“If not me, who’s going to bring it to life?” — Sheri Chaney Jones

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, host Chris Januszewski sits down with Sheri Chaney Jones, Founder and CEO of SureImpact, to explore what it really takes to build software for social good.

Sheri is a long-time entrepreneur. She has spent more than 17 years building businesses with purpose. In this conversation, she shares why measuring social impact matters, especially for nonprofits and community-based organizations that operate with limited resources.

This episode is about more than software. It is about people, communities, and the systems that support them. Even for listeners outside the nonprofit world, the lessons around leadership, data, and resilience are easy to understand and highly relevant.

Many nonprofits are doing critical work. However, they often struggle to measure and communicate their impact. As a result, funding decisions become harder, and growth can stall.

Sheri explains why social impact measurement software is no longer optional. Instead, it is essential for organizations that want to grow, attract funding, and create lasting change. She also explains how fear, scarcity, and limited access to data can slow innovation in the nonprofit sector.

At the same time, Sheri shares her perspective as a female founder. She speaks openly about the barriers women face when raising capital and building technology companies. Because of this honesty, the conversation feels grounded and human.

1. Measuring Social Impact Clearly
Sheri breaks down impact measurement in simple terms. Nonprofits need data that tells a clear story. That story builds trust with funders and communities alike.

2. Technology Built for the Social-Good Sector
SureImpact was designed by social-good providers, not adapted later. As a result, it fits the real workflows nonprofits use every day.

3. Leadership, Fear, and Scarcity
Operating with limited resources creates pressure. However, Sheri explains why leaders must move past fear in order to innovate and grow.

Sheri Chaney Jones is the Founder and CEO of SureImpact, a purpose-built platform for measuring and communicating social impact. She is a serial entrepreneur with deep experience in technology, leadership, and community change.

Throughout her career, Sheri has focused on helping organizations prove the difference they make. In this episode, she shares lessons learned from building software, leading teams, and advocating for women in entrepreneurship.

SureImpact is a social impact measurement and reporting platform designed specifically for community-based providers and their funders. The software combines case management, impact measurement, and reporting in one collaborative system.

By helping organizations clearly demonstrate outcomes, SureImpact enables stronger funding relationships and greater trust. Ultimately, the platform helps nonprofits show that their clients are better off because of the work they do.

This episode is ideal for:

Nonprofit leaders and operators

Social-impact entrepreneurs

Female founders and advocates

Anyone curious about data, purpose, and leadership

SureImpact links:

Join Chris in conversation on our startup podcast with Barbara Stephenson, Agency Principal of 300FeetOut, as we explore what it really takes to build a people-first digital marketing agency in a results-driven world.

Barbara’s journey began far from traditional marketing. She started her career in gerontology, working closely with aging populations and deeply human challenges. Over time, that experience shaped how she thinks about leadership, culture and responsibility for the welfare of her team.

Today, those values are embedded into how 300FeetOut operates.

• Why a people-first culture creates stronger agencies
• The shift from fixed-bid projects to sustainable retainers
• Treating employees as the most valuable asset
• Connecting brands to people, not just platforms
• The growing importance of aging and senior living
• How AI and technology are changing work—and why humanity still matters

• Agency owners and leaders
• Digital marketers and brand strategists
• Founders building service businesses
• Leaders rethinking culture and burnout
• Teams navigating work-life balance

Learn how a people-first digital marketing agency can deliver strong results without sacrificing wellbeing, authenticity, or long-term sustainability.

Barbara Stephenson is the Agency Principal of 300FeetOut, a brand-forward digital marketing agency known for its bold thinking and human-centered approach. Her background in gerontology gave her a unique perspective on human behavior, aging, and connection—insights that continue to influence how she leads teams and builds client relationships.

Rather than chasing growth at all costs, Barbara focused on building a healthy agency model. She moved 300FeetOut toward retainer-based partnerships, invested deeply in her team, and created a culture where work supports life.

300FeetOut is a brand-forward digital marketing agency known for its offbeat and no-nonsense approach. They partner with organizations that are ready to take risks and push boundaries. The agency combines strategy, creativity and execution to help brands connect meaningfully with people.

The name 300FeetOut reflects a willingness to step beyond comfort zones, challenge assumptions, and show up authentically. From branding to digital execution, the team focuses on work that creates real impact—for clients and for the people behind the work.

