The Mentor Files

Listen in to today's episode to learn how authenticity drives all of Gray Malin's decisions, the value he sees in collaboration, and the evolution of him and his business.

"I have traveled the world to bring my wildest visions to life." - Gray Malin.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/68

Listen in to learn how Alberto Perlman has kept Zumba relevant, one thing every entrepreneur should do, and the clash of innovation and operation.

"So I see the class, and I saw something that I didn't know existed. I saw fitness without sacrifice." - Alberto Perlman.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/67

Listen in to learn how important it is for Gretchen Hansen to keep innovating, how to use data to make better decisions, and the best way to view competition.

"Understand who your customer is, understand what their needs are, and what those unmet needs are." - Gretchen Hansen.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/66

Listen in to learn the beginnings of True Botanicals, where Hillary focused her efforts in the beginning, and the importance of finding the best team.

"It was really important to us to be able to deliver results without toxins." - Hillary Peterson.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/65

Listen in to learn how retail is being reinvented, how to maximize your retail experience, and what Dan looks for in a startup.

"Retail is truly going to be omnichannel, and that's because the consumer has become omnichannel." - Dan Wenhold.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/64

Listen in to learn what he believes makes a great CEO, the most common mistakes that are made in a pitch, and the importance of having an incredible team.

"The global economy never stops; you could work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and still not be done." - Phil Schwarz.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/63

Learn what makes the perfect pitch when raising capital, how to create your best team, and what Jesse has learned from her work in venture capital.

"Sometimes you're betting on a founder with a two or three person team, and sometimes you're betting on a sole founder. It's really about the people, so I try to get to know them however I possibly can." - Jesse Draper.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/62

Listen in to learn why Dana Gordon believes that laughter is so important in your business, and the importance of recognizing your own successes.

"It's very important to make sure your kids understand what you do every day, whether they go into that line of work or not." - Dana Gordon.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/61

Listen in to today's episode and learn how Mia started Oars & Alps, how she built her team, and what she believes was the key to their success.

"I'm a firm believer that you can't have a side hustle. It's a distraction, not only to the business you're about to build, but also to what you're currently doing." - Mia Duchnowski.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/60

While we are on our winter break, enjoy this rerun of one of our favorite episodes!

In 2015, Jen Rubio was traveling back from a trip to Switzerland when her luggage broke in the middle of a crowded airport, sending her clothes and belongings everywhere. As she looked for a replacement she couldn't find the kind of iconic, high-quality, affordable luggage she was looking for.

Jen called up her friend Steph Korey - the two met in 2011 at Warby Parker back when they had only twenty employees - and they got to work. Just a few years later, they launched their direct-to-consumer luggage company, Away, in 2015. It boasts high end features such as two built-in USB ports and a durable, sleek design but is a fraction of the price of competing luggage.

The Away team now has more than 100 employees and tens of millions in revenue. They have expanded their product line, which now offers the bag in six sizes and eight colors and have partnered with people like Gray Malin and Karlie Kloss. In their conversation, Jen and Monica talk about how Away launched without a product, the way they handle collaborations, and why the retail and digital arms of the business aren't so different after all.

“More than anything we believe in making travel more seamless and more enjoyable.” – Jen Rubio.

Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.MonicaandAndy.blog/28