Unboxed Show

What's holding you back from moving forward with the ideas swirling around your head? Venus Liles loves new ideas, whether thinking of them for herself or supporting those of other entrepreneurs. Venus has many passions, including law, entrepreneurship, and tech. Over the years, Venus is an active member of the Senior Legal Counsel for SAS Institute and has founded over three companies; including qcard, DanceHer, Liles Law, and others. She also wrote a children's book to support family conversations about the coronavirus and social distancing. While keeping a mission to help as many parents as possible have honest and loving conversations with their children about important these issues. 

During episode 14 of the Next Matters Most podcast, Nick, Venus, and Emily talked about how their journeys all had similar findings and thoughts on becoming an entrepreneur. From taking more risks, shipping ideas early, and getting strong feedback they each share stories of overcoming obstacles and finding peace with imperfection. This episode is full of awesome stories from the team! 

Want to take this episode with you? 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodes

To learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:

https://www.smashingboxes.com/

We've got more to offer on our social platforms! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Anna Shuford is an innovative, business professional with experience in campaign development, strategic partnerships, and content creation. Anna is currently enrolled in UNC Kenan Flagler's MBA program, Class of 2022. At UNC, she’s pursuing a concentration in marketing and enrichments in entrepreneurship and technology and innovation management. Along with being a full-time MBA student, Anna owns and operates her company, BoomRoom. BoomRoom simplifies the process for fitness instructors teaching live virtual workouts through one single integrated platform that gives them the tools and technology to host high-quality classes, connect with clients, and manage their business.

In episodes 15 and 16 of the Next Matters Most podcast series, Nick and Emily talk with Anna about starting a business while in school, how she manages her days, and what her next steps are after school. They also deep-dive into how Anna’s BoomRoom platform works and why it’s so important for fitness professionals and teachers. These episodes are great for anyone currently starting a business or having thoughts about starting their own business while in school. Please enjoy our conversation with Anna Shuford! 

Want to take this episode with you? 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodes

To learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:

https://www.smashingboxes.com/

We've got more to offer on our social platforms! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Anna Shuford is an innovative, business professional with experience in campaign development, strategic partnerships, and content creation. Anna is currently enrolled in UNC Kenan Flagler's MBA program, Class of 2022. At UNC, she’s pursuing a concentration in marketing and enrichments in entrepreneurship and technology and innovation management. Along with being a full-time MBA student, Anna owns and operates her company, BoomRoom. BoomRoom simplifies the process for fitness instructors teaching live virtual workouts through one single integrated platform that gives them the tools and technology to host high-quality classes, connect with clients, and manage their business.

In episodes 15 and 16 of the Next Matters Most podcast series, Nick and Emily talk with Anna about starting a business while in school, how she manages her days, and what her next steps are after school. They also deep-dive into how Anna’s BoomRoom platform works and why it’s so important for fitness professionals and teachers. These episodes are great for anyone currently starting a business or having thoughts about starting their own business while in school. Please enjoy our conversation with Anna Shuford! 

Want to take this episode with you? 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodes

To learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:

https://www.smashingboxes.com/

We've got more to offer on our social platforms! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Madilynn A. Beck is a former actor and entertainment industry executive turned psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and podcast host. One of her current startups is Better Spot, which you can think of as We Work for wellness and wellbeing professionals.Founded four years ago, the company helps to set up and serve their retail clientele and run their practices. The startup is now extremely well positioned as the wellbeing industry has been thrust into the spotlight as a result of the pandemic and the toll it has taken on our mental and physical well being. 
 
Madilynn's intrinsic why is Equity & Access. She lives this daily through her products and platform. Better Spot helps small businesses in important industries gain access to a space where they previously would have been unable to. Her podcast, Fundraising While Black, highlights the unique and oftentimes unfair challenges that people of color face when fundraising for their business. Madilynn has an amazing energy about her and a true coaching mindset...this is a fun episode. Enjoy!

