Where Hits Are Born Before Hollywood Finds Them: How Wattpad Become the World's Biggest Story Lab

Surviving Startup Hell & Thriving: How Johnathan Grzybowski Built a Global Powerhouse with Penji.Surviving Startup Hell & Thriving: How Johnathan Gryzbowski Built a Global Powerhouse with Penji.

In this episode, serial entrepreneur, Johnathan Grzybowski, shares the unfiltered story behind building Penji, a creative subscription service trusted by brands and agencies worldwide. Explore the raw realities of entrepreneurship as Johnathan opens up about leaving a stable job at Apple, enduring years without a paycheck, and surviving on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, all to chase a dream bigger than just business. Discover how Penji went from a small digital marketing agency focused on local clients to becoming a powerhouse with 500+ global staff and a reputation as the most-reviewed creative service in the world. Listen as Johnathan breaks down practical growth strategies, from pricing early services at $79/month to using customer feedback for rapid product validation. You’ll hear honest reflections about battling loneliness, staying dedicated through tough years, and why a mission-driven mindset powers lasting growth. Subscribe for real conversations with founders who’ve been there, and take away actionable lessons to grow your own business today. Connect with Johnathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grzybowskij/ Learn more about our episode sponsor, Oceans Talent: https://oceanstalent.com/dave #startuplife #founderstory #entrepreneurship #creativeentrepreneur #marketingagency

Why We're Wrong About People: The Social Science Every Entrepreneur Needs with Nicholas Epley

In this episode, bestselling author and University of Chicago Booth professor Nicholas Epley joins Dave for a fascinating dive into the real science of building strong business relationships, social connections, and effective communication. If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or founder seeking practical strategies for improving your leadership and team management, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how interpersonal skills drive business success. Nicholas shares stories from his early days as a reluctant student to his impactful research published in “Mindwise” and “A Little More Social.” You'll discover evidence-based tips entrepreneurs can use to understand what customers, partners, and employees are really thinking—plus why most people overestimate their ability to read minds at work. If you’re looking to foster company culture, pitch investors, or simply connect more deeply with your network, you’ll learn why direct communication, thoughtful questions, and genuine curiosity are powerful tools for business growth. Packed with insights on overcoming fear of rejection, networking without awkwardness, and creating a collaborative work environment, this episode is essential for anyone in the startup or small business world aiming to achieve lasting impact through authentic relationships and smarter social strategies. Connect with Nicholas Epley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-epley/ Find his books on @PenguinRandomHouse [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC4OnzY1OgwUE0XPAHpqlcvQ]: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671591/a-little-more-social-by-nicholas-epley/ Learn more about our episode sponsor, Oceans Talent: https://oceanstalent.com/dave #socialconnection #leadership #entrepreneurship #socialintelligence #Mindwise #psychology #networking

Reinventing After Failure: Insights on Grit, Leadership, and Company Culture with Mike Chaput

In this episode, hear the unconventional business journey of Mike Chaput, president and founder of Endsight, as he shares real experiences and practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders. Mike dives deep into what it’s truly like to buy a business at 24, manage a risky acquisition, survive bankruptcy, and then bootstrap a now-thriving technology company in the competitive field of cybersecurity and IT services. Learn how Mike leveraged hard-won lessons from early mistakes, like poor due diligence and a cash-strapped startup environment, into a resilient, profitable 20-year business with over 140 employees and $35 million in annual revenue, without taking outside capital. This episode covers the realities of partnership, the importance of building a strong network, and why defining both business strategy and company culture are key to long-term growth. Discover insights on leadership, setting vision, using financial constraints to drive smart decisions, and how adapting your management style can empower your team and company to grow. Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchaput/ Learn more about our episode sponsor, Oceans Talent: https://oceanstalent.com/dave #entrepreneurship #leadership #startups #businessstrategy #culturematters

From Stay-at-Home Mom to 8-Figure Law Firm CEO with Hillary Walsh

In this episode, hear the remarkable journey of Hillary Walsh, founder and CEO of New Frontier Immigration Law, as she shares her transformation from a stay-at-home mom to leading a thriving law firm with 150 employees. Hillary dives into the real-life challenges she faced while scaling her business, managing tight budgets, running her operation solo in the early days, and balancing parenthood with ambition. Learn how authentic motivation, adaptability, and smart decision-making helped her serve thousands of clients, even when the odds were stacked against her. This conversation goes deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, from bootstrapping and the sacrifices involved, to the importance of marketing and building a recognizable brand in a traditional industry. Find inspiration in stories of resilience, creativity, and client-focused service. Whether you’re a small business owner or a startup founder seeking growth strategies, Hillary’s honest perspective offers valuable lessons on scaling revenue, overcoming setbacks, and staying driven by both personal and community-oriented goals. If you’re searching for practical approaches taken by real entrepreneurs, and want to learn how grit and purpose can power long-term success, this episode is a must-watch for your business journey. Connect with Hillary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorneyhillary/ Learn more about our episode sponsor: https://www.oceanstalent.com/?utm_source=dave_gulas&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=dave_gulas #immigration #entrepreneur #womeninlaw #inspiration #truestory

The CEO Who Lost Everything and Found Something Better with Yosi Amram

In this episode, renowned entrepreneur and psychologist Yosi Amram sits down with Dave for an open conversation about the real journey behind building, losing, and reinventing a business. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup founder searching for authentic stories and practical strategies, you’ll discover insight here that goes beyond surface-level tips. Yosi details his rise from an Israeli upbringing and military service to founding a pioneering tech company in Silicon Valley. Listen as he shares the highs and lows, building a business, taking it public, and experiencing a life-changing setback when he was ousted from his own company. He reveals the emotional challenges and the steps it took to rebuild, including how he leaned into personal growth and eventually helped others by coaching over 100 CEOs. The discussion dives deep into spiritual intelligence in leadership, a concept that’s helping modern teams build morale, commitment, and sustainable success. Learn actionable ideas for leading with integrity, purpose, and presence, plus hear how Yosi's experiences as a founder and coach translate into practical takeaways for business owners. This is real talk about setbacks, resilience, and finding fulfillment by drawing on your unique strengths. Connect with Yosi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosiamram/ Learn more about our episode sponsor Oceans Talent: https://www.oceanstalent.com/?utm_source=dave_gulas&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=dave_gulas #leadership #spiritualintelligence #StartWithin #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #personalgrowth