Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Ever wondered how the online dating landscape transformed from clunky flip phones to sophisticated matchmaking algorithms? Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Demyon, a pioneer in the online dating industry who co-founded one of the first mobile dating and chat sites in the US back in 2005. We explore his incredible journey, the evolution of his early platform, and its significant influence on the evolution of the dating platforms we're all familiar with today. Scott’s story not only highlights the ingenuity required to navigate early mobile technology but also sheds light on the broader shifts in dating culture over the past two decades.Tired of the endless swiping and superficial connections that dominate traditional dating apps? Scott introduces Swerv, his innovative solution aiming to foster genuine real-life interactions. By focusing on geographic locations and organic social hotspots, Swerv moves away from the swipe culture, offering users a chance to meet potential matches in more authentic settings. We dive into the shortcomings of conventional dating platforms, their reliance on prolonged user engagement, and how Swerv’s user-centric approach is set to revolutionize the industry by providing genuine value and reducing wasted time.The episode also tackles the increasing challenges posed by AI bots in dating apps. Scott candidly discusses his efforts to market Swerv effectively and his search for a marketing-savvy co-founder to help amplify its reach. With a commitment to ensuring genuine in-person interactions, Swerv positions itself as an AI-proof dating network, safeguarding users against fake profiles and AI-driven scams. Tune in to hear Scott’s creative ideas and upcoming partnerships that utilize AI positively to enhance user experiences without compromising on trust and security. Discover how Scott’s passion for creating genuine connections is set to drive a much-needed change in the online dating world.ABOUT SCOTT Scott Demyon co-founded one of the first mobile dating & chat sites that pioneered mobile dating in the US market in early 2005. PhoneFling & PhoneShag grew rapidly, reaching 42M monthly unique page views solely from feature phone traffic. (3 years before smartphones existed). The core 2-way opt-in matching system was later demoed to Jonathan Badeen in 2009, who went on to co-found Tinder in 2012 utilizing the same algorithm.Scott soon realized the architecture of interacting electronically was causing many negative effects to our dating culture. He created Swerv in response.LINKS & RESOURCESDownload Swerv from App StoreDownload Swerv from Google PlayVisit Swerv’s WebsiteConnect with Scott on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of success by mastering the power of frequency and repetition. Discover why the age-old adage "quality over quantity" might be holding you back. By tuning into this episode, you'll learn how consistent practice and regular engagement are the true drivers of mastery and momentum. From simple analogies like learning life's essential skills like riding a bike, we uncover how regular repetition not only enhances your abilities but also builds deeper connections in business. Think of it as pushing a giant rock uphill—steady effort is what leads to lasting success. 

Unlock the potential of your entrepreneurial journey with insights from the remarkable Emily Weiner, founder and CEO of The Connectors. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Emily shares her transformative approach to fostering meaningful relationships and the power of gifting. Discover how adopting a giver's mindset can revolutionize your negotiations and attract opportunities in unexpected ways. Tune in to hear a personal story about the enduring impact of genuine connections, illustrating how gifting can enrich both your personal and professional life.ABOUT EMILY Emily Weiner, Founder and CEO of The Connectors, is a systems-thinking entrepreneur and business advisor with over 25 years of experience connecting people and ideas to drive change. Leaders value her ability to link individuals and concepts, fostering innovation and impact. Emily has helped thousands, from teenagers to seasoned professionals, discover how to effect change in various roles and sectors. She coaches people to connect with their passions, develop skills, and view societal challenges as entrepreneurial opportunities. Previously, Emily was a founding member of The Lewis Institute at Babson College, growing it into a multimillion-dollar social impact portfolio. Her diverse background includes starting businesses and working across corporate, nonprofit, academic, and political sectors. Emily's expertise lies in fostering intentional relationships and partnerships to unlock new possibilities.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit The Connectors WebsiteFollow The Connectors on LinkedInConnect with Emily on LinkedIn

What drives a young Greek actress to leave her sunny homeland for the bustling stages of London? Join us as we uncover the captivating story of Renel Kiriakos, whose bilingual upbringing in Athens and love for drama, music, and dance shaped her into the versatile performer she is today. From professional belly dancing to horseback riding, Renel's diverse skill set enriches her acting career. She also shares her entrepreneurial journey into YouTube, revealing how she stays true to her powerful motto: "Follow your dream and you will always be the winner."Ever wondered what it's like to study at the legendary Pinewood Studios, the birthplace of cinematic giants like James Bond and Harry Potter? Renel’s filmmaking journey brings you right to the heart of this iconic institution. Experience the exhilaration she felt witnessing the final Star Wars film in production, and learn about her various short film projects in London. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Renel has carved out a successful niche on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Look forward to hearing about her exciting future plans and get ready for some invaluable insights from the world of acting and entertainment.ABOUT RENELRenel Kiriakos is an actress. She had from a young age a passion for acting, a characteristic inherited from her family. Enjoying expressing herself creatively, Renel sings, dances, and acts. She achieved merit in grade 3 singing as a soprano. She is also an experienced horse rider. In 2013 she moved to Swansea to study Egyptology and graduated with a BA in 2016. However, her desire to act was still alive and later that year Renel moved to London to focus on her acting career. In the next 3 years, she had added an additional 5 short films to her screen acting portfolio and graduated with a BA in Archaeology. An accomplished writer Renel also has a certificate in Creative Writing from The British Council and has published a book. She also has a YouTube channel under the name 3LH.LINKS & RESOURCESFind Renel’s YouTube ChannelVisit Renel’s WebsiteFollow Renel on Instagram

