Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Meet Noelle Jackson, the inspiring force behind Miami's Office Logic, a hub for innovation and collaboration. Born in Jamaica, Noelle's journey to the forefront of Miami's tech scene is fueled by her father's early encouragement to dream big and embrace her visionary ideas. In our conversation, Noelle reveals how her optimistic mindset and abundance mentality have been pivotal in her success, from managing a janitorial company for nearly two decades to creating a thriving co-working space. She shares her personal experiences and insights, showing how resilience and determination have helped her navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including moments when investor support faltered.Embark on a journey through Noelle's vision of building inclusive business communities that span beyond Miami. She believes in the power of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together in a space where creativity and innovation can flourish. Noelle's dedication to inclusivity is evident as she discusses the importance of connecting often isolated communities to foster a supportive environment. Her efforts have led to vibrant collaborations, such as international art projects, within her co-working hub, creating a nurturing space where everyone feels welcomed and valued.Noelle's global aspirations shine as she shares her plans for an expansive innovation park that aims to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape. Her dream includes partnerships across continents, with co-working spaces in South America and innovation centers in Africa and Europe. She emphasizes the transformative power of belief and self-confidence for entrepreneurs. As you engage with this episode, Noelle invites you to connect with her and take part in the thriving community at Office Logic. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned business owner, the stories and insights shared here promise to inspire and empower you to pursue your own vision with unwavering confidence.ABOUT NOELLENoelle Jackson is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Office Logic, a premier hybrid-coworking space in Miami, Florida. Born in Jamaica, she combines her accounting background with a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, having successfully managed multiple ventures. Before founding Office Logic, Noelle owned a custodial service business serving Miami's iconic buildings. Recognizing the need for a centralized hub to support the city's growing tech and business community, she launched Office Logic in late 2022. The 24,550-square-foot space quickly became a cornerstone of Miami's tech scene, hosting organizations like Lightship Capital and Venture Miami. The facility features traditional offices, dedicated desks, a coworking area, podcast studio, training room, phone booths, and collaborative spaces. Its strategic location near major Miami landmarks and business districts makes it an ideal innovation hub. Driven by her own entrepreneurial journey, Noelle is dedicated to making Office Logic the go-to destination for founders at every stage, offering essential resources and a supportive community.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit The Hub @ Office Logic’s WebsiteFollow The Hub @ Office Logic on InstagramConnect with Noelle on LinkedIn

Dr. Lizzy Johnson's remarkable journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born into challenging circumstances, she found her path through the power of education, transforming adversity into a beacon of hope for many. In our latest episode, she shares how her passion for history and education led her from Texas Tech University to becoming the CEO of Transcend4. Her story is a testament to resilience, as she discusses the intricate dance of driving innovation in the educational sector and the significant impact her work has on students and institutions.We explore the complex landscape of educational change and the hurdles that come with it. Resistance often comes from unexpected quarters—adults who fear change more than the students themselves. Dr. Johnson shines a light on the essential strategies for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough needs analyses and building trust with stakeholders. With a foundation built on collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity, Transcend4 is redefining how educational institutions can transform to better serve their students.Looking toward the future, we discuss the evolving role of public education in preparing students for life beyond graduation. The conversation delves into the necessity of diverse educational pathways and the ever-growing importance of highly qualified teachers who can adapt to modern demands. Dr. Johnson also imparts invaluable entrepreneurial advice, underscoring the significance of staying true to one's ethical compass. Authenticity, she argues, is key to long-term success and integrity in any professional journey. Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how Dr. Johnson's experiences are paving the way for the future of education and entrepreneurship.ABOUT DR LIZZYDr. Lizzy Johnson has served in Texas public education since 1996, beginning as a middle school History teacher in Denton. Throughout her career, she has worked in rural, suburban, and urban districts across Texas in various leadership roles. Now, as CEO of TransCend4, she provides strategic support to school districts and organizations. Dr. Johnson developed the Collaborative Visioning Framework to help organizations shape their future goals. Her client portfolio includes school districts, architects, construction managers, and software companies. Her expertise in forward-thinking initiatives and future visioning work has made her a valued consultant across industries. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas, along with a Bachelors in History from Texas Tech University. Based in Denton, Texas, her proudest role is being mom to daughter Kloe, who will attend the University of Texas's Moody College of Communications in Fall 2024.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Transcend4’s WebsiteFollow Transcend4 on XFind Transcend4 on FacebookFollow Transcend4 on InstagramConnect with Dr. Lizzy on LinkedIn

