Kathleen Perley is the Founder and CEO of AdaIR, an AI intelligence platform for capital market communication. She is a linguist-turned-entrepreneur and an AI thought leader focused on making advanced technology practical for business leaders. Before AdaIR, Kathleen founded DemystifAI, an AI consulting and education firm, and DECODE, a healthcare digital transformation agency that grew to $17 million in annual revenue before being acquired. She is also a Professor and AI Advisor at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business, where she teaches AI strategy, generative AI applications, and implementation.

Scaling a business often requires founders to balance momentum with discipline. The same instincts that help a company grow can eventually create complexity, risk, or dependency if they're not paired with structure. How can entrepreneurs build, scale, and prepare for an exit without losing sight of what makes the business valuable?

Kathleen Perley's answer is to know when to shift from merely building your business to intentional leadership. As an entrepreneur and AI advisor, she emphasizes the importance of narrowing your niche, creating repeatable operating systems, and surrounding yourself with partners, investors, and advisors who expand your thinking. Kathleen also recommends transferring a portion of your profits into personal investments, protecting cash flow, and planning early for tax and exit implications. Sustainable growth depends on focus, structure, and the willingness to ask for help before the pressure hits.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Kathleen Perley, Co-founder and CEO of AdaIR, to discuss building, scaling, and exiting a company. Kathleen shares how she founded DECODE, what she learned from hiring and leadership, and why EOS, cash planning, and the right advisors are crucial before a sale.

Rob Stepen is a Certified Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, a leading human resources and business performance solutions company. With decades of experience as a business owner, he helps organizations improve efficiency, accelerate growth, and drive revenue. Outside of Insperity, Rob serves on nonprofit and academic advisory boards and supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and local engagement.

Business growth often introduces new challenges: hiring the right people, navigating expansion opportunities, and adapting to unexpected market shifts. So how can leaders make informed decisions at each stage without losing momentum?

According to seasoned operator and strategic advisor Rob Stepen, it starts with understanding that every stage of growth demands intentional choices. He stresses building a people-first organization by hiring adaptable, customer-focused individuals and addressing misalignment quickly when people are in roles that aren't the right fit. Rob also recommends aligning acquisitions and partnerships with long-term strategy rather than short-term gains, while staying focused on what you can control. Disciplined decision-making and strong team alignment sustain growth over time.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Rob Stepen, Certified Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, about scaling and exiting a business. Rob explains how to hire and structure teams during rapid growth, evaluate acquisitions and mergers strategically, and navigate the challenges and lessons learned from selling a company.

Julie Castro Abrams is the CEO and Chair of How Women Lead, a national network of executive women dedicated to advancing gender equity, expanding board representation, and increasing access to capital for women-led companies. As an entrepreneur, investor, and gender and racial justice advocate, she has spent her career building women-owned businesses and creating economic opportunities for women. Outside of How Women Lead, Julie is the Managing Partner of How Women Invest, a venture capital firm focused on funding women founders and empowering women investors. Her work has helped shape policy and business practices, including efforts to increase diversity on corporate boards and support thousands of women entrepreneurs.

Building a business isn't just about having a great idea — it's about understanding how capital shapes your growth, your decisions, and your long-term outcomes. Many founders underestimate the pressure that comes with venture capital or the preparation required to earn investor confidence. So how should entrepreneurs think about funding — and where are the biggest overlooked opportunities for investors today?

Julie Castro Abrams, a venture capitalist and longtime advocate for women entrepreneurs, explains that success starts with clarity — both in identity and strategy. Founders should only take on capital when absolutely necessary, as it can introduce pressure, higher expectations, and a potential loss of control. At the same time, Julie highlights a major market gap: Women-led companies consistently deliver strong returns yet receive a fraction of venture funding. Her advice to both founders and investors is to focus on fundamentals — understand the metrics, know the market opportunity, and confidently position for growth — while recognizing the untapped potential in backing women-owned businesses.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Julie Castro Abrams, CEO and Chair of How Women Lead and Managing Partner at How Women Invest, about venture capital and leadership in women-led companies. Julie shares what investors look for in founders, how to prepare for funding, and why investing in women-led businesses presents a significant opportunity.

