Missy Park, founder and CEO of Title IX, shares her inspiring journey from a college basketball player to the creator of a $100 million women's sportswear brand. She lovingly recounts the challenges of launching her mail-order catalog in 1989, driven by her frustration with ill-fitting athletic apparel. Missy reflects on Title IX's pivotal role in shaping women's sports and her unique approach to business, focusing on incremental successes and customer loyalty. With humor and heart, she emphasizes the need for representation in athletic gear, as well as the broader impacts of her $1 million donation to women's soccer.

Jeff and Curran Dandurand, co-founders of Jack Black Skin Care, share valuable insights from their entrepreneurial journey. They discuss the challenges of launching a men’s skincare brand and emphasize the importance of customer feedback and networking. Listeners hear from founders like Inga, seeking advice for her eco-friendly venture, and Ashley, navigating the luxury market. They explore innovative solutions for inventory management and building community around outdoor cooking, showcasing real-world strategies for startup success.

Abhi Ramesh, Founder and CEO of Misfits Market, shares his journey from witnessing food waste while apple picking to launching a grocery delivery service for misfit produce. He talks about using Facebook ads to gauge demand and hiring drivers from Craigslist, which led to rapid growth and significant funding. The pandemic accelerated his business's expansion, transforming it into a full online grocery store. Abhi reflects on overcoming challenges, building partnerships with farmers, and promoting sustainability in food practices.

Jeni Britton, the innovative founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, shares her expertise alongside Jesse Koenig of Jesse & Ben's and Casey White of Jaju Pierogi. They tackle marketing strategies, fundraising pressures, and the unique challenges of the food industry. Jeni discusses her new venture, Floura, aimed at addressing dietary fiber needs. The guests offer insights into building customer engagement and the importance of quality ingredients, weaving in personal anecdotes that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Dennis Gross, a celebrated dermatologist, and his wife, Carrie Gross, co-founder and marketing whiz, share their thrilling journey of creating a skincare empire. They discuss the initial fears about the brand's name and how a home peel revolutionized skincare. The couple recounts their hustle through challenges, including a major acquisition by Shiseido. Innovative products like their eye-catching LED face mask and dedication to consumer trust exemplify their success. Tune in for laughter, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the beauty industry!

Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit, shares her journey in the digital marketplace, offering insights on overcoming early challenges in the sharing economy. Shahn Sereckli, co-founder of My Love Your Love, discusses innovative strategies for user acquisition in couples coaching, emphasizing the importance of accessible relationship resources. Calls from founders reveal unique marketing hurdles, like how to make digital greeting cards stand out and finding product-market fit for educational platforms. The conversation is a treasure trove of advice for budding entrepreneurs.

Niklas Zennström, a Swedish entrepreneur known for co-founding Kazaa and Skype, shares his journey in pioneering peer-to-peer technology. He recounts the challenges of launching Kazaa amidst legal battles with the music industry. Zennström discusses the innovative pivot to Skype, which transformed telecommunications by enabling free global calls. He reflects on the entrepreneurial landscape of the early 2000s, navigating funding hurdles and competition from major tech players, ultimately leading to Skype's acquisition by Microsoft.

Jenn Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, shares her entrepreneurial wisdom while advising early-stage business owners. She tackles the importance of valuing artisan craftsmanship for local apparel, and emphasizes how letting go of ego can enhance leadership effectiveness. Conversations include strategies for raising capital in sustainable fashion and achieving significant revenue for beauty brands. Hyman offers insights on the evolution of fashion rentals and the emotional resilience needed in entrepreneurship, inspiring listeners on their journeys.

Mark Lawrence, Co-founder and CEO of SpotHero, shares his journey from dealing with parking fines in Chicago to creating a leading digital parking platform. He discusses the evolution from a peer-to-peer service to partnering with garages, emphasizing strategic growth over rapid expansion. Lawrence reflects on overcoming intense competition and investor pressures, while navigating challenges during the pandemic. He also shares his adventurous spirit, highlighting future goals like a bicycle tour across Africa and the importance of community in entrepreneurship.

Alberto Perlman, co-founder and CEO of Zumba, discusses the importance of strategic partnerships and saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities. He offers advice to early-stage founders, like the best ways to raise capital and navigate ownership dynamics. Jack from Drink Wholesome shares insights into expanding his protein powder business for sensitive stomachs, while Peter from Mountain Flow emphasizes creating sustainable outdoor products. Their discussions highlight resilience and the significance of transparency in building successful brands.