Uncertain Times

Across the world, millions of people are working to create a better place by looking to design a post-pandemic new normal. A new book titled ‘Changing The World We Create’, offers a bit of this, and has been called a “how-to reference guide for change agents, leaders and activists everywhere.” The book is a synthesis of a 10-year research project led by Tomas Björkman. On this episode, Tomas explains how we can collectively change the narrative of what it is to be a human and to set a new course for humanity - beyond climate crises, polarized societies, and failed leadership.

Our frontline workers can now find a side hustle that fits their very particular set of skills: Ear piercing company Rowan employs registered nurses - with pediatric or hospital backgrounds - to perform at-home piercings for infants, kids and adults. Rowan founder, Louisa Schneider, tells Joe what inspired her to create the company and how it's able to survive during the pandemic.

The theme of today's episode is Data. Joe talks to serial entrepreneur, Peter Yared. Peter has founded six enterprise software companies and now he's the CEO of InCountry, a data residency-as-a-service platform. Peter and Joe talk about handling data laws in different countries, breaking up big tech, and guessing what's the next big thing in tech.

Joining Joe this week is Shannon McLinden, the founder of FarmHouse Fresh. Shannon was sick of her ad agency job and decided to create a skincare line that would go onto to be found in over 4,000 spas, resorts, and boutiques around the globe. Shannon tells Joe how FarmHouse Fresh was able to step up and create a new product line that helps frontline workers during the pandemic.

Joining Joe this week is Scott Cullather, the co-author of "Challenge Everything: The Battle Cry That Blew Sh*t Up and INVNTd Live Brand Storytelling" and the co-founder of the live events agency, INVNT. Joe and Scott talk about live brand storytelling, how major companies are marketing during the pandemic, and what the future of live events looks like.

The Uncertain Times podcast was inspired by the pandemic, but now it's inspired by so much more.  Joining Joe this week is Heath Butler, a venture capitalist with more than 20 years of experience transforming businesses and helping professionals maximize their potential. Now Heath has co-founded two organizations that are extremely well positioned to make a massive impact among black entrepreneurs and within urban communities.

We can’t forget about our furry friends during the pandemic, and on this episode Joe talks to the Founder and CEO of CUDDLY, John Hussey who also happens to be a referee in the NFL. CUDDLY is a purpose-driven company that helps animal rescue organizations create their own fundraisers, organize wish lists, and gain support for initiatives that save animals in the most critical of conditions.

Small Businesses have taken it on the chin during the pandemic. A survey of small businesses by Florida State University researchers have found that 15 percent of those studied have closed their doors permanently as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown.

How are entrepreneurs and business owners supposed get through this? Fortunately there are a few company that are helping. Joining Joe this week is Victor Ho, the co-founder & CEO of Fivestars, a software startup that help communities and businesses thrive and strengthen relationships with their customers.

This has been a time for healing as millions have suffered due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but there is amazing group of musicians that are helping with bedside concerts that care comforting patients.

This week, Joe is joined by Molly Carr and Andrew Janss the cofounders of Project: Music Heals Us, a non-profit organization that brings live music performances to those in need.

As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, three best friends have come together to form a socially conscious mask company. This week, Joe sits down with Ben Ricciardi, a social media strategist and a social media star with over 1 million followers on Instagram. Ben tells Joe how his brother and their best friend joined forces to create Subzeromasks.com, where for each mask purchased, one will be donated to thousands of charities in need.