In this episode of the Disruptive Pod, we continue our Women Who Disrupt series with Sara Blakely, the self-made billionaire and founder of Spanx. With no industry experience, no outside investors, and just $5,000 in savings, she took on a male-dominated industry and revolutionized shapewear, proving that sometimes, betting on yourself is the biggest risk—and the biggest reward.

Join host Rob G as we dive into Sara’s journey, from cold-calling manufacturers to landing on Oprah’s "Favorite Things" list, and how her fearless approach to business reshaped the fashion industry.

What lessons can today’s disruptors learn from her success? Tune in to find out!

In this special Women’s History Month series, The Disruptive Pod is shining a spotlight on trailblazing women who have redefined industries, shattered glass ceilings, and left an undeniable mark on the world. Kicking off the series is none other than Fawn Weaver, the powerhouse entrepreneur, author, and CEO & founder behind Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey—the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history.

Fawn Weaver didn’t just build a brand—she rewrote history. When she uncovered the nearly lost story of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey, she refused to let his legacy fade into obscurity. Instead, she launched Uncle Nearest, a brand that not only celebrates the man behind the craft but has also disrupted the whiskey industry, transformed the conversation on diversity in spirits, and set new standards for what legacy and leadership look like.

In this episode, we dive into:      

•     Fawn’s journey from bestselling author to whiskey industry disruptor
•     The groundbreaking business strategies that skyrocketed Uncle Nearest to success
•     How she built a multi-million-dollar brand rooted in history,                       authenticity,  and purpose
•     Her relentless pursuit of innovation and inclusivity in an industry dominated by tradition
•    The lessons every entrepreneur, leader, and changemaker can learn from her path.

Fawn Weaver is a force—a disruptor in every sense of the word. Her story is one of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to rewriting the rules.

Tune in to hear how Fawn is shaking up the world—one bottle at a time.

🎧 Listen now, get inspired, and continue to disrupt the status quo!

In this electrifying episode of The Disruptive Pod, host Rob G delves into the seismic shifts occurring in the artificial intelligence landscape. The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has sent shockwaves through the industry, challenging established giants like OpenAI's ChatGPT. DeepSeek's innovative "mixture of experts" approach has achieved performance comparable to leading AI models but at a fraction of the computational cost.

Key Discussion Points:

• DeepSeek's Disruptive Impact: Explore how DeepSeek's efficient AI model has not only matched but potentially surpassed existing technologies, leading to significant market reactions, including a historic $593 billion drop in Nvidia's market value. theguardian.com

• Investor Implications: Understand the ripple effects on investors as they navigate this new landscape, reassessing their positions in traditional tech stocks in light of DeepSeek's groundbreaking advancements.

• End-User Experience: Discuss what these developments mean for consumers and businesses that rely on AI, including potential benefits such as more accessible and efficient AI solutions.

• The Future of the AI Race: Analyze the broader implications for the ongoing competition in artificial intelligence, considering how DeepSeek's emergence might influence future innovations and the balance of power in the tech industry.

Join us as we unpack these developments and consider what they mean for the future of AI. Whether you're an investor, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the evolving digital landscape, this episode offers valuable insights into the forces shaping tomorrow's technology!

Every game-changing idea faces resistance. Every disruptor encounters doubt. The question is—how do you push forward when skepticism and distractions threaten to derail your vision?

In this episode of the Disruptive Pod, host Rob G dives into the mindset and strategies that separate true innovators from those who fold under pressure. From the early struggles of Netflix, Airbnb, and Tesla to the power of resilience, adaptability, and bold execution, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate doubt and stay laser-focused on your disruptive path.

What You’ll Learn: 🔹 Why skepticism is a sign that you’re onto something BIG 🔹 How industry disruptors turn resistance into momentum 🔹 The key to staying focused amidst distractions and external noise 🔹 Why embracing change gives you the competitive edge

If you’ve ever faced doubt, pushback, or uncertainty, this episode is your playbook for pushing through and making an impact.

the Disruptive Pod – Episode 6 delivers another powerhouse to our Entrepreneur Series! This episode spotlights a true community disruptor—Maurelhena Walles, the visionary Founder & CEO of Equity Design LLC in New York City. As a respected doer and changemaker, Maurelhena is transforming urban spaces through innovation and equity-driven design. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on challenging the norm, creating impact, and reshaping the future!

the Disruptive Pod, Episode 5 delivers a phenomenal start to our Entrepreneur Series, beginning with Brewing Disruption; highlighting Founder & CEO Kelvin Kolheim, of Beal Street Brewing Company, based in Memphis Tennessee. 

the Disruptive Pod, Episode 4 explores how rapid the market place, for all industries, is evolving at a rapid pace.

the Disruptive Pod, Episode 3 explores the disruption Clubhouse has caused in the social media market place.

In this episode, we explore the perspective of being disruptive within an industry...which derives from the disruptive thought leader(s), activated to embark on the journey of solving problems.

Welcome to the Disruptive Pod!

About this podcast: + Each time you tune in to listen, you will be afforded to experience a moment of a mixture of insight, tips and techniques about innovation, digital transformation and how disruption plays a major part

+ Insightful interviews by a diverse mix of people playing a key role at bringing the freshest thinking to the table.

As we embark on this fruitful journey, we will be constantly looking to speak with disruptive change agents and their new stories that will help teach others how to succeed at bringing positive innovations of any size to the world. Through this desired area interest, looking forward collaborating and facilitating great storytelling style content!