Want to take this episode with you? 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodes

To learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:

https://www.smashingboxes.com/

We've got more to offer on our social platforms! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Brett Danforth is the co-managing director of NC State University's Wolfpack Investor Network, an angel network currently comprised of 150 NC State-affiliated angel investors that have deployed over $10 million into NC State-affiliated early stage companies over the last two and a half years. Prior to joining WIN, Brett was a Venture Banker at Square 1 Bank, lending to venture-backed early and growth stage companies in the Southeast. His career also includes experience with a family office investor and a financial consulting firm serving nonprofits. Brett is a graduate of the Poole College of Management at NC State University.

Personally, Brett lives in Raleigh, NC, with his wife, Lindsey and their three daughters. He enjoys playing golf, is a member at Providence Church and serves on the First Tee – Triangle’s Young Professional Board.

Want to take this episode with you?
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodes

To learn more about Brett Danforth & Nick Jordan:
https://www.smashingboxes.com/

We've got more to offer on our social platforms!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

From India, to Dubai, to Durham NC. A truly world-class citizen, business owner, and architect, Vandana Dake and Nick Jordan sit down to discuss her career journey, her passion for helping empower and inspire women in developing nations, and finding your why. Vandana provides a broad range of experience in design and construction — both locally and internationally. Vandana is currently the Owner of Alliance architecture. Her technical expertise and strong design concepts inform her work, ranging from schematic design through construction administration. She has received numerous awards, including much recognition from Downtown Durham, Inc. for Best Projects in 2004 and 2005 and from the Raleigh Preservation Society for Best Projects in 2005.

Enjoy this personal discussion with Vandana and Nick Jordan!

Want to take this episode with you?
 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodes

To learn more about Vandana & Nick Jordan:
https://www.smashingboxes.com/

We've got more to offer on our social platforms!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

In this conversation, Eric Porper, Nick Jordan, and Rachel Walter delve into the complexities of chronic pain, exploring its psychological roots and the mind-body connection. They discuss personal experiences with pain management and healing, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being in physical health. The dialogue transitions into health and wellness transformations, including lifestyle changes and the impact of alcohol on health. Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her experiences in launching and managing businesses. The conversation also touches on emerging sports as potential business opportunities and concludes with a discussion on creating a modern secret society to foster genuine connections and community engagement.

Connect with the founders:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwwalter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/porper

Unboxed Venture Studio:
https://www.unboxed.ventures/

In this conversation, Nick and Eric outline their ambitious plan to establish a $1 billion venture studio in the Raleigh-Durham area with Unboxed Venture Studio. They delve into the motivations driving their goal, such as the need for more successful startups and lucrative exits in the region. Their vision for the venture studio involves channeling experience, expertise, resources, and capital into early-stage companies. The discussion sheds light on the concept of a venture studio and its pivotal role in nurturing startups. They also highlight the services offered by Smashing Boxes and its synergy with the Unboxed venture studio. The hosts underscore the importance of sharing experiences and fostering a network of entrepreneurs, operators, and investors.

Connect with the founders: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/porper

Unboxed Venture Studio:
https://www.unboxed.ventures/

Sumit Vohra is a passionate entrepreneur and founder of Lonerider Brewing & Distillery Owner, known for creating a distinctive brand identity within the craft beer community. In this episode, he shares insights on the enduring enthusiasm required to run a successful business, drawing inspiration from legendary figures in the industry like Jim Cook. This discussion highlights Sumit’s deep personal connection to brewing, the significance of artistic expression through branding, and the cultivation of a loyal customer base that goes beyond just the product itself.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitvohra

In this episode, Pardees shares insights on the evolving landscape of remote work and ecosystem development. With a focus on fostering strategic partnerships and effective leadership, Pardees discusses the importance of finding the right approach to contribute positively within both local and global markets. The conversation emphasizes taking intentional steps toward collaboration while maintaining the unique strengths of the team. Main topics discussed include the dynamics of remote work and its impact on leadership roles, strategies for effective collaboration in ecosystem development, insights on nurturing partnerships within various markets, and the significance of intentional engagement in a decentralized environment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pardees/