In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker interviews award-winning architect Tessa Bradley about her journey in sustainable architecture, Passive House design, and the challenges of being a female business owner in the industry. Tessa shares her philosophy on solving complex problems with simple, efficient design, why Passive House is the future of sustainable living, and how she built her firm in a traditionally male-dominated field. She also dives into the realities of business ownership, leadership, and the importance of thinking like an owner before you become one.

• Tessa emphasizes an integrated design approach—thinking about sustainability, efficiency, and aesthetics from the start rather than applying them later.
• She believes the best designs solve multiple problems at once in an elegant way.
• Memorable Quote:
• “It’s hard to make something simple that solves everything, but I like to win.”

• Traditional buildings focus on components, while Passive House considers the building as a whole system.
• The idea is to "put a big woolly sweater around your house" to minimize energy loss instead of relying on excessive heating and cooling.
• The biggest barrier to widespread adoption? The construction industry’s slow pace of change due to the complexity of building projects.
• Memorable Quote:
• “Building things is really hard. You take an imperfect idea, designed by an imperfect architect, built with imperfect materials, by an imperfect builder… and you hope it works.”

• Tessa grew up watching her father draft building plans, which sparked her interest in architecture.
• Women remain underrepresented—less than 25% of licensed architects in the U.S. and less than 1% of firm owners are women.
• Representation matters—Tessa never met a female licensed architect until she was nearly one herself.
• Memorable Quote:
• “I didn’t see any women on the path to firm ownership. It was typically white male-owned firms promoting people who looked like them.”

• Most architecture firms pass down experience through generations, making it hard for outsiders to break in.
• As a 100% women-owned firm, Artisans Group had to fight harder to win major projects.
• Success required standing out, proving excellence, and finding the right clients.
• Memorable Quote:
• “We had to claw and fight a little harder to win work because we didn’t inherit the benefit of our forefathers’ portfolios.”

• Business owners must balance long-term vision with daily execution.
• Leadership can be isolating—mentorship and partnerships are essential.
• Power shouldn’t be about dominance; it should be about compromise, strategy, and resilience.
• Memorable Quotes:“Those who crave power probably shouldn’t have it. And those who do, carry more responsibility than is maybe fun.”
• “Romanticizing leadership is easy. Living it is different.”

• Act like an owner before you become one.
• Be intentional—if you want something, align your actions with your goals.
• If you don’t act like a leader, you won’t be treated like one.
• Memorable Quotes:“You don’t get made an owner and then act like one. You act like an owner until you are one.”
• “Look at what people do, not what they say.”

Tessa’s journey is proof that sustainability and great design can go hand in hand. Her story highlights the power of breaking barriers, embracing mentorship, and thinking ahead to create impactful work.

• Website: artisansgroup.com
• Instagram: @artisansgroup

• If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’d love to hear Tessa’s story!

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Kody Landals, a USMC veteran and founder of Reimagine Roofing, to discuss how he’s transforming the roofing and solar industry. Frustrated with unreliable roofing companies while working in solar sales, Kody decided to create a more transparent, efficient, and customer-focused roofing company. In just a few years, he’s scaled Reimagine Roofing to a multi-state operation, offering real-time quotes, no-pressure sales, and innovative digital solutions.

Kody shares his biggest challenges, including how the collapse of the solar industry nearly took his company down, and the leadership strategies he used to rebuild and thrive. He also discusses his work with the Roofing and Solar Reform Alliance (RSRA), which helps contractors elevate industry standards through mentorship and collaboration.

At the end, Kody answers the signature question and shares the 3 C’s for success: Clarity, Commitment, and Confidence.

• Many companies lack structure and are not run like real businesses.
• Homeowners often get left with no warranty when companies go bankrupt.
• Poor customer service, outdated sales tactics, and slow quoting processes frustrate customers.

✅ 100% Remote Roof Buying: The only roofing company where you can buy a roof over the phone.

✅ No Hard Sales Tactics: Eliminated in-home, high-pressure sales.

✅ Instant, Real-Time Quotes: Uses satellite measurements & AI to generate quotes in 15 minutes or less.

✅ Educational First Approach: Strong YouTube presence to help homeowners make informed decisions.

• Biggest hurdle: Solar sales reps were not roofing experts, leading to miscommunication with homeowners.
• Solution: Created video sales letters (YouTube videos explaining roofing options).
• Pivoted from B2B (working with solar companies) to direct-to-consumer when the solar industry began to struggle.

