Rising Tide Startups

In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Tekla Tskhvediani shares how she went from Georgia’s corporate hospitality industry to creating a location-independent career in Bali. She talks about what led her to take that leap, the challenges she faced, and how she built a career that gives her both freedom and fulfillment.

Tekla explains why the traditional job-hunting approach, like sending out resumes and hoping for the best, doesn’t work anymore. She shares how showcasing your value, thinking outside the box, and aligning your strengths with market needs can open new doors.

From her own journey to the lessons she now teaches as a career mentor, Tekla offers advice for anyone looking to create a career on their own terms.

If you’ve ever thought about working remotely, switching careers, or just designing a work life that fits you better, this episode is for you. Tekla’s approach is all about flexibility, creativity, and making career choices that align with the life you want.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Offering free value and fostering genuine connections can establish trust and credibility before monetizing your expertise.

Confidence in pricing and business growth comes from proven results rather than vague affirmations.

Clients benefit more from specific, actionable guidance that reduces decision fatigue than from generic advice.

A successful coaching business must balance scalability with maintaining personalized, high-quality support.

Traditional job applications are outdated—standing out requires creativity, personal branding, and authenticity.

Personal career struggles can become a powerful asset when helping others navigate similar challenges.

Sustainable business growth relies on consistent value delivery and authentic relationship-building, rather than aggressive marketing.

Overcoming mental barriers and self-imposed limitations is often the biggest step toward career transformation.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Tekla Tskhvediani:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tekla-tskhvediani-24b81a105

Website: https://pillar.io/teklatoppings

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teklatoppingstestimonials

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Today, the final day of 2024, we turn the mic around and close out a banner year by hearing from our host.  Kevin Prewett is the founder and CEO of Rising Tide Startups Podcast and Podbrandmedia.com. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and brands, Kevin has built a platform dedicated to helping startup founders grow and scale their businesses through the power of podcasting and media. As a seasoned podcaster and media strategist, he combines his expertise in content creation with his commitment to fostering innovation and community in the startup ecosystem. Through his work at Podbrandmedia.com, Kevin assists businesses in leveraging podcasts as a powerful tool for marketing, branding, and audience engagement.

Kevin shares a short recap of 2024 and looks ahead at some exciting opportunities for 2025.   Thanks again for playing your part in "helping all boats rise in a rising tide!"

In this episode of Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Hailey Brooke Weiss, founder and CEO of Power Move Marketing, shares how her journey from collegiate volleyball captain to marketing agency leader has shaped her approach to business and leadership. With a passion for adaptability and innovation, Hailey has built a remote-first agency that offers tailored, integrated solutions to startups, acting as an in-house marketing partner for businesses.

Hailey reveals how her team navigates industry shifts, from leveraging AI to adjusting to new trends and legislation, while balancing creativity and analytics to help clients achieve tangible results. As a leader of a 30+ person remote team, she emphasizes the importance of trust, delegation, and letting creative people be creative, drawing from her athletic background to focus on accountability and leading by example.

This episode provides practical advice on leadership, marketing trends, and the mindset needed to grow a successful business. If you're looking to elevate your marketing game and learn from a leader who blends strategy with heart, this conversation with Hailey Brooke Weiss is a must-listen.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Implementing an omni-channel marketing strategy across TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn creates multiple sustainable revenue streams for business growth.

Establishing clear project parameters while avoiding micromanagement empowers creative teams to deliver exceptional client results.

When addressing challenges, leading with curiosity instead of criticism transforms team dynamics and improves problem-solving efficiency.

Converting major household brands through consistent social media content demonstrates how digital presence drives significant business acquisition.

Eliminating long-term contracts and maintaining service flexibility helps retain startup clients in rapidly changing market conditions.

Focusing on target audience needs rather than industry specialization enables successful client acquisition across diverse business sectors.

Building a fully remote team culture based on trust and autonomy creates high employee retention and increased productivity.

Leveraging specialist expertise within the team rather than handling everything personally accelerates agency scaling and client satisfaction.

