INspired INsider Podcast

​Paul Burani is the Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Mission Flywheel, a consultancy that empowers mission-driven organizations to scale revenue through data-driven strategies and measurable social impact. His career spans over two decades, including leadership roles at Google and in the edtech sector, where he focused on workforce development and economic inclusion. Paul's expertise aligns business growth with social outcomes, helping clients in sectors like climate, education, and healthcare prove their impact to investors and stakeholders. Through Mission Flywheel, he supports purpose-driven ventures in building sustainable, high-performing revenue models.​ In this episode… Scaling a business is never a straight line — especially when growth hinges on aligning a company’s mission with its revenue strategy. Many leaders struggle to build sustainable momentum without compromising their core values or burning through capital. How can growth-stage companies maintain velocity while staying true to their purpose? Paul Burani, a seasoned revenue strategist and fractional CRO, offers a blueprint for achieving capital-efficient growth rooted in clarity, data, and customer-centricity. He recommends starting with a clear articulation of the core problem and then layering on insights from data — whether from existing operations or direct customer research. He emphasizes the power of using data to optimize internal decisions and create feedback loops that fuel continuous momentum. Paul also discusses how transparent OKRs and cross-functional collaboration can replace rigid funnels with resilient flywheels. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Paul Burani, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Mission Flywheel, about data-driven growth strategies for mission-led companies. Paul discusses the flywheel model, transitioning from startup to scale, and how to unlock customer insights. He also shares lessons from Google, approaches to managing high performers, and his thoughts on building work cultures rooted in purpose.

​Shaun Clark is the CEO and Co-founder of HighLevel, an all-in-one marketing and CRM platform designed to help agencies and businesses streamline their operations. Before establishing HighLevel in 2018, he founded InvoiceSherpa, a platform focused on automating accounts receivable and invoice payments. Shaun's entrepreneurial journey is underpinned by his education in Computer Science at Oregon State University and participation in Stanford University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Under his leadership, HighLevel has experienced significant growth and was named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Southwest Award by Ernst & Young.​ In this episode… Growing a software company is hard enough — but building a community of loyal users, minimizing churn, and scaling support simultaneously? That’s the challenge facing many SaaS founders as they move from startup to sustainable success. So, how do you turn one-time users into long-term advocates while keeping your team and customers happy? Shaun Clark, a seasoned SaaS entrepreneur, shares how he overcame early failures selling directly to small businesses by shifting focus to the agencies that serve them. He emphasizes solving the nurture gap in marketing with automation and prioritizing customer experience through real-time Zoom support. He explains how leaning into white-labeling, building a transparent feature voting system, and investing in an affiliate program helped create a community-driven ecosystem where clients became evangelists. Shaun’s approach underscores the power of listening deeply, building with user feedback, and scaling with heart. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Shaun Clark, Co-founder and CEO of HighLevel, about building a customer-focused SaaS powerhouse. Shaun shares how a failed go-to-market strategy led to a breakthrough with agencies. He also discusses co-founder dynamics, the SaaSpreneur movement, and using community feedback to guide product development.

Steve Guberman is the Founder of Agency Outsight, a firm that guides creative, digital, and marketing agency owners toward achieving sustainable growth and overcoming operational challenges. He is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the creative, marketing, advertising, and public relations industries. In 2006, Steve founded his creative agency, which he successfully led for a decade before its acquisition by a PR firm in 2015. Following the acquisition, he played a pivotal role in transforming the firm into a full-service strategic communications agency. In this episode… Many agency owners chase arbitrary goals like hitting a million in revenue or building a business to sell — only to find themselves overworked, underpaid, and disconnected from their original purpose. They end up stuck in day-to-day operations, unsure how to scale without sacrificing their sanity or team morale. So, how can agency leaders set meaningful goals, increase profitability, and build a business that supports their lifestyle? Steve Guberman, a creative, marketing, and advertising world veteran, shares hard-earned lessons on escaping the burnout cycle and growing with purpose. He emphasizes identifying your “why” before setting business goals, urging agency owners to avoid copycat goals, and reverse-engineer outcomes based on lifestyle and financial needs. He outlines how niching became the key to higher pricing, authority, and operational clarity. From setting up SOPs to tracking profitability and leveraging strategic partnerships, Steve breaks down systems that create long-term agency sustainability. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Steve Guberman, Founder of Agency Outsight, about building an agency that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Steve discusses the dangers of vague growth metrics, the importance of niching for clarity and profitability, and how to systematize operations. He also shares insights on delegating, managing retainers without discounts, and forming smart agency partnerships.

Dr. Sami Webb is the CEO of EPIC4 Specialty Partners, an organization partnering with only specialists — recognizing that the dental specialist has different needs than a general practitioner. She is the Founder of Webb Orthodontics, an organization providing patients with the best possible orthodontic care with the highest degree of technical excellence, caring, and respect. Since establishing her practice in 2004, Dr. Webb has expanded Webb Orthodontics to six locations across Nebraska and Wyoming. As CEO of EPIC4, she leads a doctor-owned, doctor-led specialty partnership organization operating over 60 orthodontic and pediatric dentistry practices across multiple states. In this episode… Starting and scaling a successful dental or orthodontic practice can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with high patient volume, limited resources, and the stress of managing clinical and business operations. Add to that the challenge of finding and retaining quality team members while maintaining consistent care across multiple locations, and the path to sustainable growth can seem nearly impossible. How do leaders in healthcare balance quality care, business efficiency, and team culture? Dr. Sami Webb, an orthodontic specialist with over 20 years of experience, shares how she navigated these challenges by building strong systems, mentoring staff, and creating a patient-centered practice. She highlights the importance of hiring a consultant to bring clarity and improve operations, embrace consistent processes, and learn from early mistakes. Dr. Webb also explains how she transformed her leadership style from micromanaging to empowering others while maintaining high standards. Her approach to team communication, use of checklists, and commitment to underserved communities provide a practical roadmap for others in the profession. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dr. Sami Webb, CEO of Epic4 Specialty Partners and Founder of Webb Orthodontics, about growing a multi-location dental practice while preserving care quality. Dr. Webb discusses overcoming burnout, creating scalable systems, and leading with empathy. She also talks about mentorship, Medicaid patient care, and building community trust.

​Lou Sokolovskiy is the Founder and CEO of Opus Connect, a premier networking and deal-making community for private equity and M&A professionals. He is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in private equity transactions. Additionally, Lou serves as a Venture Partner at Operate and a Principal at Genero Capital Partners. His expertise spans operations management, strategic partnerships, and new business development. In this episode… Building a meaningful network that leads to real deal flow can be overwhelming, especially in industries like private equity and M&A, where everyone seems to know someone — and access matters. But how do you create a community beyond surface-level connections and drive business growth? Lou Sokolovskiy, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with expertise in business development and deal sourcing, breaks down what it takes to build and sustain a high-value network. He shares his 12+1 business development framework, emphasizing the importance of starting with your “why” and conducting a personal SWOT analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. He also discusses the critical role of being a proactive giver, why curated communities outperform open networks, and how aligning with the right people can unlock strategic opportunities you can’t reach individually. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Lou Sokolovskiy, Founder and CEO of Opus Connect, about the art of meaningful relationship-building in the M&A space. Lou explains how he created a thriving professional network from scratch, shares why proactive generosity leads to better business, and explores personal development strategies. He also dives into actionable deal flow tips, investment strategy evolution, and preparing a company for sale.

​Mike Gunderson is the President of Gundir, an award-winning direct marketing agency specializing in traditional offline channels, particularly direct mail. Since 2003, Gundir has been helping businesses drive new leads and close more sales. In addition to Gundir, Mike is the Founder and CEO of PostReminder, a direct response platform that merges traditional direct mail with digital engagement through enhanced QR technology. This innovation allows customers to set reminders for upcoming sales and events, enhancing consumer engagement and driving action.  In this episode… Direct mail may seem like a thing of the past, but in today’s digital world, it’s proving to be one of the most effective ways to cut through the noise and capture attention. While email inboxes overflow and social media ads get ignored, direct mail offers a tangible, high-impact way to engage potential customers. But how do you make it work for your business? According to Mike Gunderson, a leading expert in direct response marketing, direct mail remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses looking to generate leads and drive conversions. He highlights how a strategic mix of creative design, data-driven targeting, and compelling offers can significantly outperform digital ads. By leveraging personalization, innovative formats, and even sensory elements, companies can create a memorable experience that boosts response rates. With careful testing and optimization, direct mail can become a scalable, high-ROI marketing channel. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Gunderson, President of Gundir, to discuss how businesses can use direct mail to supercharge their marketing. Mike shares insights on common mistakes companies make with direct mail, the role of data in campaign success, and the power of testing different formats to optimize results. He also reveals how his innovative platform, PostReminder, is helping businesses merge direct mail with digital engagement.

Kurt Angle is an American retired professional wrestler and Olympic gold medalist renowned for his exceptional wrestling career. He achieved international acclaim by winning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics, notably competing with a broken neck. Transitioning to professional wrestling, Kurt joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1998, where he became a multi-time world champion and was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. Beyond wrestling, he has pursued acting and launched the Kurt Angle Brand, extending his influence beyond the ring. In this episode… Many high performers push through pain in pursuit of greatness — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but how much is too much? What happens when dedication turns into addiction, or when a lifelong dream is achieved and suddenly there's no plan for what’s next? These moments can leave even the toughest champions searching for identity, purpose, and healing. Olympic gold medalist and professional wrestling icon Kurt Angle shares his raw, behind-the-scenes journey from dominating the mat to battling personal demons. He reveals how mindset shifts helped him overcome repeated failure and physical setbacks — including wrestling with a broken neck. Kurt also offers insight on managing addiction, finding purpose after peak success, and the importance of support systems, humility, and continual growth inside and outside the ring. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jeremy Weisz and Andrew Gottlieb interview Kurt Angle, Olympic gold medalist and Founder of Kurt Angle Brand, about the highs and lows of his legendary career. Kurt dives into his physical and emotional challenges, discusses lessons from WWE and Olympic wrestling, and opens up about his recovery journey. He also discusses mentorship, comedic timing in wrestling, and fundraising for USA Wrestling.

Richard Wilson is the Founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, the largest association in the family office wealth management industry with over 100,000 current members. He has authored multiple #1 bestselling books on family offices, including The Single Family Office: Creating, Operating & Managing Investments of a Single Family Office. Richard has spoken at over 250 conferences in more than 14 countries, sharing his expertise on family office insights and case studies. He holds a MBA from the University of Portland. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs and investors struggle to build lasting relationships with ultra-wealthy individuals and secure high-level deals. The world of billionaires and family offices can feel like an exclusive club, with unclear rules on how to break in and thrive. So, how do you gain access, establish trust, and leverage opportunities in a space dominated by the world’s wealthiest investors? Richard Wilson, an expert in family offices and billionaire investment strategies, shares key insights on navigating and succeeding in this exclusive world. He emphasizes the power of brute force reciprocation — offering value first and building trust through consistent, high-quality interactions. He also highlights the importance of structuring deals in a way that de-risks investments for investors while ensuring long-term success. Additionally, Richard discusses the mindsets of billionaires, the advantages of in-person networking, and how to position yourself for high-level partnerships effectively. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Richard Wilson, Founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, about breaking into the ultra-wealthy investor space. Richard shares his approach to building trust with billionaires, structuring investment deals, and leveraging networking for long-term success. He also discusses key lessons from billionaire-authored books, insights from high-profile interviews, and strategies for acquiring premium digital assets.

Mark Weinstein is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, privacy advocate, and one of the original inventors of social networking. His 25-year journey includes founding three award-winning social media platforms, such as SuperFamily and SuperFriends, both recognized in PC Magazine's Top 100 Sites. As a leading privacy expert, Mark delivered the landmark TED Talk “The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism” and authored Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework, which presents a bold vision for transforming social media. His work has earned endorsements from industry leaders like Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Steve Wozniak, reflecting his commitment to ethical technology and user empowerment. In this episode… The internet was once seen as a tool for connection, but today, it often feels like it's controlling us. From social media algorithms that manipulate our thoughts to privacy invasions that track our every move, the online world has shifted in ways few anticipated. So, how can we reclaim our digital autonomy and create a healthier relationship with technology? Mark Weinstein, a social media pioneer and privacy expert, offers insights into the hidden dangers of surveillance capitalism and how users can protect themselves. He explains how algorithms are designed to exploit human psychology, keeping people hooked while collecting vast amounts of personal data. He shares actionable steps, such as limiting screen time, avoiding AI-driven recommendations, and choosing privacy-focused platforms. Mark also stresses the importance of critical thinking, teaching children to discern fact from manipulation, and advocating for ethical tech policies to reshape the future of online interactions. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark Weinstein, author of Restoring Our Sanity Online, about the urgent need for ethical social media and enhanced digital privacy. Mark discusses the evolution of social media, the rise of surveillance capitalism, and the impact of AI-driven algorithms on user behavior. He also shares practical strategies for protecting personal data, reducing social media addiction, and fostering critical thinking in the digital age.

Eitan Koter is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a leading video commerce SaaS company that provides multi-channel shoppable video and live shopping solutions to brands and retailers. With over two decades of experience in internet, video, and telecom startups and public companies, including leading a Nasdaq IPO, he is recognized as a thought leader in video commerce, digital marketing, social commerce, and startup bootstrapping. Eitan frequently speaks about futuristic immersive digital experiences and the convergence of media and commerce. He also hosts the Mastering eCommerce Marketing podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and shares insights on e-commerce trends and innovations. In this episode… Many businesses struggle to stand out in the crowded digital marketplace, especially with the rapid rise of short-form video and social commerce. Creating engaging video content that captures attention and converts viewers into customers can seem overwhelming. So, how can brands leverage video to build trust, increase sales, and expand their reach without overspending on production or advertising? Eitan Koter, a thought leader in video commerce and digital marketing, shares insights on how businesses can successfully integrate video into their sales strategy. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and leveraging AI-driven tools to streamline content creation. Eitan discusses how brands can make videos shoppable, distribute them across multiple platforms, and use live video to enhance customer engagement. Additionally, he highlights how bootstrapped companies can grow by focusing on strategic partnerships and leveraging SaaS solutions to improve efficiency and scale operations. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Eitan Koter, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, about how brands can use video commerce to drive engagement and revenue. Eitan discusses the evolution of video marketing, the power of live shopping, and why short-form content is key to customer acquisition. He also shares strategies for bootstrapping a SaaS company, the role of AI in video creation, and how businesses can maximize partnerships to scale efficiently.