Biz Mafia : Where Business Gets Made

EP 17: The Exploration of AI Technology and Female Entrepreneurship with Susan Sly

As we inch closer to the November 5th, 2024 elections, the question looms: are we on the brink of the first deepfake election in history? Picture a $20 million deepfake scam shaking the financial foundations—would your family or business weather the storm unscathed? How are you fortifying yourself against this digital treachery? Welcome to another episode of the BizMafia podcast. We're honored to host Susan Sly, an award-winning AI entrepreneur and speaker. Susan's journey is nothing short of inspirational, overcoming personal adversities such as battling multiple sclerosis, losing her business, and facing homelessness to emerge as a leading figure in AI technology.  We delve into Susan's expertise in AI technology, uncovering its vast applications across industries and dismantling the myths surrounding it. She sheds light on the global AI development scene, examining cutting-edge technologies like deepfakes and the dangers they entail. Susan shares her investment philosophy, advocating for agility in entrepreneurship and highlighting the profitability of female-led startups. She also unveils her AI-driven platform designed to assist women navigating the complexities of menopause. Prepare to expand your knowledge of AI and entrepreneurship with the extraordinary insights of Susan Sly. What We Discuss * [00:55] Meet Susan Sly * [19:42] The most common misconceptions about AI * [23:01] The societal impact and potential risks of AI technology * [27:34] The concerns regarding regulation of AI * [32:09] Susan’s expectations and criteria for investing in and supporting entrepreneurs * [36:52] Disparity in VC investment for female-led startups * [41:34] Strategies for engaging with end users * [44:57] Entrepreneurial pitfalls during growth * [45:50] Whitney Wolfe Herd's strategy * [47:15] Founders understanding the financial and operational aspects of their business * [49:45] Pricing challenges in AI innovation * [51:13] The importance of being mission-driven  * [53:30] ThePause.AI, an AI-powered platform to support women navigating menopause * [56:36] Work-life balance and stress management Notable Quotes * [06:36] “God doesn't tap you on the shoulder. He sometimes hits you over the head with a frying pan.” - Susan Sly * [19:52] “As an entrepreneur, you're training, not trying.” - Susan Sly * [51:10] “You don't want to have an ego that's bigger than your bank account.” -Susan Sly Our Guest Susan Sly is an esteemed speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and a vanguard in artificial intelligence. As Founder and CEO of ThePause.AI since 2018, Susan pioneers AI's use to empower women through menopause. Her leadership in AI, coupled with co-founding a nine-figure company, positions her as an exemplary keynote speaker. Susan’s speeches, enriched by hands-on expertise, spark innovation and action in technology and AI. At ThePause.AI, she leverages AI for impactful solutions in women’s health, reflected in her role as a top female AI speaker. Susan unravels complex AI concepts into engaging stories for diverse audiences, championing AI’s role in enhancing lives. Resources and Links * ThePause.AI website: https://thepause.ai/ [https://thepause.ai/] * Susan Sly’s website: https://susansly.com/ [https://susansly.com/] * Connect with Susan Sly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansly/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansly/] * BizMafia Website: https://www.bizmafia.net [https://www.bizmafia.net/] * Follow the BizMafia podcast * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw] * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia] * On Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebizmafia [https://instagram.com/thebizmafia] * Connect with Pat Linden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden] * Connect with Bryan Taylor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/]

EP 16: Blazing the Venture Capital Trail in Regenerative Food & Agriculture with Investor Pete Oberle