Maintaining an authentic social media presence and consistent messaging across platforms strengthens brand credibility and drives organic growth.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Hailey Brooke Weiss:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileybrookeweiss/

Power Move Marketing: https://powermovemarketing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haileybrooke8

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 

Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2025!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

How does a flight instructor turn financial struggles into a groundbreaking fintech?

Jason Schappert, founder of Moola, shares his journey from teaching aviation to empowering financial literacy through innovative fintech solutions. From being a college dropout to building a multi-million-dollar online flight school, Jason turned challenges into opportunities and now helps others navigate their own paths to success.

In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, Jason talks about the lessons he learned from running and selling his aviation business, and how he found markets that needed help to create Moola, a platform made to make personal finances easier. He gives useful tips on finding your niche, trying out business ideas, and building a successful business. 

Jason has broken down the complex into simple, actionable steps, and empowered countless aspiring entrepreneurs and everyday individuals to reach their goals. 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Leverage early adopter platforms like YouTube and TikTok to build a loyal audience and validate business concepts.

Clean and professional financial record-keeping is crucial for attracting potential investors and acquisition opportunities.

Focus on serving an underserved market demographic by understanding their specific challenges and communication styles.

Automate savings and financial processes to make complex financial management more accessible and user-friendly.

Embrace incremental progress by prioritizing consistent small wins over seeking unrealistic overnight success.

Social media is a powerful tool for market research, audience engagement, and viral marketing strategies.

Build products that simplify complex topics and make intimidating processes (like investing) more approachable for younger generations.

Personal branding and storytelling can be powerful differentiators in crowded market spaces.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Jason Schappert:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonschappert/

Moola: https://moo.la/

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 

Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups Podcast, Bradley Hamner, founder of Blueprint OS and host of “Above The Business”, shares how small business owners can scale sustainably by designing systems that drive growth and efficiency, and free up their time. Having experienced firsthand the shift from burnout to balance, Bradley introduces his SCALE framework—Sustainable Revenue, Consistent Growth, Ample Time Away, Leverage, and Efficient Operations—which helps entrepreneurs grow without sacrificing their well-being.

Bradley explains how shifting from being the “rainmaker” to the “architect” of your business allows you to create systems that operate independently. He highlights the importance of taking strategic breaks to recharge, arguing that time away can actually fuel long-term growth. Finally, Bradley encourages owners to work “above” their business, dedicating time each week to strategic thinking and long-term planning.

His insights empower small business owners to break free from the daily grind and build businesses that thrive independently. Through the SCALE framework, entrepreneurs gain practical strategies to boost revenue, achieve consistent growth, and reclaim their time for strategic focus.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Personal development is key to business growth, helping entrepreneurs scale and launch new ventures successfully.

A practical framework for scaling businesses focuses on sustainable growth, leadership, and reaching revenue milestones.

Dedicating time away from daily tasks for strategic thinking boosts decision-making and satisfaction.

Executive assistants and efficient operating systems allow entrepreneurs to focus on growth instead of daily operations.

The Rule of 40 combines growth and profitability percentages to maintain a healthy balance for sustainable business success.

Taking time off helps business owners improve their personal well-being and business health.

A clear roadmap and community support provide guidance and shared learning for business owners with similar goals.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Bradley Hamner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyhamner/

BlueprintOS: https://www.blueprintos.com/

Above The Business: https://www.abovethebusiness.co/

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 

Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Building a niche website is one thing, but turning it into a thriving SEO agency? That’s a whole different game.

On this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, Kevin Prewett sits down with Nile Frater, founder of Masse SEO and former owner of NoCode.Tech. Nile shares his journey from creating a no-code tech site to selling it and launching his next big venture in SEO. He dives into the highs and lows of selling a business—navigating buyer interest, tough negotiations, and ultimately sealing the deal.

With 8+ years in the no-code space, Nile has tested over 250 platforms and taught businesses of all sizes. He also explores how AI has evolved in content creation, helping writers overcome creative blocks and produce more content faster, though the balance between facts and opinions still poses challenges.

