Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

What does it take to transform an ordinary brand into a timeless legacy? Our latest episode welcomes the creative genius Keira Krenek, founder of the bespoke branding agency Elementsist, who shares her inspiring journey from fine arts to becoming a branding strategist. As Keira draws from her rich background in art and marketing, we unravel her secrets to building enduring brand identities that go beyond logos and colors to foster trust and loyalty. Get ready to be inspired as we explore how her course, Brand Alchemy Mastery, is making strategic branding accessible to businesses of all sizes, ensuring they leave a lasting impression.Throughout our conversation, we dissect the intricate art of crafting brand identities that stand the test of time, using companies like Apple as a benchmark for success. Keira introduces the concept of brand revitalization, explaining why evolving your brand elements is crucial to stay relevant and aligned with your core values. For small to midsize businesses, she emphasizes the importance of annual brand check-ins to maintain consistency while adapting to change, preventing the need for drastic overhauls. This dialogue holds practical insights for anyone looking to refresh their brand without losing its essence.We also explore the interplay between personal and business branding, highlighting the significance of authenticity and strategic differentiation. Listen in as Keira offers actionable advice on aligning visuals with messaging to create a cohesive brand strategy that resonates with diverse audiences. Furthermore, we delve into the innovative use of AI in developing customized brand strategies, offering scalable solutions tailored to each business's unique needs. From understanding your brand's essence to engaging your audience effectively, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs eager to build impactful, enduring legacies.ABOUT KEIRAKeira Krenek is the founder of Elementsist, a bespoke branding agency that takes the existing elements of your brand and through a process of transformation creates brands that have the potential to become legacies.Her background is in fine arts, with a focus on glasswork but the starving artist route was not for her so she went back to school for marketing and branding at 27 where the professors discussed "putting in your time at an agency for a few years working 80 hours a week until you were ready to settle down and have get married." She was already at that point so she figured she would skip that step and venture into starting her own agency. Years later, here they are still going strong.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Elementsist’s WebsiteSign Up to the Brand Alchemy MasterclassFollow Elementsist on InstagramFind Elementsist on FacebookFollow Elementsist on LinkedInConnect with Keira on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of cybersecurity innovation with Ajay Joshi, co-founder and CEO of CipherSonic Labs, and a thought leader in the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship. Ajay's journey from Boston University professor to startup visionary is nothing short of extraordinary. Influenced by personal experiences with identity theft, he and his co-founder Rashmi are revolutionizing secure data sharing through groundbreaking work in homomorphic encryption.Explore the cutting-edge advancements that are reshaping the landscape of data security. Ajay explains the transformative potential of homomorphic encryption, a technology that allows computations on encrypted data without decryption. We delve into how this innovation addresses growing consumer demands for data protection and how enterprises are stepping up with robust security measures. Discover the pivotal role of FPGAs in making this technology practical, a fascinating blend of algorithmic, hardware, and software ingenuity.Hear Ajay's visionary outlook for CipherSonic Labs and the cybersecurity industry's future. Drawing compelling analogies, he discusses the dynamic growth paths of tech companies and the essential need for nurturing talent in this evolving field. Ajay shares invaluable insights from his dual roles in academia and business, emphasizing the importance of passion, problem-solving, and a strong team to navigate the challenges ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and innovation.ABOUT AJAYAjay Joshi is the co-founder and CEO of CipherSonic Labs, a startup offering a game-changing cloud-based cybersecurity solution designed for enterprises to securely share and collaboratively process data with other enterprises. In his other life, he is a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Boston University. Before joining BU faculty, he was at MIT and before that at Georgia Tech. He has had industry stints at Google, Intel and Lightmatter.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit CipherSonic Lab’s WebsiteConnect with Ajay on LinkedIn

Unlock the hidden potential of your team with insights from Asha Sarode, founder of Uniquity Consulting. Asha joins us to share her transformative journey from feeling unappreciated in her traditional nine-to-five roles to pioneering a consulting firm that prioritizes understanding individual identities within the workplace. Learn how her experiences managing teams and noticing a persistent disconnect between managers and employees propelled her to conduct extensive research, laying the groundwork for Uniquity Consulting’s mission to recognize and value the unique qualities each employee brings to the table.Discover actionable strategies to unlock identity and foster a thriving business environment. Asha demystifies the concept of identity, extending beyond obvious markers like gender and race to encompass socioeconomic status, job choices, and personal experiences. This episode is packed with practical advice on how to ask open-ended questions, listen with the intent to understand, and maintain an ongoing curiosity to avoid assumptions. These techniques can help business owners and managers build stronger relationships, enhance employee engagement, and create a space where innovation flourishes.Asha also delves into the entrepreneurial mindset, sharing her expertise as an attorney and trained mediator. She highlights the importance of understanding underlying needs and interests for effective mediation and employee engagement. Tune in for her tips on short-term planning, adaptability, and the value of genuine customer interaction. Asha’s insights provide a valuable guide for entrepreneurs and managers alike, emphasizing the necessity of believing deeply in one’s vision and staying committed to overcoming obstacles. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to maximize employee potential and drive business success.ABOUT ASHAAsha Sarode is the Founder of Uniquity Consulting, which helps managers maximize employee potential by understanding the unique qualities, needs and interests each employee brings to the table. In the past 20 years Asha has worked as an attorney, in administration, product management, and as an entrepreneur. She is also a trained mediator.Asha has experience working in various industries including healthcare, law, and tech. She’s had the opportunity to manage and build teams from scratch and has worked directly with the C-Suite to develop strategy, culture and team processes. As part of the development of Uniquity’s program she has spent 2 years conducting academic research and 30 personal interviews to ensure Uniquity’s workshop is supported by valuable and up-to-date data and research.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Uniquity Consulting’s WebsiteFollow Uniquity Consulting on InstagramConnect with Asha on LinkedIn

What if building your business connections was as crucial as creating your product? Join us for a compelling conversation with Christian Durfee, the visionary co-founder and CEO of InvestLink Social. Christian's entrepreneurial journey—from sewing bow ties in high school to founding a thriving health and wellness distribution company—provides a rich backdrop for our exploration into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and investor relationships. He emphasizes the value of resilience and resourcefulness, demonstrating that the true magic happens when you actively engage with the business world rather than merely observe it.Navigating the challenging waters of pre-seed fundraising? This episode is your guide to understanding the essence of raising capital through authentic relationships. We explore the edge seasoned entrepreneurs have, thanks to their established networks, and how first-time founders can level the playing field by building genuine trust with potential investors. Christian takes us through the nuances of "smart money" versus "dumb money," advising on aligning your funding strategy with your business goals while defining an ideal investor profile. Authentic connections, rather than hurried pitches, are highlighted as the cornerstone of successful early-stage fundraising.Patience and networking emerge as the unsung heroes of the entrepreneurial journey. Much like dating, rushing connections can be detrimental, and real relationships need time to mature. We discuss the importance of being proactive in controllable areas while practicing patience with factors beyond your control, like investor decisions. This episode reminds us of the timeless wisdom in starting to build networks today. Wrapping up, Christian offers his best advice for entrepreneurs at every stage, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration to foster their own entrepreneurial dreams.ABOUT CHRISTIANChristian Durfee is the Co-Founder and CEO of InvestLink Social, a social networking platform that assists founders and investors with networking and deal flow. Christian has been an entrepreneur throughout most of his life. He got his start in high school by hand sewing and selling bow ties, which he scaled production and focused on a B2B approach. During college at the University of Minnesota where he finished with a bachelor of science in marketing and management focus, Christian was able to start up a health and wellness distribution company, and have a successful exit. Christian brings a strong background in leadership, marketing, and sales which can help InvestLink Social grow and scale into a company that will help entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit InvestLink Social’s WebsiteConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Discover the transformative power of holistic health with our guest Yolanda Trevino, a certified holistic health practitioner and life coach. Yolanda shares her extraordinary journey from personal trauma to creating the Evolutionary Body System, a program designed to foster personal growth and healing. This episode promises invaluable insights into how holistic wellness encompasses much more than just diet and exercise; it extends into mental health, mindset, and building resilience. Yolanda's story serves as an inspiring reminder that overcoming past adversities can lead to a fulfilling and empowered life.Embark on an exploration of personal growth and the profound impact of holistic practices. Yolanda reveals the significance of tuning into one's personal center and breaking free from societal conformity and personal relationships that can hinder progress. Learn how natural modalities and techniques can help you navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and see setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for growth. We discuss the pivotal moments that can redefine your journey and highlight the power of embracing middle age with an eye toward unfinished dreams and new beginnings.Take a closer look at nurturing various pillars of life such as wellness, nutrition, and mindfulness, and how they interconnect to enhance overall well-being. Yolanda offers her expertise on identifying areas for self-improvement and overcoming burnout. We also explore the concept of vibrational frequency and its influence on mindset and energy levels, unlocking creativity and ambition. Yolanda's personal experiences, including her book "The Evolutionary Plate: From Taste to Transformation," provide practical guidance to navigate personal and entrepreneurial growth. Whether you're seeking personal development or professional success, Yolanda's journey and expertise offer a wealth of inspiration and actionable insights.ABOUT YOLANDAYolanda Trevino is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Life Coach, and the founder of Evolutionary Body System. Drawing from her journey of overcoming trauma and rebuilding her life, Yolanda has created transformative programs and resources that inspire meaningful change. In addition to her work in holistic wellness, she is a multi-business owner, including Microhair Aesthetics and iLushess Lashes. She is the author of The Evolutionary Plate: From Taste to Transformation and other works, including Lessons Learned at 40 and Cultivating Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, and Growth. Through her writing and courses, Yolanda empowers individuals to reconnect with their bodies and minds, achieving sustainable well-being.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Evolutionary Body System’s WebsiteUse the Code VIP350 to Get a Special Discount on the Holistic Growth Reset ProgramConnect with Yolanda on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a childhood passion can evolve into a groundbreaking career? Join us as we welcome Kyle Kostesich, the visionary executive creative director and founder of Gray Giant. Kyle shares his remarkable journey from sketching as a kid to becoming a leading figure in the design and branding world. Transitioning from studying architecture to mastering graphic design, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately founding Gray Giant, Kyle's story is packed with insights on blending art with strategy to create impactful branding solutions.Feeling like your brand identity might need a refresh? Kyle offers invaluable advice on how to critically evaluate and update your brand to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced market. Learn about the significance of pushing boundaries while staying true to your core identity, particularly in conservative industries like healthcare and finance. We discuss the pitfalls of being overly polarizing and the benefits of clear differentiation and genuine branding that truly resonates with your audience. This episode is a goldmine for businesses looking to build a professional, effective brand that stands out.Kyle also takes us behind the scenes of Gray Giant, revealing the innovative, client-centric model that sets his agency apart from traditional ones. Discover the benefits of personalized service and deep engagement with fewer clients, stripping away the bloat of excessive meetings and overhead. Kyle's commitment to work-life balance and seeking fulfillment beyond monetary success is both inspiring and practical. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation filled with wisdom, actionable tips, and a touch of inspiration for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Tune in to elevate your brand and your life.ABOUT KYLEKyle Kostesich is an Executive Creative Director with deep design and branding roots. He's spent the last 20 years navigating the complexities of the creative space to help B2B and B2C companies thrive across numerous sectors. And his efforts have netted him over 25 industry awards.Kyle has extensive experience communicating with the investment community for both public and emerging companies, as he spent the last 7 years leading the Branding and Creative team at ICR. Kyle has recently broken off from ICR and started his own creative and branding consultancy called GRAY GIANT.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Gray Giant’s WebsiteVisit Kyle’s WebsiteVisit Design Mammoth’s WebsiteConnect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What if you could turn resistance into a driving force for transformative change? Join us as we sit down with Renée Holder, the inspiring founder, president, and principal consultant of Janus Management Group. Renee shares her remarkable journey from teaching stuffed animals as a child to celebrating the 10-year milestone of her change management consultancy. Her career trajectory, from accounting to the arts and finally into change management, is a testament to adaptability and personal growth. Renée’s story sets a compelling tone for anyone looking to embrace change and navigate the complexities of organizational transformation.Ever wondered why employees resist change and how to manage it effectively? Explore the nuanced ways resistance can manifest within organizations—be it through disruptive behavior or negative conversations. Learn how employees' identities can be deeply tied to existing systems and how involving them in testing new systems can mitigate resistance. Through high-profile examples like Apple's automatic album download, discover the importance of setting aside ego to honestly assess the success of change initiatives. Listening to both leadership and employees is crucial for reconciling different perspectives, making this a must-listen for managers and change leaders alike.Balancing the "feast and famine" cycle of entrepreneurship can be challenging, especially for consultants. Learn the importance of preparing for both abundant and scarce periods by saving and reinvesting wisely. Renée emphasizes building strong, repeat client relationships and maintaining a positive attitude toward change. The episode wraps up with a powerful discussion on the necessity of rest for entrepreneurs. By following a four-phase approach—rest, assess, refresh, and progress—you can sustain your energy, continually improve your practices, and ultimately thrive in your ventures. Tune in for invaluable insights that will help you navigate change and succeed in your entrepreneurial journey.ABOUT RENÉERenée Holder is the Founder, President, and Principal Consultant of Janus Management Group. She is a certified change management and training professional, passionate about the successful transition of individuals impacted by small to large-scale transformations.Renée has rich experience supporting multi-year, global HR and IT ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) programs in Canada, EMEA, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and across the US. Through it all, she plans the journey to adoption, from awareness to realization, with the laser focus on each individual's experience during the transition. She is a writer, speaker, facilitator and change management fanatic who loves to see the emotional transition of people as they move from uncertainty to normalcy.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Janus Management Group’s WebsiteSubscribe to Renée’s YouTube ChannelConnect with Renée on LinkedIn

Can artificial intelligence truly be a companion for those suffering from memory loss? Our latest episode with Dr. Monica Tsai, co-founder and CEO of CloudMind Software, promises to shed light on this compelling question. Monica's fascinating journey from human resources to tech entrepreneurship has led to the creation of AI digital companions that support both individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Monica's unique HR background has equipped her with the skills to develop innovative, compassionate technology solutions that address one of society's most pressing challenges.We explore the recent pilot of CloudMind Software's MVP AI companion named Kathy, which was deployed in six care homes across the United States. Hear firsthand accounts of residents interacting with Kathy, including a heartwarming story where a resident sings to their digital companion. Monica discusses the dual B2B and B2C strategies of CloudMind Software, highlighting the significant impacts on residents, caregivers, and families. The additional caregiver interface is a game-changer, offering valuable insights to enhance personalized care and address issues like unnoticed discomfort.In our conversation, we also tackle the critical topic of AI ethics and opportunities. Monica addresses the complex balance of AI's benefits and concerns, particularly in the realm of privacy and data security. Gain insights into the regulatory landscape differences between Europe, the US, and Canada, and the importance of approaching AI with cautious optimism. Monica invites listeners to embrace the future of AI companionship fearlessly and to follow her ongoing journey through her weekly Substack newsletter and CloudMind's website.ABOUT DR MONICADr. Monica Tsai, an expert in human resources, has an impressive track record of building successful software development teams that create, deploy, and scale consumer-facing products across the globe. Her Doctoral degree in Social Science, with a focus on AI companions and how they can support individuals in real life, highlights her expertise and experience in the field.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit CloudMind’s WebsiteConnect with Dr. Monica on LinkedInSubscribe to Dr. Monica’s Newsletter

Ever wondered how a single word could transform your life and business? Join me, Brian Lofrumento, as I embark on our seventh annual tradition of choosing one guiding word for the year on the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast. This simple yet powerful practice has not only shaped my journey but can also be your catalyst for meaningful change. We revisit impactful words from the past, like "better," "output," and "actions," each of which served as a compass for growth. This year, I unveil "bigger" as my guiding word for 2025, signaling a bold commitment to expanding our horizons, asking deeper questions, and seeking grander answers in both life and business.Get ready to explore the transformative potential of "bigger" as we aim to amplify our impact, connect with larger audiences, and nurture significant relationships. Reflecting on a foundational 2024, the path forward is one of growth and opportunity, inspired by our podcast's past successes on the global stage. I invite you, our cherished listeners, to join this journey by choosing your own word and sharing your experiences. Together, let's harness the power of intentional focus to create a shared path of transformation in 2025. Your continued support fuels this endeavor, and I can't wait to see where our collective ambitions will lead us.

What if outsourcing key tasks could be the game-changer for your business growth? Join us as we sit down with Liz Wiatt, the inspiring founder and CEO of Exec Hub, who shares her remarkable journey from working with diverse serial entrepreneurs to spearheading her own successful venture. This episode unravels the essence of executive assistance and essential services, showcasing how they empower small to medium-sized business owners to thrive. Liz expertly guides us through the common hurdles entrepreneurs face and offers a solution-oriented perspective on managing overwhelming workloads through strategic outsourcing. Liz illuminates the pivotal role of executive assistants in not just alleviating business burdens but also enhancing personal life balance. We explore how creating efficient systems and embracing tools like Otter.ai can revolutionize productivity. Through engaging insights, Liz reveals her strategies for prioritizing core business growth while effectively managing both professional and personal responsibilities. You'll gain practical insights into the importance of delegating tasks, organizing family calendars, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.As we journey through the world of remote services, Liz candidly shares her experiences servicing a global clientele and overcoming initial challenges in client acquisition. With a focus on the benefits of AI integration in project management, she unveils valuable time management tips and productivity hacks. This is an essential listen for entrepreneurs eager to optimize operations and embrace sustainable growth, with real-life lessons from Liz's own entrepreneurial path.ABOUT LIZAfter years of working closely with serial entrepreneurs and helping launch several businesses from ground zero, Liz Wiatt decided to start Exec Hub. Liz's 15 years of experience includes creating websites, managing social media, client relations, operations, handling bookkeeping, and executive assistance.Liz is honored and happy to help your business grow and succeed.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Exec Hub’s WebsiteFollow Exec Hub on LinkedInFind Exec Hub on FacebookFollow Exec Hub on InstagramListen to the Exec Hub Podcast