The Cannabis Business Coach

The Cannabis Business Coach Episode 62: Ian Dominguez, Delta Emerald Ventures

Cannabinoids Are Mainstream: Investing in THC Beverages and the Future of Cannabis

In this episode of The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast, host Michael Zaytsev (Professor Z) talks with Ian Dominguez, Founder and CIO of Delta Emerald Ventures, about how data, policy, and consumer behavior are shaping the cannabis industry—especially the booming market for THC beverages.

Ian shares insights from Delta Emerald’s proprietary research, including the striking fact that daily cannabis consumers have recently outnumbered daily alcohol consumers in America for the first time. He explains why cannabinoids are already mainstream, how hemp-derived beverages may represent the regulatory “path of least resistance,” and why long-term value will accrue closer to the consumer rather than at the cultivation level.

The conversation also explores how becoming a new father has shaped Ian’s perspective on purpose and impact, and why technology and behavioral data will define the next era of cannabis investing.

Topics Discussed:

🥂 Proprietary THC beverage research and adoption trends.
📊 Daily cannabis consumption surpassing alcohol for the first time in U.S. history.
🧭 State vs. federal policy pathways for hemp-derived beverages.
💡 How Delta Emerald leverages behavioral data to anticipate consumer trends.
💰 Where value accrues in the cannabis supply chain (and why it’s not with growers).
👨‍👩‍👦 Ian’s reflections on fatherhood, purpose, and building for the next generation.

Noteworthy Quotes:

“Since 2022, there have been more daily cannabis consumers than daily alcohol consumers in America for the first time since tracking began.”"The industry is too big to fail, too big to go away."

“The closer you get to the end consumer, the more value gets generated.”

About Ian Dominguez:

Ian Dominguez is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Delta Emerald Ventures, an investment firm dedicated to intelligently deploying capital into the cannabis industry. Ian brings a decade of experience from institutional hedge funds and family offices, where he specialized in identifying consumer trends and leveraging behavioral data to drive investment decisions.

At Delta Emerald, Ian focuses on uncovering opportunities at the intersection of cannabis, technology, and consumer products. His team’s proprietary research has positioned them as early leaders in the cannabis beverage space, where adoption curves mirror the explosive rise of categories like hard seltzer. He believes that long-term value creation in cannabis lies not at the cultivation level, but closer to the end consumer, where data-driven brands and platforms can scale most effectively.

Ian’s approach blends deep financial expertise with a founder’s mindset. He views investing not only as a means of generating returns but also as a way of equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to succeed in an evolving and often volatile industry. Beyond the numbers, his perspective has been shaped by becoming a father, which reinforced his focus on purpose, legacy, and impact.

A frequent speaker and thought leader in cannabis investing, Ian shares his insights through The Delta Dispatch, a widely read industry newsletter, and at events such as CannaBevCon, where he helps guide conversations on the future of cannabis beverages. His mission is to help shape a cannabis industry that is sustainable, consumer-driven, and built for long-term growth.

Connect with Ian Dominguez

🌐 Website: www.deltaemerald.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Ian Dominguez
📬 Newsletter: The Delta Dispatch
🎤 Event: CannaBevCon

Additional Resources:

📚 Michael Zaytsev’s The Cannabis Business Book

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to understand where the cannabis market is heading and how to position their brands for growth. It’s equally valuable for investors seeking data-driven insights into the fastest-growing segment of cannabis: THC beverages. Industry professionals will gain perspective on how consumer behavior, policy pathways, and technology are shaping the future of the market. And for anyone curious about cannabis more broadly, Ian explains why cannabinoids are already mainstream and where the next wave of opportunity lies.

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The Cannabis Business Coach Episode 61: Zack Kobrin, Saul Ewing LLP

From a $2.1 Billion Merger to the Hemp THC “Wild West” and the Future of Cannabis, A Top Cannabis Attorney Shares His Insights

In this episode of The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast, host Michael Zaytsev (Professor Z) talks with Zach Kobrin, Partner at Saul Ewing LLP and the former General Counsel who steered Trulieve’s $2.1 billion acquisition of Harvest Health, the largest completed deal in U.S. cannabis history.

