21st Century Entrepreneurship

Elizabeth Corbett is a passionate sales leader focused on creating singular, sustainable packaging & supply chain solutions for the health & beauty, food/beverage, hospitality, nutraceuticals, wellness, CPG, petcare & cannabis markets, and our conversation explored her experiences and insights into navigating predominantly male-driven sectors. Elizabeth discusses the unique challenges she faced and the strategies she developed for fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.She opens up about her early career, noting, "When I was starting out, the mentors that I had that were women felt like they had to act like men... In fact, I think a lot of times, you almost got pushed down." Her journey from encountering limited female leadership to becoming a president of a business group underscores the evolution of her mentoring philosophy.Elizabeth passionately advocates for mentorship and networking among women across various industries. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership, insisting, "You don't have to act like a dude. You can be yourself, you can still be professional." Her commitment to this principle is evident as she leads her own team, predominantly composed of women, toward crafting innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.One of the key themes Elizabeth touches upon is the significance of recognizing and valuing oneself in the workplace. She candidly shares personal anecdotes about past mistakes, such as staying too long in a role or underestimating her worth, to illuminate common pitfalls for female professionals. "Secondly is not knowing your value, not really understanding your worth," she recalls, providing a mirror for many in similar positions.Furthermore, Elizabeth's participation in the Center for Creative Leadership offered transformative insights, reshaping her approach to management and interpersonal relationships. She describes the feedback process as a pivotal moment, revealing, "It was a big slap in the face when you realize that how you thought you were impacting people around you is completely different than the way that they look at you."Through our discussion, listeners will gather invaluable lessons on leadership, the empowerment of women in business, and the art of nurturing a supportive and respectful company culture. Elizabeth's story is a powerful testament to the positive change that committed and insightful leadership can bring to any industry.

Geoff Thatcher is the founder and chief creative officer of an experience design firm Creative Principals, and our conversation explored the high-velocity world of creating memorable experiences. Geoff detailed his philosophy on why working quickly doesn’t just meet deadlines—it sparks creativity. "I think you get better creativity in so many ways," Geoff argues, pointing out that rapid execution helps sidestep the paralysis that often accompanies prolonged deliberation.A significant part of our discussion revolved around the concept of "creative speed," which Geoff champions both as an operational principle and a strategic advantage. He shares an intriguing insight, "First impressions are sometimes, a lot of the times, most of the time, right." This belief in swift, decisive action is rooted in his professional practice and vividly illustrated with the transformation of an eight-week project into a five-day sprint, enhancing both cost-effectiveness and engagement.Geoff also touched on the familial aspect of his business, emphasizing the unique contributions each member brings to the table, which enriches their projects. He describes this dynamic, highlighting the involvement of his wife and children, "Our designer and illustrator, she's been with us five years, is our oldest daughter Zoe. And then our creative writer is my son, Joel."The discussion extended beyond the mechanics of his business to the broader implications of speed in entrepreneurship. Geoff passionately conveyed the necessity of moving past naysayers to innovate and execute swiftly. He explained, "Speed allows you to move so quickly that you just move right past those naysayers."Listeners will find value in Geoff’s candid share about the pitfalls of partnerships in entrepreneurship. He advises, "It's just a bad idea to partner. Go out on your own. Do it yourself." This episode is packed with practical insights and is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of creativity, leadership, and business efficiency. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, Geoff’s experiences and strategies provide a compelling blueprint for success in fast-paced environments.

