Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®

What does it really take to walk away from stability and build something from scratch?

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, Susan Sly sits down with Alisa Sparks, Founder and CEO of Linden Creek. They unpack Alisa's journey from managing multi-million-dollar budgets for Naval aircraft to building a luxury interior design, home staging, and Airbnb setup brand. Linden Creek is now franchising nationwide.

Alisa shares the unfiltered reality behind her leap from finance into entrepreneurship, including early cash flow challenges, bootstrapping the business as a mother of young children, and the moment she r...

This episode features a conversation with Rebecca Matchett, co-founder and COO of Synchrony, about the grit, courage, and resilience required to build a business—even in the face of deep personal and professional reinvention.

Rebecca shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with a volume-focused lemonade stand and later co-founding the iconic fashion brand Alice + Olivia, where she learned the importance of differentiation by using unique materials for pants.

The discussion covers Rebecca's powerful story as a lawyer, mom, and cancer survivor, including her decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy after learning she was BRCA positive, her ca...

In this inspiring episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, Susan Sly sits down with Tracey Wheeler Noonan, co-founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes, to uncover how a Shark Tank appearance led to a multi-million dollar exit to Hickory Farms. Tracey shares the behind-the-scenes story of landing a deal with Kevin O’Leary, navigating public scrutiny, building a scalable business from a home kitchen, and what life looked like after the acquisition.

She opens up about reinventing herself after divorce, manifesting success through journaling, and how she’s now on a mission to help women over 50 step into their next...

Could watching a game show inspire the creation of a billion-dollar company? In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, host Susan Sly sits down with Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, who shares how a lightbulb moment during The Price Is Right led to 27 years of building a public company—through bootstrapping, winning $1 million from Richard Branson on reality TV, surviving Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and navigating four years of furniture recession.

Shawn reveals the one skill every entrepreneur must master (hint: it's not grit), his morning mantra for managing anxiety, and why his mom's seven-word advice sav...

What does it take to launch a female-founded brand in 700 Target stores—with no prior CPG experience? In this raw and real conversation, Susan Sly sits down with Amiee LeMaire, founder of ZEYA, the first true innovation in home fragrance since Febreze. Discover how this former Hollywood producer transformed a deeply personal passion for non-toxic, functional fragrance into a fast-growing brand selling out online and thriving in mass retail.

From bootstrapping prototypes and pitching with just a deck, to overcoming investor rejection and navigating supply chain shocks, Amiee breaks down the real story behind ZEYA’s rise. Lear...

What if the path to business ownership didn’t require a million dollars—or even quitting your job?

In this episode, Susan Sly sits down with Alex Smereczniak, founder of Franzy—an AI-powered platform on a mission to create one million entrepreneurs by reimagining franchising. After scaling a laundry startup to a $100M valuation, Alex is now focused on using technology to democratize business ownership for anyone ready to bet on themselves.

However, this conversation extends far beyond a company's story.

Susan and Alex unpack what it really takes to become an entrepreneur in 202...

In a time of AI, rapid change, and constant disruption, what does it really take to lead?

Susan Sly sits down with physicist, tech executive, and executive leadership coach Dr. Toni Collis for a candid conversation about the realities of leadership in uncertain times. From subtle bias and burnout to walking away from a successful tech career, Toni shares how she rebuilt her path with purpose and now helps others do the same.

They explore what healthy ambition looks like, how to lead when you don’t fit the mold, and why clarity, not hustle, is...

What if the anxiety, overworking, or self-doubt you feel as an entrepreneur isn’t just about your business, but the patterns you inherited?

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, Susan Sly sits down with trauma-informed psychologist Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck to explore how inherited trauma and cultural expectations shape entrepreneurs. From high-achievers who feel like they’re always “doing it guilty” to entrepreneurs who equate success with self-worth, this is a raw look at how unresolved patterns impact leadership, risk, and identity. Dr. Peck offers insights on how entrepreneurs can unlearn the internalized narratives that keep them...

What does it really look like to build a business while silently drowning in debt? In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, host Susan Sly sits down with Daniel Bussius, founder and CEO of Built by Love®, as he shares how he ended up $90,000 in personal debt—and the decision he now calls his biggest mistake. He opens up about scrapping a fully produced course, initiating a software build before the right structure and alignment were in place, and the emotional toll of building outside his calling.

Daniel reveals what he’d never do again—not just in...

What happens when success looks good on paper but feels empty? Clara Capano opens up about why she walked away from a lucrative six-figure opportunity—because it didn’t align with her values,  vision, or role as a mom. In this episode, Clara and Susan unpack what it takes to lead with clarity—and how that decision became the start of greater purpose, profit, and peace. Clara shares the intentional planning system she uses to set goals, stay accountable, and create freedom through structure—an approach that ultimately became the foundation for her trademarked CLARATY™ Success Method. You’ll learn how to...

Sally Mueller helped shape the modern retail experience—leading iconic designer collaborations and category reinventions during her 25-year career at Target. Now, she’s co-founder and CEO of Womaness, a fast-growing brand breaking the silence around menopause and empowering women in midlife. In this raw conversation, Susan Sly and Sally unpack what it takes to pivot from powerhouse executive to startup co-founder, pitch 40+ VCs in a pandemic, and scale into national retailers like Walmart, GNC and Ulta Beauty. This isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. If you’re building something bold, this episode is your blueprint.

After a devastating snowmobile accident at 40 mph that left him with 18 broken bones and punctured lungs, Navy SEAL Commander and CEO Mark Divine knew something had to change—not just in his body, but in his leadership. In this powerful episode, Mark joins Susan Sly to share how the crash became a defining turning point: dismantling outdated business models, releasing toxic partnerships, and rebuilding every aspect of his life with radical alignment. From breathwork and trauma recovery to CEO clarity and spiritual recalibration, this is a masterclass in transforming adversity into authentic, purpose-driven growth.

About Mark:

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In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with David Young—founder of Federated Computer and the visionary behind Joyent, the cloud infrastructure company that powered Twitter and Tumblr before its $170M acquisition by Samsung.

David shares an unfiltered account of building innovative cloud technology, losing his company due to personal struggles, and rebuilding his life through endurance sports and a renewed entrepreneurial mission. Now, with Federated, he is challenging Big Tech’s dominance by helping startups protect their data, cut software costs, and scale with open-source solutions.

Susa...

What happens when visibility doesn’t automatically lead to a business? For Kirpa Sudick — former contestant on The Bachelor Season 23 — the next step was clear: build a brand rooted in purpose and long-term value.

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly speaks with Kirpa about how she transitioned from public figure to business owner, scaling a coaching brand with authenticity, content strategy, and operational discipline. They explore how to build trust in a noisy market, the role of AI in supporting productivity, and why emotional clarity matters for sustainable growth.

If y...

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with John Worthington, founder of Sircles —a social recommendation app that raised over $1M in just six days on WeFunder and is on a mission to disrupt the Yelp model.

They get candid about the real cost of building a startup, leading through chaos, and the emotional resilience required to scale. John shares his personal ‘why,’ how Sircles is creating a platform rooted in trust—not reviews—and why a community-first ethos is their greatest strategic advantage. If you’re raising capital, facing found...

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, host Susan Sly sits down with Hikari Senju, Founder of Omneky, to discuss his journey from a creative childhood to scaling innovative startups. Hikari dives into his early entrepreneurial experiences, the rise of generative AI, and how AI is transforming advertising. He also reveals the challenges of raising capital—having pitched to hundreds of investors—the power of networking, and how introverts can thrive in business. Susan and Hikari break down the realities of acquisitions, the importance of finding the right investors, and the vision behind Omneky. This episode is packed with...

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with Susan Groeneveld, Founder of Sylvester.ai, to discuss the bold pivot that reshaped her AI startup. Initially launched as a B2C pet health platform, Susan made the strategic decision to shift to B2B, securing key contracts to expand into veterinary clinics and successfully raising funding in today’s tough investment climate.

Susan G shares practical insights on raising venture capital, the unique challenges female founders face, and how to attract the right investors. She also dives into AI’s impa...

AI is shaking up industries, but what does it mean for female founders in today’s challenging funding environment? In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with five-time entrepreneur Melinda Wittstock—AI innovator, venture partner, and CEO of Podopolo. They break down the impact of AI disruptors like DeepSeek, the funding freeze on U.S. grants, and why women-led startups deliver higher returns yet still struggle for capital. Melinda shares raw insights on hiring, scaling, and staying scrappy in tough times. If you’re a founder navigating today’s startup landscape, this episode is a must-l...

Kaylee Lieffers, Co-Founder and CEO of Blanka, shares how she built a top Shopify beauty app that helps entrepreneurs launch private-label brands—without holding inventory.  From bootstrapping and startup struggles to funding, hiring, and overcoming imposter syndrome, Kaylee reveals key lessons in scaling a tech business. A must-listen for founders, startup leaders, and e-commerce entrepreneurs!

About Kaylee Lieffers:

Kaylee's journey is a compelling narrative of transition and entrepreneurship. Formerly immersed in the world of management consulting, she took a bold leap into the startup realm, venturing into the competitive lan...

In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, host Susan Sly sits down with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder of Swell AI. Together, they explore the dynamic landscape of startups, highlighting the rising trend of remote work and the power of global talent pools. Cody shares invaluable insights on scaling companies through innovative strategies like podcasting, live courses, and social media, emphasizing the critical role of community building.

Explore the transformative impact of AI on media and marketing, as Susan and Cody discuss practical marketing strategies and the significance of leveraging expert knowledge and brand voice. Cody...

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly chats with Jasmine Bhatti, a Registered Nurse and founder of Navi Nurses, about her journey from COVID unit nurse to healthcare innovator. Learn how Jasmine bootstrapped her company, scaled to 200+ nurses, and disrupted the industry with patient-focused care. She shares insights on finding clients, building a team, and managing stress.

Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Jasmine’s story will inspire you to take the leap and build your dream business.

Abou...

In this inspiring episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, host Susan Sly sits down with Gregory Shepard, founder of BOSS Capital Partners, serial entrepreneur, and author of The Startup Life Cycle. Gregory shares insights from his groundbreaking research, including interviews with 1,200 founders, and highlights the phases where startups are most vulnerable—and how founders can navigate these challenges to achieve the ultimate goal: a successful exit.

Susan and Gregory dive into the systemic biases faced by women and marginalized founders, the grit it takes to overcome these obstacles, and how celebrating sm...

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with Morgan Kline, Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp. Morgan shares her inspiring story of transitioning from parking lot boot camps to leading a thriving fitness franchise with over 400 locations and a best-selling book. The conversation touches on:

In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly talks to Karen Gordon, Founder of Simpli5. Karen shares her journey from managing a thriving business with $1 million in monthly revenue to navigating that customer's bankruptcy. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance and strategic pivoting.

Karen shares the practical implications of cognitive diversity. She discusses the importance of understanding one's strengths and actively seeking out and surrounding oneself with diverse individuals who possess complementary skills and perspectives. She explains this is the key to building high-performing teams that foster collaboration and innovation.

...

Ever wondered how a kid selling coloring books door-to-door could end up co-founding one of the hottest plant-based protein drink brands? In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly sits down with Chris Hunter, the unstoppable force behind KOIA. From hustling coloring book pictures in Youngstown, Ohio, to navigating the chaos of Four Loko, to breaking into major retailers like Starbucks with KOIA, Chris's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Chris opens up about his early entrepreneurial sparks, the financial hurdles he faced, and the resilience it took to turn his side hustles into full-blown successes...

In this raw and riveting episode of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast, Susan Sly sits down with Nick Fogle, the resilient founder of Churnkey, to unpack the gritty truth of turning financial chaos into entrepreneurial gold. Their conversation dives deep into the whirlwind journey from crippling student loans to groundbreaking business success, offering a masterclass in transforming burdens into opportunities.

Nick peels back the curtain on how he juggled a staggering $250k in student debt while kickstarting his law firm and, later, diving headlong into the tech world. From mowing lawns to coding innovative software, Nick's...

Join Susan Sly, Raw and Real Entrepreneurship host, as she interviews Kevin Bibelhausen, the mastermind behind Fruition Capital and Heritage Fabrics. This isn't your typical business chat; it's a deep dive into the mechanics of buying and selling businesses, focusing on the crucial role of cash flow and profitability.

Kevin opens up about his unlikely path from opera singing to dominating the business acquisition game. He breaks down the nuts and bolts of navigating business purchases with minimal initial know-how, from deciphering balance sheets to wrangling SBA loans and rallying investors. He shares his strategic maneuvers in...

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a founder in the tech industry, challenging the notion that deep coding skills are a prerequisite for creating successful tech products.

From her journey as an Award-Winning AI entrepreneur and her education at MIT, Susan shares four practical strategies for taking a Minimum Marketable Product (MMP) to market. She discusses the importance of validating market demand early and highlights how a hybrid in-house and external development model balances cost-effectiveness and control. Susan emphasizes the value of...

Join Susan Sly in this dynamic episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, featuring renowned public speaking expert and bestselling author Terri Sjodin. With over two decades of experience electrifying audiences and consulting for top corporations, CEOs, and Members of the U.S. Congress, Terri brings her sassy, fresh, and insightful expertise directly to you.

In this episode, explore the powerful strategies from Terri's latest book, "Presentation Ready: Improve Your Sales Presentation Outcomes and Avoid the Twelve Most Common Mistakes." Learn how these tactics can help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls, crafting polished and persuasive pitches that resonate deeply...

Join Susan Sly and Jeffrey Hayzlett, Founder of C-Suite Network, on Raw and Real Entrepreneurship for a dynamic conversation on entrepreneurial success. Jeffrey was the CMO of Kodak before leaving to launch his global media empire. A serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, innovator, and well-known media personality, Jeffrey has literally written the book on how to create results.

In this episode, Jeffrey shares practical insights on the difference between achievers and those who fail to gain traction. Jeffrey shares his tips on getting into action, maintaining tenacity, and overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship.

Susan...

Get ready to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, real estate, and economic insights. Join Susan as she sits down for a captivating conversation with serial entrepreneur and trailblazing product designer Andrew Borovsky, Co-Founder of Visible.

Andrew's journey from the corridors of Adobe and Apple to his current role as a seasoned entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, he takes us through his extensive career, sharing valuable insights gained from navigating the tumultuous waters of the 2008 financial crisis and his experiences at renowned companies such as Cadre, and Square.

In this episode of "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship," Susan Sly has a dynamic conversation with Aimee Schuster, the founder of Bandwidth Strategy and a Josephine Collective angel network member. They discuss the challenges that women face in entrepreneurship and the importance of mentorship and support. 

Aimee shares her journey from starting an eco-friendly business to becoming a fractional C-suite executive, emphasizing the value of risk tolerance and adaptability. 

The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of work, the future of marketing in the age of AI, and the significance of building rela...

In this episode of the "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" podcast, Susan Sly interviews Zackary Klima, the founder of WaitTime. Klima discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from the streets of Detroit to WaitTimes' Intel partnerships. 

Zack shares insights from his early days, where he mastered communication and overcame fears in Detroit's business landscape. The conversation explores Detroit's challenges and Zack's passion for its revitalization, which shaped WaitTimes' mission to enhance customer experiences through technology. 

 Key moments underscore Zack’s perseverance, such as pitching to Dan Gilbert and joining a business accelerator with Intel. The epi...

Join Susan Sly for a captivating discussion with Andrew Bart, CEO and co-founder of Algo Face, as they probe into his entrepreneurial journey and unique approach.

Andrew's story spans from balancing a business part-time with a full-time C-suite role to turning personal loss into a successful venture, showcasing resilience and positivity.

Discover the power of networking, family values, and organic community building as Andrew shares insights from his 15-year journey of hosting gatherings and connecting like-minded individuals.

Explore Algo Face's groundbreaking work in face AI solutions, which ena...

In this empowering episode of the "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" podcast, Susan Sly engages in a candid conversation with Lisa Marceau, the Co-Founder of Joyuus. Lisa and her dedicated team aim to bridge the gap in maternal care, offering solutions for diverse populations in women's postpartum health and Femtech innovation.

Throughout the episode, Susan and Lisa share their personal experiences with gender bias and the challenges they face in fundraising, shedding light on the imperative need for inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Their conversation extends to navigating uncertainties, juggling multiple roles as...

Dive deep into the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) with host Susan Sly in a pivotal episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship: “The AI Tipping Point: Entrepreneurs at the Crossroads.” This thought-provoking episode unpacks the latest controversies shaking the foundation of AI development, including Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI for breaching its founding mission and the collective decision by tech giants to pause AI research. Discover the implications of these events for entrepreneurs navigating the AI revolution, and explore actionable strategies for integrating AI into your business ethically and effectively.

Join Susan as she dis...

Welcome to another powerful episode of "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" hosted by Susan Sly. In this episode, Susan is joined by her daughter, Avery Sly, who serves as the Marketing Manager and Director of Brand Development at Agency 8. Together, they dive deep into LinkedIn and its powerful tool – newsletters.

Avery, a seasoned entrepreneurial social media expert, shares her expertise on why LinkedIn has become a priority for her agency, emphasizing its professional tone and the increasing popularity among business professionals. The episode focuses on LinkedIn newsletters, and Avery walks the listeners through the remarkable results she...

Join Susan Sly on the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast as she talks to Gregory Shepard, Co-Founder of BOSS Capital Partners, about his unconventional journey as an entrepreneur. Gregory's unique global perspective and challenging experiences set him apart from traditional C-suite executives.

In this episode, Gregory discusses the transformative power of entrepreneurship, starting over, and navigating neurodivergence in the business world. He shares his approach to tackling challenges, adapting to change, and building a supportive team.

With 20 years of experience as a startup veteran, 14 successful liquidity events, and key roles in a...

In this empowering episode of ‘Raw and Real Entrepreneurship’, Susan Sly sits down with a remarkable guest, Susan Groeneveld, the visionary founder of Sylvester.ai. Get ready for a deep dive into entrepreneurship as Susan Groeneveld shares her inspiring journey of founding and leading Sylvester.ai, a cutting-edge company at the intersection of technology and predictive healthcare to improve animal health.

Susan Sly engages in a candid conversation with Susan Groeneveld, exploring the challenges and triumphs of building a business with a mission to make a positive impact. Discover the raw and real aspects of entre...

In this revealing episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” Susan engages in an intimate conversation with Lori Harder, the innovative force behind www.loriharder.com and the exciting new venture, www.getgloci.com. Friends for over 15 years, Susan and Lori delve into the emotional complexities of pivoting in business and the inherent fear of disappointing others.

This episode takes listeners through the tumultuous yet rewarding business transformation process. Drawing on her experiences with www.getgloci.com, Lori offers invaluable insights into the resilience and bravery needed to navigate change. Susan and Lori candidly discuss the inner tur...