• A major solar company went bankrupt, causing banks to change their lending policies overnight.
• Multiple solar partners defaulted on payments, leaving Reimagine Roofing financially stranded.
• Kody immediately called a team-wide meeting and showed them Jocko Willink’s "Good" motivational video to shift their mindset.
• Rebuilt the business by cutting costs, restructuring, and pivoting to a direct-to-consumer model.

• Over 350 contractors across the U.S., Canada, and even Sweden.
• Helps contractors run better businesses and provide superior customer experiences.
• Promotes collaboration over competition to elevate industry standards.

• Always be learning: Uses audiobooks & YouTube for daily self-improvement.
• Build a vision that includes your team’s aspirations.
• Help others succeed: Mentored multiple employees to start their own roofing companies.

💡 "I learned more in saving the business than building the business."

💡 "When you start viewing competitors as collaborators, the world opens up."

💡 "The three C’s of success: Clarity, Commitment, Confidence."

💡 "You commit 100% to something, and you really have clarity on what that commitment is—you’ll be confident about your actions."

💡 "If we can elevate the industry, that becomes the new standard. I’m not competing against other great contractors—I’m competing against those who refuse to improve."

💡 "My vision has to be big enough that my team’s vision can live inside of it."

💡 "Sales reps were giving homeowners bad information, not because they were dishonest, but because they weren’t roofers—so I made videos to educate homeowners before they even called us."

Jamie: "Kody, in your experience, what does it take to build a successful business and disrupt an industry?"

Kody’s Answer:

👉 The 3 C’s: Clarity, Commitment, Confidence

• Clarity – Know what kind of business owner you want to be.
• Commitment – Go all-in on your vision.
• Confidence – Comes naturally when clarity and commitment are aligned.

🌐 Website: www.reimagineroofing.com

📺 YouTube (Reimagine Roofing): Reimagine Roofing YouTube Channel

🎥 YouTube (Kody’s Leadership Channel): Kody Landals YouTube Channel

🏗️ RSRA (For Roofing & Solar Contractors): www.rsra.org

📞 Phone: 480-90-ROOF

🚀 If you're a homeowner, check out Reimagine Roofing’s website or YouTube for educational content.

🏗️ If you're a roofing/solar contractor, consider joining the Roofing and Solar Reform Alliance to elevate your business.

🎧 If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

In this episode of What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Lance Cayko, a multi-talented entrepreneur, architect, professor, podcast host, and co-founder of F9 Productions. Lance shares his journey from growing up on a North Dakota farm to becoming a leader in the architecture and design industry. He dives into how getting laid off pushed him to start his own firm, the importance of discipline and intentionality in business, and how he balances work with his passion projects like fishing and community gardening.

Listeners will gain insights into entrepreneurship, time management, leadership, and redefining work-life balance into work-life harmony. Lance also shares his thoughts on hiring, leadership development, and why setting boundaries is the key to success.

• Started working in construction at 13 after quitting a farming job.
• Learned about business margins early from his mentor and developed a passion for architecture.
• Went from construction to architecture after realizing he wanted control over design and execution.
• Graduated at the top of his class in architecture and moved to Boulder for work.
• Got laid off during the Great Recession, which fueled his drive to start F9 Productions in 2010.
• Built his firm by reacting to common industry complaints and focusing on customer service & quality.

• Drew inspiration from Michael Jordan’s rejection story, using setbacks as motivation.
• Initially carried anger toward being laid off but transformed it into positive motivation.
• Developed a strict morning routine to maintain productivity:
• 4:30 AM wake-up
• Hydration, stretching, meditation/prayer
• Creative work during the “golden hours”
• Stresses that discipline equals freedom – success comes from being intentional with time.

• Rejects the idea of "work-life balance" – prefers work-life harmony where personal and professional passions intertwine.
• Uses intentional scheduling to make time for fishing, family, and community work.
• Says, "I’ve made business deals on the ice while fishing!"
• Incorporates his architecture firm into his nonprofit work (staff helps design and build for community gardens).

• Inspired by Steve Jobs’ philosophy: Your best workers should be your leaders.
• Created an F9 Leadership Group to support newly promoted managers.
• Leadership training focuses on coaching, problem-solving, and maintaining a feedback loop.
• Believes in hiring based on shared values, not just skills—skills can be taught, but values must align.