James Li is a tech founder and passionate entrepreneur who turned a personal challenge into a transformative solution for aging adults. We discussed how Mighty Health, the first all-in-one daily program built specifically for healthy aging, became the #1 Healthy Aging App under his leadership. Inspired by a pivotal moment in his father's life, James shared, "My dad had a seven-hour long open heart surgery...in that moment, I resolved to create a company like Mighty Health." This venture not only aims to add years to life but also life to those years, addressing the age-old human quest for immortality through accessible, quality healthcare and wellness. With a user base of over 220,000, Mighty Health leverages top longevity doctors and tailored fitness plans, transforming the approach to wellness in the 50-and-up demographic.Central to our discussion was the theme of integrating social impact with business success. James illustrated this through his journey from witnessing his parents' entrepreneurial struggles to his resolve to start a company with a meaningful mission. His reflection on entrepreneurship highlights the gritty reality behind the scenes: "Entrepreneurship oftentimes is just putting one feet in front of the other."From his initial venture in college to founding Mighty Health, James emphasized the importance of making businesses that not only solve problems but also make a lasting impact on people’s daily lives. He noted, "Our thesis at Mighty Health is that daily function is the foundation for everything."Key takeaways from this episode include the potential of entrepreneurship to enact social change, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of addressing everyday health issues through innovative business models. As James passionately stated, "Our vision is to become the home for healthy living for those 50 and up."This episode serves as an inspiring guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to blend profitability with purpose, showing that true success is about more than just the bottom line—it’s about making a meaningful difference.

Adam Kroener is an award-winning 8-figure CEO and the visionary behind Carbliss, the #1 Fastest Growing Company by Inc Regionals with over 7000% growth. Together with his wife Amanda, Adam turned his dissatisfaction with the existing high-carb, high-sugar cocktail options into a revolutionary low-carb beverage company. We discussed his journey from mastering fundamental financial principles to scaling Carbliss into a beverage empire.From his early days facing the unexpected responsibilities of fatherhood and military service to his experiences in Iraq and the economic downturn, Adam's story is one of relentless determination. His insights into overcoming adversities are encapsulated when he says, "when you have a bad situation happen, there are only two options... change a situation or... change your perception towards it."A significant focus of our discussion is on the inception and growth of his business, born from dissatisfaction with existing market offerings and fueled by a personal passion for innovation. Adam's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he recounts his venture into creating a distinctive product that defied industry norms, stating, "we took that learning of knowing that we had a product that was completely different in the market."Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of narrowing focus to achieve depth before breadth in business expansion, and the strategic patience required to build a sustainable brand. Adam emphasizes, "narrow and deep is always better than far and wide," a philosophy that has guided his business decisions and led to exponential growth.Listeners will also find value in Adam's approach to life and leadership, heavily influenced by his military training and continuous learning. His story underscores the power of shifting perspectives and harnessing personal experiences to forge a path forward. As Adam poignantly shares, he learned to "focus on what I freaking loved about the guy," referring to coping with the loss of a close friend.This episode is not just about the mechanics of building a successful business but also about the personal growth and mindset shifts necessary to navigate life's unpredictabilities. Join us to explore how Adam Kroener turned life's lemons into more than just lemonade—into a thriving business and a life he loves.

Nathaniel Greene, co-founder of Futures Forge, is dedicated to "Rebuilding Tertiary Education With a Clean-Sheet Approach." In our discussion, Nathaniel unraveled the systemic issues plaguing higher education and shared his innovative strategies for overhauling the sector. His perspective is shaped by his extensive experience as a seasoned entrepreneur deeply engaged with education reform. He questioned the traditional models, asking, "Why is it such a mess? Why are people so unhappy? Why is there such a lack of value added?"Nathaniel's critique of the university system is both deep and expansive. He discussed how universities have become overly expensive and inefficient, noting, "And when you look at it, it's going to be the largest expense that anyone, that almost anyone ever makes." This perspective sheds light on the disproportionate cost versus the actual benefit derived from traditional college education.Key takeaways from our discussion include:The traditional university model is under severe scrutiny for its effectiveness and relevance in today's rapidly changing world.Nathaniel advocates for a radical transformation in educational approaches, emphasizing skills and practical knowledge over outdated prestige and theoretical knowledge.The introduction of alternative educational pathways that align more closely with the needs of modern employers and societal shifts.Nathaniel proposed a future where education is more tailored, accessible, and aligned with real-world applications. He emphasized the potential for online platforms and AI to revolutionize learning: "Your technical knowledge, you'll learn online... You'll have an AI tutor." This approach not only makes education more flexible but also more inclusive, breaking down geographical and socioeconomic barriers.Nathaniel's vision extends to reconfiguring educational content to focus on critical thinking and practical skills that are directly applicable in the workplace. He stressed the importance of reimagining education to make it a true lever for success in life, stating, "So that's our whole pedagogy within our course."

Jeffrey Klubeck, a professor and author, shared insights on his unique approach to fostering accountability through the "integrity game." We explored how integrating integrity into our daily lives and business practices can lead to more genuine and non-threatening forms of accountability. Klubeck humorously describes his method: "I lead with integrity and humor... to get us into this accountability conversation," emphasizing that conventional approaches often trigger defensiveness rather than fostering genuine responsibility.A key focus of our discussion was the misconception surrounding the concept of integrity. Klubeck pointed out, "We all claim to have integrity because we all judge ourselves by our intentions, but we all judge others to be without integrity because they're falling short of our expectations." This highlights the common bias where individuals assess their own integrity based on intentions rather than actions, a central theme Klubeck challenges in his teachings.The podcast also dove into the practical application of Klubeck's ten-point model of integrity, which addresses everything from personal purpose to the impact of our actions on others. He described the model as a system that encourages reflection and alignment between one's words and actions, noting, "Each of the ten points on the model become ten content doors to knock on, because each of them are an endless journey of content behind each door, each topic."Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how shifting our perspective on integrity and accountability can improve not only personal growth but also enhance professional environments. Klubeck’s approach invites us to "play the integrity game," which he argues is crucial for developing a more aligned, responsible, and fulfilling life.Through engaging and playful discussion, this episode provides valuable takeaways for anyone looking to bridge the gap between their aspirations and their real-world actions, emphasizing the importance of integrity as the foundation for genuine accountability.

Alex Duta is a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from the Chicagoland area, who has woven resilience and strategic vision into his career trajectory. In our conversation, we explored his unique backstory starting from his parent's migration from communist Romania to establishing their new lives in America. Alex shares, "The coolest part of what I think they did with both me and my brother was that they built the best children for the world." This foundational principle deeply influenced his entrepreneurial journey.Alex began his career path at a young age, challenging traditional norms by starting a snow removal business as a teenager and later co-founding a successful damage restoration company. He reflects on the misperception of youth as a barrier, stating, "The fact that I was 16, I thought it was one of my disadvantages, um, and actually turned out to be my superpower." His story is a testament to the power of redefining perceived weaknesses as strengths.Our discussion also covered the critical mindset shifts that have shaped his approach to business and personal growth. Alex’s belief in the value of big dreams resonates through his work, "your dream... should be big enough for other people's dreams to fit within it." He emphasizes the importance of envisioning a future that accommodates not just personal ambitions but also the aspirations of others.Moreover, Alex shared his holistic perspective on life balance, which he redefined following a severe health scare during the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocates for a balanced approach to life's pillars—wealth, health, love, and spirituality—suggesting that "you can actually have it all, and you can go 110% on all of them."Listeners will find valuable insights on resilience, the interplay between personal values and business success, and the profound impact of nurturing balanced life pillars. Alex’s journey illustrates that with the right mindset, youthful energy can indeed be a formidable force in entrepreneurship.

Anne Brown is the CEO of Gazelle Global, and we spoke about the potential and challenges of venturing into entrepreneurship. During our discussion, Anne reflects on her experiences as a founder and leader, emphasizing the empowerment and responsibility that come with being your own boss. She notes, "Once you are in control of your own destiny, I think life becomes easier because you make the success of your life or you don't, but it's all on you."In this insightful conversation, Anne explores differences between working for someone else and steering your own company. She shares her journey from leaving a stable job in 1993 to establishing and nurturing Gazelle Global and later a global translation business. Highlighting the uncertainty in current job markets, she mentions, "There's a distinct unstable situation in working for other people these days. But if you have your own business, I think it's a more attractive situation."Anne's personal takeaways provide a candid look into the psychological shift required for successful entrepreneurship. She talks about the benefits of industry associations for support and leadership, advocating for community engagement and giving back, citing her involvement with organizations like the Market Research Education Foundation.Listeners will find inspiration in her encouragement to embrace leadership roles and build a fulfilling work environment. "Your leadership skills will come into play. Your empathy will come into play. Your courage will come into play," Anne asserts, illustrating the holistic growth accompanying entrepreneurship.This episode is a compelling narrative for anyone contemplating the leap into starting their own business, offering practical advice and heartfelt encouragement from a seasoned entrepreneur.

