Liftoff with Keith: Conversations with Super Founders and Growth Experts sharing useful insights

AI is changing how companies hire, manage employees, and get work done. But are businesses prepared for the HR, compliance, and workplace challenges that come with it?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, Keith sits down with Sara Skowronski of EOS HR and AI Consulting to explore how small businesses can adopt AI while protecting their people, data, and organization.With 25+ years of HR and employment law experience and expertise in AI consulting, Sara shares a practical perspective on where AI and HR intersect, from hiring and employee policies to training and productivity.They discuss:Why every company needs an AI policyThe HR risks of employees using personal AI toolsHow AI can affect hiring and recruitmentWhy humans must remain involved in AI-assisted hiring decisionsHow AI can dramatically reduce repetitive HR workWhy AI training needs to be specific to each roleThe difference between AI literacy and simply knowing how to use ChatGPTWho should own AI implementation inside a companyHow small businesses can increase productivity without immediately increasing headcountSara's AI Clarity RoadmapHow Sara uses a personal AI chief of staff to stay focusedWhy clear expectations remain one of the most important parts of managing employeesIf you're a founder, HR leader, or business owner trying to understand how AI will change your workforce, this conversation offers a practical starting point.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Sara: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraskowronski Website: https://eoshr.com/ Speaker Kit: https://go.eoshr.com/speaker-kit Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.#AI #HR #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanResources #FutureOfWork

Due to some video connection challenges the host wasn't on the video feed for the first few minutes of the programsWhat if your battery didn’t need to be replaced every few years?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, Keith speaks with Raouf, co-founder and CEO of CTRL ENERGY, a Paris-based energy startup building a different approach to battery technology.CTRL ENERGY is developing ZERO, a repairable, modular and scalable portable battery, alongside LEPO, a stationary energy storage system designed for a much longer operating life. Raouf explains how his previous experience in the energy sector led to the company's focus on repairability, reuse and battery recycling.The conversation covers:Why CTRL ENERGY chose to bootstrap a hardware deep tech companyHow ZERO is designed to be repairable, modular and scalableUsing 3D printing and automated microfactories for localized manufacturingWhy CTRL ENERGY is building a community around product developmentThe company's Kickstarter strategy and early customer tractionHow ZERO and LEPO serve different markets and business modelsBattery recycling and the afterlife of battery cellsThe role of AI and automation in manufacturingThe challenges of getting deep tech hardware funded in EuropeWhy founders should build a working prototype as early as possibleWhy building a community can give hardware startups an advantageRaouf also shares his perspective on why hardware is becoming easier to build and why there is still significant room for innovation outside the current AI boom.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Raouf: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raoufremidan/ Website: https://ctrl.energy/ Learn more about CTRL ENERGY and ZERO:https://go.nomorezero.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

What if safety isn't just a compliance requirement, but one of the most important foundations of leadership, culture, and business performance?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, we sit down with Brian L. Fielkow, recognized business leader, board director, advisor, former CEO of Jetco Delivery, and author of Making Safety Happen, to explore how leaders can build organizations that remain strong when the pressure is high.Brian shares lessons from decades of operating and advising businesses where safety, risk, and performance are closely connected. We discuss why safety should be treated as a core value rather than simply a department, how leadership shapes employee behavior, and what it takes to create a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up when something isn't right.From managing operational risks to building trust, accountability, and psychological safety, this conversation offers practical insights for founders, CEOs, and business leaders who want to build companies that are both safe and productive.In this episode, we discuss:Why safety is a business responsibility, not just the job of a safety departmentThe difference between a compliance culture and a genuine safety cultureHow leadership influences employee behavior and organizational performanceWhy psychological safety encourages employees to speak up and report risksBuilding accountability and learning from near missesHow companies can balance growth, productivity, and risk managementIdentifying hidden risks during periods of rapid growthThe importance of clear, practical, and understandable processesHiring for both technical competence and attitudeWhy humility and the ability to course-correct matter in leadershipHow leaders reveal their culture when things go wrongWhy maintaining culture requires continuous investmentBrian also shares examples from his experience at Jetco Delivery, including how listening to frontline employees can uncover risks and lead to meaningful improvements.Whether you're a founder scaling a business, a CEO managing operational challenges, or a leader working to build a stronger company culture, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on leadership, safety, and sustainable performance.About Brian L. FielkowBrian L. Fielkow is a recognized business leader, board director, and advisor known for his work in safety, risk, and organizational performance. He previously served as CEO of Jetco Delivery and is the author of Making Safety Happen.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Brian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfielkow Book: https://www.amazon.in/Making-Safety-Happen-Productive-Profitable-ebook/dp/B0GX2ZXGFY Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

Harvey Liu, CEO of LeveX, joins Keith to discuss his journey from computer science and network engineering to venture capital, Web3 investing, and building a next-generation crypto trading platform.Harvey shares how LeveX grew from an early-stage product into a platform with hundreds of thousands of registered users, why he believes crypto is becoming increasingly connected with traditional finance, and how institutional adoption is changing the market.In this episode, Harvey also discusses:Building LeveX around traders and their feedbackThe evolution of Bitcoin, Web3 and crypto marketsTokenized stocks and real-world assetsWhy technical founders need strong communication and sales skillsOrganic growth versus paid customer acquisitionChoosing strategic investors over purely financial capitalDifferences between the U.S. and Chinese venture capital ecosystemsHow AI can help startups operate with leaner teamsWhy Harvey would consider a decentralized model if starting LeveX todayThe future of DeFi, prediction markets and crypto tradingHarvey brings a unique perspective shaped by technology, venture capital, finance and years of experience across global markets.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Harvey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveylevex/ Website: https://levex.com/en Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

Physical AI is everywhere in the conversation, but getting it to work reliably in the real world is a very different challenge.In this episode of Liftoff with Keith Newman, Keith sits down with Mike Link, COO of Kami Vision, to explore what it takes to move computer vision and physical AI from promising demos to real-world products operating across millions of devices. Mike shares how Kami Vision evolved from home security into AI-powered applications for elder care, including fall detection and remote monitoring, while continuing to expand into enterprise security and robotics. The conversation covers:What makes scaling physical AI different from traditional software Moving from hardware to software and eventually an AI-native model Using computer vision to transform elder care The challenges of enterprise AI deployment Privacy, trust and adoption in real-world environmentsWhy partner-led distribution can accelerate growthHow AI agents are changing internal business operations Why founders should get real customers using their product before trying to scale A practical conversation about the gap between building AI that works in a demo and building AI that works in the real world.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrenard/ Website: https://www.southviewtimber.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

Most investors are chasing the next hot market—from AI and data centers to the latest high-growth opportunities.But sometimes, the better opportunity is hiding somewhere few people are looking.In this episode of Liftoff with Keith Newman, Keith sits down with John Brennard, Managing Director & Founder of Southview Timberland Investments, to explore the world of timberland investing and what makes it an intriguing alternative asset class. John shares how his family's timberland investment in 2008 introduced him to the asset class, eventually leading him to build Southview around timberland and rural land investments across the U.S. Southeast. The conversation goes beyond timberland, covering:How to find opportunity in overlooked markets Why disciplined underwriting matters The value of patient ownership and hands-on execution How timber harvesting and land development can create value Why understanding an investment is critical before entering private markets The importance of staying close to sales and making progress every day As John puts it, there are no shortcuts in this game—and sometimes the best opportunities aren't the ones everyone is talking about. Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrenard/ Website: https://www.southviewtimber.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

Most founders think they have a growth problem, team problem, or technology problem.But what if the real constraint is the founder?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith Newman, Keith sits down with Damon Flowers, a business growth expert who has spent more than two decades building, scaling, and exiting companies across SaaS, eCommerce, coaching, and real estate—including taking one company from $3.5 million to $30 million in just two years. Damon explains why businesses often struggle to scale because their founders become the glue holding disconnected systems, people, and processes together.The conversation explores:Why a business can only grow as far as its founder doesHow founders become the bottleneck without realizing it The three stages of building a scalable business Why growth should come after the right operational foundation How disconnected tools can create more chaos Why simply adding AI tools isn't enough How an integrated operating system can help businesses move faster What founders need to change to make faster decisions and respond to the market Damon's core message is simple:Don't just try to grow faster. Build a business that is actually ready to grow.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Damon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonflowers Website: https://modernoperators.com/Media Kit: https://on.modernoperators.com/media/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

What if you're building a successful company—but accidentally building a life you don't actually want?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith Newman, Keith sits down with Charles T. Lee, founder of Ideation, to explore what it really means to build a successful business while protecting your health, relationships, purpose, and personal well-being.Charles shares why founders should:Slow down to create space for better ideas Invest in people, not just technology Understand their personal rhythms and energy Let go of ego and focus on building the right team Make time for reflection and personal development Stop comparing themselves to other founders Think about what "enough" and success really mean They also discuss how AI can give founders something increasingly valuable: more time to focus on the human side of leadership. The goal isn't simply to build a great company.It's to build a great company without losing the life you're building it for.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlestlee/ Website: https://theideation.com/ Book: http://www.designyourgoodlife.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.#LiftoffPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Founders #BusinessGrowth #AI #WorkLifeBalance

Most founders never think about transfer agents... until they become a problem.In this episode of Liftoff with Keith Newman, Keith sits down with Rob Schoder, Co-Founder & CEO of Vinyl Equity, to discuss why one of the most important pieces of capital markets infrastructure has remained stuck in the past—and how modern technology is changing it.Drawing from his experience leading portfolio operations at AngelList, Rob explains why outdated shareholder systems create unnecessary friction for founders, investors, and public companies, and how Vinyl is building the next generation of ownership infrastructure.In this episode you'll learn:Why transfer agents are critical to every public companyThe biggest challenges companies face during IPOsHow legacy infrastructure slows innovationWhy API-first platforms are changing capital marketsThe growing role of AI in shareholder managementLessons from building a regulated fintech startupWhy founders should market their wins earlierWhat the future of capital markets could look likeWhether you're a founder, CFO, investor, legal professional, or fintech enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the technology powering modern equity ownership.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Rob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwsjr/ Website: https://www.vinylequity.com/Vinyl Equity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinyl-equity/home/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.

What if the biggest threat to your startup isn't competition, funding, or even product-market fit—but your own management team?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and author Hunter Hastings to explore one of the most important—and controversial—ideas in modern entrepreneurship.Hunter is the co-author of Venture Mode: Escape the Administration Trap by Finding and Unleashing Entrepreneurial Leaders, where he argues that companies rarely fail because they grow too quickly. Instead, they lose the entrepreneurial behaviors that made them successful in the first place.As organizations scale, speed gives way to bureaucracy, customer obsession is replaced by internal process, and entrepreneurial leaders become administrators.We dive into what Hunter calls "The Administration Trap"—and how founders can avoid it.In this episode we discuss:Why management—not growth—is often what kills startupsThe earliest warning signs that bureaucracy is taking overHow founders can add structure without losing entrepreneurial cultureWhy customer value—not internal metrics—should drive every decisionHow to identify and empower entrepreneurial leaders inside your companyWhy traditional MBA thinking often fails foundersCash flow, value creation, and building resilient businessesHow AI is changing the economics of startups and leadershipThe biggest misconceptions founders and investors have about scaling companiesHunter's personal lessons from decades as a CEO, investor, executive, and educatorIf you're a founder, executive, investor, or anyone leading a growing company, this conversation offers a fresh framework for scaling without sacrificing innovation.Connect with KeithIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another founder or operator.Follow Liftoff with Keith for conversations with the entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators building the future.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Hunter: Book: Venture Mode: Escape the Administration Trap by Finding and Unleashing Entrepreneurial Leaders https://www.amazon.in/Venture-Mode-Administration-Unleashing-Entrepreneurial-ebook/dp/B0FQWF2FP5LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterhastings/Website: https://venturemode.biz/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeithNewman285Website: https://liftoffwithkeith.com/Want to build a high-growth company without falling into the administration trap? Subscribe to Liftoff with Keith and follow for weekly conversations with the founders building what's next.