Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Discover the secrets of revenue alignment and overcome the silent menace of leaky revenue with guidance from Jess Shuman. From her humble beginnings in West Virginia to her leadership roles at ADP and Quotient, Jess shares her transformative journey in sales and revenue operations. Her experiences provide a masterclass in building effective revenue operations and highlight the importance of resourcefulness and accountability in business success. Jess's insights into creating scalable sales teams and executing successful business exits will inspire entrepreneurs looking to harness the full potential of their ventures.

Uncover the critical strategies to stop revenue leaks from silently siphoning away your profits. Jess discusses how aligning sales stages with the customer journey can safeguard your organization’s financial health. Drawing from Claroti's survey and insights from Boston Consulting Group, we pinpoint common pitfalls like ineffective customer handovers and poor communication. By maintaining a customer-first approach and implementing mindful sales processes, you'll not only prevent leaks but also enhance your financial growth. Get ready for real-world examples and practical advice that will revolutionize how you view sales and revenue processes.

Plus, embrace the power of personal growth and discover your unique superpower with Jess's wisdom. Learn the significance of an executive mindset and the art of listening to uncover true business challenges. Explore the concept of "revenue therapy" and the value of a supportive network that provides honest feedback. Jess encourages meaningful conversations where every interaction becomes a learning opportunity. Don't miss the chance to connect with her for further insights and let her transformative lessons elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

ABOUT JESS

After spending nearly 10 years leading and selling from SMB to Global at a top SaaS company ADP, Jess leaped to a new industry to learn ad-tech and retail media strategy. She once considered herself a sales and SaaS lifer, but this experience in transitioning industries exposed her to building and leading a Revenue Operations function. This function was foundational to getting to an exit. She has co-founded Revelin, a fractional and project-based revenue alignment company focused on diagnosing and stopping revenue leaks.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Revelin’s Website
• Connect with Jess on LinkedIn
• Follow Revelin on LinkedIn

Discover the transformative journey of Susan Mahaffee, founder of People Rise LLC, as she shares her unique approach to HR and people leadership. Susan's innovative strategies, likened to organizational wellness checks, focus on prioritizing employee well-being and matching talent with opportunity. She emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where individuals can truly thrive, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace, especially in our post-COVID world.

Join us in uncovering the hidden challenges within today's workplaces, where asking the right questions can unlock solutions and facilitate genuine growth. Through engaging personal anecdotes, Susan highlights the power of resilience and the role of authenticity in leadership. By embracing multiple identities, she illustrates how vulnerability can lead to deeper professional connections and more effective problem-solving. This episode explores the necessity of open communication and the strategic balance of “going slow to go fast” for sustainable success.

As we navigate leadership's complex landscape, Susan's wisdom on role modeling and maintaining a consistent example shines through. Leadership is presented as a 24-hour responsibility, where actions both on and off the field cast a powerful shadow. With valuable advice on decision-making and scenario planning, emerging entrepreneurs are encouraged to reflect on diverse perspectives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends personal stories with actionable insights, all aimed at creating workplaces where authenticity and engagement pave the way for collective success.

ABOUT SUSAN

Susan S. Mahaffee is the founder and president of People Rise, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in HR solutions and executive leadership coaching. With over 20 years of experience in HR and leadership, Susan has a distinguished career as an HR executive and strategic advisor. She holds an M.B.A. in Global Business and Organizational Leadership and a B.S. in Management with a focus on Human Resources Management, along with multiple certifications in leadership and HR. Susan’s professional journey includes significant roles at multinational corporations like Mars Incorporated, where she honed her expertise in global HR dynamics. In 2022, she launched People Rise, LLC to empower organizations by placing people at the heart of their strategies. Susan works with executives and entrepreneurs to enhance team strengths, foster employee engagement, and drive organizational success. Susan’s approach combines strategic insight with a hands-on, people-first philosophy, ensuring businesses and individuals thrive together.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit People Rise’s Website
• Follow People Rise on Instagram
• Find People Rise on Facebook
• Follow People Rise on LinkedIn
• Connect with Susan on LinkedIn

Discover the groundbreaking world of women's health technology with visionary entrepreneur Alecia Taryn as she shares her inspiring journey in creating impactful solutions for women's reproductive health. Learn how her platform, Sistapedia, is revolutionizing access to vital health information, from fertility and IVF to menopause, for women around the globe. Alecia's passion for serving this often neglected market is palpable, and her initiatives are organically growing to meet the needs of the 2.2 billion women seeking better resources and support.

Venture into the innovative ecosystem of Sistapedia, where Alecia envisions a unified hub connecting women, specialists, doctors, and female health startups. This episode uncovers how Sistapedia fosters empowerment through verified experts, products, and services, offering businesses a direct pipeline to their audience. Alecia candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating a fragmented market, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and active participation in industry events to build trust and credibility in this crucial sector.