300FeetOut links:

Join Chris in conversation on our startup podcast with Barbara Stephenson, Agency Principal of 300FeetOut, as we explore what it really takes to build a people-first digital marketing agency in a results-driven world.

Barbara’s journey began far from traditional marketing. She started her career in gerontology, working closely with aging populations and deeply human challenges. Over time, that experience shaped how she thinks about leadership, culture and responsibility for the welfare of her team.

Today, those values are embedded into how 300FeetOut operates.

• Why a people-first culture creates stronger agencies
• The shift from fixed-bid projects to sustainable retainers
• Treating employees as the most valuable asset
• Connecting brands to people, not just platforms
• The growing importance of aging and senior living
• How AI and technology are changing work—and why humanity still matters

• Agency owners and leaders
• Digital marketers and brand strategists
• Founders building service businesses
• Leaders rethinking culture and burnout
• Teams navigating work-life balance

Learn how a people-first digital marketing agency can deliver strong results without sacrificing wellbeing, authenticity, or long-term sustainability.

Barbara Stephenson is the Agency Principal of 300FeetOut, a brand-forward digital marketing agency known for its bold thinking and human-centered approach. Her background in gerontology gave her a unique perspective on human behavior, aging, and connection—insights that continue to influence how she leads teams and builds client relationships.

Rather than chasing growth at all costs, Barbara focused on building a healthy agency model. She moved 300FeetOut toward retainer-based partnerships, invested deeply in her team, and created a culture where work supports life.

300FeetOut is a brand-forward digital marketing agency known for its offbeat and no-nonsense approach. They partner with organizations that are ready to take risks and push boundaries. The agency combines strategy, creativity and execution to help brands connect meaningfully with people.

The name 300FeetOut reflects a willingness to step beyond comfort zones, challenge assumptions, and show up authentically. From branding to digital execution, the team focuses on work that creates real impact—for clients and for the people behind the work.

300FeetOut links:

AI adoption often fails because it lacks discipline. However, this episode shows what happens when engineering rigor leads the way.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, Chris Januszewski sits down with Chuck Reynolds, CEO of Technical Systems Integrators. Together, they explore how Chuck’s journey, from nuclear missile testing to modern AI automation, shaped his no-nonsense approach to technology.

Why AI automation must deliver measurable ROI

Lessons from working in nuclear weapons testing

How guardrails improve AI quality and trust

Why proof-of-value beats proof-of-concept

The realities of selling into government contracts

How education accelerates customer engagement

This episode is ideal for:
• Engineering leaders
• Government and enterprise decision-makers
• AI and automation buyers
• Founders selling into regulated markets

Chuck’s career began in highly regulated environments where failure was not an option. Because of that, his mindset never changed.

Instead of chasing hype, he focuses on outcomes.
Instead of pilots, he focuses on proof.

At TSI, Chuck and his team help organizations understand their automation maturity first. Then, they design solutions that eliminate manual work while improving reliability and performance.

According to Chuck, AI without ROI is just experimentation.

That’s why TSI emphasizes Automation Intelligence — AI systems designed with clear constraints, validation methods, and measurable business impact. In many cases, Chuck’s team can demonstrate value in days, not months.

As a result, customers gain confidence quickly and scale responsibly.

Robert speaks openly about the role of faith in his life and business. For him, entrepreneurship is not just about growth. It is about stewardship, integrity, and serving a community.

He also compares startup life to a roller coaster. There are highs and lows. Still, the excitement of building something meaningful makes the journey worthwhile.

This conversation also goes beyond engineering. Chuck reflects on leadership, long-term relationships, and what it takes to sustain both a business and a marriage for decades. The same lesson applies everywhere: compromise, clarity, and trust matter.

If you care about AI that works in the real world, especially in regulated or complex environments, this episode delivers practical insight without buzzwords.

Technical Systems Integrators links:

AI is everywhere. However, value is not.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast – Austin Startup Series (ATX3), Chris Januszewski sits down with Eric Gonzalez, CEO of OptiMindAI, to unpack why so many businesses feel pressure to use AI but struggle to see real results.

Eric’s perspective is refreshingly practical. Instead of treating AI as magic, he encourages business leaders to treat it like a new employee — one that needs training, structure, and clear expectations.

