Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

In this episode, we dive into the world of product management, entrepreneurship, and strategic execution with Narain Bala, founder of Product On Point. With a background spanning major companies like CNN and WebMD, Narain brings a unique blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial agility to the table.From managing complex digital ecosystems to launching his own product development studio, Narain shares his journey of transitioning from a product manager in big tech to an entrepreneur solving real-world problems for businesses that lack technical expertise. If you’re looking for insights on strategic product development, business growth, and the mindset needed to succeed, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How product managers think like entrepreneurs—and why it’s a powerful skill set💡 The fundamentals of product management that most businesses overlook🔄 How Narain transitioned from corporate product management to launching Product On Point💰 Why understanding market gaps is key to building a sustainable business🎯 How he helps non-tech businesses (like law firms & fire departments) implement digital solutions📈 The importance of iterating your business model until you find the right fit⚡ The role of AI and automation in optimizing sales and business development📝 About Narain BalaNarain Bala is the Founder of Product On Point, a cutting-edge Product Development Studio specializing in Websites, Apps, and SaaS solutions. With extensive experience spanning diverse industries, Narain is a seasoned product manager known for his expertise in start-up leadership, user experience optimization, and software product management. He holds an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology, complemented by master's degrees in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Arlington.🎯 Narain’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs & Entrepreneurs"You don’t have all the answers, but if you believe in yourself and take action, you’ll figure it out along the way."💡 Key Takeaways from Narain’s Advice:✔ Back yourself—even if you don’t have all the answers right away✔ Embrace uncertainty—great product managers and entrepreneurs thrive in ambiguity✔ Keep learning & iterating—your business model will evolve as you grow📢 Memorable Quotes🗣️ "Product managers are entrepreneurs at heart—we build solutions and drive innovation." – Narain Bala🗣️ "If you just keep doing the right things and stay patient, success will follow." – Narain Bala🗣️ "Your first business model won’t be your final one. Keep evolving." – Narain Bala💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Identify inefficiencies in your industry—opportunities exist where people are frustrated with outdated systems✅ Think like a product manager—take ownership of problems, not just tasks✅ Start with the fundamentals—even small improvements can create massive impact✅ Leverage AI tools for efficiency—but don’t rely on automation to replace human creativity🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Product On Point’s WebsiteFollow Product On Point on LinkedInConnect with Narain on LinkedIn

What happens when a Wall Street insider experiences firsthand how broken the finance recruiting system is—and decides to fix it? That’s exactly what Bryce Viorst did. In this episode, you’ll meet the founder of StreetSmart, a platform built to democratize access to investment banking, private equity, and other high finance careers. Bryce shares how he went from a late-start non-target school applicant to building one of the most thoughtfully designed recruiting tools in the industry.This is a masterclass in product-market fit, user-first design, and building a mission-driven company in a hypercompetitive space. If you're in tech, education, or just want to build a smarter business—this one's packed with actionable insights.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to turn a frustrating personal experience into a scalable SaaS business💼 Why solving “boring” industry problems is a smart path to market traction🧠 How to use AI to personalize experiences and actually improve outcomes🎯 What “comprehensive, user-first design” looks like—and why it beats traditional solutions🏛️ How to land institutional partnerships as an early-stage startup⚙️ The role of gamification in driving user engagement (and resumes!)📈 Why traction isn’t just about user numbers—it’s about solving real pain📝 About the GuestBryce Viorst is the founder of StreetSmart and a seasoned Wall Street professional with over $3 billion in transaction experience. In just 2.5 years, he’s worked on more than 10 high-profile mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises across debt and equity markets, gaining hands-on experience in both private equity and investment banking. Bryce holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Chapman University, where he was recruited to play DIII tennis, and an M.S. in Finance from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. Now, he’s leveraging his expertise to redefine finance recruiting, helping ambitious professionals—especially those from non-traditional backgrounds—break into the industry's most competitive roles with StreetSmart.