Join us for a captivating conversation with Laura J. McDonald, the innovative co-founder and CEO of Flora, a trailblazing fertility insurance company. Laura's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, beginning in the most unexpected of industries—gift baskets. Despite a lack of pre-existing expertise in fertility, Laura's ambitious spirit has led her to redefine insurance in reproductive health.

In this episode, we explore the meaning of being 'super unemployable' through Laura's vast experiences—from launching a successful gift basket business in her early twenties to making a mark in the financial media space, and eventually exiting to corporate profits. Laura candidly shares her personal insights into balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, navigating co-founder relationships, and her unwavering belief in resilience.

Listen in as Laura unveils the deeply personal motivations driving Flora's mission and discusses the systemic barriers within women's health that her company aims to dismantle. Prepare to be inspired by stories of overcoming hurdles, the incredible power of authenticity, and learn how perseverance paves the way for genuine success in entrepreneurship.

Join us for an intriguing conversation on the Super Unemployable Podcast as host Dean Horsfield dives deep with entrepreneur Richard Forbes into a captivating narrative about the intersections of family life, entrepreneurship, and the mind-altering world of ayahuasca. Journey with Richard from the structured routine of traditional employment to the liberating yet challenging world of being 'super unemployable,' where the call for adventure and self-discovery reigns supreme.

In this episode, Richard shares his transformative experiences with ayahuasca, revealing how it has shaped his approach to business and personal life. Get insights into why embracing uncertainty and letting go might just be the key to unlocking new paths of success. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or someone curious about the exploration of consciousness through psychedelics, this episode promises a compelling exploration of what it truly means to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with an open mind and adventurous spirit.

Imagine starting a business in a 500 square foot room with 5 other co-founders, subsisting on beer, sandwiches and a dream. It's not glamorous but for the Super Unemployable, it can often mean the difference between success and failure.

For Oli Garnder, it was a random rooftop conversation that would set the wheel in motion for the founding of Unbounce and ultimately change his life forever.

During our discussion Oli reflects on key turning points, the importance of partnership and trust, and how embracing risk and uncertainty can lead to incredible opportunities.

Throughout the conversation, we gain insights into the evolution of Oli's entrepreneurial spirit, his transition from traditional roles to becoming a public speaker, and his reflections on maintaining autonomy while working with multiple co-founders. Oli candidly shares his thoughts on balancing family life, business partnerships, and future ventures. He shares a deeply personal and enlightening perspective on what it means to forge a successful path where no path existed before.

In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Chris Hobbs. He is truly the definition of Super Unemployable having transitioned from saving lives at a water park to leading one of Vancouver's largest iOS development communities. As a renowned leader in the tech industry, Chris shares insights into how billionaires think and act, the value of time, the importance of hiring the right people and the incredible amount of foresight required to stay ahead of ever-evolving technology.

From early entrepreneurship endeavors to establishing TTT Studios, Chris provides a deep dive into the challenges of scaling a business and the evolving role of artificial intelligence.

Chris reflects on the importance of autonomy in business and the bold decisions that come with being Super Unemployable.' He shares transformative experiences like firing a client for the first time—a moment of empowerment that defined his path. The discussion extends into the balance of family life and entrepreneurship, shedding light on how personal values align with professional success.

Join us as we uncover Chris's perspective on the future of technology and its impact on the industry, and how aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the journey of innovation and independence.

Show Notes:

The concierge service that Chris was referring to that helps small businesses get access to government funding no longer exists.  We were unable to find another similair service.

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia McKenna, a best-selling author, Former Miss Peru Latin International, investor, entrepreneur, and life coach, to explore her transformative journey from the vibrant streets of Peru to the bustling business world. Cynthia shares her remarkable story of rising from humble beginnings to achieving success, despite facing personal challenges such as raising a child with autism, navigating a divorce, and battling inner struggles.

Join us as Cynthia delves into her unique process of persistence and reinvention, revealing the courage needed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit. We discuss the concept of being 'super unemployable' and how it relates to creativity, freedom, and authenticity in the professional realm. Cynthia's insights into embracing failure, finding purpose, and maintaining a healthy relationship with money provide invaluable lessons for anyone on the path to personal and professional growth.

Throughout the conversation, Cynthia emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and embracing vulnerability as key components to success. Her candid reflections on overcoming adversity and fostering meaningful connections offer inspiration and practical guidance for listeners seeking to unlock their potential.

