Problem Solvers

Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, the platform built to help anyone host and sell tickets to an event. But after years in the business, Julia and her team realized something surprising. Their biggest growth opportunity wasn’t with the people creating events, it was with the people searching for them. On this episode, Julia shares how Eventbrite rethought its product, reimagined discovery, and why, in an AI-saturated world, real human connection might just be the ultimate value proposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Ania Smith, CEO of TaskRabbit, has spent her career building marketplace businesses. She shares the operational challenges of matching people who need tasks done with people who can do them and how TaskRabbit solves for the millions of unpredictable human variables that come with it. Balancing supply and demand at scale means identifying the patterns and solving the problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eynat Guez, co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, shares her entrepreneurial journey from near bankruptcy to building a $3.7 billion payroll platform. She discusses how confronting her worst fears transformed her business strategy, allowing her to leverage challenges as opportunities. Guez emphasizes the power of visualizing future success beyond adversity and the importance of a supportive workplace for tackling fears. Her insights highlight how embracing risks can unlock confidence and foster personal and professional growth.

Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, co-founders of Story Kitchen, are on a mission to breathe new life into beloved video game characters for modern audiences. They discuss the challenges of reviving classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and the importance of nostalgia in their adaptations. Dive into their creative process as they unravel the intricacies of transforming brands like Toys R Us into compelling stories. The duo also emphasizes the vital role of fan engagement and storytelling in successfully adapting cherished childhood icons.

Cliff Hudson, former CEO of Sonic Drive-In and co-author of the book 'Bricks and Clicks', shares insights alongside Craig Miller, former CIO. They dive into the creation of the iconic 'Two Guys' commercials, highlighting how this simple yet transformative idea emerged through testing and real-time feedback. The duo discusses Sonic's evolution from the 1980s struggles to a 1990s powerhouse, emphasizing innovative marketing strategies, the shift to engaging humor, and consumer re-engagement during crises.

Arjan Singh, author and adjunct professor at SMU Cox School of Business, shares insights gained from working with top Fortune Global 500 companies. He discusses the importance of corporate war games in identifying strategic blind spots, using Nokia’s decline as a cautionary tale against complacency. The conversation dives into reassessing market assumptions and adapting strategies in the face of competition. With practical insights on wargaming techniques and scenario planning, Singh equips listeners with tools to build resilient business strategies.

Misbah Uraizee and Farah Uraizee, co-founders of Nectar Social, share their journey from Meta to launching a bold new AI-driven platform. They discuss the critical concept of founder-market fit, emphasizing that solving problems uniquely suited to your expertise can attract clients and investors. Their insights reveal how a deep understanding of customer needs and strategic approaches led them to secure $10.6 million in seed funding without a pitch deck. Discover how they navigate challenges in the fast-evolving AI landscape and enhance social engagement.

In this thrilling discussion, Matthew Helderman, co-founder and CEO of BondIt Media Capital and Buffalo 8, shares his innovative approach to relationship-building. He reveals how his team transformed traditional business lunches into a repeatable growth strategy that led to seven-figure deals. Exploring the art of strategic networking, he emphasizes the importance of intentional outreach and face-to-face interactions. Helderman also reflects on a game-changing dining experience with a cinematic icon that reshaped his view on creativity and collaboration.

Laura Lorenzetti, Senior Director and Executive Editor at LinkedIn News, shares her wealth of knowledge on personal branding. She discusses how to create authentic content that fosters real connections and builds trust on LinkedIn. Laura debunks common myths and reveals the best times to post for maximum engagement. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and active interaction, offering practical strategies to develop a professional persona. Plus, learn how to make your content stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Pat Flynn, creator of Smart Passive Income and the YouTube channel Deep Pocket Monster, shares his insights on efficient learning in the era of information overload. He introduces his Lean Learning framework, designed to help you focus on actionable insights rather than drowning in excessive information. Pat emphasizes 'just in time' learning, realistic goal-setting, and supportive systems to combat overwhelm. He also discusses embracing imperfections and 'failing faster' as key strategies for personal growth and mastery.