In a world where the focus is shifting towards sustainability and responsible investing, a burning question arises: Is regenerative agriculture the future of sustainable investing? In this episode of the BizMafia podcast, we sit down with Pete Oberle, the co-founder and managing director of Trailhead Capital. Trailhead Capital is a mission-driven early stage venture capital firm dedicated to generating outstanding financial, societal, and ecological returns by supporting entrepreneurs who are building the regenerative future of food and agriculture.  Pete's tale is one of fervor and resolve. Hailing from a bulge bracket financial and private equity background, he found his true calling in venture capital, driven by a deep-seated ambition to enhance human well-being and confront the imminent challenges posed in the regenerative food and agriculture space. Pete generously shares his insights on the economic gains and technological strides that are propelling this sector forward. Don't pass up on this chance to broaden your horizons. Tune in, stay engaged, and let's embark on this journey together. WHAT WE DISCUSS * [00:33] - Meet Pete Oberle * [13:21] - Pete's transition from private equity to venture capital  * [17:39] - Evaluating financial potential in the regenerative agriculture space * [20:14] - Consumer sophistication and supply chain issues   * [22:25] - Early-stage investing challenges   * [23:35] - Filtering investment opportunities   * [24:21] - Criteria for evaluating founders  * [27:29] - Evaluating company progress   * [29:33] - Strategic planning and involvement   * [32:58] - Role of board members   * [42:09] - Valuation and founder position   * [45:13] - Early-stage VC in the capital stack   * [45:26] - The capital needs of the space   * [46:32] - Funding considerations and future plans   * [50:41] - Personal and professional transitions   * [54:11] - Mitigating risk in making career changes   NOTABLE QUOTES * [48:35] - “We're trying to thread the needle between concessionary and market-driven returns, and ‘Big Ag’ versus regenerative purists. It's important that we're absolutely pursuing market-driven returns.” - Pete Oberle  * [49:43] - “We try to be bridge builders, essential to the overall ecosystem. ‘Big Ag’ is not going anywhere, and they are trying to improve operations. They just need to be clearly educated and presented with profitable opportunities.” - Pete Oberle  * [54:11] “What's holding so many of us back from making changes? It's fear that what we're doing may seem crazy or questionable, but with the resources out there, the risk of making a change is incredibly mitigated.” - Pete Oberle OUR GUEST Peter Oberle is a seasoned professional in venture capital and strategic leadership. Currently, he holds the role of Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital, spearheading investment strategies in Colorado. With a background in finance from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Dartmouth College, Peter brings a wealth of expertise to his board positions at FoodMaven and Clean Crop Technologies, driving innovation in sustainable solutions. RESOURCES AND LINKS * Trailhead Capital Website: https://www.trailheadcap.com/ [https://www.trailheadcap.com/] * Connect with Pete Oberle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-oberle-5593849a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-oberle-5593849a/] * BizMafia Website: https://www.bizmafia.net [https://www.bizmafia.net] * Follow the BizMafia podcast * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw] * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia] * On Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebizmafia [https://instagram.com/thebizmafia] * Connect with Pat Linden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden] * Connect with Bryan Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/]

