Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

What if you could build an AI powerful enough to beat the stock market—and retire because of it? That’s exactly what Rick Cockerham did. In this episode, Rick shares how he built ANNIE, his custom-built AI stock trader that marries genetic algorithms with neural networks to consistently outperform the market. From early experiments in the ‘90s to achieving real-world investment success, Rick’s story is a masterclass in patience, innovation, and bringing tech to everyday people.This episode goes beyond just AI and stocks—it’s a powerful lens into product-market fit, building with integrity, and serving the underserved. If you're building a business that solves a real-world problem, this one’s for you.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧠 How one man’s lifelong passion for AI turned into a retirement-worthy business🔄 Why building “traders” instead of “predictors” is a winning entrepreneurial mindset🚀 The surprising business decision that led Rick to serve individuals over high-net-worth investors💸 How to make powerful tech accessible without big price tags ($20/month!)📉 Why removing your own bias from your product might be the best thing you do🛠️ The difference between a generalized AI model and a purpose-built agent—and what that means for your business📝 About the Guest Rick Cockerham has been coding since 1980 and exploring AI since the mid-’90s—long before it was trendy. He built ANNIE, an AI trading system that consistently beat the market and allowed him to retire early. Today, he shares those same signals with everyday investors at ai-stocktrading.com. One of the few developers creating original AI architectures from scratch, Rick’s goal is to use smart code to level the playing field in investing. When not coding, he enjoys woodworking and practicing judo in Austin.🎯 Rick’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Don’t listen to people’s doubts—listen to their reasons. Then work around the reasons.”Key Takeaways:🚧 Doubt ≠ valid limitation—distinguish real obstacles from fear-based projections🧠 You don’t need permission to pursue your idea—just data and courage🔄 Every “no” is either a challenge to solve or an idea to refine📢 Memorable Quotes“I’m obviously a much worse stock trader than she is at this point.” – Rick Cockerham “My biases were terrible... so I gave ANNIE full control.” – Rick Cockerham “I didn’t want to just help millionaires get richer—I wanted to help people like me.”💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Start building now—even if it takes years to perfect ✅ Remove your personal bias from your product and let data guide decisions ✅ Serve the people who need your solution, not just the ones who can afford it ✅ Don’t overcomplicate your offer—sometimes a daily text is enough to build a great business🔗 Links & Resources Visit ANNIE’s AI Stock Trading WebsiteConnect with Rick on LinkedInFollow Pocket Knife Software on LinkedIn

In this episode, Congxing Cai, founder of Synco AI and former engineering leader at Snap and Google, breaks down how real-time AI is transforming job interviews—and what this means for the future of work. From prepping behavioral answers to offering support during interviews, Synco is an AI assistant unlike any other. Congxing shares his entrepreneurial journey, his product development strategy, and how he's thinking far beyond tech to deeply serve everyday people navigating high-stakes moments. This episode is a must-listen for founders building in AI, SaaS, or career tech—and for anyone curious about how to use AI for true human empowerment.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How to turn real-time AI into a competitive edge for users in high-stakes scenarios 🎯 Why low-hanging fruit is a critical lens for product development in the AI era 📈 How to blend technical innovation with emotional intelligence and user empathy 🧠 What it means to think like both an engineer and a marketer as a founder 💬 How to tell your story in a way that attracts top-tier talent to your startup 💡 Why now is the best time to build—and how to filter ideas for max impact 🧪 Why UX in AI is still experimental—and how you can stand out by getting it right📝 About the GuestCongxing Cai is the founder of Synco AI, a cutting-edge personal AI assistant that supports job seekers before, during, and after interviews. With a background leading teams at Snap and Google, Congxing blends world-class technical skill with deep empathy for users navigating career transitions. His mission is to empower everyday professionals with the superpower of real-time AI—starting with interviews and expanding to opportunity creation at scale. His product combines elegant UX, advanced models, and deeply strategic vision, making him one of the most exciting AI founders to watch.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "This is the best time to build."Key Takeaways: ✔️ AI today allows you to do what used to take teams—faster, cheaper, and better ✔️ Don’t wait—use the tools and access we now have to start building something meaningful ✔️ The next 10–20 years will be defined by what’s being created right now📢 Memorable Quotes “AI helps normal people better express themselves and create opportunities.” – Congxing Cai “We don't know what the future AI interface will be—we’re experimenting in real time.” – Congxing Cai “You don’t need to chase talent. If your mission is strong, the best people will come to you.” – Congxing Cai💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Reframe your product roadmap around what’s now easy thanks to AI—and act fast ✅ Think of your business like a magnet—craft your story to attract the right people ✅ Build user trust by creating AI that enhances human expression, not replaces it ✅ Use weekly check-ins to filter ideas by customer need and buildability—quick wins matter🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Synco AI’s WebsiteConnect with Congxing on LinkedInFollow Synco AI on LinkedInFollow Congxing on Twitter

Tyler Hinsley, Napa Valley native and founder of Hinsley Consulting, is on a mission to revolutionize the wine industry—not through grapes, but through unforgettable guest experiences. In this episode, Tyler shares how he's helping boutique wineries bridge the gap between digital storytelling and in-person hospitality to build brands that last generations. His story is filled with creative insight, strategic execution, and deeply human moments that will inspire any entrepreneur looking to elevate their customer journey. Whether you're in wine or tech, Tyler’s approach to experience design, storytelling, and design thinking is pure gold.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 Why customer experience is your most overlooked growth asset—and how to make it unforgettable 📣 How to align your online brand voice with real-world interactions 🎨 The role of design thinking in building strategic, emotion-driven experiences 📈 Why your brand needs a consistent voice across every customer touchpoint 🤝 How collaboration (even with “competitors”) can elevate your industry and your brand 🧠 Tyler’s system for mapping quarterly business intentions to stay grounded and intentional 📦 Why every campaign needs a clear goal: to sell, to connect, or to do both📝 About the GuestTyler Hinsley, Napa native and CEO of Hinsley Consulting, helps wineries create lasting guest connections through strategic hospitality design and storytelling. His team specializes in crafting immersive spaces, building engaged online communities, and curating personal, memorable experiences that foster loyalty and elevate brands.Blending strategy, creativity, and data, Tyler guides boutique wineries through industry shifts, helping them thrive as centers of connection and creativity. Inspired by his Napa Valley roots, he champions collaboration and deeply values partnerships that enhance every guest interaction.With an approachable style and innovative mindset, Tyler works closely with clients, their teams, and aligned brands to deliver transformative experiences. His mission: to help wineries build legacies through shared moments guests will remember for a lifetime.🎯 Tyler’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Take the leap—even if it’s messy. Struggle and perseverance create something lasting and beautiful.”📢 Memorable Quotes “Wine is a time capsule—every bottle captures a place, a memory, a story.” – Tyler Hinsley “You can’t show up for your business if you’re not showing up for yourself.” – Tyler Hinsley “The goal isn’t just to sell wine. It’s to create an experience that people want to relive.” – Tyler Hinsley💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Use design thinking to map your business quarters by emotional intent, then reverse-engineer the actions ✅ Align your team on every campaign’s goal: are you building a relationship or driving revenue? ✅ Build your network with collaborators who complement your strengths—no one builds alone🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Hinsley Consulting’s WebsiteConnect with Tyler on LinkedInFollow Hinsley Consulting on LinkedInFollow Tyler on InstagramFollow Hinsley Consulting on Instagram

Mike Ali, founder of OnPath Marketing, shares how he’s revolutionizing the cold outreach game with AI-powered voice agents and personalized email systems. Starting with zero capital and a background in finance, Mike bootstrapped his business into a cutting-edge AI automation agency that helps companies scale their marketing without adding headcount.This episode is a masterclass in how to use AI to drive real-world results, build systems that sell, and focus on strategic growth. If you're an entrepreneur looking to work smarter (not just harder), this one’s a game-changer.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🤖 How AI voice agents are replacing traditional cold calling with scalable, human-sounding automation🚀 Why marketing agencies must evolve from service providers to solution engineers📈 How Mike sends 2,000+ personalized emails daily without getting flagged as spam🎯 Why prompt engineering is a competitive edge—and how to get better at it💼 How to integrate AI into your CRM and booking system for seamless client acquisition🔁 The simple shift from feature-selling to benefit-selling (and how it changes everything)⚒️ A low-cost, high-impact growth model you can implement even if you're just starting out📝 About the Guest Mike Ali is the founder of OnPath Marketing, an AI automation agency that helps businesses save time and win more clients through AI-powered solutions. Originally a lead-generation firm for small businesses, OnPath now builds AI voice agents for restaurants and automates cold calling for service-based companies. It also creates high-volume, personalized email outreach systems.A valedictorian once headed for a finance career, Mike pivoted to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for building scalable businesses. Along the way, he’s learned—through experience—what truly works in growth and automation.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "The hardest part of entrepreneurship is figuring out what to do next—so force your brain to come up with 20 ways to make money every single day." 💡 Key Takeaways from Mike's Advice: ✔ Clarity comes from focused thinking—not just busywork ✔ The best ideas come after your brain wants to quit—push past that point ✔ Consistency matters, but reflection and iteration are what drive growth📢 Memorable Quotes“Your AI voice agent never stops following up—it doesn’t get tired, it doesn’t get rejected, it just gets results.” – Mike Ali “Saturation is just a sign that something works—if no one’s doing it, that might be a red flag.” – Mike Ali “The real work starts after your campaign is running—what you choose to do next makes all the difference.” – Mike Ali💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Test a voice-cloned AI agent to cold call or follow up with leads you’re too busy to reach ✅ Improve your email outreach by using AI to research and write custom icebreakers for each contact ✅ Don’t just automate—integrate: connect AI tools directly to your CRM and calendar ✅ Run the “20 Ideas” exercise every week to push creative momentum in your business🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit OnPath Marketing’s WebsiteConnect with Mike on LinkedInFollow OnPath Marketing on LinkedInFollow Mike on Instagram

Candy Hipple, founder of Limenelle, joins the show to unpack the deep inner work that drives sustainable success—not just in business, but in life. With decades of executive leadership experience and a passion for helping women become "change-ready," Candy reveals how mindset, reflection, and radical self-inquiry are essential to entrepreneurial growth. This episode is a powerful exploration of personal transformation, the messy middle of entrepreneurship, and how to evolve with intention. Whether you're navigating a career pivot or scaling your business, Candy’s story offers actionable insights for your journey.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧠 Why mindset—not tactics—is the foundation of lasting entrepreneurial success🔍 How radical self-inquiry can unlock clarity, courage, and next-level growth🧱 The 3-part framework Candy uses with clients to connect the dots between past, present, and future✍️ How journaling can become your most powerful business and life tool🛠 Why your strengths—not your weaknesses—are the key to effectiveness and confidence🔁 How to embrace evolution in your offers, business model, and personal identity as an entrepreneur💡 Why “the messy middle” is where the real magic and growth happens📝 About Candy HippleIn 2023, Candy founded Limenelle™, an executive coaching and advisory firm empowering women leaders and their teams. With a background in accounting, finance, and two decades in executive leadership, she’s known for her intrapreneurial mindset and ability to launch and lead innovative business initiatives. Candy blends behavioral science, personal development, and lived experience to help clients transform challenges into growth. Her coaching emphasizes self-inquiry, mindset shifts, and actionable insights, rooted in a strengths-based approach. Her top strengths include Individualization, Strategic, Ideation, Learner, and Futuristic.🎯 Candy’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Focus on the what and the why—and let go of the how.” Key Takeaways: ✔ Flexibility in how you achieve your goals allows for creativity and evolution ✔ Curiosity leads to learning; courage leads to action ✔ Confidence doesn’t come first—it comes from showing up and doing the work📢 Memorable Quotes “Confidence comes from action. It comes from the doing.” – Candy Hipple “You have a responsibility to examine your own shit.” – Candy Hipple “The messy middle is where we spend most of our working lives—and that’s where the growth happens.” – Candy Hipple💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Start a consistent journaling habit to reflect, uncover patterns, and unlock clarity ✅ Use radical questioning to understand where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go ✅ Focus on your innate strengths and build your business around what energizes you ✅ Let go of being married to one business model—evolve your how as your mission grows ✅ Embrace each day as a fresh start, no major event required🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Limenelle™’s WebsiteConnect with Candy on LinkedInFollow Limenelle™ on LinkedIn

In this episode, Reece Calhoun shares how his background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst led him to build a business that was so effective, it attracted acquisition interest just weeks after launching. Reece opens up about his love for behavioral therapy, his mission to empower clinicians, and the behind-the-scenes story of how he built Review Gather Consult (RGC). From imperfect beginnings to principled decision-making, his story is a masterclass in intention, action, and purpose.This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful—even if you’re just starting with a Google Site and a vision.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 Why starting before you're “ready” can lead to the biggest breakthroughs 💡 How to build a business model that saves clients money (and makes your company more valuable) 🧠 Lessons from behavioral therapy that apply to business: proactivity, individualization, and rapid iteration 💻 How in-house solutions can become a powerful competitive advantage 🎯 The importance of building with people you trust—and why that can make or break your startup ⚙️ What to do when a buyer comes knocking—even if you're still in early traction mode ❤️ Why sticking to your values can be your most powerful business decision📝 About the Guest Reece Calhoun is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over a decade in the behavioral therapy world. He’s the founder of Review Gather Consult (RGC), a company that provided CEU trainings and operational support to behavior analysts and technicians. What started as a passion project quickly turned into an acquisition target thanks to its in-house training model and scalable potential. Reece is known for his intentional thinking, heartfelt leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving both clients and colleagues with integrity.🎯 Reece’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “If you’re thinking about starting a company, do it. But do it with people you trust.”Key Takeaways from Reece’s Advice: ✔ You’ll learn more about yourself than you ever expected when you start a business ✔ Trust is the foundation of strong teams—build with people who share your values ✔ Every business journey is a growth journey, even if it doesn’t end the way you planned📢 Memorable Quotes “Does this mean I failed? No—this is actually a success.” – Reece Calhoun “I wanted something that’s constantly evolving—because that means I’m constantly growing.” – Reece Calhoun💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Don’t overthink your launch—start messy, refine as you go ✅ Build internal assets (like training and certifications) that create long-term value ✅ Surround yourself with people you trust—it makes hard decisions easier ✅ Let your lived experience guide your business ideas ✅ Balance your heart with your head when making major business decisions🔗 Links & ResourcesConnect with Reece on LinkedInFollow Reece on Instagram

Kelsey Hart, founder and CEO of Creative Honey Badger, joins the show to share how she turned her creative passion into a thriving design and digital strategy agency. In this episode, Kelsey breaks down the difference between just building “pretty” brands and building powerful, strategic ones. Her journey from graphic design student to multi-faceted creative entrepreneur offers priceless insights into branding, web development, and launching a business with intention.Listeners will walk away with a new appreciation for the power of strategy, the reality of entrepreneurship, and how to "fail forward" with confidence.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧱 Why building a business without strategy is like opening a shop without a foundation🎯 How to align your brand and website with the audience you're truly trying to reach🧠 Why self-awareness is one of the most underrated business strategies💻 The real reason your DIY website might be hurting more than helping💡 How to evolve your brand identity without losing authenticity🔄 What it means to “fail forward” and why it’s the key to sustainable growth🛠️ How AI is transforming web development, design, and entrepreneurial efficiency📝 About Kelsey Hart Kelsey Hart is the founder and CEO of Creative Honey Badger, a creative and design agency. Her passion for design began in high school and evolved into a decade-long career spanning freelance design, digital marketing, and web development. After years of building her side business and gaining industry experience, Kelsey launched Creative Honey Badger to help startups and small businesses grow through strategic branding, web design, and digital marketing. Combining creativity with tech-savvy execution, she’s committed to helping clients build strong, effective online presences that drive real results.🎯 Kelsey’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Choose your hard. Starting a business is hard. Staying stuck is hard. You get to pick which hard you want." Key takeaways from Kelsey's advice: ✔ Don’t quit—failure is part of the journey, but it’s how you respond that defines your success ✔ "Failing forward" is better than standing still—momentum matters ✔ Faith over fear: choosing growth requires courage and intention every single day📢 Memorable Quotes “Every business has a different audience. Templates don’t come with strategy.” – Kelsey Hart “You have to build a brand with purpose—pretty design without strategy is just decoration.” – Kelsey Hart “You don’t have to figure it all out alone. That’s why Creative Honey Badger exists.” – Kelsey Hart💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Start with strategy—don’t build a brand or website without a clear roadmap✅ If you're using DIY platforms, know your limits and when to bring in a pro✅ Treat your website like a storefront: it should speak directly to your ideal customer✅ Consider your brand message just as much as your visuals✅ Use AI to enhance—not replace—your creative and strategic process🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Creative Honey Badger’s WebsiteConnect with Kelsey on LinkedInFollow Creative Honey Badger on LinkedInFollow Creative Honey Badger on FacebookFollow Creative Honey Badger on Instagram

What does it truly mean to thrive—not just survive—as a leader or entrepreneur? Sarah Draper brings decades of high-pressure leadership experience from the Army and FBI into the entrepreneurial world, where she now empowers high-performing leaders to build resilience proactively. In this episode, Sarah dives into how to master energy, avoid burnout, and lead with clarity—sharing strategies that challenge the hustle-at-all-costs mindset. Whether you're building a business or leading a team, this episode will shift how you think about success, leadership, and well-being.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🔋 Why managing your energy, not just your time, is key to sustainable success🚧 How to embrace struggle as the path to growth (and stop fearing it)🧠 The concept of pre-resilience and how to prepare for challenges before they hit🕰️ Practical ways to create boundaries that protect your priorities and performance💤 Why sleep and recovery are non-negotiable assets for entrepreneurs🧭 How to reverse-engineer your goals by starting with your long-term vision❤️ The role of relationships in resilience and leadership (backed by 86+ years of Harvard research)📝 About the GuestSarah Draper is a leadership and resilience speaker, coach, and trainer who helps high-performing leaders master stress, energy management, and recovery for sustainable success. With experience at West Point, in the Army, and the FBI, she brings firsthand insight into high-pressure leadership.Through her company, Leading Well Strategies, Sarah delivers keynotes, executive coaching, and development programs that challenge the “push harder” mentality. She empowers leaders to build resilience proactively, avoid burnout, and lead with clarity and confidence.Sarah’s core belief: leadership strength isn’t about enduring stress—it’s about mastering it. Her work helps professionals shift from survival mode to strategic endurance, so they not only perform at their best, but stay there.🎯 Sarah’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Be open to surprises.” Sarah encourages entrepreneurs to stay open to unexpected opportunities, even if they don’t fit your original plan. Key takeaways from her advice: ✔ Your path may evolve in ways you never imagined—stay curious and flexible ✔ Surprising moments often spark your biggest breakthroughs ✔ Leave space in your schedule and mind for possibilities to find you📢 Memorable Quotes “Resilience isn’t a trait—it’s a practice. It’s what you build before the storm hits.” – Sarah Draper “Energy is something you can build—and something you bring to every room you walk into.” – Sarah Draper “We’ll never get everything done. But if we prioritize ourselves, we’ll always get the right things done.” – Sarah Draper💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Run an energy audit to track what drains you vs. what energizes you ✅ Define your personal boundaries—and notice how often you violate them ✅ Create a wind-down routine to improve your sleep and next-day performance ✅ Start your vision planning with your ideal future life, then work backward ✅ Use recovery (not just productivity) as a tool for growth and leadership🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Leading Well Strategies’ WebsiteConnect with Sarah on LinkedInFollow Leading Well Strategies on LinkedIn

Chris Randall left a promising corporate career at Pepsi to follow a bigger calling—and built an innovative app-based cleaning company called Sweep. In this episode, he shares how a single idea during a long commute sparked a mission to create a frictionless, tech-powered cleaning solution for busy people. Chris dives into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from investing $20k into app development right before COVID hit, to cleaning homes himself while knocking on doors to survive.This episode is packed with real talk about resilience, product-market fit, and building systems that scale. Whether you're in tech, services, or somewhere in between, you'll walk away fired up and ready to take action.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How to validate and launch an app-based business from scratch—even during a pandemic 📦 Why ego can crush your business before it starts (and how humility opens doors) 🧠 How to think like an executive and engineer frictionless systems 💸 Why you should build pricing around customer clarity (not industry norms) 👥 How Chris created a two-sided marketplace without burning out 📈 The metrics and mindset that keep Chris focused on growth 🤖 How he's using AI to power operations, marketing, and systemization📝 About the Guest Chris Randall is the founder and CEO of Sweep, a tech-powered residential cleaning platform. After climbing the ranks at PepsiCo, Chris pivoted from corporate to startup life to solve a real-world problem—making house cleaning as easy and transparent as ordering an Uber. With no industry experience, he learned on the ground (literally), and today he leads one of West Michigan's most recognized local tech brands. Chris is also deeply active in community building, relationship-based marketing, and leveraging technology for scalable growth.🎯 Chris’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “If you have a business idea, stop overthinking it. It’s not about finding the perfect idea—it’s about being the right person to build something great.” – Chris Randall💬 Key takeaways from Chris’s advice: ✔ The industry doesn’t have to be your passion—your execution can become your passion ✔ Focus on building a business, not just doing the work you’re skilled at ✔ Systems and scalability matter more than initial innovation📢 Memorable Quotes“Starting a business means putting ego aside and doing the dirty work—literally, in my case.” – Chris Randall “I launched a tech platform, but I had to knock on doors and clean houses to survive.” – Chris Randall “AI eliminates hours of work I used to dread. It’s like having a whole extra team.” – Chris Randall💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Price your services in a way that aligns with how customers actually think ✅ Use AI to streamline your operations, communication, and marketing ✅ Get involved in your local community—trust and relationships open doors ✅ Build systems now that will make scaling easy later, especially if franchising is on your radar🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Sweep’s WebsiteConnect with Chris on LinkedInFollow Sweep LLC on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of AI, fintech, and financial literacy with John Kanalakis, founder and Head of AI at Tendi. With experience at Netflix and Roku, John now leads Tendi—a revolutionary platform that uses a proprietary AI model to act as a personal financial advisor. His mission? To bridge the financial literacy gap and reduce wealth disparities. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs building tech, mission-driven, or AI-first products, and for anyone curious about building something meaningful from the ground up.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How to use real user behavior to train a proprietary AI model that solves niche problems 🤖 Why building your own AI engine creates a true competitive moat—beyond OpenAI wrappers 📈 The secret to making “boring” products (like finance apps) fun and user-centric 💰 Why Tendi’s pricing strategy unlocks mass accessibility while staying profitable 🔐 How to handle sensitive data in a consumer app while building user trust 🎯 How to build a mission-first startup that solves real societal problems ⚡ Why you need to move FAST in AI—and how to avoid overplanning📝 About the GuestJohn Kanalakis is the founder and Head of AI at Tendi, a platform delivering AI-powered personal financial guidance. With a background in AI research and leadership roles at Netflix and Roku, John is driving Tendi’s mission to close the financial literacy gap and reduce wealth disparities. Under his leadership, Tendi uses advanced AI to provide personalized insights on budgeting, debt reduction, saving, and investing—empowering users to take control of their financial future.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Anything you can turn into a number, you can apply AI to.”John urges entrepreneurs to think in data and act fast. He emphasizes the importance of:✔ Acting quickly in fast-moving markets like AI ✔ Owning your data moat and proprietary model ✔ Planning every detail before training an expensive AI system📢 Memorable Quotes “Those who can afford a personal financial advisor probably don’t need one. It’s the rest of us who do.” – John Kanalakis “You’ve got to move fast. The tools evolve fast. If you have an idea to fix a problem with data, jump on it.” – John Kanalakis “AI should never be about shaming—it’s about informing and helping people make better decisions.” – John Kanalakis💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Train your own AI model using real user behavior to create a powerful product moat ✅ Make your product more fun and habit-forming—even in “boring” industries—through gamification ✅ Balance AI’s personalization with tone: make it friendly, not judgmental ✅ Lower the barrier to entry in pricing to serve underserved markets while leveraging AI for scalability🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Tendi’s WebsiteConnect with John on LinkedInFollow Tendi Corp. on LinkedIn