Host Jessie Warner sits down with Kutral Virabadran, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer at Exphoria Global Talent, to discuss the lessons he's learned across an unconventional career spanning professional athletics, engineering, investment banking, venture capital, and corporate strategy. A former professional marathon swimmer and Guinness World Record holder, Kutral shares how the discipline and perseverance he developed as an elite athlete continue to shape the way he approaches business, investing, and life.

What You'll Learn:

• How competing as an elite athlete at a young age taught Kutral the discipline and perseverance he relies on throughout his career.

• Why periodically questioning whether you're still growing can help you avoid becoming too comfortable in your career.

• What Kutral looks for in founders beyond financial projections, including passion, conviction, and the ability to endure difficult periods.

• Why perseverance may be one of the most important traits separating entrepreneurs who succeed from those who give up.

• Why your customers can be the best source of early funding—and why getting to revenue quickly provides valuable market validation.

• How launching a minimum viable product and listening to real customers can reveal opportunities you wouldn't discover through planning alone.

• Why venture capital isn't the right funding strategy for every business and why founders should consider bootstrapping, revenue, and debt before giving up equity.

• How AI is dramatically lowering the barriers to entrepreneurship while making distribution, sales, and marketing even more important competitive advantages.

Throughout the conversation, Kutral emphasizes that success rarely happens overnight. Whether you're competing as an athlete, building a company, or pursuing a new career, the visible results are supported by years of discipline, learning, experimentation, and perseverance. In a world where AI has made it easier than ever to learn, build, and test new ideas, Kutral encourages entrepreneurs to explore what's possible, get into the market quickly, listen to customers, and keep going when things get difficult.

To learn more about Kutral Virabadran and his work, visit thesecondwhistle.com.

Host Jessie Warner sits down with Gary de Rodriguez, CEO of Peopleistic, to discuss how AI, psychology, and leadership can work together to create stronger executive teams and healthier organizational cultures. Drawing on decades of experience in executive coaching and human behavior, Gary shares how understanding unconscious relationship patterns can improve decision-making, alignment, and business performance.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the health of the C-suite directly influences culture throughout an entire organization.
• How unconscious relationship patterns can create conflict and slow business growth.
• Why leadership alignment around shared values and purpose leads to faster, better decisions.
• How AI can be used as a powerful coaching and leadership development tool without replacing human judgment.
• The importance of keeping the human element at the center of every AI strategy.
• Why trust and psychological safety are essential for building high-performing leadership teams.
• How self-awareness enables leaders to improve communication, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.
• Why the future of AI depends as much on human character and values as it does on technology.

Throughout the conversation, Gary emphasizes that the most successful organizations are built by leaders who invest in both technology and people. His perspective demonstrates that while AI can accelerate insight and decision-making, lasting success comes from creating aligned, purpose-driven teams that put human relationships first.

To learn more about Gary de Rodriguez and Peopleistic, visit peopleistic.com.

Host Jessie Warner sits down with Steve Sapourn, former hedge fund manager and creator of The Neuro's Journey, to discuss how overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and nervous system dysregulation transformed both his life and his career. After spending more than 30 years in finance, Steve now helps others understand the connection between emotional healing, authentic leadership, and sustainable entrepreneurial success.

What You'll Learn:

• Why unresolved trauma and nervous system dysregulation can quietly influence business decisions and personal relationships.
• How entrepreneurs can achieve greater success by investing in their own emotional health, not just their business skills.
• Why vulnerability and authenticity create stronger relationships than projecting constant success.
• How networking and community help entrepreneurs overcome the isolation that often comes with building a business.
• Practical ways to use AI as a research and thinking partner without sacrificing your authentic voice.
• Why many high achievers unknowingly use work, achievement, or addiction to cope with deeper emotional challenges.
• The importance of recognizing that personal growth and business growth often happen together.
• How embracing your story can become one of your greatest strengths as a leader and entrepreneur.

Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes that true success isn't just measured by financial achievements—it's built on a foundation of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and authentic human connection. His journey demonstrates that when entrepreneurs take the time to heal internally, they become better leaders, build stronger relationships, and create businesses that are both meaningful and sustainable.

To learn more about Steve Sapourn and The Neuro's Journey, visit theneurosjourney.com.

Host Jessie Warner sits down with Zachary Hedges, CEO and co-founder of Customer Model AI, to discuss how businesses can replace marketing guesswork with data-driven customer insights. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in digital marketing, automation, and enterprise technology, Zach shares lessons on scaling companies, leveraging AI responsibly, and building sustainable growth strategies.

