​Lou Sokolovskiy is the Founder and CEO of Opus Connect, a premier networking and deal-making community for private equity and M&A professionals. He is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in private equity transactions. Additionally, Lou serves as a Venture Partner at Operate and a Principal at Genero Capital Partners. His expertise spans operations management, strategic partnerships, and new business development.

Building a meaningful network that leads to real deal flow can be overwhelming, especially in industries like private equity and M&A, where everyone seems to know someone — and access matters. But how do you create a community beyond surface-level connections and drive business growth?

Lou Sokolovskiy, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with expertise in business development and deal sourcing, breaks down what it takes to build and sustain a high-value network. He shares his 12+1 business development framework, emphasizing the importance of starting with your “why” and conducting a personal SWOT analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. He also discusses the critical role of being a proactive giver, why curated communities outperform open networks, and how aligning with the right people can unlock strategic opportunities you can’t reach individually.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Lou Sokolovskiy, Founder and CEO of Opus Connect, about the art of meaningful relationship-building in the M&A space. Lou explains how he created a thriving professional network from scratch, shares why proactive generosity leads to better business, and explores personal development strategies. He also dives into actionable deal flow tips, investment strategy evolution, and preparing a company for sale.

​Mike Gunderson is the President of Gundir, an award-winning direct marketing agency specializing in traditional offline channels, particularly direct mail. Since 2003, Gundir has been helping businesses drive new leads and close more sales. In addition to Gundir, Mike is the Founder and CEO of PostReminder, a direct response platform that merges traditional direct mail with digital engagement through enhanced QR technology. This innovation allows customers to set reminders for upcoming sales and events, enhancing consumer engagement and driving action. 

Direct mail may seem like a thing of the past, but in today’s digital world, it’s proving to be one of the most effective ways to cut through the noise and capture attention. While email inboxes overflow and social media ads get ignored, direct mail offers a tangible, high-impact way to engage potential customers. But how do you make it work for your business?

According to Mike Gunderson, a leading expert in direct response marketing, direct mail remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses looking to generate leads and drive conversions. He highlights how a strategic mix of creative design, data-driven targeting, and compelling offers can significantly outperform digital ads. By leveraging personalization, innovative formats, and even sensory elements, companies can create a memorable experience that boosts response rates. With careful testing and optimization, direct mail can become a scalable, high-ROI marketing channel.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Gunderson, President of Gundir, to discuss how businesses can use direct mail to supercharge their marketing. Mike shares insights on common mistakes companies make with direct mail, the role of data in campaign success, and the power of testing different formats to optimize results. He also reveals how his innovative platform, PostReminder, is helping businesses merge direct mail with digital engagement.

Kurt Angle is an American retired professional wrestler and Olympic gold medalist renowned for his exceptional wrestling career. He achieved international acclaim by winning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics, notably competing with a broken neck. Transitioning to professional wrestling, Kurt joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1998, where he became a multi-time world champion and was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. Beyond wrestling, he has pursued acting and launched the Kurt Angle Brand, extending his influence beyond the ring.

Many high performers push through pain in pursuit of greatness — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but how much is too much? What happens when dedication turns into addiction, or when a lifelong dream is achieved and suddenly there's no plan for what’s next? These moments can leave even the toughest champions searching for identity, purpose, and healing.

Olympic gold medalist and professional wrestling icon Kurt Angle shares his raw, behind-the-scenes journey from dominating the mat to battling personal demons. He reveals how mindset shifts helped him overcome repeated failure and physical setbacks — including wrestling with a broken neck. Kurt also offers insight on managing addiction, finding purpose after peak success, and the importance of support systems, humility, and continual growth inside and outside the ring.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jeremy Weisz and Andrew Gottlieb interview Kurt Angle, Olympic gold medalist and Founder of Kurt Angle Brand, about the highs and lows of his legendary career. Kurt dives into his physical and emotional challenges, discusses lessons from WWE and Olympic wrestling, and opens up about his recovery journey. He also discusses mentorship, comedic timing in wrestling, and fundraising for USA Wrestling.

Richard Wilson is the Founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, the largest association in the family office wealth management industry with over 100,000 current members. He has authored multiple #1 bestselling books on family offices, including The Single Family Office: Creating, Operating & Managing Investments of a Single Family Office. Richard has spoken at over 250 conferences in more than 14 countries, sharing his expertise on family office insights and case studies. He holds a MBA from the University of Portland.

Many entrepreneurs and investors struggle to build lasting relationships with ultra-wealthy individuals and secure high-level deals. The world of billionaires and family offices can feel like an exclusive club, with unclear rules on how to break in and thrive. So, how do you gain access, establish trust, and leverage opportunities in a space dominated by the world’s wealthiest investors?