Zack traces his journey from helping win one of Florida’s inaugural licenses to quarterbacking multi-state M&A at break-neck speed. He explains why NASDAQ and the NYSE are the biggest brake on industry growth, breaks down the booming yet fragile market for hemp-derived Delta-9 products, and shares the deal-making lessons every operator, investor, and advisor should know before the next consolidation wave hits.

The conversation also covers the rise of hemp-derived THC products, the logistical challenges for new mainstream entrants like Edible Arrangements, and the differences in lobbying power between the hemp and marijuana sectors of the industry. The episode concludes with Zach offering advice for entrepreneurs on choosing a lawyer and his key takeaways from negotiating major deals in the cannabis space.

Topics Discussed:

🏢 The experience of working as an in-house lawyer for multi-state cannabis operators.

🎢 The current climate of the cannabis industry for operators, investors, and deals.

🤝 The potential for consolidation and the role of large, mainstream companies.

⚖️ The distinction and relationship between the hemp-derived and state-regulated cannabis markets.

🚚 The logistical and business model implications of mainstream brands entering the cannabis space.

💰 The investment landscape in the cannabis industry and advice for potential investors.

💼 Lessons learned from negotiating a $2.1 billion acquisition.

🗣️ Advice for entrepreneurs on selecting the right legal counsel.

Noteworthy Quotes:

"If your lawyer's making your life more complicated, they're not doing a good job. Full stop."

"The industry is too big to fail, too big to go away."

"A lot of cannabis operators don't know what they're doing. They just don't.

“Good lawyers aren’t cheap and cheap lawyers aren’t always good.”

About Zack Kobrin:

Zachary Kobrin is a Partner at Saul Ewing LLP. Drawing on his experience as a former general counsel for two companies, Zack Kobrin is a transactional and regulatory lawyer who understands that business clients want practical advice on how to complete deals and navigate complex statutory and regulatory regimes affecting their growth and daily operations. Zack is the former vice president and general counsel for Trulieve Cannabis Corp., where he led and managed the company’s in-house and outside legal team in a $2.1 billion acquisition that turned the company into one of the largest cannabis operators in the United States. He also previously worked as general counsel and chief compliance officer for Cansortium Holdings LLC, a multinational cannabis company focusing on medical uses.

While Zack is a trusted legal advisor to a variety of industries, his knowledge and experience is particularly deep in the cannabis industry. Businesses ranging from multi-national cannabis companies to start-ups and ancillary support companies look to Zack for advice on business formation and development, corporate organization and structuring, and complex contract negotiations. A sampling of his transactional experience includes overseeing the formation of more than 20 cannabis-related companies across multiple states and countries and assisting a U.S. cannabis operator with the preparation of their initial public offering on the Canadian Securities Exchange. On the regulatory and compliance side of his practice, Zack advises on issues such as crafting and seeking approvals for licensing applications and transfers and preparing and filing federal and state regulatory registrations. He also helps clients develop corporate infrastructure and governance models, regulatory and banking compliance protocols, as well as navigate insurance issues.

Zack is also a member of the board of directors for the International Cannabis Bar Association, and he speaks frequently at business, legal and industry events for cannabis, marijuana, hemp and psychedelics companies.

Connect with Zachary Kobrin

Website: https://www.saul.com/professionals/zachary-r-kobrin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-kobrin

Additional Resources:

📚 Michael Zaytsev’s The Cannabis Business Book

🏫 LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the legal and business aspects of the cannabis industry. Entrepreneurs will find valuable advice on navigating the complex regulatory landscape and choosing the right legal partners. Investors will gain a deeper understanding of the market's volatility, the challenges of debt-ridden companies, and what to look for in a strong management team. Anyone curious about the future of cannabis will appreciate the discussion on the potential for federal policy changes, the role of large corporations, and the ever-present "cat and mouse game" between regulators and innovators.

