Built For This: Stories of a Maverick

Your Ideas Finally Click for Others Using Visual Storytelling with Phil Lashley

In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] is joined by Phil Lashley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillashley/], he serves as a Visual Storyteller, Art Director & Motion Graphic Designer at Phil Lashley Motion Design [https://www.phillashley.com/]. Phil specializes in helping thought leaders translate complex ideas into visual models that resonate and inspire action. Phil’s journey began in Barbados, where he initially pursued a career in IT, but his curiosity and passion for creativity led him to the world of design. His story is one of transformation, moving from Hollywood’s fast-paced design industry to helping innovators and founders communicate their ideas through powerful visual frameworks. In this conversation, Phil and Jenna explore the importance of visual storytelling, how frameworks can clarify complex ideas, and why visuals can create emotional connections faster than words alone. Key Takeaways: * Phil Lashley’s journey from IT to design, and how he found his true passion in visual storytelling * How visual frameworks can simplify complex ideas and make them accessible * The significance of storytelling in business and the power of creating relatable concepts * Why leaders should embrace vulnerability and creativity to build meaningful connections with their audience * The future of visual storytelling in a world increasingly driven by digital and AI tools Noteworthy Quotes: * "Creativity is not reserved for a few people. It’s for everybody." – Phil Lashley * "You are not the hero; you're the guide." – Phil Lashley * "Visuals and stories are unrefutable. Even in the age of AI, they resonate more than anything else." – Phil Lashley * "The secret to impactful visuals is not about making it perfect, it’s about making it real." – Phil Lashley * "When leaders start guiding their audience with a clear map, trust and connection grow." – Phil Lashley * "We’re all creative. It’s just about how you approach the problem." – Phil Lashley Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Phil Lashley and his journey from Barbados to Hollywood 03:14 - How growing up in Barbados and a lack of toys sparked Phil’s creativity 05:25 - The shift from IT to design and Phil’s accidental discovery of his true path 08:17 - Phil’s Hollywood experience and the challenges of the fast-paced design world 16:08 - The pivot from Hollywood to visual storytelling for thought leaders 25:19 - The importance of visual frameworks in simplifying ideas and connecting with audiences 39:28 - How imperfection in visuals can create stronger emotional connections 44:37 - Advice for leaders on simplifying complex ideas for their audience 50:14 - Rapid Fire: The future of creative communication and visual storytelling in a digital age FOLLOW OUR GUEST, PHIL LASHLEY ON: * Phil Lashley Website: https://www.phillashley.com/ [https://www.phillashley.com/] * Phil Lashley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillashley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillashley/] FOLLOW OUR HOST, JENNA BAYUK ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] * Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/] * Email: info@kinshipkollective.com [info@kinshipkollective.com] FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: * Website [https://www.escocommunity.com]: https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/esco-institute/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/] * X: https://x.com/JBayuk [https://x.com/JBayuk] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast? [https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult [https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult [https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult]

The Psychology of Decision-Making for Founders to Avoid Misreading Signals with Mike MacCombie

