Yoav Zimet, founder of Rythm, transformed a side project into a platform that reshaped how millions experience music together. What started in 2016 as a way for Yoav and his friends to share music while gaming evolved into a global phenomenon, reaching 30 million monthly users. “I built this app on Discord that would join our call, play music for all of us to listen together,” Yoav shares, highlighting the simplicity that drove the platform's growth.Rythm quickly gained traction, but in 2021, a notice from YouTube forced its shutdown, leaving its community without a solution. “An entire community of users was left without a good way to listen to music with their friends,” Yoav recalls. Determined not to let this be the end, Yoav and his team spent two years acquiring music licenses and rebuilding the platform. Now, in 2024, Rythm is back—stronger than ever, compensating artists for every stream and providing an enhanced user experience.In our conversation, Yoav emphasized the critical role the community played in Rythm's development. User feedback shaped the platform’s features, fostering loyalty and engagement. “I had millions of people helping me build it,” he explains. This collaborative approach created a sense of ownership and connection among users, a key factor in the platform’s enduring success.Yoav also shared the challenges of navigating the complex world of music licensing and the resilience required to overcome setbacks. “After a lengthy process, I secured deals with the top music companies,” he explains, underscoring the importance of persistence in turning Rythm into a legitimate business.Key takeaways:Community-driven innovation: Listening to user feedback helped Yoav shape Rythm into a platform that truly resonated with its audience.Overcoming setbacks: Despite facing major hurdles, including the shutdown of Rythm, Yoav’s determination and adaptability helped him rebuild and reimagine the platform.The future of digital connection: Rythm is leading the way in creating shared, authentic experiences in an increasingly digital world, making music a bridge for deeper connections.Tune in to hear Yoav’s inspiring journey and how he brought Rythm back, offering even more to its users and the music community.

Val Narodetsky is a serial entrepreneur who transformed a $7,000 loan into a seven-figure exit, and in this episode, we spoke about how his journey shaped the purpose-driven mission of Hire Odesa. Drawing from his own struggles with hiring top talent, Val launched Hire Odesa to help U.S. businesses connect with the highly skilled, but often overlooked, tech talent in Ukraine. His personal connection to Odesa and his desire to create impact beyond profits are the driving forces behind his venture.Val shared the lessons he learned while navigating the tough early days of entrepreneurship: "I didn’t have a fancy business plan, just the drive to make something work." This drive led him to master digital marketing, product positioning, and web development. "I became obsessed with learning... those skills became game-changers for me," Val recalled. His story emphasizes the power of persistence, small daily wins, and building strong partnerships that opened doors to new opportunities.We also discussed the unique advantages of Ukrainian tech talent. Val explained, "Some of the best people I’ve worked with were from Ukraine... they care about the results they bring to the company." He highlighted the region’s strong education system and self-learning culture, which produces "highly skilled engineers who stay on top of the latest technologies." Val believes that Ukraine’s developers, with their deep technical expertise and accountability, offer a "cost-to-quality ratio" that can’t be matched in other markets.A recurring theme in our conversation was the power of relationships in business. "Being open to learning from others and creating those connections was huge for me," Val noted. This focus on relationships extends to Hire Odesa’s process: they thoroughly vet candidates, ensuring clients are only presented with the top 1% of talent. "We handle the screening ourselves, so by the time our clients see candidates, they’re already top contenders," Val shared, underscoring how Hire Odesa helps businesses avoid the usual hiring headaches.When it comes to remote work, Val is optimistic about the future: "We’re seeing a continued shift towards companies hiring globally by default." He talked about the rise of specialized remote teams and how businesses are moving away from the traditional 9-to-5 model, instead focusing on results. "Deep work without a pre-set schedule is gaining momentum," he explained, allowing talent from across the world to collaborate without time zone constraints.Takeaways:Access to top-tier talent: "We connect U.S. businesses with the top 1% of talent, vetted and ready to deliver results."Ukrainian tech teams’ competitive edge: "Their work ethic and attention to detail set them apart, offering a cost-to-quality ratio that’s hard to beat."Remote work trends: "Deep work without a pre-set schedule is gaining momentum," allowing teams to work flexibly and deliver high productivity.Building relationships and trust: "It’s not just about filling roles; it’s about helping companies grow and creating long-term partnerships."Leadership in remote environments: "I believe in hiring great talent and giving them the space to excel," balanced with clear expectations and accountability.If you're ready to scale your business with specialized remote tech teams, Hire Odesa can be your trusted partner in finding the right talent to grow efficiently.