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The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 60: Sasha Nutgent, Housing Works Cannabis Co.

Equity in Action: Building New York’s First Adult Use Dispensary

In this episode of The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast, Michael Zaytsev (aka Professor Z) speaks with Sasha Nugent, Vice President of Retail for Housing Works Cannabis Co. (HWCC)—the first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary to open in New York State.

With over 20 years of retail experience and a decade-long tenure at Housing Works, Sasha shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching and scaling HWCC’s dispensary operations from the ground up. Their conversation covers hiring, procurement, regulation, and how to lead with mission in a competitive and volatile industry.

More than a cannabis retailer, Housing Works channels 100% of dispensary proceeds into its social enterprise mission—supporting housing, healthcare, job training, and harm reduction services for vulnerable New Yorkers. This episode offers a rare and inspiring look at what it takes to build an equitable cannabis business that’s truly community-driven.

Topics Discussed:

🌆 From Thrift to THC: Sasha’s journey from Housing Works thrift stores to VP of Retail for the first legal dispensary in NY

📈 Scaling with Purpose: How HWCC grew from opening-day lines around the block to $20M+ in annual sales

🛍️ Customer Experience as Strategy: Why HWCC achieves a 60% return rate—and what that means for retention

📦 Procurement with Intention: How Sasha’s team curates inventory across 1,000+ SKUs while supporting diverse, local brands

🤝 Reentry & Equity in Hiring: Partnering with NYC’s C.R.E.A.T.E. reentry program to develop a mission-aligned workforce

📉 Lessons from the Frontlines: How to adapt when regulations shift—like having to tear down thousands of dollars in marketing vinyl overnight

Noteworthy Quotes:

“We are the only dispensary in the city, that I know of, where 100% of the proceeds go back into a mission.”

“I always look for people with retail experience first. The cannabis knowledge we can train, but customer service is key.”

“We saw over a thousand people a day in our first few months. Even on Black Friday in traditional retail, I’d never seen crowds like that.”

“We have a 60% return rate. That speaks to the connection between our budtenders and our customers.”

“If you’re shopping with Housing Works, you’re supporting healthcare, housing, and harm reduction programs in New York City.”

About Sasha Nugent:

Sasha Nugent is the Vice President of Retail for Housing Works Cannabis Co., overseeing all aspects of dispensary operations—from hiring and training to inventory management, compliance, and customer experience. With 20+ years in retail and deep roots in the Housing Works organization, Sasha brings both operational excellence and a fierce commitment to social equity. She’s a proud advocate for cannabis justice, HIV/AIDS awareness, and housing access, and a respected leader in NYC’s emerging cannabis retail landscape.

Additional Resources:

🌿 Housing Works Cannabis Co. - Visit Housing Works and shop for Cannabis products while supporting a great cause!

📚 Michael Zaytsev’s The Cannabis Business Book

🏫 LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

This episode is a must-listen for cannabis operators, retail professionals, mission-driven entrepreneurs, and anyone building businesses at the intersection of equity, community, and cannabis commerce.

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The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 59: Peter Barsoom, 1906

Off Duty and On Trend: How a Former Wall Street Executive Is Redefining Functional Cannabis Consumption

In this episode, Michael Zaytsev (aka Professor Z) sits down with Peter Barsoom, CEO and Co-Founder of 1906, to talk about the next wave of cannabis consumption. From fast-acting edibles to THC beverage innovation, Peter shares how 1906 is meeting the demands of modern wellness culture, without the weed hangover. After a career leading strategy at American Express, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch, Peter left finance in 2015 to pursue a bold vision: make cannabis functional, fast-acting, and part of daily wellness rituals.