Adam Spector is the Founder and CEO of Chore, a startup that helps founders offload back-office operations through fractional chief-of-staff services. As a four-time founder, startup advisor, and investor, he has backed over 100 startups, gaining insight into scaling companies and optimizing operations. Adam hosts the Entrepreneurial Excellence Podcast, which features conversations with some of the world's top founders and investors.

Running a company often means juggling priorities, but not all work carries equal weight. Founders frequently get pulled into operational details that feel necessary but don't actually drive growth. How can you decide what deserves your time and what doesn't?

The answer lies in focus. Adam Spector, an experienced entrepreneur and investor, emphasizes that founders must stay relentlessly centered on what differentiates their business while delegating or outsourcing everything else. He suggests evaluating every task through a simple lens: Can it be automated, handed off, or eliminated? By empowering team members to make reversible decisions and avoiding distractions like administrative minutiae, leaders can preserve their energy for high-impact work. Building a successful company comes down to disciplined prioritization and trusting others to execute.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney talks with Adam Spector, Founder and CEO of Chore, about how founders can stay focused on what drives growth. Adam shares his journey into entrepreneurship, what he learned from scaling and exiting companies, and how AI is reshaping the future of work.

Tim Padgett is the Founder of Pepper Group, a B2B full-service marketing agency that provides branding, lead generation, and sales services. As CEO, he blends creativity with business strategy to help organizations communicate more effectively and drive growth. Tim founded the company in 1994 after beginning his career in the printing and design industry and has since grown it into an award-winning firm serving clients from local manufacturers to Fortune 500 companies.

Building a business often starts with uncertainty — whether it's an unexpected career shift, a market change, or a moment that forces a new direction. Over time, those decisions shape not just the company but the people, culture, and opportunities that follow. What does it take to turn a setback into a sustainable, evolving business?

Seasoned entrepreneur and marketing leader Tim Padgett says it begins with embracing opportunity and staying adaptable. He highlights the importance of understanding clients, employees, and partners before acting and hiring for cultural fit rather than just skill. Tim views marketing as an investment tied to ROI and recommends staying curious as AI reshapes the industry. Growth comes from combining strategic thinking with strong relationships and a willingness to evolve.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Tim Padgett, Founder of Pepper Group, to discuss building and evolving a marketing business. Tim shares his journey from job loss to entrepreneurship, how team culture and hiring shaped his company's growth, and his perspective on the future of marketing in an AI-driven environment.

Susan Kearney is the Managing Director, Board Member, and Partner at Newport LLC, a business advisory firm helping middle-market companies grow and exit. Before Newport, she was the COO of Network for Good, where she achieved 40% annual recurring revenue growth, and the Co-founder of Voxant, a digital media company acquired by Blinkx. Susan also held executive positions at Paragren Technologies and IRI Software.

Heather Bennett is the Managing Director and Partner at Newport LLC, where she advises CEOs and business owners on brand marketing, revenue growth, and leadership development. With over 20 years of experience, she has led P&L management for brands with over $100 million in revenue and driven innovation at companies like Kraft Heinz Company, Instant Brands, and Unilever. Heather is also the author of the Amazon bestseller Fun and Fulfilling Careers One Question at a Time and serves on the boards of the Foundation for Hearing & Speech Resources and Slipstream.

Building a business is rarely a straight path. Patterns begin to emerge only after stepping back — through shared stories of growth, setbacks, and reinvention. When founders reflect on their journeys, what lessons consistently rise to the surface?

Business advisor Susan Kearney and growth-focused executive leader Heather Bennett explain that success often comes down to resilience, adaptability, and people. Many founders endure early instability before reaching sustainable growth, often relying on trusted teams and advisors to navigate uncertainty. Opportunity is often unplanned — what matters is the ability to recognize and act on it. A mindset of openness and persistence is critical for long-term growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney and Heather Bennett look back on their first year of the podcast. They share early-stage business challenges and near-death moments, stories of accidental entrepreneurs, and how founders expand their impact through leadership, policy, and strategic decision-making.

Scott Markman is the Founder and President of MonogramGroup, a global brand consultancy and marketing agency. With nearly 45 years of experience, he has worked with private equity firms and portfolio companies to develop brand strategies that drive growth and differentiation. Scott is a recognized thought leader in branding and hosts the Beer Stories for Private Equity podcast.

Growth often comes with uncertainties like limited resources, evolving strategies, and constant pressure to adapt. How can founders navigate these challenges while positioning their companies for long-term value?

According to branding and private equity expert Scott Markman, it starts with persistence, disciplined decision-making, and a willingness to evolve. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging flexible talent early on, maintaining strong cash flow management, and continuously refining your positioning as your business grows. Additionally, brand strategy is a powerful driver of value creation, especially in competitive markets.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Scott Markman, Founder and President of MonogramGroup, to discuss building and scaling a brand-driven business. Scott shares his early entrepreneurial journey, how he entered private equity, and why branding is a critical lever for value creation.

Jim Fitzgerald is the Co-founder and CEO of Paycile, a fintech company that provides real-time payment reconciliation and API-driven solutions for insurance premiums and claims processing. As a seasoned entrepreneur, he has decades of experience building and scaling businesses, including Taradel, a marketing technology company that grew into a multi-time Inc. 5000 honoree. Jim has also built strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 brands.

Building a business is rarely a straight path. Leaders are constantly forced to adapt, make decisions with incomplete information, and navigate internal and external challenges. What separates those who sustain growth from those who stall when conditions change?

For serial entrepreneur Jim Fitzgerald, the answer lies in taking action and treating every outcome as a learning opportunity. He emphasizes making decisive moves rather than overanalyzing, using successes and failures as data points to guide future strategies. Jim also highlights the importance of building a cohesive culture by hiring people who align with your values and fostering trust during difficult times. His approach centers on adaptability, continuous learning, and creating an environment where teams can respond effectively to change.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney talks with Jim Fitzgerald, Co-founder and CEO of Paycile, about entrepreneurship and scaling businesses. Jim shares his approach to decisive action and learning from failure, how culture supports teams through challenges, and his advice on preparing early for a smooth business exit.

Brookelyn Avila is the Owner of Van Sharks, a family-owned business that designs, builds, and services custom conversion vans for businesses, travelers, and fleet operators. As an entrepreneur with a background in communications, she has launched several ventures. Brookelyn is known for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.

Starting a business in an unfamiliar industry demands adaptability, discipline, and a willingness to learn quickly. Entrepreneurs often face uncertainty when stepping into new markets, yet many find ways to build momentum and grow. What does it take to navigate risk, scale a young business, and stay focused through the challenges?

According to entrepreneur and business owner Brookelyn Avila, growth in a new industry begins with mastering the fundamentals of business rather than the technical details of the field. She emphasizes the importance of generating consistent demand, building strong partnerships, and understanding every aspect of your operation — especially in the early stages. Brookelyn also advises entrepreneurs to keep fixed expenses low and preserve cash whenever possible, giving the business room to learn and adapt without excessive financial pressure. Growth becomes manageable when founders remain hands-on and continuously refine their processes.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett chats with Brookelyn Avila, Owner of Van Sharks, about building and scaling a company in a new industry. Brookelyn shares how she entered the van conversion market, the impact of becoming a certified Mercedes-Benz Expert Upfitter, and why standardizing products can help growing businesses scale more efficiently.

Gabriel Arguello is the Founder and CEO of Rent 2 Own Trailers, which provides food trailers with flexible, low‑cost ownership options for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Under his leadership, Rent 2 Own has grown into a national resource for customized mobile business solutions. Before founding Rent 2 Own, Gabriel built and scaled a candy business, insurance and financial advisory agencies, and restaurants.

Starting a business comes with challenges ranging from securing funding to maintaining steady growth. How can entrepreneurs navigate these obstacles and scale their ventures?

Versatile entrepreneur Gabriel Arguello emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching your business idea before diving in. He advises entrepreneurs to build strong relationships with customers and the local community to foster lasting trust. Gabriel also stresses the value of setting up efficient systems from the start and keeping your team engaged. Planning, persistence, and people are essential for long-term growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Gabriel Arguello, Founder and CEO of Rent 2 Own Trailers, to discuss how to scale a business while building strong customer relationships. Gabriel shares insights on overcoming financial challenges, maintaining quality control through vertical integration, and using servant leadership to inspire teams.