Founders' Forum

How can design shape a more equitable and regenerative future? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dery, founder of Allelo Design, to explore the power of design research in tackling complex challenges. With a background in anthropology and a passion for understanding the interactions between people and their environment, Nicole has spent her career applying research-driven design to create meaningful change.We dive into the role of design research in policy, technology, and climate impact, as well as how Allelo’s collaborative approach prioritizes partnerships over competition. Nicole shares how her company builds a strong, people-first culture by actively involving team members in decision-making, evaluating impact, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.Key Takeaways:The connection between anthropology, design, and driving real-world changeHow design research informs problem-solving and innovation across industriesWhy partnership and collaboration are essential in the climate tech spaceHow Allelo Design fosters a strong, engaged company cultureThe role of intuition and self-awareness in leadership and decision-makingAt Allelo, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating tools that empower other businesses to make a lasting impact. Whether you're in design, entrepreneurship, or climate tech, this episode offers valuable insights into how thoughtful research and collaboration can shape the future.Tune in now to learn how design can be a catalyst for meaningful change.About Nicole Dery, MAA, PMP:Nicole Dery is a design strategist and founder of Allelo Design, a user experience and interaction design studio helping climate tech companies create digital products that drive positive impact. With over 17 years of experience leading human-centered research and design initiatives across Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and startups, she combines her training as an applied anthropologist with her passion for using design to tackle complex challenges like climate change.Connect:Website allelodesign.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nicole-derylinkedin.com/company/allelo-designInstagram instagram.com/shiftmakersclimateTikTok tiktok.com/@shiftmakersYouTube youtube.com/@ShiftMakersClimateThis episode is brought to you by Allelo Design; digital product design for ClimateTech. Go to allelodesign.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can what you eat impact the way you lead and grow a business? In this episode, we sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder of Soom Foods, to explore how mindful eating and strategic entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Amy shares her journey of bringing tahini—a nutrient-dense superfood—to the U.S. market and how it has become a kitchen staple for top chefs and health-conscious consumers alike.Beyond food, Amy dives into the challenges and triumphs of running a family business, balancing work-life dynamics, and scaling Soom Foods with inventory mastery, third-party logistics, and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How mindful eating can reduce inflammation and improve overall well-beingThe entrepreneurial journey behind Soom Foods and the rise of tahini in the U.S.Tips for managing a family-run business while maintaining healthy boundariesHow EOS fosters accountability and sustainable growth for small businessesThe key strategies behind Soom Foods’ expansion and inventory managementAmy also reflects on the power of a strong support system, sharing how she balances motherhood, leadership, and personal wellness. Whether you're a food lover, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Tune in now to discover how intentional choices—both in food and business—can lead to long-term success!About Amy Zitelman:Amy started Soom Foods with her two older sisters in 2013, with a mission to make tahini a more popular ingredient in the US Market. Soom has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, The New York Times and other media as they are the preferred tahini of top chefs like Michael Solomonov of Zahav Restaurant. Amy is the author of The Tahini Table cookbook and lives in Penn Valley with her husband and three sons.Connect:Website soomfoods.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/amy-zitelman-07973b2blinkedin.com/company/soom-foodsInstagram instagram.com/soomfoodsFacebook facebook.com/SoomFoodsThis episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What if setbacks weren’t roadblocks—but the key to innovation?In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of Chris Patino, the forward-thinking CEO of Powered by PMC. From overcoming challenges to pioneering a new approach in property care, Chris shares how resilience, adaptability, and technology are reshaping the industry. We also explore the mindset shift that allows entrepreneurs to turn obstacles into opportunities and build sustainable, community-driven businesses.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to embrace a ‘reset mindset’ and transform challenges into stepping stonesThe evolution of property care—and how Chris is revolutionizing the industryLessons from Chris’s entrepreneurial journey, from family values to industry disruptionWhy adaptability and perseverance are key to long-term business successHow to build a business with integrity, transparency, and purposeChris also reflects on his family’s legacy of resilience, sharing how his grandfather’s bold move from Mexico to the U.S. shaped his entrepreneurial drive. Plus, we discuss the importance of long-term vision, the strengths needed to sustain success, and why cherishing time with loved ones is essential.🎧 Tune in now for a powerful conversation on overcoming setbacks, embracing innovation, and building a values-driven business.About Chris Patino:Chris Patino is an innovative disruptor, CEO and visionary behind PoweredbyPMC, a platform that redefines the connection between homeowners and service providers. With a commitment to enhancing marketplace efficiency, Chris is dedicated to creating streamlined solutions that empower clients and providers alike through technology and exceptional service. His work reflects a deep passion for transforming the property care industry with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and community impact.Connect:Website poweredbypmc.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/christopher-patino-435075277Instagram instagram.com/poweredbypmcFacebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091424411055 TikTok tiktok.com/@primemgmtcontractingThis episode is brought to you by PoweredbyPMC; simplify your office maintenance and repairs. Go to poweredbypmc.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

💡 What does it really mean to be a disruptor in business? It’s not just about breaking the rules—it’s about strategic innovation that transforms an industry. In this episode, we sit down with Katrina Hutchinson O’Neill, CEO and founder of Join Talent, to uncover how she’s revolutionizing talent acquisition and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.From being named Startup Entrepreneur of the Year to scaling one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies, Katrina’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and innovation. Along the way, we explore the power of mentorship, the role of financial risk in entrepreneurship, and why values-driven businesses thrive.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to disrupt an industry without just rebelling for the sake of it ✔️ Lessons from launching a business at 40—without an entrepreneurial background ✔️ The financial sacrifices and challenges of self-funding a startup ✔️ Why mentorship and unexpected inspiration are game-changers for growth ✔️ The importance of gender diversity, leadership culture, and values-driven decisionsKatrina also shares how staying privately owned has given her the freedom to build a company that aligns with her values—plus, we geek out over our shared love for dystopian fiction.🎧 Tune in now for an inspiring conversation on disrupting the status quo and thriving as an entrepreneur!About Katrina Hutchinson-O’Neill:I always say that I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was 40 – and that’s when I left the corporate rat race behind and started my business.Today, I am guided by three core driving goals: to secure long term financial stability for my family, to empower my team to achieve their own success, and to build a respected and valued international brand.Join Talent's success is a testament to the dedication of the exceptional team who surround me and those same goals and associated values we all share.Connect:Website jointalent.netLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/recruit2linkedin.com/company/jointalentukInstagram instagram.com/jointalent_This episode is brought to you by Join Talent; elevate your hiring capability. Go to jointalent.net to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What if failure was just a stepping stone to success? In this episode, we explore how setbacks can fuel growth with real estate veteran Jim Remley and co-host Chris Patino. Jim shares his inspiring journey from college dropout to leading one of Oregon’s largest real estate firms—revealing how mentorship, resilience, and strategic focus accelerated his success.We dive into the power of niching down and how defining a unique value proposition can give you a competitive edge in real estate and financial services. Jim also breaks down relationship-based business strategies, the importance of leveraging your sphere of influence, and why focusing on long-term client value outperforms short-term wins.Beyond sales tactics, Jim shares his evolution from hands-on real estate management to scalable coaching models—showing how entrepreneurs can transition from trading time for money to building sustainable, passion-aligned businesses. Whether you're a real estate professional or an entrepreneur looking to scale, this episode delivers actionable insights to fast-track your growth.About Jim Remley ALHS, ABR:Jim is a 35 year real estate veteran, who has been listed in the top 1% of REALTORS nationwide. In addition he has led one of the largest real estate firms in Oregon, closing an impressive 3000 transactions annually, with a sales volume exceeding 1.4 billion dollars.Connect:Website erealestatecoach.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jim-remleyInstagram instagram.com/erealestatecoachFacebook facebook.com/eRealEstateCoachTikTok tiktok.com/@erealestatecoachYouTube youtube.com/@eRealEstateCoachThis episode is brought to you by Heart + Paw, your pet’s wellness goes beyond veterinary care. Go to heartandpaw.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can you truly balance the chaos of entrepreneurship with the joyful madness of the holiday season? Join us as we unpack this challenge with our guests Jess Hallahan and Janet Bernstein, who share their ingenious tips for maintaining sanity during the festive rush. From strategic advice on pacing tasks to the delightful suggestion of dancing stress away to holiday tunes, you'll find yourself equipped with new tools for juggling multiple roles. Adding depth to our conversation, Janet, a stellar professional organizer from England, takes us on her inspiring journey from Scarborough to leading Philadelphia's largest organizing team. Her story of transitioning from a dreamer inspired by her father's toy store to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to growth, grit, and holiday cheer.Dive into the heart of entrepreneurship as we explore building a business from the ground up, highlighted by Janet's transformative shift from hands-on organizing to scaling her operations through delegation and systems. Learn how embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and focusing on personal strengths can catapult a solo endeavor into a thriving team effort. Our discussion underscores the importance of strategic planning and nurturing talent, illustrating how even the most daunting tasks can become manageable with the right approach and vision.Finally, let's wander into the world of goal setting and global living. Janet enlightens us with her philosophy of tackling one major goal per year, making the overwhelming feel achievable. We share personal anecdotes of planning to escape the February blues by working remotely from different countries, starting with Lisbon. The conversation wraps up with insights on enriching company culture, emphasizing compassion and creativity.About Janet Bernstein, CPO(R):British born Janet Bernstein is the owner of The Organizing Professionals, greater Philadelphia's largest team of professional organizers and move managers. They are three time winners of Philadelphia Magazine's 'Best of Philly' and have been voted 'Best Professionals Organizers' for the last six years by Main Line Today magazine. Bernstein (not Marc!) graduated from The University of Pennsylvania, has lived in five countries on three continents and speaks English, French and rusty Russian!Connect:theorganizingprofessionals.com instagram.com/theorganizingprofessionals linkedin.com/in/janet-bernstein-cpo®-5269a518youtube.com/@theorganizingprofessionals816This episode is brought to you by The Organizing Professionals; your life transformed through our passion for organization. Go to theorganizingprofessionals.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Today we're transforming our approach to motivation and goal-setting with insights from Mel Robbins and our special co-host, Michael Martin, author of "The Self-Fulfilling Formula." We're also joined by Kevin Connor of Swirling Silks and Modern Strategic Branding + Communications. We discuss how cultivating habits rather than just chasing after motivation can lead to sustainable success, both personally and professionally. Learn how to maintain steady progress by balancing the act of setting goals with developing the right habits.Ever wondered how family dynamics influence entrepreneurship? Kevin reflects on his journey from finance to a flourishing career in marketing and media, sharing how those formative family dinner discussions on sales strategies became his training ground. We explore the unique balance of working with family, where intuition and complementary skills play a vital role. We also highlight the challenges of entrepreneurship, such as the initial eagerness to seize every opportunity, and the wisdom gained from learning to ask critical questions and surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.Prepare to be captivated by tales of resilience and networking from Cadillac dealerships of the past to the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The essence of genuine connections and knowing when to say no are key themes, offering insights into forming meaningful relationships. As we touch on hiring practices, we delve into assessing character over skills, inspired by the Carnegie Triangle study and the timeless wisdom of John Wooden. Discover the significance of character in building a vibrant company culture where attitude can often outweigh aptitude.About Kevin Connor:Kevin Connor has worked at the same company since May 16, 1988 and for past 25 years, has been an owner with his sister as business partner. Managing digital, print and creative services for their clients has presented them as poised, professional and profitable in their space. They’ve acquired 10 companies adding their clients to the roster, aiming to add #11 soon.Connect:Website modernsbc.com swirlingsilks.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kevinrconnor linkedin.com/company/2131648 Instagram instagram.com/swirlingsilksinc This episode is brought to you by TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company; the forefront of electric utility innovation. Go to tescometering.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Explore the fascinating intersection of character and entrepreneurship with our guest, Sean Dawes, co-founder of Modded Euros. Sean, a third-generation entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience from his family's diverse business ventures. Discover how his unique educational background in zoology and work in zoos and aquariums shaped his perspective on passion-driven careers and the financial realities they often entail. Throughout our conversation, Sean emphasizes the pivotal role character plays in business decisions, from handshake deals to hiring practices, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of integrity in the professional world.Sean's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of a strong team culture. He shares personal stories of overcoming significant challenges, from medical emergencies to the broader trials of entrepreneurship. Uncover the strategies Sean employed to build a company culture rooted in open communication and personal connections, fostering a supportive environment that thrives even in remote settings. Through his experiences, Sean illustrates how perseverance and a cohesive team can turn adversity into opportunities for growth and innovation.Looking ahead, Sean unveils his vision for blending personal and professional aspirations over the next decade. He candidly discusses his goals, including an eventual business acquisition, while highlighting the importance of character development for future generations. Sean's passion for self-education shines through as he talks about the impactful books that have guided him, such as Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" and Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." This episode invites listeners to consider the intricacies of the entrepreneurial journey and the continual pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.About Sean Dawes:Co-Founder of ModdedEuros.com, an automotive ecommerce retailer specializing in performance and replacement parts for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen applications. Prior to founding Modded Euros, Sean worked in Search Engine Marketing for Turn 5 Inc, Inc Top 500 Automotive Online Retailer which specialized in Ford Mustang and Truck markets.Connect:seandawes.comx.com/SeanDaweslinkedin.com/in/seandawesThis episode is brought to you by TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company; the forefront of electric utility innovation. Go to tescometering.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Discover the hidden power of sleep and its role in problem-solving and recovery as we share personal anecdotes alongside our guest, Dale Keshishian, and special co-host, Jessica Hallahan. Dale, the visionary CEO of HealthWorks Academies, recounts her unexpected journey from managing a medical practice to spearheading a nonprofit that revolutionizes STEM and healthcare opportunities for high school students. Jessica, a dedicated stress management health educator, unveils her platform 'Journey to Yourself,' offering insights into managing stress in our hectic lives. Amidst the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dale shares how HealthWorks Academies turned obstacles into stepping stones. With the help of a supportive women's executive breakfast group and an advisory board, they pivoted to virtual programs, expanding their reach and impact. Dale's story exemplifies the power of communication and community support in overcoming adversity, inspiring listeners with the potential of expanding educational access to millions of students.We wrap up our episode by exploring strategies to cope with stress, highlighting the therapeutic nature of DIY projects. From painting rooms to organizing cluttered spaces, we discuss how these activities not only alleviate stress but also provide a sense of accomplishment. Join us as we express gratitude to our guests for their invaluable insights and reflect on personal growth, autonomy, and the importance of a supportive community in personal and professional journeys.About Dale Keshishian:Dale is the Founder & CEO of HealthWorks Academies, a talent development pipeline program linking high school students with health science careers. At HealthWorks Academies, we believe that Social Determinants of Health are inextricably linked to Social Determinants of Education. We are committed to fostering students of all backgrounds to learn and engage in health science careers to develop a national workforce that reflects the populations we serve.Connect:bizjournals.com/philadelphia/morning_roundup/2015/08/a-looming-crisis-why-we-desperately-need-to.htmlhealthworksacademies.orglinkedin.com/in/dalekeshishianThis episode is brought to you by HealthWorks Academies; Transforming Healthcare Through Education and Talent Development. Go to HealthWorksAcademies.org to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Discover the journey of Dr. Brandi Baldwin, a former Wharton lecturer and founder of Millennial Ventures Holdings, as we explore her transformative insights on mental conditioning for success. Dr. Brandi opens up about her personal battle with the fear of singing publicly and how she used a faith-based music project to conquer this challenge. Alongside Dennis Gehman, a musician considering new artistic directions in retirement, we ponder the powerful influence of our thoughts and how they shape our perceptions and experiences.Embark on an enlightening exploration of spirituality and mental wellness. We unravel the profound impact of spiritual practices, from prayer and affirmations to scripture reading, on both mental and physical healing. Dr. Brandi shares her techniques for crafting personalized affirmations that build mental resilience, offering insights grounded in her extensive experience. We also delve into the universal quest for spiritual solace, highlighting how various religious perspectives contribute to personal well-being and resilience.Dive into Dr. Brandi's entrepreneurial journey, where cultural heritage and a resilient upbringing paved the way for her remarkable success. With roots in Jamaican entrepreneurship and the challenges of adulthood during a recession, she founded Millennial Ventures, revolutionizing professional and leadership development. The episode concludes with a focus on the need for resets in life and work, spotlighting Dr. Brandi's expertise in guiding individuals and organizations toward transformative change. Join us as we glean invaluable lessons from Dr. Baldwin, with a promise of more captivating conversations in future episodes.About Dr. Brandi Baldwin, PhD:Former Wharton Business Lecturer, 15 year Startup Founder and Entrepreneur, her work surrounds transforming professionals into future-ready leaders for the next era of work.Connect:millennialventures.colinkedin.com/in/thedoctorbrandiinstagram.com/thedoctorbrandiThis episode is brought to you by Verify Protect, Fast, Accurate, and Secure Background Checks. Go to VerifyProtect.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.