Zach Rapaport is the Founder and Principal of Meerkat Development, and we spoke about what it takes to transform big dreams into scalable realities. With a rich background in construction, project management, and development, Zach shared his journey from working on his father’s job sites to leading national expansion projects for global brands like Joe & the Juice. He now brings his expertise to entrepreneurs looking to scale their brands without losing focus on what matters most: time, efficiency, and quality.Here are some of the key topics we explored:Scaling Smarter: Zach shared how he acts as a "fractional head of development," offering cost-effective and expert guidance for brands at any stage. "Your time is probably worth $750 an hour," Zach tells his clients, highlighting how he helps them save time and money.The Calm in Chaos: Drawing on his experience managing complex, high-stakes projects, Zach explained how staying grounded is essential in navigating fast-paced development cycles. "You can't make a good decision when you're feeling emotional about something," he emphasized.Lessons from the Field: From digging with a shovel on his father’s sites to managing nationwide rollouts, Zach recounted how hands-on experience and resilience shaped his ethos. "That eliminated any kind of sense of entitlement that I had at that time," he reflected on his early days.Takeaways for listeners:The Role of the Nucleus: Learn why having a central point of contact—someone who "can speak the language of architects, contractors, and owners"—is critical for project success.Planning Pays Off: Zach explained how meticulous planning before a single hammer swings saves time, money, and stress: "You don't want to take [a project] out of the oven before it's ready."Scaling with Strategy: Discover how Zach uses market research and gut instinct to advise brands on expansion, helping them decide, "Where should we go next?"Whether you're a restaurateur expanding to new locations or an entrepreneur managing growth, Zach's insights will resonate.

Scott McCrady is a seasoned cybersecurity expert and Chief Executive Officer at SolCyber Managed Security Services with decades of experience shaping security strategies for businesses of all sizes. We spoke about the evolving challenges in cybersecurity, why small and medium businesses (SMBs) are now prime targets for cyberattacks, and how to proactively embed security into your organization's DNA.Scott shared his journey from introverted network engineer to cybersecurity leader, emphasizing how "stacking your skills," including public speaking, can open unexpected doors. He recounted, “The old joke back there was the engineer who would stop looking at his own shoes and would look at the shoes of the customer was more outgoing.” His early interactions with customers shaped his perspective on leadership and communication in the tech world.Here’s what we explored:Why SMBs Are Vulnerable: Scott debunked the myth that smaller companies aren’t at risk, explaining, “The capability is so robust and so simple for the attackers… they’re not really specifically attacking you anymore.”AI's Double-Edged Sword: While AI offers unparalleled advancements, it also equips bad actors with tools to launch widespread and sophisticated attacks.The Cost of Complacency: With 75% of SMBs going out of business after a breach, cybersecurity is no longer optional. “You’ve got a one in three chance every year of being breached,” Scott warned.Takeaways for entrepreneurs:Integrate Security Early: Retrofitting security is expensive and inefficient. Build it into your foundation.Consider Outsourcing: Managed security services provide world-class protection tailored for SMBs at a reasonable cost.Leverage Cyber Insurance: Companies like SolCyber work with insurers to offer significant discounts for businesses prioritizing cybersecurity.Scott’s advice is clear: security isn’t just a box to check—it’s an investment in your company’s future. As he put it, “Think of this big huge elephant… push that thing and say okay, big huge check box, and you’re on your way to having an amazing secure organization.”

Ben Lightburn is a pioneer in the development of natural psychedelic drug candidates. We spoke about his groundbreaking work at Filament Health, where he and his team are redefining how psychedelics are developed and utilized in clinical settings. Ben shared his extensive experience in botanical extraction, the challenges of building startups, and the immense potential of psychedelics for treating substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.Throughout the conversation, Ben highlighted key distinctions between natural and synthetic drugs. "A natural drug gets extracted from a natural source," he explained, emphasizing that Filament Health’s patented processes allow them to retain the full spectrum of compounds found in psilocybin mushrooms. “We like to think it’s the best of both worlds,” Ben remarked, balancing nature’s complexity with pharmaceutical precision.We also discussed the critical importance of sustainability and cultural respect in sourcing plant-based psychedelics. Ben described how the Nagoya Protocol helps ensure ethical and equitable practices, particularly for plants like the iboga root, traditionally used by the Bwiti people of West Africa.Key Takeaways:Transformative Potential: Psychedelics have shown remarkable promise in treating substance use disorders, with research showing reductions in heavy drinking days by 83% and high rates of smoking cessation.Natural vs. Synthetic: Natural psychedelics, derived from mushrooms and plants, retain secondary compounds that may enhance therapeutic effects.Sustainability Matters: Ethical sourcing, as governed by protocols like Nagoya, ensures local communities and ecosystems are respected and preserved.Mental Health for Founders: Ben shared personal lessons on managing the immense stress of entrepreneurship, stating, “No company is worth the pain you could go through.”This episode provides a thought-provoking look at how natural psychedelics could redefine medicine while emphasizing the need for innovation, compassion, and sustainability. Whether you’re curious about the science, the ethics, or the personal challenges of building a company in this space, Ben’s insights are both inspiring and practical.

Oddi Aasheim is a seasoned leader and problem-solver who has worked with organizations like Shell, Accenture, and First Human. We spoke about what true leadership looks like when there are no clear answers and how to mobilize teams to create impactful futures rather than just solve problems.Aasheim shared how most leaders get trapped in a cycle of accumulating knowledge to solve immediate issues rather than stepping back to envision and create new possibilities. Reflecting on his career, he recounted a pivotal moment at Shell: "We redesigned the organization and launched it—yet nothing changed." This realization led him to explore a deeper question: “What is it that actually has us do what we do and not do what we don’t?”Key takeaways from the conversation:Lead Without Needing All the Answers: Leadership is about inspiring people toward an exciting future, not directing every step. As Aasheim puts it: "Leadership is seeing what's possible and making it happen without having the answers."Shift from Problem-Fixing to Future-Creating: He shared a story of a biofuels company that transformed its mindset from “solving fewer problems” to “building a successful, growing company.” This shift re-energized the team and attracted new clients.Engage Clients with Their Future Vision: Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of pitching solutions instead of painting a future their clients want to be part of. Aasheim emphasized: “Nobody is interested in how clever your solution is. They care about what's possible for them now.”Aasheim also discussed his work with GAFFI, a global charity fighting fungal infections, illustrating how leadership principles can shift behavior and create change on a global scale.Whether you’re a leader looking to inspire your team or an entrepreneur trying to share your vision, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you connect with others and mobilize action.For more insights, connect with Oddi at First Human or visit their website for executive resources.

Rugare Gomo is a high-performance business and leadership coach who embodies resilience and purpose. We spoke about his incredible journey—from growing up in Zimbabwe to carving out a life of freedom and leadership in Australia. His story sheds light on the courage it takes to break free from societal expectations and redefine your identity on your own terms.Rugare’s upbringing was marked by systemic limitations and cultural expectations. "The moment I was born, the world was telling me who I should and shouldn’t be," he reflects. Yet, from a young age, he knew that conformity wasn’t his destiny. With one suitcase, $300, and a bold vision, he moved to Australia at 16 to pursue education and opportunity.We discussed the power of education—not just as a tool for advancement but as a means of self-discovery. "What kind of education is going to open doors for who is you?" Rugare challenges us to reconsider the purpose behind our goals. His relentless pursuit of freedom saw him raise over $120,000 as an international student during Zimbabwe’s economic collapse—a journey he describes as his “first capital raise.”Rugare’s journey also reveals the invisible barriers that prevent marginalized communities from advancing in professional spaces. Despite being told that his status as an international student would limit him, he rose through the ranks—from working in a law firm's mailroom to becoming a legal professional. "I wasn’t going to be held back by the limitations the world was placing on me," he recalls.Key Takeaways:Self-Acceptance as a Foundation for Change: "Acceptance is the first stage to freedom," Rugare explains. Acknowledging his limiting beliefs and low self-esteem was pivotal in forging his path.The Importance of Bold Commitments: He emphasizes, "I didn’t wait to be confident to raise the money—it was raising the money that gave me confidence." Action fuels transformation, not the other way around.The Cost of Comfort: Rugare invites us to reflect on the price we pay for staying comfortable: "Anytime I don’t live my true self, it’s costing me my joy and my income."We also explored how leadership is about reclaiming who you say you are, not who the world tells you to be. "Society, family, education rob us of our light of who we are. I help people return and reclaim who they say they are," Rugare shares passionately.Through his book Dreams: Forging My Own Path and coaching, Rugare empowers others to pursue their dreams with unshakable commitment and authenticity.For anyone feeling trapped by external expectations, this conversation is a powerful reminder that freedom starts with an unbreakable belief in your potential.

