Alex Bean is the co-founder of Divvy, an expense management platform that was acquired by BILL.com for $2.5 billion in 2021. He is a founder, operator, investor, and author dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build meaningful companies and navigate the often-overlooked realities that come after success. Having experienced hyper-growth, acquisition, and the personal complexities that follow, Alex now focuses on supporting founders through both the business and human sides of entrepreneurship. He is the Managing Partner of Tandem, an investment firm built to back founders who are actively in the arena.

At Tandem, he invests in founder-led companies with strong go-to-market fundamentals, while also building a community centered on purpose, relationships, and long-term impact. His investment philosophy prioritizes founder quality, resilience, and product-market fit, with a hands-on approach to scaling. Alex is the author of Factory for Good: The Pitfalls of Prosperity and How to Avoid Them, where he explores the emotional side of wealth, identity, and success—topics rarely discussed in startup culture. Through his writing, speaking, and work with founders, Alex helps the next generation build not just valuable companies, but lives and legacies rooted in clarity, contribution, and purpose.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Alex Bean here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbean

0:00 - Introduction and Happiness Audit

5:52 - Founding and Growth of Divvy

11:44 - Challenges and Successes in FinTech

17:36 - Product Market Fit and Early Days

23:28 - Post-Exit Reflections and New Ventures

29:20 - Balancing Personal and Professional Life

35:12 - Philosophy on Wealth and Legacy

41:04 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

Gary Vaynerchuk — widely known as GaryVee — is a serial entrepreneur, global marketing authority, investor, and six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is the Chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, and Creator and CEO of VeeFriends.Before founding VaynerMedia, Gary first gained recognition by growing his family’s wine business from $3 million to over $60 million in annual revenue. He's now running a global advertising and communications agency helping Fortune 1000 brands compete for consumer attention. He's a prolific angel investor who made early investments in Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Snapchat, Venmo, Coinbase, and Tumblr. He is also the co-founder of VaynerSports, Resy (acquired by American Express), and Empathy Wines (acquired by Constellation Brands).Through his content, keynote speaking, bestselling books, and daily documentation of life as a CEO, Gary reaches more than 50 million followers worldwide and generates billions of impressions annually. Known for his ability to spot cultural shifts early and translate them into practical business strategy, Gary helps leaders understand how attention, relevance, and execution drive long-term brand and company growth in an ever-evolving digital economy.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Gary: https://www.instagram.com/garyvee/?hl=en

Shirin Behzadi is a transformational CEO, investor, board member, and bestselling author whose career is defined by resilience, disciplined leadership, and purpose-driven growth. After arriving in the United States alone at 17 and working as a gas station cashier, Shirin built a remarkable business career spanning finance, private equity, and franchising. She rose from CPA and CFO roles to become CEO of Home Franchise Concepts, where she led the company’s transformation into a billion-dollar platform of home services brands, overseeing hundreds of millions in systemwide sales and a successful private equity-backed exit.Today, Shirin serves as a trusted advisor, board director, and keynote speaker, helping leaders turn adversity into strategic advantage. She has raised more than $900 million in private equity, served on corporate and nonprofit boards, and is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment. Her national bestselling memoir, The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO, chronicles her journey from war-torn Iran to the C-suite and offers a powerful framework for leading with vision, empathy, and courage. Known for her ability to combine operational excellence with human-centered leadership, Shirin inspires executives and entrepreneurs to build enduring success — because they can.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33GLive

Q&A submission form: https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about David: ⟶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-behzadi/

00:00 The Power of Empathy in Leadership01:24 Shereen's Journey: From Iran to CEO02:43 Overcoming Adversity: The Path to Resilience09:24 The Secret Sauce of Business Success14:03 The Superpower of Adversity19:33 Leadership Lessons: CFO vs. CEO Perspectives24:35 Life After a Life-Threatening Experience30:56 Balancing Life: Priorities Beyond Finance34:27 Navigating Burnout and Finding Growth35:15 The Unexpected CEO: A Roadmap for Success

James D. White is a transformational leader with more than three decades of experience operating at the highest levels of the consumer products, retail, and restaurant industries. Best known for leading the turnaround and reinvention of Jamba Juice, James guided the company’s evolution from a made-to-order smoothie concept into a globally recognized, health-focused lifestyle brand. Across executive roles at companies including Gillette, Safeway, Nestlé Purina, and Coca-Cola, he developed a deep operating playbook rooted in brand leadership, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation.

Beyond the CEO role, James is one of the most sought-after board leaders in modern business, having served on more than 20 public and private boards including Panera Bread, The Honest Company, Simply Good Foods, CAVA, Affirm, and Medallia. In 2020, he co-founded Culture Design Lab to help CEOs and executive teams intentionally design organizations built for performance, resilience, and purpose. He is also the co-author of the national bestseller Culture Design: How to Build a High-Performing, Resilient Organization with Purpose, published by Harvard Business Review Press — a practical framework shaped by decades of real-world leadership and boardroom experience.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:

https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions
Learn more about James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153

00:00 The Essence of Leadership

03:06 Transforming Company Culture

05:49 Navigating Challenges at Jamba Juice

08:57 Recruitment and Team Dynamics

12:08 The Importance of Continuous Learning

15:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

18:12 The Role of Technology in Leadership

20:50 Building a Leadership Pipeline

23:46 The Impact of AI on Business

27:05 Lessons from Boardroom Experiences

29:58 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Culture

Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, early-stage investors, and New York Times bestselling authors, best known for their company's $745 million acquisition by Salesforce in 2012. As co-founders of GOLF.com and Buddy Media, they helped shape the early digital and social media landscape. Kass and Mike have founded multiple ventures and backed more than 100 startups, including breakout successes like Scopely and Liquid Death. In total, the companies they’ve built and supported have generated more than $10 billion in realized value.

Today, Kass and Mike operate a diverse portfolio spanning venture capital, healthcare, executive recruiting, and sports. Their debut book, Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success, became an instant bestseller for its candid look at what building real businesses actually demands. Known for their clarity, discipline, and long-term mindset, Kass and Mike are widely respected voices on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities behind sustainable success.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:

https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

02:00 Building Successful Companies

06:02 Investing in the Future

09:50 Navigating Post-Exit Challenges

15:12 The Role of Emotional Intelligence

20:05 Advice for New Entrepreneurs

25:11 The Importance of Health and Longevity

29:52 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

Martha McSally is America's first female fighter pilot in combat, former U.S. Senator, decorated combat veteran, and one of the most accomplished leaders to ever serve in both the military and public office. Over a 26-year career in the United States Air Force, she broke barriers as one of the first women to fly combat missions in a fighter jet and later went on to command at the squadron level, leading in environments where precision, accountability, and trust were non-negotiable. She flew hundreds of hours in close-air-support missions across the Middle East and Afghanistan, earning multiple military honors for her service.

After retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel, Martha transitioned into public service, representing Arizona in Congress before serving in the United States Senate. Across both arenas, she became known for her disciplined leadership style, willingness to take responsibility under pressure, and commitment to mission over ego. Today, she is a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and service — bringing hard-earned perspective from the battlefield, the halls of government, and life beyond titles.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:

https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Martha here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_McSally

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Martha McSally's Journey to Fighter Pilot

06:13 Leadership Lessons: Building Unbreakable Leaders

11:51 The Power of Self-Discovery and Authenticity

17:59 Reflections on Life, Legacy, and Abundance

23:47 Navigating Politics: A Call to Duty

30:11 Final Thoughts: Embracing Inner Work and Authenticity

Leo Pareja is the visionary Chief Executive Officer of eXp Realty, one of the fastest-growing and most disruptive real estate brokerages in the world. With more than two decades of real estate experience, Leo leads the company’s global strategy with a relentless focus on technology, agent empowerment, and industry transformation. 

Leo began his real estate career at just 19 years old, quickly rising through the ranks to become the No. 1 agent in the world at Keller Williams by the age of 28 and selling nearly 4,000 homes during a 15-year production career.

Beyond business, Leo is a recognized industry leader and thought-partner, known for his voice on real estate evolution and change leadership. He also co-founded the Pareja Family Foundation, which provides scholarships and opportunities for women and underrepresented individuals to enter the tech workforce.

He is also the host of Pareja Unfiltered, a podcast where he explores what it takes to lead, grow, and win in business. 

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:

https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Leo here: https://www.instagram.com/leopareja?igsh=b2l6eGFudm01NG1y

00:00 The Journey to Real Estate Success

03:06 Transforming Real Estate with Technology

06:12 The Future of AI in Real Estate

09:04 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Work

11:58 The Human Experience in a Tech-Driven World

15:06 Finding Purpose Beyond Success

18:11 The Importance of Family and Relationships

21:06 Lessons from Business Exits

24:11 The Value of Experience Over Material Success

27:00 Influences and Inspirations in Business

30:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Zack Kass is a leading voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence, business, and humanity. As the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, he helped bring some of the world’s most powerful AI technologies out of the lab and into the hands of millions — shaping how organizations and society engage with AI at scale. Today, Zack is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and strategist, helping executives, governments, and institutions navigate what may be the most disruptive technological shift in human history. Known for his rare ability to make complex AI concepts practical, human, and actionable, Zack doesn’t traffic in hype — he focuses on what actually matters: how AI will change work, leadership, creativity, and power. His message is clear and urgent: AI isn’t just a tool. It’s a new operating system for society — and those who learn to work with it will define the future.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:

https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

00:00 The Dawn of Unmetered Intelligence

10:04 The Future of Energy and AI

20:05 Societal Shifts and Human Purpose

30:09 Navigating the Home Services Industry

40:03 Reflections on AI and Human Interaction

Dr. Jim Rabeau is a leading quantum physicist and one of Australia’s foremost voices in quantum sensing and emerging quantum technologies. With a career spanning fundamental physics, applied research, and industry translation, Jim works at the frontier of technologies that are set to define the coming decades. His research focuses on harnessing quantum effects at the nanoscale—transforming deep physics into practical tools with applications in sensing, imaging, materials science, and beyond.

As quantum technology moves from theory to world-changing capability, Jim has been at the center of shaping what that future looks like. He is known for building bridges between academia, industry, and government, helping ensure quantum breakthroughs translate into real-world impact. From redefining how we measure the physical world to enabling entirely new classes of technology, quantum represents a foundational shift—and Jim is one of the scientists helping turn that shift into reality. Whether advising decision-makers or explaining why quantum matters now, he brings rare clarity to a field that will reshape industries, economies, and how we understand the limits of what technology can do.

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Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast: The Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

About Jim Rabeau and Deteqt: https://deteqt.tech/

00:00 Exploring Quantum Sensing and Its Potential

10:35 Navigating Without GPS: The Future of Magnetic Field Sensing

17:47 The Impact of Quantum Technology on Other Industries

24:08 Bridging the Gap: Emotional Intelligence in Quantum Tech

30:07 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth

Steve Varsano is the world’s most recognizable private jet broker and the founder of The Jet Business — a luxury aviation firm that has redefined how billion-dollar aircraft are bought and sold. A former Wall Street trader turned aviation power broker, Steve has facilitated billions of dollars in private jet transactions for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, royalty, and global elites. Known for his unapologetic honesty, sharp instincts, and larger-than-life presence, he’s become a trusted voice in an industry where trust is everything. From pioneering transparent jet sales to building the most iconic showroom in private aviation, Steve doesn’t just sell jets — he changes how power, speed, and access move around the world.

Check Out My Social Media:

Tiktok ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello

Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/

Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/

My other podcast:

Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G

Live Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Steve: https://www.instagram.com/stevevarsano/?hl=en

00:00 The Journey to Private Aviation Success

09:59 The Role of Education and Client Empowerment

20:06 Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Industry

30:10 The Future of Aviation and Technology

40:00 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs