Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders

Silicon Slopes
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Jan 7, 2026 • 44min

President of Utah Valley University Astrid Tuminez Interviews Seth Jenson and Hunter Anderton on the Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2018, following a rich and storied career in business, philanthropy, and academia, Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez became the seventh president of Utah Valley University. She is the first woman to serve on a full-time basis as UVU president. Raised in the slums of the Philippines, Tuminez rose to become a world leader in the fields of technology and political science, most recently serving as an executive at Microsoft. She is also the former vice dean of research and assistant dean of executive education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.Dr. Seth Jenson recently joined the UVU Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute from the University of Oxford, where he lectured and researched entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems. He has consulted and collaborated with elite entrepreneurship programs worldwide, including India’s premiere entrepreneurship governing bodies (NITI Aayog and EDII), Harvard, LSE, MIT, Stanford, Techstars, as well as state governments and regional programs. As a leader in the Bolder Way Forward initiative, Seth helps shape Utah policy to close entrepreneurial gender gaps and foster diverse leadership. He completed his bachelor's at BYU in Finance and graduate degrees in Sociology (MSc) and Business Strategy (PhD) at Oxford.Hunter Anderton is a serial entrepreneur currently scaling his second venture, Simpll. Dedicated to making blockchain opportunities accessible, Simpll provides user-friendly node hosting that removes technical barriers for everyday users. Under Hunter’s leadership, the company saw explosive early product-market fit, surpassing $1M in ARR in its infancy. A deeply involved member of the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute (BEI) ecosystem, Hunter is a graduate of the Sandbox program and "0 to CEO" series. His rapid scaling recently earned him a nomination for the BEI Rocketship Award for revenue growth, as well as funding from multiple competitive programs.
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Dec 24, 2025 • 34min

Sports Business Chapter Chair Wade Leaphart Interviews Founder & CEO at Game Face Rob Cornilles

Join host Wade Leaphart, Chair of the Sports Business Chapter at Silicon Slopes, as he sits down with Rob Cornilles, founder and CEO of Game Face Inc. Rob is a pioneer in modern sports sales training and has transformed the way organizations approach ticket sales and customer engagement.In this episode, Wade and Rob dive deep into the evolution of ticket sales, from the early days of paper lead lists and phone books to the sophisticated CRM systems and results-based selling approaches of today. Rob shares his journey from working with the LA Clippers in the 90s to founding Game Face and coaching tens of thousands of professionals across major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB.00:13 - Podcast Introduction00:23 - Guest Intro: Rob Cornilles00:34 - Rob's Background00:55 - Wade and Rob's Connection01:18 - Evolution of Ticket Sales01:38 - Early Sales Methods01:49 - Founding Game Face02:05 - Rob's Start with Clippers02:25 - Challenges with Clippers02:46 - Realization in Sales03:07 - Competing LA Teams03:29 - Observing Fans03:50 - LA Riots Impact04:13 - Enthusiasm in Sales04:35 - New Sales Approach04:56 - Sharing Sales Secrets05:16 - Results-Based Selling05:32 - Selling Relationships05:55 - First Game Experience06:06 - Fan Motivations06:27 - Reasons Fans Attend06:48 - Business Outcomes07:09 - Results-Centered Selling07:30 - Value Beyond the Game07:52 - Business Initiatives08:14 - Expanding to Other Industries08:39 - Selling Results09:07 - Transferable Skills09:28 - Modern Sales Challenges09:49 - B2B Sales Shift10:01 - Results-Focused Messaging10:22 - Role of Technology10:43 - Personal Interaction11:01 - Timeless Sales Skills11:22 - Open-Ended Questions11:43 - Sales Education Gap12:04 - Rob at BYU12:24 - Sales Skills for Executives12:46 - AI in Sales13:05 - Human Interaction in Service13:25 - Frustration with AI13:47 - Personal Touch in Service14:08 - Training on Service Calls14:30 - Customer Service Skills14:51 - Tech and Sports in Utah15:14 - Professionalization of College Sports15:36 - Innovation in Fan Experience15:59 - Breaking into Sports16:22 - Starting in Sales16:47 - Wade's Career Path17:08 - Sports Media Realities17:29 - Practical Experience17:50 - Value of Sales Skills18:14 - Networking in Premium Sales18:36 - Sales Training Benefits18:59 - Sports as Conversation Starter19:20 - Upcoming Utah Sports Events19:42 - Utah's Sports Recognition20:00 - Innovation in Utah Sports20:27 - Customer Service Importance20:48 - Industry Conversations21:10 - 30 Years of Game Face21:30 - Game Face's Impact21:51 - Expansion Beyond Sports22:13 - Conclusion and FutureIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://gamefaceinc.com Social:Twitter  https://twitter.com/siliconslopes  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/  LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Dec 3, 2025 • 24min

Founder and CEO of SponsorCX Jason Smith interviews Founder & Chairman Peak Capital Partners & Element Ventures Jeff Burningham