Why AI adoption fails without structure

How structured prompting changes outcomes

Large language models as operational teammates

Automating back-office work without losing identity

Lessons from Eric’s time at Meta

Why Austin is a strong launchpad for practical AI startups

Perfect for:

Eric’s AI journey began inside large-scale infrastructure at Meta. There, he learned how AI systems behave in real-world environments. Later, after moving to Austin, he noticed a gap.

Most companies did not need cutting-edge research. They needed clarity.

As a result, OptiMindAI was built to help businesses use AI as an extension of how they already work — not a replacement for their identity.

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple. AI is only as good as the instructions it receives.

Eric explains why structured prompting is essential. Instead of vague requests, businesses must define context, goals, and constraints. When that happens, AI becomes reliable and repeatable.

This approach allows teams to automate repetitive work while keeping human judgment where it matters most.

This conversation is not about hype. It is about making AI useful.

If you want AI to improve your day-to-day operations — not add confusion — this episode will give you a practical starting point.

OptiMindAI links:

Camping has always been about more than tents and trails. It is about connection.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, Chris Januszewski sits down with Robert McMillan, CEO of Camping.Tools, to explore how technology can support outdoor experiences without overwhelming them.

Robert shares his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind building a private social network designed specifically for campers. The goal is simple but powerful. Help people plan trips, capture memories, and connect with others who share a love for the outdoors.

Perfect for:

Camping.Tools combines practical features with thoughtful design.
Users can plan trips, journal experiences, and share memories in one place.

Unlike mainstream social networks, the platform prioritizes value over manipulation. There is no endless scrolling. Instead, the focus is on meaningful interaction and shared experiences.

Because of this, Camping.Tools feels aligned with the spirit of camping itself.

Robert speaks openly about the role of faith in his life and business. For him, entrepreneurship is not just about growth. It is about stewardship, integrity, and serving a community.

He also compares startup life to a roller coaster. There are highs and lows. Still, the excitement of building something meaningful makes the journey worthwhile.

This conversation is about choosing intention over noise.
It is about using technology to bring people back to what matters.

If you care about community, nature, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, this episode will resonate.

Camping.Tools links:

Text messaging changed how businesses communicate.
However, SMS has not evolved.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, Chris Januszewski sits down with Michael Lamb, CEO of nativeMsg, to explore how Rich Communication Services (RCS) is redefining customer engagement.

Michael has spent years building messaging platforms. Along the way, he saw the limits of SMS firsthand. There is no rich media. There is no interactivity. And there is very little insight into performance. As a result, businesses are stuck using a tool that no longer meets modern expectations.

Why SMS lacks insight, analytics, and engagement

How RCS transforms text messages into interactive experiences

RCS as an application development protocol, not just messaging

The challenges of building nativeMsg during COVID

Why education is critical for RCS adoption

What entrepreneurs need to know about market readiness

Perfect for:
• Marketing and CX leaders
• Product and growth teams
• Founders building messaging-first products
• Businesses exploring customer engagement innovation

Michael describes the shift from SMS to RCS with a simple analogy.
It is like moving from black-and-white television to color.

RCS allows businesses to send rich media, interactive buttons, quick replies, and branded messages directly inside the native SMS app. Because of this, companies no longer need to force customers into separate apps or fragmented experiences.

At the same time, RCS provides analytics. Businesses can finally see what customers engage with and refine their messaging accordingly.

Building nativeMsg was not easy.
Timing mattered.

Michael shares what it was like launching during COVID and educating a market that did not yet understand RCS. He emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment and resilience. If customers do not know something exists, they cannot buy it.

Still, Michael believes RCS is inevitable. Messaging is moving toward application-level experiences. nativeMsg is building the platform to make that future accessible.

This episode is about more than messaging.
It is about educating the market and pushing innovation forward.

If you care about customer communication, this conversation will change how you think about text messaging.

nativeMsg links:

Text messaging changed how businesses communicate.
However, SMS has not evolved.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, Chris Januszewski sits down with Michael Lamb, CEO of nativeMsg, to explore how Rich Communication Services (RCS) is redefining customer engagement.

Michael has spent years building messaging platforms. Along the way, he saw the limits of SMS firsthand. There is no rich media. There is no interactivity. And there is very little insight into performance. As a result, businesses are stuck using a tool that no longer meets modern expectations.

Why SMS lacks insight, analytics, and engagement

How RCS transforms text messages into interactive experiences

RCS as an application development protocol, not just messaging

The challenges of building nativeMsg during COVID

Why education is critical for RCS adoption

What entrepreneurs need to know about market readiness

Perfect for:
• Marketing and CX leaders
• Product and growth teams
• Founders building messaging-first products
• Businesses exploring customer engagement innovation

Michael describes the shift from SMS to RCS with a simple analogy.
It is like moving from black-and-white television to color.