Discover how to transform your networking approach with insights from Emily Weiner, the dynamic founder and CEO of The Connectors. Emily's diverse career journey, ranging from corporate to nonprofit sectors, and even academia and politics, offers a treasure trove of practical advice on building meaningful professional relationships. Learn how her early experiences in various schools and states honed her ability to create strong communities quickly, setting the stage for her impactful work in connecting people and ideas to drive change.This episode sheds light on the profound distinction between genuine connections and mere transactions, a topic more relevant than ever in our post-pandemic world. With Emily's guidance, you'll understand how intentionality and real care can transform your professional network into a powerful support system. Through compelling personal anecdotes and real-life examples, Emily illustrates how understanding people's motivations and maintaining ongoing, thoughtful engagement can lead to significant opportunities and lasting relationships.Navigating nonlinear career paths and valuing diverse expertise are central themes you'll explore, illustrated by Emily's unique journey from theater and event production to entrepreneurial success. Gain insights into the importance of personalized communication, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, and how collaboration across different sectors can solve complex community challenges. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Emily’s story and practical tips will inspire you to leverage every interaction as an opportunity for meaningful connection and growth.ABOUT EMILY Emily Weiner, Founder and CEO of The Connectors, is a systems-thinking entrepreneur and business advisor with over 25 years of experience connecting people and ideas to drive change. Leaders value her ability to link individuals and concepts, fostering innovation and impact. Emily has helped thousands, from teenagers to seasoned professionals, discover how to effect change in various roles and sectors. She coaches people to connect with their passions, develop skills, and view societal challenges as entrepreneurial opportunities. Previously, Emily was a founding member of The Lewis Institute at Babson College, growing it into a multimillion-dollar social impact portfolio. Her diverse background includes starting businesses and working across corporate, nonprofit, academic, and political sectors. Emily's expertise lies in fostering intentional relationships and partnerships to unlock new possibilities.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit The Connectors WebsiteFollow The Connectors on LinkedInConnect with Emily on LinkedIn

How can you navigate chaos with clarity and resilience? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Brian Baxter, founder and president of Performance Critical Inc., and a 30-year veteran of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Brian's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, ranging from roles such as patrol trooper and SWAT team member to undercover narcotics agent and senior executive. His service doesn't stop there—Brian also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is actively involved in Gentlemen Inc, a nonprofit fighting sexual exploitation. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on evidence-based decision-making in leadership and personal growth.Brian brings a wealth of knowledge on mastering stress and decision-making under pressure. He shares how mentally rehearsing scenarios can transform our responses to challenges, similar to assessing traffic at a green light. We'll discuss cognitive biases, selective attention, and how our goals can skew our perceptions. Brian's strategy of using the acronym WIN (What's Important Now) offers a practical tool for maintaining focus on macro goals while managing details. This episode provides actionable advice on how to train our brains to interpret stress as a challenge rather than a threat, ultimately enhancing our performance.Building rapport and public trust is crucial in both business and law enforcement, and Brian's experiences offer valuable lessons in this area. We'll explore techniques for establishing personal connections and the core values that drive Performance Critical—integrity, objectivity, public service, and extreme transparency. Brian's empathetic approach to conflict resolution, shaped by his past encounters, offers a unique perspective on cultivating trust in high-stakes environments. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to ground their passion with practical, evidence-based wisdom.ABOUT BRIANBrian Baxter is the Founder and President of Performance-Critical, Inc. a company whose vision is stronger relationships, enhanced universal safety, and reinforced public trust. A retired, 30-year veteran of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety where he served as a patrol trooper, a SWAT team member, an undercover narcotics agent, an organized crime investigator, and a people leader from first-line supervisor to senior executive. Brian has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Applied Psychology and is a combat infantry veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brian also volunteers with a 501(c)3 non-profit organization called, Gentlemen, Inc. whose mission is to eliminate the DEMAND for sexual exploitation by identifying and changing the behaviors that create it.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Performance Critical’s WebsiteFind Gentlemen, Inc on LinkedInFollow Performance Critical on FacebookConnect with Brian on LinkedIn

What if the most powerful leader in your life isn't sitting in the Oval Office, but staring back at you in the mirror? Join our host, Brian Lofrumento, as we challenge conventional notions of leadership amidst the backdrop of recent political events. By asserting that you are the most significant president of your own life, we'll explore how personal empowerment and self-leadership far outweigh the influence of any political figure. Together, we'll dissect themes of freedom, safety, health, wellness, and prosperity, and uncover how these elements can transform your future more than any election result.As the new year approaches, it's time to reconsider who truly amplifies your voice and ability to effect change. Through this Solo Sunday episode, we'll highlight the power of personal choices and the profound impact they can have on your happiness, success, and relationships. With entrepreneurship as a key avenue for innovation, we'll discuss how taking charge of your future can lead to meaningful personal and professional growth. You're invited to step into your leadership role—not just for yourself, but for your community—and embrace the responsibility of shaping your own path as the true commander-in-chief of your destiny.

What if you could turn the holiday season into your most profitable time of the year? Get ready to harness the festive buying spirit as our host, Brian Lofrumento, reveals a strategic roadmap to elevate your business during the bustling holiday period. This Action Saturday episode offers powerful strategies to draw in holiday shoppers and boost year-end sales, whether your offerings are perfect gift items or essential B2B services. Brian encourages you to rethink how your products or services fit into the holiday mold, suggesting creative tactics like introducing gift cards or pitching your services as must-have year-end investments.Listen as Brian shares actionable insights and the transformative power of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Google Gemini to craft a compelling holiday marketing plan with ease. The key is to not only brainstorm and strategize but to execute your promotional schedule efficiently in the weeks ahead. By aligning with the holiday frenzy, you can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and revenue. Don’t miss your chance to position your business for success as we look ahead to 2025, and learn how to ride the holiday wave effectively with Brian's guidance.

Ready to transform your business operations and scale effectively? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kat Oldershaw, the brains behind kat&co, a consultancy dedicated to optimizing operations for creative businesses. Kat's fascinating journey from a psychology student at UC Berkeley to an operations guru in the design industry provides invaluable lessons on the importance of streamlined processes. You'll learn how tailored systems not only enhance efficiency and team satisfaction but also support your overarching business goals.Finding the balance between rigidity and flexibility in workflows is crucial for any business, and Kat shares insightful strategies to help you navigate this delicate tightrope. We'll reveal how strategic thinking can trump instant gratification, allowing for better client selection and long-term success. From personal anecdotes to professional advice, discover the tools and tactics that Kat uses, including her go-to Google Suite, to maintain order and clarity in her operations. Plus, we delve into the often overlooked but crucial role of intuition in making sound business decisions.Building a business is an iterative process, and Kat's story brilliantly illustrates this. Learn how to manage evolving websites, offer service packages that don't overwhelm your clients, and address common pain points for clients. Kat's expertise shines as she discusses inefficiencies in systems and the challenges of scaling a team. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights from Kat's entrepreneurial journey!ABOUT KATKat Oldershaw is a California native, creative, and operations specialist. Together (in good company), she started kat&co to respond to the growing need of design operations support in her community.Throughout her career, Kat has managed and directed in multiple creative industries such as Residential Interior Design, Commercial and Hospitality Design, Design + Build, Custom Furniture, and Fine Art.By combining her professional experience with her degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley, Kat is an expert in empathetic leadership and is passionate about creating space for non-traditional business practices.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit kat&co’s WebsiteConnect with Kat on LinkedIn

What happens when a professional musician transitions into the world of clinical counseling and organizational consulting? Meet Taylor Mizuno-Moore, the founder of Mizuno Consulting, whose multifaceted career is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Taylor shares her journey influenced by a multicultural upbringing and a deep passion for community, revealing how she balances multiple identities and passions. We talk about the challenges and triumphs she faced, and how her immigrant family background shaped her path toward helping individuals and organizations achieve sustainable change through a holistic approach.Unlock the secrets to effective goal-setting within both therapy and organizational contexts with Taylor's expert insights. We explore practical steps for defining short-term and long-term goals, understanding client perspectives, and handling discomfort with curiosity. Taylor also delves into her innovative work integrating tattoos and tattoo culture into mental health practices, highlighting how these unique elements contribute to her approach. Emphasizing DEI and human-centered techniques, Taylor's approach to consulting is not only impactful but innovative and refreshing.In the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, Taylor emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and continuous learning. We discuss how societal judgments and expectations can impact self-expression, and why nurturing team relationships and prioritizing colleague well-being are key to running a successful, empathetic business. Taylor's personal anecdotes about embracing failure and finding joy in her passions offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to balance personal interests with professional responsibilities. Don’t miss out on her tips for creating a supportive environment for growth and authenticity in both business and life.ABOUT TAYLORTaylor Mizuno-Moore (she/they) is the owner of Mizuno Consulting. A queer, biracial (Japanese/American) licensed clinical professional counselor, organizational consultant, and musician, Taylor holds degrees from CSULB, UC Irvine, Northwestern, and USC. She completed a Clinical Research Fellowship at Yale University's Child Study Center. Taylor specializes in working with artists, the LGBTQIA+ community, and integrating tattoos with mental health. Her research focuses on implicit bias in organizational efficiency. A member of various professional associations, Taylor has presented at conferences and podcasts. Additionally, she's a professional musician with extensive experience in taiko drumming, having performed at prestigious venues worldwide.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Mizuno Consulting’s WebsiteFollow Mizuno Consulting on InstagramFind Mizuno Consulting on LinkedInConnect with Taylor on LinkedIn