Strap on your Boots

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I chat with Points Strategy Consultant Julia Menez about how to turn your everyday spending into luxury travel. Julia shares how business owners and high-income earners can optimize credit card rewards to save up to 90% on business class flights and 5-star hotels. We break down the biggest mistakes people make, how to choose the right credit cards, and the true value of travel hacking. If you’re ready to stop leaving money on the table and start flying in style, this episode is your passport to smarter rewards.

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In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Anita Mar, founder and CEO of Trademark Angel, about why trademarks are essential for Amazon and e-commerce sellers. With over 6,900 successful trademark filings, Anita explains how protecting your brand not only stops counterfeiters and copycats but also opens the door to new revenue streams. We dive into common IP mistakes, how to secure your trademark affordably, and why now is the time to safeguard your business in the digital marketplace.

Step inside Mission Control with Gene Kranz in this exclusive episode of Future Tech. From Mercury, Gemini, to Apollo 11 through Apollo 13 and beyond, Kranz shares the real stories behind NASA’s most defining missions, and the leadership lessons that still hold true today. Discover why “failure is not an option” and being “tough and competent” were more than catchphrases. Find out how places like Warminster’s centrifuge helped prepare astronauts, and why the Apollo legacy must be preserved. This is history, leadership, and inspiration rolled into one unforgettable conversation.

This interview was done in preparation for the upco...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Yesit Campo, an experienced valued professional, about how tax planning can drive business growth. We explore how smart strategies around deductions, credits, and exemptions can reduce tax liability and free up resources to invest back into your business. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling a company, this episode breaks down how tax planning is more than just a seasonal task, it’s a growth strategy. Learn how to expand your budget, reinvest your savings, and build lasting financial strength.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I sit down with Edward Cohn, a successful advocate and negotiator, to talk about what it really takes to be a voice for those who need it most. As one of Tucson’s top criminal defense attorneys, Edward shares the essential qualities that define a powerful advocate — like authentic empathy, trust-building, and relentless commitment. If you’re curious about what separates good lawyers from great ones, or if you want to learn how to advocate more effectively in your own life or business, this episode delivers insights straight from the courtroom to your e...

In this very special episode of Future Tech, I speak with former NASA astronaut, fighter pilot, engineer, and professor Terry J. Hart about his extraordinary journey from the Air Force and Bell Labs to piloting the Space Shuttle Challenger on the first-ever satellite repair mission. We dive into his role operating the Canadarm to capture and repair the Solar Max satellite, the intense training that prepared him for high-stakes moments in space, and the lessons he brought back to Earth about engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. Terry also shares how his experiences now fuel his work mentoring the...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with tech pioneer Nandan Nayampally, CCO of Baya Systems, about how next-generation semiconductor innovations are advancing intelligent computing. We discuss the critical role of hyper-efficient data movement in unlocking AI’s full potential, the shift beyond Moore’s Law through chiplet design, and how software-defined architectures are revolutionizing performance and speed-to-market. Nandan also dives into how these breakthroughs are accelerating progress in automotive and infrastructure AI, offering a powerful look at the future of intelligent systems.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with marketing intelligence expert Joshua Lauer about how business leaders can turn their marketing data from a confusing mess into a growth machine. With experience transforming data for 100+ clients and generating over $500K in revenue within two years, Joshua shares the biggest analytics mistakes marketers make—especially with GA4—and how to avoid them. Learn how to ditch vanity metrics, automate reporting, and build a marketing data warehouse that drives smarter, faster decisions. If you’re tired of guessing and ready to scale with clarity, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak to Bobby Goodman, CEO of Mulework, about how businesses can unlock smarter growth with customized strategies that put people and performance first. Bobby shares how to identify critical gaps, align strategy with execution, and avoid the trap of following flashy trends. We dive into why innovation and customer-centric thinking are essential for long-term success, and when bringing in a consultant can create real impact. If you're ready to build a sustainable growth blueprint, this episode lays the foundation.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I chat with serial entrepreneur and futurist Benjamin Talin about why the old ways of running businesses — and even the consulting industry — are due for a major disruption. Benjamin shares how data-driven insights are transforming management by helping leaders find hidden gaps, prioritize the right levers for growth, and drive impact with limited time and resources. If you’re tired of gut-based decisions and ready to future-proof your company with smart strategy, this episode delivers the blueprint.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Trading Lifestyle Leader Troy Noonan, also known as the Backpack Trader, about building a $10K/month trading business in just 30 minutes a day. Troy shares how he developed a simple and repeatable system that helps professionals generate consistent income without quitting their day jobs or watching charts all day. From busting trading myths to revealing real student success stories, this episode is packed with insights for anyone who wants to build financial freedom through smart, stress-free trading.