In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] sits down with Mike MacCombie [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmaccombie/], Venture Partner at NextGen Venture Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgen-venture-partners/], Mentor at Techstars [https://www.linkedin.com/company/techstars/], and Community Builder at Sandbox [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandboxers/], to explore the intersection of behavioral psychology, investing, and human connection. Mike’s journey into venture was anything but traditional, starting as a middle school teacher before transitioning into behavioral consulting and eventually venture capital. This conversation dives into how his background shaped a unique investment philosophy rooted in understanding human behavior, decision-making, and the power of community. Together, they unpack what truly drives successful companies, why founders often misread signals, and how behavioral patterns influence everything from fundraising to team dynamics. The episode also explores the future of venture in an AI-driven world, the increasing importance of community, and why human connection remains a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: * How Mike MacCombie applies behavioral psychology to evaluate startups and investment opportunities * Why community building is a strategic advantage—not just networking—and how to do it right * The key traits of successful founders, including resilience, focus, and self-awareness * Common investor biases like hype and anchoring—and how they impact decision-making * Why understanding human behavior is critical in an AI-driven future and how it shapes company success Noteworthy Quotes: * “Community is about building context and connection—not just collecting contacts.” – Mike MacCombie * “If there’s not an ‘of course’ reason to say yes, there’s nothing there.” – Mike MacCombie * “People don’t fail because of ideas—they fail because of how they think, act, and respond.” – Mike MacCombie * “Trust actions, not words. Interest doesn’t mean commitment.” – Mike MacCombie * “Fear and anxiety come from inaction—action is what reduces it.” – Mike MacCombie * “The distance between who you are and who you present yourself to be is your level of unhappiness.” – Mike MacCombie * “The best companies are often the ones nobody else believes in—until they work.” – Mike MacCombie * “Technology should give us more space to be human, not replace it.” – Mike MacCombie Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Mike MacCombie and episode overview 01:11 - Mike’s nonlinear journey from teaching to venture capital 04:16 - The moment that sparked his transition into startups 06:58 - Building community as a foundation for opportunity 09:18 - Launching Generous Ventures and early lessons 11:23 - Applying behavioral psychology to investing decisions 14:57 - Team vs market: what matters most in investing 17:34 - Measuring grit, resilience, and founder mindset 23:00 - Investor biases and the difference between networking vs community 26:30 - How to find or build meaningful communities 30:40 - Why people make suboptimal decisions 33:47 - Understanding founder psychology and customer behavior 37:22 - Managing fear, stress, and uncertainty 40:45 - The future of venture and AI’s impact 43:41 - Human behavior in an increasingly tech-driven world 47:30 - Systems, thinking, and staying organized 48:32 - Curiosity, learning, and mental frameworks 51:09 - Rapid fire insights and closing thoughts FOLLOW OUR GUEST, MIKE MACCOMBIE ON: * Mike MacCombie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmaccombie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmaccombie/] * NextGen Venture Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgen-venture-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgen-venture-partners/] * Sandbox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandboxers/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandboxers/] * Techstars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techstars/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/techstars/] * Mike MacCombie X: https://x.com/MikeMacCombie [https://x.com/MikeMacCombie] * Newsletter & Deal Flow: Available via Mike’s X profile FOLLOW OUR HOST, JENNA BAYUK ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] * Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/] * Email: info@kinshipkollective.com [info@kinshipkollective.com] FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: * Website [https://www.escocommunity.com]: https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/esco-institute/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/] * X: https://x.com/JBayuk [https://x.com/JBayuk] * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast? [https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult [https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult [https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult]

She Rebuilt the Wealth Game by Ditching Rentals and Betting on Notes with Tiffany Alexander

In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] sits down with Tiffany Alexander [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thankfulinc/], Co-Founder & Partner at TaxLens AI [https://www.linkedin.com/company/taxlensai/], Chief Relationship Officer & Partner at The Pantheon [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pantheonfm/], Host of Unveiling Journeys with Tiffany Alexander, Fund Manager/Owner at Aspen Sage Investment Fund [https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-sage-investment-fund/], and Owner/Manager at Thankful Inc, to explore her journey of redefining wealth creation with impact. Tiffany shares how she’s built her career at the intersection of real estate, investment strategy, and community centered development. From her beginnings as a college dropout who wanted to be an astronaut to diving into real estate and helping people flip houses with no money down, Tiffany’s story reveals how overcoming fear, surrounding yourself with the right people, and believing in yourself can lead to unexpected success. She discusses the highs and lows of real estate investing, her journey into purpose driven wealth, and the power of creative financing. Additionally, Tiffany talks about her new ventures and the ways she is integrating AI into her work. Key Takeaways: * Tiffany’s journey from aspiring astronaut to successful real estate investor * The role of creative financing in real estate investing and the benefits of owning debt * Why surrounding yourself with the right people can unlock new opportunities * The importance of mindset and how persistence and belief can overcome challenges * How Tiffany is shifting towards AI-driven solutions in her new ventures Noteworthy Quotes: * “If I can do it, then I have no ability, which I thought in my head to do it that anybody could.” – Tiffany Alexander * “Just show up and get your hands dirty. That’s the difference between a good leader and a bad leader.” – Tiffany Alexander * “Done is better than perfect.” – Tiffany Alexander * “You have to advocate for yourself and show up for yourself.” – Tiffany Alexander * “There’s always room for creativity in real estate, and it’s what I love most about it.” – Tiffany Alexander Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Tiffany Alexander and her entrepreneurial journey 00:02:34 - Tiffany’s early influences and dreams of being an astronaut 00:07:28 - Overcoming self-doubt and the role of mindset in her success 00:11:50 - What are the lessons she learned in real estate 00:16:27 - The importance of having a solid board of advisors and mentors 00:20:11 - How was the experience as a female in the male dominant industry 00:29:55 - Tiffany’s insights into real estate markets and investment strategies 00:31:23 - How buying bad debt works and entering the note-buying space 00:37:22 - How her investment fund works 00:42:13 - Hidden risks investors overlook, especially insurance costs 00:48:27 - How Tiffany uses AI in her ventures and her vision for the future 00:56:44 - Advice for new real estate investors: Creative finance and networking 01:02:57 - Closing thoughts: Being “built for this” and the power of persistence FOLLOW OUR GUEST TIFFANY ALEXANDER ON: * Tiffany Alexander LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thankfulinc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thankfulinc/] * Tiffany Alexander Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffspacecadet/ [https://www.facebook.com/tiffspacecadet/] * Tiffany Alexander Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unveilingjourneys [https://www.youtube.com/@unveilingjourneys] * Tiffany Alexander Instagram: instagram.com/tiffsinvesting [http://instagram.com/tiffsinvesting] * Aspen Sage Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aspensage [https://www.youtube.com/@aspensage] * Website: https://aspensagefund.com/ [https://aspensagefund.com/] * TaxLens AI Website: https://go.taxlens.ai/ [https://go.taxlens.ai/] * TaxLens AI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taxlensai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/taxlensai/] * The Pantheon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pantheonfm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pantheonfm/] * Aspen Sage Investment Fund LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-sage-investment-fund/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-sage-investment-fund/] * Book a Consultation: https://aspensagefund.com/contact-us/ [https://aspensagefund.com/contact-us/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] * Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/] * Email: info@kinshipkollective.com [info@kinshipkollective.com] FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: * Website [https://www.escocommunity.com]: https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/esco-institute/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/] * X: https://x.com/JBayuk [https://x.com/JBayuk] * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast? [https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult [https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult [https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult]