Dr. Camilla Moore is a certified clinical instructor for the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program, a diplomate at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and a chiropractor with nearly two decades of experience treating stress-related disorders. We spoke about one of the most common mistakes people make when managing stress, burnout, and imposter syndrome—jumping to treatment without a proper assessment of the root causes.Camilla shared a personal story of how her drive to work one day revealed the depth of her own exhaustion, saying, “What if I just turned around? I didn’t want to quit, I just needed a break.” This moment led her to reassess how burnout builds up and what people often overlook when treating it. She emphasized that many jump to solutions like exercise or better sleep without evaluating what’s really causing the stress.Key topics we discussed include:Root Causes of Burnout: Camilla explained how, like medical conditions, stress and burnout require a proper evaluation before treatment. “We know that chronic stress impacts our physical health... yet we have so little resources to quantify where our stress is coming from.”The Inner Critic and Imposter Syndrome: One critical factor that exacerbates burnout is the inner critic, which fuels imposter syndrome. Camilla shared her personal battle with the thought, “They’re going to think you’re a fraud,” and how she used her five-step process to reframe these thoughts.Energy Management and Focus: Camilla introduced the concept of the “energy battery,” an exercise that quantifies where your energy is going and what you’re getting back. She stressed the importance of allocating energy wisely, saying, “What we’ve been giving, we haven’t been getting back.”Takeaways from this conversation include the importance of identifying the root causes of stress before seeking solutions, learning to manage imposter syndrome by reframing negative thoughts, and finding balance through conscious energy management. As Camilla pointed out, “Once I identified those key components, my whole world opened up.”This episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed by burnout, imposter syndrome, or stress.

Jim Sabellico is a heart-centered entrepreneur who redefined success after a powerful wake-up moment—standing in front of a half-eaten birthday cake, realizing he had missed his son's celebration. In our conversation, we explored his journey from an 8-year-old mowing lawns to a business leader who no longer grinds 18-hour days. Jim opened up about the struggle many entrepreneurs face—chasing financial success at the cost of their personal lives—and how he flipped that dynamic to build both a thriving career and a joyful family life.We spoke about the concept of “No Half Cakes,” a personal philosophy Jim created in response to that pivotal moment with his son: “I wasn't going to accept less. I wanted the whole thing.” This approach extends beyond just work-life balance; it’s about building harmony where your personal and professional worlds aren’t in conflict but in sync.Jim emphasized the importance of authenticity, explaining that true success stems from aligning with your core values. “When you operate as your authentic self, it resolves a whole lot of problems for you. You understand what's right and wrong, and you don’t waste time deliberating.” This mindset has allowed him to step back from the hustle and still achieve more success, both professionally and personally.Here are three key takeaways from Jim's insights:Redefine Success: Financial milestones mean little if they come at the expense of personal happiness. Jim’s realization—"I've done all the things that people want to do, but if you come home and you don’t even recognize yourself, that’s not success"—captures the essence of redefining what achievement really means.Harmony Over Balance: Jim challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance, proposing instead a model of harmony where your personal and professional lives support one another, allowing you to show up authentically in both areas.The Power of Mentorship and Alignment: Finding someone slightly ahead of you on the journey, whether it’s a coach or a trusted friend, can accelerate your growth. Jim credits his transformation to leaning on others who had faced similar struggles, offering an invaluable resource for reflection and action.This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling to balance their ambitions with their personal life. Jim’s story serves as a reminder that success isn't just about what you achieve—it's about how you live.