EP 15: Blending Cultures for Success with Rob Wellner

Picture this: you have two distinct companies, each with its own unique culture. Now, imagine the challenge of blending these diverse cultures into a seamless operation after a major acquisition, all in the pursuit of significant financial gains. How do you plan out your strategy? This episode of the BizMafia podcast has the answers. We are thrilled to feature Rob Wellner, a renowned strategic C-suite growth leader. We dive deep into Rob’s journey from the world of finance to becoming a driving force in business revenue growth. Rob lays it all out for us, emphasizing the kind of humility it takes to make such a transition and highlighted the pivotal role of talent in fueling business expansion, backed by compelling data.  During our sit-down, Rob shares his approach to overcoming scaling challenges,  including the repurposing of team members and the seamless integration of departments for unified success. We also explored go-to-market strategies, the nuanced decision-making around raising capital, and the intricate process of integrating cultures post-acquisition. Rob drives home the importance of patience and adaptability in executive strategy, the kind that gets businesses soaring. The wisdom we gather from heavyweights like Rob Wellner is pure gold. Whether you're an emerging startup leader or a seasoned executive, embracing humility, nurturing talent, and leveraging data for strategic decision-making are the bedrock principles that steer your empire toward victory. WHAT WE DISCUSS * [00:00:15] Meet Rob Wellner * [00:07:06] Managing risk and making the leap   * [00:11:41] Importance of people and talent in business growth   * [00:18:23] Hiring and building a team at different stages of company growth   * [00:21:21] Conversion metrics and revenue analysis   * [00:23:23] Challenges in scaling and decision making   * [00:27:16] Go-to-market strategy and team alignment   * [00:34:37] Capital investment and profitable growth   * [00:37:33] Integration challenges in acquisitions   * [00:43:59] The importance of developing a company culture   * [00:47:51] Human dynamics in deal-making   * [00:52:57] Leadership and dirty work   * [00:54:09] Scaling advice: Patience NOTABLE QUOTES * [00:23:23] - "Everyone makes mistakes; I've made a ton of mistakes." - Rob Wellner * [00:35:41] - "If you're a profitable business and you've identified a reason to raise capital, like acquiring a business to improve your offering, those are great reasons to do it." - Rob Wellner * [00:45:41] - “If you onboard an employee amazingly and quickly, those are their first experiences. They are going to be loyal to you, maybe to a fault of theirs at some point." - Rob Wellner * [00:54:12] "I was impatient at times when I should have been more patient. Patience is something I will personally continue to hone in on myself." - Rob Wellner OUR GUEST Rob Wellner is a strategic C-suite growth leader renowned for propelling high-growth technology firms to multibillion-dollar valuations. As a visionary with a values-driven approach, he specializes in crafting clear go-to-market strategies that drive scalability and maintain competitive advantages. He revamped sales strategies, doubling international growth annually and spearheading the global M&A product, contributing to a multimillion-dollar ARR increase. With a data-driven mindset, he solves complex problems, fosters global success, and leads diverse teams to achieve exceptional results. RESOURCES AND LINKS * Connect with Rob Wellner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwellnerjrcro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwellnerjrcro/] * BizMafia Website: https://www.bizmafia.net [https://www.bizmafia.net] * Follow the BizMafia podcast * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw] * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia] * On Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebizmafia [https://instagram.com/thebizmafia] * Connect with Pat Linden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden] * Connect with Bryan Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/]

EP 14: The Intricacies of Business Sales with Kirk Michie

What does it mean to sell, not just a business, but its soul too? In the world of mergers and acquisitions, the decision to sell your business isn’t one to be taken lightly. It's more than just transferring ownership—it often involves letting go of a piece of your identity, your hard work, and your dreams. It's a decision that can't be made overnight. In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Kirk Michie from Candor Advisors. Candor Advisors provides investment banking advisory services to successful founder-led businesses. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with insights that highlight the importance of strategy, expertise, and the right mindset in navigating the complex world of business exits. In our conversation, Kirk discusses the emotional and behavioral aspects of selling a business, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding buyer interests, and the role of advisors in protecting clients. We also cover the critical nature of the letter of intent in M&A deals and the necessity of the financial and legal advisors being in sync. The episode underscores the importance of a collaborative approach post-LOI, and how important it is for business sellers to be willing to walk away from unfavorable deals.  Tune in to learn how to make every strategic move count and secure a deal that honors your commitment to your life's work when selling your business. WHAT WE DISCUSS * [00:00:15] - Meet Kirk Michie * [00:03:02] - The origin and growth of Candor Advisors * [00:04:00] - Guru, guide, and gladiator * [00:13:00] - Behavioral elements in M&A transactions * [00:23:27] - Importance of NDA and LOI * [00:26:34] - Deceptive LOI practices * [00:31:46] - Challenges of GroupThink in M&A deals * [00:40:14] - Alignment of advisors and cost of doing business * [00:44:42] - The challenges and intensity of building relationships in business development * [00:56:22] - Authenticity and leading with what is unknown * [01:00:49] - EBITDA University and the future NOTABLE QUOTES * [00:14:01] - “Most great entrepreneurs have their identity and personality tied up in their business, so when a buyer questions them, the natural thing to do is react.” - Kirk Michie * [00:28:41] - “I believe I have a fiduciary responsibility to my client to get them to the best outcome.” - Kirk Michie * [00:58:37] - “I love entrepreneurs. I am either completely surprised or blown away by the idea that they looked at a problem that needed to get solved, or they saw something and thought they could do it better, and then built a company.” - Kirk Michie OUR GUEST Kirk Michie, Managing Partner of Candor Advisors, consults founder-led businesses on capital events and value enhancement. With over 30 years of experience, he's helped entrepreneurs achieve strategic planning, liquidity, and legacy objectives, raising and deploying capital. He’s advised founders and business sellers on more than billions of dollars of M&A and capital raise transactions. Kirk is a frequent speaker at industry events and has built platforms like AB Bernstein's Quarterly M&A Roundtable. His experience includes investment banking advisory services, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, capital raising, private equity, and succession planning. Kirk Michie is a Registered Representative of Finalis Securities LLC. RESOURCES AND LINKS * Candor Advisors website: https://candor-advisors.com/ [https://candor-advisors.com/] * Connect with Kirk Michie on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkmichie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkmichie/] * BizMafia Website: https://www.bizmafia.net [https://www.bizmafia.net] * Follow the BizMafia podcast * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw] * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia] * On Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebizmafia [https://instagram.com/thebizmafia] * Connect with Pat Linden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden] * Connect with Bryan Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008/]