Robin Hills is an emotional intelligence coach who joined us to explore the intricate dance between artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI). During our conversation, Robin delved into how these two fields intersect and impact 21st-century entrepreneurship, emphasizing the unique qualities that define human intelligence.Robin explains, "Emotional intelligence is the way in which we combine our thinking with our feelings to make good quality decisions and build up authentic relationships." He posits that while AI may excel in data processing and pattern recognition, it lacks the inherent human capacity to forge deep relationships and make ethically grounded decisions. He asserts, "Artificial intelligence systems cannot make judgments and decisions based on values and ethics."Throughout his career, beginning in pharmaceutical sales and extending into emotional intelligence coaching, Robin has observed firsthand the transformative power of EI in both personal and professional contexts. He recounts his experiences in sales, where he realized that doctors who managed their emotions better were also more effective and approachable in their professional roles. This revelation sparked his passion for EI: "It wasn't until I'd been through a number of job role changes and redundancies that I came across this construct that is emotional intelligence and felt that really that this was the big gateway to my future."Robin also discussed the broader implications of EI in business networking and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of reciprocity in relationships: "It's what is it that I can give into this relationship in order that I can get something out of it?" Moreover, he challenges conventional views on resilience, stating, "Resilience is nothing to do with bouncing. What resilience has got to do with is understanding that life really does not go in the way in which you want it to go at all times."Listeners can expect to glean insights into building emotional resilience, the crucial role of EI in navigating the complexities of modern entrepreneurship, and how to enhance their emotional intelligence to better prepare for the future. As Robin continues to develop courses integrating EI with topics like risk management, he remains committed to helping others harness their emotional skills to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.By integrating EI into every aspect of life and business, Robin believes we can all lead more fulfilled and successful lives. "The future needs to be dominated by human beings, and we can make the difference to the world, because we are human beings, we have emotions," he concludes, offering a powerful reminder of our distinct human capabilities in an increasingly automated world.

Phyllis Quinlan is a seasoned professional coach who brings her extensive experience in healthcare to the fore in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by caregivers today. Our conversation dives into the intricate dynamics of caregiver burnout, the conflation of healthcare's business aspects with caregiving, and the crucial role of emotional intelligence in maintaining a healthy workplace.Phyllis's journey started when a nurse reached out to her, suffering from what Phyllis later recognized as "empathy fatigue, caregiver fatigue, or what we now label as burnout." This encounter marked a turning point, pushing her to specialize in helping caregivers overcome burnout. Phyllis explains, "I really started to throw myself fully into learning as much about burnout, about caregiver fatigue, empathy fatigue, as much as I possibly could."The conversation explores how the pressures of aligning the day-to-day business operations of healthcare with the inherently altruistic mission of caregiving create a ripe environment for professional burnout. Phyllis notes, "Professional caregivers, again, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, start to confuse the business of healthcare with the practice of their profession. And they will not align."A significant part of our discussion revolves around addressing disruptive workplace behaviors, such as bullying and chronic incivility, which can exacerbate the loss of mission in caregiving professionals. Phyllis stresses the importance of a concerted effort to tackle such issues, warning, "You never tackle someone who's dealing in or behaving in chronically uncivil manners, or are actually engaging in bullying, alone."Moreover, we explore the solutions Phyllis advocates for overcoming these challenges. She highlights the necessity of self-care and emotional resilience for caregivers, asserting, "The fact that they have chosen with bravery to live their life heart open allows them to feel all the good and all the not so good, but in that, they have to have self-compassion for themselves."Key takeaways from this episode include the understanding that professional caregiving is not just a job but a calling, the critical role of emotional intelligence and resilience in combating burnout, and the urgent need for healthcare leaders to foster a supportive and healthy work environment. Phyllis eloquently concludes that the goal is "to help [caregivers] regain a perspective where there are, where they are reconnecting with mission and purpose and not getting all lost in the weeds of the business of healthcare."This conversation offers invaluable insights into the complexities of caregiving, the pitfalls of healthcare administration, and the pathways to maintaining compassion amidst professional challenges.