Ernesto Mandowsky is helping entrepreneurs turn chaos into clarity by systemizing their businesses for sustainable growth.With a background spanning hospitality, tech, and consulting—including a chief of staff role at a fast-scaling POS startup and experience at Deloitte—Ernesto blends operational excellence with creativity.As the founder of the Million Dollar Machine framework and author of Momentum Multipliers, he teaches solopreneurs how to scale without burning out by treating business like a recipe—step-by-step, repeatable, and scalable.In this episode, we discussed:Why structure and systems give entrepreneurs the freedom to be curious and scale with confidence.How personal alignment and originality can create magnetic, sustainable business growth.Why building a business should feel more like following a recipe than surviving a storm.Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Ernesto:https://www.yourmdm.co/https://www.yourmdm.co/bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ernestomandowsky/Chapters:0:00 Intro2:01 Good Design Reflects Good Business4:19 The Idea Behind the “Million Dollar Machine”5:55 Crossing the First Threshold10:22 Leaving Deloitte for a Passion in Restaurants15:36 Lessons from Cross-Pollinating Life Experiences16:04 Introducing Momentum Multipliers and the Five Recipes18:10 The Philosophical Foundation Behind the Recipes19:54 Client Case Studies and Small Changes with Big Impact25:18 AI and the Solopreneur Reality26:20 Building a Team: From Org Chart to SOPs29:59 Building Systems Through Consistent Progress30:53 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSystems #MillionDollarMachine #MomentumMultipliers #SolopreneurLife #DigitalTransformation #StartupSuccess #DeloitteAlumni #RestaurantToRiches #FoundersJourney #ScalingUp #SOPs #BusinessAutomation #SmallBusinessGrowth #StartupPlaybook #FromKitchenToCEO #ProductivityHacks #BusinessStrategy #ConsciousLeadership #BuildWithSystems

Sctacy Bishop is helping FinTech founders close more deals by turning technical brilliance into sales clarity.With over two decades of experience at Jack Henry and a deep understanding of the banking world, Stacey now leads Selling FinTech, where she empowers startups to position their products effectively, build strategic partnerships, and master the art of selling to financial institutions.In this episode, we discuss why sales success starts with empathy, clarity, and structured conversations—not aggressive tactics. Stacey explains how fintech founders can avoid costly mistakes by validating product-market fit before scaling sales teams. We also explore how Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Open Banking are transforming the future of fintech–bank collaboration.Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Stacey:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybishop/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellingfintech/https://sellingfintech.com/Chapters:0:00 Intro1:27 Early Sales Challenges3:51 Being Underestimated as a Female Sales Leader5:44 Balancing Education and Sales in Communication9:27 Standing Out Without Discounts or Pushy Sales Tactics14:21 Why Discounting Often Signals a Deeper Sales Problem18:31 Building Confidence Through Validation and Micro-Agreements23:08 Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) as a Win-Win Model26:31 Founders, Sales, and Knowing When to Scale30:13 Motivating Sales Teams Without Burnout33:40 Emerging Trends in FinTech and Banking36:41 Defining a Realistic Target Market for FinTech Startups39:13 Vision for the Future of FinTech-Bank Collaboration43:03 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast #FinTech #StartupSales #BankingAsAService #OpenBanking #SalesStrategy #FinTechFounders #FinTechGrowth #StartupLeadership #SellToBanks #ProductMarketFit #SalesMentorship #SaaSSales #TechSalesTips #StartupAdvice #FoundersJourney #SalesCoaching #FinTechPodcast #HorizonSearchPodcast #BaaS #FinTechSelling

Jennifer Fondrevay is helping leaders navigate the emotional side of mergers and acquisitions with deep expertise drawn from years in executive roles and consulting.As the founder of Day One Ready and author of Now What? A Survivor’s Guide for Thriving Through Mergers and Acquisitions, she supports organizations in building people-first strategies that drive successful integrations.In this episode, we discussed why the emotional toll of M&A is often underestimated—and how grief, identity loss, and ambiguity impact performance. Jennifer shares why middle managers are the make-or-break force in post-deal success and why they need to be trained, not just informed. We also dive into the power of rituals, empathy, and even music in helping teams process change and move forward with clarity and trust.Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Jennifer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fondrevay/https://jenniferjfondrevay.comhttps://maconsulting.jenniferjfondrevay.comhttps://www.amazon.com/NOW-WHAT-Survivors-Thriving-Acquisitions/dp/1734111305Chapters:0:00 Intro1:38 The Emotional Impact CEOs Overlook2:17 Human Emotions and Cultural Integration6:48 Grief in the Workplace10:09 Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Skill11:13 Normalizing Emotion at Work12:06 The Power of Vulnerability14:00 Using Music to Process Grief16:50 Identifying Hidden “Us vs. Them” Dynamics18:21 Respect as the Foundation for Cultural Integration23:42 Middle Managers as the Backbone of M&A Success26:27 A Call for Examples of Effective Leadership Communication27:34 Honoring the Past31:06 The Messy Middle and Hope for the Future of M&A40:30 Music as a Universal Emotional Language in M&A43:00 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessLeadership #JenniferFondrevay #EmotionalIntelligence #CorporateCulture #MiddleManagement #ExecutiveLeadership #ChangeManagement #BusinessStrategy #CareerResilience #DayOneReady #BusinessTransformation #Entrepreneurship #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalChange #PostMergerIntegration #CultureFit #HumanCapital

Can trust be measured, coached, and improved using AI? In this episode, we sit down with Rowland Hirst, President of Relate Research and Technology Co, to explore how AI-driven technology is revolutionizing the way businesses build trust with clients and partners.🔹 Why trustworthiness can be objectively measured and how AI acts like a coach for professionals.🔹 The problem with traditional trust metrics like CSAT and NPS – and why they don’t capture the full picture.🔹 How AI-driven trust measurement drives business success by improving relationships, sales, and long-term growth.If you're in sales, leadership, or customer success, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how technology is reshaping the business world.🎧 Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:🔗 Subscribe HereConnect with Rowland:🔗 LinkedIn🔗 TrustRelate🔗 Company LinkedIn🔗 Forum 360Chapters00:00 - Intro01:13 - AI, Deception, and the Nature of Trust03:44 - The Role of AI in Measuring Human Behavior06:09 - Trust as a Business Imperative07:26 - The Trust Perception Gap08:20 - The Relationship Between Transparency and Trust09:12 - The Absence of Trust Data15:52 - The Role of Technology in Ensuring Fair Measurement18:09 - The Psychological Comfort of Objective Measurement20:57 - Overcoming Fear of AI25:45 - The Limitations of Executive Oversight28:07 - Measurement of Trustworthiness33:21 - The Role of Context in Trust-Building Behaviors36:29 - Ensuring Standardization and Preventing Manipulation39:36 - Outro🔍 Follow for more insights on AI, trust, and business growth!#HorizonSearchPodcast #CanAIMeasureTrust #ArtificialIntelligence #TrustInBusiness #CustomerSuccess #SalesLeadership #BusinessRelationships #AIandBusiness #DigitalTransformation #TrustMeasurement #MachineLearning #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #MarketingStrategy #FutureOfWork #AIforGood #DataDrivenDecisions #CorporateStrategy #CustomerExperience #BusinessInnovation #GrowthMindset #BusinessPodcast

What makes Disney one of the most successful brands in the world?The answer lies in systems, marketing, and customer experience. In this episode, we sit down with Vance Morris, a former Disney leader and expert in customer service, business systems, and direct response marketing, to break down the billion-dollar playbook that can transform any business.🎯 In this episode, we cover:✅ How Disney’s systems create freedom and help businesses scale effortlessly.✅ Why direct response marketing and personalization give businesses an edge.✅ The future of customer experience—why human interaction beats automation.✅ Real-world strategies to increase revenue through unforgettable service.💡 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or marketer, these insights will help you stand out, charge premium prices, and retain customers for life.🔗 Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Vance:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/Website: https://yes.deliverservicenow.com/dsninstituteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vance.morris.9/Get his free book: https://book.deliverservicenow.com/free-bookChapters:0:00 The Power of Systems in Business3:54 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship9:25 The Psychology of Customer Experience and Profitability12:47 Customer Retention: Staying Top of Mind18:52 The Customer Journey: Mapping and Prioritizing Touchpoints21:21 Transforming a Struggling Business23:59 Raising Prices: The Simple Profit Strategy25:17 Customer Experience with Direct Response Marketing33:51 Businesses That Excel at Marketing38:57 The Importance of Tenacity in Business40:08 The Future of Customer Experience42:11 The Most Important Advice for Business Owners43:20 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast #CustomerExperience #DisneySecrets #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #MarketingTips #CustomerRetention #SalesGrowth #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #DirectResponseMarketing #MarketingPsychology #CustomerLoyalty #RetentionMarketing #CX #CustomerFirst #MarketingMastery #DisneyPlaybook

In this episode of the Horizon Search Podcast, we dive deep into the reality of building a business with Erik Caputo, co-founder of Evenda, an AI-driven sponsorship marketplace that’s revolutionizing how events and brands connect.With years of experience consulting Fortune 500 companies at Deloitte, Erik shares the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship and what it really takes to succeed.Why branding beats cold sales—How to establish credibility and trust in your market.How AI is reshaping marketing & sponsorships—Leveraging automation for faster, smarter growth.The startup survival equation—What role luck, timing, and persistence really play in success.If you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights you don’t want to miss!Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Erik Caputo:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcaputo/Evenda: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinevenda/about/Episode Chapters:0:00 Intro3:17 Communication Styles in Corporate Consulting11:02 Balancing Growth with Development19:40 Building a Brand to Drive Sales22:28 From Vendor-Event Marketplace to Sponsorship Platform26:15 Navigating Competitive Risks and the Role of Patents30:11 The Power of Transparency33:41 AI and Automation in Marketing37:47 Balancing External Advice39:48 Challenging the Status Quo41:10 The Role of Luck42:41 OutroFollow & Subscribe for More Insights!#HorizonSearchPodcast #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AIinMarketing #BrandingStrategy #Sponsorships #MarketingTech #StartupJourney #FounderMindset #SmallBusiness #TechInnovation #AIforBusiness #ScalingStartups #SalesStrategy #DigitalMarketing #LuckVsHardWork #StartupGrind #DeloitteConsulting #BusinessLeadership #GrowthHacking

AI and technology are transforming the legal industry, making justice more accessible, faster, and fairer than ever before. In this episode, we sit down with Rich Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of New Era ADR, to discuss how his platform is reshaping dispute resolution with a 100-day arbitration model and flat-fee pricing—cutting down years of legal battles into months.In this episode, we cover:Why the traditional legal system is broken—delays, high costs, and legal loopholes.How New Era ADR is revolutionizing dispute resolution with technology and better incentives.The role of AI in law—bridging the justice gap and making legal services more accessible.Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just interested in how AI is disrupting industries, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Rich:https://www.neweraadr.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtlee/Chapters:0:00 Intro2:03 The Founding of New Era ADR2:50 The Burden of Legal Disputes6:00 New Era ADR: A Faster, More Efficient Alternative14:35 The Role of AI in Law24:12 How New Era ADR Keeps Disputes to 100 Days32:06 Aligning Incentives for Fair Legal Outcomes33:15 Investing in Frontier Technologies40:49 The Role of AI in Bridging the Justice Gap41:14 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast #LegalTech #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinLaw #DisputeResolution #NewEraADR #BusinessLaw #Entrepreneurship #LegalInnovation #FutureOfLaw #CourtroomTechnology #LawAndTech #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #TechForGood #Automation #LegalAI #FastJustice #Arbitration #JusticeReform #SmartContracts

What if everything you thought you knew about AI, automation, and business success was a lie? Daniel Theobald, founder of Vecna Robotics and a pioneer in robotics and AI, reveals the truth that the rich don’t want you to know—from why most venture-backed startups fail to how AI is overhyped, and the mental toll of entrepreneurship no one talks about.In this episode, we cover:Why AI and humanoid robots aren’t the game-changers they claim to beHow 19 out of 20 VC-backed startups fail—and how to avoid the trapThe mental health crisis among founders that no one is addressingIf you're a founder, entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of business, this is a must-watch!Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Daniel:LinkedInVecna RoboticsMassRoboticsTwisted FieldsMekableChapters:0:00 Intro1:37 From Computer Science to Mechanical Engineering and Robotics5:00 Community Service Initiative7:17 Encouraging Women in Engineering9:03 Mentoring Startups12:59 The VC Funding Trap14:44 The Hidden Costs of Being a Founder16:16 The Generational Trade-Off of Entrepreneurship17:34 The Illusion of Wealth20:11 The Misconceptions of Artificial Intelligence23:03 The Uncertainty of AI Investments30:07 The Inefficiency of Humanoid Robots32:54 The Myth of "Lights Out" Automation35:05 Human Perception vs. Machine Vision40:35 The Economic Reality of Robot vs. Human Labor43:34 Robots in Space43:45 Practical Advice for SMBs51:10 The Overlooked Crisis58:30 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast, #AI, #Automation, #Entrepreneurship, #BusinessSuccess, #StartupAdvice, #VCFunding, #MentalHealthMatters, #TechMyths, #AIRevolution, #HumanoidRobots, #ArtificialIntelligence, #VentureCapital, #FounderLife, #BusinessGrowth, #StartupHustle, #SelfMade, #WealthBuilding, #TheTruthAboutAI, #HorizonSearchPodcast, #DanielTheobald

Nuo Jiang has built a career at the intersection of corporate leadership, AI innovation, and entrepreneurship. With experience at major global companies like Vodafone and Huawei, he made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and launch Ground AI. Now, he helps businesses scale through audience-led growth and automation, leveraging AI-driven strategies to drive success.How innovation and competition shape global marketsThe transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipThe biggest mistakes Western companies make when expanding into AsiaMany businesses struggle because they assume their existing strategies will work in new markets, but cultural adaptation and localization are essential for success. Nuo shares key insights on avoiding these mistakes and thriving in the Asian business landscape.🎧 Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:🔗 https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/Leo_nuo_jiang💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-nuo-jiang/https://www.aibusinessasia.com/en/https://www.youtube.com/@aibusinessasia0:00 Intro2:44 Leadership at Vodafone and Transition to Huawei7:22 Cultural Differences Between Western and Chinese Companies8:14 Huawei’s Work Ethic and Global Perception10:03 China’s Rapid Innovation11:26 Huawei’s Evolution and Market Challenges15:54 The Nature of Copying and Innovation18:10 Intellectual Property and the Pace of Innovation21:12 The Decision to Leave Corporate Life22:36 The Transition to Founding Ground AI27:45 Audience-Led Growth vs. Product-Led Growth28:48 Mistakes Western Companies Make35:03 Understanding Asia’s Business Landscape38:09 Establishing and Managing Partnerships39:00 The Future of Ground AI45:22 Where to Find Ground AI46:08 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast#AI #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #AsiaMarkets #Innovation #Startups #TechLeadership #DigitalTransformation #AIInnovation #B2BSaaS #GrowthMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #ChinaTech #CorporateToStartup #Leadership #MachineLearning #FutureOfWork #ScalingStartups #MarketingStrategy #EmergingMarkets

After building two billion-dollar business units, Steve Walsh walked away from the corporate world in 2018. Burned out but driven by a new mission, he turned his focus to helping early-stage founders raise capital, scale revenue, and accelerate growth.Now, as a Contrarian Investor and Techstars mentor, he's invested in 66 startups, with 35 reaching Series A, and his portfolio raising over $1.2 billion collectively. But what’s his secret?In this episode, we discuss: Why founders—not products—determine startup success How honest feedback and contrarian investing help startups grow The biggest fundraising mistakes and how to avoid themSave hours with top business hacks every Friday – The Searchlight: https://thesearchlight.com/subscribeConnect with Steve Walsh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/handsonangel/Twitter (X): https://x.com/HandsOnAngel1The Funding Accelerator: https://handsonangel.comBooks Mentioned in This Episode:Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups – Jason CalacanisGet it here: https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Invest-Technology-Startups-Timeless-Investor/dp/0062560700Day Trading Attention – Gary VaynerchukGet it here: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/0063317591Chapters:0:00 Intro2:12 Corporate Scaling vs Startup Growth5:08 Taking the First Step in Entrepreneurship7:56 Helping Startups Through Network and Experience12:17 The Venture Capital Industry’s Dirty Secret15:10 Investing in Overlooked Founders19:03 The Founder and Team23:33 The Power of a Concise Pitch23:39 Emerging Business Models24:53 Investor Sentiment28:56 The Value of Accelerators and Mentorship31:23 Corporate Life and Startups32:28 How to Avoid Burnout37:30 The Most Profound Business Advice Ever Received39:48 Outro#HorizonSearchPodcast #StartupSuccess #AngelInvestor #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Fundraising #StartupFunding #FounderMindset #BusinessGrowth #Techstars #ContrarianInvestor #StartupAdvice #SaaSStartups #EarlyStageStartups #ScaleYourBusiness