Dennis Stearns is the founder of Stearns Financial Group and a nationally recognized expert in ultra-high net worth financial planning. He’s been featured in the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Kiplinger Finance, and more. With accolades such as Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Admired CEO, Dennis is known for his ability to forecast Super Trends and their impact on business and investments. He has led think tanks on financial scenarios and regularly delivers workshops for financial advisors on best practices.We spoke about the techno-industrial revolution and how it's reshaping business landscapes. Dennis explained the convergence of globalization, technology accelerators, and demographics, highlighting that it’s moving at "ten times faster and 300 times more powerful than the first industrial revolution." This collision, he said, is creating massive changes, not only in business but in personal lives and politics. For entrepreneurs, the question becomes: "How can I surf those trends, and how can I make sure I don’t get crushed by them?"One of the standout stories he shared was how Empire Level, a company struggling with declining sales, reinvented its core product by introducing an innovative design that captured the market’s attention. They took an old construction tool and transformed it into a sleek, aircraft-blue product that made it onto the set of Iron Man 3. "That reengineering of a core product," Dennis said, "put them in a growing sales mode… and resulted in an exit at many multiples of what they originally thought possible." It’s a lesson in how product reinvention, combined with savvy marketing, can turn a business around.Dennis also delved into the importance of staying close to the customer. "As your business grows, you may be getting more distant from your customer." He illustrated this with the Epps Logistics story, where persistence in building a relationship with Starbucks ultimately led to a lucrative deal. After an initial meeting went awry, the team stayed in the Starbucks lobby, working and talking to the staff until they got another opportunity. This persistence paid off when their contact moved to another major company and brought them along. "Sometimes it’s those little things that make the difference," Dennis remarked, stressing how crucial relationships are in business.Here are a few takeaways from our conversation:Super Trends Are Reshaping Everything: The rapid collision of technology, demographics, and globalization is forcing businesses to evolve faster than ever. Businesses that can’t adapt will struggle to survive.Strengthen Your Business Moat: Dennis uses the metaphor of a “moat around a castle” to emphasize the need for businesses to protect their core strengths before expanding. "Before you go off on a knight’s quest to grow the business," he advises, "make sure you’ve got a healthy moat."Get Close to Your Customers: Strong relationships with customers are a competitive edge. "Even as your business grows, staying close to your customers is key to maintaining success."Luck Favors the Prepared: Dennis points out that while skill plays a role, sometimes you can "make your own weather patterns if you play the game smart." His work with a company on increasing its valuation from $2 million to $4 million is a prime example of this strategy in action.This episode offers valuable insights into how entrepreneurs can not only survive but thrive in an era of disruption by staying agile, strengthening their core, and building meaningful customer relationships.

Manja Horner, founder of BoostLD, is a learning design expert who specializes in transforming employee training and business optimization in the construction and skilled trades industries. In our conversation, we uncovered some of the biggest challenges these industries face today, including the skilled labor shortage, poor onboarding experiences, and ineffective employee retention strategies.Manja shed light on the skilled trades labor crisis, explaining, “We’re experiencing hundreds of thousands of job shortages,” and pointed out that the problem isn't just in North America but globally. This shortage has placed enormous pressure on construction companies to adapt their strategies, especially when it comes to hiring and retaining talent.A key focus of our discussion was how better onboarding and intentional career development can be the secret to tackling high turnover. “24% of employees will leave within the first six months if their onboarding experience is poor,” Manja explained. But, she also emphasized the flip side: “60% of employees will stay longer than three years if they had an excellent onboarding experience.” This statistic alone showcases the power of a strong first impression.We explored the idea that, contrary to popular belief, employees aren’t leaving for small wage increases: “I call B.S. on that. If people are leaving for an extra dollar an hour, it means you haven’t created a culture that they love and feel loyal to.” According to Manja, the real problem lies in failing to create a supportive, engaging environment where employees can envision a future.Manja also brought attention to the need for clear career paths in skilled trades. “If they start as a laborer and don’t see where they can go, they don’t want to work in that job,” she said, stressing the importance of showing employees how they can progress from apprentice to supervisor and beyond.Another interesting aspect of our conversation was the role of training in boosting productivity. Manja shared, “We help create internal video catalogs and repositories so people can quickly find what they need, rather than wasting time making critical errors or asking others.” This approach not only saves time but also reduces costly mistakes in an industry where errors with expensive materials like copper and steel can have a significant financial impact.We also discussed health and safety concerns. Manja emphasized that regulatory compliance and safety training are crucial, especially in hazardous environments: “Nobody wants somebody to be killed on the job. Training is closely tied with your reputational risk, the health and safety of your crew, and maintaining compliance.”Manja's passion for skilled trades comes from personal experience, having grown up in a family deeply rooted in the industry. “I worked on the tools… I sanded wood until I had no fingertips left,” she recalled, making it clear that her dedication to improving the industry is both personal and professional.Whether you're dealing with high turnover, struggling with employee engagement, or looking to improve productivity, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world solutions. It’s a must-listen for construction leaders and business owners who want to build a thriving, loyal workforce.

