Learn how he turned a $700 prototype into a Shark Tank-worthy business, survived COVID’s travel collapse, and leveraged AI to scale. A must-watch for entrepreneurs and travelers alike!

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro: Meet Ari Hirsch & InstaSteam
02:15 - The dorm-room idea that started it all
08:30 - DIY prototype to Mark Cuban’s inbox
15:45 - Surviving COVID’s travel industry crash
22:10 - How AI helps run the business today
30:50 - Demo: How InstaSteam works (no iron needed!)
38:20 - Vision: Dominating hotels, cruises & retail
45:00 - Magic wand question: Scaling infrastructure

🔗 Connect with Ari!
🌐 Website: instasteampod.com 
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-hirsch/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

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#Entrepreneur #StartupStory #TravelHacks #SharkTank #InstaSteam #NoMoreIrons #BusinessGrowth #FounderJourney #Innovation

https://valeogrowth.com/

In this episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, Brent Muller is joined by Steve Doll, Founder of D2D Technologies. From launching a broadcast technology company after a failed startup to building infrastructure that supports FEMA’s emergency alert system, Steve shares how D2D is bridging legacy TV systems with modern streaming and AI. He unpacks the game-changing potential of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), their work with PBS stations across the country, and how AI is helping them create surprisingly clever ads—featuring his cat in a smoking jacket. This episode is packed with innovation, resilience, and insight into how traditional broadcasts are getting a second life.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Steve’s Career Path
01:30 – From the Navy to Broadcast Tech
03:45 – Founding D2D Technologies
05:30 – What D2D Does (Design to Deliver)
06:45 – Emergency Alert Infrastructure with FEMA & PBS
08:00 – D2Flex & Streaming Broadcast Quality over the Internet
10:30 – Product Design Challenges & PBS Station Field Testing
12:00 – Vision for D2D: New Products & Market Expansion
14:30 – Industry Shifts: Streaming, Antennas, and Over-the-Air Quality
17:00 – NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) & The Rebirth of Broadcast
19:00 – Data Casting, First Responder Use, and Software Updates Over Air
21:00 – Challenges Slowing Down Adoption (Regulation & Patents)
24:00 – How D2D Uses AI for Marketing, Research & Creative Ads
26:30 – “Fat Cat” Campaign: AI-Generated Humor Meets Local Advertising
28:00 – Growth Hurdles: The Need for Regulatory Clarity
30:00 – How to Get in Touch with D2D Technologies

🔗 Connect with Steve Doll:
🌐 Website: digitalvortex.us , http://d2dtechnologies.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d2dsteve


🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

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#BroadcastTech #EmergencyAlerts #NextGenTV #D2DTechnologies #StreamingInnovation #ProAV #ATSC3 #AIinMarketing #DigitalSignage #FutureProofedPodcast #FEMA #WirelessAlerts #FatCatAd #TechLeadership

https://valeogrowth.com/

Michelle Knox, founder of WindSolar USA, joins Brent Muller on the Future-Proofed Podcast to discuss her incredible journey from insurance and Montessori education to leading a clean energy movement in Illinois. Michelle explains why renewable energy is now more affordable than ever, thanks to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Illinois’ aggressive RPS goals. She also dives into how policy affects growth, the importance of storage technology, and what the “solar coaster” means for entrepreneurs in the space. It’s an eye-opening look into how one woman is driving real energy change while educating and empowering communities.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Michelle Knox’s Career Journey
02:45 – What Sparked Her Interest in Solar Energy
04:30 – Founding WindSolar USA & Early Growth
06:00 – How the Inflation Reduction Act Changed the Game
07:30 – Solar Incentives in Illinois & Cost Trends
09:30 – Why Education is the Most Powerful Solar Sales Tool
13:00 – Policy Inequity for Rural and Municipal Utility Customers
15:45 – The “Solar Bill of Rights” & Clean and Reliable Grid Act
17:30 – Emerging Tech: Efficiency Gains & Storage Solutions
25:30 – Where the Industry Is Headed Next
27:00 – How Michelle Uses AI in Her Business
30:00 – The “Solar Coaster” – Managing Policy Fluctuations
32:50 – How to Contact WindSolar USA

🔗 Connect with Michelle Knox:
🌐 Website: http://www.windsolarusa.com/, http://www.illinoissolar.org/, http://www.midwestrenew.org/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-knox-2b955213/


🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

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💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

#SolarEnergy #WindSolarUSA #CleanEnergy #MichelleKnox #RenewableEnergy #IllinoisSolar #InflationReductionAct #FutureProofedPodcast #EnergyIndependence #GreenTech #SolarStorage #B2BSaaS #WomenInEnergy #SustainableLiving

https://valeogrowth.com/

Ben Narasin, founder of Tenacity VC and early investor in Lending Club and Zenefits, shares his incredible journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist. Learn why he focuses on seed-stage startups, how he evaluates founders, and the tough-love advice every entrepreneur needs to hear. Discover the mindset behind building billion-dollar companies and avoiding common pitfalls in fundraising.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:15 - Ben’s entrepreneurial journey & founding Tenacity VC
08:30 - Why seed-stage investing is his passion
15:45 - The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching VCs
22:10 - How AI is changing startups (and VC due diligence)
30:50 - The truth about growth vs. profitability
38:20 - Ben’s toughest advice for founders
45:00 - How to get in touch with Tenacity VC