Today, 1906 is a leader in precision-dosed, effect-driven cannabis products sold in dispensaries and online. Its latest product, Off Duty, is a discreet, sugar-free, unflavored THC+CBD beverage additive designed for the post-alcohol and sober-curious consumer. As New Frontier Data reports, 51% of cannabis consumers have already tried an infused beverage, and 41% of consumers under 40 express strong interest in this category. 1906 is leaning into that demand and building the future of functional cannabis one drink at a time.

Topics Discussed:

🍸 Off Duty and On Trend: How 1906 is redefining cannabis beverages for the post-alcohol generation

🧠 Functional Cannabis: Why low-dose, fast-acting edibles are the future of wellness

📈 Regulations & Reality: How Peter’s Wall Street background helps him navigate complex compliance and build trust with regulators

💡 Innovation Over Intoxication: Why the industry’s obsession with potency is scaring consumers away and how to fix it

🌱 From Wall Street to Weed Wellness: Peter’s journey from credit derivatives to cannabis reform

Noteworthy Quotes:

• “I didn’t get into cannabis for the money. I got into it because I believe in the plant, and because I saw a huge gap in the market.” “We created the cannabis product we wanted to buy and turns out a lot of people felt the same.”

• “Cannabis consumers aren’t asking for higher potency, they’re asking for more control.”

• “We're not trying to like change your lifestyle. To the contrary, what we're trying to do is enhance what you're doing. You don't need to sign up for the Cannabis tropes in order to benefit from Cannabis."

• “Dispensaries are going to be anachronisms. People will discover and consume cannabis at restaurants, bars, and venues just like they do with alcohol.”

• “We’re not in the cannabis industry. We’re in the wellness and mental health industry.”

• “Money is like oxygen. You need it to survive, to thrive, to have impact, but it’s not the end goal... Excellence is.”

• “If you become too rigid in your mind or direction, that’s a recipe for failure.”

About Peter Barsoom:

Peter Barsoom is the CEO and Co-Founder of 1906, a trailblazing cannabis company offering fast-acting, functional edibles and innovative THC-infused wellness products. Prior to founding 1906, Peter spent two decades in finance, holding leadership positions at American Express, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, BlueMountain Capital, and the Intercontinental Exchange. He left Wall Street in 2015 to build a cannabis company that could challenge the alcohol industry, reframe cannabis as a wellness tool, and set new standards for product innovation and regulatory integrity. Under his leadership, 1906 has pioneered products that combine cannabis with plant medicine for targeted effects—like sleep, focus, arousal, or relaxation.

Barsoom is also a respected voice in policy reform, having served on the boards of Marijuana Industry Group, Cannabis Trade Federation, Colorado Leads, and others. His newest product, Off Duty, taps into the booming demand for cannabis beverages and the rise of the sober-curious movement. Learn more at 1906.shop. 📆 Recorded: March 17 2025 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or at michaelzaytsev.com

Additional Resources:

📚 Michael Zaytsev’s The Cannabis Business Book

🏫 LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

🌿 1960.Shop - Try Off-Duty and other great 1906 products

This episode is a must-listen for cannabis founders, product developers, CPG strategists, wellness entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes cannabis is more than just getting high.

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The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 58: David Paleschuck, Branding Bud Consulting

Building Cannabis Brands that Last: Strategy, Storytelling, and Global Expansion

Michael Zaytsev, aka Professor Z, sits down with branding legend and bestselling author David Paleschuck to explore the evolution of cannabis marketing and what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. As the founder and CEO of Branding Bud Consulting Group, David has worked on some of the most iconic mainstream (American Express, Pepsi, and Microsoft) and cannabis brands—and now he’s helping elevate cannabis branding through his books, teachings, and consulting.

In this candid conversation, David shares lessons from his journey, the importance of knowing your customer, and insights from his upcoming book The Cannabis Brand Licensing Bible.

