Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs | Stan Hickory (CU Boulder New Venture Challenge)

From McKinsey to CEO: Building Financial Futures in Insurance

In this episode of Business Candy, we sit down with Dhiren Jhaveri, CEO of Kuvare Holdings, to explore one of the most overlooked yet powerful industries in the world—insurance and long-term investing. Dhiren shares his journey from consulting at McKinsey to investment banking at Barclays, and how those experiences shaped his path to leading a major financial company. We dive into how Kuvare works, how money is managed at a massive scale, and why thinking long-term is one of the most important skills in business. We also break down the biggest misconceptions young people have about money, how to make smarter decisions under pressure, and what it really takes to build a career in high-stakes industries. If you want to better understand how money moves, how leaders think, and how to set yourself up for long-term success, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in now and start building your business mindset.

Why Most Companies Mismanage Their Best Customers | Alex Raymond (Founder of Kapta)

Most businesses focus on getting new customers — but the smartest companies focus on protecting and growing their most important ones. In this episode of Business Candy, I sit down with Alex Raymond, founder of Kapta, a platform built to help companies manage their most valuable customer relationships. Alex shares how his global business background — from Georgetown University to earning an MBA at INSEAD — led him to discover a major gap in how companies manage strategic accounts. Instead of relying on spreadsheets and outdated systems, he built Kapta to help organizations create stronger, more aligned relationships with their most important clients. We talk about the challenges of building a SaaS company, the future of Key Account Management, and the lessons Alex has learned from turning a simple insight into a real business. If you're a young entrepreneur or someone curious about how companies actually grow and keep their biggest customers, this episode is packed with insights. In this episode we cover: * How Alex Raymond went from corporate roles to entrepreneurship * The problem most companies have with managing key accounts * The early challenges of building Kapta * Leadership lessons from building a SaaS startup * Advice for young entrepreneurs starting their journey

Running the Invisible Backbone of Global Travel | Hassan El-Houry

What does it take to run the systems that keep the world moving? Every day, millions of travelers board airplanes without realizing the massive operation happening behind the scenes—from ground handling and cargo logistics to fueling and airport operations. In this episode of Business Candy, Ashwin sits down with Hassan El‑Houry, Executive Chairman of Menzies Aviation, one of the largest aviation services companies in the world. Hassan shares his journey into global aviation leadership, the challenges of scaling operations across dozens of countries, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He also explains how aviation services became the invisible backbone of global travel—and what it really takes to manage a 24/7 industry where precision, safety, and teamwork are everything. Ashwin and Hassan also dive into leadership, the future of aviation, and the mindset young entrepreneurs need if they want to build companies that operate on a global scale. If you’ve ever wondered how the aviation industry really works—or what it takes to lead a company operating in airports around the world—this episode is packed with insights. In this episode you’ll learn: * How global aviation services actually work behind the scenes * The leadership principles needed to manage teams across cultures and countries * How the aviation industry is evolving after COVID * What young entrepreneurs should focus on if they want to build global businesses

Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs | Stan Hickory (CU Boulder New Venture Challenge)

In this episode of Business Candy, Ashwin Kothari sits down with Stan Hickory, Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative and the New Venture Challenge at University of Colorado Boulder. Stan isn’t just an educator — he’s a multi-time entrepreneur who has built companies himself and now helps hundreds of student founders turn their ideas into real businesses. In this conversation, we break down: * How Stan went from entrepreneur to building one of the most impactful student startup programs in the country * What separates great founders from everyone else * Why failure is a crucial part of the entrepreneurial journey * How young people can start building businesses before they feel ready If you're a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with an idea you want to turn into reality, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

“Building a Business by Slowing Down — The Liberty Puzzles Story”

In a world obsessed with speed, screens, and shortcuts, Jeff Eldridge built a successful business by doing the opposite. Jeff is the co-founder of Liberty Puzzles, a Boulder-based company known for its handcrafted wooden jigsaw puzzles that emphasize quality, creativity, and connection. What started as an old-school idea turned into a globally loved brand by betting on craftsmanship in a modern, fast-paced world. In this episode, Jeff shares his personal journey into entrepreneurship, the early challenges of building Liberty Puzzles, and the pivotal moments that helped transform a creative passion into a lasting business. We dive into how Liberty Puzzles balances tradition with modern technology, what it really takes to scale without losing your values, and why patience can be a competitive advantage. This conversation is packed with lessons for young entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone curious about building something meaningful — without cutting corners. 🍬 Business Candy is all about making business stories sweet, simple, and inspiring for the next generation of entrepreneurs.