Strap on your Boots

In this episode of Strap On Your Boots, I reflect on turning fifty and the biggest lesson I've learned after decades of building startups, making films, writing software, and exploring new ideas. Experience isn't just about accumulating knowledge. It's about developing judgment, recognizing patterns, and connecting lessons from projects that once seemed completely unrelated. I share how curiosity, failure, and continuous learning have shaped every stage of my career, and why your greatest advantage as an entrepreneur may be the experiences you've already lived through. 

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Bryan Blakeny, therapist, counselor, and founder of EQ Education, about why so many successful people still struggle to find fulfillment. After more than 26 years working in psychology, counseling, and personal development, Bryan has spent his career helping people understand the deeper connection between purpose, identity, emotional well-being, and long-term happiness.

Our conversation explores why achievement and success don’t always lead to fulfillment, how spiritual intelligence influences mental health, and why many people feel disconnected despite accomplishing their goals. Bryan shares his perspective on the gr...

In this episode of Strap On Your Boots, I share one of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had as an entrepreneur: why I stopped searching for the perfect co-founder and started focusing on building the vision first. Looking back at my early startups, I realized that talented people alone aren’t enough if everyone has a different picture of where the company is headed. I explain how building prototypes, attracting early users, and creating momentum on my own helped me find teammates who believed in the vision instead of helping define it. If you’ve been waiting for the ri...

In this episode of Strap On Your Boots, I reflect on one of the biggest lessons I've learned after building multiple software companies: creating a great product is no longer the hardest part of entrepreneurship. As software becomes easier to build with AI and modern development tools, the real challenge has shifted to earning attention, finding the right customers, and standing out in an increasingly crowded market. I also share why I pivoted from chasing thousands of SaaS subscribers to pursuing enterprise clients, and how changing the customer completely changed the business.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with leadership coach and somatic practitioner Naomi Scott about why so many high-performing entrepreneurs burn out — even after achieving success. Naomi explains how burnout isn’t a willpower problem, but a nervous system problem, and why the same drive that helps founders succeed can actually prevent them from sustaining growth. We dive into the biology behind burnout, how childhood patterns show up in leadership, and what it really takes to build a business that doesn’t destroy your health. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winning on the outside bu...

In this episode of Strap On Your Boots, I answer one of the questions I get asked most often How do you decide what to work on next Looking back on a career that spans startups, AI, filmmaking, music, writing, and entrepreneurship, I share the framework that naturally emerged over the years. I discuss why I rotate between creative and technical projects, how curiosity shapes my decisions, why timing matters just as much as the idea itself, and how AI has become an invaluable tool for challenging assumptions before I commit to building something new.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Founder and CEO Allan Khazak about why most high-ticket teams don’t have a lead problem — they have a broken conversion process. Allan breaks down the exact system he uses to help insurance producers, advisors, and service-based businesses increase show rates, reduce no-shows, qualify faster, and close based on economic outcomes instead of product pitches. We dive into building an owned, compliant pipeline that works remotely and drives consistent, scalable revenue — without relying on purchased leads or massive recruiting teams. If you sell high-ticket services and want predictable booked appoin...

In this episode of Strap On Your Boots, I reflect on how startup culture shaped my view of entrepreneurship and why I recently found myself questioning one of my own assumptions. After learning about entrepreneurs who buy existing businesses instead of building companies from scratch, I began wondering whether we’ve become too attached to a single version of what entrepreneurship is supposed to look like. I share lessons from my own journey building startups and explore why sustainability, execution, and long-term value creation may deserve just as much attention as innovation and growth.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Technology and Operations Expert Issac Hicks about why most AI projects fail — and how entrepreneurs can be part of the small percentage that actually generate real returns. Issac breaks down the gap between AI marketing hype and operational reality, explains why nearly 95% of AI initiatives never make money, and shows what successful AI implementations really look like inside growing businesses. If you’re tired of gimmicks and want to understand how AI can truly drive revenue, efficiency, and scale, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Strap on Your Boots, I talk about how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing entrepreneurship, productivity, and the future of work. Over the last few years, I’ve watched the barriers to building businesses collapse in real time as AI tools dramatically accelerate research, design, marketing, coding, automation, and content creation. What once required teams of specialists can now often be prototyped by a single person working alone with the right systems and enough curiosity to experiment.

I also explore the deeper implications behind this shift. While AI makes it easier to cr...

In this episode of Strap on Your Boots, I talk about something that feels less theoretical by the day: the growing impact of AI on business, creativity, and everyday work. Over the past year, I’ve watched AI tools evolve from interesting experiments into practical systems that entrepreneurs and companies are quietly integrating into their daily operations. From marketing and customer support to coding, research, and content creation, AI is already reshaping how businesses function behind the scenes.

I also explore the larger questions this shift creates. What happens when companies reduce entry-level hiring because software can ha...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with architect, entrepreneur, and father Peter Sandiford, who shares expert insights on how to bring your dream tropical home to life. We explore how to choose the right architect, why Caribbean modernism is on the rise, and how sustainability and technology are reshaping design in the tropics. Peter breaks down what makes a home not only beautiful, but climate-resilient, culturally rich, and built to last. If you’ve ever dreamed of building in paradise — or just want smarter, future-ready architecture — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I chat with Mitch McGinley, an Exit Planning Advisor and Business Broker specializing in boutique fitness, health, and wellness businesses. Mitch shares three simple steps to plan your ideal business exit — whether you’re looking to sell in five months or five years. We break down what buyers are really looking for, how to avoid costly mistakes, and why your exit strategy should start long before you’re ready to walk away. If you want to cash out smart and maximize your business’s value, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I talk to $200K/month sales strategist Austin Medlin about why most coaches don’t actually need more leads — they need to fix how they’re closing. Austin shares the framework that’s helped over 500 coaches boost their close rates to 60–90% and scale to $50K–$100K months without relying on more ads or complicated funnels. We break down the real reason calls aren’t converting, how to train confident closers, and what a truly scalable sales system looks like. If you’re a coach or consultant with calls booked but cash not flowing, this ep...

In this episode of Strap on Your Boots, I break down the reality behind the AI app-building boom and why so many founders are still struggling to get traction. While tools like Claude, Cursor, and modern cloud platforms have made it faster than ever to build apps, the real challenge hasn’t gone away — it’s shifted. I share my experience building apps over the past 30 years, how development has evolved, and why “vibe coding” isn’t a business model. We dive into the real bottleneck most people ignore: marketing, distribution, and user acquisition. If you’re building an app in today’s...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with award-winning healthcare CEO Dr. Julie Wilson about how entrepreneurs can scale a service-based business without burning out their teams or losing their core values. Julie shares how she grew Terra Nova Medical Clinics from a single practice into a 30-location healthcare network, all while maintaining quality, culture, and purpose in one of the hardest industries to scale. We discuss values-based leadership, smart growth systems, and how technology and delegation can help founders grow sustainably while staying human.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with leading CEO advisor Jason Baumgarten about the most common ways CEOs and founders fail — and how entrepreneurs can avoid those traps early. Drawing from years of advising top executives, Jason breaks down leadership blind spots, hiring mistakes, and scaling challenges that quietly derail companies. We discuss how teams can actually make leaders better, what founders misunderstand about growth, and the decisions that separate effective CEOs from struggling ones. If you’re building, scaling, or leading a company, this episode will help you recognize failure patterns before they cost you ever...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, Capital Futurist Reagan Rodriguez pulls back the curtain on the world of private capital networks and reveals how high-trust dealmakers acquire and scale businesses off the radar. As founder of the 5th Avenue Underground Club, Reagan shares how zero-down acquisitions work, why traditional funding often fails entrepreneurs, and how to tap into the hidden economy of private deal flow. If you’re looking for alternative ways to fund and grow your business, this episode is your inside pass.

 In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Alternative Capital Architect Anthony DeBenedictis, Managing Partner at Avanza Capital Holdings, about how entrepreneurs can access and leverage private credit to fund and scale their businesses. Anthony explains how non-traditional capital sources can outperform traditional loans or equity funding, offering more flexibility, liquidity, and control. We discuss how to structure deals, manage risk, and build trust with private lenders, while avoiding the financial pitfalls that can cripple growing companies. If you’re ready to raise smart money and use it to grow sustainably, this episode will show you how. 

In this episode of Future Tech, I speak with former NASA Flight Director and Johnson Space Center Associate Director Milt Heflin about the real engine behind space exploration — the thousands of engineers, contractors, and problem-solvers working behind the scenes. From Apollo recovery missions to the historic Hubble Space Telescope repair, Milt shares what it was like leading teams responsible for some of NASA’s most complex missions. We discuss how teams prepare for the unknown, how mission control solves problems in real time, and why trust, preparation, and teamwork were the true secrets behind NASA’s greatest successes. This episod...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, business coach Edward Francis unpacks the deeper skills entrepreneurs need to lead with clarity, adapt under pressure, and grow sustainably. From cultivating authenticity and mindfulness to harnessing neuroplasticity and equanimity, Edward shares how founders can strengthen both mindset and execution. If you want to train your brain like a muscle and turn stress into strategy, this episode is your blueprint for resilient, purpose-driven leadership.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, entrepreneur and author Christopher Volk reveals why the key to wealth isn't just a high salary — it's ownership. Learn how becoming business rich by holding equity in the company you build or work for can dramatically increase your chances of becoming a multimillionaire. Christopher breaks down shareholder return hurdles, the five return components of wealth-building businesses, and the financial framework that sets high-growth companies apart. Whether you're a founder or an ambitious team member, this episode delivers a roadmap to financial freedom through ownership.

Dr. Lawrence Kuznetz was on console during Apollo 11, helped build Space Shuttle Columbia, managed human life sciences experiments aboard the International Space Station, and is now developing next generation spacesuit technology for Mars. In this episode of Future Tech, we explore what it was like inside Mission Control during the moon landing, the technical and cultural challenges of building the Space Shuttle, the hard lessons learned from NASA’s triumphs and tragedies, and what it will truly take for humans to survive on Mars. Dr. Kuznetz shares insights on risk tolerance, Cold War urgency, reusable spacecraft, human physiology in sp...

In this powerful episode of Zero to CEO, Rahman Popal, founder of the Law Firm for Tenant Rights, dives deep into the journey of building a social justice-centered legal practice. Learn how Rahman champions tenant rights, serves underserved communities, and maintains profitability while leading with purpose. Discover the challenges of growing a mission-driven firm, strategies for community trust-building, and practical advice for entrepreneurs and advocates who want to lead with impact. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with real-world insights for change-makers.

In this episode of Future Tech, I sit down with Blue Origin space explorer Jason Stansell, crew member of Mission NS-37, to break down what spaceflight really teaches you about preparation, risk, teamwork, and perspective. Jason shares what it’s like training for space, flying above Earth, and returning with a completely different view of fear, execution, and community. We talk about why spaceflight is not about thrill-seeking, how extreme preparation mirrors entrepreneurship, and what founders can learn from operating in environments where mistakes are not an option. This conversation goes far beyond space — it’s about discipline, humility, and bu...

Rediscover the power of authentic connection in this episode of Zero to CEO with Tim Townsend. With 30+ years in leadership and wealth management, Tim shares how putting people first isn’t just the right thing — it’s a winning business strategy. Learn how to balance tech with human service, build standout client experiences, and lead with empathy in a world full of automation. If you’re tired of “your call is important to us,” this is your reset button.

Unlock real ROI with predictive AI in this episode of Future Tech featuring Pecan AI CEO Zohar Bronfman. While GenAI dominates headlines, Zohar breaks down how predictive models are quietly transforming decision-making and operations across industries. From data democratization to actionable use cases, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to use AI to solve real business problems — not just chase trends.

In this episode of Future Tech, NASA Astronaut Jerry Ross reflects on a lifetime spent inside America’s space program — from engineering classrooms to seven missions aboard the Space Shuttle. Ross shares what it really took to prepare humans for space: relentless training, systems thinking, and the quiet work of thousands of people who never wore flight suits. From EVA tool design and ISS assembly to ground teams solving problems in real time, this conversation reveals how human spaceflight has always depended on preparation, redundancy, and trust.

Jerry is the narrator of the upcoming documentary Befo...

Make your startup investor-ready with fractional CFO Armine Alajian in this episode of Zero to CEO. Discover the financial foundations every startup needs to attract funding, pass due diligence, and scale with confidence. Armine shares how clean books, KPI tracking, and smart forecasting can help founders avoid costly mistakes and secure better deals from investors.

Build a global business from scratch with executive search expert Jean Callahan in this episode of Zero to CEO. Learn how to scale across borders by hiring the right leadership, avoiding costly talent mistakes, and thinking globally from day one. Jean shares how she built Latin America Executive Search from the ground up and what every founder needs to know about identifying growth-driving leaders in a competitive market.

Build a legacy that lasts with attorney Casey Conklin in this episode of Zero to CEO. Discover how to protect your business and family with smart legal structures, estate planning, and generational wealth strategies. Casey breaks down the role of trusts, life insurance, and exit planning to help you reduce liability and secure long-term success. Whether you’re starting or scaling, this is your guide to building wealth that lives on.

In this episode of Future Tech, filmmaker Jason Sherman speaks with Al Holland, NASA’s longtime senior operational psychologist, about the human systems behind spaceflight. Holland helped shape how astronauts are selected, trained, and supported for long-duration missions, including the International Space Station and future missions to Mars. Drawing from decades of experience at NASA, Holland discusses how astronauts were selected and trained for long-duration missions, why teamwork and self-regulation matter as much as technical skill, and how isolation, sleep disruption, and separation from family quietly shape performance in space. He also reflects on early astronaut training at places li...

Save hours every week with Florida attorney and entrepreneur Jane Muir in this episode of Zero to CEO. Learn how Jane used automation to transform her law firm into a lean, highly productive operation. From client scheduling to task management, she breaks down the exact tools and workflows that helped her cut overhead and boost accuracy — without losing the human touch. Perfect for anyone in a service-based business looking to scale smarter.

Unlock calm, confident business growth with Luisa Molano in this episode of Zero to CEO. Discover how your nervous system shapes your decisions, creativity, and revenue — and what happens when you shift from survival mode to regulation. Luisa shares tools and insights that helped her build success from a grounded place, not adrenaline. If overwhelm is your norm, this episode offers your roadmap to clarity and resilience.

Discover how a teacher built a thriving ghostwriting business by writing and editing over 200+ books for clients while maintaining authenticity in an AI-saturated market. Danielle Hutchinson reveals the real strategies behind scaling from side hustle to Chief Creative Officer (CCO), including her unique client process, how she humanizes AI-generated content, and why most authors fail at marketing their books. This episode cuts through the typical success guru nonsense to show you practical steps for building a sustainable writing business that generates consistent income.

Live longer and better with longevity visionary Dr. Gregory Burzynski in this episode of Zero to CEO. Discover how personalized, preventive medicine is replacing the outdated sick-care model through AI, genetic testing, and wearable technology. Dr. Burzynski shares how early detection, healthspan optimization, and daily habits can radically improve your future—today. From clinical insights to practical takeaways, this episode offers a roadmap to proactive healthcare and longer vitality.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with leading productivity strategist Dan Mintz about how to achieve more in 12 weeks than most people do in 12 months. Dan breaks down the science-backed 12-Week Breakthrough system that integrates proven productivity principles into one powerful execution framework. Learn why short cycles beat annual planning, how to connect your vision to action, and the tools you need to drive consistent progress. Whether you’re a founder, solopreneur, or team leader, this episode will change the way you think about time, focus, and results.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I chat with background-check pioneer Steven Ward, founder of GuardianBGI, about how he transformed a solo PI gig into a national investigative firm reshaping law enforcement hiring. Steven reveals what really goes on behind the scenes of police background checks, how outdated systems can put entire communities at risk, and why new technology is essential for modern screening. We also dive into how GuardianBGI scaled in a heavily regulated industry and the startup lessons Steven learned along the way.

While many attorneys chase billable hours and bottom lines, Ryan Schwartz takes a different approach: making every client feel like they truly matter. In this episode, Ryan breaks down how putting people before profits has been the cornerstone of his growing law practice. You’ll learn how he connects with clients on a human level, builds trust in tough situations, and uses community-based relationships to thrive as a legal entrepreneur. If you’re in a service-based business and want to stand out, this episode will show you why empathy and customer service are the ultimate differentiators.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Florida employment lawyer Alberto Naranjo, founder of FloridaEmploymentLaw911.com, about the legal pitfalls that entrepreneurs and business owners often overlook. From casual hiring and wrongful termination to wage law violations and EEOC claims, Alberto breaks down the most common mistakes that can lead to costly lawsuits — or even personal liability. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or rapidly scaling a team, this conversation will help you avoid legal landmines and protect your business.