Founders Future

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Lindsay Gaskins, Founder & CEO of BREAKTHRU, to explore how her leadership development platform is reshaping organizational culture through cohort programs and team dynamics. Lindsay shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, revealing how BREAKTHRU’s mission to "change the face of leadership" emerged from her own experiences breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. With a focus on trust-building and collective leadership, she discusses the pivot from direct-to-consumer coaching to institutional partnerships—and why team dynamics have become the unexpected growth engine in today’s polarized workpl...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Curtis Kelley, Co-Founder & CEO of The Culture Marauders, to explore how his military background and passion for storytelling evolved into a mission-driven media platform. Curtis shares how his podcast-turned-business empowers independent creators and entrepreneurs to amplify their voices through authentic storytelling, with a focus on cultural awareness and collaboration. From launching in 2020 to now offering full-scale podcast production (including his signature "Drop the Mic Experience"), Curtis reveals how organic growth through veteran networks and word-of-mouth referrals has shaped his journey—and why DEI remains at th...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Will Scott, Founder & CEO of The Culture Fix, to explore how businesses can transform their organizational culture into a measurable, value-driven asset. Will shares his journey from building treehouses as a child—complete with rules to foster harmony—to pioneering the 9 Deeds in 90 Days framework, which helps companies embed core values into daily operations. He reveals why most organizations struggle with culture despite knowing its importance and how his approach creates alignment, boosts employee engagement, and drives performance.

Will dives into the global impa...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Perry Johnson, President & CEO of Omnimedia, to explore how his 25+ years in marketing have shaped his mission-driven approach to brand storytelling. Perry shares how Omnimedia helps businesses craft narratives that are both inspirational and informational, bridging the gap between fragmented messaging and authentic connection. From humble beginnings in 2011 to now expanding into Atlanta and beyond, Perry reveals why client retention and word-of-mouth referrals are the backbone of his growth—and how incentivizing long-term partnerships keeps brands coming back.

Perry dives into the challenges of...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we meet Marc Koehler, founder of Lead with Purpose and former U.S. Navy submarine officer, who distilled decades of high-stakes leadership into a revolutionary framework. After turning around struggling companies for 20 years, Marc realized traditional business tools were too rigid for today’s disruptive world—so he adapted the Navy’s "Fast Attack Leadership" model (used to operate nuclear submarines with 130-person crews) into a one-page success plan for modern teams. His approach blends mission alignment with agility, helping organizations like hedge funds and food industry giants transform diseng...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, Adam Calli, founder of Arc Human Capital, LLC, shares how a layoff during the pandemic became the catalyst for launching his HR consulting firm. What began as a survival move—taking a $10K/month contract to pay his mortgage—evolved into a thriving fractional HR business serving SMBs with compliance, recruiting, and payroll solutions. Adam reveals how he’s grown the company over 10 years by prioritizing flexibility (no "one-size-fits-all" service packages) and leveraging his "matchmaker" approach to pair clients with seasoned HR consultants.*

Adam dives into his unconv...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we meet John Schenkelberg, founder of Deep Signal Labs, who pivoted from corporate finance to pioneering AI-driven marketing solutions. John shares his entrepreneurial journey—from building a seven-figure e-commerce business to launching Deep Signal Labs, which helps businesses retarget high-intent website visitors with unmatched precision. His lightweight pixel technology captures first-party data in real-time, enabling clients to create hyper-accurate custom audiences and slash customer acquisition costs. John also dives into his lean team structure, referral-driven growth, and the challenges of scaling predictable lead generation.

John reveals his vi...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we meet Pesh Patel, founder of A Kidney Life and a kidney transplant recipient who turned his near-fatal diagnosis into a mission to empower patients through education, coaching, and community. Pesh shares his harrowing journey—from collapsing in Melbourne with 2% kidney function to surviving rejection post-transplant—and how it inspired him to launch a newsletter (now a thriving platform) that bridges gaps in kidney care. He dives into his holistic coaching approach, emphasizing nutrition, mental health, and his impactful "Kidney Kids Day" initiative, which gives pediatric patients and caregivers resp...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we meet Nathan Schock, president and co-founder of FiveFour Training, who transformed his early career struggles in corporate America and startup leadership into a mission to help businesses build unstoppable teams. After a pivotal moment running a failing startup solo, Nathan realized his passion for developing people and processes—leading him to co-found FiveFour, which specializes in aligning purpose, people, and processes to reignite growth. He shares how a major pivot (and a life-saving coach) helped refine their model from generic virtual training to hands-on business transformation and leadership de...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, Jacob DeGraffe, founder and CEO of Momentum Sports Management, shares his journey from military service to building a veteran-led, NBPA-certified sports agency. Jacob discusses how Momentum Sports empowers athletes through NBA, international, and career development services, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and realistic career guidance in a competitive industry dominated by larger agencies. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the sports agent world, including failing his NBPA exam the first time, and how perseverance led to signing increasingly high-profile clients.

Jacob dives into...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we sit down with Soumam Debgupta, founder of Lightyear Ventures, a firm dedicated to helping mid-market businesses boost their valuations through digital transformation. With over 17 years of experience at companies like Amazon and JLL, Soumam shares his motivation for starting Lightyear Ventures—rooted in his father’s small business journey and the realization that many SMBs struggle with scaling and exit strategies. He breaks down the ideal client profile, core offerings (outsourcing non-core tasks, operational tech optimization, and digital marketing for pricing/margin growth), and the vision behind building a bu...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Eric Elkins, founder and CEO of WideFoc.us, a Denver-based social media agency that’s thrived for 18 years by blending organic and paid strategies. Eric shares his accidental entrepreneurial journey—from VP of a mobile payment startup to building a boutique agency that helps B2B and B2C brands drive real revenue through social. He reveals the pivotal moment when a VC advised him to ditch general marketing services and go all-in on social media, a move that catapulted his business during the 2008 recession. Eric...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Kimberly Anzarut, founder and CEO of Allay Consulting, a pioneering cannabis and hemp compliance firm. Recognized as a "Pioneer of Pot" by Marijuana Venture Magazine and a TEDx speaker, Kimberly shares her journey from being the first cannabis regulator in Denver to launching her consultancy. She dives into the critical gaps in cannabis compliance that inspired her business, how Allay helps companies navigate complex FDA, OSHA, and state regulations, and her vision for shaping a safer, more sustainable industry.

Kimberly also discusses the...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Sarena Diamond, founder and CEO of Diamond Solutions Group, LLC. With over 20 years of experience at Fortune 100 companies like IBM and Pepsi, Sarena shares how she pivoted from corporate life to entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for the human side of organizational change. She reveals her unique approach to helping leaders navigate mergers, strategy execution, and cultural transformations—not through dependency-building consulting, but by equipping teams with self-sufficiency tools. Sarena discusses her "kind accountability" framework, where she empowers leaders to drive change while holding them re...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, Heather Doyle, VP of Marketing and Sales at Leap Academy, shares how the company helps high-performing professionals break through career stagnation. Leap Academy provides strategic guidance, executive-level support, and a highly engineered process to help individuals accelerate their careers—whether they're climbing within an organization, transitioning industries, or launching their own ventures. Heather discusses the importance of becoming "uncompetable" in today’s job market by refining personal branding, executive presence, and strategic positioning.

Heather also dives into Leap Academy’s ideal client—driven "A+ players" who are ready to...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Mark Dronen, President and Founder of Elevator 321, a leadership development firm specializing in scaling tech-driven businesses. With over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, Mark shares his journey from founding product and service companies to launching Elevator 321’s unique "Leadership Development as a Service" (LDaaS) model. He dives into how his firm helps founders and emerging leaders—particularly those backed by venture capital or private equity—navigate growth challenges, refine sales strategies, and build resilient leadership frameworks.

Mark also discusses the power of The College of Coa...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Ryan Fidell, Founder of Fidell Consulting Group (FCG), a boutique advisory firm helping mission-driven nonprofits and startups break through resource constraints. Ryan shares his journey from public sector consulting at Booz Allen to launching FCG as a "lean, no-BS" alternative to corporate consulting—driven by his passion for impact over ego. With a focus on operational process improvement, grant strategy, and AI-powered efficiency, Ryan reveals how he’s bridging the gap between high-level strategy and hands-on implementation for organizations navigating funding cuts and burnout risks.

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we explore the journey of Lisa Swift Young, founder and CEO of SpecialtyRx Growth, as she transforms the healthcare consulting landscape. Lisa brings years of expertise in healthcare and pharmacy operations to help long-term care pharmacies scale, optimize operations, and navigate complex regulations. Having transitioned from Big Pharma and large pharmacy operations, she identified a critical gap in the industry where pharmacists excel as clinicians but often lack essential leadership and business skills needed to grow their practices effectively.

Lisa shares her innovative approach to bridging the...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Erik Bucci, CEO and co-founder of Fresh Lead Flow. Erik brings a unique background combining military service as a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant with extensive marketing expertise, including driving an 83% revenue surge at the Association of National Advertisers and over $50 million in growth at Golden. Founded in late 2024, Fresh Lead Flow is revolutionizing how high-ticket B2B businesses resurrect dead leads using AI-powered messaging to drive warm conversations and close deals.

Throughout the conversation, Erik shares his founding story...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Michael Rager, founder of Teach Your Business to FISH and Whiteboards N Whiskey. Michael shares his transition from a 20-year career in oil and gas to coaching entrepreneurs, driven by a pivotal exit experience that left him determined to help business owners scale profitably and build sellable companies. He discusses the evolution of his coaching framework, which focuses on valuation over revenue, and the unique Whiteboards N Whiskey events that blend networking, whiskey tastings, and strategic planning to attract high-ticket clients.

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Tom Briggs, founder and chief brand strategist of epigraph. Tom shares how his background in humanities and classical philosophy inspired him to create a branding agency that taps into timeless human wisdom rather than chasing fleeting trends. He explains how epigraph operates on a collective model, working with values-aligned partners worldwide to deliver holistic brand-led marketing that touches every aspect of a business—from visual identity to core purpose and positioning. Tom emphasizes the importance of sustainable branding that doesn't pivot ev...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, we sit down with Lauren Martin, the fiercely authentic founder of Words of Women, a platform empowering women through raw storytelling and emotional wisdom. Lauren shares her unconventional journey from Penn State marketing grad to Vogue writer, and ultimately to building a global community of over 1M followers—all while navigating the challenges of motherhood, societal expectations, and the dismissive label of "indulgent" often slapped on women’s creative work. She reveals how she monetized her vulnerability, turning a $1 newsletter into a lifeline for thousands of women and landing six...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Incarnacion, we sit down with Len Bland, CPA and CEO of Nano Gas Environmental, a company revolutionizing wastewater treatment and oil production through patented nanobubble technology. Len shares how witnessing an 80% reduction in wastewater sludge sparked his mission to replace chemical-dependent processes with sustainable solutions using only oxygen and nitrogen from the air. From transforming toxic golf course lagoons in just 12 days to helping oil wells increase production, Len reveals how his "overnight success" (14 years in the making) is now scaling to meet demand across billion-dollar industries through mobile equipment...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we meet Ron Macklin, founder of Macklin Connection, who transformed decades of leadership experience—from setting world records in nuclear plant operations to building award-winning workplace cultures—into a revolutionary 7-step method for team transformation. Ron shares how his journey began with a losing football team and evolved into a mission to help organizations unlock 100% of their team’s potential by replacing fear with authentic connection. His biology-based approach helps mid-sized companies ($20M–$100M revenue) shift from hierarchical leadership to collective creativity, where every team member can lead in their mo...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we meet Joshua Stratton, founder of Against The Current, who transformed his 15-year battle with addiction and 25 years in outdoor industries into a revolutionary branding agency. What began as a passion project to restore authenticity in hunting/fishing brands has evolved into a fractional marketing powerhouse, helping $3-5M companies and nonprofits scale through strategic storytelling and data-driven insights. Joshua shares how their unconventional model—charging based on value created rather than hours worked, with options for equity stakes or performance commissions—allows them to operate with just 4-5 core...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Holly Hoffman, founder of Sales Tax Advisory Network and "The Sales Tax Lady." With over 20 years of experience—including 8 years as an auditor and technical tax specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue—Holly shares how she’s revolutionizing sales tax compliance for small businesses and contractors. Frustrated by the lack of accessible, personalized guidance in the industry, she launched her advisory network in 2019 to offer audit protection, multi-state filing, and—most importantly—education. Holly reveals her unconventional "no billable hours" model, which prioritizes long-term client rel...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we meet John Trainor, President and CEO of Kreativa-Inc., whose Emmy-winning career in media led to a groundbreaking nearshore outsourcing model. Inspired by late-night collaboration challenges with Indian teams at the Chicago Tribune, John founded Kreativa-Inc. in 2015 to leverage Latin American talent in the same time zone—a strategic advantage that now delivers 2-3x performance gains for small businesses through AI-driven marketing and operational efficiency. He reveals how the pandemic validated his remote-work vision and why overcoming stereotypes about Latin American talent requires targeting C-suite decision-makers who "get it...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Anthony Calleo, Founder and Chief Employment Experience Officer of Calleo EX. Anthony shares his 20+ years of HR expertise, including his time at Disney, and how he’s now helping startups and small businesses build thriving workplace cultures. He dives into the importance of aligning company values with employee experiences, the challenges of scaling people-first organizations, and his innovative Reset It program designed to foster authentic leadership and engagement.

Anthony also opens up about his journey as a solopreneur, the power of intentional networking, an...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, Kelly Price, SHRM-SCP and founding partner of ThriveHR, LLC, shares her journey from Marriott International to launching an HR consulting firm focused on small and medium-sized businesses. Kelly discusses how ThriveHR, LLC helps companies align people strategies with business goals through audits, strategic planning, and tailored solutions—from compliance to talent acquisition. She emphasizes the importance of building trust in HR consulting and why personalized, relationship-driven approaches outperform cold outreach in this industry.

Kelly also dives into ThriveHR’s expansion plans, including a new AI-powered onboarding division, and...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we meet Sydney Campos, a visionary leader and spiritual teacher who bridges intuitive wisdom with razor-sharp business strategy. Sydney shares her decade-long journey of creating a holistic framework for modern leaders—born from her own struggles as a founder—that blends emotional intelligence, energy mastery, and operational leadership. From running a PR agency to hosting transformative global retreats, she reveals how empathic visionaries can scale their impact without sacrificing wellbeing, and why this integration is especially crucial for leaders in high-pressure fields like tech and impact investing.

Sydn...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we dive into the revolutionary world of startup equity with Mike Moyer, founder of Slicing Pie. Mike shares his hard-won journey from losing equity in multiple failed ventures to developing a dynamic equity model that eliminates founder disputes by tracking contributions in real-time. His "fair market value" approach—where every unpaid contribution (from cash to sweat equity) is quantified—has helped thousands of startups worldwide avoid the pitfalls of fixed splits. Mike reveals why traditional 50/50 splits fail ("They assume equal work, which never happens") and how his free-to-use model adap...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Franco Caporale, founder and CEO of SaaSMQL, who reveals how he’s revolutionizing demand generation for B2B SaaS companies through an unconventional yet wildly effective strategy: direct mail. Drawing from his Silicon Valley experience scaling startups like Openprise and InsideView, Franco shares how his agency combines old-school offline tactics (like targeted gift boxes) with cutting-edge ABM and multi-channel campaigns to cut through the digital noise. His secret? While competitors drown prospects in LinkedIn ads and emails, Franco’s team delivers tangible, memorable experiences—resulting in 80+...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we dive into conversation with Ryan Edwards, Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at CAMINO5 Agency, a consultancy bridging Fortune 500s and startups through data-informed, human-centric growth strategies. With over 25 years of experience—including pioneering AI in dynamic creative optimization—Ryan unpacks how CAMINO5 diagnoses growth plateaus with surgical precision, acting as both rapid "emergency responders" and long-term strategic partners for brands navigating digital noise.

Ryan reveals why in-person networking is outperforming digital lead gen in today’s saturated market and how CAMINO5 balances deep specialization with agile adapta...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Scott Willingham, Founder and CEO of WakeEffect, a people-centered business advisory firm specializing in leadership development and organizational growth. With 25 years of experience spanning EdTech, sales leadership, and culture transformation, Scott shares how he blends frameworks like Predictive Index and Aslan Training to help companies build thriving cultures and high-performing teams. From his unexpected career pivot (thanks to his wife!) to founding WakeEffect—named after the legacy leaders leave behind—Scott reveals why self-awareness and servant leadership are the bedrock of sustainable success.

Scot...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Dr. Ernesto Custodio, CEO of Agile Genesis, to explore his 30-year journey in IT and agile transformation. Dr. Custodio shares how his passion for optimizing business processes led him to create Agile Genesis, a consultancy that bridges agile methodologies and AI-driven solutions to help organizations enhance productivity and adaptability. From his early days in New York’s financial district to pioneering AI-first strategies today, he reveals the frameworks and tools that empower businesses to scale intelligently.

The conversation dives into Agile Genesis’ core offe...

In this episode of Founders Future, host Mishal Saeed sits down with Pam Dwyer, CEO and founder of TPKK Concepts and Marketing, to explore her remarkable journey from corporate marketing to becoming an author and speaker. Pam shares how her boutique agency evolved from helping her son's businesses to focusing on authentic storytelling, and how a pivotal moment led her to write "From the Piney Woods," an Amazon bestseller that transformed her career trajectory. She opens up about her challenging childhood, the therapeutic power of journaling, and how those raw experiences became the foundation for her powerful message that "...

In this episode of Founders, Future, we sit down with Dr. Nina Nejmeh, founder of Nio Consulting Group Corp U, a firm dedicated to helping struggling medical clinics regain stability and profitability. Through a rigorous and personalized audit process, her team — comprised of legal advisors, financial consultants, retired physicians, and clinical experts — identifies deep-rooted operational issues that lead to high staff turnover, poor patient retention, and inefficient systems. By combining financial data analysis, HR evaluations, staff and patient interviews, and process mapping, they develop tailored strategies to get clinics back on track while empowering owners to lead with clarity and...

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we explore the inspiring journey of Stephen Ingalls, CEO of Catalyzer, Inc., as he shares how he built a thriving leadership development firm from humble beginnings. Starting with just $883.50 from each of three co-founders, Steve discusses Catalyzer’s bootstrapped growth, achieving a consistent 15% year-over-year increase, and their unique approach to crafting tailored leadership programs that prioritize organizational needs over one-size-fits-all solutions. He also highlights the importance of working with companies that value their people and reveals key strategies behind their impressive 32.7% close rate on cold meetings.

Steve de...

In this episode of Founders Future, host Ammar Elm sits down with Kylie Romero, founder and CEO of Smooth Mortgage Company, a boutique lending company focused on making home financing seamless and personalized for modern borrowers. Kylie shares her remarkable journey from corporate America across five different industries to building a mortgage company during the pandemic, despite having no prior experience in the field. She discusses how her background in overcoming adversity, including winning a mediation against a multi-billion dollar corporation to improve employee policies, prepared her for the entrepreneurial challenges of the mortgage industry.

Throughout the...

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Karyn Vadnais, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Bob Reish, founder of Caveat Institute and certified business coach with over 17,000 hours of coaching experience. Bob shares his unique path from electronics student to master trainer, revealing how early setbacks in basketball and technical work ultimately led him to discover his true calling in coaching and leadership development. He discusses his philosophy of helping leaders transition "from success to significance" and explains why he's built his entire business model around serving others first rather than traditional lead generation tactics.