Strap on your Boots

 In this episode of Zero to CEO, I have an engaging conversation with technologist and entrepreneur Bill Ottman, who passionately discusses creating a censor-free zone for sharing ideas. We explore his concerns about privacy and censorship on major platforms, and his co-authorship of “The Censorship Effect,” a paper on how censorship can fuel radicalization. Bill introduces ChangeMinds, a groundbreaking deradicalization initiative, and questions the effectiveness of de-platforming in curbing hate speech. We delve into the significance of social media’s impact on discourse filters, and why open-source platforms should be the future. This eye-opening episode emphasizes the importance of free discourse and the need for a more inclusive, censor-free world of ideas. 

In this episode of Zero to CEO I speak to Futurist, Trond Arne Undheim  about future-proofing humanity by confronting global risks in the digital era. In this thought-provoking episode, renowned futurist Trond Undheim takes us on a captivating journey into the interconnected world of emerging technologies, geopolitical complexities, and ecological challenges. Delving into the pressing issues of our time, Trond explores the immense opportunities and imminent risks that lie ahead. Discover how giga-scale tech ambitions clash with the necessities of degrowth, how AI can empower frontline workers in future industries, and why skillful navigation of digital tools and human networks is crucial in an expanding knowledge pool. Join us as we unravel the secrets to preserving the future of humanity amidst a myriad of cascading global risks.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, join us as we explore the power of leveraging your natural talents to build a thriving business with writer and serial entrepreneur Rai Hyde-Cornell. We often find ourselves forcing our way into building businesses that we believe the market wants or needs, rather than pursuing what we love and what comes naturally to us. But everyone possesses a unique natural gift, whether it’s art, music, building things, fixing things, or something else entirely. In this episode, Rai Hyde-Cornell, a natural-born writer who has successfully built a thriving content marketing agency, shares her insights on how to identify your natural gift and align it with a business model. We delve into the reasons why aligning your talents with your business is crucial, such as preventing burnout, fulfilling your purpose, and gaining easy differentiators in the market. Additionally, you’ll hear inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have built unconventional businesses by embracing their natural talents. Let’s break free from conventional norms and imagine a world where everyone pursues what truly lights them up. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will empower you to unlock your natural talents and transform them into profit machines. Tune in now!

In this riveting episode of Zero to CEO, I sit down with preeminent commercial behavioral scientist, Leigh Caldwell, to delve into the crux of consumer understanding — the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. For startups, a solid grasp of market research and consumer insight could be the linchpin of success. However, traditional research methods often fall short in predicting future behaviors and motivations, leaving a chasm between stated intentions and actual actions. With a shift towards a behavioral approach, entrepreneurs can gain invaluable, forward-looking insights for their ventures. During our discussion, we scrutinize the limitations of conventional research techniques, explore the efficacy of behavioral science, shed light on the intriguing concept of System 3, and demonstrate how to leverage behavioral science for enhanced consumer insight. Immerse yourself in this insightful conversation to equip your startup with a superior understanding of your customers.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, join us as we delve into the world of cash flow and key indicators for success with CEO and Fractional CFO, Drew Lyon. Gain valuable insights from our experienced Chief Financial Officer as he shares practical advice on effectively managing cash flow and utilizing key indicators to drive sustainable growth. Discover the critical importance of cash flow for business health and growth, and learn effective techniques for managing cash flow efficiently. Identify and analyze essential financial indicators that contribute to business performance and growth potential. Explore different financing options and their impacts on cash flow, and understand how aligning cash flow with growth strategies directly influences business expansion. Don’t miss out on this episode as we explore essential strategies, techniques, and financial tools that can help you scale your business and achieve long-term success.

In this episode of Zero to CEO I speak to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder at Self Storage Syndicated Equities, Fernando Angelucci about investment into self storage and the benefits. Fernando is the Co-Founder and CEO of Self Storage Syndicated Equities, a real estate investment firm with a portfolio of $250M+ built over the past four years. They specialize in self-storage investments, purchasing existing cash-flowing assets, and building ground-up facilities nationwide. Before getting into self-storage, Fernando worked as an engineer at Dow Chemical, a Fortune 50 company, where he rolled out a flagship product estimated to gross $1B in global revenues. After a year, he left this lucrative job, and the night after he quit, he applied for 64 credit cards. He received approval for 12 and used the cards to raise $97,000 to begin his real estate investing career. He was in his early 20s at the time, and this was the only way he could think of to get capital without turning to his parents. Before turning 30, he owned a multi-million dollar portfolio of residential properties covering the Midwest, which he sold in 2018 to focus on self-storage.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, join consultant-turned-contractor Whitney Hill as she shares her expert advice on How to Set Up Systems and Processes for Sustainable Growth: Building a Strong Foundation. With practical tips and actionable strategies, Whitney discusses the importance of creating a strong infrastructure of technology and repeatable processes, outsourcing tasks, refining your target customer, and focusing on a niche for efficient growth. Learn how to give your team a platform for organic growth and become a market leader through targeted, unique, and transparent content. Tune in to hear how to build a strong foundation for your business.

In this episode of Zero to CEO I speak to Intellectual property and business attorney, Founder and Managing Partner of EmergeCounsel, Steven Weigler. Steven is the Founder and Managing Partner of EmergeCounsel, whose mission is to provide a worldwide clientele legal counsel on the protection of intellectual property and business assets at a lower price point than large legal firms. In order to fulfill its mission, Steven developed systems-based approaches, which combine best in-class legal technology for legal research and management combined with a strong empathetic human element. We discuss the role of IP and Business Counsel, how to protect your brand nationally and internationally, legal steps to take in maximizing value in the eComm space, jow technology has changed the law firm model, and protecting SaaS models through IP and business strategies.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I interview Lee Blakemore, CEO of Introhive, a global tech company known for its award-winning Customer Intelligence Platform. Lee’s leadership has driven Introhive’s rapid growth in Sales Intelligence and Data Quality Management. Prior to Introhive, Lee held key roles at Anthology, Blackboard, and Velocity Technology Solution, managing global operations and spearheading cloud transitions and SaaS transformations. With extensive international experience, including overseeing Blackboard’s business outside North America, Lee brings a wealth of expertise. He is also deeply committed to civil rights, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation, serving on the board of The Black Star Project.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Ruben Dua, Co-Founder and CEO of Dubb, a popular video sales platform that has helped businesses achieve remarkable growth. With over 65,000 clients, including Keller Williams and Grant Cardone, Dubb empowers sales teams to create personalized video messages for enhanced connections, conversions, and revenues. Ruben, with 20+ years of marketing experience, shares insights on leveraging video for sales growth, unleashing creativity in video marketing, mastering upselling, and leading remote sales teams effectively. Tune in for invaluable knowledge from a leader in video sales and marketing.