🎯 Bryce’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Don’t rely on luck. Just jump in and figure it out as you go.”Key Takeaways: ✔ Start with a system, but expect to evolve it quickly ✔ You’ll learn more in action than in planning ✔ Being uncomfortable is part of the entrepreneurial journey📢 Memorable Quotes“We built AI to fight the AI used by Wall Street to filter out talent.” — Bryce Viorst “I threw out my roadmap by month two—and learned more this year than in the last 24 of my life.” — Bryce Viorst “We’re leveling the playing field for people without Ivy League degrees or insider connections.” — Bryce Viorst💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Identify broken systems you’ve personally experienced—they’re goldmines for innovation✅ Use AI as an enhancement layer—not a shortcut—for personalization✅ Focus on comprehensive solutions over isolated tools ✅ Gamify user journeys to increase engagement and real-world prep ✅ Partner early with institutions aligned with your mission—it builds both traction and trust🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit StreetSmart’s WebsiteConnect with Bryce on LinkedIn

Want to make money on YouTube without constantly being on camera? Devon Canup has cracked the code! With multiple faceless YouTube channels generating $70,000+ per month, Devon has not only mastered YouTube automation but also helped over 400 students do the same.In this episode, Devon shares his no-BS approach to YouTube success, from picking the right niche to hiring the right team. Whether you’re new to YouTube or looking to scale, this conversation is packed with insights, strategies, and mindset shifts that will help you turn YouTube into a business, not just a hobby.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🎥 What is Faceless YouTube? And why it’s one of the most scalable ways to make money online🚀 The Formula for Viral YouTube Videos (Hint: It’s NOT about being on camera!)💡 The Top Niches for Faceless YouTube Channels That are actually making money📈 How to Hire & Build a Team So your YouTube business runs on autopilot💰 The Truth About YouTube Monetization How YouTube AdSense, sponsorships, and more can create passive income📊 Why Most People Fail And how to actually stay consistent and profitable💡 The Difference Between Hobbyists & Business Owners And how to think like a real entrepreneur📝 About Devon CanupDevin Canup embarked on his professional journey with aspirations rooted in computer science, a field he pursued during his academic years. Initially driven by the goal of swiftly ascending the corporate ladder, Devin envisioned a career path that would lead to significant financial success. However, as he engaged in conversations with industry professionals, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the prospect of spending decades in the corporate world to achieve his goals. This evolving perspective spurred him to reconsider his approach, ultimately leading him to venture into business on his own. With eight years of experience now under his belt, Devin has carved out a unique path, leveraging his programming background and strategic insights to forge a fulfilling career outside the traditional corporate framework.🎯 Devon's BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Failure is not the enemy—it’s the way forward.”💡 Key Takeaways:✔ Failure is your biggest teacher – every mistake helps you grow✔ Recognize patterns in success – YouTube, like business, is a game of patterns✔ Master ideation and hiring – The best YouTube entrepreneurs don’t work alone✔ Stop letting fear of failure hold you back – No one starts as an expert, just start💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Start watching YouTube like a business owner – Study viral videos & trends✅ Pick a niche that has proven demand – Don’t reinvent the wheel✅ Learn the YouTube success formula – Idea → Packaging (Title & Thumbnail) → Execution✅ Don’t do everything yourself – Learn how to find & hire great freelancers✅ Commit for the long haul – The difference between success & failure is persistence🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Become Viral's WebsiteFollow Devon on InstagramSubscribe to Devon’s YouTube ChannelFind Devon on XConnect with Devon on LinkedIn

