The Necessary Entrepreneur

On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins, we welcome a dynamic group of creatives and entrepreneurs: actor and filmmaker Denzel Whitaker, musician and actor Maestro Harrell, and writer Jesse Janari discussing their new feature film Brand New; Jack Cook, founder of Illusion Islands Studio; and Jacob Gibbs (DJ Smooth), Cincinnati realtor and on-air personality for WIZF The WIZ, the city’s #1 Hip Hop and R&B station. Together, they dive into entrepreneurship, creativity, personal growth, and the path to building wealth and legacy. From filmmaking and music to real estate and broadcasting, this inspiring conversation explores how vision, accountability, and community support fuel success across industries. Key Takeaways: Identity, validation, and self-awareness drive personal and professional growth. Community and environment play critical roles in shaping success. Healthy relationships and accountability accelerate progress. Resilience and mindset are essential in navigating challenges. Financial literacy and curiosity open doors to opportunity. Building a legacy requires vision, planning, and responsibility. True fulfillment comes from the journey, not just the outcome. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27659758/ https://www.instagram.com/brandnew_film/ https://www.instagram.com/denzelwhitaker/ https://www.instagram.com/maestro/ https://www.instagram.com/jessejanari/ https://www.instagram.com/jackandrewcook/ https://www.instagram.com/djsmooth513/

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Geoffrey A. Moore, renowned author of Crossing the Chasm and a leading authority on technology adoption and market innovation. Geoffrey shares his insights on how entrepreneurs can identify the right problems to solve, scale disruptive innovations, and strategically navigate the “chasm” between early adopters and mainstream customers. Throughout the conversation, Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of problem-focused entrepreneurship, understanding customer needs, and leveraging talent to create real impact. He also discusses the role of innovation in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and shares actionable advice for founders and business leaders looking to grow sustainably in competitive markets. If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or business leader seeking guidance on scaling your business, this episode is packed with wisdom, strategies, and real-world examples from one of the most influential minds in technology marketing and entrepreneurship. Takeaways:The world is full of problems needing entrepreneurial solutions. Career pivots can lead to unexpected opportunities. Understanding market dynamics is crucial for success. A service mindset can drive meaningful change. Silicon Valley's ecosystem fosters unique growth. Leadership has shifted from competition to collaboration. AI presents both challenges and opportunities. Education must adapt to the age of AI. Finding purpose enhances personal impact. Effective management requires balancing innovation and performance. 📌 Find Out More About Geoffrey A. Moore:www.geoffreyamoore.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreyamoore/ https://www.youtube.com/@geoffreyamoore https://x.com/geoffreyamoore https://www.facebook.com/GeoffreyAMooreAuthor/ Purchase Geoffrey's Books Here 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

What does it take to lead digital transformation at a billion-dollar scale, and how can entrepreneurs apply those same principles to grow their own businesses? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Tony Saldanha, former VP of IT and Global Business Services at Procter & Gamble, co-founder of Transformant, and bestselling author of Why Digital Transformations Fail and Revolutionizing Business Operations. Recognized as one of the world’s top digital transformation leaders, Tony shares hard-earned lessons from leading massive global change initiatives and helping Fortune 500 companies thrive in the age of disruption. From why 70% of digital transformations fail, to how small and mid-sized companies can future-proof with AI and automation, Tony reveals the playbook for building businesses that last. He also dives into leadership lessons, why being “necessary” and “distinctive” are critical for long-term success, and what entrepreneurs must do to scale without losing agility. If you want to understand how to combine strategy, technology, and culture to create a business that thrives in any environment, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom. 🔑 Takeaways from this Episode Work-life balance doesn’t exist, it’s all life. To be necessary in business, you must stay distinctive. Commoditization is the risk of not adapting. Digital transformation requires clear goals. Transformation success comes from a portfolio of projects. The 70-20-10 model is essential for innovation. Transformant was born from a need for disruptive change. Reimagining processes can unlock efficiency gains. Global business services drive operational efficiency. The future of work is defined by technology + agility. Lifelong learning fuels personal and professional growth. Risk-taking thrives in supportive environments. True balance is about prioritization, not just time. Staying in one lane can limit creativity and growth. Introspection leads to better decision-making. AI ethics will shape the future of business. Leadership must guide tech’s impact on society. Problem-solving is an entrepreneur’s greatest skill. Diverse conversations drive innovation. Knowledge-sharing creates lasting impact. 📌 Find Out More About Tony Saldanha: www.transformant.io https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-saldanha-200591123/ https://x.com/tony_saldanha Purchase Tony's Books Here 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

What does it take to rebuild your life and business after losing everything? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with David Meltzer, renowned motivational speaker, bestselling author, business coach, entrepreneur, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment. David shares his journey of resilience, the lessons he learned from his late mother, and how gratitude became the foundation of his life. He also talks about his mission to empower over a billion people to make money, help others, and have fun, and offers insights from his upcoming book Don’t Do Business with Dicks, which provides practical ways leaders can eliminate toxic influences and focus on growth with purpose and intentionality. From losing over $100 million to rebuilding his life and career, David’s story proves that failure can be the greatest teacher, and gratitude the most powerful tool for success. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build lasting success without losing yourself along the way, this conversation will give you the mindset shift you’ve been waiting for. Key Takeaways: My mantra is happy, I am healthy, I am wealthy, I am worthy. The more you give, the more you're given. Gratitude is a requirement for a fulfilling life. Parenting involves showing unconditional love and support. Gratitude evolves through different life stages. Gratitude helps find light, love, and lessons in adversity. Understanding ego is crucial for personal growth. Intentionality in business is essential for success. Surround yourself with positive influences. Empowering others is a key part of my mission. Pre-order “Don't Do Business with Dicks” from your favorite retailer and visit DavidMeltzer.com to claim a free bonus book. 📌 Find Out More About David Meltzer: https://dmeltzer.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeltzer2/ https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/ https://www.facebook.com/davidmeltzer11/ https://x.com/davidmeltzer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflt1OopRWIApMOjVgZyJ6Q 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

Pat Flynn is one of the most recognized voices in online business, podcasting, and community building. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with host Mark Perkins, Pat shares his journey from architect turned entrepreneur to becoming the founder of Smart Passive Income (SPI), a platform that has inspired millions to build businesses that serve others. Pat also dives into his brand-new book, Lean Learning, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to escape “just-in-case learning” and instead focus on the powerful practice of “just-in-time learning.” This conversation explores how that framework can save business owners from overwhelm, boost execution, and accelerate growth. You’ll also hear Pat open up about: How he built SPI into a trusted brand with over 47 million podcast downloads Why community is the most valuable asset an entrepreneur can build The surprising rise of Deep Pocket Monster, one of the fastest-growing Pokémon YouTube channels Lessons from balancing multiple ventures while staying authentic and focused Whether you’re building your first business, scaling your brand, or looking for inspiration to grow your influence, Pat delivers practical wisdom, personal stories, and timeless strategies that can help you create a business with purpose and momentum. 📌 Find Out More About Pat Flynn: Pat Flynn Social Channels: Twitter // IG // TikTok Deep Pocket Monster Social Channels: Twitter // IG // TikTok YouTube Channels: Pat Flynn // Deep Pocket Monster // Short Pocket Monster Website: www.patflynn.com // www.smartpassiveincome.com //  https://deeppocketmonster.com // www.leanlearningbook.com Mailing address: 10531 4S Commons Dr STE 524 // San Diego, CA 92127 Purchase Pat's Newest Book "Lean Learning How to Achieve More By Learning Less"// https://leanlearningbook.com/ 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Chuck Lipp, President of Dewey’s Pizza, to talk about leadership, scaling culture, and building a beloved restaurant brand across the Midwest. Chuck shares the inside story of how Dewey’s grew from one location into a 27-store, 1,400-employee company, all while maintaining its famous scratch-made pizzas, open kitchens, and people-first culture. From team hospitality systems that ensure every guest feels cared for, to the leadership lessons of balancing accountability with kindness, Chuck reveals how focusing on people drives sustainable business growth. Listeners will hear Chuck’s entrepreneurial journey, from his start in the restaurant industry to becoming President, and the philosophies that guide him: creating intentional culture, empowering decision-making, leading with humility, and finding balance between work and life. He and Mark dive deep into topics every entrepreneur can learn from, including: How Dewey’s builds and scales culture across multiple locations Why training and systems are key to consistent customer experiences The difference between managing and true leadership Building accountability without drama in large organizations The sacrifices and rewards of executive leadership Lessons on resilience, ownership, and personal growth Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply a fan of great pizza, this conversation offers actionable insights on leadership, culture, and growth from one of the Midwest’s most respected restaurant leaders. 📌 Find Out More About Chuck Lipp & Dewey's Pizza:https://deweyspizza.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deweyspizza/ https://www.youtube.com/@DeweysPizzaRestaurant https://www.facebook.com/DeweysPizza https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-lipp-6730377/ 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mario Baddour, CEO and President of Intelogix (formerly GC Services), one of North America’s largest privately held BPO and customer experience providers. Mario shares how he rebranded and transformed Intelogix into a global leader at the intersection of technology, human connection, and customer experience. From embracing AI, digital twins, and automation to embedding ESG practices into everyday business, Mario proves that growth and responsibility can go hand in hand. He also opens up about the moments where technology falls short, especially when human empathy and life experiences are irreplaceable. This conversation dives into leadership, scaling across continents, building resilient teams, and why technology should amplify, not replace, the human touch. If you want to understand the future of customer experience, global outsourcing, and leadership in a rapidly changing business world, this episode is a must-listen. 📌 Find Out More About Mario Baddour & InteLogix:https://intelogix.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelogix/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariobaddour/ 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

What’s the #1 reason salespeople fail? Jeb Blount, legendary sales strategist and author of Fanatical Prospecting and The AI Edge, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur to deliver an unfiltered masterclass on what it takes to thrive in today’s hyper-competitive sales landscape. Jeb unpacks how emotional intelligence, consistency, and human connection remain your greatest assets, even in a world being reshaped by AI. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, sales leader, or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights on prospecting, sales frameworks, field cold calling, and how to become an apex performer in 2025 and beyond. 🔥 Learn why human-to-human selling is making a comeback 📞 Discover why empty pipelines are killing your business 🤖 Understand how to leverage AI to become more human, not less 🚪 Reclaim the power of face-to-face cold calling and field sales 🧠 Build emotional discipline and self-awareness to unlock your potential 📚 Get the story behind Fanatical Prospecting and how it became the “Harry Potter of sales books” 💡 Find out how Jeb stays grounded, productive, and balanced, even with 300+ days a year on the road This is not theory. It’s practical, boots-on-the-ground wisdom from one of the most respected voices in modern sales. 📌 Find Out More About Jeb Blount & Sales Gravy:  https://jebblount.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jebblount/ https://salesgravy.com/ https://www.salesgravy.university/ https://www.instagram.com/salesgravy/ https://www.facebook.com/SalesGravy/ https://x.com/salesgravy https://www.youtube.com/@salesgravy https://www.tiktok.com/@salesgravy 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

From broke at 24 to building a multimillion-dollar flashlight empire on the shelves of Walmart and Target, Cody Grandadam's story is one of grit, mindset, and relentless drive. In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down in-studio with the man known as The Flashlight Guy to uncover how a small-town hustler from Illinois created jobs for hundreds, revitalized a massive abandoned clock factory, and turned a side hustle into a national brand, all without outside investors or a roadmap. Cody opens up about what it really takes to get into big box retail, and why personal development, not capital, was the most important ingredient in his success. He shares his thoughts on working with family, building culture, what young entrepreneurs often get wrong, and how manifestation, discipline, and full ownership of your life can shape your future. If you've ever wanted to create something out of nothing or wondered how far pure belief and action can take you, this conversation is your blueprint. 📌 Find Out More About Cody Grandadam:https://www.instagram.com/codygrandadam https://www.tiktok.com/@therealflashlightguy https://www.youtube.com/@flashlightguy https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-grandadam-1992b984/ https://litezall.com/ https://www.instagram.com/litezall/ 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this conversation, Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion and bestselling author, shares his journey from memorizing the Yellow Pages to mastering creative visualization techniques. He emphasizes that memory is a skill that can enhance decision-making and problem-solving in entrepreneurship. Tansel also discusses how music can aid memory retention and the importance of personal boundaries while helping others. Furthermore, he highlights the need for innovative approaches in education to improve memory techniques in today's distracting world.