• Sets strict work boundaries at F9: Employees choose between 7-4 or 8-5 schedules (no overtime culture).
• Many firms in the architecture industry glorify 50-60 hour workweeks—Lance proves success is possible without burnout.
• "Boundaries equal freedom" – structuring work allows for personal pursuits without sacrificing business growth.

Lance’s Answer:

"Boundaries, which come with discipline. If you’re intentional with your time, you create freedom. Too many people work unnecessary hours out of habit, not necessity. True success is about working smart, not just working hard."

• Lance’s story is a powerful example of turning adversity into opportunity.
• His emphasis on discipline, intentionality, and leadership development offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur.
• Rejecting the outdated workaholic mindset, he proves that success and personal fulfillment can coexist.

🔗 Where to Find Lance:

• Website: F9Productions.com
• Podcast: Inside the Firm
• LinkedIn: Lance Cayko
• YouTube: Fishing with Lance

🔊 Listen & Subscribe to What It Takes!

• If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend!

In this episode of What It Takes, Laura Wilson, founder of Natural Pilates, shares her incredible journey of immigrating to the U.S. with just $100 and turning her passion for movement into a thriving Pilates business.

From discovering Pilates while working in a physical therapy office to building multiple studio locations, launching an online fitness platform, and developing a teacher training program, Laura has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with resilience and adaptability.

She also takes us behind the scenes of how she pivoted during the pandemic, scaled her business, and what she believes it truly takes to be a successful business owner.

• Laura immigrated to the U.S. in 2002 with just $100 in her pocket.
• She came through a student work program and was immediately captivated by the opportunities in the U.S.
• Instead of saving money to send back home, she focused on investing in her education and career.

• While working in a physical therapy office in Santa Monica, she discovered Pilates as a rehabilitation tool.
• A car accident left her with severe neck pain, which led her to explore Pilates further.
• She became certified in 2005 and opened her first studio in Beverly Hills.
• Natural Pilates has since expanded to five studio locations across Los Angeles and New York.

• She blended classical Pilates with athletic performance training, making the practice more accessible and results-driven.
• Launched Natural Pilates TV, a digital platform offering online workouts.
• Developed her own teacher training program, which is now nationally accredited.
• Created a line of Pilates equipment and fitness products to enhance workouts.

• Anticipated lockdowns two weeks before they happened and quickly transitioned online.
• Launched virtual classes within 24 hours of business closures.
• Provided clients with at-home workout equipment to keep them engaged.
• Applied for an SBA loan on the first day, which helped keep her staff employed.
• Used the crisis as an opportunity to build an online fitness empire.

1. Consistency is key – Success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedication and perseverance.
2. Adaptability is crucial – Challenges like a pandemic or financial setbacks are inevitable, but quick decision-making and problem-solving make all the difference.
3. Passion fuels the journey – Loving what you do makes even the hardest days worth it.
4. Find solutions, not problems – Instead of dwelling on obstacles, focus on how to overcome them and move forward.
5. Leadership can be lonely – Business owners carry unique responsibilities that employees may not understand, requiring strong mental resilience.

🔥 “I didn’t know what challenges I’d face—I was just ready to go.”

🔥 “Unlike other immigrants who saved money to send home, I focused on investing in myself and my career.”

🔥 “Most people exercise blindfolded—know why you’re exercising, what your goal is, and how to get there.”

🔥 “I don’t want to hear a lot of complaints. Things happen. What’s the solution?”

🔥 “Being a business owner can be lonely—people don’t always understand the weight of responsibility.”

🔥 “If you love what you do, even the hardest days feel worth it.”

Laura Wilson’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and passion. From arriving in the U.S. with just $100 to building a nationally recognized Pilates brand, her story proves that success is built on consistency, adaptability, and taking action.

🔗 Follow Laura & Natural Pilates:

• Website: naturalpilates.com
• Instagram: @naturalpilates
• YouTube: Natural Pilates
• Online Workouts: naturalpilatestv.com

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs inspiration to chase their dreams!

Dave Benton, founder of Metajive, shares his journey from an accidental entrepreneur to leading a top-tier digital agency working with brands like Nike, Red Bull, and Google. He discusses the challenges of scaling a creative business, the importance of relationships in securing major clients, and the mindset shifts required to sustain long-term success. Through personal setbacks, industry changes, and pivotal moments of reinvention, Dave emphasizes adaptability, accountability, and the willingness to keep moving forward—even when things get tough.