Today’s guest, Acacia Thornton, isn’t your typical entrepreneur—she’s a former Fortune 500 attorney turned spiritual and business coach who helps entrepreneurs maximize their profitability and protection through contracts and licensing—without the confusing legal jargon.Beyond her legal expertise, Acacia is deeply committed to spiritual alignment, business growth, and mindset work, proving that success is about both strategy and frequency. In this episode, we break down how your energy, contracts, and business structures can all align to set you up for long-term success.If you’ve ever struggled with feeling disconnected from your business or wondered how to legally protect and scale your brand with confidence, this conversation is for you!💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why your business contracts should be built around your unique business model—not generic templates⚡ How to elevate your frequency to attract aligned opportunities and clients📝 The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when using AI-generated contracts (and how to avoid it)💰 How contracts can actually boost revenue by setting clear expectations and boundaries🔮 Why spiritual alignment is crucial for long-term business success✅ How to balance your passion for freedom with structure and security in business📝 About Acacia ThorntonAcacia Thornton always felt a subtle nudge from the universe, a seed of curiosity planted early on, but she initially chose the conventional path. Growing up in a household of entrepreneurs, with her father and stepmother running their own businesses, Acacia was exposed to the world of entrepreneurship. However, convinced that it wasn't her calling, she pursued a secure career in law. With determination and dedication, she excelled academically, earning honors degrees and building an impressive resume in the corporate world as an attorney. Yet, Acacia's journey revealed that her true path might be more aligned with the entrepreneurial spirit she once dismissed.🎯 Acacia’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs💡 "Step into your fear, step into who you are, and bring that into reality as soon and as passionately as you can—because that’s where greatness lies."Key Takeaways from Acacia’s Advice:✔ Entrepreneurship requires stepping into the unknown—don’t wait for certainty✔ Your business success is tied to your personal alignment and energy✔ Fear is a sign that you’re on the edge of growth—lean into it📢 Memorable Quotes🗣️ “Contracts aren’t just about legal protection—they’re about clear communication and setting yourself up for financial success.” – Acacia Thornton🗣️ “Your business is YOU. The more you align with your truth, the more success you attract.” – Acacia Thornton🗣️ “Your frequency determines your business success—your energy is your biggest asset.” – Acacia Thornton💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Customize your contracts to fit your exact business model—and shift your mindset: Think of contracts as revenue-generating tools, not just protection✅ Practice daily alignment work—meditation, visualization, or gratitude can raise your “business frequency”✅ Embrace flexibility in your business—whether in contracts, workflows, or lifestyle choices🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit CEOLegalCoach’s WebsiteVisit Acacia’s Travel Blog ‘Adventure on the Side’Visit Acacia’s WebsiteConnect with Acacia on LinkedIn

What happens when you take a bold leap into the unknown? For former educator Brenna Barnhill, leaving her teaching career with no backup plan led to an unexpected but thriving entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Brenna shares how a simple social media favor for a parent turned into a full-fledged marketing agency. She dives into the mindset shifts, strategic pivots, and relentless perseverance that helped her build Flourish Marketing Agency alongside her business partner.If you've ever doubted whether you have what it takes to start a business—or struggled with social media marketing—this episode is for you.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business✅ The power of saying YES – how being open to opportunities can launch your business✅ Why your past experience matters – how Brenna transferred her teaching skills into marketing success✅ Content is king, but strategy is QUEEN – how to create engaging content that actually drives business results✅ How to evolve your business naturally – from solo social media management to a full-service agency✅ Marketing with intention – how to turn social media from a chore into a business growth tool📝 About Brenna BarnhillBrenna Barnhill is a former educator who taught second grade for 5 years before leaving education, uncertain of what was next for her. She had a deep desire for more in her life and for her family. On her last day of school, her path to entrepreneurship unexpectedly began when a parent asked if she would help with social media for their company.Within 12 weeks, Brenna was approached by her now CFO, who proposed investing in a business together after recognizing her talent for content creation. She immediately said yes, enrolled in a 12-week social media management course, and in October of 2023, Flourish Social became an official LLC.Since then, she has experienced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship while wrangling two kids and being a firewife. She has built a business she's passionate about, channeling her educational background to develop tailored social strategies for each client, just as she once adapted her teaching style for each student.🎯 Brenna’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Believe in yourself and don’t give up. There will be ups and downs, but the key is to stay persistent. The version of you in three years will thank you for not quitting today."Key Takeaways:✔️ Trust your gut—sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t planned✔️ Be relentless—your breakthrough might be just around the corner✔️ Build with purpose—focus on creating value, and success will follow📢 Memorable Quotes💬 “I was a teacher with no business experience, but I knew I wanted more. So I figured it out as I went.” – Brenna Barnhill💬 “Social media isn’t about selling—it’s about building relationships and creating connections.” – Brenna Barnhill💬 “If you don’t take the leap, you’ll always wonder what could have been.” – Brenna Barnhill💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Not sure what content to create? Check the comments on viral posts in your niche for inspiration✅ Stop treating social media like a sales pitch—focus on storytelling and engagement✅ Make content specific and shareable to boost visibility and organic growth✅ Show up consistently—marketing is a long game, and persistence pays off🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Flourish Marketing Agency’s WebsiteFollow Flourish Marketing Agency on InstagramConnect with Brenna on LinkedIn

AI is everywhere in 2025, but most businesses still don’t know how to actually implement it for real results. That’s where today’s guest, Kristi Perdue, comes in. As the CEO of AlterBridge Strategies and a Certified Chief AI Officer, Kristi helps executives bridge the gap between AI hype and actual execution.In this episode, Kristi shares why AI isn’t just a tech tool but a strategic business partner, how to avoid the biggest AI mistakes, and how to use AI to drive business growth—without replacing human expertise. If you’re looking for real-world AI strategies that can give your business a competitive edge, this episode is a must-listen.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategic shift for your business🤖 How to use AI as a collaborative partner, not just an assistant⚡ The #1 mistake businesses make when rolling out AI (and how to avoid it)💡 Why AI is NOT a replacement for people—but a way to enhance expertise🛠️ How to use AI for strategic decision-making, not just productivity hacks💼 What a Chief AI Officer does—and how your business can benefit from one📝 About Kristi PerdueWith 30 years in B2B high tech, former CMO, and certified Chief AI Officer (CAIO), Kristi Perdue leads AlterBridge Strategies in empowering clients to embed AI as a strategic, collaborative partner. Specializing in Gen AI enablement and governance, she guides companies to unlock growth while ensuring responsible, ethical AI practices. Known for her people-first approach, Kristi fosters an AI-mindset that drives measurable impact and keeps businesses ahead of the competition. Her deep expertise in AI strategy and governance helps leaders harness AI’s full potential - safely and effectively - for transformative results.  🎯 Kristi’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Just do it. Don’t wait. If you have a passion, jump.”Kristi’s own entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a major wake-up call—after a cerebral aneurysm and a serious back injury, she realized she needed to take control of her future. Her advice? Stop overthinking and take action.💡 Key Takeaways from Kristi's Advice:✔ Entrepreneurship is about action, not just ideas—start NOW✔ You don’t need permission—go after what excites you✔ Your journey will evolve, but the most important step is the first one📢 Memorable Quotes💬 “AI isn’t just another tool—it’s a strategic shift that business leaders need to rethink from the ground up.” – Kristi Perdue💬 “Throw AI at a bad process, and it stays bad. AI is only as good as the system you put it into.” – Kristi Perdue💬 “Your expertise is what makes AI work for you—not the other way around.” – Kristi Perdue💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Rethink how your business can use AI beyond simple automations✅ View AI as a strategic partner—use it to enhance your expertise, not replace it✅ Don’t rush into AI—align your leadership team first✅ Test AI-driven decision-making with role-playing & simulations before full adoption✅ Stay ahead of AI trends—because businesses that ignore it will get left behind🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit AlterBridge Strategies’ WebsiteConnect with Kristi on LinkedIn

Franchise businesses often come with a built-in brand, but success isn’t automatic. In this episode, we dive into the world of franchise marketing with Marcus Slater, founder and CEO of AdCloud, a digital marketing powerhouse helping franchise owners achieve real, measurable growth.Marcus shares why most franchise owners struggle with marketing, how to think like a true growth hacker, and how his team is leveraging AI for lead conversion. If you’re looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with takeaways on marketing, mindset, and AI-driven customer engagement.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to think like a growth hacker—why testing everything leads to scalable success📉 Why most franchise owners fail at marketing (and how to avoid their mistakes)🤖 AI-powered lead engagement—how Marcus is automating customer conversions with AI📊 The difference between marketing tactics vs. a real marketing strategy⚡ Why cutting marketing is the worst thing a struggling business can do📈 The mindset shift that separates successful franchisees from struggling ones📝 About Marcus SlaterMarcus Slater is a growth marketing and technology leader with over 13 years of experience driving customer acquisition and revenue growth for some of the largest franchise brands and emerging startups in the U.S. As the founder and CEO of AdCloud, Marcus specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions for franchise businesses, helping brands like Deka Lash, beem light sauna, Frenchies, F45 Training and more achieve significant growth.His work has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and The New York Times, and he was named Marketing Icon of the Year by OnCon20.Marcus is passionate about bringing clarity to marketing strategies, leveraging technology to drive results, and scaling businesses through innovative approaches.🎯 Marcus’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs👉 “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”Marcus believes that resilience and adaptability are the ultimate keys to entrepreneurial success. Too many business owners give up too soon or hesitate to pivot when things aren’t working. Instead of fearing failure, test everything, adapt quickly, and remove ego from decision-making.📢 Memorable Quotes💬 “The smartest entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who think they have all the answers. They’re the ones who test everything.” – Marcus Slater💬 “Cutting marketing when your business is struggling is like trying to save money by turning off your oxygen.” – Marcus Slater💬 “If you can’t measure it, you shouldn’t be running it.” – Marcus Slater💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Stop guessing in your marketing—use data to make decisions✅ Test multiple strategies at once to find what really works✅ Leverage AI to automate and improve customer engagement✅ Prioritize long-term brand growth over short-term wins🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit AdCloud’s WebsiteFollow AdCloud on InstagramConnect with Marcus on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of maximizing your marketing spend with Talgat Mussin, a marketing scientist with experience at Google, Amazon, and TikTok. Discover how adopting an experimental mindset can revolutionize your advertising strategy and uncover the true impact of your marketing efforts. Talgat shares his journey from working in tech giants to creating his own venture focused on minimizing ad spend waste through incrementality testing and causal inference.Curious about how to accurately measure the effectiveness of each marketing channel? Learn why many channels over-report their impact and how a scientific approach can help you make informed budget allocation decisions. Talgat emphasizes the importance of staying accountable and continually experimenting with strategies, urging business owners to look beyond the surface metrics presented by ad platforms, whose main aim is to maximize shareholder value.Step into the future of marketing with insights on AI's transformative role in enhancing productivity and efficiency. Talgat discusses the potential of AI to accelerate learning and streamline processes like content creation, while also addressing challenges such as inflated metrics and the need for accurate measurement. Through "Incrementality Insider," he aims to bridge knowledge gaps in advertising measurement, empowering businesses to optimize their ad spend and unlock untapped potential. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration into the evolving world of marketing science.ABOUT TALGATTalgat Mussin is a Marketing Scientist with over a decade of experience in AdTech, including roles at Google, Amazon, and TikTok.He has helped leading tech companies optimize over $300 million in marketing spend and has a deep understanding of incrementality testing and causal inference. Talgat is now applying his expertise as an entrepreneur, guiding marketers to achieve clarity and confidence in their marketing investments through Incrementality Insider.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Incrementality Insider’s Website and Subscribe to the Newsletter!Connect with Talgat on LinkedIn

In this honest and reflective Solo Sunday, Brian opens up about one of the most frustrating realizations every entrepreneur faces: being great at what you do isn't enough. Inspired by his early days building a web design business, Brian shares how a local competitor dominated the market—not because of better skills, but because of stronger perception. This episode is a wake-up call to stop just being good and start intentionally shaping how others see you. If you’ve ever felt unseen, undervalued, or overlooked, this conversation will change the way you think about marketing, sales, and impact forever.🧠 What You’ll Learn:Why being good at what you do isn’t enough to win in businessHow to shift from frustration to action when you feel unseenWhat “perception is reality” really means—and why it mattersHow confirmation bias shapes your audience’s beliefs about youThe secret to playing (and winning) the perception gamePractical ways to shape the narrative around your brand🧩 Featured Concepts: 🧠 Perception Is Reality: It's not about being the best—it's about being perceived as the best. 🔍 Confirmation Bias: People look for evidence that fits the story they already believe about you. 🚪 Reputation Precedes Results: Your market decides your value before you even show up. 🎯 Intentional Identity: Craft the perception you want people to hold about you.💭 Favorite Quotes:"It doesn't matter how good you are. It matters how good people think you are." – Brian Lofrumento"Perception is reality—and the market moves based on perception, not skill." – Brian Lofrumento"Stop waiting to be discovered. Start being intentional about how you're perceived." – Brian Lofrumento✅ Take Action:Reflect on your current brand presence: What do people assume about you?Start actively shaping your public perception through testimonials, PR, and storytelling.Remember: It’s not just about being good—it’s about looking good while being great.🎧 Listen & Subscribe: This is exactly why we’re here seven days a week. Hit that Subscribe button and never face this journey alone.

What if influencer marketing could disrupt traditional advertising just like Uber did with transportation? Join us as we explore this fascinating industry with the trailblazing Sandeep Asdhir, founder of Influenergy. Sandeep's journey from Toronto's financial arena to the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of Silicon Valley is nothing short of inspiring. His insights reveal how he transitioned from handling venture debt to unlocking the immense potential of influencer marketing and user-generated content. We unpack the unique dynamics of connecting brands with micro-creators and the powerful shift from conventional marketing to authentic engagement on platforms like TikTok and Facebook.As influencer marketing becomes a force to reckon with, we delve into the nuances of the field, likening influencers to film stars and user-generated content creators to the indispensable crew behind the scenes. Through Sandeep's personal experiences, we explore the democratization of content creation, where passion-driven individuals can rise as influential voices, regardless of their backgrounds. This conversation reveals the entrepreneurial challenge of expanding an influencer network and connecting it with brands, echoing the Uber model of matching drivers with passengers. Sandeep shares his initial strategy focused on niche markets, which laid the groundwork for Influenergy's success.But the conversation doesn't stop there. We also unravel the transformative impact of AI in branding and marketing. AI tools such as ChatGPT are highlighted for their ability to enhance efficiency and foster genuine connections between creators and brands. From overcoming the pitfalls of vanity metrics to emphasizing data-driven strategies for positive ROI, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on maintaining authenticity in social media marketing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a marketer, or just someone interested in the future of digital influence, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of influencer marketing.ABOUT SANDEEPSandeep Asdhir was born and raised in Toronto, Canada before moving to California five years ago. Most of his time has been spent in Silicon Valley, where he's come to appreciate the beauty of the American dream. It was a profound experience for him to use his Apple iPhone while eating an Apple, knowing both were produced within a few hours' drive. This proximity of innovative technology and agriculture inspired him to create something himself and give back.His career has mainly been in Finance and Venture capital, focusing on portfolio management and credit. On the side, he's tried various ventures like real estate, creating YouTube content, and starting clothing brands, driven by his desire to produce something for his new country.Over time, he's realized his passion lies in connecting with people, leading to his new goal: helping people worldwide create and share content, facilitating global connections and showcasing diverse cultural perspectives.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Influenergy’s WebsiteFollow Influenergy on InstagramConnect with Sandeep on LinkedIn