Nile doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges of scaling Masse SEO, revealing key strategies for growth while maintaining quality. Whether you're into SEO, content creation, or curious about the impact of AI, this episode offers plenty of actionable insights.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

AI tools can help writers break through creative blocks and ramp up content production, but they still fall short when it comes to handling subjective content.

To scale without losing quality, systemizing your operations is a must, especially when you're handling high volumes of content.

Selling a business comes with its own rollercoaster—strategic negotiations and emotional highs that every entrepreneur can learn from.

AI is great for handling factual information, but when it comes to producing nuanced, high-quality content, human expertise is still essential.

To grow your business and keep clients happy, structured operations and a solid support system are key.

Scaling your SEO strategy takes high-volume content publishing and a clear market focus to succeed.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Nile Frater:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nile-frater-b1772370/

Masse SEO: https://www.masse.marketing/

NoCode.Tech: https://www.nocode.tech/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/nile

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 

Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

Can a single tool grow into a thriving business with thousands of loyal customers? 

In this episode of the Rising Tide Startups podcast, host Kevin Prewett sits down with Bilal Ararou, the visionary founder of Nuelink, to unpack his journey from a freelance web designer to the creator of an innovative social media automation platform. Bilal reveals how Nuelink, originally built to streamline his agency's social media tasks, quickly evolved into a robust tool packed with AI-driven features that simplify everything from scheduling posts to automating podcast updates.

What sets Nuelink apart is Bilal's ability to spot a real need in the market. After earlier ventures failed due to lack of demand, he hit the mark this time by solving a problem faced by countless businesses. Nuelink's cutting-edge features, like automated content creation and task automation for podcast updates and Google reviews, have transformed the social media management landscape.

Bilal's entrepreneurial roots trace back to his childhood when he sold marbles and rented out his Game Boy. Now, he's on a mission to build Morocco's first unicorn company, proving that world-class innovation can emerge from anywhere. His story is a powerful reminder of how solving real-world problems can lead to groundbreaking success that transcends borders.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Using AI-driven automation in social media tools can simplify managing a business’s online presence.

Validating market demand through initial experiments and waitlists ensures product development aligns with real user needs, fostering confidence in further investment.

Learning from past failures by analyzing the lack of demand can shape more effective approaches to product development and market fit.

Implementing a structured hiring process focused on practical skills rather than resumes ensures a capable team that aligns well with organizational needs.

Using insights from top business books can improve operations and management strategies, leading to ongoing growth.

Engaging with niche communities and forming partnerships can boost product visibility and early user traction.

Planning product expansions based on customer feedback drives continuous improvement and long-term industry relevance.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Bilal Ararou:

LinkedIn: https://ma.linkedin.com/in/bilalararou

Nuelink: https://nuelink.com/

Kreatinc: https://www.kreatinc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilalararou/

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 

Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective content creation and lead generation!

James Pietruszynsk, CEO of SoulSight, brings a unique perspective to branding. He believes that effective brands are built on genuine emotional connections and a deep understanding of human behavior. James recognizes the challenge of balancing innovation with brand consistency, emphasizing the importance of meaningful changes that enhance consumer experiences rather than superficial alterations.

At SoulSight, James fosters an environment that encourages both strategic thinking and creativity. He values collaboration and honest feedback, grounding his approach in behavioral analysis and empathy. His expertise in strategic insight and design has led to successful partnerships with major companies including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, General Mills, Pfizer, Unilever, and Hershey's.

James' work has garnered recognition from various industry publications and awards programs, including Graphis, How, Print, Communication Arts, and Pentawards. Despite these accolades, James remains focused on his core mission: understanding human behavior and using those insights to create brands that resonate authentically with people.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Emotional connections are crucial for brand resonance. Brands that effectively tap into emotions forge stronger consumer relationships.

Authentic brand identities stem from understanding human truths. 

Effective branding combines strategy, innovation, and research to create cohesive, emotionally aligned narratives.