Gain personal insights into sustaining productive entrepreneurial habits with a glimpse into the rituals that fuel success. Explore the power of mind maps, lists, and disciplined routines, such as starting the day with early morning meditation and exercise, which anchor the entrepreneurial journey. The episode offers inspiration from diverse habits and mindsets, drawing parallels to Kobe Bryant’s "Mamba mentality," emphasizing how personal commitments and self-awareness are keys to maintaining excellence and consistency.

ABOUT ALECIA

Alecia Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 8 years of experience building tech in women's health. She has a wealth of insights and experience that led to the development of Sistapedia®. She frequently participates in women's health events, where she's recognized for her hands-on approach in creating effective solutions. Believing that the drive to take initiative is innate, Alecia embodies this trait, making significant strides in providing platforms for women to voice their concerns and triumphs. Her commitment to making a tangible impact sets her apart as a dynamic and inspiring leader in her field.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Sistapedia’s Website
• Follow Sistapedia on Instagram
• Find Sistapedia on YouTube
• Follow Alecia on Instagram
• Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn

Curious about the evolution of web development from the days of coding in Notepad to modern platforms like Squarespace? Join us for a conversation with Kevin Gilleard, a seasoned web developer and entrepreneur, who shares his journey of innovation and adaptation over a 13-year career. Discover how Kevin’s serendipitous entry into web development led to the founding of GillyTech, a company dedicated to providing accessible, agency-level web solutions for small businesses.

Kevin opens up about the importance of understanding one's purpose and crafting effective taglines, a lesson he learned from marketing expert Flint McLaughlin. Hear the inspiring story of how Kevin helped a bodybuilder friend significantly boost their client base with an affordable website. Learn Kevin's insights on balancing design and functionality, and why he believes effective design should resonate emotionally with users while maintaining clarity and purpose. Kevin’s passion for helping entrepreneurs define their goals and create meaningful web experiences shines through in this must-hear episode.

ABOUT KEVIN

Kevin Gilleard got started as a web developer in 2010 hand-coding his first landing pages in Notepad. Since then he has worked on the full-stack from systems administration to software engineering, copywriting, UX, e-commerce and everything in between. He started his own web development and branding business with a friend in 2023 and is ready to take over the world.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit GillyTech’s Website
• Follow Kevin on X
• Find GillyTech on Facebook
• Follow GillyTech on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

Join us for a compelling conversation with Arjun Bidesi, the visionary mind behind Orcana AI, as he shares his transformative journey in the world of analytics. Arjun's groundbreaking work has turned chaos into clarity, equipping business leaders with the tools to harness data effectively. Discover how Orcana AI, akin to a super analyst powered by generative AI, demystifies complex business metrics, offering actionable insights in plain English. This episode promises to illuminate how leaders can navigate unexplained profit declines and create data-driven strategies for growth.

We'll explore the intricate dynamics between revenue, customer numbers, and the average revenue per customer. By dissecting marketing campaigns like Meta's $100 voucher offer, Arjun illustrates the profound impact of data on business profitability. From service-based enterprises to e-commerce giants, every business stands to benefit from a data-centric approach. You'll gain insight into overcoming the misconception that only certain industries can leverage analytics, and learn how to enhance offerings and reduce negative factors for better customer outcomes.

Arjun also takes us on a path through the realms of predictive analytics and forward-looking strategies, drawing from a real-life example with a Series B tech company. Understand the progression from descriptive to prescriptive analytics, and how this journey empowers businesses to not only foresee but also mitigate customer churn. With Orcana's automated, real-time solutions, businesses are equipped to act decisively and retain their clientele.

ABOUT ARJUN

Arjun Bidesi IS a visionary analytics leader and the entrepreneurial mind behind Orcana.AI. With over 15 years of experience transforming data into business strategies, Arjun has helped companies unlock over $600 million in incremental revenue by rethinking how data drives decisions. His journey spans Telecom, SaaS, and Pharma, where he's led teams to solve high-stakes challenges, from predicting customer churn to optimizing $300M+ in marketing spend. Armed with a Master's in Operations Research from UC Berkeley and an MBA from one of India's top schools, Arjun combines technical expertise with business acumen. As Orcana.AI's founder, he's revolutionizing how leaders interact with their data, turning complex analytics into clear, actionable insights that drive growth. A relentless optimist who believes in dreaming big, Arjun approaches challenges by mapping out "miracles" to achieve his vision, embodying resilience and a passion for solving meaningful problems.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Orcana.AI’s Website
• Connect with Arjun on LinkedIn

Step into the world of marketing magic with our special guest, Daryl McCullough, a luminary in the marketing and communications field. From humble beginnings at Albright College to orchestrating global campaigns for giants like Procter & Gamble and Taco Bell, Daryl's journey is a masterclass in communication excellence. In this episode, listeners will uncover the secrets behind his artistry, including the legendary Taco Liberty Bell stunt—a brilliant April Fool's Day campaign that captivated a nation and showcased the unrivaled power of creative marketing.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies as Daryl unpacks the importance of building a strong team and understanding customer profiles. He shares his "hum, sing, and shout" approach to campaign building and highlights the necessity of strategic resource allocation. Through real-world examples, such as identifying purchase intent in the skincare industry, you'll learn how to reach and engage your ideal audience for maximum impact.

