Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Ever wondered how you can turn your life experiences into valuable leadership skills? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lisa Weinberger, the powerhouse behind Peak Learning Group. Discover how Lisa's diverse journey from being a ski instructor to holding leadership roles in HR and talent development has shaped her unique approach to executive coaching. Her story is not just inspiring but packed with practical insights on resilience, passion, and continuous personal growth.Unlock the secrets to becoming an effective entrepreneur with Lisa as we highlight the crucial leadership skills you need. From identifying and leveraging your existing strengths to acquiring new ones, Lisa emphasizes the role of experiential learning and the importance of practicing in safe environments. Drawing from her time as a ski coach, she shares how guiding others through their journeys can translate into transformative leadership. Whether it’s handling sales conversations or client projects, this episode is brimming with actionable advice for aspiring leaders.What role does trust play in building high-performing teams? Lisa dives deep into the critical elements of fostering trust, accountability, and commitment within teams. Explore how understanding personality styles through tools like the DISC assessment can enhance coaching effectiveness and create more meaningful interactions. As we wrap up, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for how setting the right culture and understanding team dynamics can lead to outstanding results. Don’t miss this chance to glean invaluable lessons from Lisa Weinberger, whose extensive experience and adventurous spirit make her a standout voice in leadership and team development.ABOUT LISAWith over 30 years in Leadership, HR, and Talent Development across various industries, Lisa Weinberger launched an executive coaching business in 2022. She helps clients become exceptional leaders, accelerate their careers, and build high-performing teams. Lisa focuses on mutual respect and trust, enabling clients to harness their strengths and achieve their desired impact. She also facilitates leadership development workshops and enhances HR programs.Lisa holds a Bachelor of Chemistry, Bachelor of Biochemistry, and a Master of Education in Human Resource Development, along with a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota. She resides in St. Paul, MN, and enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Peak Learning Group’s WebsiteConnect with Lisa on LinkedIn

What if the key to entrepreneurial success lies in balancing artistic talent with strategic business acumen? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rudy Mage, the mastermind behind Inked Pro, as he reveals his remarkable journey from studying computer animation to establishing a thriving printing company. Discover how Rudy's creative background has been a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavors, and how focusing on one major project at a time has enabled him to juggle multiple ventures, including his clothing line, Chimu, with impressive growth.Rudy sheds light on the art of building a brand with intent and the delicate balance between structured strategies and spontaneous creativity. Hear firsthand how he leverages simple tools like an iPhone for marketing and the invaluable role of focus groups in tailoring market-ready products. Rudy’s grassroots initiatives, including selling from his car trunk, underscore the significance of small, persistent efforts in achieving long-term success. Learn about the importance of gradual growth, trade shows, and establishing a robust infrastructure for scalability.Lastly, delve into the world of networking as Rudy stresses the power of face-to-face interactions over mere social media connections. He shares how genuine relationships and personal interactions have led to substantial business opportunities, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. Rudy talks about the importance of intuition in fostering meaningful professional relationships and how collaboration and gratitude towards others have been pivotal in his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with both creativity and strategic savvy.

Have you ever wondered how setting aside just a small percentage of your income could revolutionize your business? Brace yourself for an Action Saturday episode that could change the way you think about business growth forever. Our host Brian Lofrumento shares the life-changing advice he wishes he had received a decade ago: create a growth fund. Learn how committing even 1% of your income to a separate account dedicated to future investments can transform your entrepreneurial journey.Brian passionately discusses his own experience with this simple yet powerful strategy, which has enabled him to invest in branding, strategic hires, and essential tools without touching personal or operational funds. Inspired by the principles of "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz, this episode is a call to action for entrepreneurs at any stage to start building their future today. Tune in to understand the significance of a growth fund and how it can propel your business to new heights, ensuring you are always prepared to seize growth opportunities as they arise.

Ready to uncover the secrets of a successful entrepreneur? Meet Bridget Henson, the powerhouse behind Bridey Design and Build. From her early days studying art and design at Northeastern University to becoming a trailblazer in the residential construction industry, Bridget's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn how she seamlessly merges the worlds of design and construction to bring client visions to life, all while navigating the challenges of starting her own business and balancing motherhood.Ever wonder how top entrepreneurs manage their time and keep communication lines open? Bridget Henson shares her game-changing strategies for staying organized and maintaining transparent communication with clients. Discover her detailed approach to planning and scheduling that ensures every project runs smoothly. Bridget also discusses the importance of setting clear boundaries, delegating tasks, and how these practices have improved her work-life balance and business efficiency.Curious about the latest technological advances in interior design? Bridget delves into the transformative impact of tools like virtual reality headsets, which offers clients real-time visualizations of their renovations. Hear her candid reflections on the financial aspects of entrepreneurship, from overcoming the hurdle of undercharging to confidently pricing her services. Bridget’s inspiring story of growth, innovation, and self-discovery will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your own entrepreneurial dreams. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and practical advice from one of Massachusetts' leading design and build experts!ABOUT BRIDGETBridget Henson, Owner of Bridey Design + Build, started her career off working in interior design before moving over to residential construction. After a decade of experience in both, she honed her craft and founded her own company in 2023.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Bridey Design’s WebsiteFollow Bridey Design on InstagramConnect with Bridget on LinkedIn

Ever missed out on a major event just because you didn't know it was happening? Christina Ness and Justin Chu turned that frustration into innovation. Christina's incredible journey from Target's headquarters to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, working with big names like Simon Fuller and Adam Sandler's company, set the stage for an unexpected pivot upon meeting her co-founder Justin, whose personal error led him to an idea for a blossoming tech company. Hear how their paths crossed at Activision Blizzard, leading to the creation of Evenigo, a game-changing platform for event enthusiasts. Christina and Justin's story is a testament to seizing opportunities and making waves in the tech world.Imagine missing out on Beyonce tickets and deciding to build an app to ensure it never happens again. That's Justin's story, and it became the cornerstone for Evenigo. When a major restructuring left both Christina and Justin jobless, they turned a setback into a launchpad for their startup. Their complementary skills and shared vision birthed a platform designed to revolutionize how we keep track of events and connect with our favorite brands and artists. Listen in as they recount their journey from corporate stability to the thrilling, unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.Building an app without a coding background? Christina and Justin did it using no-code platforms like Figma, Wix, Adalo, and Bubble. They share how they navigated the technical challenges and leveraged resources like YouTube and Udemy to bring Evenigo to life. Their dynamic partnership, based on mutual respect and effective communication, has been pivotal in overcoming obstacles and embracing the entrepreneurial grind. From expense reports to legal matters, they keep it real about the less glamorous side of running a startup. Tune in for their invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and learn how staying authentic and hungry for knowledge can lead to success. Don't forget to join their journey by downloading Evenigo from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.ABOUT CHRISTINA & JUSTINChristina Ness and Justin Chu are the co-founders of Evenigo, a platform that allows fans of brands, artists or influencers to subscribe to their external calendars so that they don't miss out on their favorite promos, drops or ticket on-sale events. The pair met while working together at Activision Blizzard, and after missing out on an important ticket presale due to manual error, decided to start their own company.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Evenigo’s WebsiteFollow Evenigo on InstagramFind Evenigo on TikTokConnect with Christina on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedIn

What if conflict could be the key to your entrepreneurial success? Join us as we welcome John Ford, a conflict resolution expert with a remarkable background ranging from law practice in Namibia to involvement in UN-led peace processes. John’s insights will transform the way you perceive and handle conflicts, turning them from obstacles into opportunities for growth and communication. Learn how his journey to the United States led him to specialize in workplace mediation, where he developed unique tools like the empathy set and talking sticks that are revolutionizing how businesses resolve disputes.Gain practical strategies for addressing conflicts early and preventing them from escalating, a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. John emphasizes the power of constructive communication and the importance of understanding subtle emotions in negotiation scenarios. Discover how building human connections and establishing fairness can lead to win-win solutions, and why empathy and an objective perspective are essential for achieving just outcomes. Whether you’re negotiating a deal or resolving a workplace issue, John’s approach will equip you with the skills to handle conflicts effectively.Explore the creation of a culture of resolution in your business by building trust and honoring all perspectives involved in disputes. John shares his wisdom on using emotional intelligence to make conflicts productive and how the immigrant experience shapes an entrepreneurial mindset. Through practical examples and tools like feelings and needs cards, you’ll see how structured communication can lead to mutually beneficial solutions. Don’t miss this episode filled with invaluable insights and techniques that will elevate your conflict resolution skills and foster better communication within your entrepreneurial journey.ABOUT JOHNJohn Ford, originally from South Africa, has a law background from the University of Cape Town and began practicing in Namibia. His work in human rights and with the San people during the UN-led Resolution 435 peace process shaped his conflict resolution approach. For 30 years in the USA, John specialized in workplace mediation and soft-skills training. He created The Empathy Set and The Talking Sticks to enhance communication. Teaching at UC Law SF, John authored "Peace at Work." His tools, inspired by addressing feelings and needs, simplify communication. A past president of the Association for Dispute Resolution of Northern California, he excels in fostering harmony.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit John’s WebsiteVisit The Empathy Set’s WebsiteFind John’s Book ‘Peace at Work: The HR Manager's Guide to Workplace Mediation’ on AmazonGet the Empathy Set on AmazonVisit John’s Store on EtsyConnect with John on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a podcast can grow from a modest start to a top 1.5% show worldwide? As we celebrate the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur podcast's eighth anniversary, we'll take you on a journey through our remarkable growth, featuring insights from over 933 episodes. This episode is a heartfelt homage to our global audience and the inspiring guests who have shared their entrepreneurial journeys with us. With listeners in more than 150 countries, we've created a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, and we're just getting started.Reflecting on the ninth anniversary of the book, "Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur," our host Brian Lofrumento shares the raw, unfiltered truth about the challenges and rewards of writing and self-publishing. The essence of creativity lies in the act of publishing, imperfections and all. Through Brian's personal experiences, we aim to inspire aspiring authors and creators to take the leap and bring their ideas to fruition. It's not about achieving perfection but about making an impact by simply putting your work out there.As we look forward to reaching episode 1000, this milestone episode celebrates the unexpected turns and growth we've experienced over the past eight years. From starting without knowing the full path to becoming a standalone platform, the podcast has evolved into a space where entrepreneurs can connect and learn from one another. With immense gratitude for our guests and listeners, we invite you to join us every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for new episodes. Visit our website to leave voicemails and engage in live chats—let's continue to grow, innovate, and build this incredible community together!

What if the key to happier clients and reduced product returns is something as simple as a success guide? Discover how creating a tailored success guide not only enhances customer satisfaction but also optimizes their journey with your product or service, ensuring they achieve the results they’re looking for.

Ever wondered how a successful career in software sales could morph into a thriving interior design business? Join us as Kristen Pipal, owner and principal designer of KP Home, takes us on her incredible journey. She candidly shares her transition from the tech world to pursuing her passion for design, and the pivotal role a business coach played in this transformation. Kristen's story is filled with valuable lessons about balancing corporate security with entrepreneurial aspirations, offering inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to follow their dreams.Kristen also delves into the heart of personalized design, emphasizing empathy and storytelling's transformative power. Through detailed client interactions and asking the right questions, she uncovers the essence of what makes a space truly resonate with its occupants. Listen to her compelling example of a bathroom renovation that brought genuine satisfaction to a client, showcasing how a thoughtfully designed space can elevate daily living experiences. Kristen's holistic approach ensures that each project reflects the client's personal story and lifestyle, making their environment a true sanctuary.In this episode, we explore the art of building a personal brand with Kristen's KP Home as a prime example. Discover how she integrates a personal touch with professionalism, crafting a brand that feels both intimate and expansive. Kristen shares her strategic approach to interior design, the evolution of her business, and the importance of aligning personal values with client relationships. With a focus on flexibility, adaptation, and short-term planning, Kristen provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to take action and trust their instincts. Tune in for this enriching conversation and be inspired by Kristen's journey and insights.ABOUT KRISTENKristen Pipal is the Owner & Principal Designer of KP Home, a boutique interior design firm in Chicago. Her affinity for design started at a young age and she always had an eye on the world of interiors as she got her Business degree from Indiana University. With 12 years working her way up in software sales, the lifelong dream of becoming an interior designer never diminished. So she took the leap and merged her business side with the creative to start KP Home.Kristen believes in living a more authentic life and knows your surroundings play a big part. When not designing, Kristen loves to play tennis, travel, and spend time with family and friends.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit KP Home’s WebsiteFollow KP Home on InstagramConnect with Kristen on LinkedIn

What if you could transform your business with the power of AI while maintaining a strong ethical foundation? Join us as we sit down with Avi Hacker, founder and CEO of the AI Consulting Network, to uncover his fascinating journey from accounting, law, and real estate to becoming an AI thought leader. Avi's story is not just about professional success; it's a tale of resilience, balancing law school, fatherhood, and life’s personal challenges. His unique approach emphasizes empathy and ethics, making AI accessible and beneficial for businesses navigating complex landscapes.Throughout the episode, Avi delves into the practical applications of AI in both personal and business contexts. Leveraging his background in IT controls and law, Avi offers invaluable insights into the importance of data security in AI implementation. Hear about the diverse use cases of AI beyond ChatGPT, such as Claude for natural language processing and Perplexity for research, and learn how creating custom AI bots can significantly boost efficiency and productivity in fields like marketing and real estate. The discussion reveals how focusing on strategic implementation can revolutionize operations and enhance day-to-day tasks.We also tackle the ethical implications of AI, addressing concerns like scams and voice cloning. Avi provides a comprehensive look at the safeguards and transparent practices necessary to prevent AI misuse. He shares real-life examples and practical advice on how businesses can maintain a competitive edge by adopting an AI-first mindset and staying updated with rapidly evolving technology. Avi leaves us with a generous offer—a free eBook on effectively prompting AI—encouraging listeners to embrace AI tools and drive both business success and personal growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to harness AI's transformative potential.ABOUT AVIAvi Hacker is the founder and CEO of the AI Consulting Network, helping businesses streamline operations and drive growth through strategic AI implementation. With a background in accounting, law, and real estate, Avi saw AI's transformative potential and transitioned his career to become an AI thought leader. He graduated summa cum laude from Brooklyn College and started at PwC as a Risk Assurance Auditor. While at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Avi worked at a real estate law firm. During law school, he delved into AI, gaining expertise. Avi now develops custom AI solutions, empowering businesses to achieve exponential growth.LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Avi on LinkedInSubscribe to The AI Consulting Network’s YouTube ChannelVisit The AI Consulting Network’s Website