Jackson Pace (Refractional CFO)

Anthony Koltenuk (Pledged Inc.)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Anthony Koltenuk, founder of Pledged Inc., a platform designed to help universities better manage and grow their corporate relationships. Their conversation explores how better data, stronger collaboration, and thoughtful technology can unlock new opportunities for higher education institutions and the businesses that partner with them. What You’ll Learn: * Why many universities struggle with fragmented data and how disconnected systems create missed opportunities. * How identifying a specific niche market can help startups gain traction in complex industries. * The importance of customer discovery and validating assumptions before building a solution. * Why successful technology adoption depends on reducing user friction and integrating with existing workflows. * How universities can increase revenue and strengthen partnerships by improving visibility into corporate engagement. * Practical ways AI can enhance decision-making when paired with high-quality data and human oversight. * Why relationship-building remains one of the most effective strategies for sales and long-term customer retention. * How collaboration, transparency, and shared information can help organizations break down internal silos and achieve better outcomes. Anthony shares how a simple frustration with outdated university systems evolved into a mission to modernize the way higher education institutions manage corporate partnerships. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the value of listening closely to customers, designing technology around real human needs, and using AI as a tool rather than a replacement for critical thinking. The episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and relationship-driven growth. To learn more about Anthony Koltenuk and his work, visit pledged.to.

Emil Abedian (Counsel CPAs)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Emil Abedian, CEO and founder of Counsel CPAs, to discuss the power of specialization, building a scalable service business, and helping law firms grow through strategic accounting, tax planning, and advisory services. Emil shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of clarity in business, and how focused expertise can accelerate growth. What You’ll Learn: * Why specialization can dramatically accelerate business growth and simplify marketing, sales, and service delivery. * How narrowing your focus helps you better understand client challenges and create more valuable solutions. * The difference between providing transactional services and delivering ongoing advisory value. * Why building systems and processes around a specific customer segment creates a more scalable and sustainable business. * How continuously increasing client value strengthens retention and long-term relationships. * Why saying no to the wrong clients can create more opportunities with the right ones. * How AI can improve efficiency and free teams to focus on higher-value client interactions when implemented thoughtfully and securely. * Why clarity—about your goals, target audience, and business strategy—is essential for making better decisions and achieving growth. Throughout the conversation, Emil emphasizes that sustainable growth comes from focus, intentionality, and a commitment to delivering increasing value over time. His experience demonstrates that businesses often grow faster when they stop trying to serve everyone and instead become experts for a specific audience. By combining specialization, strong systems, and a client-centered mindset, organizations can build deeper relationships, scale more effectively, and create lasting impact. To learn more about Emil Abedian and his work, visit counselcpas.com.

Jon Cheney (GenAIPI)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Jon Cheney, entrepreneur, technology leader, and CEO of GenAIPI. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping business, why leaders must embrace AI now, and how entrepreneurs can use emerging technologies to create meaningful competitive advantages. What You’ll Learn: * Why AI adoption is becoming a business necessity rather than an optional innovation. * How entrepreneurs can use AI to increase productivity, automate tasks, and solve problems faster than ever before. * The importance of focusing on practical applications of technology that create real value for customers. * Why giving away knowledge and educating your audience can be one of the most effective growth strategies. * How AI agents and automation tools are changing the way businesses operate and make decisions. * Why maintaining control and visibility as a founder is critical when scaling an organization. * How failure, resilience, and learning from setbacks help build stronger teams and better leaders. * Why the businesses and individuals who actively experiment with AI today will be better positioned for the future. Throughout the conversation, Jon emphasizes that AI is not simply another technology trend—it represents a transformational shift comparable to the rise of the internet. He shares practical examples of how AI can streamline work, improve decision-making, and unlock new opportunities for growth while encouraging leaders to move beyond fear and hesitation. His message is clear: the greatest risk is not making mistakes with AI, but failing to engage with it at all. By staying curious, experimenting consistently, and focusing on meaningful applications, businesses can position themselves to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. To learn more about Jon Cheney and his work, visit genaipi.org.

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.