In this episode, Jason Smith, Founder and CEO of Sponsor CX, sits down with Jeff Burningham, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. Jeff shares his journey from starting a tech company as an undergrad at BYU to becoming a venture capitalist and even running for governor of Utah.00:12 - Introduction and Guest Welcome00:38 - Jason's Mentorship and Early Days of Sponsor CX01:09 - The Decision to Go All-In on Sponsor CX02:09 - Initial Investment and Early Support02:52 - The Hero's Journey of an Entrepreneur03:11 - Importance of Believing in the Founder03:58 - Jeff's Venture Investing Philosophy05:00 - Jeff's Background and Career Overview07:09 - Running for Governor and Post-Political Journey08:19 - Transition to a More Reflective Life08:31 - Jeff's Investment Approach and Early Stage Focus09:13 - Qualities of a Successful Founder11:04 - Scaling a Startup and Building a Team12:08 - Achieving Product-Market Fit13:39 - Leadership Qualities in Startups15:58 - Key Characteristics of Effective Leaders17:03 - Importance of Kindness in Leadership19:01 - Human Element in Leadership and Management19:41 - Introduction to Jeff's Book on AI and Humanity20:16 - Why Jeff Wrote the Book22:46 - Where to Find Jeff's Book and Follow His Work23:39 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3eSocial:Twitter  Twittersiliconslopes  Instagram InstagramLogin • Instagram  LinkedIn   LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedIn  YouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes
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Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 33min

Tub Club Founder Ryan Welch

In this riveting episode, we sit down with Ryan, the founder of Tub Club, a men's bubble bath and self-care brand that's redefining relaxation for modern men. Ryan's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, taking us from his tumultuous teenage years in Southern California to the disciplined life of a Blackhawk crew chief in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.Ryan opens up about his struggles with education, his time living out of cars, and his unexpected path to joining the Army. He shares candid stories about his military experiences, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the life lessons he learned along the way.But that's not all. Ryan also delves into his post-military life, including his involvement with Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) and the controversies that followed. He provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by those working to combat human trafficking.This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with raw honesty, resilience, and a touch of humor. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, military life, or social causes, Ryan's story will leave you inspired and wanting more.00:13 - Introduction to Ryan and Tub Club00:54 - Ryan's LinkedIn Post and Public Announcement01:57 - Overcoming Personal and Professional Hurdles03:16 - Ryan's Early Life and Struggles with Education10:01 - Moving to Hawaii and Life as a Surfer11:41 - Joining the Army and Becoming a Blackhawk Crew Chief17:06 - Transitioning to an Engineer and Special Operations21:17 - Deployments and Military Experiences26:10 - Leaving the Army and Starting a Family30:10 - Involvement with Operation Underground Railroad34:48 - Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas with OUR38:30 - The Decision to Resign from OUR43:06 - The Legal Battle and Family TragedyIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: Siliconslopessiliconslopes.comShow Links : MytubclubTub Club | Bubble Bath For MenSocial:Twitter - TwittersiliconslopesInstagram - InstagramLogin • Instagramonslopes/LinkedIn - LinkedinSilicon Slopes | LinkedInYouTube - YoutubeSilicon Slopes
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Nov 5, 2025 • 24min

Fullcast Co-Founder & CMO Amy Cook interviews Pathology Watch Co-Founder Greg Osmond

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Leaders on Leaders podcast! In this episode, your host Amy Cook sits down with her brother, Greg Osmond, a trailblazer in the healthcare industry and co-founder of Pathology Watch.Join us as Greg shares his incredible journey from serving a mission in Honduras to co-founding a groundbreaking company that aims to bring health equity to underserved areas. Learn about the personal experiences that fueled his passion for healthcare innovation, including the impactful story of a woman in Honduras and the influence of their father's battle with brain cancer.Greg also delves into the challenges and triumphs of building Pathology Watch, the importance of having a supportive family, and the role of spirituality in staying charged and focused. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for some inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://www.fullcast.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Oct 23, 2025 • 32min

Leaders on Leaders | CEO of Lendio Brock Blake interviews Founder & CEO of Bamboo HR Bradley Rencher

In this episode of The Silicon Slopes Show, host Brock Blake sits down with Bradley Rencher, a prominent figure in the Utah business community and a mentor to many. Bradley shares his incredible journey from being an investment banker in New York to becoming a key player in the tech industry with Omniture and Adobe, and now leading BambooHR.00:00 - Introduction00:22 - Bradley's Early Career in Investment Banking01:18 - Transition to Omniture and the Impact of the Omniture IPO02:36 - Working with Josh James and the Omniture Team05:43 - The Bold Move from Banking to Business Operations07:52 - The Acquisition of Omniture by Adobe and Its Impact on Utah's Tech Scene12:01 - The Growth of Adobe in Utah16:01 - Bradley's Decision to Leave Adobe18:13 - Joining BambooHR and Building a Strong Company Culture22:16 - Leadership Principles and Maintaining Company Culture27:15 - Balancing Professional and Personal Life30:16 - Inspiring the Next Generation of LeadersIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comSocial:Twitter https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Oct 10, 2025 • 55min

