Chris Burres is a pioneer in carbon nanomaterials and a co-owner of SES Research Inc., a company delivering groundbreaking solutions in this field since 1991. In our conversation, we explored the remarkable journey of ESS60, a molecule that has been a game-changer in various industries and, more intriguingly, in the field of longevity. Burres detailed the journey of this Nobel Prize-associated molecule from its discovery at Rice University in 1985 to its unexpected role in extending the lifespan of Wistar rats by 90%.One of the most compelling aspects of our discussion was the molecule's journey from industrial applications to a potential longevity elixir. "This molecule is absolutely amazing. In industrial applications, it performs as well or better than the current best material in almost every application," Burres explained. He further delved into the molecule's unique structure, likening it to a soccer ball, where the lines represent bonds between carbon atoms.The conversation took an unexpected turn with the revelation that ESS60, initially assumed to be toxic due to its benzene-like structure, actually contributed to a significant increase in the lifespan of test subjects. This led to Burres and his team pivoting from being "happy go lucky carbon nanomaterial scientists" to entering the supplement industry. This shift was propelled by the remarkable finding that rats administered with ESS60 lived 90% longer than the control group, a result that Burres described as "the single longest longevity experimental result in history."As a business leader and entrepreneur, Burres also shared insights into the challenges and decisions faced when transitioning from manufacturing carbon nanomaterials for industrial use to creating a consumer health supplement. This shift was not without its ethical and legal considerations, as he candidly discussed the journey towards ensuring the product's safety and compliance with FDA regulations.Listeners will find value in Burres' exploration of the mechanisms behind ESS60's effectiveness. He discussed the concepts of oxidative stress and inflammation, and how ESS60 addresses these key factors in aging. The conversation also touched on broader topics in the realm of longevity, including dietary solutions, exercise, and the impact of sleep on overall health.This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of science, health, and entrepreneurship. It offers a unique perspective on how a scientific discovery can lead to unforeseen opportunities and challenges in the business world.

Pete Meyer is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich journey in the business world, and in our conversation, we explored the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. Meyer, with his vast experience, shared insights on how to transform ideas into profitable ventures, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and resilience. He cleverly compares entrepreneurship to baseball: "if you are right three out of ten times, you're really good at what you do," highlighting the reality of frequent failures and the value of perseverance.Key topics discussed include the challenges of startup growth, the art of problem-solving in business, and balancing work with personal life. Meyer's story about transitioning a cholesterol supplement into a heart-healthy program reveals a crucial lesson: "it's not as much about the idea, it's about how you can iterate that idea and turn it into reality." This pivot not only saved his business but also tripled its size, illustrating the power of market responsiveness and creative thinking.Meyer's journey from his first corporate job to his latest venture, Healthy Fines, showcases the evolution of an entrepreneur. His approach to business planning, particularly the need for constant adaptation, resonates with many in the fast-paced business environment. His statement, "by the time we had the business plan done... the market had changed," underlines the necessity of agility in business strategy.Listeners can also gain valuable insights into work-life balance from Meyer's personal experiences. He stresses the importance of setting boundaries for a fulfilling life, both professionally and personally. His philosophy, "if we can create a life where what we do in work makes us better at home and vice versa," offers a blueprint for achieving harmony in our hectic lives.Moreover, Meyer's network-building strategies and his focus on nurturing long-term professional relationships are noteworthy. He advocates for the importance of taking care of those around us, be it in family, community, or business.For entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders, this episode is a treasure trove of real-world wisdom and practical advice. It's an inspiring tale of grit, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success. Tune in to learn from Pete Meyer's entrepreneurial journey and gain insights that could shape your path in the business world.

Adam Danyleyko is a dynamic force in the AI and startup communities, and our conversation explored his journey from HR to AI, highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence in today's startup ecosystem. With a rich background in government, community program management at Startup Edmonton, and now as the Product Owner of Startups at Amii, Danyleyko's insights span a wide spectrum of entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities.We delved into key advice for founders, where Danyleyko emphasizes the importance of identifying core problems before selecting tools. His analogy, "if you were a carpenter and you had a brand new hammer, you wouldn't walk around your job site trying to find things to hit with the hammer," succinctly captures this mindset. This approach is essential in a world where AI solutions like GPT are becoming increasingly accessible.Danyleyko's journey, from an HR co-op student to a leader in AI, underlines the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in career progression. He reflects on his time at the government of Alberta and how his roles evolved, eventually leading him to the vibrant startup community.The podcast also covers the critical elements of a successful startup ecosystem, emphasizing a founder-led approach and the need for diverse support structures. Danyleyko's insights into the role of government, the significance of peer support, and the impact of investment capital provide a comprehensive view of what makes an ecosystem thrive.Another focal point is the role of community-led organizations and events, like Democamp Edmonton, in fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. These platforms, according to Danyleyko, are vital for showcasing innovation and facilitating feedback.Mentorship, as discussed, is a cornerstone for startup success, illustrated by the story of Fly and Fetch. This narrative underscores how guidance and support can catalyze a startup's growth, especially in early stages.Danyleyko also highlighted the pivotal role of academic institutions in the startup ecosystem. He suggests that these institutions, through policy, engagement beyond campus, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, can significantly contribute to the startup landscape.Concluding with a focus on AI for good and for all, Danyleyko discusses Amii's mission, underscoring ethical considerations and the importance of principled AI development. This part of the conversation is particularly relevant in the current climate of AI ethics and responsible technology use.If you're an entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and business innovation, this episode offers a wealth of insights and actionable advice. Dive into the world of startups and AI with Adam Danyleyko's expert perspective - a conversation not to be missed for those looking to navigate the exciting realm of technological entrepreneurship.

Ginine Capozzi is a visionary in the realm of learning and development, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh approach to training methodologies. In this episode, we delved into her journey as the founder of Knowledge Force Consulting, exploring how she's reimagining training to make it more effective and impactful.Capozzi shared her personal and professional influences, tracing her philosophy back to her mother's teachings about the "power of one." This concept, emphasizing small, incremental changes, has been central to her approach. As she puts it, "It's all about one and then one and then one and continuing to build."A significant part of our discussion centered on adapting to changing adult learning behaviors and the integration of new technologies like AI. Capozzi highlighted the shift from traditional, lengthy training modules to microlearning, underscoring the necessity of agility in adapting to new research and societal shifts.The conversation also touched on the challenges of measuring the impact of training programs. Capozzi introduced the concept of Return on Talent Investment (RoTI), a holistic approach to assessing training outcomes beyond just financial metrics. She believes in looking at "what strategies are we executing on? What processes are more efficient?" to truly gauge success.A particularly inspiring story from her experience with a telecommunications company illustrated the profound impact a well-designed training program can have, showcasing a threefold increase in customer retention through strategic skill development.Capozzi’s business model, centered around the three S's: Strategy, Scalability, and Sustainability, also came under the spotlight, demonstrating her comprehensive approach to offering high-quality training solutions.Lastly, her commitment to community service and balancing it with her business demands offered insights into how one can contribute to society while thriving professionally.Ginine Capozzi's insights provide invaluable lessons for businesses and individuals alike, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and the power of small, consistent changes. Whether you're a learning and development professional, a business owner, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice.

Mark Effinger, a seasoned entrepreneur and Chief Product Officer for Newtopia, joined us to share his extensive journey in entrepreneurship and the crucial role of health and nootropics in sustaining high performance. With a rich background of founding 18 companies, Mark brings a wealth of experience in business development, health, and personal optimization.We explored the intersections of entrepreneurship, health, and biohacking. Mark emphasized, “If I wasn't healthy, I couldn't perform the duties of a CEO... my creativity would go to shit.” His insights into maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health as an entrepreneur provided a unique perspective on sustainable success. We delved into the importance of nootropics in enhancing cognitive functions, particularly for high-performance individuals like athletes and company founders.Mark recounted his fascinating journey from a curious, science-loving child to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience. His story of transforming health challenges into a thriving business in Newtopia is particularly inspiring. He stated, “We grew the company 600% just in those two years,” showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed in various ventures.Moreover, Mark stressed the significance of sleep and wellness routines for entrepreneurs. He shared personal strategies and products from Newtopia designed to optimize sleep and cognitive performance, such as Sleep Breakthrough and Dream Optimizer. His approach to entrepreneurship as a holistic lifestyle, not just a career, resonated throughout the discussion.One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the concept of building a ‘fault-tolerant physiology’ for entrepreneurs. Mark compared this to backup power supplies in computers, emphasizing the need for entrepreneurs to be resilient and quickly recover from setbacks.Finally, Mark shared his experiences with various business growth tools and methodologies, such as the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which helped scale his company significantly. He concluded with the idea of leveraging a positive mindset and mentorship to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.For entrepreneurs seeking insights on balancing health, business growth, and personal optimization, this episode with Mark Effinger offers invaluable lessons and strategies. Tune in to learn how to navigate the entrepreneurial journey with resilience, adaptability, and a focus on holistic wellness.

James Wang is a pioneering force in venture capital, especially in the realms of deep technology and impact investing. In our enlightening conversation, we explored how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are not just shaping but revolutionizing multiple industries. Wang emphasizes that the true power of AI lies not in its immediate applications like ChatGPT, but in its potential to enhance human intelligence and creativity. “For the first time in history, we actually have something that's able to supplement and build on human intelligence,” he notes, highlighting the profound implications for fields like drug discovery and materials design.Wang’s journey to becoming a general partner at Creative Ventures is a tale of serendipity and vision. His background in high finance and work with Bridgewater Associates provided a unique perspective, leading him to pursue a deeper involvement in technology and entrepreneurship. His experiences at Google X and various startups further honed his understanding of the tech landscape. Wang’s eclectic educational background, spanning from computer science to data science, underpins his approach to venture capital and entrepreneurship, offering a rich tapestry of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.Discussing the evolution of venture capital, Wang observes a significant shift in focus towards deep tech and impact investing. He challenges the traditional VC approach, emphasizing the necessity of precise direction and the right partnerships in deep tech ventures. His advice to entrepreneurs, especially introverts excelling in deep tech, revolves around clarity of thinking and market strategy. “Think about what direction are you actually going after,” he advises, emphasizing the critical nature of these early decisions.Creative Ventures, as described by Wang, stands out in the VC landscape for its active involvement and expertise in both market and technology, guiding startups through the complex terrain of deep tech innovation. The firm’s approach to social responsibility is to tackle the biggest problems facing mankind by scaling up technologies that can make a significant impact.James Wang's insights offer a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. His views on AI as an enabling tool rather than a magic solution, and his candid take on the venture capital landscape, provide invaluable lessons.

Shawn Moore, the visionary founder of Vodyssey and host of "Vacation Rental Revolution," brings over two decades of expertise in the real estate investment market, particularly in short-term rental property investing. In our conversation, we delve into his transition from an entrepreneur to a successful real estate investor, highlighting the significance of adapting and thriving in fluctuating markets. Shawn shares his personal mantra, "The future looks bright if you're a long-term thinker," reflecting his philosophy of blending immediate action with a vision for the future.At the heart of our discussion is Shawn's concept of lifestyle financial freedom. He explains, "I've got an eight-figure a year company... but it didn't start there," illustrating the incremental growth and resilience needed in entrepreneurship. His story of rebuilding from scratch, especially after the 2009 real estate crash, is a testament to his grit: "I lost everything twice... I had to pick up the pieces and start moving forward again."Shawn's insights extend beyond resilience, diving into strategic wealth-building. He emphasizes the importance of diversifying income streams, especially for entrepreneurs. His advice, "take a certain percentage of whatever you're making... and put it into passive investments," underlines the necessity of balancing active business pursuits with passive income avenues.Particularly fascinating is Shawn's foray into short-term rentals, a niche he found both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. His journey from owning long-term rentals to focusing on vacation homes offers a unique perspective on choosing investments that align with personal interests. He notes, "Short term rentals gave me the ability to use these properties... It kept me interested long enough where I actually stayed invested in them."Shawn's expertise led him to establish Vodacy, a coaching program for short-term rental investors, and pen a best-selling book, "What the Hell is a Lifestyle Asset?" His approach to real estate investment, which he describes as building a life you don't want to take a vacation from, is both inspiring and practical.Listeners looking to navigate the intersection of entrepreneurship and real estate investment will find invaluable lessons in Shawn's journey. His story is a blueprint for building sustainable wealth and achieving lifestyle financial freedom, underscored by the necessity of adapting, diversifying, and being passionately invested in one's choices.For more insights into Shawn's unique approach to real estate investment and achieving financial freedom, tune into this enlightening episode.

