Strap on your Boots

Join me on this episode of Zero to CEO as I speak with Nelson Nigel, the inspiring Founder and CEO of Kidmoto Technology. Nelson shares his incredible journey from overcoming a life-threatening accident to identifying a critical gap in transportation services for parents and bootstrapping Kidmoto into a successful company. With an impressive seven-figure annual revenue, Nelson discusses the strategies that helped him acquire his first 1,000 users, the evolution of his user acquisition strategy, and the unique challenges of managing a two-sided marketplace. We also delve into his approach to pricing, customer satisfaction, team management, and the crucial role of data in driving growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, Nelson’s story and insights offer valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and leadership.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak to Ori Rafael, the CEO and Co-Founder of Upsolver, a platform designed for lakehouse ingestion and management that helps software and data engineers deliver reliable datasets quickly, saving businesses both time and cost. Ori shares his insights on the significant technological milestones Upsolver has achieved, such as making data engineering skills optional for data lakes, optimizing S3 storage for faster queries, and scaling the platform to handle 5 million events per second. We discuss the importance of partnerships with industry giants like Amazon Web Services, Snowflake, and dbt Labs, and how Upsolver has attracted major clients like Centene Health, ConocoPhillips, and Unity Games. With nearly 20 years of experience in data integration and database management, Ori explains why the lakehouse is the next big thing in data, the challenges it faces, and the future of data storage and analysis. Tune in to learn how lakehouses are revolutionizing the way we handle data and why your business might need one.

 Join me on this episode of Zero to CEO as I talk with internationally renowned business coach and best-selling author Brad Sugars. With over 30 years of experience in the entrepreneurial space, Brad has become one of the world’s leading business coaches, lending his expertise to over nine companies as a CEO. We’ll dive into transformative business strategies that generate wealth, the importance of customer-centric operations for entrepreneurial success, and the art of ‘buying customers’ for guaranteed results. Brad also shares his insights on excelling in business leadership and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice from a true business guru. 

Join me on this episode of Zero to CEO as I chat with branding and naming expert Grant Polachek about the crucial steps to finding a great name for your startup. We’ll explore why epic brand names like Nike and Google matter and how a name is directly linked to the branding experience. Grant shares his insights on the importance of securing a great domain, when a brand should consider rebranding, and the role of AI in the naming and branding industry. Whether you’re at the beginning of your startup journey or considering a rebrand, this episode is packed with valuable advice on choosing a name that sets your business apart.

Join me on this episode of Zero to CEO where I sit down with Nader Sabry, a mastermind in exponential growth and a pioneering growth hacker who has earned the title the guy you don’t want your competition to hire. Nader will dive into the essence of growth science, a concept he coined that encapsulates innovative strategies for skyrocketing business growth. He’ll share insights on how only the top 1% of companies utilize certain growth hacking tactics and discuss the clear patterns that differentiate businesses that fail from those that achieve exponential growth. We’ll also explore why growth hacking is set to become the most critical skill of the future, with an expected demand for 1.2 million growth hackers by 2030, and how you can stay ahead by recruiting top talent in this field before your competitors. Tune in for a transformative conversation filled with actionable tips to multiply your business’s success.

In this gripping episode of Zero to CEO, I delve into the remarkable journey of Mark McNamee, a daring entrepreneur who relocated to Kyiv, Ukraine, to establish the Ukraine Business Network. Against the backdrop of a war zone, Mark’s story unfolds as he navigates the challenges of starting a business without knowing the local language and with no initial income. Join us as we explore the essential skills needed to thrive in such demanding conditions, including adaptability, networking, and managing expectations. Mark also discusses his strategic approach to finding a niche in the market, the political and business implications of China’s ties with Russia, and his initiatives for workforce development in Ukraine. This episode is a deep dive into the courage and innovation required to contribute to a nation’s reconstruction while harnessing local talent to reform its business ecosystem. 

Join me on this episode of Zero to CEO where I talk with writer and entrepreneur Blake Reichenbach about the power of merging creative and business writing to elevate your business. Blake is launching his new venture, Howdy Curiosity, a dynamic platform that starts as a non-fiction bookshop but is set to evolve into much more, including book clubs, professional development, and strategic team initiatives. Throughout our conversation, we explore how belonging to a creative community can enhance your writing, the art of balancing writing with personal and professional life, and the transformative steps to becoming a successful non-fiction author. Blake also shares his insights on how the fusion of creative and business writing can significantly benefit business clients and discusses the top writing resources of 2023. This episode is a must-listen for any professional looking to break the mold and drive growth through curiosity and community.

Join me on Zero to CEO as I chat with Michael Juergens, a super wine geek who pioneered the wine industry in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Discover why Michael chose Bhutan, not only the world’s only carbon-negative country but also on its path to becoming the first 100% organic nation, as the foundation for his groundbreaking venture. In this episode, Michael shares his ambitious vision to transform Bhutan into the next Napa Valley, details about the nation’s first-ever grape harvest set for 2024, and his mission to make wine culture accessible and enjoyable, steering clear of pretentiousness. We’ll also dive into the significant changes and emerging challenges within the global wine industry and how they’re shaping the future of winemaking. Tune in to hear a unique story of innovation, sustainability, and passion for wine.

Join me on this episode of Future Tech where we dive into the transformative world of AI-powered vending machines with business leader and martial artist, Aslak de Silva, CEO of Selfly Store. Discover how these intelligent devices are revolutionizing grab-and-go shopping by making consumer interactions quicker and more convenient, significantly increasing sales. We’ll explore how advancements in AI, IoT, and machine learning are not just reshaping how consumers shop but are also providing merchants with unprecedented real-time insights into sales, inventory, and customer behaviors. Aslak will share his expert perspective on how business leaders can harness these new tech solutions to extend service hours, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure their companies not only keep up with but lead in the dynamic landscape of technological innovation.

Join me on this episode of Zero to CEO as I chat with RJ Burr, an American Oil Producer. RJ dives into how crucial oil is in our daily lives and the key role independent producers play in the oil industry. We discuss the goals of his company, Panex, and look at what drives global economies. RJ also shares insights on unique investment opportunities with Panex, including the tax benefits for accredited partners. If you’re interested in understanding the oil industry or thinking about investing, this episode is packed with valuable information.