Successful branding balances innovation with core brand essence. Meaningful changes should enhance consumer experiences without risking brand identity.

Empathy is key to understanding both brand and audience needs. Brands should evolve with cultural shifts to maintain relevance.

Global brand expansion requires understanding and collaboration. Lessons from major branding organizations can guide work with larger brands.

Leaders should encourage growth, accept mistakes, and promote continuous evolution for competitiveness and innovation.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with James Pietruszynski:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-pietruszynski-4a30836/

SoulSight: https://soulsight.com/

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

From the bustling streets of Vietnam to the competitive business landscape of Australia, Linh Podetti's entrepreneurial journey is one of grit and innovation. As the founder of Outsourcing Angel, Linh transformed her experiences as a single mother into a business model that champions flexibility and remote work. Her story challenges conventional notions of success, showing how personal challenges can spark creative business solutions that resonate globally.

Linh's path wasn't always smooth. She evolved from an e-commerce startup to creating Outsourcing Angel, a company that connects virtual assistants in the Philippines with businesses in Australia and the US. Along the way, she learned crucial lessons about delegation, efficiency, and client focus.

In this episode, Linh reveals key strategies for scaling a business without sacrificing personal freedom. She shares practical tips on building effective remote teams, implementing systems for growth, and maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur. Linh's insights on cross-cultural business operations and creating win-win situations for both clients and contractors offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to expand their business globally or optimize their current operations.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Personal challenges can inspire business ideas. Solving your own problems can lead to successful ventures that help others.

Effective delegation and outsourcing are key to growth.

Entrepreneurship requires persistence and adaptability. Early setbacks often lead to valuable lessons and eventual success.

Prioritizing both client and employee needs creates a balanced, sustainable business environment.

Focusing on core strengths prevents burnout. It's important to recognize and leverage what you do best.

For some, faith provides purpose and balance in business. It can guide decision-making and help manage stress.

Understanding customer needs is crucial. This requires market knowledge and effective communication.

Continuous learning keeps businesses relevant. Embrace new skills and adapt to changing markets.

Sharing knowledge and fostering community can benefit everyone. A collaborative approach often leads to mutual growth.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Linh Podetti:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/linhpodetti

Linh Podetti: https://linhpodetti.com/

Outsourcing Angel: https://outsourcingangel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinhPodetti/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linhpod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@linhpodetti

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!

From working in his family's Michigan restaurant to running his own tech company, Dexter Zhuang's story shows that hard work and smart planning can take you where you want to go. Dexter is the founder of Money Abroad, an online education platform that helps high-performers design their independent money paths. He started his career in San Francisco but has lived and worked across Southeast Asia and Latin America for the past six years.

With over 10 years of experience building products and teams at public companies like Dropbox and scaling startups like Xendit, Dexter turned a side project into his main gig. In this episode, he shares that many startups, including his, come from scratching a personal itch.  His work has been featured in global outlets like Business Insider, CBS, US News & World Report, and Tech in Asia.

Now, Dexter runs his own company, helps other startups, and offers advice based on his extensive experience. His journey, which includes guiding companies to go public and graduating from Dartmouth College, shows that with dedication and a willingness to take risks, you can build a successful career in tech and become your own boss.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Skills in product management and professional networks boost confidence when starting a business.

Financial stability allows focus on the venture without immediate money worries.

Early business exposure, through family or personal experiences, shapes future entrepreneurial paths.

Balancing consulting work with main business projects maintains financial stability while growing the primary venture.

An experimental approach helps identify effective content and strategies. Testing ideas and adapting based on feedback refine the business model.

Establishing a strong online presence is crucial but challenging. Being active on professional networks increases visibility.

A supportive community is vital for entrepreneurial success. Engaging with a network provides insights and opportunities.

Understanding and responding to target audience needs is essential. This guides product development and keeps the business customer-focused.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Dexter Zhuang:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dexter-zhuang

Dexter Zhuang: https://www.dexterzhuang.com/

Money Abroad: https://www.moneyabroad.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexteryz/

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 

Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!