Leaders on Leaders | Entrata CEO Adam Edmunds Interviews Silicon Slopes CEO Clint Betts

In this episode, we sit down with Clint Betts, to explore his incredible journey from a small-town upbringing in Spanish Fork, Utah, to becoming a pivotal figure in Utah's tech community. Clint shares his personal story of being adopted, his early entrepreneurial ventures, and the creation of Beehive Startups and Silicon Slopes.00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Rustiness00:46 - Fourth Node Podcast and Utah's Tech History01:07 - Growing Up in Utah 01:43 - Spanish Fork and Early Life02:26 - Foster Care and Adoption04:03 - Meeting Biological Family06:44 - Adoption and Family Dynamics08:24 - Writing as Therapy10:30 - Early Career and Education11:10 - LDS Mission and Early Marriage12:18 - Running a Deli and College Life13:34 - Joining iZeni and Beehive Startups15:10 - Challenges of Raising Money in Early Utah Tech Scene16:57 - Beehive Startups and Community Building18:24 - StartSLC and Its Impact20:55 - StartSLC Pitch Competition22:25 - Transition to Silicon Slopes23:01 - Josh James and the Origin of Silicon Slopes25:05 - Silicon Slopes' Mission and Early Days28:37 - Mission Accomplished and COVID-19 Impact32:00 - Refocusing Silicon Slopes' Mission34:34 - Challenges and Community Fragmentation38:10 - Maintaining Utah's Unique Tech Ecosystem42:45 - Future Vision for Silicon SlopesIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3eSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/silic onslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Sep 12, 2025 • 22min

CIO and Senior Vice President of Technology at Western Governors University David Morales

In this episode, we sit down with David from Western Governors University (WGU) to explore the future of education and how WGU is leading the way with its innovative, competency-based, 100% online model. David shares his insights on the role of AI in accelerating learning, the importance of technology in education, and the unique approach WGU takes to serve its students.00:02 - Introduction and David's Tenure at WGU00:22 - Competency-Based and Online Education at WGU00:52 - The Future of Education and AI01:46 - Accelerated Learning Through AI02:15 - AI's Impact on Student Support and Learning03:56 - History and Founding of WGU05:01 - Developing New Degrees and Programs06:17 - David's Experience at Walmart08:09 - Parallels Between Walmart and WGU09:52 - Student-Centric Approach at WGU10:17 - A Day in the Life of David at WGU11:26 - Pillars of Great Leadership12:48 - Moving from Arkansas to Utah13:45 - WGU's Office Locations14:41 - David's Reading Recommendations16:10 - Future of WGU and Technology Integration18:54 - WGU's Degree Programs19:33 - David's Education Experience20:25 - The Importance of Giving and Taking Chances21:44 - Closing Remarks and GratitudeIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: www.wgu.edu Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Aug 21, 2025 • 46min

Element Ventures Partner Jeff Burningham

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Burningham, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of the thought-provoking book "Becoming Wise in the Age of AI." Jeff shares his journey from running for governor to writing a book that explores the existential implications of AI on humanity. 00:00 - Introduction00:25 - Jeff's journey to writing the book01:07 - The book's unique approach and title01:38 - Why Jeff felt compelled to write03:22 - The evolution of Jeff's writing process05:07 - The dream that changed Jeff's perspective07:22 - The message and impact of the book10:04 - The role of AI in human evolution13:20 - The importance of human connection in the age of AI16:06 - Reforming institutions for human flourishing19:06 - The hero's journey and AI's role22:31 - The future of AI and human wisdom25:06 - Jeff's reflections on his personal journey31:13 - What's next for Jeff Burningham35:54 - Similarities between launching a book and a startup39:33 - Jeff's thoughts on running for office again44:05 - The serendipitous journey of the book's creation If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:http://www.jeffburningham.com/Apple Podcasts -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts -https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Jul 11, 2025 • 16min

Craft Lake City’s Program Administrator Jeremy Johnson

In this episode, we dive deep into the vibrant world of Craft Lake City, an organization dedicated to promoting local artisans through the integration of technology, science, and arts. Join us as we chat with a key member of the Craft Lake City team about their mission, the history of the organization, and the exciting events they host, including the annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival.00:00 - Introduction00:37 - Transition to Craft Lake City00:50 - Guest's background in graphic design01:18 - History of Craft Lake City and its connection with Slug Magazine02:13 - The mission of Craft Lake City03:58 - Focus on STEM and youth entrepreneurship programs05:27 - The intersection of science and art07:07 - Discussion on Utah's tech and entrepreneurial community08:06 - Rocket launch events and community outreach09:07 - Impact of AI on art and upcoming exhibits11:45 - Clarifying the focus of Craft Lake City12:23 - Importance of youth entrepreneurship13:11 - The role of 3D printing in entrepreneurship14:03 - A typical day at Craft Lake City15:02 - Call to action for Utah County and contact information If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:https://craftlakecity.com Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

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