Test. Optimize. Scale.

My guest this week is Jeff Carlton, a Certified Business & Executive Coach with FocalPoint who brings an extraordinary blend of military leadership and business expertise to the coaching world.

With over 30 years as a military officer and fighter pilot, Jeff has navigated both the skies and complex organizational challenges. His background includes serving as a USAF Inspector General, where he mastered the intricacies of compliance and auditing systems.

Jeff's unique perspective combines his aerospace engineering education and Master's studies in aviation business with hands-on experience in strategic planning and continuous process improvement. His high-level security clearance and experience managing critical projects have given him invaluable insights into leadership under pressure.

Today, he channels this wealth of experience into helping executives and businesses reach new heights through strategic coaching and consulting. Drawing from his military precision and business acumen, Jeff helps leaders develop clear flight paths to their goals.

Socials and website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-g-carlton/

Website: https://jeffcarlton.focalpointcoaching.com/

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My guest this week is Simon Penson. Having started his career in journalism, he quickly became captivated by the power of audience building across all platforms. His expertise grew to encompass digital marketing, business leadership, strategy, and growth.

His natural enthusiasm for innovation led him to establish, grow, and successfully sell two digital businesses, while continuing to pursue opportunities aligned with emerging consumer behavior trends.

Throughout his journey, he gained valuable insights into building and scaling digital businesses effectively, mastering the complexities of M&A to maximize exit value. This experience formed the foundation for Scaled, a consultancy dedicated to guiding the next wave of agency leaders in building profitable businesses through to successful exits and beyond.

His passion for technology remains strong, as he actively invests in founder-led businesses, contributing both capital and experience. He serves as a partner in Haatch Ventures, a leading early-stage B2B SaaS investment fund.

Drawing from his extensive background, he now applies his expertise as a digital-focused NED, NxD, and Chair, helping private equity firms acquire and develop outstanding companies. His approach combines deep digital understanding with practical business experience, making him a valued advisor in the digital business landscape.

Socials and website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpenson/

Website: https://simonpenson.co.uk/

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My guest this week is Jenny Kassan, Jenny is an attorney, coach, and ecosystem builder focused on capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Jenny earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and a masters degree in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley.

She is the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business without selling Your Soul.

Jenny co-founded the Sustainable Economies Law Center, the Force for Good Fund, and Opportunity Main Street.

Socials and website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykassan/

Website: https://www.jennykassan.com

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My guest this week is Eddie Tobler, a seasoned expert in corporate governance and shareholder relations with over 15 years of industry experience. Currently serving as the Managing General Partner at West Coast Stock Transfer Corp, Eddie has established himself as a trusted advisor in the Community and Regional Banking sector, particularly specializing in guiding banks through public market transitions and M&A processes.

Prior to his current role, Eddie spent a decade as the Director of Shareholder Services at Issuer Direct Corporation, where he honed his expertise in corporate actions and shareholder communications. His commitment to community service is exemplified through his nearly six-year tenure as a Foundation board member at Harnett Health, where he contributed to advancing healthcare initiatives in North Carolina.

Based in the Fayetteville area, Eddie brings unique insights into the intersection of corporate governance, community banking, and shareholder relations. His particular focus on banks navigating the complexities of public markets makes him an invaluable voice in today's financial landscape."

Socials and website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-tobler/

Website: https://westcoaststocktransfer.com/

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My guest this week is Karl Dakin. Karl is a seasoned entrepreneur and capital strategist with over four decades of experience in transforming innovative ideas into thriving businesses. As the founder of Dakin Capital LLC and an adjunct professor at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business, Karl has pioneered the "Motivated Money Method," a unique approach to capital raising that focuses on aligning investor goals with entrepreneurial visions.

His expertise spans multiple industries, from wellness and air disinfection technology to sustainable workforce housing. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Splish Naturals, Karl continues to drive innovation in the CBD wellness sector while maintaining his role as a dedicated educator and business coach.

A passionate advocate for small businesses, Karl combines legal expertise with strategic vision to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of business growth. His work in opportunity zones, strategic planning, and international financial transactions has established him as a trusted advisor for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact.