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In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with visionary DeFi innovator Martin Froehler, founder and CEO of Morpher, a blockchain-based trading platform revolutionizing how people invest. Martin shares how his background as a hedge fund quant inspired him to break the barriers of traditional finance by creating a system where users can trade stocks, crypto, and more 24/7 with zero fees and no middlemen. We dive into how Morpher is making financial markets accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world, and what this means for the future of investing, decentralization, and financial freedom.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak to SME Funding Champion Ciaran Burke, COO and Co-Founder of Swoop, about how his fintech platform has transformed access to capital for over 250,000 businesses. Ciaran shares how Swoop helped unlock more than $2 billion in funding, and explains the biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital, what alternative funding really looks like, and why traditional banks are failing small businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make smarter funding decisions and grow with confidence.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak to founder and entrepreneur Tim Dwyer about how to unlock faster, more sustainable business growth by aligning with the natural rhythms of your company. Tim reveals the key phases every business goes through and why understanding your current growth cycle is critical to avoiding burnout, scaling too soon, or stalling altogether. He shares the framework behind 6x growth without hustle culture, how to use emotional and spiritual intelligence to build long-term impact, and why building legacy isn’t about what you leave behind — but what you build with intention today.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak to change agent and coach Evan Unger about how meetings can either make or break your startup’s culture. Evan reveals how most meetings are shockingly inefficient and how that wasted time impacts leadership, productivity, and team morale. He shares practical tools to transform your meetings from painful time-sinks into high-performing decision-making engines. Whether you’re leading a remote team or building your startup’s culture from scratch, this episode gives you the strategies to make every meeting count.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with attorney and tech law expert Tony Smith about the critical intersection of blockchain law, intellectual property, and startup compliance. Tony shares how entrepreneurs can navigate the fast-changing legal landscape of emerging technologies, offering insight into real-world blockchain regulations, startup compliance best practices, and the protection of valuable IP assets. With years of experience helping businesses tackle legal challenges head-on, Tony unpacks the legal essentials every founder and innovator needs to know to stay compliant, protect their creations, and thrive in the digital economy. This episode is essential listening for...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with entrepreneur, investor, and Evolution Co-Founder Alex Chompff about redefining venture capital through ethics, inclusion, and long-term impact. From his early days in the military to his time at Kleiner Perkins during the dot-com boom, Alex shares the lessons that shaped his values as a founder and investor. Now at the helm of Evolution Ventures, he explains how ethical venture capitalism can drive regional growth and build meaningful partnerships that go beyond profit. We also explore how personal values like fatherhood and service influence his leadership style, and how initiatives...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Ali Hafizji, CEO of Wednesday Solutions and an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, about smarter ways to move from MVP to product-market fit without burning out or burning cash. Ali shares insights from building software that handles over a billion customer requests per hour and supporting 10% of India’s unicorns, offering practical advice on how to avoid common post-MVP mistakes, leverage AI and offshore teams, and build high-performing engineering teams that deliver real impact. If you want to learn how to accelerate growth, make better product decisions, and scale smartly in today’s comp...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with business strategist and mentor Israel Duran about how entrepreneurs can scale their business using speaking, social media, and online platforms. Israel shares how to turn your message into money by getting booked on stages, building a strong personal brand, and standing out in a crowded market. He breaks down proven strategies that have helped his clients generate millions in sales and attract high-paying clients, even without prior speaking experience. If you’re ready to grow fast and position yourself as a leader in your industry, this episode gives you th...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Harvard serial founder Shirish Nimgaonkar about how his company, eBlissAI, is leading a new era of agentic AI through self-healing, autonomous systems. Shirish explains why today’s enterprise IT systems are falling short and how eBlissAI’s platform is transforming endpoint management by combining real-time analytics, predictive insights, and intelligent automation. We discuss how businesses can drastically reduce operational costs, improve user productivity, and gain a superior ROI by adopting AI that not only reacts but predicts and personalizes. With enterprise tech at a tipping point, this episode explores why...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with experience designer Geoff Thatcher about how AI is transforming storytelling and the future of immersive experiences. Geoff shares how tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Grok are already changing how experience designers create, but the real revolution is just beginning. We dive into the new GAME ON! AI Experience at the College Football Hall of Fame, which puts guests directly into the story as players, coaches, and fans across 775 college football teams. Geoff explains how AI allows experiences to become more personal, interactive, and human, unlocking levels of immersion never...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Paula Paul, Founder and Distinguished Engineer at Greyshore, about how companies can drive real value from open source software. With over four decades of experience in tech, Paula shares insights on open source supply chain security, the power of community, and how organizations can adopt cloud-native technologies more efficiently. We also explore the shift from “every company is a tech company” to “every company is a SaaS company,” and Paula reflects on her remarkable journey as a woman in tech since the 1980s. This episode is a must-listen for anyone i...