Don't miss this episode filled with powerful stories, profound insights, and actionable advice from a true visionary. Tune in to discover how Cynthia McKenna transforms challenges into opportunities and inspires others to do the same.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Silicon Valley's tech scene with Dr. Christy Lane, a trailblazer who left a secure academic career to co-found Vivimetrica, a company transforming wearable data into predictive health insights. Despite the odds, with women comprising less than 9% of health tech executives in 2014, Dr. Christy navigated the challenges of skeptical investors and numerous failures to rewrite the industry's rules.

Join us as Dr. Christy shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the evolution of wearable technology from rudimentary pedometers to the sophisticated devices we know today. We explore her personal and professional challenges, including balancing a young family with the rigors of startup life, moving to Silicon Valley, and the invaluable support from her husband and co-founder.

Dr. Christy also offers insights into the gender disparities in tech, the importance of community and mentorship, and her latest venture, Flora Fertility, aimed at providing financial solutions for fertility treatment. Her story is a testament to the power of tenacity, passion, and the unwavering belief in one's vision.

In this episode of Super Unemployable, we dive into the inspiring story of Brandon Smith (Co-Founder and CEO of New Vision Projects), a Vancouver-based entrepreneur who transformed his life from humble beginnings in construction to becoming a successful business owner. Brandon shares his journey, driven by the belief that no dream is too big if you're willing to put in the work.

We explore Brandon's early entrepreneurial ventures, from selling rocks as a child to navigating challenges in high school, including being labeled with a learning disability. Brandon candidly discusses the pivotal moments in his life, such as being fired from his first job at McDonald's and the impact of family support on his path to success.

Brandon reveals the challenges and triumphs of starting his own construction business, including his partnership with a close friend, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from early business mistakes. We delve into the significance of maintaining work-life balance, prioritizing family, and leading with integrity in both personal and professional spheres.

Join us as Brandon Smith shares his philosophy on discipline, consistency, and the power of small, incremental steps in achieving long-term success. Discover what it truly means to be "super unemployable" and how embracing risks can lead to an extraordinary life.

In this episode of Super Unemployable, we dive into the inspiring journey of Anya Jordan, a relentless entrepreneur who transformed her life from the bustling streets of Russia to the vibrant chaos of Miami. Anya didn't just leave Russia to start anew; she embarked on an adventure that would redefine her existence. Her story is one of grit, determination, and the refusal to be confined by traditional employment.

Join us as Anya shares her transition from juggling multiple jobs, including working as a server and selling Mary Kay products, to becoming a single mother navigating the complexities of life in a new country. Discover how she leveraged a precarious stack of credit cards to finance her dreams and eventually founded Age to Perfection, a thriving business that embodies her passion for skincare and beauty.

Anya's journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it's about defying expectations, recognizing one’s vision, and the courage to pursue it despite the odds. Listen to how she overcame personal and professional challenges, including a significant business partnership breakup, and emerged stronger with a clear vision for her future. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of those who are truly Super Unemployable.

In this episode, we sit down with Alan Albert, President of MarketFit. 

Alan takes us through his journey from startup to acquisition by Apple Computers.  We dive deep into what it was like to build a company, wear multiple hats, experience the highs and lows of selling to one of the world's largest companies, and then what happens after that sale.  The moments of Super Unemployability that force you to question what comes next and how to cope with a world you no longer feel like you fit within.

Show Notes:

You can view Alan's Company here: https://www.marketfit.com

My comment regarding Hendry Ford and the value of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you: https://dwvideo.com/henry-ford-surround-yourself-with-people-that-know-more-than-you

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of the Super Unemployable with Diane Jones from InsurTech. We explore the challenges faced by founders who sell their companies and find it difficult to adjust to being employees again, often leaving money on the table. Diane shares her personal journey of selling her family insurance business and her subsequent experiences working for a larger conglomerate.

We discuss the concept of job autonomy and what it means to Diane, as well as her transition from being an entrepreneur to working within a structured organization. Diane opens up about her struggles with micromanagement, the loss of creative control, and how she eventually found her way back to a role that aligns with her values and need for flexibility.

Diane also touches on her current role at a tech firm, her thoughts on future entrepreneurial ventures, and the legacy she hopes to leave for her children.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional seeking autonomy, or someone navigating career transitions, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing the Super Unemployable life.

Show notes:

Approximately 40% of startup founders leave their companies before completing their buyout or reaching an initial public offering (IPO). This is often due to various reasons, including differences in vision with new owners, personal choices, or simply because the founders are no longer the right fit for the company as it scales under new leadership​(

Additionally, around 33% of employees, including founders, tend to leave within the first year of a company's acquisition, often due to organizational mismatches or cultural differences with the acquiring company​(