Discover the inspiring story of Dillon Hill, the head of growth at Cosmoforge, who turned personal challenges into a mission-driven career. From his roots in a family-run business to founding a charity for kids in hospitals at just 17, Dillon's journey is packed with lessons in resilience and innovation. When faced with a friend's terminal cancer diagnosis, he led a life-saving viral campaign, showcasing the incredible power of leveraging marketing for good. Join us as we unpack his journey and explore how blending entrepreneurship with purpose can create profound change.Ever wondered how rejection can be a launchpad for success? In this episode, we explore unconventional entrepreneurial strategies that transform potential failures into unexpected wins. We break down the milestones in a business journey, like hitting the $1 million revenue mark, and share insights on setting realistic, data-driven goals. Focus is key, and we reveal how distractions can hamper revenue growth and why understanding current capabilities is crucial for sustainable progress.Marketing isn't what it used to be, and with AI tools like ChatGPT entering the scene, the landscape is rapidly changing. We discuss the evolving role of AI in marketing, balancing technological advancements with irreplaceable human insights. Learn about hands-free marketing strategies that operate like a business co-founder and how to tailor marketing tactics for maximum engagement. With an emphasis on data analytics and self-awareness, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern entrepreneurship.ABOUT DILLIONDillon Hill has 10+ years of marketing experience working with small to enterprise-sized businesses. His career really took off when he dropped out of college to create a foundation in the hour of his friend, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The foundation amassed over 200m views and broke 3 world records. Now, Dillon's taking what he learned about explosive growth and helping other companies dream big. Dillon holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of California, Davis.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Cosmoforge’s WebsiteConnect with Dillon on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a chance encounter can launch an extraordinary career? Ginny Van Doren-Truong’s journey from a serendipitous moment at a Carrie Underwood meet and greet to founding her own agency, Backstage Event Marketing, is nothing short of inspiring. With over 15 years in the live entertainment industry and more than 800 successful events under her belt, Ginny shares her secrets to turning events into powerful tools for business growth and community engagement. Her story is a testament to the transformative potential of event marketing in building the know, like, and trust factor among audiences.Ginny opens up about the art of organizing impactful events, focusing on strategies for both free and low-cost gatherings. From tracking attendance for sponsorship opportunities to deciding whether an event should be ticketed, she provides actionable insights for every stage of event planning. Learn how creative pre-show engagements, like a 1920s-themed happy hour or school visits by the Harlem Globetrotters, can skyrocket ticket sales and audience interest. Ginny's experiences demonstrate the power of experiential marketing, offering listeners a treasure trove of ideas to create memorable and effective promotional activities.Our conversation extends into the realm of comprehensive event marketing strategies, where we discuss the intricacies of balancing organic and paid advertising, and the role of media partnerships. Unique promotional activities, like the cowboy name game, are highlighted as innovative ways to engage audiences without being too salesy. The episode also touches on the influence of mentorship and relationship-building in the entrepreneurial journey, with Ginny offering a sneak peek into her upcoming resources, including a webinar and online course. Join us for an episode rich with insights, stories, and strategies that promise to elevate your event marketing game.ABOUT GINNYGinny Van Doren-Truong is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the live entertainment industry, spanning both venue and promoter perspectives. After serving as Director of Marketing at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center and promoting more than 800 shows across venues ranging from 1,800 to 15,000 seats, she founded Backstage Event Marketing in 2023.Since launching her agency, Ginny has secured major contracts with Ector County Coliseum and Odessa Arts, where she heads First Friday ODTX and oversees their quarterly magazine, Beacon West. Her portfolio includes marketing over 20 shows in Midland, Odessa, and the Houston area in the past 16 months.Building on her decade with ASM Global, Ginny has developed a robust contractor network and practical tools to streamline event marketing and boost ticket sales. Her journey from employee to business owner exemplifies her expertise in "getting butts in seats" and elevating live events.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Backstage Event Marketing’s WebsiteJoin the Event Marketing Essentials Zoom workshop by Backstage Event Marketing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6 PM CT and use the code W2E to get $10 off (This offer cannot be combined with another offer or on a prior purchase. Sales end at 5 PM CT on March 11, 2025).Connect with Ginny on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of digital marketing? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Justin Green, the innovative mind behind Growth Factor. Justin shares his compelling journey from the tactical and defense industry to becoming a leader in the digital marketing sphere. You’ll learn the secrets of crafting an omni-channel marketing strategy that deftly integrates paid media, SEO, and web development for measurable success. Discover how businesses, regardless of size, can navigate the erratic world of social media algorithms and optimize their marketing efforts for sustainable growth.Gain insights into maximizing customer lifetime value amidst increasing customer acquisition costs. Justin uncovers the critical components of a holistic approach to conversion rate optimization, emphasizing advertising as a long-term growth strategy rather than just a tool for immediate sales. Through the use of platforms like Klaviyo and OpenSend, you’ll see how businesses can enhance customer engagement and retention, tailoring strategies to the unique goals of any enterprise. Whether you're a budding brand or a large corporation, Justin's advice ensures your marketing strategies are not only effective but also adaptable to the ever-changing digital landscape.Finally, journey with us through the intricacies of effective traffic generation and user experience in digital marketing. Justin shares valuable lessons from his personal experience managing a campaign crisis, emphasizing the importance of persistence and strategic partnerships. As he recounts his transition from director of operations to CEO, his story becomes a testament to embracing risk with a solid contingency plan. With his insights and our engaging discussion, you’ll walk away inspired to approach digital marketing with renewed vigor and a clear path to growth.ABOUT JUSTINJustin Green is an accomplished entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, serving as the Founder and CEO of Growth Factor, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in scaling businesses through innovative paid media, SEO, and web development strategies. With over a decade of experience, Justin has built Growth Factor into a trusted partner for companies seeking high-performance marketing solutions that deliver measurable growth. Under his leadership, Growth Factor has consistently driven outstanding results for its clients, leveraging data-driven insights and cutting-edge digital tools to optimize marketing campaigns and enhance brand visibility. Justin's strategic vision and hands-on approach have enabled businesses to scale their operations and increase market share in highly competitive industries. With a deep understanding of digital trends and business dynamics, Justin excels in building teams that thrive on innovation and execution, helping companies navigate today's digital landscape while driving transformational growth.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Growth Factor Company’s WebsiteFollow Growth Factor Company on InstagramConnect with Justin on LinkedIn

Explore the cutting-edge realm of smart cities with tech visionary Leeland Zhang, CEO and technical founder of Spesland. Ever wondered how the integration of IoT and AI is reshaping urban life? Discover Leeland's insights as he unpacks the transformative power of these technologies in enhancing city management, safety, and disaster prevention. From smart streetlights to AI-driven energy analysis, learn about the practical applications that are making our cities smarter and more efficient.But what happens to all the data generated by these smart technologies? Leeland dives into the vast potential of AI in handling this influx, from predicting system failures to analyzing energy consumption patterns. Tackle the important issues of data privacy and security, as we discuss how governments are navigating this complex landscape. We also touch on generational perspectives towards technology and data collection, offering a nuanced view of public concerns and expectations.Lastly, we pivot to how AI is revolutionizing local governments through solutions like GovChat, streamlining operations, and freeing up resources for strategic goals. Leeland shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of action and iteration in driving impactful change. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in AI, entrepreneurship, and the future of urban living. Tune in to uncover how AI and data are not just buzzwords, but powerful tools for transformation across industries and communities.ABOUT LEELANDLeeland Zhang, born and raised in Chicago, is the CEO and a technical founder of Spesland. His education includes one year at UCLA and one year at Northwestern University.Previously, as Assistant General Manager at Rongwen Technology, Leeland managed over ten international smart city projects across Brazil, Portugal, and Hong Kong, integrating multilingual support and security features. Collaborating with local partners, he helped develop smart crossing, smart irrigation, and smart restroom technologies.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Spesland’s WebsiteConnect with Leeland on LinkedIn

Discover the transformative journey of Elliot Epstein, founder of Luminary People Advisors, as he takes us from the bustling streets of Chicago to the heart of mission-driven company culture. Elliot's story is one of passion ignited by early experiences with socioeconomic disparities, steering him towards a life of service. We'll explore how his diverse background, from contemplating careers in acting and therapy to championing public policy through the Coro Fellows Program, sculpted his unique approach to HR and talent development. His impactful tenure with Teach for America teaches us the true power of education and community engagement in shaping visionary leaders.Elliot shares the evolution of people advising in the corporate world—moving beyond traditional HR roles into strategic partnerships that drive real business impact. He emphasizes the art of listening to individuals, understanding their motivations, and creating a culture that genuinely reflects a company's values. We'll tackle the challenge of cutting through the corporate jargon to unveil an organization's true ethos, ensuring that companies not only talk the talk but walk the walk. This episode unveils how effective listening can inspire meaningful change, both in professional settings and broader societal contexts.Finally, journey with us through the crossroads where education and entrepreneurship meet, guided by Elliot’s insights on strategic planning and inclusive culture creation. By applying principles of backwards planning, he demonstrates how clear goal-setting can transform both schools and businesses into thriving communities. Elliot delves into his own entrepreneurial experiences, sharing wisdom on maintaining innovation amidst growth and the importance of valuing one's contributions. Through his narrative, we learn the necessity of agility in business, meeting clients where they are, and the perpetual cycle of learning and adapting.ABOUT ELLIOTElliot Epstein brings dynamic HR, talent, and strategy expertise from years in high-performing startups and nonprofits. As a trained improviser, his approach combines strategic thinking with creative problem-solving to help clients identify and execute high-impact initiatives. Most recently, as Vice President of Startup Enablement at Redesign Health, Elliot led talent strategy for operating company founding teams and served as an executive coach to CEOs and board members. Previously, he built people teams at venture-backed healthcare startups, including Galileo Health. Elliot began his career with Teach For America, first as a corps member in NYC, then driving record-breaking recruitment campaigns nationally. He later led talent at Success Academy Charter Schools during a period of dramatic growth, and held recruiting roles at Two Sigma Investments. A Brown University Psychology graduate, Elliot lives on Manhattan's Upper West Side with his husband and two young daughters. He enjoys reading, fitness, and NYT crossword puzzles.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Luminary People Advisor’s WebsiteConnect with Elliot on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how you can blend professional expertise with personal passions into a fulfilling career? Carri Norton, a software developer turned entrepreneur, shares her transformative journey of creating the Sparkle Revolution app. By merging her technical skills with a love for mindfulness and positivity, she and her husband crafted a tool aimed at helping others maintain mindfulness amidst life's chaos. Carri opens up about the trials and triumphs of this venture, emphasizing the power of consistent practice in personal development and the importance of enjoying the present moment over future aspirations.Join us as we unpack the strategic planning behind launching a mindfulness app, from conceptualizing to enhancing user experience. Carri discusses the critical role of identifying target personas and incorporating user feedback to refine the app's features. This episode dives into the entrepreneurial spirit and the impactful application of personal growth concepts like the law of attraction, underscoring the delicate balance between brainstorming innovative ideas and practical implementation. Carri also highlights the excitement and challenges of collaborating with her husband on this passion-driven project.Finally, we explore the seamless integration of work and personal life, where joy and passion coexist harmoniously. Carri shares insights on how personal growth influences have shaped her entrepreneurial journey and how AI might potentially enhance user experiences in the future. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Carri’s story is a testament to maintaining happiness and balance on the path to success.ABOUT CARRICarri Norton has spent her professional career in the software development space. She has worked at startups and fortune 500 companies. She started as a software developer and moved up through management and leadership and eventually into product management type roles. In her personal life, she has been on a journey of self-discovery since the early 2000s and it is the discoveries she has made here that she is so excited to bring into the Sparkle Revolution app.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Sparkle Revolution’s WebsiteFollow Sparkle Revolution on InstagramFind Sparkle Revolution on FacebookDownload the Sparkle Revolution App on the App StoreDownload the Sparkle Revolution App on Google PlayConnect with Carri on LinkedIn

What if you could transform your passion into a thriving business? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Justin Powell, the mastermind behind a successful audiovisual integration company. Justin takes us on a fascinating journey from his high school days as a musician to becoming a professional sound engineer with over two decades of experience. With his unique blend of audio and IT skills, Justin shares the secrets behind creating exceptional audiovisual experiences and how understanding both the technical equipment and the environment can make all the difference. Tune in to learn about the common pitfalls in audio setups and why expertise is key to crafting systems that enhance both commercial and residential spaces.Discover how local businesses are revolutionizing customer engagement with cutting-edge strategies and technologies. We dive into the innovative transformation of a Watertown, Massachusetts electrician's showroom into a dazzling event venue. Explore the rise of networked control AV systems that simplify complex setups into intuitive interfaces, enabling seamless control over lighting, sound, and visuals. Our episode takes you behind the scenes of setting up effective AV systems for various events, offering insights from years of live sound experience. Plus, get excited about the ever-evolving possibilities of smart home technology and how it's reshaping both personal life and business operations.Our exploration doesn't stop there; we delve into the entrepreneurial mindset that drives success in tech and business. From the transition from freelancer to business owner, Justin shares personal anecdotes about balancing technical expertise with essential soft skills. Learn how automating home systems can free up time to focus on growth and why maintaining clear communication with clients is crucial. Hear about the importance of passion, dedication, and hard work in building a business, and why the human aspect of business—focusing on impact and quality of life improvements—can set a company apart. Join us for an episode filled with valuable insights and stories that promise to inspire and educate.ABOUT JUSTINCEO and founder Justin Powell boasts more than two decades of expertise in sound engineering, complemented by a decade of hands-on experience in live production and audio-visual installations. Having collaborated with various organizations across Southern California, Justin has earned a reputation for crafting user-friendly and intuitive systems that deliver exceptional results. We believe in simplifying the audio-visual experience without compromising quality. Whether you require a comprehensive design for a 1000-seat outdoor amphitheater or the installation of a compact residential system, we offer solutions at competitive prices that outshine major online retailers. Justin holds a bachelors degree in Information Technology and several industry certifications.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Inland AV Solutions’ WebsiteConnect with Justin on LinkedIn

Trevor Koverko's journey from aspiring NHL star to tech entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. After a devastating car accident ended his hockey career, Trevor navigated the tumultuous landscape of entrepreneurship to redefine his life's purpose. Listen as he candidly shares the ups and downs of his path, including the trials of a failed startup and the eventual triumph with successful companies like Polymath and Sapien. His story is a testament to resilience, embracing new challenges, and the power of reinvention, reminding us that it's never too late to find a new direction.The conversation continues with Trevor's insights on creating successful tech businesses through experimentation and adaptation. Discover the importance of a strong team, surrounded by big thinkers, and the role of failure as a stepping stone to success. Trevor emphasizes the critical nature of passion and foundational belief in a company's mission while navigating the ever-evolving business landscape. His experience with Polymath illustrates the delicate balance of timing, luck, and learning from past mistakes, offering valuable lessons for anyone in the startup world.Finally, we explore the future of AI startups, a field ripe with both opportunities and challenges. Trevor shares how Sapien leverages proprietary data to carve out a competitive edge, drawing parallels between AI's current landscape and the early days of the internet. Engage with Trevor's perspective on achieving product market fit, the significance of AI tools, and the unprecedented potential for innovation in today's rapidly evolving tech scene. Join us for this captivating episode, where the spirit of entrepreneurship and the promise of AI intersect, offering insights that could transform your approach to business and technology.ABOUT TREVOR Trevor Koverko loves investing in, co founding companies with, and hanging out with other founders (especially in Web3). Trevor started out as a pro athlete getting drafted by the NHL's New York Rangers in 2005. A few years later, his career officially ended after a car accident. He was hit by a fully-loaded transport truck, sent to the ICU and diagnosed with a 'catastrophic' brain injury.With Hockey over he knew he needed a new purpose in life and at the perfect time he discovered entrepreneurship. Since then, he’s founded multiple companies. The first one… failed. The second one… sold. And over the next 12 years, he built startups, including Polymath, which has since raised $75m and done 8-figures in revenue. Most recently he co-founded Sapien, a data marketplace that helps long tail AI models close the performance gap with big tech via a mobile data labeling game.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Sapien's WebsiteConnect with Trevor on LinkedInFollow Trevor on InstagramFind Trevor on X