Beyond strategies and campaigns, Daryl opens up about the essence of authenticity and creativity in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the significance of being genuine and transparent in leadership, sharing personal stories about his passion projects, including children's books that tackle grief and body positivity. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their marketing game while staying true to their authentic self.

ABOUT DARYL

After 25 years running global PR firm Citizen Relations, and remaining Chair emeritus of that firm, Daryl McCullough has formed McGriffin Media, a marketing communications firm with his husband George Griffin. Blending the best of traditional and digital marketing services, we provide clients with classic publicity, social media management (Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, etc.), and other marketing creative strategies. As Chair and CEO of Citizen, Daryl won global recognition for work on Procter & Gamble brands like Old Spice and Pampers, as well as, major communications campaigns like the launch of XM Satellite Radio, for which he won a top National PR award. His work for brands like Taco Bell, Sony, Blockbuster, and Suzuki motorcycles to name a few brands. Daryl has been named "PR Professional of the Year" by PRSA, was a Juror at the Cannes Lions (the prestigious international creativity awards), and a member of the elite Page Society of professional communicators.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit McGriffin Media’s Website
• Connect with Daryl on LinkedIn
• Follow Daryl on Instagram
• Follow Daryl’s Author Profile on Instagram

Is your business truly protected against the growing menace of cyber threats? Join us as Dante Jackson, the insightful CEO of Serket-Tech Security, guides us through the complex world of cybersecurity. Dante shares his extraordinary journey from a pivotal role in a major US bank merger to leading innovations in protecting businesses at the macro and micro levels. With real-world anecdotes, he demystifies the broad spectrum of cybersecurity, from understanding ransomware threats to the critical roles of encryption and penetration testing.

Gain a competitive edge by learning how tailored cybersecurity solutions can fortify your business's defenses. Dante dismantles the myth that cyber threats only target large corporations, stressing the vulnerability of small enterprises. He highlights the crucial role of leadership in prioritizing cybersecurity, advocating for proactive measures like penetration testing to identify and mitigate risks. His insights provide a roadmap for businesses to safeguard their reputation and finances against potential cyberattacks, offering peace of mind that transcends immediate financial gains.

Explore the fascinating dynamics of hacker culture and the evolving leadership landscape in cybersecurity. Dante shares eye-opening experiences from hacker rooms and emphasizes the importance of nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, Dante's experiences offer invaluable lessons on navigating the competitive cybersecurity industry. His articulate communication and impactful contributions make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in securing their business's future.

ABOUT DANTE

Dante Jackson is the founder and owner of Serket-Tech Security, a leading cybersecurity consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Dante is a distinguished cybersecurity professional with experience in both the U.S. government and the private financial sector, including multiple senior leadership roles at a top 10 U.S. bank. Dante offers a wide-ranging expertise encompassing threat management and mitigation, data protection, IT risk management, resilience strategies, and insider threat expertise. Through Serket-Tech Security, Dante has leveraged his expertise to provide tailored solutions to clients, empowering them to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity with confidence. With an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Sam Houston State University, Dante's academic achievements complement his extensive practical experience, positioning him as a trusted authority in both the corporate and consulting realms of cybersecurity.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Serket-Tech Security’s Website
• Follow Serket-Tech Security on Instagram
• Find Serket-Tech Security on Facebook
• Follow Serket-Tech Security on LinkedIn
• Connect with Dante on LinkedIn

Corporate Growth Architect Ken Gavranovic takes us on an enlightening journey through his dynamic career in scaling tech and SaaS companies. From his humble beginnings and financial struggles to his transformative move to New York, Ken's story is one of resilience and inspiration. He shares how Tony Robbins' "Unleash the Giant Within" played a pivotal role in shaping his mindset, propelling him towards entrepreneurial success. Ken's passion for leveraging business growth strategies is infectious, offering listeners invaluable insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of entrepreneurship and venture capital with insights from Ken's memorable conversations with industry leaders like Bill Gurley from Benchmark Capital. Learn how intuition, recognizing trends, and leveraging first-mover advantages can be powerful tools for business growth. From the transformative impact of the internet, public cloud, and AI on strategic decisions to the essential components of building a successful business, Ken's experiences and his book "Business Breakthroughs 3.0" provide a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In addition to professional achievements, Ken emphasizes the importance of balancing health, relationships, and overall well-being. He shares his thoughts on maintaining work-life balance and nurturing personal connections, underscoring that true happiness stems from this equilibrium. Discover how Ken's current venture, Product Genius, leverages AI to create transformative solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. 

