21st Century Entrepreneurship

Mark McNally, co-founded FiltersDirectUSA and co-owner of FSI Mechanical, is an entrepreneur with a relentless drive and an inspiring journey from Belfast to the U.S., where he built multiple successful businesses from the ground up. We spoke about the leap of faith that brought him and his family across the Atlantic, the unexpected interview that landed him his first job, and how a simple pizza box prototype sparked a business that now serves 33 states.Mark’s story is one of grit, ingenuity, and sheer determination. From climbing ladders in a field he knew nothing about to co-owning a thriving mechanical company and launching a game-changing product, he proves that success isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning fast and taking action."You can't push a rope, but you can pull it. And I was definitely one of those people that pulled the rope, and people kind of joined me along the way."This episode uncovers:✔ The reality of starting over in a new country—with no job, no credit, and just $500 left in the bank.✔ How chance meetings at diners shaped his entrepreneurial path and why breaking bread can be the best way to land an opportunity.✔ Turning a problem into a product—how he went from cutting prototypes out of a pizza box to manufacturing a market-changing innovation.✔ Why "set it and forget it" is the ultimate business model and how automation builds both convenience and customer loyalty.Mark also shares the mindset shift that transformed his approach to work:"I thought it was just hard work and hustle. But looking back, I was always an entrepreneur—I just didn’t realize it at the time."His journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money—it’s about reclaiming your time, solving real problems, and building something that lasts.Tune in to hear how Mark navigated uncertainty, scaled his businesses without investors, and why he believes that sometimes the slow, steady path is the most rewarding.

Matthew Sanjari is a business coach and strategic consultant who knows firsthand the transformative power of pain. We spoke about how unexpected life events can not only derail plans but also reshape our understanding of success, growth, and purpose. Matthew shared his deeply personal story of surviving a life-altering accident, confronting physical and emotional pain, and rebuilding his life with clarity and intention.Matthew revealed the lessons learned from his journey, including the realization that success isn’t about numbers but about freedom and alignment with your "why." Reflecting on his struggles, he noted, "Twelve years ago, I thought my life was over because of my pain. Now, my pain has given me a career and is helping my clients."We explored his practical frameworks for business and personal growth, including:Redefining success: "What does success look like for you without using numbers?"Prioritizing effectively: Discovering the 20% of actions that drive 80% of results.Building resilience: How to adapt when plans fall apart and grow through fear.Listeners will gain actionable insights into Matthew’s four P’s—Purpose, Predictability, Productivity, and Profitability—designed to create sustainable growth. As Matthew emphasizes, "Profitability isn’t something you work on; it’s an outcome."Whether you’re an entrepreneur facing challenges, or simply seeking clarity in life, this episode offers a roadmap for transforming pain into purpose and building a foundation for lasting success.

Dikshant Dave, CEO of Zigment - Agentic AI for Performance Marketing & Selling, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, and we spoke about how AI is transforming the landscape of consultative selling. Drawing from his journey—from running a direct-to-consumer business to founding an AI-driven solution—Dikshant shared actionable insights into scaling meaningful customer engagement in an era of rapid technological change.One of the most compelling points Dikshant highlighted is the untapped potential of AI to unlock "the golden moment"—the crucial window of engaging with prospects within four minutes of their inquiry. "Your probability of conversion increases 22x if you engage instantly," he explained. This efficiency, previously unattainable with human resources alone, is now achievable at scale with AI.Dikshant’s story begins with his experience running a personalized supplementation business, where he discovered that the key to converting customers often lay in one-on-one interactions. "I started calling these customers... eight or nine out of ten would buy," he recounted. This revelation sparked the idea for building scalable AI solutions that mimic human consultations, especially in industries like healthcare, insurance, real estate, and more.We also explored the broader implications of AI adoption for businesses and society. From overcoming inefficiencies in lead management to creating new opportunities for nonprofits, Dikshant painted a hopeful vision of AI’s role in growth. His partnership with Give.org exemplifies this, enabling charities to optimize donor and volunteer engagement with limited resources.Key TakeawaysThe Golden Moment: Responding to customer inquiries within four minutes can improve conversions 22x—a capability now accessible with AI.Scaling Consultative Selling: AI empowers businesses to engage meaningfully with every customer, not just the select few.Inefficiency Overhaul: Traditional lead management often results in missed opportunities. AI eliminates delays, ensuring prospects remain engaged.AI for Good: Dikshant’s collaboration with charities showcases AI’s potential to amplify positive social impact.If you're navigating how to leverage AI for meaningful customer engagement or exploring ways technology can support societal good, this conversation offers a roadmap to possibilities.

Alex Rawitz is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of DIMO, with over a decade of experience spanning technology, blockchain, IoT, and startups. We spoke about the future of connected devices, the challenges of interoperability, and how empowering individuals with control over their data can unlock tremendous value across industries.Alex shared insights on the intersection of IoT and blockchain, emphasizing the potential of machine-to-machine payments and autonomous systems. As he explained, "The world is filled with devices and sensors, and all of our cars are now smart. Cars as an IoT category are five times bigger than all other devices combined."Key topics we discussed include:Data Ownership and Ecosystems: Why giving users control over their data is critical for fostering innovation and creating value. "We believe the ultimate vision of DIMO is best achieved by building open source and helping to grow the number of contributors."The Interoperability Problem: How foundational technology needs rethinking to connect devices like autonomous vehicles and smart infrastructure.Supporting Startups: Why startups, not big corporations, will lead the next wave of transformative products. "The thing I get most excited about every day is working with entrepreneurs who are trying to start new businesses and build new products."Takeaways:The future of IoT depends on interoperable systems that enable seamless data sharing and collaboration between devices.Open-source development is crucial for building ecosystems that support innovation and growth.Empowering individuals with data control can unlock new business opportunities, from personalized insurance to carbon credits for EVs.This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how technology can reshape industries and improve everyday experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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