What You'll Learn:

• Why understanding your ideal customer is the foundation of effective marketing and business growth.

• How businesses can use data to make smarter decisions instead of relying on assumptions or intuition.

• The evolution of AI from analytics and automation tools to today's generative capabilities.

• Why advanced data science and customer modeling are becoming accessible to businesses of all sizes.

• How trust, education, and consistent communication drive modern customer acquisition.

• Why entrepreneurs often underestimate the amount of time and repetition required to see meaningful results.

• The importance of staying committed to proven strategies long enough for momentum to build.

• How adaptability and a willingness to pivot can help businesses navigate changing markets and opportunities.

  
  

Throughout the conversation, Zach emphasizes that long-term success comes from combining data, technology, and patience. His perspective highlights the importance of understanding customers at a deeper level, embracing innovation thoughtfully, and remaining committed to the long game of building a business that lasts.

To learn more about Zachary Hedges and his work, visit customermodel.ai.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Riley Epps, founder and managing partner of State Tax Advisors, to discuss the complexities of state and local tax compliance, building a niche business, and what it takes to scale a specialized professional services firm. Riley shares lessons from decades in the industry, including how he grew his company from a solo practice into a 22-person team serving clients nationwide.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why specializing in a niche market can create long-term growth and differentiation
• How referral partnerships with CPA firms can become a powerful and sustainable sales channel
• The importance of identifying “nexus” and tax exposure before it becomes a costly issue
• How AI is transforming back-office operations and dramatically improving efficiency
• Why hiring ahead of growth can unlock more revenue opportunities
• The role of delegation and trust in scaling beyond the early stages of business
• How remote work expanded access to talent and changed the hiring landscape
• Why maintaining culture and communication becomes even more important as teams grow remotely

Riley’s story highlights the power of staying focused on a core competency while continuously evolving to meet client needs. From launching new services to embracing technology and building strong referral networks, his approach shows how consistent execution, trust in your team, and adaptability can fuel sustainable growth over time. His journey also reinforces that growth often comes with complexity—but for those willing to lean into it, the opportunities can be significant.

To learn more about Riley Epps and his work, visit statetaxadvisors.com.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Paul Adams, CEO and founder of Sound Financial Group, to explore how financial planning, leadership, and long-term thinking intersect. Paul shares his unconventional approach to wealth management, building a values-driven business, and why designing your life first is the foundation for financial freedom.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why separating financial advice from product sales creates greater trust and better long-term outcomes for clients
• How adopting a “design-build” model in business can create more transparency and empower customers to make better decisions
• Why giving employees autonomy and flexibility leads to stronger loyalty, better performance, and healthier company culture
• The difference between learning principles versus chasing shortcuts, and why principles create sustainable success
• How creating content without holding back can build trust, attract aligned clients, and establish authority over time
• Why AI should be used to reduce cognitive load and improve team performance, not replace people
• How regularly re-evaluating your systems, software, and processes can reveal hidden inefficiencies and opportunities for growth
• Why defining your personal ambitions before your career goals can help you build a life aligned with your values instead of drifting into someone else’s version of success

Paul Adams offers a compelling reminder that financial success isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about intentionally designing a life worth living. Through his client-first philosophy, innovative business structure, and focus on personal contentment, Paul challenges conventional thinking around money, work, and fulfillment. His approach shows that clarity, planning, and values alignment can create both financial freedom and a meaningful life.

To learn more about Paul Adams and his work, visit sfgway.com.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with John Morgan, Founder and CEO of Pelagic, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building resilient supply chains for high-growth consumer brands. John shares lessons from his journey through SpaceX, startup leadership, and scaling Pelagic into a trusted partner for companies navigating rapid growth.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why supply chain excellence can become a major competitive advantage for growing consumer brands.
• How John’s experience at SpaceX and Seed Health shaped his approach to solving complex operational challenges.
• The importance of building systems and processes that can scale alongside a fast-growing business.
• Why community, referrals, and trust have been more powerful growth drivers than traditional marketing.
• How focusing on high-quality clients helps protect team culture, performance, and long-term success.
• Why controlled growth is often healthier and more sustainable than pursuing every opportunity.
• How investing in employee development creates stronger organizations and future leaders.
• The role AI may play in training, knowledge sharing, and operational efficiency within service-based businesses.