The Inner Work That Saved Her Business and Transformed Her Life with Jennifer K. Hill

In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] sits down with Jennifer K. Hill [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhill], Chief Executive Officer of OptiMatch [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimatch/], Certified Independent Trainer at HeartMath [https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartmath-lnc/], and Founder of the Jen Hill Tribe/Love Club [https://www.jenhilltribe.com/] and keynote speaker to explore the deeper dynamics of leadership, human connection, and psychological safety in the workplace. Jennifer began her career in recruiting, working closely with people at key career turning points, which sparked her interest in human behavior, motivation, and connection. She later moved into executive coaching after building and selling her recruiting firm. The conversation explores her journey through entrepreneurship, meditation, and neuroscience, alongside insights on self-awareness, accountability, intuition, and building more connected, psychologically safe workplace cultures. Key Takeaways: * How Jennifer K. Hill’s journey from recruiting to executive coaching shaped her perspective on leadership and human behavior * Why psychological safety is the most important predictor of successful teams and workplace cultures * How leaders can improve connection and performance by understanding human motivation rather than personality labels * Why self-awareness and inner work are foundational to building trust, relationships, and strong organizations * How emerging technologies and AI may reshape the future of work while creating more space for creativity and human connection Noteworthy Quotes: * “Until you understand yourself, it’s incredibly difficult to truly connect with others.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “The only thing you’ll ever see is what you’re looking for.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “The higher brain cannot function until the lower brain feels safe.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “Psychological safety is the foundation that allows teams to actually perform at their best.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “We are all designed differently, and understanding those differences is the key to connection.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “The secret to happiness and connection starts with reconnecting to yourself.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “Curiosity is the antidote to broken culture.” – Jennifer K. Hill * “When leaders slow down and get curious, trust and connection start to grow.” – Jennifer K. Hill Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Jennifer Hill’s early career, failure, and diagnosis journey 00:02:15 - From recruiting to entrepreneurship and building a company 00:08:10 - Personal struggles, self-discovery, and leadership transformation 00:14:19 - Meditation, intuition, and developing self-awareness 00:17:02 - Serendipity, career pivots, and stepping into new opportunities 00:28:51 - Trusting intuition and decision-making frameworks 00:31:42 - Building OptiMatch and understanding human motivation 00:35:15 - Psychological safety and its impact on workplace culture 00:37:47 - The “golden triangle” of connection: self, others, purpose 00:39:34 - Neuroscience of stress and emotional regulation 00:49:21 - Practical tools: heart-focused breathing technique 00:58:01 - AI, the future of work, and leadership evolution 01:02:07 - Jennifer’s vision, book launch, and future impact FOLLOW OUR GUEST, JENNIFER K. HILL ON: * Jennifer K. Hill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhill [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhill] * Jennifer K. Hill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkhill [https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkhill] * OptiMatch: https://optimatch.io/ [https://optimatch.io/] * OptiMatch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimatch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimatch/] * HeartMath Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartmath-lnc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartmath-lnc/] * Jen Hill Tribe/Love Club Website: https://www.jenhilltribe.com/ [https://www.jenhilltribe.com/] * Jennifer K. Hill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhillspeaker/ [https://www.facebook.com/jenhillspeaker/] * Jennifer K. Hill X: https://x.com/JenHillSpeaker [https://x.com/JenHillSpeaker] * Jennifer K. Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferkhill [https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferkhill] * Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/regarding-consciousness/id1642479840 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/regarding-consciousness/id1642479840] FOLLOW OUR HOST, JENNA BAYUK ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] * Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/] * Email: info@kinshipkollective.com [info@kinshipkollective.com] FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: * Website [https://www.escocommunity.com]: https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/esco-institute/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/] * X: https://x.com/JBayuk [https://x.com/JBayuk] * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast? [https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult [https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult [https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult]

