Logan Yonavjak: Inside the Readiness Engine for Startup Founders and Investors

Logan Yonavjak: Inside the Readiness Engine for Startup Founders and Investors

What if your podcast interviews, pitch calls, and founder meetings could be analyzed to reveal how you really lead under pressure? In this episode, we dive into an AI-powered platform that reads between the lines of transcripts to uncover leadership readiness, founder resilience, and the hidden patterns that drive startup success. In this episode, Philip and Logan Yonavjak discuss:  * AI-powered leadership and developmental assessment * The Readiness Engine platform and transcript analysis * Founder readiness, investor decision-making, and people analytics * Patterns, complexity, and stages of leadership development * Ag tech, soil health, and the future of sustainable investing Lightbulb Moments: * Leadership can be evaluated not just through self-reported tests, but by analyzing how people naturally speak, tell stories, and respond under pressure. * Transcript-based assessment offers a way to reduce bias and move beyond gut feeling alone when investors evaluate early-stage founders. * A clear developmental roadmap is more valuable than a static assessment result; knowing how to grow is as critical as knowing where you are. * Resistance to being evaluated often reveals attachment to ego and a lower tolerance for feedback, which can limit growth and adaptability. * Thoughtful use of AI — with clear guardrails, skills, and prompts — can dramatically enhance strategy, reflection, and decision-making, but it should complement, not replace, human connection. “Once you see how the system is operating and at what level it's operating, you can then see how to program it to function at a higher level of operation” - Logan Yonavjak Logan Yonavjak is Co-Founder & CEO of the Readiness Engine, a leadership intelligence company measuring the hidden drivers of execution risk inside growing organizations. She has helped move hundreds of millions of institutional capital across climate and natural capital strategies and now focuses on building the Readiness Engine™ - a platform that transforms leadership potential from subjective judgment into measurable, predictive insight. Logan speaks and writes at the intersection of capital, leadership, and long-term value creation. Connect with Logan Yonavjak: Website: www.readinessengine.io [http://www.readinessengine.io]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganyonavjak/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganyonavjak/]  Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

LBM Flash Moments: Polarization, AI, and Protecting Your Reputation Online

In a world where algorithms reward outrage, and AI is accelerating the trend, how do you protect your relationships and your reputation? In this Flash Moment, Phil unpacks how social media polarizes us — and offers a calmer, more human path forward. Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

LBM Flash Moments: Goombay Bash 2026

Goombay Bash 2026 - https://www.hfoundation.org/goombay-bash [https://www.hfoundation.org/goombay-bash]  Event Details:  * Saturday, 7/25/26, 5 pm-midnight * General Admission – $195 * VIP Tickets - $350 * Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, Chicago Guest of Honor – Gary Sinise Guiding Light Awardee – Rick Seidman Honorary Chair – Laura Orrico About H Foundation: https://www.hfoundation.org/ [https://www.hfoundation.org/] Committed to Finding a Cure for Cancer.  The H Foundation hosts the Goombay Bash, a fundraising event under the disguise of a casual Caribbean-style party.  The H Foundation and the Goombay Bash were created over a cocktail called the Goombay Smash.  It started with a few friends with entrepreneurial spirit who decided to make a difference in the fight against cancer.  In 2001, we threw our first Goombay Bash. Since then, the Goombay Bash has grown to become one of the largest and liveliest cancer research fundraising events in Chicago! It’s a party with meaning, but it is also the party of the summer.  We host 1,000+ guests at Chicago’s Navy Pier at a tropical party where everyone wears Hawaiian shirts and leis while raising money for cancer research.  Since 2001, the H Foundation has raised over $15 million, donating nearly every dollar raised to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.  These funds are used as seed money for basic science cancer research projects to help them secure additional government or private funding. As a result, our donations have been leveraged into over $300 million of research dollars towards finding a cure.  The H Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  100% of our funding comes from donations by generous businesses, communities, families, individuals, and…from you. Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

Matthew Fornaro: From Big Law to Boutique – Building a Modern, AI-Driven Law Practice

As Florida's court system abruptly caps civil cases at 18 months and AI revolutionizes how lawyers operate, adaptation is the only option. In this episode, a South Florida litigator shares how he leverages AI, business strategy, and smart dispute resolution to thrive in one of the country’s most unpredictable legal environments. In this episode, Philip and Matthew Fornaro discuss:  * Family roots, name variations, and multi-state Fornaro connections * Florida’s unique litigation landscape and pro-debtor laws * Mediation, arbitration, and Florida’s 18‑month civil case overhaul * Practical, real-world use of AI in law, business development, and client work * Leaving big law to build a small-firm, business-focused practice and give back to the community Lightbulb Moments: * A strong litigation strategy must start with business reality: time, money, and opportunity cost matter as much as legal theory. * Florida’s recent shift to 18‑month case tracks and its highly pro‑debtor protection laws create a uniquely challenging environment for anyone trying to collect judgments. * AI can dramatically boost efficiency in document review, research, business development, and client communication—but only when paired with rigorous human fact‑checking and legal judgment. * Traditional big‑law staffing models are increasingly misaligned with an AI‑enabled world, where lower‑level “layers” of work can be automated, and senior review becomes the real value. * Sharing knowledge, mentoring younger lawyers, and supporting entrepreneurs strengthens both the legal profession and the broader business community—and there’s more than enough work for everyone. “I'm a huge AI proponent. I use AI in my actual practice of law. I use AI in my business. I use AI in my business development, but with the caveat, and the first and last rule of I'm in charge of it.” - Matthew Fornaro Matthew Fornaro provides practical, strategic legal guidance for businesses across South Florida. With over 20 years of experience, he helps entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies manage contracts, disputes, and risk—clearly and efficiently. Connect with Matthew Fornaro:  Website:  Fornarolegal.com [http://fornarolegal.com]  Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

LBM Flash Moments: Workarounds, Meltdowns, and Making Peace with Technology

A 10‑day “perfect storm” of spam floods, dead computers, and power failures nearly pushed everything off the rails—but it also revealed how resilient systems and mindsets are built. In this Flash Moments episode, you’ll hear how to turn technological chaos into smarter workflows, better backups, and a healthier perspective. Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it. Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]