In The Underdog Founder. Edrizio De La Cruz shares his odyssey as a Dominican immigrant who grew up in Harlem, dropped out of college and the US Air force, to become aircraft technician and help makes ends meet. He later returned to college, worked on Wall Street, and earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Edrizio co-founded Arcus, a fintech company that was backed by Y Combinator, Citi Ventures, SoftBank, and Ignia. In 2021, the company was ultimately sold to Mastercard.We discussed the importance of understanding what fuels one's entrepreneurial spirit. As Edrizio wisely puts it, "Ideas may change, teams may change... But what doesn't change is what drives you." Being in the company of smarter individuals, the significance of cultivating grit, and the role of sheer perseverance in the startup world are key highlights of our conversation.A captivating moment from our talk was Edrizio's recollection of rejecting a stable job at Citi for a more uncertain future. His conviction shines through when he says, "Sometimes you have to burn the bridges, and the only way to move forward is to have nothing to go back to."Listeners can expect an infusion of motivation, drawing from Edrizio's own experiences, and the assurance that every obstacle can indeed be transformed into a massive opportunity.Key Takeaways:The unparalleled power of understanding what drives you."Cultivate grit, startups become a game of stamina."Surrounding yourself with smarter people can elevate your game.The pivotal role of tenacity in startup success.

In this captivating episode, Michael Lebhar dives deep into the ever-evolving realm of e-commerce, drawing attention to the untapped potential of the Walmart marketplace. As Amazon has been the reigning champ of e-commerce, Lebhar sheds light on the myriad opportunities that Walmart presents, especially for those seasoned in the Amazon arena."Walmart was the only other channel that really gave significant results," Michael reveals, emphasizing the value of a strategic approach to stand out in the crowd.Delve into Michael's insights on:The nuances distinguishing Amazon and Walmart from an e-commerce seller's lens.The pivotal role of diversification in e-commerce platforms for sustained brand growth.Walmart's unique ecosystem advantages, from dominating Google traffic to the potential for an in-store presence.How Walmart’s omnipresent strategy is reshaping the digital retail landscape.A peek into the future of e-commerce and the ascension of the omnichannel experience.Michael’s personal journey of skyrocketing a brand to the pinnacle of Walmart's online marketplace and transitioning into their brick-and-mortar outlets.The conversation transcends typical selling strategies, highlighting the profound worth of aligning with a platform's expansion, as Michael notes, "When a retailer and a marketplace are spending so much to enhance their presence as a whole, you want to be part of that growth."For e-commerce aficionados and budding entrepreneurs, this episode offers invaluable insights that can recalibrate your perspective on online marketplaces. Grasp why diversification is paramount, the essence of a digital-first perspective, and how to ride the meteoric rise platforms like Walmart bring to the table.

In this captivating episode, Brooke Lively, the force behind Cathedral Capital, unveils the myriad challenges and solutions at the heart of entrepreneurial finance. From a daring decision of letting go of her biggest client to introducing the revolutionary "rule of thirds," Brooke underscores the pivotal role of strategic financial insights for small businesses.Brooke candidly recounts her story of facing immense financial hurdles and battling self-doubt, stating, "I was scared. I was petrified, in fact. Can my business survive? What if this doesn't work?" Such vulnerable admissions are paired with the revelation of her resilience and commitment to her vision, a journey that saw her emerging stronger and more focused than ever. As she aptly puts it, "I knew what I wanted for the company. I had a vision... I could walk through fire to get to it, and I did for 26 months straight."Listeners will find valuable insights into the importance of data-driven decision-making, with Brooke emphasizing how entrepreneurs often make decisions based on gut instinct. However, looking at the actual numbers offers clarity, confidence, and reduces decision fatigue. Another highlight of the episode is the emphasis on the significance of core values in shaping a company's culture, with Brooke remarking, "Culture is the bedrock of any company, and culture is based on your core values."Top Takeaways:Understand the difference between revenue and gross profit. Know where you're overperforming and underperforming.Core values aren't mere words; they should be action-oriented phrases that shape your company's every move.Decision-making based on data provides clarity and reduces the mental toll on entrepreneurs.The importance of aligning with clients and employees who resonate with your core values cannot be overstated.Tune into this episode to hear Brooke Lively’s riveting journey of overcoming financial challenges and learn about the tools and strategies she uses to ensure profitability. Plus, don't miss out on accessing the exclusive Profit Finder tool mentioned in the episode—check the show notes now!

Join us as we welcome Darren Gallop, the visionary behind Carbide, a trailblazing information security and data privacy company. In an era where business dynamics shift with rapid technological advancements, Darren pulls back the curtain on the vital intersections of security, culture, and global commerce.Darren candidly addresses the labyrinth of data privacy regulations, such as GDPR. As he puts it, "Navigating data privacy today is akin to deciphering a global jigsaw puzzle, where every piece represents a different jurisdiction’s expectation." But it's not just about external threats. Darren underscores the fact that "Even with all the tools at our disposal, human error remains a formidable adversary. Employee training isn't just a checkmark; it's a cornerstone."Diving deep into Carbide’s ethos, he accentuates the imperative of baking security into the very DNA of business culture. "At Carbide, our mission isn’t just to protect but to educate and integrate. Our clients don’t just get a platform; they inherit an arsenal of expertise.”Yet, what truly sets this conversation apart is Darren’s forward-looking analysis. He envisions a cybersecurity horizon on the brink of consolidation, emphasizing, "Businesses don’t want a security stack that's a tower of Babel. They want coherence, collaboration, and simplicity."This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an immersion into the future of cybersecurity for SMBs. Darren's words aren't mere statements; they're proclamations of an evolving industry. Understand why the 'one-size-fits-all' approach is an artifact of the past. Discover the revolutionary steps SMBs can take to not just survive but thrive in the digital age. From the global challenges of cybersecurity to the seamless integration of security in business culture, embark on this enlightening journey with us.

Join us for a profound conversation with Gil Allouche, the visionary CEO and founder of Metadata. As the brain behind a revolutionary Marketing OS, Metadata is setting new standards by freeing B2B marketers from the drudgery of manual tasks and letting them zero in on strategy and creativity. "B2B marketers use Metadata’s Marketing OS to drive more revenue without all the manual and repetitive work," Allouche says, emphasizing the innovative drive of his company. But beyond business mechanics, Allouche delves into the heart and soul of leadership. With candid insights, he shares, "Every problem in the company is just a reflection of a problem that you have." It's a reflection of his belief that businesses mirror the personal growth of their leaders. With Metadata's expansive charitable commitments, from painting schools to women empowerment, Allouche beautifully conveys, "empowering our people...that's the biggest one if you're building humans." Learn from his tales of holistic employee growth, the significance of self-aware decision-making frameworks, the underestimated power of a CEO support network, and the transformative impact of mentorship. Dive into a conversation that seamlessly blends the nuances of business growth with the essence of human development. A not-to-miss episode packed with profound takeaways!

In this engaging podcast episode, we explore the world of email marketing with Josh Kropkof, CEO and Co-founder of The Email Agency. Josh shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in email marketing, highlighting key strategies and tactics that consistently lead to higher conversions for their clients. He emphasizes the importance of treating your email list as a community, not just a marketing channel, and how building relationships with your subscribers can have a profound impact on your business.Email marketing remains a highly effective channel for driving sales, with an average ROI of 40x or more. Josh explains the power of direct response email marketing and how it differs from traditional email campaigns. He discusses the shift from viewing email as a marketing channel to seeing it as a relationship-building channel, stressing the value of long-term customer loyalty over short-term gains.Josh also shares strategies for turning traffic you control and traffic you don't control into traffic you own through email marketing. He describes the role of data and analytics in modern email marketing, acknowledging the challenges of tracking open rates in today's complex environment. Despite these challenges, email continues to be a highly conversion-driven channel.Furthermore, Josh explores how email can be the centerpiece of your marketing strategy, driving messaging and customer feedback. He highlights the importance of learning from the people on your email list and using their feedback to shape your marketing strategy, emphasizing that this can be more valuable than any research.In conclusion, Josh underscores the importance of investing in expertise in email marketing, whether by hiring experts or learning from them, as it can provide an exceptional return on investment. He invites listeners to explore his Email Revolution Newsletter and download the free Email Profits Cheat Sheet for a deeper dive into direct response email marketing. To explore The Email Agency's services or request a free email account audit, he directs interested individuals to visit their website.Don't miss out on the email marketing revolution – tune in to this episode and start optimizing your email campaigns for success!

In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Colin Dougherty, the founder behind the groundbreaking data analytics tool, Zenlytic. Colin shares his roller-coaster ride from college failures to founding successful companies, highlighting the critical lessons learned along the way. His story is one of relentless determination and a willingness to bet it all on his dreams.Colin reveals the inspiration behind Zenlytic, a platform designed to make data analysis accessible to everyone, even those without a technical background. He discusses the fusion of AI, specifically Chat GPT, with their proprietary semantic layer, creating an accurate and user-friendly data interaction tool.The conversation delves into the importance of company culture at Zenlytic, where a small, tight-knit team of experts collaborates with global contractors to achieve their ambitious goals. Colin emphasizes the power of patience when dealing with language barriers, which can yield incredible results.Learn how Zenlytic uses its own tool to streamline data processing and communication within their organization, allowing them to save time and resources while staying agile and efficient. Colin also shares compelling success stories from their clients, showcasing how Zenlytic has transformed their data analysis processes.Key Takeaways:Colin's journey from college failures to successful entrepreneurship.The birth of Zenlytic and the vision behind making data analysis accessible.The fusion of AI and a semantic layer for 100% accurate data interaction.The power of patience and global collaboration in building a strong team.Streamlining data processing with Zenlytic's self-serve analytics tool.Real-world success stories from Zenlytic's satisfied clients.Whether you're a data enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a business leader seeking efficient data solutions, this conversation offers invaluable insights.

Dr. Jonathan Baktari pulls back the curtain on the intricate nuances of the healthcare industry in the United States during this episode. Drawing parallels between the healthcare sector and other industries such as airlines and cellular companies, Dr. Baktari highlights the impending challenges brought about by consolidation. With the increasing buyouts of practices and a decline in choices, he raises concerns over the potential deterioration in service quality.His distinctive talent for translating complex medical terminologies into understandable insights for the general public is deeply rooted in his expansive experience as a clinical teacher and his numerous media interactions. More than just a teacher, Dr. Baktari underscores the profound impact every word can have, especially when communicating with patients and their families.Juggling roles as an educator, CEO, and clinician, Dr. Baktari embodies a deep-seated commitment to creating positive change. While he treasures the direct interactions in clinical settings, he also recognizes the broader ripple effect he can achieve through platforms like eNashletesting.com.Yet, it's in the realm of technology where Dr. Baktari's vision truly shines. He firmly believes that the future of healthcare hinges on technological innovations. From reducing medical errors to creating genuinely electronic health records, he envisions a future where technology becomes the backbone of patient care, emphasizing the need to evolve beyond the prevalent paper-based systems.Dive into this episode to explore the crossroads of patient care, the challenges of medical consolidation, and the promising future of technology in healthcare.

In this enlightening episode, Rebecca Macieira Kaufmann, author of Fit CEO book and CEO Advisor, delves deep into her vast leadership experiences and reveals some truly game-changing insights. At the forefront of her discussions, Rebecca emphasizes the indispensable role of culture in business turnarounds. While most leaders may look at the apparent financial aspects, Rebecca's approach deviated as she prioritized realigning the culture. Through weeks of intensive listening and communicating with her team, she successfully navigated challenges by ensuring everyone was on the same page. Her pivotal revelation? A company's employees must fully grasp the 'why' behind their challenges to collectively surmount them.Addressing the topic of gender in leadership, Rebecca presents a refreshing perspective. For her, titles such as a 'female entrepreneur' or 'female leader' seem redundant. She embodies leadership and entrepreneurship without feeling the need to highlight her gender. Her invaluable advice, applicable to both men and women, resonates deeply: "Be you. And when in doubt, be more of you."Outside her professional life, Rebecca's dedication to community service and volunteering is awe-inspiring. With over three decades of involvement, her experiences range from assisting immigrants with job placements in San Francisco to serving on boards of various non-profit organizations. Her heartfelt contributions emphasize the symbiotic relationship of giving back – while she imparts her skills, the experience nurtures her self-worth.The latter part of the episode centers around Rebecca's inspiring book, "Fit CEO." A compilation of what she terms as 'life hacks,' the book offers readers a structured yet flexible approach to maintaining a positive and proactive mindset. Rebecca discusses the pillars of her methodology, emphasizing immediate and imperfect action. Her insights are a testament to the profound impacts of disciplined commitment, setting clear boundaries, and always ensuring that joy is an integral part of the journey.Listeners will also gain a glimpse into Rebecca's pragmatic advice on time management, particularly her revolutionary concept of 'time boxing.' As a coda, Rebecca shares resources available to delve deeper into her philosophy, her writings, and the ways she continues to impact the business landscape. Through and through, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone aiming to lead a balanced and purposeful life.

In this engaging episode, we delve deep into the mind of Eric McDonald, a visionary entrepreneur who's dabbled in everything from crypto to healthcare tech. As a Board member for companies such as CoinLion and Phraze.AI, McDonald offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of the crypto world, particularly the utility of tokens and their underlying value. Beyond the digital currency discourse, we also explore the intriguing world of auto-trading platforms and the potential they hold for average users seeking to navigate the complex world of crypto trading.However, Eric's story isn't just about technological innovations; it's also about personal growth, balance, and giving back. From his rigorous daily routines that have shaped his mindset and leadership capabilities to his heartfelt efforts in uplifting underprivileged children and communities, Eric's journey embodies the harmonious blend of professional success and personal fulfillment. As someone who's achieved immense success in the tech world, especially with his impactful run as CEO of DocuTAP, McDonald's insights into optimizing work hours, prioritizing family, and emphasizing social responsibility are truly inspiring.Tune in to hear a conversation that weaves together the threads of crypto, personal development, and philanthropy, all guided by the seasoned expertise of a tech entrepreneur who knows how to strategize and execute.