Business & BullSh** Part 2: Branding, Marijuana & Boutique Cigars

Business & Bullsh** Part 6: AI Is Moving Faster Than the Rules with Ashok Mittal

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur, host Juming Delmas sits down with Ashok Mittal, CEO and Founder of Fintech Global Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, and the future of business. Ashok brings a rare long-view perspective to the AI conversation. Originally from India, he moved to the United States 40 years ago and earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence in 1986 — long before today’s generative AI boom. Before building a career in global finance and trading systems, he also worked with the Indian Space Research Organization, India’s equivalent to NASA. Together, Juming and Ashok explore how AI has evolved from early neural networks, natural language processing, and limited computing power into today’s fast-moving world of generative AI. Ashok explains why the ideas behind AI are not new, but the compute power, scale, accessibility, and speed of modern systems have changed everything. The conversation also gets into the larger question entrepreneurs and business leaders are asking: is AI a tool, a threat, or both? Ashok compares artificial intelligence to nuclear technology, arguing that it is not inherently good or bad. Its impact depends on who controls it, how it is used, and whether it is applied to solve problems or create harm. Cybersecurity becomes a major part of the discussion as Juming and Ashok examine the risks of advanced AI systems being used for hacking, automated attacks, and digital disruption. They also discuss why regulating AI is so difficult. Unlike nuclear technology, AI can be developed almost anywhere by anyone with enough computing power, making global oversight far more complicated. The episode also looks ahead to the future. Juming brings up predictions that AI could surpass combined human intelligence within the next decade, while Ashok offers a more measured and optimistic view. He explains that human intelligence is constantly being redefined and that society will likely develop new checks, balances, and systems as the technology advances. Along the way, Ashok shares a nostalgic look at the early days of computing, from IBM PCs with 512K memory and floppy drives to bulletin board systems, modems, and the pre-internet era of file sharing. This episode is for entrepreneurs, tech leaders, fintech professionals, business owners, and anyone trying to understand how artificial intelligence may reshape business, finance, cybersecurity, and society. Listen to The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur on all major podcast platforms.  #UnTraditionalEntrepreneur #BusinessAndBullshit #ArtificialIntelligence #GenerativeAI #AIinBusiness #Fintech #Cybersecurity #Entrepreneurship #AIRegulation #FutureOfAI #TechPodcast #BusinessPodcast  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/support] Support us by Joining Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/imjustheretolistenpod]. Also, Stay Connected on Socials: The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utepodcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@ijhtlpodcast] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untraditionalentrepreneur [https://www.instagram.com/imjustheretolistenpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuntraditionalentrepreneur [https://youtu.be/ORiK65EDYPM?si=vm8CGFT3CsIiA2Un] Produced by Juming Delmas Studios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/ [ https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios [https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/ [https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300 [https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300]

Business & BullSh** Part 5: Hope Is Not a Business Strategy with Benoy Tam

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur, host Juming Delmas sits down with business mentor and coach Benoy Tam for a direct conversation about entrepreneurship, cash management, sales, work-life balance, and why “hope” can become one of the most dangerous traps in business. Benoy shares insight from his experience starting seven businesses and explains why entrepreneurs need more than motivation, optimism, or a good idea. One of the biggest themes of the episode is that hope can slow a founder down when it keeps them from looking at problems with clinical accuracy. In business, the numbers, systems, cash flow, sales process, and customer value have to be faced honestly. The conversation also explores Benoy’s “four burners” theory: family, work, health, and social life. While different seasons of life may require one area to receive more attention than another, Benoy argues that no burner should ever be completely turned off. Juming and Benoy discuss why entrepreneurs often sacrifice too much in the name of growth and how maintaining boundaries can actually protect the quality of your business, product, and service. Cash management becomes another major focus of the episode. Benoy explains why poor cash management is one of the most common reasons businesses fail and why founders have to understand the movement of money inside their company. As he puts it, cash is king for a reason. Without cash, even a great idea or strong product can run out of room to grow. The episode also gets into sales as a survival skill. Benoy makes the point that if a founder cannot sell their product, explain its value, or communicate why someone should buy, they may not be ready to start or scale a business. Sales are not optional — they are the engine that creates the cash needed to keep a company alive. Juming and Benoy also break down the difference between a consultant, mentor, and coach. A consultant is brought in to solve a specific problem. A mentor gives advice based on personal experience. A coach helps you think through decisions, evaluate options, and become a stronger leader for yourself. This episode is for entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, and leaders who need a clear reminder that growth requires honesty, structure, boundaries, sales, and disciplined cash management — not just hope. Connect with Benoy Tam at techceocoach.com, where you can also download his free digital book on business effectiveness. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/support] Support us by Joining Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/imjustheretolistenpod]. Also, Stay Connected on Socials: The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utepodcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@ijhtlpodcast] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untraditionalentrepreneur [https://www.instagram.com/imjustheretolistenpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuntraditionalentrepreneur [https://youtu.be/ORiK65EDYPM?si=vm8CGFT3CsIiA2Un] Produced by Juming Delmas Studios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/ [ https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios [https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/ [https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300 [https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300]

CEO Confessions: What It Really Means to Be a Hard Ass

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur, host Juming Delmas takes on a leadership label that is often treated like an insult: being a “hard ass.” Juming argues that demanding people are not always cruel, unreasonable, or impossible to work with. In many high-performance environments, the person who refuses to lower the standard may be the same person pushing a team, athlete, employee, or entrepreneur toward a level they would not have reached on their own. The conversation explores what a healthy hard ass actually looks like. According to Juming, strong leaders hold the line when excuses, discomfort, and temporary emotions threaten the bigger goal. They care enough to correct people, expect follow-through, and remain willing to be disliked in the moment when the long-term result is growth. But the episode also draws a necessary line between demanding leadership and toxic behavior. A healthy hard ass pushes people because they believe in their potential and care about the outcome. A toxic hard ass uses pressure to control, embarrass, dominate, or break people down. Juming makes it clear that being demanding does not require constant yelling, public humiliation, disrespect, or emotional coldness. Using Kobe Bryant and the “Mamba Mentality” as a central example, Juming examines how elite standards can sharpen the people around a high performer. Bryant’s intensity forced teammates to confront whether they were truly committed to the goal or simply attracted to the idea of success. His approach was not comfortable, but comfort was never the standard. The episode also looks at what people can gain from learning to function under demanding leadership. Those who can receive correction without collapsing often develop thicker skin, greater discipline, better emotional control, and the ability to perform when pressure is high. In that sense, hard leaders naturally separate people who are serious about growth from those who only want encouragement without accountability. For leaders, the final lesson is not to become softer or abandon high standards. It is to sharpen the way those standards are communicated. Strong leadership should challenge people without degrading them, build resilience without destroying confidence, and create better performers rather than frightened followers. This episode is for entrepreneurs, coaches, managers, athletes, and anyone trying to understand the difference between accountability and control. It asks a hard but important question: are demanding people holding you back, or are they refusing to let you remain below your potential? Listen to The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur on all major podcast platforms or visit utodcast.com. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/support] Support us by Joining Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/imjustheretolistenpod]. Also, Stay Connected on Socials: The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utepodcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@ijhtlpodcast] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untraditionalentrepreneur [https://www.instagram.com/imjustheretolistenpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuntraditionalentrepreneur [https://youtu.be/ORiK65EDYPM?si=vm8CGFT3CsIiA2Un] Produced by Juming Delmas Studios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/ [ https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios [https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/ [https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300 [https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300]

Business & BullSh** Part 4: Phone Sex, Polyamory & the Business of Being Untraditional

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur, host Juming Delmas sits down with Cidney Green, an author, phone sex operator, trainer, and adult-industry entrepreneur, for a candid conversation about making money in unconventional spaces, building a business from lived experience, and challenging the social rules many people take for granted. Cidney shares how she entered the world of professional phone sex at 21 and eventually turned her experience into a training and certification business for others interested in the industry. She discusses the business side of phone-based adult entertainment, including income potential, customer psychology, performance, character work, and why she sees the industry as more resilient than many traditional career paths. The conversation also explores the performance aspect of the work, including Cidney’s use of a “secret voice” and character-based interactions with clients. Juming and Cidney discuss how fantasy, confidence, communication, and emotional intelligence all play a role in what outsiders may misunderstand as a simple or one-dimensional business. From there, the episode moves into a deeper philosophical conversation about monogamy, polyamory, religion, emotional regulation, and human nature. Cidney challenges the idea that monogamy is the natural default for everyone, arguing that many relationship structures are shaped by history, culture, and social expectations. She also explains her view of polyamory, “organic monogamy,” and why nontraditional relationships require a high level of honesty, vulnerability, and communication. Juming and Cidney also debate whether people can control their feelings. While they acknowledge that emotional reactions can be automatic, Cidney makes the case that people can do the inner work needed to understand triggers, regulate themselves, and change long-term emotional patterns. This episode is a bold, unconventional conversation about adult-industry entrepreneurship, personal freedom, relationship structures, trauma, communication, and what it really means to build a business outside the lines. Listener discretion advised: this episode includes mature themes and adult-industry discussion. Connect with Cidney Green on Instagram at @CidneyGreen or visit allthreeandme.com. Watch or listen to The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Visit utpodcast.com for more. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/support] Support us by Joining Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/imjustheretolistenpod]. Also, Stay Connected on Socials: The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utepodcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@ijhtlpodcast] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untraditionalentrepreneur [https://www.instagram.com/imjustheretolistenpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuntraditionalentrepreneur [https://youtu.be/ORiK65EDYPM?si=vm8CGFT3CsIiA2Un] Produced by Juming Delmas Studios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/ [ https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios [https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/ [https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300 [https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300]

Business & BullSh** Part 3: The Mud and Ugly Side of Pitching Investors with Leah Williams

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Podcast, host Juming Delmas sits down with Leah Williams, a pitch deck strategist and designer, for a real conversation about what it actually takes to pitch investors. This episode strips away the glamor around venture capital and angel investing and gets into the harder truth: investors are not funding dreams, ideas, or excitement alone. They want proof. Leah breaks down why founders need traction, paying customers, a working beta, and a clear understanding of their business before approaching serious capital. Juming and Leah also explore the different types of pitch decks entrepreneurs need to understand, including teaser decks, reading decks, and presentation decks. Leah explains how each one serves a different purpose, from getting the first meeting to supporting a deeper investor review to guiding a live pitch. For founders who think one generic deck is enough, this episode delivers a much-needed wake-up call. The conversation also gets practical about the cost of creating a professional pitch deck. Leah explains why founders should expect to invest real money into the process, with professional decks ranging from around $1,500 to $12,500 depending on the startup’s stage, complexity, and funding goals. The episode also touches on the importance of speaking the language investors expect, including financial structure, market opportunity, growth potential, and the kind of clarity venture capitalists are trained to look for. Another major theme is timing. Leah and Juming discuss why early-stage founders should not rush into investor conversations before they are ready. Instead, they talk about when to bootstrap, when to rely on friends and family, and how accelerators, incubators, and local support programs can help founders prepare for larger funding opportunities. This episode is a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to raise capital the right way. Whether you are building your first startup, preparing for a seed round, or trying to understand what investors actually want to see, this conversation gives founders a clearer picture of the mud, pressure, preparation, and discipline behind pitching for funding. Connect with Leah Williams at leahcatherine.com. Listen to The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Podcast at utepodcast.com. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359339/support] Support us by Joining Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/imjustheretolistenpod]. Also, Stay Connected on Socials: The Un-Traditional Entrepreneur Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/ImJustHereToListenPod/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@utepodcast?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@ijhtlpodcast] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untraditionalentrepreneur [https://www.instagram.com/imjustheretolistenpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuntraditionalentrepreneur [https://youtu.be/ORiK65EDYPM?si=vm8CGFT3CsIiA2Un] Produced by Juming Delmas Studios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/ [ https://www.facebook.com/jumingdelmasstudios/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios [https://www.tiktok.com/@jdelmasstudios] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/ [https://www.instagram.com/jdelmasstudios/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300 [https://www.youtube.com/@jumingdelmasstudios3300]