Brian Anderson is an entrepreneur who mastered the art of balancing work, family, and business growth—and we spoke about why defining your principles is the secret to sustainable success.In this episode, Brian shares his journey from humble beginnings—living in his grandmother’s garage—to building a multimillion-dollar company while staying true to his core values. He talks about the importance of setting clear boundaries:"When I say no, I mean no—not K-N-O-W, but N-O. I will not do this."Brian’s story is a testament to resilience. After losing his father at a young age, he developed a work ethic that shaped his approach to leadership and life. Despite not following a traditional academic path, he turned his experience in retail into a foundation for motivating and leading others.We discussed:Avoiding the trap of "unintended consequences of success" and staying aligned with what truly matters.Why saying "no" can be the most powerful decision for both your family and business.How culture impacts growth: "Happy employees make happy customers."The importance of having a "why" that resonates across your team to create a culture of trust and pride.Brian also explained how his company thrives without traditional sales tactics by relying on exceptional customer service and referrals. His approach to company culture includes forced time off, unlimited PTO, and a focus on empathy:"If your kid has a sore throat, you stop what you're doing and go home."Takeaways:Success isn’t just about growth—it’s about maintaining the principles that make life meaningful.Building a team that shares your values can drive long-term business success.Sustainable growth happens when you care about the things that money can’t buy: health, time, and family.Brian’s belief in helping others reflects in his work, whether supporting small businesses with IT solutions or mentoring on LinkedIn: "I’ll never be a doctor, but I help doctors. I’ll never be a pilot, but I help pilots."Whether you're scaling your business or seeking work-life balance, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the traditional hustle narrative and inspire you to redefine success.

Daniel Callahan is a renowned trial attorney with a story that exemplifies resilience, creativity, and relentless preparation. We spoke about his journey from humble beginnings—graduating near the bottom of his high school class—to becoming the "Trial Lawyer of the Year" multiple times and securing some of the largest verdicts in U.S. history.In this conversation, Daniel unpacks what it takes to become a formidable presence in the courtroom. He shares insights on balancing hard work with family values and the importance of thorough preparation:"When you walk into court fully prepared, you exude confidence. The jury reads that, and they want to believe you."Key takeaways from the episode include:Mastering courtroom strategy: Daniel highlights the art of forming connections with jurors during voir dire by memorizing their names and addressing them personally to build trust and engagement.Creativity in legal battles: He recounts innovative cases, such as using unique repossession methods and leveraging the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to outmaneuver opponents. His approach proves that out-of-the-box thinking can yield extraordinary results.Resilience and self-motivation: Despite a challenging start, Daniel's unyielding belief in his potential drove him to excel:"I prepared to take down superhumans, and when they showed up, they weren’t Goliath—they were human."Additionally, Daniel discusses his current role at Callahan Consulting Group, where he mentors attorneys and helps clients find the best legal representation. His parting advice to aspiring lawyers is a testament to his ethos:"Respect the process, believe in your case, and prepare like everything is at stake."This episode is a compelling exploration of grit, innovation, and legal mastery—offering lessons not just for lawyers but for anyone looking to sharpen their craft and elevate their career.

Matt Strippelhoff, partner and CEO of Red Hawk Technologies, is a seasoned entrepreneur, and we spoke about navigating the emotional and professional storms that come with unexpected setbacks. Matt shared how a single January morning in 2017, during a foggy drive along the Ohio River, became the defining moment of his career:"I thought I was having a panic attack for the first time in my life."Within weeks, his top three clients—representing the majority of his company’s revenue—called with devastating news: budget cuts, cancellations, and mergers. Faced with the unthinkable, Matt had to make difficult decisions, including layoffs. However, this turning point paved the way for profound innovation and growth.Here’s what we learned:Client Concentration Risks: If most of your revenue comes from a handful of clients, your business is on thin ice.Innovation Born from Pain: As Matt puts it, "Until you go through some level of pain and suffering, you may not truly innovate." The crisis forced his team to rethink their approach entirely.Shifting the Software Narrative: Instead of selling software projects as finite solutions, Matt reframed them as long-term assets with ongoing value.The Power of Support Systems: Matt credits the Entrepreneurs Organization for being a lifeline: "Spending time with people who've been through challenges like this before is extremely helpful."We also discussed how operational constraints can lead to freedom, using Matt's unique "tech innovation workshops" and simple ROI tools designed to guide mid-market companies through key decisions:"If your purchase decision is based purely on cost, nothing’s worth investing in because all you see is pure cost."Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that even the darkest moments can lead to exponential growth. If you’ve ever questioned whether you're the right person to lead your company through a crisis, this episode offers both empathy and actionable insights.

Mike Andes is an entrepreneur who dropped out of medical school after starting college at 13 and built a lawn care empire from scratch. We spoke about the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—from a near-death experience to redefining success through systems and procedures. Mike’s story isn’t just about mowing grass—it’s about resilience, strategy, and creating value in ways that scale.Key topics include his groundbreaking "pay-for-performance" system, which transformed his team’s motivation and took his business from zero profits to $280,000 in annual earnings. "The harder they work, the more money they make," Mike shares, explaining how this approach replaced hourly pay with a structure that rewards efficiency.Mike also sheds light on the pros and cons of franchising: "Constraints can feel limiting, but they increase your likelihood of success." By implementing tried-and-tested systems, Mike scaled Augusta Lawn Care to 170 locations without losing sight of his mission—to elevate professionalism in the landscaping industry. "We want to change the perception from ‘unreliable guys with leaking trucks’ to trusted professionals," he explains.Key Takeaways:Systematize to Scale: Mike reveals how implementing scripts for estimates, project management, and phone handling saved his business and life: "Without me, the business would fall apart."Pay-for-Performance Model: Discover how this innovative compensation approach empowers employees and improves profit margins.Franchise Wisdom: Understand the trade-offs of franchising and why it can be a "kennel for your business" that leads to long-term freedom.Tech as a Differentiator: Mike emphasizes that in the next decade, businesses with AI-driven tools will dominate. "Software that can route jobs or answer calls 24/7 will separate pros from hobbyists."Accessible Growth Resources: Mike’s commitment to open-source education means you can access his full course for free—lacerations and all: "You’ll see the scars from my dump truck accident as I documented how we turned things around."Mike’s mission goes beyond business—it's about building a legacy where rising tides lift all ships. Whether you're in landscaping or any service industry, his story offers powerful lessons on working smarter, not harder, and using setbacks as fuel for success.

Samantha Upchurch is a passionate entrepreneur and health advocate who shared her transformative journey from poverty to building multimillion-dollar businesses. We spoke about her life-altering experiences, the five-step process she developed to achieve success, and how resilience and health play pivotal roles in sustaining it.Samantha's story began in a small Greek village, where simplicity and close community ties shaped her early years. But life took an unexpected turn when her family moved to England, leaving her with nothing but the determination to rewrite her destiny. "At the age of 8 or 9, I asked myself, ‘Am I okay with this life?’ And the answer was a resounding no," she recalled.Through her journey, Samantha discovered the importance of resilience. She emphasized, “Resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s actually bouncing forward.” Her approach involves reframing failures into stepping stones and leveraging past experiences to navigate current obstacles.She also underscored the role of passion and work ethic in achieving goals: “Passion is the engine, and strategy is the vehicle,” she stated. Samantha’s actionable advice includes writing down strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to gain clarity and focus on what drives you.Finally, Samantha revealed a key insight: success is as much about health as it is about mindset. “How can you pour into a successful business from an empty cup? You can’t,” she said, stressing the need to address both psychological and biochemical imbalances.Key TakeawaysReprogram Your Mind: Identify limiting beliefs and transform them into empowering thoughts.Discover Your Passion: “Without passion, challenges will defeat you.” Find what excites you and turn it into opportunity.Adopt Relentless Work Ethic: Consistency beats intensity every time. Schedule your efforts and focus on high-value tasks.Cultivate Resilience: Learn from failures, and use them as steps to move forward.Prioritize Health: Balance psychological well-being with nutritional alignment to sustain long-term success.Samantha’s journey is a testament to the power of mindset, hard work, and a holistic approach to life. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for anyone ready to rewrite their own story.