Elliot Kallen is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, having founded five businesses and a nonprofit foundation that tackles one of society’s most pressing challenges—youth suicide prevention. We spoke about the winding path of entrepreneurship, the personal and professional obstacles that come with it, and how to navigate both success and tragedy.In this episode, Elliot opens up about the importance of resilience, fortitude, and perseverance in business and life. He shares how the loss of his son to suicide became a driving force behind his nonprofit, which now saves lives in five countries. "We took that tragedy as an entrepreneur would do, and we decided that we wanted to change people's lives with it," Elliot reflects, showcasing the entrepreneurial mindset that turns even the most heartbreaking challenges into purposeful missions.We discussed the different phases of a business owner’s journey—startup, growth, and exit—and how each stage presents its unique hurdles. Elliot emphasizes, "When you've got good ideas… you've got to sell these ideas to your people," underscoring the critical role of leadership and communication in building a thriving organization.Elliot also touches on the mental health struggles entrepreneurs often face, comparing them to the struggles teens face with depression. He warns about the dangers of hopelessness and withdrawal, stating, "Hopelessness is one of the major traits of suicide… find a coach, find somebody that can help you."Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurship Requires Grit: Elliot’s journey demonstrates the need for "intestinal fortitude" and determination to face daily obstacles, from cash flow issues to team management.Leadership is Key: Successful entrepreneurs don’t just have good ideas—they communicate them effectively and rally their teams behind a common vision.Mental Health Matters: As Elliot poignantly discusses, even entrepreneurs can feel hopeless, and it's crucial to seek support before the pressure takes over.Purpose Beyond Profit: Elliot’s foundation proves that businesses can create profound social impact, turning personal tragedy into a force for good.Listen to this episode for a deeply moving, honest look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, filled with insights on resilience, leadership, and finding purpose even in the darkest of times.

Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is a seasoned leadership coach and former corporate executive who has dedicated her career to helping senior leaders redefine their approach to power, energy, and legacy. In this episode, we dive deep into her transformative insights, captured in her latest book Who’s in Charge?, and explore how today’s leaders can thrive in a rapidly changing world.One of the central themes we discussed is how power in leadership has evolved. According to Sylvia, “the old way of managing, based on force and control, doesn’t really work anymore.” She highlights that modern leadership is about shifting from control to collaboration. “If I want to collaborate with someone else, I can't have it all my way. I have to make some compromises…so that we together actually have more control, more power.” Her experience shows that when leaders adopt this mindset, they not only achieve better results but also foster healthier organizational cultures.A notable aspect of our conversation is energy management. Sylvia brings a fresh perspective, moving beyond the traditional focus on physical stamina. “Many corporates have a gym, but only the best corporates have a meditation room or mindfulness courses,” she shares, advocating for a holistic approach to energy that includes mental and emotional well-being. She believes that managing your energy—and the energy of your team—is critical to sustaining performance. “It’s about understanding what your human energy is really made of… and how to reinforce, maintain, and extend it.”Sylvia also touches on the idea of stillness as a powerful leadership tool. She explains that stillness isn’t about inactivity, but about being centered, especially in challenging moments. Reflecting on her own experiences, she recalls a time when she faced an angry Russian delegation: “I went really calm and said, ‘I’m so happy to meet you,’…because I was quiet and still inside, I could communicate with them with kindness.” Her ability to maintain stillness in the storm enabled her to connect and resolve the situation effectively—a lesson in how calm presence can amplify leadership impact.We also explore the concept of legacy and how leaders can ensure their success is meaningful. Sylvia explains that many high-achieving leaders, as they near the later stages of their careers, start asking deeper questions. “I’ve seen leaders thinking, ‘I’m hugely successful, but is that really what I wanted to create in my life?’” She warns that “success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure,” urging leaders to align their work with their values and purpose.Takeaways:Power is shifting: “It’s no longer about control; it’s about creating impact and collaborating for a common goal.”Energy matters: “Understanding your energy and how to manage it is key to staying effective and thriving as a leader.”Stillness is strength: “In moments of crisis or challenge, the leader who is calm, connected, and centered is the one who wields real power.”Legacy is personal: “Legacy is not about fame—it’s about living and leading in alignment with your values and creating something meaningful.”Sylvia’s blend of practical advice and reflective wisdom offers a roadmap for leaders who want to move beyond outdated models of leadership. If you're curious about how to lead with true power and create lasting impact, this episode offers deep insights that will inspire and challenge you.

