🎙️ From Discovering Siri to Revolutionizing Industrial Biotechnology: Veronica Breckenridge's Vision for a Sustainable Future

In this fascinating episode, Veronica Breckenridge, founder and managing partner of First Bight Ventures, shares her remarkable journey from identifying transformative technologies at companies like Apple and Motorola to leading the charge in industrial biotechnology investment. Through the captivating story of how she discovered Siri at Stanford when it was just sitting on a shelf—and why Motorola couldn't capitalize on it while Apple did—Veronica reveals her unique ability to spot technological inflection points. Now she's applying that same crystal ball vision to industrial biotechnology, where she believes we're about to hit an exponential curve that will revolutionize how we make everything from polyurethane to chemicals, replacing petroleum-based manufacturing with biology-based processes that are better for humans and the planet.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How Veronica discovered Siri technology at Stanford and why incumbents often can't adopt new innovations

• The three critical conditions needed for technological disruption to occur

• Why industrial biotechnology is about to hit its exponential growth inflection point

• How the cost of biology has dropped 100,000x while computing costs have also plummeted

• The transition from petroleum-based to biology-based chemical manufacturing

• Why 90% of chemicals currently come from petroleum and how that's changing

• How microplastics and toxic chemicals are driving corporate demand for alternatives

• Why Houston is the perfect hub for industrial biotechnology development

• The national security implications of chemical manufacturing and biotechnology leadership

• How to structure strategic partnerships between startups and established manufacturers

🌟 Veronica's Investment Philosophy:

• Focus on "drop-in" chemicals that replace existing petroleum-based products

• Target higher-value chemicals first before moving to commodity products

• Partner with established manufacturers who can provide industrial-scale expertise

• Leverage non-dilutive funding sources like DOD grants and strategic partnerships

• Build complete commercial roadmaps from lab to large-scale manufacturing

• Create an ecosystem connecting startups, strategics, and manufacturing experts

👉 Don't miss this masterclass in identifying technological disruption, the future of sustainable manufacturing, and how biology will become the foundation for a cleaner industrial revolution.

🔗 Connect with Veronica Breckenridge:

• Website: firstbight.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Sign up for newsletter on website for events and seminars

• Location: Houston, Texas

📄 Transcript Available: The New Industrial Revolution: Veronica Breckenridge's Vision for Biology-Based Manufacturing

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#IndustrialBiotechnology #SustainableManufacturing #VentureCapital #TechnologyDisruption #BiomanufacturingRevolution #CleanTech #ChemicalInnovation #BiotechInvestment #SustainableChemicals #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Improvise, Adapt, Overcome: Hunter Sebresos's Journey from Marine to Gig Economy Innovator

In this inspiring episode, Hunter Sebresos, CEO and Founder of BaconWork, shares his remarkable journey from eight years in the Marine Corps to revolutionizing the staffing industry through technology. Through powerful stories of rapid pivots during COVID-19, creative problem-solving learned in the military, and building a platform that connects businesses with workers through shared ratings and reviews, Hunter reveals how his mother's struggles as a single parent inspired him to create ultimate work flexibility that benefits both employers and workers.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Military mindset in business: How "improvise, adapt, overcome" drives creative solutions to staffing challenges

• Rapid market validation: From idea to first revenue in just four months through manual processes

• Two-sided marketplace strategy: Why focusing on the paying customer first solves the chicken-egg problem

• COVID pivot success: Transforming from hospitality-focused to light industrial during pandemic shutdown

• Technology-driven margins: How automation doubles profit margins compared to traditional staffing agencies

• Backup algorithm innovation: Predicting no-shows and automatically sending backup workers based on data

• Flexible workforce philosophy: Creating opportunities for people who need ultimate scheduling flexibility

• Rating and review system: Building accountability through transparent performance metrics like Uber

  
  

🌟 Hunter's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Single Mother: Watching mom's exhaustion while raising five kids inspired focus on work flexibility

• Marine Corps Leadership: Eight years of service teaching discipline, leadership, and creative problem-solving

• NASA JPL Experience: Public exhibition design work building creative and strategic thinking

• Crispin Porter & Bogusky: Top creative agency experience developing innovative communication skills

• Utah Business Community: Entrepreneurial culture and tech sector providing supportive ecosystem

• First Customer Success: Utah Valley Convention Center director taking chance on beta platform

  
  

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building resilience through military service, creating technology that serves human needs, and how personal family challenges can inspire solutions that transform entire industries.

🔗 Connect with Hunter Sebresos:

• Website: baconwork.com

• Download the app: Search "BaconWork" in App Store or Google Play Store

• Company Location: American Fork, Utah

  
  

📄 Transcript Available: Ultimate Work Flexibility: Hunter Sebresos' Mission to Transform Temp Staffing

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#GigEconomy #MilitaryVeterans #StartupSuccess #FlexibleWork #StaffingInnovation #TechPlatform #Entrepreneurship #MarketplaceBusinessModel #WorkforceFlexibility #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Building Courage, Confidence & Character: Jessica McLean's Journey from Public Accounting to Nonprofit Leadership

In this inspiring episode, Jessica McLean, Chief Financial Officer at Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, shares her remarkable journey from KPMG and IBM to leading financial operations for the largest Girl Scout council in the country, serving 40,000 youth members. Through powerful stories of redefining success after becoming a mother, overcoming workplace authenticity challenges, and transforming organizational processes, Jessica reveals how faith, curiosity, and humility drive her mission to build young people of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Nonprofit business realities: Why nonprofits need profits and operate as businesses, not charity cases

• Financial process transformation: Cutting monthly closing time from 30 days to 15 through system optimization

• Investment policy creation: Establishing disciplined frameworks for organizational financial growth

• Authentic leadership: Finding courage to show up as yourself, including wearing natural hair in professional settings

• Motherhood and career balance: Redefining success to harmonize ambitious goals with family priorities

• Curiosity as superpower: How asking "why do we do it this way?" drives continuous improvement

• People-first management: Understanding individual motivation and recognition preferences

• Faith-driven leadership: Using prayer and gratitude as daily grounding practices

🌟 Jessica's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Source of strength, purpose, and life direction through faith

• KPMG & IBM Leadership: Early career foundation in analytical thinking and client focus

• Marshall Goldsmith: "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" - management transition wisdom

• Grant Thornton Team: Professional development support during manager promotion

• Family Support System: Mother-in-law and mother providing encouragement during career transitions

• Girl Scout Volunteers: 35,000 volunteers demonstrating commitment to youth development

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about authentic leadership, balancing motherhood with career ambitions, and how nonprofit organizations drive meaningful social impact while maintaining strong business practices.

🔗 Connect with Jessica McLean:

• LinkedIn: Jessica E. McLean (look for Girl Scout uniform profile photo)

• Girl Scouts Nations Capital: Serving DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia

📄 Transcript Available: Building Courage, Confidence & Character: Jessica McLean's Nonprofit Leadership Journey

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#NonprofitLeadership #GirlScouts #CFOLife #WorkingMothers #AuthenticLeadership #YouthDevelopment #FaithBasedLeadership #WomenInFinance #CareerTransitions #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Nikoa Milton Gulstone's Mission to Close the Racial Wealth Gap

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Nikoa Milton Gulstone, founder of Level, shares her extraordinary journey of creating an angel investing community focused on closing the racial wealth gap. Through vulnerable stories about launching her business during COVID while her father was one of the first confirmed cases, fighting for his life against medical discrimination, and managing four children including a four-month-old baby while sheltering with her ex-husband, Nikoa demonstrates incredible resilience and purpose. She reveals how Level's unique model brings together 50% Black women and 50% non-Black women to invest in Black women-owned businesses, while also expanding into real estate investing and political advocacy. From overcoming depression and ADHD through structured routines to building a community that has funded 19 Black women entrepreneurs, Nikoa's story is a testament to the power of relationships, advocacy, and unwavering determination.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Level's innovative model: 50% Black and 50% non-Black women working together to close racial wealth gaps

• Using platforms like Pigeon Loans to enable non-accredited investors to participate in funding

• The power of relationships in accessing capital and life-saving healthcare advocacy

• Launching a business during peak COVID while managing personal family crises

• Fighting medical discrimination through persistent advocacy and community networks

• Building revenue through courses, events, and services rather than traditional management fees

• Expanding from angel investing into real estate and political candidate support

• Managing depression, anxiety, and ADHD through structured routines and brain dumps

• The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership

• Creating pro bono support systems for funded entrepreneurs through community expertise

🌟 Nikoa's Leadership Highlights:

• Founder of Level, angel investing community focused on Black women entrepreneurs

• Invested in 19 Black women-owned businesses through 19 funding cycles

• Background in commercial real estate and finance

• Courses expanding into real estate investing and political advocacy

• Corporate partnerships with Google, Morgan Stanley, and law firms

• Mother of four children while building multiple businesses

• Advocate for healthcare equity and systematic change

  
  

👉 Don't miss this inspiring conversation about turning personal adversity into fuel for systematic change, building bridges across racial divides, and the critical importance of advocacy in every aspect of life.

🔗 Connect with Nikoa Milton Gulstone:

• LinkedIn: Nikoa Milton Gulstone

• Website: levelleaders.com

• Instagram: @letslevel

• Level Leaders on LinkedIn

  
  

📄 Transcript Available: Creating Access to Capital: Nikoa Milton Gulstone's Mission for Black Women Entrepreneurs

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#AngelInvesting #RacialWealthGap #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #SocialImpact #HealthcareAdvocacy #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #SystemicChange #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Leading Through Crisis: Zak Hancock's Noble Purpose Leadership at FST Logistics

In this inspiring episode, Zak Hancock, Chief Operating Officer at FST Logistics, shares his remarkable journey from psychology student to operations leader, revealing how he transformed a struggling company during one of the most challenging periods in business history. Through personal stories of crisis management, employee ownership transformation, and the power of noble purpose leadership, Zak demonstrates how authentic leadership, mentorship, and clear vision can turn organizational chaos into extraordinary success.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Noble Purpose Leadership Philosophy: Moving beyond servant leadership to inspire teams through meaningful "why" and vision

• The Heliotropic Effect in Business: How positive energy and lighthouse leadership guide teams through turbulent times

• Employee Ownership Power: Why ESOPs create force multipliers for culture, accountability, and performance

• Crisis Leadership Mastery: Transforming a failing consolidation project into record profitability during COVID

• Labor Management Innovation: Implementing efficiency systems without creating "Big Brother" environments

• Temperature-Controlled Logistics: Building competitive advantages in specialized food and pharmaceutical warehousing

• Journaling for Leadership: Discovering the therapeutic and strategic power of writing through challenges

• Stoicism in Business: Applying ancient philosophy to modern operational challenges and emotional stability

• Mentorship as Cultural Foundation: Weekly company-wide inspiration and individual development strategies

• Technology Integration: Leveraging AI and robotics while maintaining human-centered leadership

🌟 Zak's Key Mentors & Influences:

• UPS Leadership Experience: Early management responsibility while in college developed time management mastery

• Geodis Mentor: Brilliant boss who taught operational excellence and high-performance standards

• Demanding Customer Leader: Tough client who accepted nothing less than perfection, driving excellence standards

• Epictetus (Stoic Philosopher): Quote "How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?" changed his perspective

• David Allen: "Getting Things Done" methodology for mental clarity and task management

• FST Leadership Team: Crisis-forged bonds with CEO Matt Hartman and executive team during company turnaround

• His Wife: Emotional support and perspective during the most challenging business and personal transitions

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming crisis into opportunity, the science of positive leadership, and how employee ownership creates unstoppable organizational momentum.

🔗 Connect with Zak Hancock:

• LinkedIn: Zak Hancock - "The Logistics of Leadership" series

• Company: FST Logistics - Employee-owned 3PL specializing in temperature-controlled warehousing

• Focus: Noble purpose leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence

📄 Transcript Available: Noble Purpose Leadership: Zak Hancock's Employee Ownership Revolution at FST Logistics

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:

AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#NobleLeadership #ESOP #EmployeeOwnership #LogisticsInnovation #CrisisLeadership #SupplyChain #Mentorship #OperationalExcellence #TeamDevelopment #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Factory Floor to Private Equity: Rob Carskadden's Journey in Transforming Small Businesses

In this inspiring episode, Rob Carskadden, co-founder and managing partner of Three Rivers Capital, shares his remarkable journey from working the factory floor at Ford Motor Company to building a successful private equity firm focused on small business transformation. With over 20 years of experience in buying and recapitalizing family-owned businesses, Rob reveals the human side of private equity, the untapped potential in small companies, and how foundational changes can drive substantial growth in overlooked markets.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• From Factory Floor to Finance: How hands-on manufacturing experience shaped Rob's understanding of real business operations

• The Hidden Market Opportunity: Why 350,000+ companies east of the Mississippi needed succession planning in 2004

• Small Business Transformation: How basic foundational changes like sales processes and ERP systems drive substantial growth

• The Human Element of M&A: Managing the emotional transition when entrepreneurs sell their "babies"

• Private Equity's Evolution: How the lower middle market has changed dramatically over 20 years

• Untapped Talent Discovery: Finding hidden gems within small company workforces during acquisitions

• Strategic Thematics: Using global trends like demographics and digitization to identify investment opportunities

• Entrepreneurial Resilience: Learning from setbacks and the willingness to say "yes" at critical moments

• Partnership Philosophy: Why trust and authenticity win deals over being the highest bidder

• Value Creation Planning: Building growth strategies collaboratively with existing management teams

🌟 Rob's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Parents: Blue-collar background that instilled curiosity, determination, and strong work ethic

• Wrestling Coach: Developed perseverance and "fire in the belly" determination from age six

• Ford Motor Company Mentors: Learned real manufacturing operations and product development

• Dale Buckwalter (Co-founder): Partnership built on mutual respect and complementary skills

• Wife and Family: Incredible support system that enabled entrepreneurial risk-taking with four children under seven

• Victor Frankl: "Man's Search for Meaning" - philosophy on finding purpose through adversity

• Marcus Aurelius: "Meditations" - focus on present moment and controlling what you can control

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building authentic partnerships, the hidden potential in small businesses, and how curiosity and determination can transform both companies and lives.

🔗 Connect with Rob Carskadden:

• LinkedIn: Rob Carskadden

• Company Website: threeriversccap.com

• Three Rivers Capital: Pittsburgh-based private equity firm specializing in small business transformation

📄 Transcript Available: From Factory Floor to Private Equity: Rob Carskadden's Journey in Transforming Small Businesses

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:

AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#PrivateEquity #SmallBusiness #BusinessTransformation #Entrepreneurship #Manufacturing #SuccessionPlanning #FamilyBusiness #M&A #Leadership #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Andy Tang: From Intel's Pentium Processor to Building 15 Unicorns at Draper Associates

In this fascinating episode, Andy Tang, Partner at Draper Associates, shares his remarkable journey from engineering the first-generation Pentium processor at Intel to becoming a leading venture capitalist with over 15 unicorn investments. Andy reveals why investors consistently underestimate both the adoption timeline AND the transformative impact of new technologies, drawing powerful parallels between the dot-com bubble and today's AI revolution. Through candid storytelling about his cancer diagnosis and Wall Street experience during the tech crash, he explains how AI will fundamentally reshape our relationship with work, government, and each other—making this perhaps the most important technological shift since the Industrial Revolution.

• Why the Pentium processor was the breakthrough that made computers accessible to everyday consumers

• How Wall Street learned to partner with Silicon Valley during the late 90s tech boom

• The two-part pattern all new technologies follow: longer adoption than expected, bigger impact than predicted

• Why AI represents "Industrial Revolution 2.0" and will transform work more than the internet

• How cancer diagnosis led to investments in AI-powered healthcare and drug discovery

• The integration opportunity combining AI agents, blockchain, and robotics for micro-transactions

• Why generic advice to "go into computer science" has taken a 180-degree turn

• How peer-to-peer energy trading could revolutionize the power grid using AI agents

• The critical difference between early-stage and late-stage investment strategies

• Why maintaining optionality and love of learning matter more than static expertise

🌟 Andy's Key Mentors:

Frank Patrón & George Boutros (Credit Suisse First Boston): Wall Street tech banking legends who taught Andy how to bridge Silicon Valley innovation with capital markets during the late 90s internet revolution

Tim Draper (Draper Associates Founder): Third-generation venture capitalist who brought Andy into the Draper ecosystem and showed him how to build a comprehensive platform serving entrepreneurs globally

Cancer Experience as Teacher: Personal health crisis that opened Andy's eyes to healthcare system inefficiencies and sparked his passion for applying engineering principles to medicine and biology

🎯 Investment Philosophy:

Early Stage: Minimize false negatives (don't miss the next big thing) Late Stage: Minimize false positives (avoid overpriced investments) Core Criteria: Large market opportunity + passionate expert founders

👉 Don't miss Andy's insights on why the rich will get richer in the AI revolution, how to prepare kids for an unknowable future, and his personal mission to make healthcare as reliable as buying an iPhone.

🔗 Connect with Andy Tang:

• LinkedIn: Andy Tang, Partner at Draper Associates

• Draper TV: drapertv.com (Watch Meet the Drapers)

• Draper Associates: Leading early-stage VC firm since 1985

📄 Transcript Available: Andy Tang's Blueprint for AI Agents, Blockchain, and the Future of Micro-Transactions

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:

AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#VentureCapital #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics #Blockchain #Healthcare #TechInvesting #Draper #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #StartupFunding #Innovation #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Do the Right Thing Every Day: Jay Prock's Safety Revolution in Shipbuilding Staffing

In this inspiring episode, Jay Prock, President and Owner of Tidewater Staffing, shares his extraordinary journey from temp worker to company leader, transforming a family business founded in 1992 into the safety standard for the shipbuilding industry. Through powerful stories of workplace accidents that changed everything, a near-fatal skydiving incident, and the painful betrayal by a trusted employee, Jay reveals how his "do the right thing every day" philosophy revolutionized worker safety while building a thriving debt-free business that breaks traditional staffing industry rules.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Safety transformation: How two catastrophic workplace accidents led to a complete overhaul of safety protocols

• The training revolution: Creating mock shipboard environments to screen and prepare workers before job placement

• Breaking industry rules: Operating without hiring fees or commission-based pay structures

• 4X helmet investment: Upgrading to professional-grade safety equipment despite massive cost increases

• Francis R. Sharp Award: Recognition for exceptional safety leadership from workers comp provider

• Family business transition: Learning the trade from the bottom up, including tank cleaning and container loading

• Employee development: Hiring from the talent pool you serve and promoting workers to supervisors

• Crisis leadership: How personal near-death experience shaped workplace safety priorities

🌟 Jay's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Mark Prock (Dad): Company founder who built business on integrity and "never shedding skin"

• James Salmons: Industry safety expert who provided framework for safety transformation after accidents

• Doug (Tank Cleaning Mentor): Taught hands-on industrial processes and humble learning approach

• Shannon (Associate): Painter who taught the mirror technique for quality inspection

• Signal Mutual: Workers comp provider that demanded excellence and became trusted partner

• Steve Owens: Created innovative tank hole screening for orientation process

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about authentic leadership, revolutionary safety practices, and how personal tragedy can drive professional transformation in one of America's most dangerous industries.

🔗 Connect with Jay Prock:

• Email: [email protected] (responds personally)

• LinkedIn: Jay Prock, Tidewater Staffing

• YouTube: 360-degree safety training videos available for industry use

• Facebook & Instagram: @TidewaterStaffing

📄 Transcript Available: Do the Right Thing Every Day: Jay Prock's Family Business Revolution

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#SafetyLeadership #ShipbuildingIndustry #TempStaffing #WorkplaceSafety #FamilyBusiness #EmployeeDevelopment #IndustrialSafety #WorkersCompensation #LeadershipTransformation #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Softball Pitcher to Healthcare CFO: Denise Dettingmeijer's Leadership Journey

In this inspiring episode, Denise Dettingmeijer, Chief Financial Officer of Medical Solutions, shares her remarkable journey from Division I softball pitcher to finance executive leading one of healthcare's most impactful workforce partners. Through candid stories of career pivots, injury-driven resilience, and authentic leadership philosophy, Denise reveals how her athletic background shaped her approach to building teams, embracing vulnerability, and championing women in leadership while helping solve critical healthcare staffing shortages that save lives every day.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How athletic leadership translates directly into business team dynamics and success