Richard Wilson, an expert in family offices and billionaire investment strategies, shares key insights on navigating and succeeding in this exclusive world. He emphasizes the power of brute force reciprocation — offering value first and building trust through consistent, high-quality interactions. He also highlights the importance of structuring deals in a way that de-risks investments for investors while ensuring long-term success. Additionally, Richard discusses the mindsets of billionaires, the advantages of in-person networking, and how to position yourself for high-level partnerships effectively.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Richard Wilson, Founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, about breaking into the ultra-wealthy investor space. Richard shares his approach to building trust with billionaires, structuring investment deals, and leveraging networking for long-term success. He also discusses key lessons from billionaire-authored books, insights from high-profile interviews, and strategies for acquiring premium digital assets.

Mark Weinstein is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, privacy advocate, and one of the original inventors of social networking. His 25-year journey includes founding three award-winning social media platforms, such as SuperFamily and SuperFriends, both recognized in PC Magazine's Top 100 Sites. As a leading privacy expert, Mark delivered the landmark TED Talk “The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism” and authored Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework, which presents a bold vision for transforming social media. His work has earned endorsements from industry leaders like Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Steve Wozniak, reflecting his commitment to ethical technology and user empowerment.

The internet was once seen as a tool for connection, but today, it often feels like it's controlling us. From social media algorithms that manipulate our thoughts to privacy invasions that track our every move, the online world has shifted in ways few anticipated. So, how can we reclaim our digital autonomy and create a healthier relationship with technology?

Mark Weinstein, a social media pioneer and privacy expert, offers insights into the hidden dangers of surveillance capitalism and how users can protect themselves. He explains how algorithms are designed to exploit human psychology, keeping people hooked while collecting vast amounts of personal data. He shares actionable steps, such as limiting screen time, avoiding AI-driven recommendations, and choosing privacy-focused platforms. Mark also stresses the importance of critical thinking, teaching children to discern fact from manipulation, and advocating for ethical tech policies to reshape the future of online interactions.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark Weinstein, author of Restoring Our Sanity Online, about the urgent need for ethical social media and enhanced digital privacy. Mark discusses the evolution of social media, the rise of surveillance capitalism, and the impact of AI-driven algorithms on user behavior. He also shares practical strategies for protecting personal data, reducing social media addiction, and fostering critical thinking in the digital age.

Eitan Koter is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a leading video commerce SaaS company that provides multi-channel shoppable video and live shopping solutions to brands and retailers. With over two decades of experience in internet, video, and telecom startups and public companies, including leading a Nasdaq IPO, he is recognized as a thought leader in video commerce, digital marketing, social commerce, and startup bootstrapping. Eitan frequently speaks about futuristic immersive digital experiences and the convergence of media and commerce. He also hosts the Mastering eCommerce Marketing podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and shares insights on e-commerce trends and innovations.

Many businesses struggle to stand out in the crowded digital marketplace, especially with the rapid rise of short-form video and social commerce. Creating engaging video content that captures attention and converts viewers into customers can seem overwhelming. So, how can brands leverage video to build trust, increase sales, and expand their reach without overspending on production or advertising?

Eitan Koter, a thought leader in video commerce and digital marketing, shares insights on how businesses can successfully integrate video into their sales strategy. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and leveraging AI-driven tools to streamline content creation. Eitan discusses how brands can make videos shoppable, distribute them across multiple platforms, and use live video to enhance customer engagement. Additionally, he highlights how bootstrapped companies can grow by focusing on strategic partnerships and leveraging SaaS solutions to improve efficiency and scale operations.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Eitan Koter, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, about how brands can use video commerce to drive engagement and revenue. Eitan discusses the evolution of video marketing, the power of live shopping, and why short-form content is key to customer acquisition. He also shares strategies for bootstrapping a SaaS company, the role of AI in video creation, and how businesses can maximize partnerships to scale efficiently.

Bill Giofu is the Founder of Sophia Models and Talent, a premier modeling and talent agency based in Calgary, Alberta. With a modeling career that began in 1986 in Regina, Saskatchewan, he has worked across North America, Europe, and Asia, and has appeared in over 40 television commercials, videos, and film productions. In 1996, Bill opened the Calgary office of Mode Models, serving as Agency Director and developing it into one of Western Canada's most successful modeling agencies. In 2010, he established Sophia Models, leveraging over 35 years of industry experience to develop and promote highly sought-after talent.

Breaking into the modeling industry can feel like an impossible task. With countless aspiring models vying for limited opportunities, how do you stand out? And for brands looking to hire the right talent, how do they ensure they’re working with professionals who can deliver?