• Dave never intended to start a company; Metajive was initially just a placeholder website for his portfolio.
• He moved to San Francisco intending to find a job but kept landing contract work, which organically evolved into a business.

• Made every mistake in the book but kept pushing forward with the mindset of making “the next right decision.”
• 2008 & 2015 were tough years with major setbacks, including losing Metajive’s largest client, which forced him to rebuild the business.
• 2020 was another major test, losing 75% of revenue in three weeks, but he worked 100-hour weeks to turn things around.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Every major transformation in my business started as a crisis. The key was deciding to rebuild, not retreat."

• The real shift happened when Metajive secured its first long-term retainer client—moving from project-to-project work to sustainable business relationships.
• Most of Metajive’s biggest clients, including HP, Bank of America, and T-Mobile, came from relationships built years earlier.
• Lesson: Good work and strong relationships create future opportunities, often when you least expect them.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"The best clients aren’t found—they’re earned through years of great work and trust."

• Two main paths to working with big brands:

1. Direct networking and outreach (not the route Dave took).
2. Long-term relationship building—working with great people early in your career who later bring you opportunities.

• Every major deal Metajive has landed came from past relationships rather than cold calls.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Big brands don’t just hire agencies—they hire people they trust."

• Balancing business growth with creative integrity is difficult but essential.
• Key to success: Having a team deeply committed to the craft and strong project management to keep things running smoothly.
• AI and digital transformation are forcing businesses to rethink how they add value—Metajive constantly adapts to stay ahead.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Innovation isn’t about keeping up—it’s about leading the way."

• 2015 setback: Lost over 50% of business, down to just Dave, his wife (COO), and one project manager. Considered mergers and job opportunities but ultimately rebuilt from scratch.
• 2020 crash: Lost 75% of revenue, but hard work and persistence led to new opportunities, including a major project for New York Fashion Week, which helped Metajive bounce back.
• Lesson: Resilience and past relationships played a huge role in surviving difficult times.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Every business will hit rock bottom at some point. The ones that survive are the ones willing to rebuild."

• Dave’s #1 advice for business owners: Take full accountability—for clients, employees, and every decision.
• Scaling a business requires trust, delegation, and making tough calls.
• Business ownership is a journey of constant evolution—success comes from continuously adapting and pushing forward.

📌 Final Memorable Quote from Dave Benton:

"It takes the willingness to be 100% accountable. You have to accept responsibility for every person in your organization and know that ultimately, it’s your name on the line."

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Brian Samson, founder and CEO of Plugg Technologies, to discuss how nearshore staffing is transforming the hiring landscape. Brian shares his journey from leading talent acquisition at top Silicon Valley startups to relocating to Argentina to build a nearshore team, and ultimately founding multiple companies specializing in Latin American talent.

They explore why more U.S. companies are hiring beyond borders, how remote work has reshaped talent acquisition, and what business owners should know about cost, efficiency, and cultural differences when building remote teams. Whether you're a business owner looking to scale or a leader navigating the new world of hiring, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

• From the Midwest to leading recruitment for Silicon Valley’s top startups
• What inspired Brian to start Plugg Technologies
• Moving to Argentina to build a nearshore business
• Scaling a company from 0 to 80 employees abroad

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, but I was surrounded by brilliant founders in Silicon Valley and thought, ‘I think I can do this.’ So I jumped in and figured it out along the way."

• The difference between onshore, offshore, and nearshore hiring
• Why Latin America is a rising hub for highly skilled talent
• Common misconceptions about hiring internationally

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"Nearshore isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about finding the right talent, in the right time zones, with the right cultural fit for your business."

• How nearshore hiring compares to U.S. hiring in cost, quality, and efficiency
• Why businesses should think beyond just cost savings when hiring globally
• Cultural and time-zone advantages of working with Latin American talent

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"You can find great talent anywhere, but the real question is: do they fit your business needs, your work culture, and your expectations for collaboration?"

• Best practices for integrating remote employees into company culture
• Why companies should treat nearshore hires as core team members
• The adaptability and resilience of professionals in Latin America
• Setting clear expectations to drive success in remote teams

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"If you treat your nearshore hires as ‘outsourced resources,’ you’re doing it wrong. They are part of your team, and the success of your business depends on how well you integrate them."

• Advice for business owners hesitant about hiring internationally
• The importance of starting small and learning from hiring mistakes
• The entrepreneurial mindset: Resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning
• Why success in business requires taking calculated risks

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"As an entrepreneur, you’re going to get punched in the face—often. The key is to get back up, learn from it, and keep going."