Topics Discussed:

📘 From Fortune 500 to Cannabis Culture: Why David left corporate America to build cannabis brands

🌿 Branding Bud: The commercialization of cannabis and how it changed over the last decade

🎯 Who's Your Customer?: Why most cannabis brands fail at defining their audience

🧠 Cannabis Consumer Archetypes: How branding speaks to use cases, rituals, and identity

📦 Beyond the Logo: The biggest misconceptions about cannabis branding

🧵 Threading the Needle: What it takes to license your cannabis brand across state lines

🌍 Global Cannabis: Lessons from Thailand’s booming weed scene

📚 The Cannabis Brand Licensing Bible: Why this book is the next essential read for brand builders

🎨 Fashion, Culture & Cannabis: Exploring the creative overlaps between streetwear and weed

🏫 Teaching at LIM College: How cannabis education is preparing future leaders for a complex industry

Noteworthy Quotes:

1. “Different brands speak to different people. Your brand has to align with the customer's lifestyle, rituals, and values—otherwise, it won’t resonate.”

2. “A lot of cannabis brands say they're for everyone. But if you try to appeal to everyone, you appeal to no one.”

3. “Cannabis touches our lives like fashion and music do—creativity, identity, expression. That’s why branding in this industry is about way more than just a logo.”

4. “We're in a new industry that's still forming. That means every day is a new opportunity to find your lane, contribute, and grow with it.”

5. “Licensing is how cannabis brands can scale. But if your SOPs aren’t dialed in, your brand won’t travel well.”

6. “Bangkok has more dispensaries than Starbucks, McDonald’s, and 7-Elevens combined."

About David Paleschuck:

David Paleschuck, MBA, CLS, is the Founder and CEO of Branding Bud Consulting Group and a leading expert in cannabis branding and licensing. With over 20 years of experience building global brands at companies like American Express, Pepsi, and Microsoft, David transitioned into cannabis in 2012 and never looked back. He’s the bestselling author of Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis, Cannabis vs. Marijuana: Landscape, Language and Context, and the upcoming The Cannabis Brand Licensing Bible (releasing 2025). David’s thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Kiplinger, The Brookings Institution, Green Entrepreneur, High Times, and many more. David is also a professor at LIM College, where he teaches graduate students cannabis marketing. His latest project, Pufftopia, is a cannabis brand and dispensary in Thailand that he developed from concept to execution. Learn more at brandingbud.com

Recorded On: February 7, 2025

Additional Resources:

📚 Michael Zaytsev’s The Cannabis Business Book

🏫 LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

🌿 Branding Bud Consulting Group – Cannabis Branding & Licensing Experts

This episode is a must-listen for cannabis entrepreneurs, brand builders, licensing professionals, and anyone who wants to understand the next frontier of cannabis business strategy.

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Michael Zaytsev, aka Professor Z, sits down with Penelope Nam-Stephen, CEO of The Travel Agency’s 5th Avenue and Soho dispensaries, to explore how luxury retail strategies are shaping the future of cannabis. With a background in high-end fashion, Penelope shares insights on normalizing the cannabis shopping experience, keeping the market economically healthy, and the industry's next big trends.

Topics Discussed:
🏬 Retail Evolution – Why cannabis stores should feel like high-end boutiques, not head shops
💰 Keeping the Market Healthy – How smart regulations are supporting stability in New York’s cannabis industry
📊 What Consumers Want – The shifting demographics and expectations of today’s cannabis shoppers
💡 The Future of Cannabis – Why wellness-focused products and microdosing are key to attracting new consumers
🚀 Lessons from Fashion – What cannabis brands can learn from the world of luxury fashion
👥 Building the Next Generation – How mentoring and education can shape the future of cannabis business leaders

Noteworthy Quotes:
1️⃣ "Cannabis is a wellness product. We need to market it like one."
2️⃣ "The biggest mistake cannabis brands make? Assuming customers are all the same."
3️⃣ "Normalization starts with the retail experience. If we want mainstream acceptance, we have to act like a mainstream industry."

About Penelope Nam-Stephen:
Penelope Nam-Stephen is a Cannabis and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) executive with over 20 years of experience in luxury retail, merchandising, and brand strategy. She has held senior leadership positions at some of the most recognizable global fashion brands, including Burberry, Juicy Couture, and Cache, where she specialized in curating premium retail experiences and optimizing product strategy.

