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Zachary Kushel is the Founder and Managing Partner of Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV), a venture capital fund focused on local startups within the North Bay region. With a diverse professional background, including experience at the White House, Wall Street, and Silicon Valley, Zachary has been instrumental in building a thriving local business community. Before founding MSIV in 2020, he served as Head of People and Corporate Operations at SmithRx and held key roles at Glassdoor and Cisco. Zachary's notable achievements include working on Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign and holding a master's in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School. He has received numerous accolades, including the Leaders of the North Bay award for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Spirit in 2023. In this episode… Building a thriving local business community can be challenging, especially in areas traditionally overlooked by major startups and investors. Many regions have the potential for economic growth but lack the infrastructure, support, and capital necessary to nurture new businesses. So, how can local connections grow a business in nontraditional entrepreneurial regions?   Zachary Kushel addressed this issue by founding Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV) in April 2020. Zachary focused on leveraging local talent and capital to foster economic development in the North Bay. By organizing community events, building a network of local founders, and securing investments from residents, he created a support system for startups. His approach involved barnstorming through neighborhoods to gather small groups, pitch his vision, and raise capital, demonstrating how grassroots efforts can lead to substantial economic growth.   Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Zachary Kushel, Founder and Managing Partner of MSIV, about fostering local economic growth through community-driven initiatives. Zachary shares his journey from working at the White House and Wall Street to founding MSIV and discusses how the pandemic accelerated the relevance of hyper-local job creation.

Barry Shulman is a seasoned talent advisor, executive search expert, and Predictive Index expert with over 30 years of experience working with various executive teams. He began his career in New York City on Madison Avenue as a recruiter before founding his management consulting firm in Silicon Valley during the early 1990s, navigating the ups and downs of the tech boom and bust. Barry is known for his deep understanding of organizational dynamics and innovative use of predictive analytics to enhance workplace performance. His insights are sought after not only for recruiting and placing top executives but also for transforming organizational structures and optimizing team performance. In this episode… In today's business landscape, finding and managing the right talent remains a critical challenge for leaders across industries. The complexities of building cohesive teams that drive organizational success can often seem daunting, especially when traditional hiring practices fail to yield the desired results. So, how do you recruit the right talent without making costly mistakes? Barry Shulman, with his deep expertise in executive search and talent optimization, provides practical solutions to these challenges. By leveraging advanced assessment tools like the Predictive Index, Barry helps leaders design winning teams and secure top talent. His methodology focuses on identifying behavioral and cognitive patterns in employees and aligning their capabilities with the strategic objectives of their employers. Barry’s methods not only refine the hiring process but also enhance overall team performance and organizational health. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Barry Shulman, a talent advisor and executive search expert at Shulman Associates, about how predictive analytics can revolutionize talent management strategies. Barry talked about his strategic move to Silicon Valley and how he navigated the challenges of the dot-com bust. They also discussed the significance of the Predictive Index and how it transforms talent management.

Brett Winn is the Founding Partner and Executive Creative Director at The Refinery AV, an LA-based entertainment marketing agency that specializes in crafting compelling promotional materials for film and television. He began his career at Ithaca College, studying theater and film, and has since worked with major companies like FX Networks, Fox Broadcasting, and Disney before co-founding The Refinery AV in 2008. Brett is also known as the co-director and editor of the award-winning film "My Date with Drew," which showcases his innovative approach to filmmaking and marketing on a tight budget. His passion for creative storytelling and entrepreneurial spirit have driven his success in the entertainment industry and garnered numerous accolades, including Clio Awards, Golden Trailer Awards, and Promax Awards. In this episode… Many aspiring professionals struggle to transition from academic environments to the highly competitive business side of entertainment, where making a mark often requires a blend of strategic thinking and creative execution. The industry demands not only creativity and innovation but also an entrepreneurial spirit to thrive. How can one navigate these complexities to build a successful career in such a dynamic field? Brett Winn tackled these challenges head-on by leveraging his early experiences and academic background in theater and film. Recognizing his passion for film and understanding the importance of control over creative projects, Brett pursued a degree in film and television at Ithaca College. This foundational decision led him to roles at FX Networks and Fox Broadcasting and to eventually co-founding The Refinery AV, where he innovatively combined his creative talents and business acumen. His entrepreneurial journey was marked by a significant project, "My Date with Drew," which he co-directed and edited, demonstrating his capability to handle multiple roles in production and storytelling effectively. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brett Winn, Executive Creative Director and Founding Partner at The Refinery AV, about building a thriving entertainment marketing industry. They discuss the strategic challenges of marketing major film projects and balancing creative integrity with commercial success. Brett also shares the impact of industry disruptions like strikes and the transformative role of community organizations like the EO.

Rishi Khan, President of Extreme Scale Solutions and CTO at AKOS Solutions with a PhD in Computational Biology, discusses revolutionizing productivity with AI. Topics include Fourier Neural operators for simulation speeds, AI in diverse industries, and practical business applications like HR and sales opportunities.

Lucien Harriot, Executive Producer at Mechanism Digital, discusses integrating AI in creative workflows without replacing human expertise. He emphasizes AI as a tool for enhancing creativity and efficiency, sharing examples from his experience. The podcast also explores balancing business growth with maintaining creative talent, and the impact of AI on industries, emphasizing the need to adapt to new opportunities.

Carson Wagner is the Founder and CEO of Lifetime of Love Nannies, a 24/7 nanny and babysitting agency that serves the Reno, Tahoe, Truckee, and Las Vegas areas. Since its inception in 2019, the agency has grown significantly, employing over 60 people and expanding its services to include special needs care, pet sitting, and housekeeping.  Carson has a notable background in behavioral therapy and a strong commitment to providing premium, inclusive care, which has driven the company's mission to ensure every child experiences unparalleled love and care. Her entrepreneurial journey began at a young age with early ventures like selling seeds to neighbors. Shaped by personal experiences, including witnessing her mother's struggles after her parents' divorce, she's driven to create a sustainable business. In this episode… Many young entrepreneurs face the daunting challenge of turning a simple idea into a thriving business, especially in sectors like childcare, where demand is high, but trust and quality are paramount. Moreover, managing a team and scaling operations in response to rapid growth and unforeseen market changes, including global events like pandemics, can overwhelm even the most ambitious.  Carson Wagner tackled these hurdles by first identifying a gap in inclusive childcare services. Her approach involved creating a membership model that offers flexible, reliable care and leveraging technology through a partnership with Engine Hire to streamline operations and scale efficiently. Carson's strategy for growth also included geographic expansion, initially tapping into the community's needs in Reno before moving into Las Vegas and managing the complexities of remote business operations. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Carson Wagner, Founder and CEO of Lifetime of Love Nannies, about building a successful childcare service across different cities. The insightful discussion also covers Carson's innovative use of a membership model to differentiate her business, the challenges of managing a high growth phase during the pandemic, and the strategic use of technology to maintain quality service as the company expands.

Mike Hutzel is the Co-founder and CEO of EagleONE Group, a technology-enabled company specializing in customer experience, lead generation, digital marketing, and the PSP marketplace. Under his leadership, EagleONE is renowned for its comprehensive business development solutions, utilizing top-tier technology and expert knowledge to boost client customer experiences and market expansion. With a background in English and literature, Mike transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, leveraging a unique combination of relationship-building, consulting, and operational skills. He is also the Co-founder of The Templar Group LLC, actively involved in men’s ministries, and renowned for his expertise as a premier gummy bear connoisseur. In this episode… With the breakneck speed of today's business environment, companies struggle to integrate traditional business strategies with rapidly evolving technological innovations. Balancing these can be challenging, particularly in sectors like customer experience and digital marketing, where the pressure to remain competitive and innovative is intense. How can businesses harmonize these elements to avoid missed opportunities and achieve sustainable growth? Mike Hutzel shares actionable strategies to effectively blend traditional business wisdom with cutting-edge technology. From his extensive experience, Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse market demands and utilizing technology to enhance customer engagement and market reach. He highlights how personal experiences and backgrounds can significantly influence and strengthen leadership and decision-making in business. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Mike Hutzel, CEO of EagleONE Group, about leveraging technology and AI to innovate and lead in business. They also delve into the importance of adaptability, strategic relationship building, and innovative thinking for business growth and examine the potential of Frintz, a new marketplace merging photography and advertising. 

Ginger Zumaeta is the Founder and CEO of Motive3, a brand positioning, communications, and storytelling firm helping f advising businesses on effectively positioning and communicating big ideas. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and brand design, she is a three-time Emmy Award-winning writer and producer recognized for her innovative approach to marketing and storytelling.  Starting her career in television and rising to Vice President at NBC, Ginger transitioned into entrepreneurship, crafting effective strategies for startups to Fortune 500 companies. She has worked with renowned brands such as Coca-Cola, Verizon, Union Bank, and Infinity Insurance, and her insights have appeared in Business Insider, TheNextWeb, Better Marketing, Storius, and Marketing Profs. In this episode… Businesses often face the challenge of crafting compelling stories that attract clients and customers. Without a clear and strategic approach, companies struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. How can brands develop influential positioning and messaging strategies that resonate with the target audience and drive engagement? Ginger Zumaeta shares her actionable insights on overcoming this challenge. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the company's story and building a solid messaging framework. Ginger also discusses her journey from television to entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of perseverance and adaptability. She provides practical advice on restructuring business models, such as transitioning from a partnership to a solo consultancy and focusing on core strengths like messaging strategy to provide improved client service. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Ginger Zumaeta, the Founder and CEO of Motive3, about her experiences developing effective positioning and branding strategies. They discuss Ginger’s entrepreneurial journey, her rise from receptionist to VP at NBC, and the value of strategic messaging in business. They also delve into the impact of joining the Entrepreneurs' Organization and consulting for major brands like Kaiser Permanente.

Andrew Eklund is the Founder of Ciceron, a digital agency established in 1995 that has been at the forefront of the online marketing industry, helping brands navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. Ciceron is celebrated for its innovation and recognized as one of the fastest-growing digital agencies by AdWeek, Inc. 5000, and the Business Journal's Fast 50, highlighting significant contributions to the field. Currently, Andrew is steering Ciceron through another evolutionary leap by integrating AI technology to enhance marketing strategies and customer engagement. A seasoned speaker, Andrew has shared his expertise at industry-leading events such as Digiday, MediaPost Summits, and the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Las Vegas, among others. In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital landscape, agencies and entrepreneurs often struggle to adapt to rapid technological changes and market shifts. These challenges can lead to missed opportunities and potential business downturns, especially when economic crises hit. The ability to pivot and innovate while maintaining resilience is crucial for survival and success in this volatile environment. But how did these elements combine to ensure the agency's success over the years? Andrew Eklund's story begins with his early exposure to entrepreneurship, influenced by his father's leadership roles and his youthful ventures. His agency, Ciceron, established at the dawn of the internet era, has navigated through the dot-com bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic by continuously reinventing itself and embracing new technologies, notably AI. Andrew's leadership and forward-thinking approach have allowed Ciceron to remain at the forefront of the digital marketing industry, adapting to changes and seizing opportunities to grow. A significant part of their evolution involved making tough decisions during economic downturns while understanding the importance of empathy towards employees and clients alike. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Andrew Eklund, Founder of Ciceron, about building an agency that will last for decades. Andrew reflects on how hustling from childhood shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and discusses the transformative shifts in the digital pre-press industry. He also delves into the significant impacts of economic downturns on digital marketing strategies, and leveraging AI in digital marketing and entrepreneurship.

Dan Longhouse is the Founder and President of LHT Learning, a professional eLearning consulting firm providing innovative training services to Fortune 500 companies. With over 25 years immersed in the learning industry, Dan has a strong passion for leveraging technology and creativity to enhance organizational learning and impact. Under his leadership, LHT Learning has earned a reputation for its customized eLearning solutions and personal touch, which have garnered the team numerous accolades, including over 100 industry awards. Outside of LHT Learning, Dan co-founded Soundsmack and Compliance Cartoons, expanding his influence in educational technology. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs and business leaders face difficulties growing their businesses without compromising their commitment to innovation and learning. The challenge often lies in integrating advanced technologies with traditional business models and finding the right balance between growth and stability. This is especially true in the eLearning industry, where keeping up with technological advancements is crucial for business success. With extensive experience in corporate training and eLearning, Dan Longhouse emphasizes the importance of implementing professional management systems and fostering a culture of continuous learning within organizations. He shares actionable insights on how books like E-Myth Revisited and Traction have transformed his approach to business management, facilitating the effective growth of his operations while fostering innovation. Dan also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from childhood ventures to founding LHT Learning, highlighting the pivotal roles of passion, focus, and strategic partnerships. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dan Longhouse, the Founder and President of LHT Learning, about integrating innovation and technology in corporate learning environments. They also discuss the challenge and triumph of shifting from solo work to building a team, the impact of strategic management literature on his business philosophy, and the importance of customization in eLearning solutions.