The Hidden Entrepreneur Show with Josh Cary

What drives someone to fight tirelessly for justice, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked? Join us as we sit down with David Lever of Lever & Ecker, who shares his profound journey inspired by his younger brother Jeffrey. David’s mission extends beyond the courtroom as he works to pass the Grieving Families Act in New York, aiming to secure recovery for grief and anguish in wrongful death claims. His relentless advocacy highlights the need for equitable compensation for all, regardless of economic status, revealing the true heart behind his legal battles.

From the business side of law to the personal touch needed for client relations, we discuss the transformation of running a law firm with David. Learn how to leverage a fractional CFO for revenue forecasting and consulting experts like Gary Falkowitz, who have honed client intake processes and aligned them more with corporate efficiency. We also explore the critical balance between rigorous legal work and personal well-being, stressing the importance of family time, self-care, and continuous education. This episode offers a rich tapestry of insights into the challenges, rewards, and heartfelt human connections that define the legal profession.

Visit David's website for more: https://www.leverecker.com/

Growing up in Cincinnati during the late 50s and early 60s as a Black man, Martin Terrell faced a barrage of social injustice and urban prejudice that left lasting scars. Yet, from these deep and often painful experiences, he has emerged with a powerful narrative that he shares in our latest episode. We sit down with Martin to discuss his book "Unseen Scars," where he recounts everything from being wrongfully imprisoned for six years to facing racial profiling even as a university vice president. His story is a profound reminder of the enduring impact of racial discrimination and the unseen struggles that so many endure.

We also explore Martin's incredible advocacy and education journey within a correctional facility's walls. Discover the Black History and Culture Group's transformative power that he helped establish, promoting constructive engagement and personal growth among inmates. From preventing riots to fostering an environment of mutual respect and learning, Martin's efforts have had long-lasting positive outcomes. We wrap up Martin’s reflections on the importance of visibility and taking action against hidden struggles, offering listeners valuable insights and inspiration for their lives. Join us for this compelling episode and witness the resilience of the human spirit against adversity.

Have you ever had an experience so profound that it changed the entire course of your life? Fred W. Scott had just that—a transformative moment that led him from skepticism to unwavering faith. In this week's episode, we invite you into Fred's journey, where he recounts the divine interventions that saved his marriage and guided his significant contributions to veterinary medicine. From a pivotal "Damascus Road" experience to recognizing God's hand in his groundbreaking research on feline infectious diseases, Fred's story is a testament to the life-changing power of faith.

We also glimpse the vibrant life of Fred's extended family, where resilience and gratitude are cornerstones. Hear about Nicholas, the oldest great-grandchild born completely blind, and how he continues to inspire everyone around him. Learn about a family's journey from home health care to running a senior care facility, influenced by memories of the Great Depression and World War II. This episode is not just about personal transformations; it's a celebration of making meaningful choices and recognizing the guiding hand of faith in our lives. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, gratitude, and encouragement to make a positive impact.

Experience the magic of personalized couture as we sit down with Joy Teiken, the visionary behind the luxury collection Joynoelle. Discover how Joy’s bespoke design process, which involves draping fabric directly on her clients, emphasizes every woman's natural beauty and unique shape. Joy shares her collaborative approach, tailoring her involvement to each client's needs and vision. Despite geographic challenges, she explains how this hands-on experience makes her South Minneapolis atelier a destination worth seeking.

In this episode, we also journey through Joy's eclectic creative inspirations, from mycology to coral reefs, and hear about her transition from art teacher and Peace Corps volunteer to renowned fashion designer. Joy opens up about the emotional depth of her work, especially when crafting custom bridal gowns, and the intimate connections she forms with her clients. Listen as we explore how Joy’s distinctive style and steadfast independence from trends have propelled her success over the past two decades, making every piece she creates a true work of art.

Discovering the magic of acting is a journey that begins early for some of us. I vividly remember the first time I felt the thrill of captivating an audience in eighth grade. My guest, Raye Spielberg, relates deeply to this experience, inspired by her early days of dance, ice skating, and sketchwriting with her sister. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of Raye's path in the acting world, from her humble beginnings to her rising stardom in the holiday movie Merry Good Enough.

Raye and I unpack the highs and lows of an acting career, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies for handling the inevitable rejections and disappointments. We reflect on the joy of making an audience laugh, the importance of resilience, and passion's transformative power. We also discuss how reframing auditions as opportunities for enjoyment rather than fear can make all the difference. Raye's journey is a testament to the value of perseverance and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's dreams, no matter the obstacles.

As we focus on "Merry Good Enough," Raye opens up about the unique experience of filming this holiday movie chronologically, bringing a sense of authenticity and spontaneity to the performances. This segment delves into profound family dynamics and personal growth themes, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional depths that acting can plumb. With the film's success on Apple TV and Amazon Prime and an exciting array of future projects in the works, this episode celebrates creativity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of artistic passion. Stay inspired and keep following your dreams, just as Raye Spielberg does.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to thrive in the world of independent filmmaking? Join us for an insightful conversation with Brady Bryson, a multi-talented actor, writer, and director whose latest film, "Sideways for Attention," is making a remarkable impact on the festival circuit. Brady opens up about the electrifying experience of premiering at the Big Apple Film Festival, clinching the Best International Feature Film at the Santorini International Film Festival, and participating in other prestigious events like the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Soho International Film Festival.

Brady's journey into filmmaking started with a childhood fascination for movies, sparked by a memorable night watching "Taxi Driver" with his parents. This episode delves into those early days of stop-motion films with Legos and action figures and a life-changing encounter with Rob Reiner that steered him toward understanding acting before diving headfirst into filmmaking. You'll hear about the unwavering determination and mentorship that shaped his path, culminating in a family trip to Los Angeles that solidified his commitment to the craft.