Penelope made the transition into the cannabis industry in 2018, leveraging her expertise to help bridge the gap between traditional retail and the emerging cannabis market. She was one of the first hires at Ascend Wellness Holdings and later served as a C-suite leader and founding team member at Community Growth Partners (Rebelle), a vertically integrated cannabis operator.

Currently, Penelope is the CEO of The Travel Agency's 5th Avenue and Soho dispensaries, overseeing operations at some of New York City’s most high-profile cannabis retail locations. She is also a faculty member at LIM College, where she teaches courses on cannabis business strategy and retail management, helping to educate and mentor the next generation of cannabis professionals.

Recorded On: 1/31/2025

Additional Resources:
📚 Michael Zaytsev’s "The Cannabis Business Book"
🏫 LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs
🌿 The Travel Agency – Premium Cannabis Retail in NYC

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in cannabis retail, branding, or product development looking to understand the industry's evolution through a luxury and consumer-focused lens.

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Michael Zaytsev, aka Professor Z of LIM College, sits down with Bethany Niebauer, Founder of Axial Resolutions, to explore the rising need for mediation in the cannabis industry.

With nearly a decade of experience in cannabis law, compliance, and organizational dynamics, Bethany is pioneering alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help businesses avoid costly litigation and navigate the industry's complex relationships.

Topics Discussed:

🌱 From Compliance to Conflict Resolution: Why Bethany transitioned from cannabis licensing to mediation

🤝 The Cannabis Industry's Business Divorces: Why partnerships fall apart and how to avoid it

💡 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): How mediation offers a cost-effective alternative to litigation

🔗 The Power of Relationships: Why networking is at the heart of cannabis business success

📜 Regulatory Challenges & Mediation: How compliance complexities contribute to industry conflicts

🏛 Social Equity & Mediation: Why ADR is critical for social equity licensees navigating partnerships

🏆 How to Future-Proof Your Business: The importance of contract clarity and preemptive conflict resolution

Noteworthy Quotes:

1️⃣ "The cannabis industry is infamous for business divorces—mediation can prevent costly and painful breakups."

2️⃣ "Litigation has winners and losers. Mediation allows both parties to walk away with a win."

3️⃣ "If you're serious about cannabis, relationships are your most valuable asset."

About Bethany Niebauer:

Bethany Niebauer is the founder of Axial Resolutions, a cannabis-focused mediation firm helping businesses navigate disputes efficiently and effectively. With nearly a decade in cannabis law, compliance, and consulting, Bethany brings a unique expertise to conflict resolution and business negotiations. Prior to launching her mediation practice, she worked with major cannabis retail operations, consulting agencies, and international firms, advising on regulatory frameworks and compliance.

Bethany also teaches Cannabis Regulations at Colorado State University at Pueblo and has served as President of the Industrial Hemp Research Foundation, championing education and research in the field. Passionate about creating sustainable and fair solutions, Bethany helps businesses avoid unnecessary disputes, fostering collaboration and long-term success.

Learn more at MarijuanaMediation.com

Recorded On: January 27 2025

Additional Resources:

• Michael Zaytsev’s "The Cannabis Business Book"

• LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

• MarijuanaMediation.com

Watch the Full Episode Below:

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Michael Zaytsev, aka Professor Z, returns to The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, bringing a fresh and inspiring conversation with Chris Foltz. Chris, the Managing Director of Responsible.com and Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Founder Institute, shares his insights, passion, and unique journey across industries, including his impactful contributions to the Cannabis space.

• Chris’s Multifaceted Career: From politics to startups, and his evolution from passion-driven pursuits to purposeful leadership in Cannabis.

• Work with 40 Tons Brand: Supporting a Cannabis company rooted in restorative justice and redefining societal perceptions.

• Cannabis Industry Insights: Challenges with scaling, regulatory hurdles, and the need for consistency akin to global brands like Coca-Cola.