• Visit Plugg Technologies at www.plugg.tech
• Connect with Brian via email: [email protected]

• If you found value in this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur!
• Keep pushing forward and keep building what it takes!

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with James Leinhardt, the CEO and Chief Sleep Posture Expert at Levitex. James has built a business around improving sleep posture, working with elite athletes, healthcare professionals, and everyday consumers to optimize their rest. He shares how he turned sleep science into a thriving company, the challenges he faced in educating the market, and why sleep posture is critical for performance and well-being.

They also dive into James’ entrepreneurial journey, from developing a patented sleep surface to supporting Team GB’s Paralympians and British Cycling. If you're an entrepreneur looking to build a business with impact, this episode is for you!

Guest: James Leinhardt, CEO & Chief Sleep Posture Expert at Levitex

Episode Title: Sleep Smarter, Lead Stronger: The Science Behind Success

Topics Covered:

✅ How James turned sleep science into a successful business

✅ The biggest misconceptions about sleep posture

✅ Working with elite athletes and hospitals to improve recovery

✅ Challenges of educating the market about a new concept

✅ The business of sleep – how to innovate in a niche industry

✅ Lessons from growing a business and overcoming obstacles

✅ What it really takes to be a successful entrepreneur

📌 Connect with James Leinhardt & Levitex:

🔗 Website: Levitex

🔗 Instagram: @levitexsleep

🔗 LinkedIn: James Leinhardt

💡 "Most people think sleep is just about getting enough hours, but how you sleep is just as important as how long you sleep."

💡 "I never set out to sell pillows—I set out to educate people on sleep posture, and the business followed."

💡 "Elite athletes don’t leave their performance to chance. They optimize everything—including how they sleep."

💡 "Entrepreneurship is about solving a problem, not just selling a product. If you focus on impact, the business will come."

💡 "If you want to change an industry, you have to educate before you can sell."

On this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Ive Haugeland, founder and principal of Shades of Green Landscape Architecture. Her journey is a powerful story of taking risks, following a passion, and staying true to her values while building a thriving business.

Originally from Norway, Ive started her career designing environmentally sensitive landscapes before making the leap to California in 2000. With no roadmap, she built Shades of Green in 2004, blending Scandinavian design principles with modern sustainability.

But what does it take to turn a creative vision into a successful business? How do you balance artistry with business strategy while staying authentic? In this episode, Ive shares the challenges, lessons, and defining moments that shaped her entrepreneurial journey.

• Welcome & Introduction
• Introduction to the episode and guest
• Ive’s background: From Norway’s landscapes to California’s gardens
• How her love for landscape architecture began
• Early Inspirations & Taking the Leap
• What drew her to environmental design
• Lessons from designing landscapes in Norway
• The bold decision to move to California and start fresh
• Founding Shades of Green: The Reality of Entrepreneurship
• The challenges of launching a business with no roadmap
• How she built a name for herself in the industry
• The balance between creative passion and business management
• Sustainability & Staying True to Her Values
• How Scandinavian design principles influence her work
• Why sustainability is more than just a business strategy—it’s a responsibility
• Navigating the challenges of implementing sustainable practices
• Business Growth: Lessons, Challenges & Wins
• The biggest hurdles she faced in growing her company
• How she learned to scale a creative business
• The proudest moments and projects that define her success
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• The hardest lesson she learned in business
• What she wishes she knew before starting her firm
• Her advice for landscape architects and creatives looking to build their own company
• Signature Question: What It Takes to Succeed
• In your experience, what does it take to be a successful business owner?
• Outro & Where to Connect with Ive
• Final thoughts and key takeaways
• Where to find Shades of Green and Ive’s work
• Call to action: Subscribe, review, and share!

1️⃣ On Taking the Leap:

"I moved across the world with no guarantees—just a passion for design and a belief that I could make it work."

2️⃣ On Entrepreneurship:

"I didn’t start a business because I wanted to run a business. I started it because I wanted to create something meaningful."

3️⃣ On Sustainability:

"Sustainability isn’t a feature—it’s a mindset. Every project we take on considers how we can work with nature, not against it."

4️⃣ On Challenges:

"The hardest part of running a business isn’t finding work—it’s learning how to trust yourself as a leader."

5️⃣ On What It Takes to Succeed:

"It takes vision, patience, and the ability to adapt. Business isn’t just about talent—it’s about learning and evolving every step of the way."

