Strap on your Boots

In this episode of Zero to CEO, entrepreneur and author Christopher Volk reveals why the key to wealth isn't just a high salary — it's ownership. Learn how becoming business rich by holding equity in the company you build or work for can dramatically increase your chances of becoming a multimillionaire. Christopher breaks down shareholder return hurdles, the five return components of wealth-building businesses, and the financial framework that sets high-growth companies apart. Whether you're a founder or an ambitious team member, this episode delivers a roadmap to financial freedom through ownership.

Dr. Lawrence Kuznetz was on console during Apollo 11, helped build Space Shuttle Columbia, managed human life sciences experiments aboard the International Space Station, and is now developing next generation spacesuit technology for Mars. In this episode of Future Tech, we explore what it was like inside Mission Control during the moon landing, the technical and cultural challenges of building the Space Shuttle, the hard lessons learned from NASA’s triumphs and tragedies, and what it will truly take for humans to survive on Mars. Dr. Kuznetz shares insights on risk tolerance, Cold War urgency, reusable spacecraft, human physiology in space, and why innovation in life support systems may determine humanity’s future beyond Earth.

Dr. Kuznetz is also featured in the upcoming documentary Before the Moon.

In this powerful episode of Zero to CEO, Rahman Popal, founder of the Law Firm for Tenant Rights, dives deep into the journey of building a social justice-centered legal practice. Learn how Rahman champions tenant rights, serves underserved communities, and maintains profitability while leading with purpose. Discover the challenges of growing a mission-driven firm, strategies for community trust-building, and practical advice for entrepreneurs and advocates who want to lead with impact. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with real-world insights for change-makers.

In this episode of Future Tech, I sit down with Blue Origin space explorer Jason Stansell, crew member of Mission NS-37, to break down what spaceflight really teaches you about preparation, risk, teamwork, and perspective. Jason shares what it’s like training for space, flying above Earth, and returning with a completely different view of fear, execution, and community. We talk about why spaceflight is not about thrill-seeking, how extreme preparation mirrors entrepreneurship, and what founders can learn from operating in environments where mistakes are not an option. This conversation goes far beyond space — it’s about discipline, humility, and building something bigger than yourself.

Jason is a featured speaker in the upcoming NASA documentary Before the Moon.

Rediscover the power of authentic connection in this episode of Zero to CEO with Tim Townsend. With 30+ years in leadership and wealth management, Tim shares how putting people first isn’t just the right thing — it’s a winning business strategy. Learn how to balance tech with human service, build standout client experiences, and lead with empathy in a world full of automation. If you’re tired of “your call is important to us,” this is your reset button.

Unlock real ROI with predictive AI in this episode of Future Tech featuring Pecan AI CEO Zohar Bronfman. While GenAI dominates headlines, Zohar breaks down how predictive models are quietly transforming decision-making and operations across industries. From data democratization to actionable use cases, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to use AI to solve real business problems — not just chase trends.

In this episode of Future Tech, NASA Astronaut Jerry Ross reflects on a lifetime spent inside America’s space program — from engineering classrooms to seven missions aboard the Space Shuttle. Ross shares what it really took to prepare humans for space: relentless training, systems thinking, and the quiet work of thousands of people who never wore flight suits. From EVA tool design and ISS assembly to ground teams solving problems in real time, this conversation reveals how human spaceflight has always depended on preparation, redundancy, and trust.

Jerry is the narrator of the upcoming documentary Before the Moon, which tells the story of how we learned to survive flight before leaving Earth — and Jerry Ross reminds us that space was never conquered by individuals, but by teams.

Make your startup investor-ready with fractional CFO Armine Alajian in this episode of Zero to CEO. Discover the financial foundations every startup needs to attract funding, pass due diligence, and scale with confidence. Armine shares how clean books, KPI tracking, and smart forecasting can help founders avoid costly mistakes and secure better deals from investors.

Build a global business from scratch with executive search expert Jean Callahan in this episode of Zero to CEO. Learn how to scale across borders by hiring the right leadership, avoiding costly talent mistakes, and thinking globally from day one. Jean shares how she built Latin America Executive Search from the ground up and what every founder needs to know about identifying growth-driving leaders in a competitive market.

Build a legacy that lasts with attorney Casey Conklin in this episode of Zero to CEO. Discover how to protect your business and family with smart legal structures, estate planning, and generational wealth strategies. Casey breaks down the role of trusts, life insurance, and exit planning to help you reduce liability and secure long-term success. Whether you’re starting or scaling, this is your guide to building wealth that lives on.