RCS allows businesses to send rich media, interactive buttons, quick replies, and branded messages directly inside the native SMS app. Because of this, companies no longer need to force customers into separate apps or fragmented experiences.

At the same time, RCS provides analytics. Businesses can finally see what customers engage with and refine their messaging accordingly.

Building nativeMsg was not easy.
Timing mattered.

Michael shares what it was like launching during COVID and educating a market that did not yet understand RCS. He emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment and resilience. If customers do not know something exists, they cannot buy it.

Still, Michael believes RCS is inevitable. Messaging is moving toward application-level experiences. nativeMsg is building the platform to make that future accessible.

This episode is about more than messaging.
It is about educating the market and pushing innovation forward.

If you care about customer communication, this conversation will change how you think about text messaging.

nativeMsg links:

Automation should not drain creativity. It should restore it.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, Chris Januszewski speaks with Isaac Hicks, CEO of Autonomi, about how intelligent automation is reshaping work. More importantly, they explore how AI can improve the human experience at work.

Isaac began his career in aerospace engineering. Over time, he moved into business transformation and consulting. That journey led him to found Autonomi, a company focused on eliminating repetitive, soul-crushing tasks through custom AI-powered automation.

Key Highlights:

Why understanding business processes matters more than tools

How automation improves employee experience

The difference between job descriptions and real work

Where AI delivers real ROI

Why sales and marketing are becoming more human again

How automation supports, not replaces, people

Perfect for:
• Founders and operators
• Sales, marketing, and HR leaders
• Companies exploring AI for ROI
• Teams overwhelmed by manual work

Isaac makes one thing clear.
AI fails when businesses skip fundamentals.

Before automation works, leaders must understand what work is actually happening. Job descriptions often miss the real tasks people perform every day. As a result, automation initiatives fall short.

When companies map processes correctly, AI becomes powerful. It removes friction. It restores focus. And it gives people time back.

As automation increases, something unexpected is happening.
Human interaction is becoming more valuable.

Isaac explains why sales and marketing are shifting back toward genuine conversations. Cold calling, once dismissed, is returning. Trust and relevance now matter more than volume.

AI handles the noise.
Humans handle relationships.

This episode reframes automation.
It is not about replacing people.
It is about giving them autonomy.

If your team is buried in administrative work, this conversation will change how you think about AI.

Autonomi links:

Hiring is one of the hardest problems in business.
For small companies, it is also one of the most expensive.

In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, Chris Januszewski speaks with Josh Hill, CEO of SuperHired, about why traditional hiring processes fail and how a new mindset can change everything.

Josh brings a unique background to the HR world. He transitioned from military service into human resources, where he saw firsthand how broken hiring systems damage teams, culture, and performance. As a result, he now advocates for treating work as a product — something intentionally designed, not hastily filled.

Key Highlights

Why traditional hiring is inefficient and risky

What it means to treat work as a product

Why hiring should be a matchmaking exercise

How AI should act as a copilot, not a replacement

The real cost of bad hires for small businesses

Why diversity improves decision-making and outcomes

Perfect for:
• Founders and small business owners
• HR and people-ops leaders
• Startup executives hiring their first teams
• Anyone navigating AI in the workplace

Josh’s experience in the military shaped how he thinks about teams, accountability, and trust. However, when he entered the HR world, he noticed a major disconnect.

Too often, companies rush to fill seats. As a result, they hire good people into the wrong roles. Over time, this creates frustration, burnout, and attrition.

Instead, Josh argues that hiring should focus on fit, chemistry, and clarity. When work is intentionally designed, people can succeed — and teams become stronger.

AI is changing HR. However, Josh is clear about its role.

AI should augment human-led hiring, not replace it. At SuperHired, AI helps surface great candidates. Humans then do the hard work of connection, context, and trust-building.

This approach supports diversity, reduces bias, and leads to better long-term outcomes — especially for smaller teams where every hire matters.

The conversation closes on a lighter note. Josh shares his passion for gardening, which he describes as a meditative practice.

In many ways, it mirrors his hiring philosophy. Growth takes time. Results require patience. And strong foundations matter more than speed.

Josh Hill links: