INspired INsider Podcast

Brandon Kordower is the Founder and CEO of Aura CFO, a firm that helps marketing agencies scale profitably through fractional CFO services and strategic financial guidance. With over 15 years of experience, Brandon empowers agency owners to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Under his leadership, Aura CFO has supported businesses from $500K startups to nine-figure companies and helped clients achieve eight-figure exits by focusing on financial clarity and growth. Daniel Simon, Executive Vice President at Aura CFO, brings 30 years of C-suite experience and a wide-ranging background across investment banking, music, fine arts, marketing, e-commerce, education, and restaurant ownership. His versatile experience adds depth to the firm’s insights and services. Together, Brandon and Daniel lead a team dedicated to helping agencies avoid common financial missteps, increase profitability, and prepare for sustainable growth or acquisition. In this episode… Many agency owners struggle with financial clarity — confused cash flow, underutilized teams, and misleading revenue growth often stand in the way of maximum profitability. So how do top-performing agencies turn these challenges into sustainable, scalable success? Brandon Kordower shares how shifting from basic bookkeeping to fractional CFO services can unlock powerful insights for growing agencies. Along with Daniel Simon, he breaks down why people costs are often the biggest lever — and the biggest risk — in agency finances. From tracking staff utilization to setting service-line margins, they emphasize the importance of moving to accrual accounting, avoiding the trap of revenue obsession, and following key benchmarks like 60% gross margin and keeping people costs below 55%. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Brandon Kordower, Founder and CEO of Aura CFO, a firm that helps marketing agencies scale profitably through fractional CFO services and strategic financial guidance, and Daniel Simon, Executive Vice President, to discuss how agency leaders can take control of their finances, scale smarter, and prepare for eight-figure exits. They share real-world stories, actionable metrics, and insights into the financial visibility every creative business needs to thrive.

Josh Payne is the Founder and CEO of Coframe, an AI‑powered platform that optimizes website copy, UI, and conversion performance through machine learning. A serial entrepreneur, he previously co‑founded Autograph, a fan‑experience unicorn backed by a16z and Kleiner Perkins, and AccessBell, a video‑conferencing startup acquired by Tata Group. A Stanford graduate with BS, MS, and MBA degrees, Josh has authored over 20 papers and patents in AI and frequently guest lectures on generative AI. He is passionate about advancing AI‑driven tools that help businesses scale through personalization and intelligent automation. In this episode… Many companies struggle to turn website visitors into paying customers. Conversion rate optimization often feels slow, costly, and dependent on endless iterations, leaving teams unsure how to test the right elements efficiently. How can businesses rapidly identify what truly drives user engagement and lift conversions without exhausting their resources? Josh Payne, an AI innovator and serial entrepreneur with experience building self-improving digital systems, shares how his AI-powered approach solves this challenge by automating and accelerating conversion rate optimization. Drawing on lessons from CRO expert Justin Christianson, Josh explains the importance of systematically testing site elements, understanding visitor intent, and leveraging data-driven iteration. He also details how companies can scale experiments, reduce engineering and design burden, and uncover winning website variations faster to drive significant revenue growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Josh Payne, Founder and CEO of Coframe, about using AI to transform website conversion optimization. Josh discusses the power of iterative testing, lessons from raising capital for multiple startups, and the role of hackathons in building high-performing teams. He also shares insights on partnering with major brands, scaling experiments efficiently, and leveraging AI for competitive advantage.