🔗 Connect with Ben Narasin:
🌐 Website: https://www.tenacity.vc/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennarasin/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

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💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #SeedInvesting #FounderAdvice #TenacityVC #FutureProofedPodcast #StartupGrowth

https://valeogrowth.com/

In this powerful episode of the Future-Proof Podcast, Brent Muller sits down with Nicholas Wiktorski, VP at Omega TMM, to explore the evolution of American manufacturing. Nick shares his journey from college dropout to a leader in precision tool measuring technology, discusses the role of AI and automation in reshoring manufacturing jobs, and how Omega’s American-made machines are driving efficiency across industries from defense to medical devices. With a strong message about revitalizing the trades and empowering the next generation, this episode is both inspiring and eye-opening for anyone interested in the future of the industry.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Nick’s Career Journey
01:30 – What Omega TMM Does & Their Unique Market Position
03:30 – Clients from John Deere to Boeing
05:10 – Challenges in the Manufacturing Workforce
07:45 – The Push for Trade Careers & Role of Influencers
10:00 – How AI and Automation Are Enhancing, Not Replacing Jobs
13:00 – Embracing Industry 4.0 and Data-Driven Efficiency
18:45 – Key Industries Poised for Growth: Defense, Medical, Stone
21:00 – How AI Could Support Customer Service in Manufacturing
25:00 – How Nick Uses ChatGPT in Sales Research
28:30 – Overcoming Fear & Building Confidence in American Manufacturing
30:00 – Where to Learn More About Omega TMM

🔗 Connect with Nicholas Wiktorski:
🌐 Website: http://omegatmm.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-m-wiktorski/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#Manufacturing #AIinManufacturing #Reshoring #Industry40 #FutureProofPodcast #OmegaTMM #ToolPresetters #AmericanMade #Automation #TradeCareers #NickWiktorski #PrecisionEngineering #DigitalTransformation

https://valeogrowth.com/

In this game-changing episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Muller is joined by Anuj Gupta, founder of Gradient Advisors and co-author of the acclaimed book Practical Natural Language Processing. Anuj shares his unique framework for building successful AI-powered businesses, emphasizing a four-pillar strategy that goes beyond just models to drive real business impact. From his early days in theoretical computer science to consulting for Fortune 50 companies, Anuj offers insights on why most companies are still misapplying AI and how to fix it. Whether you're a founder, CEO, or innovator, this conversation lays out exactly how to align AI with strategic business growth—and avoid the common traps along the way.

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro and welcome to Anuj Gupta of Gradient Advisors
01:00 - Anuj’s academic and industry journey into AI
03:00 - Founding Gradient Advisors and defining business-centric AI
04:00 - The four pillars of AI transformation: model, system, product, business
06:00 - Misuse of AI in small-impact use cases
07:30 - Thinking like a disruptor: reinventing your business with AI
09:00 - Why bottom-line improvements aren't enough
10:30 - Avoiding the “model-first” trap
12:00 - Gradient’s consulting approach to working across AI maturity levels
14:00 - Building an AI strategy backwards from the desired impact
16:00 - The ChatGPT moment: changes in access, awareness, and execution
18:00 - Startups vs. incumbents: how disruption is reshaping business
20:00 - Advice for CEOs: burn your own house down before someone else does
22:00 - Microsoft and Satya Nadella: A playbook for AI-forward leadership
24:30 - Why plug-and-play AI doesn’t work without foundational design
26:00 - Managing AI, humans, and legacy systems as one ecosystem
28:00 - How Anuj personally experiments with new AI tools every 3 days
30:00 - If Gradient had a magic wand: what Anuj would change in the industry
32:00 - Final thoughts and how to get in touch with Gradient Advisors

Looking to go beyond generic AI buzzwords and actually drive business results through strategic, well-integrated AI? Connect with Anuj Gupta and the team at Gradient Advisors, a boutique firm helping companies—from startups to global giants—build AI systems that move the needle. From model development to full-scale business integration, Gradient operates with one mission: turn AI into ROI.

📘 Check out Anuj's acclaimed book: Practical Natural Language Processing (translated into 5 languages, 270+ citations)
🌐 Website: gradientadvisors.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anujgupta-82/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#AITransformation #GradientAdvisors #BusinessWithAI #PracticalNLP #AIBusinessStrategy #FutureOfAI #AIConsulting #StartupInnovation #DisruptWithAI #AIForCEOs #FutureProofed

https://valeogrowth.com/

Bob Manley, Co-Founder of Hermit Woods Winery, shares how he’s pioneering a new category of wine—made entirely from fruit, not grapes—while staying true to classic winemaking traditions. Discover how this New Hampshire winery crafts dry, barrel-aged wines from local apples, berries, and honey, competes with Napa Valley, and leverages AI to streamline operations. Plus: Why climate change might make their unconventional approach the future of wine.

