Benjamin Birch (Stratas)

Leon Eisen (Venture Growth Group)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Leon Eisen, entrepreneur, venture studio founder, venture capitalist, and former quantum physics researcher, to discuss the journey from academia to building innovative companies. Their conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, fundraising, venture building, and the mindset required to create businesses that deliver meaningful real-world impact. What You’ll Learn: * Why Leon transitioned from a career in quantum physics to entrepreneurship in order to create immediate, practical impact. * How launching a startup during the 2008 financial crisis became an unexpected advantage instead of a setback. * The story behind building the world’s first FDA-cleared wearable medical device for hospital use. * Why today’s founders have greater access to advisors, capital, and resources compared to entrepreneurs 15 years ago. * Leon’s philosophy on bootstrapping companies as long as possible to maintain founder freedom and ownership. * How leadership through conversation and collaboration creates stronger teams than traditional command-and-control management. * Why successful fundraising is about guiding investors to form their own conclusions rather than making exaggerated claims. * The importance of warm introductions, authentic relationships, and strategic communication when growing a business. Throughout the conversation, Leon emphasizes the importance of building companies with purpose, maintaining founder independence, and developing the communication skills necessary to lead teams and attract investors. His experiences as both a founder and venture capitalist provide a unique perspective on what separates sustainable businesses from short-term hype, while reinforcing the value of resilience, positioning, and long-term thinking in entrepreneurship. To learn more about Leon Eisen and his work, visit leoneisen.com.

Katie Birkelo (Aspire Professional Talent Solutions)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Katie Birkelo, President of Aspire Professional Talent Solutions, to discuss leadership, business growth, and the evolving landscape of executive recruiting and staffing. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in financial staffing and talent solutions, Katie shares insights into scaling a people-focused business while navigating workforce shortages, economic uncertainty, and changing employer expectations. What You’ll Learn: * Why long-term success in staffing and recruiting depends on relationships, trust, and consistency. * How labor shortages in accounting and finance are creating long-term opportunities and challenges for businesses. * The importance of building a strong company culture when scaling a growing organization. * Why adaptability and resilience are essential leadership traits during periods of economic uncertainty. * How businesses can attract and retain top talent by focusing on flexibility, communication, and employee experience. * The role mentorship and leadership development play in building high-performing teams. * Why niche specialization can help companies stand out in competitive industries. * How strategic growth and acquisitions can accelerate business expansion while maintaining service quality. Throughout the conversation, Katie emphasizes the importance of investing in people, staying adaptable in changing markets, and building organizations rooted in strong values and relationships. Her perspective highlights how thoughtful leadership and a long-term mindset can drive sustainable growth, even in industries facing constant change and talent shortages. To learn more about Katie Birkelo and her work, visit aspireexecutivesearch.com.

Henry Abenaim (FUNDINGO)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Henry Abenaim, founder and CEO of Fundingo, about transforming the lending industry through automation, connected systems, and AI-driven innovation. Henry shares how his experience in lending exposed major operational inefficiencies and inspired him to build a platform designed to help complex lenders scale more effectively. What You’ll Learn: * How a costly operational mistake became the catalyst for building Fundingo and solving systemic problems in the lending industry * Why staying focused on your core differentiators is essential for sustainable business growth * The importance of attracting the right customers instead of simply chasing short-term revenue opportunities * How ongoing innovation and partnership strengthen long-term customer retention * Why AI should augment human judgment rather than replace it entirely * How building centralized knowledge systems can improve efficiency and reduce organizational friction * Why scaling complexity requires repeatable systems, processes, and embedded expertise * How stepping outside of your comfort zone leads to stronger leadership and long-term business growth Throughout the conversation, Henry emphasizes the importance of solving meaningful problems with clarity and focus. From leveraging AI responsibly to building systems that simplify operational complexity, he shares practical lessons on leadership, scalability, and innovation. The episode highlights how businesses can create lasting impact by staying committed to their mission, continuously improving customer outcomes, and embracing growth beyond their comfort zone. To learn more about Henry Abenaim and his work, visit fundingo.com.

Jackson Pace (Refractional CFO)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Jackson Pace, founder of Refractional CFO, to discuss building a niche financial services firm dedicated to optometry and ophthalmology practices. Jackson shares how his background in public accounting and healthcare finance led him to create a specialized business focused on helping doctors operate more effectively as business owners. What You’ll Learn: * Why specializing in a niche industry can create stronger client relationships and clearer market differentiation * How healthcare professionals often need financial and operational support beyond traditional accounting services * The importance of building scalable systems and standard operating procedures during periods of rapid growth * How AI is currently being used to improve internal operations, documentation, and workflow efficiency * Why delegation is essential for founders who want to grow beyond being the center of every client interaction * How referrals and relationship-driven hiring can outperform traditional recruiting methods * The value of internship programs in developing future talent and strengthening company culture * Why long-term business satisfaction comes from serving clients well rather than chasing arbitrary growth milestones Throughout the conversation, Jackson emphasizes the power of intentional growth, specialization, and building a team that aligns with the company’s mission. His approach highlights how service-based businesses can scale successfully by focusing on operational excellence, trusted relationships, and delivering meaningful value to a clearly defined audience. The episode offers practical insight for entrepreneurs, firm owners, and professionals looking to grow sustainably while maintaining a strong client experience. To learn more about Jackson Pace and his work, visit refractionalcfo.com.

Dr. Paul Barattiero (Echo Water)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Dr. Paul Barattiero, founder of Echo Water, to discuss the science behind hydrogen water, the personal health journey that inspired his business, and the challenges of scaling an innovative wellness company. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, health innovation, consumer education, and how mission-driven businesses can create meaningful impact. What You’ll Learn: * How a personal family health crisis inspired the creation of Echo Water and shaped the company’s mission. * Why hydrogen gas is becoming an increasingly researched topic in the health and wellness industry. * The role oxidative stress and inflammation may play in long-term health challenges. * How consumer education is often one of the biggest hurdles for disruptive or emerging technologies. * Why credibility, authentic storytelling, and trusted partnerships outperform traditional influencer marketing. * How rapid business growth can create entirely new operational and legal challenges for founders. * The importance of protecting intellectual property and maintaining product integrity in competitive industries. * Why purpose-driven entrepreneurship can create deeper motivation and long-term resilience for business owners. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Paul Barattiero shares how innovation often begins with a deeply personal mission and evolves through persistence, education, and adaptability. From helping his wife overcome serious health struggles to building a nationally recognized wellness brand, his story highlights the power of combining scientific curiosity with a commitment to improving people’s lives. The episode also offers valuable insights into scaling a company responsibly while maintaining authenticity and consumer trust. To learn more about Dr. Paul Barattiero and his work, visit echowater.com.