Brett Browman is the Growth Operating Partner at Khosla Ventures, where he helps scale transformative tech companies through hands-on growth strategy and marketing. As the first growth hire at both Square and Opendoor and a former operating partner at Andreessen Horowitz, Brett brings deep experience driving customer acquisition and business growth. He’s worked closely with top startups like OpenAI, Stripe, DoorDash, and Ramp, and is known for his tactical, team-focused approach. Beyond tech, he has snowboarded on all seven continents and brings a global, adventurous mindset to company building and culture. In this episode… Today’s fastest-growing startups thrive by cutting through noise and building real trust across teams. But what makes a venture partner more than just an advisor — and truly hands-on in the trenches? And in an AI-driven world, do old-school tactics like direct mail still have a place? Brett Browman has helped scale some of the world’s fastest-growing startups, from Square to Opendoor, by going beyond boardroom advice and working directly with teams. He partners with companies at every stage — building marketing teams, refining strategies, and driving execution. Known for his hands-on, no-ego approach, Brett empowers teams, builds trust, and focuses on fundamentals like ideal customer profiles, key metrics, and product differentiation. His work, including unconventional tactics like direct mail, shows how grounded strategies and strong teams fuel lasting growth — even in a tech world racing toward AI. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Brett Browman, Growth Operating Partner at Khosla Ventures, to talk about scaling startups, hands-on leadership, and what it really takes to drive sustainable growth. They discuss Brett’s “ER-style” triage approach to diagnosing bottlenecks, the role of trust and autonomy in building high-performing teams, and why direct mail still has a surprising impact in today’s digital world. Brett also shares insights on the rise of Generative Engine Optimization, and why mastering the fundamentals beats chasing growth hacks every time.

Scott McKibben is the CEO and Co-founder of Matterhorn Venture Partners, a Chicago-based firm that specializes in acquiring, developing, and managing value-added industrial real estate across the US. With a career spanning over 30 years, Scott has overseen more than $10.6 billion in transactions and has developed and acquired more than 80 million square feet of industrial and office properties — making a significant impact on the commercial real estate industry. A former NCAA Division I tennis player at DePaul University and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Scott brings a competitive and disciplined approach to deal-making and team building. In this episode… Many real estate professionals face the challenge of scaling profitably while adapting to unpredictable market cycles. With rising interest rates, fierce competition, and shifting project economics, building a resilient investment firm requires more than capital — it demands vision, adaptability, and the ability to attract top-tier talent. How can today’s dealmakers structure firms that weather downturns and still deliver strong returns? Scott McKibben, a seasoned commercial real estate executive, shares how he launched his firm with a lean, MVP-style approach — assembling a team of trusted colleagues and offering shared ownership to create true alignment. With over $10 billion in transactions and 80 million square feet of industrial and office projects under his belt, Scott reflects on lessons from both legacy deals and new ventures. He explains why backing local partners as 50-50 co-owners leads to entrepreneurial agility, how persistence and adaptability helped him navigate projects like the Citadel Center pivot, and why securing equity before chasing deals is a discipline he swears by. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Scott McKibben, Co-founder and CEO of Matterhorn Venture Partners, about building high-impact real estate ventures. Scott shares his journey from leadership at Brennan Investment Group to launching MVP, strategies for recruiting top talent, and the importance of transparency and trust with investors. He also dives into the mindset that fuels long-term success, the role of relationships in sourcing deals, and how sports taught him the grit and discipline needed to thrive in real estate.

Adrian Ferrero is the CEO and Co-founder of Biome Makers, a leading agtech firm that merges soil microbiome science with AI to redefine soil health management in agriculture worldwide. Under Adrian's leadership, Biome Makers grew from a bold vision into a global powerhouse, building the world’s largest soil microbiome database. His work has forged partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and earned recognition from the Spanish Government, Illumina Accelerator, and MIT Technology Review. A chance tweet led him from economics in Spain to Silicon Valley, where he set out to transform soil and crop science. Today, his pioneering efforts connect soil health to better food, higher yields, and a healthier planet — putting him at the forefront of biotechnology, AI, and agriculture. In this episode… In a world where the health of our food, planet, and bodies matters more than ever, few pause to consider the hidden life beneath our feet. What if the key to better farming, sustainability, and nutrition lies in understanding the tiny microbes in the soil? Adrian Ferrero started with vineyards and built the world’s largest soil microbiome database. His team’s technology goes beyond identifying microbes — it reveals how they influence plant health and crop resilience. By partnering with farmers, manufacturers, and brands, Biome Makers improves yields, quality, and sustainability worldwide. Their evolution from basic reports to detailed, map-based recommendations shows how innovation and collaboration are transforming agriculture. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Adrian Ferrero, Co-founder and CEO of Biome Makers, a leading agtech firm, to discuss the company’s journey, breakthrough soil technology, and its impact on crops from vineyards to potatoes. They explore how soil biology affects carbon emissions and food quality, and how microbiome data empowers the entire agricultural supply chain.

Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, an early-stage impact venture capital firm investing in conscious leaders building businesses to solve critical challenges in emerging markets like India and East Africa. Under her leadership, the firm backs purpose-driven companies in healthcare, climate resilience, and financial inclusion in underserved markets. A former Wall Street executive, Eva leverages her institutional investment expertise to promote equitable ownership and long-term value across her portfolio. She is also the author of The Good Your Money Can Do and co-hosts The Beyond Capital Podcast, where she features mission-aligned global leaders. In this episode… In a world where capital often flows toward the most visible or hyped innovations, essential needs in emerging markets remain underfunded and overlooked. Entrepreneurs with purpose-driven missions in healthcare, fintech, and mobility often face structural barriers to scale — especially in regions like East Africa and India. How can investors and founders work together to create sustainable, impactful businesses in these challenging yet opportunity-rich environments? Eva Yazhari, an experienced venture investor and advocate for conscious capitalism, shares how aligning investment strategy with social impact can unlock untapped market potential. Eva emphasizes the importance of backing founders who are in love with the problem — not just their own solution — so they can adapt and thrive in volatile markets. She outlines how early-stage businesses should demonstrate product-market fit, scalable unit economics, and a path to profitability in order to attract aligned capital. Her philosophy of “no investment is neutral” encourages both investors and consumers to intentionally direct resources toward businesses that reflect their values. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, about purpose-driven investing in emerging markets. Eva discusses how to evaluate undervalued opportunities, why relational leadership matters in early-stage ventures, and what it means to build a business with stakeholder alignment. She also explores her investment thesis, personal values, and the power of aligned mentorship.

Joshua B. Lee is the Founder and CEO of StandOut Authority, a company dedicated to humanizing marketing by helping entrepreneurs and executives grow their brands through the power of LinkedIn. Known as “The Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn,” Joshua has managed nearly $1 billion in ad spend and driven over 35 trillion online impressions, building influence for high-powered professionals in a noisy digital world. With over 20 years of experience, he has founded 16 companies, worked with platforms such as MySpace and Google, and continues to transform how professionals create genuine human connections online. In this episode… In an era where automation and spam dominate digital platforms, professionals struggle to build meaningful relationships online. How do you create real impact, stand out from the noise, and build trust in a world that’s more disconnected than ever? Joshua B. Lee, known as the "Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn," shares how to shift from selling to connecting by humanizing your brand. With two decades of digital marketing experience and a deep understanding of the LinkedIn algorithm, Joshua emphasizes authentic connection over automation. He outlines practical tactics such as using engagement triggers, optimizing LinkedIn profiles for emotional resonance, and leveraging LinkedIn Events for lead generation. All of these strategies are centered around building advocates instead of cold leads.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Joshua B. Lee, Founder and CEO of StandOut Authority. They discuss crafting a powerful LinkedIn presence, fixing common mistakes, and building trust in a skeptical world. Joshua explains how to grow authority, attract opportunities without hard selling, and use LinkedIn to create meaningful, lasting connections.

Dr. Matthew Loop is the President of DCincome, the world’s largest social media training company tailored for chiropractors, and the Founder of Profit 365, where he and his team help small businesses and entrepreneurs scale using social strategies. Since 2005, he has trained over 43,000 professionals in 25 countries, authored the international bestseller Social Media Made Me Rich, and spoken at renowned venues, including Harvard and NASDAQ. A former chiropractor deeply in debt, Matthew turned to social media marketing — starting on MySpace — to transform his career, eventually generating hundreds of millions in client revenue. Today, as an investor, philanthropist, bestselling author, and top‑paid social media strategist in North America, he continues to empower business owners to multiply their influence and income online. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs and service-based professionals find themselves stuck trading time for money, relying too heavily on one income stream. While their expertise may be top-notch, they often lack systems, positioning, or modern tools to scale their businesses or diversify revenue. How can they multiply their income and establish greater long-term financial freedom? Dr. Matthew Loop, a social media strategist and investor, shares practical strategies for building multiple streams of income, starting with affiliate marketing and expanding into online courses, product sales, and business acquisitions. Matthew emphasizes the importance of targeting, positioning, and consistent content distribution across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. He encourages entrepreneurs to amplify their reach with paid ads, craft compelling stories to cut through digital noise, and use automation tools to streamline operations and training. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dr. Matthew Loop, President of DCincome and Founder of Profit 365, about building scalable revenue through digital marketing and acquisitions. Matthew discusses the power of affiliate marketing, why positioning is key to trust and visibility, and how business owners can scale faster by acquiring profitable companies.

Alice Chen is the Partner & U.S. Leader at Pender Hastings Capital, a private equity firm specializing in niche, high‑return land development and real estate strategies. A former corporate and M&A lawyer, she pivoted into private equity and has built, operated, and exited multiple businesses across international trade, financial services, CPG, and technology. Named a “Top 40 Under 40” and featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Success Magazine, Alice regularly shares her expertise through thought leadership and podcasts. She is deeply engaged in scaling U.S. land developers with strategic capital and advancing the firm’s mission to partner with founders driving long‑term value. In this episode… Many investors struggle to find real estate opportunities that balance risk, scalability, and meaningful returns — especially in a volatile interest rate environment. Traditional multifamily strategies have become saturated or unstable, and it’s hard to identify truly differentiated theses. How can investors uncover high-return niches that are both under-the-radar and backed by strong fundamentals? Alice Chen, an investor and private equity expert, shares how her firm navigated away from unstable multifamily deals and toward land development — an overlooked segment with a high barrier to entry. Alice explains how land development offers a built-in moat due to long-standing relationships and operational expertise that are hard to replicate. She advises investors to pursue strategies aligned with macroeconomic tailwinds, like the U.S. housing shortage, and stresses the importance of timing, mentorship, and relationship-building in achieving sustained success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Alice Chen, Partner at Pender Hastings Capital, about seizing overlooked investment opportunities. Alice discusses how to evaluate land development as a private equity strategy, the importance of choosing the right co-founders, and the role personal routines play in professional success. She also shares insights on portfolio diversification, healthy habits, and early career lessons from M&A law.

Nick Loise is the Founder and Chief Sales Officer of Sales Performance Team, a company dedicated to helping small and midsize businesses enhance their sales leadership, processes, and systems. With a background as a salesperson, sales leader, entrepreneur, marketing executive, and President's Club winner, he brings a wealth of experience to his clients. Nick has authored and co-authored several books on sales and marketing, including Moving the Sales Needle in Your Business and The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Sales Team. He is also a sought-after speaker who has shared the stage with industry leaders such as Dan Kennedy, Russell Brunson, and Barbara Corcoran. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with low sales conversion rates despite having a steady stream of leads. Sales teams often lack structured processes, fail to properly follow up, and lose opportunities due to ineffective recruiting and inadequate onboarding. How can companies create scalable sales systems, hire the right people, and consistently close deals? Nick Loise, an expert in building high-performing sales teams and developing sales systems, provides actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of building proven, repeatable sales processes rather than relying on individual salesperson styles. He highlights key tools like CRMs, follow-up automation, and AI-driven pipeline analysis to streamline operations. Nick also stresses that active listening is a critical, often overlooked skill in sales, and he recommends using flowcharts instead of rigid scripts to guide sales calls. He shares proven methods for recruiting top sales talent using direct response techniques and detailed screening processes to avoid costly hiring mistakes. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Nick Loise, Founder of Sales Performance Team, about building effective sales teams and systems. Nick shares insights on sales process design, sales team recruiting, and using technology to improve pipeline management. He also discusses active listening, overcoming constraints in the sales cycle, and the differences between selling and closing.