

Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business
Brian Lofrumento
Brian Lofrumento reveals everything you need to go from wantrepreneur – or someone who WANTS to own their own business – to a money-making, action-taking entrepreneur. Discover exactly how to start a business and build a raving audience of fans and customers who want to buy your stuff, and learn exactly how to best serve your customers and clients by building a customer-centric line of products and services. Brian has built multiple six-figure businesses, including a six-figure SEO agency at the age of 24, and now helps thousands of entrepreneurs from around the world grow, automate, and scale their businesses by implementing high-converting marketing strategies and systems into their businesses. Visit the show online and get a free copy of the book, Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur, at TheWantrepreneurShow.com.Our show is made possible by the financial, time, and knowledge contributions of our amazing guests. Together with the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur host and team, our guests believe in the power of entrepreneurs lifting up other entrepreneurs, and their contributions make it possible for us to reach wantrepreneurs and entrepreneurs all over the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 16, 2025 • 35min
1149: This is NOT your average AI episode! This is about AI INTEGRATION into life + biz w/ Justin Coats
In this episode, Justin Coats shares his remarkable journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a leader in AI integration and personal development. Justin's expertise spans across complex systems, from helicopters and UAVs to Amazon businesses and now AI-driven business transformation. He explains why AI integration is the future—and how businesses can harness its power without losing the human element. If you've been wondering how to use AI strategically in your business, this episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why AI is the great equalizer for small businesses—and how you can leverage it to compete with Fortune 500 companies 🤖 How to effectively integrate AI into your business without losing the human touch 💼 Why "alignment" in business decisions leads to more confidence and better outcomes 📊 How to break down complex business tasks to maximize AI efficiency 📝 The four essential components of successful AI prompting (Instruction, Information, Context, End Goal) 💡 Why rebuilding business processes around AI leads to 2x to 10x improvements in efficiency and output 🔑 How to identify the RIGHT areas in your business to apply AI for maximum impact📝 About Justin CoatsJustin Coats is a passionate leader in AI integration and personal development, with a journey that spans the Marine Corps, technology, and entrepreneurship. He brings a fresh perspective to how we think about AI, making complex ideas simple and usable for anyone. Justin believes in the power of people, not just technology, to drive real change, and he’s dedicated to helping leaders tap into AI’s potential while keeping the human element at the forefront.🎯 Justin’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Decision-making is the key to success. The right decision at the right time can define your business trajectory—but alignment with your mission is everything."Key Takeaways from Justin's Advice: ✔ Confidence in decision-making comes from alignment with your mission and purpose ✔ Not every opportunity is worth taking—if it’s not aligned with your mission, pass on it ✔ Focus on long-term vision rather than short-term gains📢 Memorable Quotes“Your uniqueness as a human is your superpower when you’re using AI.” – Justin Coats“AI is the great equalizer—whether you’re a solopreneur or a Fortune 500 company, the playing field is level.” – Justin Coats“Confidence in decisions comes from knowing they’re aligned with your mission.” – Justin Coats💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Start using AI now—falling behind even for six months could put you years behind competitors ✅ Break down complex tasks step-by-step to give AI clear instructions for better results ✅ Identify high-effort, low-output processes in your business—these are the best places to apply AI ✅ Train your team to understand AI fundamentals—it’s not just a tool, it’s a strategic shift ✅ Focus on human + AI collaboration rather than full automation to maintain quality and authenticity🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Neesh AI’s WebsiteConnect with Justin on LinkedIn

Jun 15, 2025 • 35min
1148: This TEDx speaker was HOMELESS and now is a multi-business entrepreneur... and he can help YOU gain resilience to succeed w/ Norberto Orellana
What if your biggest setbacks were actually the foundation of your success story? In this powerful episode, Norberto Orellana shares his meteoric rise from homelessness, abuse, and disability to becoming a three-time TEDx speaker, healthcare leader, and founder of Norberto Orellana Enterprises. His story is a raw, inspiring look at how resilience, vision, and a refusal to be defined by circumstances can lead to entrepreneurial greatness. This episode is a masterclass in how to break free from limitations, define your identity, and take confident action in your business and life.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to transform adversity into fuel for entrepreneurial growth🧠 Why defining your future self can be the ultimate source of motivation🛠️ How to build resilience as a skill—and use it as your entrepreneurial superpower📣 The 4 traits Norberto teaches to unlock meteoric growth (Ambition, Persistence, Decisiveness, Unbreakability)🎯 How to coach yourself through setbacks and uncertainty🗣️ Why storytelling isn’t just powerful—it’s essential for personal branding🔍 How to identify the “whispers” of purpose that become your business mission📝 About the Guest From homelessness, abuse, and disability, to an expert in defying the odds, Norberto Orellana has helped tens of thousands over the past decade unlock their METEORIC power. As the founder of Norberto Orellana Enterprises, he is seen as an expert in the resilience and growth spaces. He is also a healthcare industry leader and innovator, co-founding the management company ASCend Specialists. He is a three time TEDx speaker who was recognized by the US House of Representatives. Norberto helps professionals who feel unfulfilled, afraid of failing, and who don’t believe in themselves. He empowers professionals to tap into their hidden METEORIC power to “be more, do more, say more, and live more,” so that they can take confident action immediately to turn their dreams into their reality no matter what challenges life throws their way.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Look up to the version of yourself ten years from now—and work every day to become them."💡 Key Takeaways from Norberto's Advice:✔ Dream bigger—stop shrinking your ambitions to fit your current reality✔ The best role model is your future self—visualize them in detail✔ Progress isn't about perfection—it's about consistent action toward who you're meant to be📢 Memorable Quotes“I look up to the person I’ll be ten years from now—that version of me inspires everything I do.” – Norberto Orellana “Everyone has meteoric power inside of them. The question is, will you unleash it?” – Norberto Orellana “You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.” – Norberto Orellana💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Try the "10-Year Self" exercise: visualize your life, business, and identity a decade from now✅ When you're in a low moment, remember—you're in the middle of your story, not the end✅ Reframe hardship as the raw material for your brand and mission✅ Start coaching conversations with who you want to become, not what you currently do🔗 Links & Resources Visit Norberto’s WebsiteConnect with Norberto on LinkedIn

Jun 14, 2025 • 33min
1147: Using your PURPOSE to fuel your persistence, innovation, and LEGACY w/ Sergio Sotelo
In this episode, Brian sits down with Sergio Sotelo, an experienced IT executive, entrepreneur, and AI strategist. Sergio shares his remarkable 24+ year journey from software engineering to becoming the CEO of Euler Innovations, a technology firm focused on revolutionizing the travel industry with AI. A former IBM executive, Sergio led the IBM Watson AI business in Latin America and has spoken in front of the president of Peru. Now, he’s building a groundbreaking travel solution while navigating a major life change—moving his family and business to the United States. Sergio’s insights on purpose, risk, and legacy are packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why understanding your purpose will drive long-term success in business 🤖 How to build AI-driven solutions that enhance customer experience and trust 💡 The power of product-market validation—and how Sergio tested his idea in Peru before scaling 💪 How to balance calculated risk-taking with wise decision-making 🌍 Why thinking globally from the start gives you a competitive edge 💼 How Sergio navigated business growth while adapting to personal and family changes ⚡ Why building legacy is about more than business—it’s about impact and preparing future generations📝 About Sergio SoteloSergio Sotelo is an experienced IT executive, entrepreneur, and AI strategist with over 24 years of expertise in sales, management, business development, and IT innovation. He specializes in AI-driven business models, digital transformation, and startup growth strategies.A former IBM executive, Sergio successfully led, scaled, and 'nailed' the IBM Watson AI business in Latin America. His work has earned him multiple prestigious recognitions, including the IBM 100 Percent Club Award, he was recently awarded the US EB2 NIW Visa, and recognized and featured in Marquis Who's Who in America for his contributions to AI and IT innovation.Currently, he is the CEO of Euler Innovations, a technology firm based in Virginia. He also serves as a board director, mentor, and advisor to startups across the U.S. and internationally. He holds an MBA from the University of Lima, a Master in Management from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, and has completed executive programs at MIT and Harvard.🎯 Sergio’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Don't be afraid to pursue big dreams. If you’re aligned with your purpose, you have the potential to make it happen."📢 Memorable Quotes"If you know your purpose, you have the potential to achieve it." – Sergio Sotelo"Don't let anyone kill your dream. If you're built with a purpose, you have the power to make it happen." – Sergio Sotelo"Success without a successor is failure." – Sergio Sotelo💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Identify your core purpose—it will guide your decisions and keep you motivated. ✅ Test your business idea in a smaller market before scaling globally. ✅ Approach risk strategically—consult trusted advisors and adjust based on feedback. ✅ Integrate AI and digital transformation to create more efficient, customer-focused solutions. ✅ Balance work and life—build a business that supports your lifestyle and long-term goals.🔗 LinksVisit Euler Innovations’ WebsiteConnect with Sergio on LinkedInVisit Sergio’s Website

Jun 13, 2025 • 38min
1146: NEUROSCIENCE & leadership skills to unlock the extraordinary inside YOU w/ Joanne Merrick
In this episode, Joanne Merrick shares how she’s reshaping leadership development by combining neuroscience with practical management strategies. Joanne, founder of The Leadership Recipe and author of Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play?, explains why soft skills are actually hard skills — and how to develop them intentionally. Her global experience with companies like Deloitte and Amazon gives her a unique perspective on what makes a great leader. If you want to strengthen your leadership, communication, and team performance, this episode is packed with actionable insights.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business✅ Why soft skills are actually the hardest — and how to master them✅ How to build a leadership “toolkit” for better communication and decision-making✅ Why creating autonomy for your team improves performance and morale✅ How to practice leadership intentionally — and why feedback is essential✅ The 4 core elements of successful leadership (and how to strengthen them)✅ How to empower your team without micromanaging (and why it matters for growth)✅ Why mindset and resilience are the foundation for sustainable leadership📝 About Joanne MerrickJoanne Merrick offers over 25 years of global experience in helping individuals and organizations thrive. She has delivered transformative leadership programs across 5 continents and 22 countries, combining her expertise in neuroscience with a passion for building management and leadership capabilities.As founder of The Leadership Recipe, LLC, Joanne designs impactful programs that enhance communication, emotional intelligence, and team performance. Her global perspective - shaped by living in Australia, Hong Kong, and now the USA - draws on her leadership roles at major organizations like Deloitte, Amazon, and Juniper Networks. This diverse background fuels her fresh, practical approach to leadership development.In her debut book, Game On! Is Management Your Best Career Play?, Joanne empowers readers to make informed decisions about stepping into management.🎯 Joanne’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Find a way to love what you do and do what you love."Joanne’s advice is simple but powerful: Focus on work that lights you up. Even if you can't love every part of your business, find joy in aspects of it and integrate your passions into your daily work.📢 Memorable Quotes"Soft skills are actually hard skills — they require practice, feedback, and patience." – Joanne Merrick"Empowerment is about giving people the freedom to make decisions — that’s when they thrive." – Joanne Merrick"Find a way to love what you do — and make your work reflect who you are." – Joanne Merrick💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Build a leadership “toolkit” with communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills✅ Create autonomy for your team — give them space to own their work✅ Practice leadership intentionally — get feedback and improve consistently✅ Focus on strengths first, but don’t ignore essential skills required for growth✅ Encourage guided discovery — let your team find their own solutions through structure🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit The Leadership Recipe’s WebsiteGet a Copy of Joanne’s Book ‘Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play?’Connect with Joanne on LinkedIn

Jun 12, 2025 • 38min
1145: How many AI agents can you put to work for your business? w/ Mark Brennan
In this episode, Mark Brennan shares his incredible journey from working at Salesforce to founding Kynoch Labs, where he's pioneering the use of autonomous AI agents for business growth. Mark dives deep into the current state of AI, how businesses can leverage agent-based AI to boost efficiency and customer service, and why the AI revolution is closer than you think. This episode is packed with insights on how to integrate AI into your business and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why mid-market businesses are the best place to innovate with AI 🤖 How autonomous AI agents work—and why they’re a game-changer for customer service 💰 Why the future of AI isn’t about large language models—it’s about application 🛠️ How to assess where to apply AI in your business for the greatest impact ⚡ The biggest challenges businesses face when adopting AI—and how to overcome them 📈 Why businesses that embrace AI now will have a competitive edge by next year 💼 How to balance human teams with AI agents for maximum efficiency📝 About Mark BrennanMark Brennan is a tech industry veteran and entrepreneur who started his career at Salesforce in 2007. After working with some of the biggest names in tech and helping IT departments globally, Mark founded Kynoch Labs, a trusted Salesforce partner specializing in building AI-driven autonomous agents. His expertise lies in business process automation, AI strategy, and empowering mid-market businesses to harness the power of AI for real-world results.🎯 Mark’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"The safest place is to be a fast-moving entrepreneur who is nimble and willing to adjust frequently. Success comes from adapting and evolving quickly."Key Takeaways from Mark's Advice: ✔️ Success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying adaptable ✔️ Fear of failure shouldn’t stop you from experimenting with new strategies ✔️ The business world is evolving fast—adaptability is the key to survival📢 Memorable Quotes“We’re limited not by budget or resources—but by our imagination.” – Mark Brennan“AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. The businesses that adopt it now will have a major competitive advantage.” – Mark Brennan“Entrepreneurship is scary, but the freedom to adapt and adjust quickly is worth it.” – Mark Brennan💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Start small: Test AI with customer service or operational tasks ✅ Focus on AI that improves efficiency—not just automating for the sake of it ✅ Train your AI agents to know when to hand off tasks to human teams ✅ Keep customer data secure by working with trusted AI partners ✅ Stay adaptable—AI solutions will continue to evolve rapidly🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Kynoch Labs’ WebsiteConnect with Mark on LinkedIn

Jun 11, 2025 • 33min
1144: Going from from START-up to SCALE-up & navigating the critical phases of growth w/ Kristi Broom
In this episode, Kristi Broom shares her deep expertise in helping businesses navigate the tricky transition from startup to scale-up. With over 25 years of experience in strategic innovation and operational excellence, Kristi reveals the systems and strategies that drive sustainable growth. From building the right team to understanding the evolving nature of business phases, Kristi’s insights will help you unlock the next level of success in your business journey.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 The 4 Stages of Business Growth – How to identify if you're in ideation, startup, scale-up, or expansion (and why it matters) 🧠 Why Systems Thinking is a Game-Changer – How to look at your business as a living, breathing system to make better decisions 👥 When to Hire (and When to Hold Back) – How Kristi helps businesses avoid costly hiring mistakes by finding the right talent at the right time 🔄 The Value of Generalists – Why being a multi-skilled operator is a superpower in business growth ⚖️ Managing Highs and Lows – How to emotionally detach from business outcomes to stay grounded and focused 🧘 Integrating Wellness Into Business Success – How yoga and mindfulness can improve decision-making and business performance📝 About Kristi BroomKristi Broom is a dynamic executive leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic innovation and operational excellence across diverse industries in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She has a proven track record of designing and executing transformative strategies and innovative product and skills solutions, resulting in significant quality improvements, cost reductions, and enhanced productivity. She is known for building client trust, fostering stakeholder relationships, and spearheading initiatives that drive and scale organizational growth and success. A proud generalist, her career spans Product, Client Experience, Operations, Technology, Innovation, and all facets of Leadership, Learning and Development.About 10 years ago she was overstressed, overworked, overweight, and frankly burned out. She discovered dance and yoga as a way to correct all of that. Five years ago she started teaching yoga in both public and corporate settings, and has added dance fitness to her offerings. She believe that we need to integrate our full selves in order to be our very best selves.🎯 Kristi’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Manage the highs. Manage the lows." – Kristi emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation in business. Don’t get too attached to successes or failures—stay balanced and focused on the bigger picture.📢 Memorable Quotes"Businesses are living, breathing systems. You need to adapt to keep them healthy and growing." – Kristi Broom"Generalists are uniquely positioned to drive business success because they know how to solve different problems at different times." – Kristi Broom"Detach from the outcome—focus on what you can control." – Kristi Broom💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Evaluate which phase your business is in (startup vs. scale-up) and adapt your strategy accordingly ✅ Build systems that allow you to grow without chaos ✅ Consider hiring fractional executives or generalists to solve specific business challenges ✅ Create a personal wellness routine to stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced ✅ Detach from business outcomes—stay focused on the process🔗 LinksVisit Lotus Transformation Group’s WebsiteConnect with Kristi on LinkedIn

Jun 10, 2025 • 37min
1143: Changing the way HR navigates government compliance with TECHNOLOGY (& entrepreneurial innovation!) w/ Janice Kephart
In this episode, Brian sits down with Janice Kephart, a national security and identity expert who has spent over two decades shaping identity policy and biometric solutions. Janice served as border counsel to the 9/11 Commission and has testified before the US Congress and the United Nations. Now, she's building ZipID—a groundbreaking identity authentication platform that simplifies compliance and solves a major pain point for employers. Janice’s story is a powerful example of how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to complex problems, and how creative problem-solving can drive business success.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to turn government-level expertise into a scalable business solution 🤖 Why simplifying complex problems is the key to creating market disruption 💼 How to position your business for success in a competitive market 💡 The importance of balancing vision with execution—and how Janice does it 🌍 Why knowing your customer’s pain points is essential to creating a successful product 💪 How to push through challenges even when the market is crowded ⚡ Why creative thinking is a superpower for entrepreneurs📝 About Janice KephartJanice Kephart is a national security and identity expert with over 20 years of experience in identity policy and biometric solutions. She served as border counsel to the 9/11 Commission and has testified before the US Congress and the UN on identity and national security issues. Janice is the CEO of Identity Strategy Partners and the founder of ZipID, a compliance-focused identity verification platform designed to simplify hiring and employee authentication. A creative at heart, Janice is also a spoken word artist and narrator, blending her legal expertise with innovative thinking.🎯 Janice’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Believe in what you do. You have to know in your gut that what you’re doing is valuable—because if you don’t believe it, you won’t make it." – Janice KephartKey Takeaways from Janice’s Advice: ✔ Your idea needs to solve a real problem—passion alone isn’t enough ✔ Build conviction—because adversity will come, and belief will get you through it ✔ Focus on creating value first—the revenue will follow📢 Memorable Quotes“Entrepreneurs don’t wait for permission—we see problems and take action.” – Janice Kephart“Be balanced, be clear, be thoughtful—people will resonate with you when you communicate value.” – Janice Kephart“Preparation matters. Passion matters. But balance matters most.” – Janice Kephart💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Focus on solving a problem, not just creating a product✅ Build conviction in your business idea—confidence sells✅ Surround yourself with the right people to fill knowledge gaps✅ Simplify complex processes to give your business a competitive edge✅ Don't be afraid of risk—it’s part of the entrepreneurial journey🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit ZipID’s WebsiteConnect with Janice on LinkedInSubscribe to Janice’s Substack ‘Apolitics and Poetry’

Jun 9, 2025 • 35min
1142: Navigating and leading the way with AI guardrails at the enterprise level w/ Shaun Ayrton
In this episode, Brian interviews Shaun Ayrton, the CEO and founder of Galini, a Y Combinator and General Catalyst-backed startup helping enterprises deploy AI responsibly. Shaun shares his journey from working at McKinsey, where he drove over $500M in revenue growth, to founding Galini with his former college roommate. He explains how Galini is addressing the challenges of AI compliance, data privacy, and regulation—problems that are becoming more urgent as AI becomes a central part of business operations. Shaun dives into the unique risks and opportunities in AI and why now is the best time to be an entrepreneur.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to turn corporate experience into a startup advantage – Shaun shares how his time at McKinsey prepared him for entrepreneurship. 🤖 Why AI guardrails are critical for business adoption – Learn why most enterprises are stuck in "pilot mode" and how to break through to scale. 💰 How to build a business around regulation and compliance – Shaun reveals how Galini is creating a new category in AI security and compliance. ⚡ The biggest AI risks businesses face right now – And how to navigate them responsibly. 🛡️ How to use AI to increase efficiency without risking data security – Shaun explains the difference between smart AI deployment and reckless automation. 💡 Why timing matters in business and AI – Shaun discusses how Galini is positioned perfectly for the next wave of AI adoption. 🎯 How to use AI for business growth TODAY – Simple, practical steps to integrate AI in your business responsibly.📝 About Shaun AyrtonShaun Ayrton is the CEO and Founder of Galini, a YC and General Catalyst backed start-up helping enterprises deploy AI responsibly. His partner in crime is his former college roommate and dear friend Raul Zablah, who has built and managed complex systems at Morgan Stanley, Bridgewater and Ridgeline.Prior to founding Galini, Shaun was a leader in McKinsey's Software & Telecom practice in New York where he drove $500M+ revenue growth for Fortune 50 software and telecom companies. He had a track record of helping his clients achieve breakout revenue growth, two of which were acquired for ~$20B each!Outside of work, Shaun is an avid sports fan and player. He grew up in Dubai playing cricket for the junior national team and captained the UPenn cricket team in college.🎯 Shaun’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"There has never been a better time to start a company. If you have even the slightest itch to build something, DO IT."📢 Memorable Quotes"Intelligence has never been free before. AI is changing that—and it’s going to reshape everything." – Shaun Ayrton"If you’re not making at least one blunder every day, you’re not moving fast enough." – Shaun Ayrton"Entrepreneurship is about speed of learning, not perfection. Fail fast and adjust." – Shaun Ayrton💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Audit your AI use cases – Are you using AI securely and responsibly? ✅ Set clear guardrails for AI in your business – Protect your data and your customers. ✅ Leverage AI for business growth – Use AI to automate, but keep human oversight. ✅ Start small, scale fast – Experiment with AI in one area of your business before expanding. ✅ Be transparent with customers – Make sure customers know how their data is being used.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Galini’s WebsiteConnect with Shaun on LinkedIn

Jun 8, 2025 • 37min
1141: THIS relationship-based strategy can get you customers & clients with NO UPFRONT COSTS w/ Jessica Robinson
Affiliate marketing isn’t dead—it’s just misunderstood. In this episode, Jessica Robinson, founder of Affiliate Marketing Partners and former Global Head of Affiliates at PayPal, reveals why affiliate marketing is one of the most underutilized but high-ROI client acquisition strategies today.Whether you're a solopreneur, an agency owner, or part of a high-growth startup, Jessica breaks down how affiliate marketing works (the right way), how to build sustainable partnerships, and what you need in place before launching a program. Plus, she shares her incredible entrepreneurial story of starting her agency while on maternity leave—and scaling it with a newborn in one arm and a newborn business in the other.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business💰 Why affiliate marketing offers one of the highest ROIs—and how to make it work in any industry🤝 How to build win-win relationships with affiliates, even if you’re starting from scratch🔍 The real reason most affiliate programs fail (and how to fix it)📈 What you must have in place before launching an affiliate program🧠 Why product-market fit and conversion rates matter more than rev share👶 How Jessica started and scaled her agency while raising two kids—and what it taught her about leadership📝 About the Guest Jessica Robinson has been in the affiliate marketing space since 2012. She has managed multiple programs ranging across many verticals including DTC, B2B, Retail, Logistics and Finance. Most recently, she was PayPal’s Global Head of Affiliates before leaving PayPal at the end of 2023 to focus full time on growing her marketing agency, Affiliate Marketing Partners. 🎯 Jessica’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“There is no perfect timing. If the opportunity presents itself—take it.”Key Takeaways:✅ The right opportunity rarely comes at the “perfect” time—action matters more than timing✅ Fortune truly favors the bold—especially when you're willing to step away from comfort✅ Building a business means everything you do matters—your work has real impact📢 Memorable Quotes“Affiliate marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a relationship-based, high-ROI channel.” – Jessica Robinson “If you’re waiting for the perfect time, it’s probably already passed.” – Jessica Robinson “Everything I do now matters. That’s what I love about entrepreneurship.” – Jessica Robinson💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ If you’re running ads, consider adding a pay-per-performance affiliate channel to diversify✅ Only launch an affiliate program when your product, conversion funnel, and value prop are ready✅ Build your program around the right partners—not the most partners✅ Think like a business owner, not an influencer—affiliate marketing is about strategy and sustainability🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Affiliate Marketing Partners’ WebsiteFollow Affiliate Marketing Partners on LinkedInConnect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Jun 7, 2025 • 34min
1140: What the heck is DeFi and how can it help YOU make money w/ Vadim Voss
In this episode, Vadim Voss, founder of Next Level DeFi, reveals how everyday entrepreneurs can create passive income streams using decentralized finance (DeFi) strategies — without needing to be a financial expert. Vadim explains how he went from struggling with traditional banking to discovering the power of Bitcoin and DeFi, and how that experience shaped his mission to educate others. He breaks down complex concepts like yield farming, liquidity mining, and crypto lending into simple, actionable steps that even beginners can follow. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your money work for you — especially as a business owner — this episode is a must-listen.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to generate passive income using decentralized finance (DeFi) 📈 Why stable coin farms are a safer alternative to holding cash in a bank 💰 How liquidity mining works and why it can generate 20%–300% annual returns 🔎 How to diversify between stable coins, Bitcoin, and other crypto assets ⚡ Why you don’t need to be a finance expert to profit from DeFi 💼 How entrepreneurs can use operational cash reserves to generate extra income 🔑 Why good regulation is actually a positive sign for DeFi’s future📝 About Vadim VossVadim Voss is the founder of Next Level DeFi, where he helps everyday people create passive income streams through decentralized finance strategies. With a degree in Finance and Information Systems from NYU's Stern School of Business and over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Vadim has built a proven system that allows people to profit from yield farming and liquidity mining — without needing complex technical knowledge. His passion for decentralization stems from his early experience in crypto trading and his frustration with traditional banking limitations.🎯 Vadim’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Find the biggest problem you can solve, create the best solution possible, and the market will follow.”Key Takeaways: ✔ Solve a REAL problem that affects a large market. ✔ Focus on creating a high-quality product before jumping into marketing. ✔ If you have a great product, marketing becomes much easier — top marketers will seek you out.📢 Memorable Quotes“You don’t need to know how the radiator works to drive a car. Same with DeFi — you don’t need to understand the tech to make money.” – Vadim Voss“Good regulation isn’t bad for DeFi — it gives the big players confidence to enter the market.” – Vadim Voss“Your money is losing value every day in the bank. In DeFi, you can make 20%–300% per year on that same cash.” – Vadim Voss💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Set up a stable coin farm to generate steady passive income (15%–20% annually). ✅ Diversify your holdings between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stable coins to minimize risk. ✅ Use liquidity mining to make money from trading volume without actively trading. ✅ Educate yourself on DeFi basics — understanding the structure will give you more confidence. ✅ Don’t overlook regulation — positive regulation will bring stability and new opportunities.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Next Level DeFi’s WebsiteSign Up to Next Level DeFi Academy’s On Demand TrainingConnect with Vadim on LinkedIn