In this episode of Zero to CEO I sit down with Paul Scribner, the visionary CEO of Raven Resources Corp whose innovative investment acumen is transforming how business deals are made. Scribner reveals the transformational business approaches that have helped partners multiply their facilities sixfold and increase revenue seven-X. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader, you’ll gain invaluable insights into creative problem-solving and strategic deal-making from “the most integrity-filled man in business” who sees potential where others see problems.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with serial entrepreneur and marketer Chris LaMorte about how his company, Strictly AI, is helping small businesses and startups thrive in today’s fast-moving digital and AI-driven world. Chris shares insights on how AI is transforming marketing, why the future of the web is conversational, and how SMBs can stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovative tools and strategies. Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or digital marketer, this episode offers practical advice on how to compete — and win — with AI in the modern marketplace.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with relentless legal trailblazer Lem Garcia, who turned just a few thousand dollars and a Craigslist desk into one of Southern California’s top personal injury law firms. Lem shares his journey of betting on himself, overcoming setbacks, and proving that success isn’t about where you start but how hard you’re willing to push forward. We dive into the challenges of building a business from scratch, the lessons he learned in leadership and growth, and his best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to take control of their future. Whethe...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with independent compensation consultant Scott Trumpolt about growth-driven compensation strategies for startups and business leaders. We explore how a company’s compensation philosophy impacts its success and evolves over time, highlighting the importance of building flexibility into pay structures. Scott shares insights on market-based pay, the balance between fixed and variable compensation, and how to link salaries to career architecture and job classification systems. We also discuss pay transparency methods and the key principles behind an effective compensation strategy. Tune in to learn how to design a pay system that su...

In this episode of Strap on Your Boots, I dive into the harsh realities of startup failure and the critical mistakes that lead to it. With 90% of startups failing, I break down the biggest reasons why, from ignoring market demand and running out of money to co-founder conflicts and poor customer engagement. Using real-world examples, I highlight what went wrong and how you can avoid the same fate. I also share lessons from my own AI B2B SaaS startup, Vengo AI, on how to stay lean, validate ideas, and build a product people actually want. If you’re an...

 Is AI going to replace entrepreneurs, or is it the ultimate tool for success? In this episode of Future Tech, I break down the impact of AI on business, exploring whether it’s a threat or an opportunity. From automating tasks to optimizing marketing and even generating business ideas, AI is transforming how we work. But can it replace human creativity, risk-taking, and leadership? I dive into real-world examples, the power of intuition, and how AI can be the ultimate co-founder for entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI to build, scale, and future-proof your business! 

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with hospitality entrepreneur and belonging expert Dan Berger about the true meaning of belonging and its impact inside and outside the workplace. Dan shares insights from his book The Quest, where he explores the psychology of belonging and provides a framework for building it intentionally. We discuss the difference between DEI and belonging, how they intersect, and the role workplaces play in fostering real connections versus surface-level inclusivity. Dan also shares his experience designing spaces and experiences that help small teams cultivate deeper connections and a sense of shared purpose...

 In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with visionary entrepreneur, innovator, and author Mitch Francis about bold solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Drawing from his new book, Bad-Ass Solutions for Today’s Big-Ass Problems, Mitch shares practical and non-partisan ideas for tackling issues like climate change, national debt, education reform, gun control, and more. With years of experience leading successful businesses across multiple industries, he offers a fresh, real-world perspective on solving problems that matter. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on creative, actionable solutions that could reshape the future. 

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Matt Logan, Founder of Rise North Capital, about his mission to transform the financial services industry. With over 16 years of experience, Matt shares how he empowers financial professionals to thrive, expands access to financial advice, and creates lasting impact for clients. We explore his innovative leadership strategies, the art of building successful teams, and his personal journey of balancing a fulfilling career with his passions for drumming, fitness, and family. This conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for leaders, financial professionals, and anyone striving to make a...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Robert McMillan, founder of Camping.Tools, about crafting value for both B2C and B2B customers in the digital age. We explore the challenges startups face when creating the perfect customer pitch and the importance of identifying market pain points to deliver meaningful solutions. Robert shares insights on where to begin, learning through trial and error, adopting a process-driven approach, building a strong network, and the power of taking decisive action. Join us for a conversation packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs and innovators.

 In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with entrepreneur, investor, and innovator Jason Schappert about his journey from bootstrapping a business to an 8-figure exit and how he’s now empowering others to achieve financial freedom through Moola. Jason shares his passion for financial literacy, the mission behind his AI-driven investment platform, and practical insights for building successful ventures. We discuss the mindset needed for entrepreneurial success, navigating niche markets, and achieving personal and financial goals. Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to level up your financial strategies, this episode provides actionable advice from a sea...

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with CEO and Life Coach Vernessa Hopkins about the transformative power of the Influence Equation in leadership and career development. Vernessa shares her insights on how to elevate your leadership by maximizing your influence and impact, covering the 8 key points of the equation. From decoding the room to constructing your unique "YOUprint," this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to deepen self-awareness, empower your potential, and take your career to new heights. Tune in to learn how to lead with confidence and influence.

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In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Neil Twa, CEO and co-author of "Almost Automated Income with FBA," about building profitable e-commerce brands on Amazon. Neil shares insights from over 15 years of experience, revealing the strategies behind creating, scaling, and exiting successful Amazon FBA businesses. We discuss how to identify profitable products, the four steps to building a sustainable e-commerce brand, and why automation and innovation are key to long-term success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers actionable advice to thrive in the competitive world of e-commerce.

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In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Louis Scatigna, CFP, author, and host of The Financial Physician, about the profound changes in personal finance over his 40-year career. We explore the looming retirement crisis, the enduring impact of inflation, and how the global financial landscape is being reshaped by challenges to the U.S. dollar. Louis also shares his insights on why families often fail financially and how individuals can make smarter decisions when buying homes, cars, or diversifying assets with gold. This episode provides practical advice and a forward-looking perspective for navigating financial success in...

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In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Len Covello, Chief Technology Officer at Engage People, about revolutionizing the way loyalty points are used as an alternative payment method. Len shares insights into how their innovative loyalty network connects programs with global payment systems, enabling consumers to pay with points directly at checkout. We discuss how expanding redemption choices can increase customer loyalty, the role of technology and AI in loyalty program innovation, and why more companies are adopting loyalty points as...

In this episode of Future Tech, I speak with expert software engineer and Chief Software Officer at Fitch, Derek Ferguson, about building and scaling globally successful software platforms. Derek explains how DevOps Transformation can redefine a company’s competitive edge and shares insights into using AI to enhance, not replace, the work of engineers. He also discusses how ESG principles are driving innovation at Fitch and the evolving role of technology in shaping the future of risk assessment and software development. This episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating the intersection of AI, software engineering, and business strategy.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Digital Polymath and 3x Founder Candice DeVille about the transformative impact of AI and automation on productivity and business operations. Candice shares practical insights and proven strategies to help entrepreneurs and leaders work smarter by integrating AI into their workflows, reducing repetitive tasks, and scaling their businesses effectively. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned executive, this episode provides actionable advice on leveraging AI-driven tools to boost efficiency, optimize operations, and seize new opportunities in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak to Isaac Saul, the founder of Tangle, a nonpartisan newsletter offering news analysis from both sides of the political spectrum. Isaac shares the inspiring journey that led him from a struggling political reporter facing countless job rejections to bootstrapping Tangle in 2019. Despite starting with minimal resources, Tangle has since grown to over 125,000 subscribers globally and achieved a million dollars in annual revenue through reader subscriptions alone. Isaac discusses his mission-driven approach to media, emphasizing unbiased, open-minded discourse, and the business strategies he used to make Tangle one of the most...