We also explore Brady's creative evolution, particularly a short film concept that expanded into a feature-length script influenced by a personal crisis and the 20th anniversary of September 11th. Through candid reflections on personal and national trauma, Brady shares his long-term vision and excitement for the future of filmmaking. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the resilience and creativity required to succeed in the film industry.

Every day, I encourage my kids to be the best leaders they can be, and it got me thinking about what authentic leadership entails. I'm thrilled to share this episode featuring Jawad Gilani, a luminary in the HR field and a valued member of the Forbes HR Council. Jawad is also a leadership coach from Harvard and an HR consultant and trainer. He and I started this enlightening conversation by exploring the idea that leadership begins at home. He shares his perspective on caring for others, leading by example, and fostering trust, emphasizing that you don't need a formal title to be an effective leader. It's about creating spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

We then tackle the subtler aspects of leadership, with Jawad explaining how ego can be a destructive force, stifling creativity and growth. He advocates for a more inclusive approach that encourages team members to find their solutions and generate new ideas. From his own educational experience in North America and his observations on the global talent pool, particularly in tech industries like Pakistan's, Jawad provides an engaging narrative on how the career landscape is shifting from traditional paths to more dynamic fields.

Finally, we dive into the complexities of leadership in today's ever-changing world. Jawad and I discuss the challenges of motivating and engaging a multi-generational workforce, especially amidst evolving workplace dynamics and technological advancements. Through inspiring anecdotes and invaluable advice, we reflect on the importance of maintaining an open mindset, respecting young employees as future leaders, and adapting leadership styles to the diverse capabilities of team members. This episode is packed with practical takeaways designed to help you enhance your leadership journey, no matter where you are.

Donna Lynd, a versatile writer with a lifelong passion for storytelling, invites us into her world of creativity and craft. Known for her latest novel, "Leaving Innocence: A Gran and Bass Olsen Mystery," Donna shares her journey from staging childhood plays in her Stillwater, Oklahoma basement to earning a doctorate in instructional technology at USC. She reflects on the influence of Neil Simon's realistic yet comedic style on her work and how this admiration fueled her career, encompassing educational materials, screenplays, and film reviews. Donna’s eclectic background showcases her dedication to exploring various genres and mediums, painting a vivid picture of a writer committed to her craft.

In a captivating discussion, Donna dives into the heart of "Leaving Innocence," introducing us to a brilliant young narrator and his extraordinary grandmother as they tackle mysteries in the fictitious town of Innocence, Arkansas. Drawing inspiration from her time at Pomona College, Donna explores the complexities of character development and the unexpected reactions they can provoke. The narrative weaves themes of resilience, justice, and moral choices, promising a rich tapestry of storytelling that leaves listeners both inspired and eager for more. Wrapping up with a heartfelt conversation on the importance of visibility and action, Donna encourages our listeners to stay motivated and continue pursuing their passions.

Buy Donna's Book on Amazon: "Leaving Innocence"

Sarah Dusek is a pioneering entrepreneur, investor, and author of the Amazon 5.0-rated book Thinking Bigger: A Pitch-Deck Formula for Women Who Want to Change the World. In this episode, we explore female entrepreneurs' challenges and triumphs, particularly those related to securing funding and scaling businesses.

Here are three key takeaways that I believe will resonate with many of you:

1) Understanding the Funding Gap: Sarah highlights a staggering statistic: fewer than 30 women have publicly taken their companies on leading stock exchanges. This is primarily due to the significant funding gap for female-founded businesses, with only 2% of venture capital funds going to women annually. This episode highlights the importance of bridging this gap and empowering women entrepreneurs to seek the capital they need to grow their businesses.

2) The Importance of Thinking Bigger: One of Sarah's most powerful messages is the need for women entrepreneurs to think beyond conventional limits. Many women pitch their businesses with modest revenue goals, often aiming for just a million dollars in a few years. Sarah challenges this mindset, urging entrepreneurs to envision their businesses as potential $100 million ventures. By thinking bigger, we can attract the right investors and create scalable businesses that truly make an impact.

3) Navigating the Investment Landscape: Sarah shares her journey of raising capital and the lessons learned. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of the investment world, including what investors are looking for and how to communicate the value of your business effectively. This episode serves as a roadmap for female founders, providing insights into how to present their businesses as investable opportunities.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of business growth, this episode has something valuable for everyone.

Sarah's Website: https://sarahhdusek.com/

Enygma Ventures: https://www.enygmaventures.com/

Thinking Bigger book on AmaZON: https://a.co/d/2aLgFrl

Crafting the perfect look for food isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an art form that tells a story. In today's episode, we are privileged to chat with Callie Blount, a talented freelance food stylist from Nashville. We'll uncover her journey from food blogging to mastering the intricate techniques that make food irresistible on camera. From creating artificial ice to perfecting liquid tones, Callie shares her creative secrets and how she balances her commitment to natural products.

Overcoming perfectionism in a creative field is no small feat. Callie opens up about her struggles with self-doubt and the drive for perfection that initially held her back. With the support of her husband and a powerful personal mantra, she found her way to success. We also discuss her aspirations within the food styling industry, including her goals of securing major commercial accounts and her exciting plans to launch a podcast and write a book. Callie’s story is a testament to the importance of persistence and the impact of a robust support system.

Balancing creative expression with the grounding influence of family and faith is crucial. Callie reflects on how perfectionism and people-pleasing were challenges she faced, shaped by her upbringing. Through counseling and a deeper understanding of her faith, she found personal growth and perspective. We explore the transformative power of family and children and the significance of using our unique gifts to spread love and kindness. Callie's journey is an inspiring reminder that our creative talents can leave a lasting legacy and that perseverance through challenges leads to personal and professional fulfillment.