EP 13: Million Dollar Insights to Success with David Riggs

Welcome to another episode of the BizMafia podcast, and today, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of David Riggs, founder of Pneuma Media [https://www.pneumallc.co/] and Pneuma Ventures [https://www.pneumaventures.co/]. David's entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of impressive, and his insights into business, branding, and the changing role of salespeople are invaluable. David's story unfolds with awe-inspiring chapters, from launching his first company at the tender age of 16 to orchestrating the rise of a $3 million business empire. As we unravel the layers of his success, David generously shares insights that transcend the conventional realms of business discourse. In our candid conversation, he unveils the unconventional marketing tactics that propelled his ventures, emphasizing data analysis over mere aesthetics and championing the paramount importance of brand loyalty. His mantra of valuing creativity, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing action over overthinking resonates throughout, shaping a narrative that underscores the essence of entrepreneurship.  Whether it's achieving work-life balance, unveiling future business plans, or navigating the intricacies of client relationships, David's insights offer a compass for entrepreneurial success. Prepare to be inspired by a narrative that illuminates the power of entrepreneurship, where David Riggs stands as a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when passion meets strategic vision. WHAT WE DISCUSS * [00:00:36] - Meet David Riggs * [00:01:16] - David’s initial entrepreneurial bug * [00:07:44] - Importance of understanding the numbers * [00:09:00] - David’s personal journey and shift in focus * [00:14:10] - The importance of mentorship and personal branding * [00:30:54] - The importance of communication and a client-centric approach * [00:45:19] - Remote work vs in-office debate * [00:50:00] - The importance of sharing knowledge and experiences among businesses * [00:57:37] - Creating a culture that encourages creativity and learning from mistakes * [00:58:08] - The willingness to do it now vs overthinking * [1:05:45] - The importance of separating work and personal life * [1:09:12] - The future of Pneuma in the next 5-10 years * [1:18:52] - David’s advice on inputs vs outputs in business NOTABLE QUOTES * [00:18:49] - “Brand is essentially the easiest way to start owning real estate in everyone else's heads.” - David Riggs  * [00:19:35] - “What's interesting to you or what's not interesting to you doesn't mean it's not going to be interesting to the market.” - David Riggs  * [00:27:26] - “I've been a big believer in that the only way you get to quality is by doing the quantity.” - David Riggs OUR GUEST David Riggs is the visionary founder and driving force behind Pneuma Media, a dynamic website design, development, and SEO agency that has achieved remarkable success under his leadership. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for innovation, David has propelled Pneuma Media from its humble beginnings to an impressive milestone, scaling the business from $0 to $2 million in revenue in less than two years. Recognizing the pivotal role content plays in digital visibility, Pneuma Media not only optimizes websites but also strategically leverages SEO content across diverse platforms to maximize impact. RESOURCES AND LINKS * Pneuma Media website: https://www.pneumallc.co/ [https://www.pneumallc.co/] * Pneuma Ventures website: https://www.pneumaventures.co/ [https://www.pneumaventures.co/] * Connect with David Riggs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwilliamriggs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwilliamriggs/] * Follow the BizMafia podcast * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4z3Xk-iOT5zt62H4_juXw] * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizmafia] * Connect with Pat Linden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-linden] * Connect with Bryan Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-taylor-0429008]