• The Importance of First Principles: Breaking down complex problems and navigating the intersection of technology, humanity, and innovation.

• Destigmatizing Cannabis: Advocating for responsible use while addressing misconceptions.

• Investing in Cannabis: Guidance for prospective investors, emphasizing logistics, scalability, and de-risking strategies.

• Storytelling for Success: Leveraging personal and brand narratives to differentiate and connect authentically.

1. "Authenticity is the new disruptive."

2. "It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets credit."

3. "The cannabis industry is not about doing everything—it’s about doing something better."

Chris Foltz is a celebrated transformation strategist, startup advisor, and inspirational speaker. As the Managing Director of the Silicon Valley-established strategy firm Responsible Solutions Ltd, Chris leads the company’s three-decade-long Change & Transformation initiatives. His life journey is a testament to resilience; overcoming drug addiction, 119 days in jail, and near homelessness, Chris has redefined success through impactful global collaborations.

In 2021, Chris was honored as a member of the Institute for Real Growth’s ‘IRG100’, a distinguished cohort of the world’s top 100 Chief Marketing Officers and growth leaders, working alongside executives from iconic companies like Google, Unilever, and Ford.

As a Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Founder Institute, the world’s leading pre-seed startup accelerator, Chris has mentored startups across five continents and contributed to their global success. His influence extends to esteemed roles, including the International Advisory Board of the Ugwumba Center for Leadership Development in Africa, and as an advisor to LoyalVC.

Chris’s achievements include the President’s Volunteer Service Award and recognition as a “World Peace Ambassador” by Claes Nobel of the Nobel Prize Family. His career exemplifies authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

January 13 2025

• Michael Zaytsev’s "The Cannabis Business Book"

• LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

• 40 Tons Brand

• Responsible.com

• Founder Institute

Watch the Full Episode Below:

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Erika Tingey, Head of Product at Backbone IQ, a Cannabis technology company offering Cannabis supply chain management, compliance, and financial management software solutions for Cannabis manufacturers and other Cannabis operators.

In this episode, we discuss:

• going from a mainstream corporate career to a Cannabis career

• the importance of an "I can learn anything mentality" when working in the constantly evolving Cannabis industry

• why relationships mean so much in the Cannabis business

• applying design thinking to solve Cannabis problems

• meeting and exceeding customer expectations

• and more!

Recorded on 9/22/2021

Additional Resources:

IDEO: Design Thinking

The Cannabis Business Book

The Cannabis Business Book (en Español)

LIM College Business of Cannabis Degree Programs

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The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews visionary Cannabis business leader Andrew DeAngelo. As a co-founder and advisor to Harborside, Andrew has pioneered legal cannabis business processes and provided groundbreaking political engagement and thought leadership to the cannabis community. Andrew is co-founder and Chairperson of the Board for the non-profit Last Prisoner Project (LPP) and a founding Board of Directors member of the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) where he served from 2013 to 2020.

Andrew began his political career as an activist while studying for his MFA in acting at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. He has starred in several films and runs an entertainment production company, DeAngelo Brothers Productions (DAB), with his brother Steve, another iconic Cannabis leader.

On this episode, Andrew shares his deep wisdom and amazing laugh as we discuss:

• Pioneering the dispensary with Harborside

• Andrew’s tips for transitioning from legacy to legal

• How to hire good people and why it’s absolutely critical to avoid hiring bad people (based on Andrew’s experience of making thousands of Cannabis hires)

• The investment that Andrew made that still pays dividends for him every day (spoiler: investing in his education)

• Our big brothers

• The Last Prisoner Project

• Mike Z and Andrew share their most fulfilling Cannabis business moments

• and more

Recorded on 9/15/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

The Cannabis Manifesto by Steve DeAngelo

The Cannabis Business Book (en Español)

Enter your email to receive resources and support from Mike Z

I value privacy very highly and hate spam. I’ll only email you if something cool is happening. You’re welcome to email me anytime.