Erica Bethe Levin is the founder and CEO of Globowl, a baby and toddler food company on a mission to challenge the broken American baby food system. In our conversation, Erica exposes the shocking reality: “60% of American baby food is unhealthy and doesn’t live up to basic standards.” But she’s not stopping there—she’s on a quest to reintroduce children to the vibrant, textured foods enjoyed by the rest of the world.We explored how Globowl stands apart by rejecting “sanitized, mushy purees” and embracing real food. “Baby food doesn’t have to be dumbed down because babies aren’t dumb,” Erica explains. Globowl’s recipes are crafted to help kids develop their palate early, leveraging the “flavor window between 4 and 18 months” to set them up for a lifetime of adventurous eating. With dishes inspired by global cuisines like pad thai and tikka masala, Erica is giving babies a taste of the world—literally. And she's doing it in a way that honors health, with no added sugars, allergens included, and FDA-reviewed labels. “We have every single label reviewed by an FDA attorney. I want to be able to say that we have done everything right.”Erica also discussed the deeper mission behind Globowl—helping families build a connection to food and culture. “We’re teaching kids about the world, tolerance, open-mindedness, and curiosity through what they eat.” But it’s not just about the food. Her business also promotes an active, engaged family life, whether it’s sitting down to dinner or cooking together in the kitchen. As she puts it, "We get to teach our kids about our cultures, like my aunt’s pesto from Italy or matzo balls for Hanukkah.”Some key takeaways:Erica’s mission is to dismantle the misleading marketing of baby food, with companies selling sugar-laden pouches masquerading as healthy options. "Think about how many apples go into an applesauce pouch—it’s more than you could sit down and eat in one sitting."She highlights how stripping foods of natural allergens has made American babies “10 times more likely to have food allergies than anywhere else in the world.”With Globowl now available in over 450 stores, she’s already seeing major traction. The company has been featured in trade publications and earned recognition, including nominations for the Chicago Innovation Award and appearances on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, where she made it to the final round.In addition to her business insights, Erica shares her personal journey as a serial entrepreneur and mother, reflecting on the importance of balancing her health and family life. “As an entrepreneur, we have the tendency to be 100% absorbed in our business, but if you don’t have your own health—whether physical or mental—you don’t have the business.” Erica practices what she preaches, making family dinners a priority and incorporating meditation and gratitude into her daily routine.From rethinking baby food to reimagining work-life balance, Erica Beth Levin offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone interested in building a business that disrupts an entire industry while fostering family connection.

Ryan Wimpey is the visionary founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training. We spoke about his journey from working an unfulfilling cubicle job to building a nationwide dog training empire. With over 18 years of experience and the training of 5,000+ dogs under his belt, Ryan shares the secrets behind his unique classical conditioning method and how it’s different from reward or punishment-based approaches.One of the most surprising revelations is that dog training isn’t formally accredited. “Dog training is a trade,” Ryan says, “and just like every other trade, you really must apprentice.” His journey began with a personal search to solve his dog Curley’s behavioral issues. This ultimately led to developing a systematized, repeatable approach that simplifies the training process for both dogs and owners.Ryan offers a clear breakdown of his innovative training system based on Pavlovian conditioning, explaining how it effectively teaches dogs to respond to commands without relying on food lures or negative reinforcement: “With classical conditioning, there's no reward, there's no punishment. We condition a response.” His approach involves using a remote training collar, a leash, and verbal commands to create reliable behavior in dogs—even when off-leash.Beyond dog training, Ryan dives deep into the world of franchising. He explains the power of owning a Tip Top K9 franchise, emphasizing how it allows dog trainers to focus on their craft while corporate takes care of the business side: “We answer all of your incoming calls, book your appointments, and do your billing.” This heavy back-end support is what allows his franchisees to succeed where others might struggle.Key Takeaways:Classical conditioning offers a superior alternative to reward or punishment-based training, with results that last.Franchising with support: From call centers to marketing, Tip Top K9’s system allows trainers to focus on their passion without being overwhelmed by business operations.The importance of systems: Both in dog training and business, having a documented and repeatable method is key to long-term success.This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about dog training, entrepreneurship, or both. Ryan's dedication to helping dogs live their best lives—and his ability to pass on that knowledge to others—makes this an episode you won’t want to miss.