John Morgan’s story highlights the often-overlooked importance of supply chain strategy in business growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that sustainable success comes from investing in people, maintaining strong cultural values, and building systems that empower teams to deliver consistently as organizations scale. His perspective offers valuable lessons for founders seeking to balance rapid growth with operational excellence.

To learn more about John Morgan and his work, visit pelagic.co.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Sanjay Bhatia, CEO and founder of Runday.ai and a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience building AI-driven companies. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is transforming sales, marketing, and customer engagement, while highlighting the importance of combining human expertise with AI-powered systems.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional advertising is becoming less effective and how data-driven outreach is creating new opportunities for growth.
• How AI-powered brand ambassadors can identify, qualify, and engage ideal buyers before a salesperson ever enters the conversation.
• The importance of focusing on buyer intent and timing rather than relying on broad marketing campaigns and lead-generation funnels.
• Why community-building through webinars, masterminds, and industry ecosystems can outperform purely transactional marketing efforts.
• How businesses can use AI to empower employees, eliminate repetitive tasks, and improve productivity rather than replace human talent.
• Why demographic workforce trends may create labor shortages for years to come and how AI can help organizations bridge those gaps.
• The value of adopting a true omnichannel approach that combines email, phone, social platforms, messaging apps, and AI-driven engagement.
• Why hiring people you genuinely enjoy working with can have a greater long-term impact than hiring solely based on credentials or experience.

Throughout the conversation, Sanjay presents a vision of AI as a tool for creating more meaningful and efficient connections between buyers and sellers. Rather than replacing people, he believes AI can enhance human capabilities, improve targeting, reduce wasted effort, and help businesses build stronger relationships with the right customers at the right time. His perspective offers a practical roadmap for organizations looking to grow in an increasingly data-driven and AI-enabled marketplace.

To learn more about Sanjay Bhatia and his work, visit Runday.ai.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Brad Hawkins, CEO of Infinite Protection and a longtime entrepreneur focused on making cybersecurity accessible for small businesses. Their conversation explores the growing cybersecurity challenges facing entrepreneurs, the importance of building security-minded cultures, and how leaders can create lasting impact through both technology and people development.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why small businesses are increasingly targeted by cyber threats and often lack the resources of larger organizations
• How Brad’s entrepreneurial experiences shaped his mission to make cybersecurity affordable and practical for growing companies
• Why employee behavior and company culture are often the biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities
• How gamification and education can help teams develop stronger security habits without creating fear or frustration
• The value of proactive cybersecurity assessments and identifying vulnerabilities before they become costly problems
• Why successful entrepreneurs view obstacles as learning opportunities rather than failures
• How adaptability and continuous course correction are essential for long-term business growth
• Why investing in people, leadership development, and personal growth creates lasting value beyond business results

Throughout the conversation, Brad emphasizes that cybersecurity is not simply a technology problem—it is a people, leadership, and education challenge. He shares how entrepreneurs can protect their businesses through practical security measures while also embracing a mindset of resilience and adaptability. The discussion highlights the importance of taking action, learning from setbacks, and building organizations where both security and personal growth are prioritized. Ultimately, Brad’s message is that long-term success comes from continually improving systems, empowering people, and staying committed to progress even when the path forward changes.

To learn more about Brad Hawkins and his work, visit infiniteprotection.ai.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Thomas Hood, President and CEO of Shade Doctor, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and the mindset required to build a market-leading company. Thomas shares his journey from mowing lawns as a teenager to leading a rapidly growing national organization, while offering insights on faith, customer service, innovation, and personal development.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why long-term business success is built on process, discipline, and work ethic rather than chasing money alone.
• How serving a purpose greater than profit can create stronger teams, better customer experiences, and healthier organizations.
• The importance of identifying underserved opportunities within established industries and creating differentiated solutions.
• Why innovation and product design can become a powerful competitive advantage in crowded markets.
• How effective communication throughout the customer journey is often just as important as delivering a great product.
• Why leaders should embrace accountability and learn from their mistakes instead of avoiding them.
• How setbacks, failures, and difficult seasons can become valuable lessons that shape future success.
• Why maintaining a growth mindset and continually raising standards is essential for staying ahead of competitors.

Throughout the conversation, Thomas emphasizes that meaningful success comes from a combination of hard work, humility, personal accountability, and a commitment to continual improvement. His story illustrates how strong values, a customer-focused approach, and a willingness to learn from both victories and failures can help entrepreneurs build businesses that create lasting impact while staying true to their mission.

To learn more about Thomas Hood and his work, visit shadedocs.com.