⏱Timestamps
00:22 – From art school to accidental winemaker: Bob’s unconventional journey
07:06 – The "aha" moment: Why they abandoned grapes (and hybrids) entirely
13:37 – Breaking barriers: Their standing ovation from traditional winemakers
18:46 – QR codes & AI: How tech runs their old-world craft winery
25:48 – Climate change’s surprising role in wine’s future
30:20 – Bob’s AI wine assistant? Why it’s closer than you think

Want to taste their groundbreaking wines? Order directly at HermitWoods.com (shipping to 39 states!). Follow their journey @HermitWoodsWinery.

Connect with Bob!
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmanley/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

#CraftWine #InnovationInWine #ClimateChange #AIForBusiness #NewHampshireWine #FutureOfWine #Artisanal #WineLovers #Entrepreneur

https://valeogrowth.com/

In this insightful episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Mueller sits down with Jeff Dillon, founder of EdTech Connect, to explore how higher education is evolving in response to the AI revolution. With over two decades of experience in higher ed IT, Jeff reveals the inspiration behind EdTech Connect, a platform designed to simplify software discovery for colleges and universities. He discusses the massive transformation underway—from AI-powered campus search and personalization to launching his upcoming AI Training Academy for educators. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in how technology, data, and strategy are colliding to reshape the future of education.

00:00 - Intro and Jeff Dillon’s background in higher ed and tech
01:30 - The problem that led to founding EdTech Connect
03:00 - From a passion project to a business: platform evolution
05:10 - Why higher ed is slow to change (and how it’s shifting)
06:45 - Schools like ASU and Southern New Hampshire as innovation leaders
08:30 - How AI is reshaping higher ed through site search and personalization
12:10 - The pivot: Launching an AI Academy to train faculty and staff
14:00 - ChatGPT’s impact on students and faculty mindset
16:30 - The rise and fall of chatbots—and what’s next
18:00 - Google vs OpenAI: AI tech trends and browser battles
21:30 - Navigating the AI model landscape: just pick one
22:30 - Crowdsourcing EdTech insights via the .edu community
24:00 - What’s next: AI agents, personalization, and the agentic era
26:00 - NinjaCat demo and replacing expensive data teams
29:00 - The real power of prompting and using AI as a co-pilot
31:00 - How Jeff uses AI as a strategic business advisor
34:30 - Jeff’s “magic wand” for launching AI Academy faster
36:00 - Final thoughts and how EdTech is helping higher ed adapt

🚀 Coming Soon: The AI Training Academy by EdTech Connect—designed specifically for higher ed professionals. Learn everything from AI fundamentals to prompt mastery, custom GPTs, and responsible adoption. Perfect for schools looking to upskill their teams in the age of AI.

📧 Contact: [email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edtechconnect/
🎙️ Podcast: The Higher EdTech Podcast

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

#EdTech #HigherEd #AIinEducation #DigitalTransformation #AITraining #PromptEngineering #AIForTeachers #FutureOfEducation #EdTechInnovation #CrowdsourcedData #EdTechConnect #AIAcademy

https://valeogrowth.com/

In this inspiring episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, Brett Muller sits down with Carol Ann Wentworth, founder of Wentworth Executive Recruiting, to explore the art of high-touch executive search. With a career that spans health and wellness, modeling, chamber leadership, and now C-level recruitment, Carol Ann shares how authenticity, intention, and human connection have fueled her decades-long success. She dives into the evolving landscape of recruitment, the responsible use of AI, and her mission to create mindful, culture-aligned placements. Listeners will learn how she's redefining recruitment by putting people first—every single time.

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro and welcome to Carol Ann Wentworth
01:00 - Carol Ann’s start in health and wellness with Shackley Corporation
03:00 - From modeling to international talent placement with Eileen Ford
05:00 - Entering executive search and working with Cargill and Tonka Water
07:15 - Becoming CEO of the Woodland Hills Chamber after 9/11
09:30 - Mentorship under Dick Bolles and launching her own firm
11:00 - Building Wentworth Executive Recruiting from scratch
13:00 - High-touch methodology and personalized candidate outreach
15:00 - The three types of recruiting: Retained, Contingency, Staffing
17:00 - The impact and misuse of AI in recruiting
19:30 - Authenticity in candidate profiles and online presence
21:00 - Real-life case studies showing the power of human touch
24:00 - Evolving expectations in hybrid and remote work culture
27:00 - Advocating for skilled trades and career pivots
30:00 - Coffee with Carol Ann: launching a new project for older professionals
33:00 - Mental health and well-being in career transitions
37:00 - Mindful growth of Wentworth Executive Recruiting
40:00 - Upcoming mental well-being career course
42:00 - How to get in touch with Carol Ann

🔗 Connect with Carol!
💼 LinkedIn: Carol Ann Wentworth on LinkedIn
🌐 Website: WentworthExecutiveRecruiting.co

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

#ExecutiveRecruiting #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulWork #AIinRecruiting #FutureOfWork #AuthenticLeadership #CareerCoach #WomenInBusiness #PodcastHighlights

https://valeogrowth.com/