In this insightful episode, John Ainsworth sheds light on a critical aspect often overlooked by entrepreneurs and online course creators: the art of optimizing sales funnels to maximize revenue. Ainsworth, with his vast experience in data-driven marketing, dives deep into the strategies that can help businesses not just grow their audience, but more importantly, convert this audience into loyal customers.John Ainsworth is an expert in funnel optimization and we spoke about the nuances of converting an audience into a buying customer. He begins by highlighting a common pitfall: the relentless pursuit of audience growth and product creation without a strategic focus on conversion. "Most people are not putting anywhere near enough time into that," Ainsworth states, emphasizing the importance of funnel efficiency.Throughout the discussion, Ainsworth unravels three key areas to enhance in any marketing strategy:Growing the Email List: He stresses the importance of building a robust email list, noting, "If somebody's on your email list, they're way, way more likely to buy." He shares tactics for improving opt-in rates from various platforms, a fundamental step in nurturing potential customers.Effective Email Marketing: Ainsworth delves into the art of email promotions, emphasizing regular and compelling communication as a bridge between audience and sales page. "You want to be sending out promotions regularly that are getting people through to that sales page," he advises, highlighting the need for value-driven content in emails.Maximizing Revenue Per Sale: He introduces practical techniques like order bumps and upsells, illustrating with real-world examples. These strategies, Ainsworth explains, are crucial in increasing the average revenue per transaction, a often neglected lever in revenue growth.Ainsworth's expertise shines through his discussion of various business models, from online courses to e-commerce, offering tailored advice for each. He backs his strategies with success stories of clients who have seen remarkable revenue growth by implementing these tactics.The episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights for anyone looking to scale their online business. Ainsworth's approach is not just about increasing numbers; it's about building efficient systems that ensure every aspect of the marketing funnel works in harmony to drive sales and growth.

Marley Majcher is a leader in event planning and an expert at making businesses profitable. Our conversation shed light on how to balance the showy side of running a high-profile event company with the serious business of making money. She pointed out the importance of knowing what makes your service special, saying, "What is your product or service that you do better than anyone else on the planet that people just have to have?"We talked about the truth behind the entrepreneurial life: it looks glamorous, but the real challenge is to make a profit. Majcher debunked common business growth myths and stressed that managing time well is more crucial than expanding services. She emphasized, "It's all about how we spend our time," revealing that good time management can tell you a lot about someone's business.Our chat also touched on personal habits and discipline. Majcher's daily life is a lesson in how organizing your time can lead to making more money. She compared tracking your diet to tracking your time, suggesting that being aware of how you spend your time is key to business success.Listeners will learn about using time wisely, avoiding too many tasks, and the importance of asking for help. Majcher's story is full of practical advice for business owners, along with a strong message about the value of personal freedom. She believes that freedom is the real sign of success, saying, "If you have freedom, you have everything."Are you interested in learning how to make your business bring in more money while also living freely? Listen to Marley Majcher's strategies for success and get ready to be motivated.

Stefan von Imhof is the co-founder and CEO of Alts.co, a unique blend of alternative investing media, community, and a specialized investment fund. In our conversation, we explored the distinct investment philosophy that sets Alts.co apart. From purchasing rare vinyl records and barrels of tequila to acquiring under-the-radar newsletters, Stefan's approach is anything but ordinary. He shared insights into the Alts One fund, a Reg D fund for accredited investors, emphasizing its focus on eclectic and criminally undervalued assets with a long-term view. "It's eclectic, esoteric stuff that most people in funds don't think about at all," he remarks about their investment choices.The most intriguing aspect we discussed was the company's growth strategy, particularly their method of expanding their community by acquiring other newsletters. This tactic, as Stefan notes, is "definitely under discussed," and it plays a crucial role in how Alts.co strengthens its presence in the alternative investment market. With a background in deal analysis and digital asset transactions, Stefan and his team have mastered the art of identifying valuable deals and opportunities. "We know a good deal when we see one," Stefan asserts, highlighting their proficiency in navigating the world of micro acquisitions.Listeners will find valuable takeaways in understanding the power of unconventional investment strategies and the emerging trend of micro media acquisitions. Stefan's unique perspective offers a fresh look at what it means to invest and grow a business in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.If you're curious about alternative investments or looking for inspiration to think outside the mainstream, tune in to hear Stefan von Imhof's compelling insights and strategies for success in the world of alternative investing.