July 7, 2026 – Media Ad Wholesalers Skip Wilson and Leader With A Heart Lorenzo Payman

July 7, 2026 – Media Ad Wholesalers Skip Wilson and Leader With A Heart Lorenzo Payman

Skip Wilson – CEO of DRAFT Media Partners [https://www.draftadvertising.com/] The biggest game changer was just listening to the market. Skip Wilson is the founder and CEO of DRAFT Media Partners, an advertising infrastructure company that helps agencies and brands execute scalable paid media strategies with greater speed, efficiency, and measurable results. With a career that spans digital media, advertising technology, and entrepreneurship, Skip has become a respected voice in modern marketing and media operations. His journey in advertising began at the age of 16 when he started writing copy to impress a girl who would later become his wife. That early passion for storytelling led him into web design, entrepreneurship, and digital media while still in college. He later joined CNN’s iReport team, where he helped develop emerging digital platforms before moving to Clear Channel, where he played a key role in building the company’s digital division. During his more than a decade with iHeartMedia, Skip served as Vice President of Digital Media, helping launch and grow what would become iHeartRadio and the iHeart Podcast Network. His experience in building large-scale media platforms and managing digital growth ultimately inspired him to launch DRAFT Media Partners, which now supports agencies and brands across multiple locations with advertising technology, media execution, and operational systems. In addition to his work as an entrepreneur, Skip is a bestselling author, investor, and host of The Advertising Podcast, where he shares practical insights on marketing, business growth, and the future of media. His company has received national recognition for innovation in marketing technology, earning honors for its software development and advertising solutions. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Skip continues to help marketers, agencies, and business leaders build scalable systems that create meaningful results, combining decades of digital media experience with a passion for innovation, storytelling, and entrepreneurial growth.   Lorenzo Payman – Founder & Host Of Leader With A Heart Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@leaderswithaheart1/videos], Keynote TEDX Speaker and Author of Leaders With A Heart (Volumes 1&2) Business is not the numbers game. Sure, numbers matter, but ultimately it’s a relationship nurturing process. We do business with people who we like, respect and trust. Lorenzo Payman is a TEDx speaker, four-time #1 international bestselling author, podcast host, and entrepreneur who helps business owners become the obvious authority in their industries. As the founder of the Profitable Podcast and YouTube Academy and the creator of the Undeniability Authority Method™, he teaches entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, and experts how to use strategic conversations, positioning, and relationship building to attract high-value clients without relying on large audiences or viral content. After rebuilding his life from rock bottom, Payman transformed his experiences into a mission to help others create meaningful impact and sustainable business growth. He is the host of the Leaders With A Heart podcast, where he has conducted more than 420 interviews with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers from around the world. Payman is also the author of the Leaders With A Heart book series and a sought-after speaker who shares practical insights on authority building, influence, podcasting, and entrepreneurship. His approach emphasizes the power of authentic relationships, meaningful conversations, and getting into the right rooms to create opportunities that lead to long-term success. Through his coaching, speaking, and media platforms, Payman continues to help entrepreneurs position themselves as trusted experts, build stronger businesses, and create a lasting impact through leadership and service.

July 6, 2026 – Third Federal Bank IPO CEO Marc Stefanski and 6 Exits Mike Grossman

Marc Stefanski [https://www.thirdfederal.com/our-advantage/messages-from-marc]  – CEO & President of Third Federal and Author of People First: The Third Federal Way [http://amazon.com/Third-Federal-Way-Strong-Businesses/dp/B0BGN8Y12W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=D5D8WWR9VR07&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sVc_5ZZKhF75FrakeyzDCreX0RveRFls14mAp] They’re are going to copy what you do more than what you say Marc A. Stefanski is the Chairman, President, and CEO of Third Federal Savings and Loan, one of the nation’s leading mortgage lenders and savings institutions. Since becoming CEO in 1987, he has guided the family-founded company through decades of growth while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service, employee engagement, and long-term financial stability. Founded by his parents, Ben and Gerome Stefanski, in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood in 1938, Third Federal has grown under Marc’s leadership into one of Ohio’s leading home mortgage lenders while expanding its presence in Florida and other markets. He has overseen the company’s modernization, including the adoption of online mortgage lending, which has become one of the company’s largest sources of loan applications. Marc is widely recognized for building a corporate culture centered on people first. His leadership philosophy emphasizes genuine care, trust, respect, excellence, and creating a workplace where associates and customers are valued equally. These principles have helped Third Federal earn a reputation for integrity, outstanding service, and strong employee loyalty. He is the author of People First: The Third Federal Way, which shares the leadership principles and values that have guided the company’s success for more than three decades. Through his work, Marc continues to demonstrate that organizations can achieve exceptional financial performance while placing people, culture, and service at the center of their business strategy Mike Grossman [https://www.failureisanoption.com/about] – Former CEO of Inflection [https://www.inflection.com/] and Author of Failure Is An Option: Reflections of a Silicon Valley CEO [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1646872460] I think it’s actually a mistake to assume that if you work really hard and you do a really good job, the outcome is going to be good. It’s much less predictable than that in real life. Mike Grossman is a veteran Silicon Valley executive, entrepreneur, and author who has spent more than three decades leading venture backed technology companies through the challenges of startup growth, fundraising, leadership, and acquisition. Over the course of his career, he has served as CEO of six early stage technology companies, all of which were ultimately acquired, giving him a rare perspective on both the opportunities and realities of entrepreneurial leadership. Throughout his career, Mike has guided companies through periods of rapid growth, strategic change, and market uncertainty while navigating the difficult decisions that accompany startup leadership. His experience has taught him that success in entrepreneurship often depends not only on strategy and execution, but also on timing, resilience, and the ability to manage the emotional and ethical complexities that come with leading a company. Mike is the author of Failure Is An Option: Reflections of a Silicon Valley CEO, a unique collection of forty four candid and insightful stories drawn from his experiences as a startup CEO. Rather than offering a traditional business memoir or a step by step guide to success, the book provides an honest look at what it truly feels like to run an entrepreneurial company, exploring the loneliness of leadership, the pressure of difficult decisions, and the delicate balance between mission, money, and meaning. Today, Mike shares the lessons learned from decades in Silicon Valley, offering entrepreneurs and business leaders a realistic perspective on startup life and reminding founders that uncertainty, setbacks, and even failure are often essential parts of the entrepreneurial journey.

July 3, 2026 – America Rocks

America Rocks!! I believe that you are born with a basket of gifts… and the best way to use those is to be an entrepreneur. This special show highlights 50 reasons why America is still the greatest entrepreneurial country on Earth!

July 2, 2026 – Bridal Dresses CEO Kelly Faetanini and Tyranny of False Choices Rey Ramsey

Kelly Faetanini – Founder/Creative Director at Kelly Faetanini LLC [https://www.kellyfaetanini.com/] At the end of the day, we all need money, we all want to be successful, but I try to do everything in my business in a way that feels inspiring and aligned to something that is fulfilling, so that way I get the best of both worlds, a fulfilling job that also brings in money. Kelly Faetanini is the founder and creative director of Kelly Faetanini LLC, an internationally recognized bridal fashion brand known for designing elegant, customizable wedding gowns for modern brides. Her passion for bridal design began at the age of 18, when she discovered the wedding industry and realized that creating gowns that help women feel beautiful and confident was her true calling. At just 19 years old, Kelly designed and sold her first wedding gown, an experience that inspired her lifelong commitment to bridal fashion. After working as an assistant designer for the renowned Priscilla of Boston bridal brand, she quickly established herself as one of the industry’s rising talents. By the age of 23, she became the youngest wedding gown designer to showcase a collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week. In 2012, Kelly launched her own label with a vision that extended beyond simply designing dresses. She built her company around creating a personalized experience for every bride, emphasizing honesty, trust, and exceptional service. Her collections feature a wide range of styles, from romantic and classic to dramatic and contemporary, with customizable options that allow brides to create gowns that reflect their own personalities and vision. Today, Kelly Faetanini gowns are sold through bridal boutiques around the world and are known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and modern elegance. Through her work, Kelly continues to inspire brides by combining timeless design with a deeply personal approach to the wedding experience.   Rey Ramsey [https://reyramsey.com/] – President & CEO of Nathan Cummings Foundation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nathan-cummings-foundation/] and Author of The Tyranny of False Choices: A Guide to Authentic Decision-Making [https://www.amazon.com/Tyranny-False-Choices-Authentic-Decision-Making/dp/B0FXFL5B16] Do you want narrow thinking or wide scale thinking? Every time I’m going to choose wide scale thinking, expand your aperture of thoughts and ideas, expand your sight lines rather than narrow them. Rey Ramsey is a transformational leader, social entrepreneur, and author with more than three decades of executive experience spanning the private sector, government, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy. He currently serves as President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, where he leads initiatives focused on social justice, economic opportunity, and systemic change. Throughout his career, Rey has built and led organizations dedicated to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise Community Partners, one of the nation’s leading affordable housing organizations, and as Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services. As founder and CEO of One Economy Corporation, he pioneered digital inclusion initiatives that connected hundreds of thousands of low income individuals and families to technology, education, and economic opportunities. He has also served as President and CEO of TechNet and as Chairman of Habitat for Humanity International. Rey’s leadership philosophy centers on challenging the false choices that often limit decision making in business and public life. He believes leaders do not have to choose between profit and purpose, growth and dignity, or conviction and collaboration. Instead, he encourages organizations and individuals to move beyond either or thinking and embrace more creative, principled, and effective solutions. He is the author of The Tyranny of False Choices: A Guide to Authentic Decision Making, which explores how leaders can break free from limiting assumptions, navigate complexity, and make decisions with greater clarity, courage, and purpose. Through his writing, speaking, and advisory work, Rey helps leaders expand their thinking, strengthen their organizations, and create meaningful impact while remaining grounded in human dignity and potential.

July 1, 2026 - Pull Marketing Rob Synder, True Crime Author & Podhost Daphne Woolsoncroft and Off-price Apparel Kenchen Bharwani

Rob Snyder [https://robsnyder.org/] – Operating Partner at Grix VC [https://www.grix.vc/] and Author of The Power of Pull: What You Need to Know About Customer Demand to Build a Successful Startup (and Why Most Founders Get It Wrong) [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541705955?tag=hacboogrosit-20] The reason someone’s going to come back to your app exists not in your app, it exists in their world. Rob Snyder is an entrepreneur, startup advisor, investor, and Operating Partner at Grix VC who specializes in helping founders achieve product market fit and build customer demand. A graduate of Harvard Business School and former consultant with McKinsey & Company, Rob has spent his career studying what makes startups succeed and why so many fail to gain traction. As a founder, advisor, and entrepreneur in residence, Rob has helped more than 30 B2B startups grow from zero to more than $1 million in annual recurring revenue, including companies that have scaled from zero to $25 million in just two years. His work focuses on what he calls the “physics of startups,” particularly the role that customer demand plays in determining long-term success. Rob is the author of The Power of Pull: What You Need to Know About Customer Demand to Build a Successful Startup (and Why Most Founders Get It Wrong), which challenges conventional startup advice and provides founders with practical frameworks for building products that customers truly want. He also writes the popular How to Grow newsletter and advises early-stage companies on sales, product market fit, and growth strategy. In addition to his advisory work, Rob is a fellow at Harvard Innovation Labs, a venture partner with early-stage investment firms, and the founder of technology startup Restack. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and daughter. Daphne Woolsoncroft – Co-host of Going West Podcast [http://www.goingwestpod.com/] and Author of The Season of Sinking [https://www.amazon.com/Season-Sinking-Daphne-Woolsoncroft-ebook/dp/B0FZ9HKXH7?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7d2XoYru-0LyOTL-ZWYER78cEF34AvNrYmJFzCq38JQ.e-GczM2EsSL2lXilwz0bFPs3xtldilxuUDBnVrgcz7g&dib_tag=AUTHOR] We’re all so multifaceted, and we have so many different things to show that we should just kind of embrace that. Daphne Woolsoncroft is the co-host, producer, and writer of the hit true crime podcast Going West, one of the most popular independent true crime shows in the country. Alongside her co-host, she has built a devoted audience by exploring compelling criminal cases with thoughtful storytelling, detailed research, and a focus on the human side of each case. A Los Angeles native, Daphne previously lived in Oregon, where the atmospheric landscapes of Portland and the Pacific Northwest helped inspire her creative work. Her passion for suspense, mystery, and psychological storytelling led to her debut thriller novel, Night Watcher, which combines her fascination with crime and her talent for creating tension-filled narratives. Through both podcasting and fiction writing, Daphne has developed a reputation for engaging audiences with carefully crafted stories that blend investigation, emotion, and suspense. When she is not researching cases or writing, she enjoys spending time at the movie theater, reading, and relaxing at home with her English bulldog, Dewey. Kenchen Bharwan [https://kenchenbharwani.com/]i – Fashion Consultant at Empire Apparel If we do not buy it from the manufacturers, if people like us don’t buy it, it will go to the landfills… We essentially give those garments a second life. Kenchen Bharwani is a fashion consultant with Empire Apparel LLC and a recognized expert in the global off-price apparel industry. With more than 18 years of experience in fashion buying, consumer behavior, global sourcing, brand development, textile design, and import-export operations, she has built a reputation for identifying market opportunities and transforming excess inventory into profitable retail success stories. Kenchen’s journey began by helping her mother grow a business in the off-price fashion sector. What started as a family effort quickly evolved into a career fueled by a deep understanding of consumer buying psychology, fashion trends, and product positioning. Over the years, her ability to recognize hidden value in overlooked inventory and predict emerging market demand has made her a trusted advisor to brands, suppliers, and retailers around the world. At Empire Apparel, Kenchen specializes in sourcing and managing off-price apparel stocklots, including canceled shipments, export overruns, and excess inventory from manufacturers across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She plays an active role in purchasing decisions and works closely with global suppliers to connect quality products with retailers and consumers throughout the United States and international markets. A passionate advocate for sustainability, Kenchen has helped divert more than seven million garments from landfills by finding innovative ways to redistribute excess inventory through off-price and export channels. Her work demonstrates how smart sourcing, creative merchandising, and responsible business practices can create value for companies while reducing waste across the fashion industry. Today, Kenchen shares her insights on fashion trends, sourcing strategies, consumer behavior, sustainability, and the business of off-price retail, helping brands and entrepreneurs better understand one of the most dynamic sectors in global fashion.