Whether sharing insights on capital acquisition or discussing the future of entrepreneurship, Karl brings practical experience and fresh perspectives to every conversation, helping shape the next generation of business leaders while fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Socials and website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karldakin/

Website: http://dakincapital.com/

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My guest is Brian Belley, Brian is the Vice President of Product at KingsCrowd and a prolific angel investor who has backed over 220 private startups through equity crowdfunding and private syndicates. As the founder of Crowdwise.org and VentureWallet.co (acquired by KingsCrowd in 2021), Brian has established himself as a leading voice in the democratization of private investing.

Beyond his investing activities, Brian serves on the Board of Directors for the Crowdfunding Professional Association and NE FIRST, where he helps shape the future of retail investing and robotics education. A self-taught developer and experienced engineering leader, he spent over a decade in the Defense & Space industry before focusing on fintech and startup investments.

Brian holds a Master's in Aerospace Engineering from USC and combines his technical expertise with a passion for making private market investing accessible to everyone. As an advisor and mentor, he helps startups navigate the complexities of crowdfunding campaigns, drawing from his unique perspective as both an investor and platform builder."

Social and Website:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbelley/

Website: https://kingscrowd.com/companies/

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My guest is Ryan Schwartz, Ryan is a life-long storyteller with a passion for products that enrich the lives of consumers. Previously, Ryan brought his collaborative spirit to film production as a writer/producer/director and lead a full-service interactive marketing agency specializing in web designs, branded creative content, viral marketing, and print/marketing collateral.

Today, Ryan brings his voice and passion to RYCA's mission to improve lives through better oral care. Leading with gratitude and heart, Ryan has assembled a world class team at RYCA because he knows great people can make great things.

Social and Website:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-schwartz-9754565/ Website: https://encompassbrush.com/

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My guest is Devin Thorpe, a champion of social good and pioneer in social entrepreneurship. As a journalist, author, and speaker, Devin has dedicated his career to helping solve the world's biggest problems. He's the founder of the Your Mark on the World Center and author of multiple books on using money for good. Through his work, he's helped nonprofits raise over $500 million for worthy causes.

A former CFO and business professor at the University of Utah, Devin pivoted from traditional finance to focus on impact investing and social entrepreneurship. He's interviewed over 1,200 changemakers and social entrepreneurs, sharing their stories through Forbes and his "Superpowers for Good" program. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and SUCCESS Magazine. Join us as we explore Devin's unique perspective on how businesses can be a force for good and his proven strategies for creating sustainable social impact while maintaining profitability.

Social and Website:

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

Website: https://www.devinthorpe.com/

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My Guest is Benji Taylor Jones, an accomplished co-founder of Innovative Capital Law and a powerhouse in the evolving landscape of modern finance. With a track record of advising on multi-billion dollar transactions, she bridges the gap between traditional capital raising and cutting-edge FinTech solutions. Her expertise spans from guiding startups through crowdfunding campaigns to orchestrating complex M&A deals for public companies and venture capital funds.

Currently serving on council at Smith Anderson, Benji has pioneered innovative funding approaches that blend traditional private placements and angel investments with emerging technologies like blockchain smart contracts and digital assets. Her unique toolbox of financial strategies has helped countless companies navigate both conventional and alternative paths to raising capital, making her one of the most versatile and forward-thinking legal advisors in the industry.

Join us as we dive into Benji's insights on the future of capital raising and how companies can leverage both traditional and innovative funding mechanisms to fuel their growth.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-taylor-jones/

Website: https://www.smithlaw.com/

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My guest is Michael Marquardt. Michael is currently the CEO of Epi One, leading a cutting-edge biotech startup that is on a mission to revolutionize early cancer detection and accurate diagnosis. With over 25 years of global experience in healthcare and technology sectors, he is passionate about ending cancer as we know it, for everyone, after losing several loved ones to the disease. His dedication to fighting cancer led to him being elected to the national board of the American Cancer Society in 2018.

Social & Website LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquardtglobal/ Website: https://epi-one.com/

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