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Robert Ancill, CEO of The Next Idea Group, to discuss his journey of reinvention from a culinary professional to a global business leader in hospitality and design.

Robert shares how he pivoted industries, scaled a business to 24 countries, and oversaw 89+ brand launches and 800+ restaurant openings worldwide. He dives into the challenges of growing a business internationally, the key ingredients for success, and what he’s learned from working with top hospitality brands.

Memorable Quotes from Robert Ancill:

💡 "Success isn’t just about a great idea—it’s about how well you execute it."

💡 "Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about taking what you’ve learned and applying it in new, meaningful ways."

💡 "Scaling a business globally means understanding cultures, not just markets."

💡 "In business, you either evolve or become irrelevant. There’s no in-between."

If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on reinvention, scaling, and long-term success.

• CEO & Chairman, The Next Idea Group
• Expert in restaurant consulting, branding, and interior design
• Over 89 brands launched and 800 restaurant openings in 24 countries
• Former executive with Aroma Café Group, Planet Hollywood, Panera Bread, and HMS Host
• Provides executive coaching to hospitality and design industry leaders

✅ Robert’s journey from culinary arts to global business leadership

✅ The moment that led him to pivot from hospitality operations to consulting & design

✅ How he built The Next Idea Group and scaled internationally

✅ The biggest challenges of growing a business across multiple markets

✅ The lessons he’s learned from 800+ restaurant openings

✅ Trends shaping the future of restaurant & hospitality design

✅ Advice for entrepreneurs looking to pivot industries or scale globally

✔️ Reinvention is possible—but requires adaptability, vision, and persistence

✔️ Scaling a business internationally demands an understanding of cultural differences and market trends

✔️ Execution matters just as much as a great idea

✔️ Success in business comes down to strategic planning, relationships, and continuous innovation

📌 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

📌 Connect with Robert Ancill:

🔗 Website: https://thenextideagroup.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robertancill

📌 Follow What It Takes for more inspiring business stories:

🔗 Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with James Bates, the Founder & CEO of AdviNow Medical, a company leveraging AI and augmented reality to transform healthcare. James shares his incredible journey—from leading billion-dollar tech businesses to raising $20 million to build his own game-changing startup.

We dive into the realities of scaling a business, the challenges of raising capital, and how James navigated industry pushback to bring innovation to healthcare. He also shares lessons in resilience, leadership, and team-building, giving founders and entrepreneurs a firsthand look at what it really takes to disrupt an industry.

💡 Memorable Quotes from James Bates:

🔹 “AdviNow allows doctors to be doctors once again.”

🔹 “I thought I was resilient before I founded this company—I had no idea what resilience meant.”

🔹 “If all you're saying is, ‘this is too hard, it’s taking too long,’ then you just have to ignore it.”

🔹 “Technology adoption in healthcare is seen as a risk, not a benefit—and that’s a big problem.”

🔹 “If you can tell me why my vision isn’t valid, I want that conversation. But if you’re just telling me to give up, I won’t.”

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to scale, a tech enthusiast interested in AI’s role in healthcare, or someone who loves real startup stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🚀 Episode Title:

👉 From Startup to Scale: James Bates on Raising $20M & Revolutionizing Healthcare

🎧 In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What inspired James to launch AdviNow Medical

✔️ The challenges of raising $20M and convincing investors

✔️ How AI and AR are transforming healthcare

✔️ The biggest obstacles he faced in scaling his business

✔️ The importance of building the right team

✔️ Key lessons in resilience, leadership, and overcoming setbacks

💡 Memorable Quotes:

🔹 “70% of the cost of a medical encounter is the doctor, but 66% of their time is spent on things that have nothing to do with their medical licensure.”

🔹 “Healthcare is 20% of the GDP, yet most medical practices don’t make money. That’s a major red flag.”

🔹 “If you want to build something big, you need an unwavering vision and relentless pursuit of it.”

🔹 “Technology is supposed to make things easier, but in healthcare, outdated systems are holding us back.”

🔹 “The biggest challenge isn’t the technology—it’s changing the mindset of an industry stuck in its ways.”

🔗 Connect with James & AdviNow Medical:

🌐 Website: www.advinow.com

📧 Email James: [email protected]

📧 General inquiries: [email protected]

🔗 LinkedIn: James Bates on LinkedIn

📢 Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe to What It Takes so you never miss an insightful conversation with amazing entrepreneurs.

🎙 Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time!