Bill Giofu, a successful entrepreneur in the modeling industry, shares his expertise in navigating the ever-changing modeling landscape. As a former international model turned agency owner, he has firsthand knowledge of scouting and developing talent while adapting to industry trends. Bill emphasizes the importance of a diverse portfolio, professional representation, and building strong industry relationships. He also highlights how brands can benefit from working with agencies to find the right talent efficiently and avoid common pitfalls in the hiring process.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Bill Giofu, Founder of Sophia Models and Talent, about the business of modeling and talent representation. Bill discusses how he built his agency, the changing standards in the modeling industry, and how he helps talent secure international opportunities. He also shares insights on working with major brands, the challenges of running a talent agency, and how social media has impacted the industry.

Nithya Ramachandran is the President and Chief Strategy Officer at T1, a full-stack sponsorship marketing agency. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in sponsorship marketing, strategy, and purpose-led partnerships. Nithya has held leadership roles at organizations such as PwC, Edelman, and National Public Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in international business and strategic management from the University of Alberta.

Brands today face a crowded, noisy marketplace where audiences are increasingly fragmented and traditional advertising struggles to break through. The challenge isn’t just building awareness — it’s about fostering meaningful community engagement that aligns with a brand’s values. So, how can companies create genuine, lasting connections with their target audiences while ensuring those efforts feel authentic and purpose-driven?

Nithya Ramachandran, an expert in sponsorship marketing and experiential strategy, shares how brands can rise above the noise by placing people at the heart of every campaign. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the values, needs, and culture of the communities a brand wants to connect with. Instead of forcing campaigns onto audiences, Nithya recommends collaborating with the right partners, building authentic experiences, and ensuring brand initiatives align with the community’s interests and passions. From community-driven sports initiatives to bold partnerships tackling youth mental health, she offers a strategic framework for brands looking to build true audience loyalty.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Nithya Ramachandran, President and Chief Strategy Officer at T1 Agency, about building purpose-driven brand communities. Nithya shares her leadership journey, strategies for fostering innovation and trust, insights on leadership transitions, balancing purpose with profit, and driving authentic audience engagement.

Eric Crews is the Founder and CEO of Crews & co., a management consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses increase revenue, profitability, and salable value. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, he is an EOS Implementer®, helping companies implement a business operating system into their organizations. In 2021, Eric launched the Growth Method℠, a proprietary business operating system designed to propel companies to new heights. He is also the CEO and Co-founder of CE Painting, one of New England's largest commercial painting businesses. 

Scaling a business is no easy feat — many entrepreneurs hit roadblocks that stall growth, drain resources, or create inefficiencies. Whether it’s financial missteps, leadership blind spots, or an unclear strategy, these challenges can quickly derail even the most promising ventures. So what separates companies that scale successfully from those that struggle to grow?

According to Eric Crews, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist, sustainable scaling starts with financial clarity and strategic alignment. He highlights the importance of setting a three-year vision tied directly to financial planning, ensuring that every decision contributes to long-term growth. By leveraging OKRs — “Objectives and Key Results” — companies can align priorities from leadership to frontline employees, creating accountability and momentum. Without these foundational elements, Eric warns, businesses risk wasting resources on ineffective initiatives or hiring the wrong talent, both costly mistakes that can stunt growth.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Eric Crews, Founder and CEO of Crews & co., to discuss the key principles of scaling a company while avoiding common pitfalls. Eric explains how to build a financial framework that supports expansion, the role of OKRs in driving alignment, and the biggest hiring mistakes that hinder growth. He also shares insights on structuring businesses for long-term profitability and exit potential.

Humberto Bejarano is the President and Co-founder of Beanstalk Growth Marketing, an award-winning agency based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 25 years of combined experience, he has been instrumental in delivering innovative, data-driven marketing solutions across North America. Under his leadership, Beanstalk has earned multiple accolades, including the Canadian Choice Award for Calgary's Best Marketing Agency and recognition from Clutch as a top advertising company in Alberta. Humberto's commitment to excellence and client success drives the agency's growth and industry impact.

Creating a sustainable, growth-oriented marketing agency can be challenging, especially in the ever-changing digital landscape. Many businesses struggle to balance branding, website development, and effective omnichannel strategies while staying profitable. So, how can companies streamline their marketing processes, foster strong client relationships, and adapt their strategies to meet changing demands?

Humberto Bejarano, a seasoned sales professional and marketing expert, offers practical insights on building a thriving digital agency through smart partnerships, data-driven decisions, and client-centric approaches. He emphasizes the importance of understanding client pain points before pitching solutions, creating cohesive omnichannel strategies that leverage multiple platforms, and continuously testing and optimizing based on performance data. Humberto also highlights the value of combining creative expertise with structured project management to ensure clear communication, consistent delivery, and client satisfaction.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Humberto Bejarano, Co-founder of Beanstalk Growth Marketing, about building and scaling a successful digital marketing agency. Humberto shares his experience merging companies, onboarding key team members, and adopting omnichannel marketing strategies. The conversation also covers effective sales processes, leveraging automation tools, and case studies of successful client transformations.