ABOUT KEN

Ken Gavranovic is a Corporate Growth Architect with over two decades of experience in scaling tech and SaaS companies. Ken has led businesses like Web.com through IPOs, guided over 35 M&As, and helped generate hundreds of millions in new sales. He’s also the CEO of Product Genius, an AI-driven platform revolutionizing business operations. As a certified executive coach and thought leader, Ken empowers businesses to achieve transformative growth through innovation and leadership.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Ken’s Website and Access his Free Courses
• Connect with Ken on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of transforming a monotonous career into a thriving entrepreneurial journey with Marty Herbert. Prepare to be inspired as Marty recounts his transition from a government compliance auditor to a passionate business owner focused on process improvement and automation. He shares the pivotal moments that led him to embrace entrepreneurship alongside his wife, creating an innovative company culture that values employee well-being with initiatives like a four-day work week and inclusive bonuses. Marty's story is a testament to the power of pursuing passion and embracing change.

Discover the art of streamlining business processes with a human-centered approach to organizational operations. Marty dives into the nuances of process improvement, highlighting the importance of documenting and refining processes for efficiency, especially in back-office functions like accounts payable, purchasing, and billing. He shares insightful stories, including a captivating example from a large government contractor, where standardizing and automating workflows freed up valuable time for more meaningful tasks. Listen as Marty unpacks the benefits of continuous improvement, revealing how optimizing operations can reduce costs and open new growth opportunities.

Explore the transformative role of automation in business success with Marty's expert insights. Through engaging stories, like that of a rocket scientist more engrossed in work than administrative duties, Marty illustrates how automation enhances efficiency and creativity. He clears up common misconceptions between automation and AI, explaining how tools like ChatGPT can streamline processes without replacing the human touch. This episode is packed with practical advice from Marty on leveraging process improvement and automation to focus on core passions and drive business growth, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs eager to unlock their potential.

ABOUT MARTY

Marty Herbert has been helping government contractors since his days fresh out of college with the DCAA. He can't help but want to make things better which is why he set out on the entrepreneurial journey with his wife this year after getting the push he needed from a former employer who didn't share his vision. Outside of the office, he is an Eagle Scout, Woodbadge Bobwhite, and dad which also guides the way he runs the business side of his life.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Herbert Insights & Innovations’ Website
• Connect with Marty on LinkedIn
• Find Herbert Insights & Innovations on YouTube

What drives a high-powered Wall Street banker to leave it all behind for the world of franchise consulting? Conor Godfrey shares his captivating journey from the relentless hustle of finance to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through franchising. Inspired by his family's legacy of business ownership, Conor sought personal accountability, work-life harmony, and meaningful time with loved ones. He now dedicates himself to guiding others out of the corporate maze by helping them explore franchising as a viable path to entrepreneurship, ensuring they make informed decisions to build wealth and find career fulfillment.

Franchising offers a unique "business in a box" approach, granting the freedom of entrepreneurship without the daunting task of starting from zero. We unpack why this avenue appeals to those eager to be their own boss and how Conor's expertise helps navigate the myriad franchise opportunities out there. From addressing misconceptions about franchising to emphasizing the importance of aligning personal goals with the right franchise, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone considering this transformative career move.

But it's not just about business mechanics; it’s about mindset. Conor delves into the philosophy of embracing life's temporality, urging listeners to seize opportunities with boldness and without societal pressures. He shares strategies for success, from understanding personal and financial goals to leveraging franchising to achieve a balanced life. This episode is a treasure trove of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, blending Conor's personal experiences with actionable strategies to inspire listeners to transition from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.

ABOUT CONOR

Conor Godfrey is a top franchise consultant and former Wall Street investment banker with nearly 20 years of experience. Influenced by a family of entrepreneurs, he founded Trinity Advisory to help professionals build wealth and create additional income streams through franchise ownership. Conor emphasizes resilience, determination, and a proper mindset, using personal experiences and philosophical concepts like stoicism and "memento mori" to inspire clients. His meticulous evaluation of franchise opportunities ensures informed investment decisions, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the diverse range of opportunities available.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Trinity Advisory’s Website
• Follow Trinity Advisory on Instagram
• Find Trinity Advisory on LinkedIn
• Connect with Conor on LinkedIn