• The evolution from traditional CFO bookkeeping to strategic growth leadership

• Building authentic company culture through radical transparency in hiring

• Why "telling the truth" is the most effective recruitment and retention strategy

• Transforming personal setbacks into career-defining pivot points and opportunities

• The critical role of healthcare workforce solutions in patient care outcomes

• Navigating work-life blend challenges as a senior executive and mother

• Creating global operational efficiency through strategic remote workforce deployment

• How injury and identity loss can become catalysts for unexpected career growth

🌟 Denise's Key Mentors:

• Her Brazilian CEO at Alcoa: Challenged her to embrace the responsibility of being a role model for other women

• Athletic Coaches: Taught her team dynamics, resilience, and the power of collective achievement over individual success

• Her Husband: Provided the partnership foundation that enables dual-career success and family balance

• Softball Teammates: Revealed that her perceived weaknesses (rise ball) were actually her greatest strengths

• Her Daughter: Inspired her mission to ensure the next generation of women faces fewer barriers

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about authentic leadership, the intersection of sports and business excellence, and how personal vulnerability can fuel both professional success and meaningful social impact in healthcare.

🔗 Connect with Denise Dettingmeijer:

• LinkedIn: Denise Dettingmeijer, CFO at Medical Solutions

• Company Website: medicalsolutions.com

📄 Transcript Available: How Does Authentic Transparency Drive Growth? Denise Dettingmeijer's Approach to Healthcare Workforce Solutions

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#HealthcareLeadership #CFOLeadership #WomenInFinance #AthleticLeadership #HealthcareStaffing #WorkforceStolutions #AuthenticLeadership #CareerPivot #TeamDynamics #MedicalSolutions #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Global Startup Investment: Jonathan Wallace's Expert Dojo Success Story

In this fascinating episode, Jonathan Wallace, Partner at Expert Dojo, shares his remarkable journey from living in his car for three months while building his startup to becoming a key player in one of Southern California's most active international early-stage accelerators. Through candid stories of resilience and strategic vision, Jonathan reveals how Expert Dojo has invested in over 300 startups across 70 countries, pioneered celebrity-athlete investment partnerships, and created unique value beyond capital by leveraging vast networks to help founders succeed in underserved markets worldwide.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How Expert Dojo finds overlooked founders in untapped international markets

• The evolution from $50K early investments to million-dollar Series A follow-ons

• Building authentic relationships vs. transactional sales approaches with founders

• Why most startups fail at understanding their true competitive landscape

• Celebrity and athlete investment partnerships: Beyond just brand endorsements

• The critical importance of sales validation before seeking major funding rounds

• Identifying founders with the "hustle factor" that can't be replaced

• Geographic arbitrage in venture capital: Finding deals others miss

• Creating sustainable growth strategies for pre-seed and seed stage companies

🌟 Jonathan's Key Mentors:

• Brian (Expert Dojo Co-Founder): Taught him the power of network effects and giving back to startup communities

• Steven Zmikowski (Celebrity Fund Co-GP): Brought sports world connections and athlete relationship expertise

• Brad Feld: Through his book, provided fundamental VC knowledge and market understanding frameworks

• The Startup Community: Early founders and operators who showed him the realities of entrepreneurship

• His Own Struggle: Three months living in his car taught him resilience and what true hustle means

👉 Don't miss this inspiring conversation about authentic entrepreneurship, global venture capital, and how personal adversity can fuel both professional success and a mission to help underserved founders worldwide.

🔗 Connect with Jonathan Wallace:

• Email: [email protected]

• Company Website: expertdojo.com (open application page available)

• LinkedIn: Jonathan Wallace, Partner at Expert Dojo

📄 Transcript Available: Transforming Early Stage Investment: Jonathan Wallace's Expert Dojo Innovation

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#VentureCapital #GlobalStartups #EarlyStageInvestment #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StartupFunding #InternationalVC #CelebrityInvesting #StartupAccelerator #FounderStories #TechInvestment #InspiredStoriesPodcast