What’s Coming Next Will Make or Break the Next Generation of Leaders with John Frankel

In this episode of Built For This, host Jenna Bayuk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] sits down with John Frankel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrankel], Partner at ff Venture Capital [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ff-venture-capital/], to unpack the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it is reshaping startups, investing, and the global technology landscape. John Frankel is an investor with decades of experience supporting early-stage startups. He began his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and has backed companies across emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, drones, and enterprise software. The conversation explores the history of AI from early applications like optical character recognition to modern large language models and why today’s AI moment feels both overhyped and underhyped at the same time. John explains how startups are using AI to operate with leaner teams, how the venture ecosystem is adapting to rapid technological change, and why founders who deeply understand AI tools are gaining massive competitive advantages. Key Takeaways: * How artificial intelligence evolved from early applications like OCR to today’s large language models * Why AI is both overhyped and underhyped at the same time * How startups are using AI to grow faster with smaller, more efficient teams * What venture investors look for when evaluating AI-driven startups and founders * How technologies like robotics, drones, and autonomous systems could reshape daily life and industries Noteworthy Quotes: * “Technology is always a form of creative destruction, the more creative it is, the more disruptive it becomes.” – John Frankel * “However bad AI is today is the worst it will ever be.” – John Frankel * “Humans tend to think linearly, but technology improves exponentially.” – John Frankel * “Great CEOs are often delusionally optimistic, they believe they can change the behavior of millions of people.” – John Frankel * “The companies that understand AI deeply today can run circles around those who don’t.” – John Frankel * “AI allows startups to grow faster without growing headcount at the same pace.” – John Frankel * “It’s very possible to replace human work with AI and spend more on electricity than the human salary.” – John Frankel * “If technology makes something 10x cheaper or 10x better, people will change their behavior.” – John Frankel Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to John Frankel and ff Venture Capital 02:13 – Early Tech Adoption and the Journey into Venture Capital 09:08 – The History of Artificial Intelligence 14:35 – AI in Everyday Life and Invisible Intelligence 20:13 – AI’s Impact on Startups and Productivity 26:50 – Regulation, Global Competition, and AI Governance 49:18 – The Future of Venture and AI-Driven Innovation 51:49 – Rapid Fire: AI Myths, Founder Traits, and Future Technologies FOLLOW OUR GUEST JOHN FRANKEL ON: * John Frankel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrankel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrankel] * ff Venture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ff-venture-capital/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ff-venture-capital/] * ff Venture X: https://x.com/ffvc [https://x.com/ffvc] * Website: https://ffvc.com/ [https://ffvc.com/] FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/] * Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/] * Email: info@kinshipkollective.com [info@kinshipkollective.com] FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: * Website [https://www.escocommunity.com]: https://kinshipkollective.com/ [https://kinshipkollective.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/esco-institute/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/] * X: https://x.com/JBayuk [https://x.com/JBayuk] * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast? [https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult [https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult [https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult]