[Vistage Series] Why Your Current Business Structure Is Stuck in 1954 | Derrick Mains

[Creator Series] From Dumaguete to Global Storytelling | Benzi Florendo

What happens when a kid who loves drawing grows up to tell stories seen by millions around the world? In this episode of Unfinished Business, Eric Mulvin sits down with visual artist, photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller Benzi Florendo to explore his remarkable journey from growing up in Dumaguete to creating content featured by the BBC, LA Times, ABS-CBN, GMA, and major international brands. Benzi shares how a love for art started at age five, why Dumaguete became a breeding ground for creativity, and how a simple downhill race video unexpectedly launched opportunities beyond his hometown. He also reveals his philosophy of storytelling, why emotion matters more than equipment, and how documenting authentic human experiences has shaped his career. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, artist, or someone pursuing an unconventional path, this conversation offers valuable lessons about curiosity, persistence, and the power of telling meaningful stories. SHOW NOTES 00:00 Welcome to Unfinished Business Eric introduces the show and today's guest, visual artist, photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller Benzi Florendo. 02:15 Growing Up Between Manila and Dumaguete Benzi shares his family's move from Manila to Dumaguete and how the city shaped his upbringing. 05:10 Why Dumaguete Captures People's Hearts The unique culture, lifestyle, and charm that make Dumaguete one of the world's top retirement destinations. 08:20 The City's Artistic Influence How Dumaguete became known for artists, writers, and creative thinkers. 11:15 Discovering Art at an Early Age Benzi's first experiences with drawing, poster-making contests, and creative expression. 14:00 Choosing Fine Arts Instead of a Traditional Career Why he pursued creativity when many peers followed more conventional professions. 17:20 Falling in Love with Photography How experimenting with his father's camera sparked a lifelong passion. 20:05 Becoming a Multi-Disciplinary Creative Why Benzi embraced photography, filmmaking, murals, graphic design, and digital art. 23:10 Learning by Saying "Yes" How taking opportunities before feeling ready accelerated his growth. 26:00 The Downhill Race Video That Changed Everything The story behind the viral project that opened doors and expanded his career. 31:15 Why Storytelling Matters More Than Technology Benzi explains his approach to creating emotional impact through visual content. 35:40 Capturing Authentic Moments The difference between taking photos and telling stories. 39:10 Creating Content People Can Feel How emotion drives memorable photography and filmmaking. 43:30 Building a Creative Career Through Curiosity The mindset that helped Benzi continuously learn new skills and adapt. 47:00 Lessons from Working with Brands and Public Figures Insights from collaborating with major companies and influential personalities. 51:15 Creativity, Community, and the Future Benzi reflects on where he's headed next and what continues to inspire him. Follow Paul Benzi Florendo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulbenzi/ [https://www.instagram.com/paulbenzi/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.b.florendo [https://www.facebook.com/paul.b.florendo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-benzi-florendo-b4581923b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-benzi-florendo-b4581923b/] Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Making an Impact Series] Tragedy Hits Close to Home | Eric Mulvin

When disaster strikes the communities that power your business, how do you step up as a leader?  In this special solo episode of the Unfinished Business Podcast, host Eric Mulvin shares an urgent update from Dumaguete, Philippines. Following a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the neighboring island of Mindanao on Monday, Eric pulls back the curtain on the reality of the situation on the ground. While the Pac Biz team is safe, countless local communities have been impacted by collapsed buildings, loss of life, and destroyed infrastructure. True to the company's core value of compassion, Eric discusses how business leaders and the global community can step up to support relief and recovery efforts. Tune in to find out how you can stay informed and help the people of the Philippines when they need it most. Show Notes * [01:01] An Unexpected Update from Asia: Eric discusses his recent travels and arriving in Dumaguete right as disaster struck nearby. * [01:46] The Impact of the 7.8 Earthquake: A sobering look at the damage in Mindanao, including collapsed infrastructure and the tragic loss of lives. * [02:45] Standing on Core Values: Why "compassion" drives Pac Biz to launch a fundraising effort involving clients, vendors, and staff. * [03:44] How You Can Help: How to track official, direct-to-people donation pathways through Eric’s social channels. Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Vistage Series] Why Your Current Business Structure Is Stuck in 1954 | Derrick Mains

Are you running a 2026 business on a 1954 playbook? In this episode of Unfinished Business, host Eric Mulvin sits down with operational mastermind Derrick Mains to tear down everything you think you know about corporate management. Derrick challenges the standard structure of corporate departments, explains why traditional LLMs are already becoming tech tools of the past, and introduces the concept of agentic AI workflows. They also dive deep into the psychological reality of business exits, exploring why so many founders face severe depression after selling their companies. If you are looking to build a highly optimized, resilient, and human-centric organization that leverages next-level tech, this conversation is your blueprint.  Episode Highlights 10:20  The Problem with Corporate Departments 14:30  The Paradigm Shift in Leadership 19:07  The Move from 1954 Management Models 19:44  The Next Wave of AI Infrastructure 20:48  The Wave of Agency Burnout 24:15  From Text Prompts to Agentic Workflows  29:40  Operational Optimization over Micro Management  34:17  The Reality of the Founder Exit 38:50  The Post Exit Depression Reality  42:00  Cultivating Radical Communication 47:15  Breaking Down Communication Silos  51:10  Engineering Environments for Success  54:30  The One Year at Sea Challenge 55:40  The Illusion of Perfect Placement 57:00  The Trap of Continuous Resource Gathering Follow Derrick Mains LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickmains/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickmains/] Website: www.theprocessfixer.com [https://www.theprocessfixer.com/]  Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Family-Owned & Locally Grown Series] How to Audit Your Best Ideas and Find Your Next Goldmine | Eric Mulvin

Are you sitting on a potential goldmine in your business simply because you lack the time and team to dig into it? In this special episode of Unfinished Business, host Eric Mulvin broadcasts straight from Manila, Philippines. Recording against the backdrop of bustling city traffic, Eric shares a candid look at what it takes to manage a global business, Pac Biz Outsourcing, while balancing family life and big entrepreneurial ambitions. Eric opens up about the logistical challenges of running a company with teams and clients spread across the US, Canada, and the UK, explaining why timing and dedicated resources are critical to unlocking hidden revenue streams. He discusses the reality of navigating major global disruptions, like losing significant UK business overnight during the 2020 lockdowns, and how those moments emphasize why timing is everything in business. Whether you are trying to scale an established company or struggling to get your side hustle off the couch, this episode is a call to action. Eric shares practical strategies for auditing your ideas using AI matrices or voice notes, aligning your team around shared core values, and creating your own luck by saying yes to new possibilities. Tune in to find out how to evaluate your progress halfway through 2026 and set yourself up to achieve your 10-year moonshot goals. Episode Highlights * [01:54.8] The Reality of Global Management: How Eric coordinates bi-annual trips to the Philippines around his daughters' school schedules to stay connected with his remote team. * [06:33.2] Identifying Your Hidden Potential: Recognizing the underserved segments and often-ignored niches in your business that possess massive lifetime value. * [09:05.1] Overcoming Resource Scarcity: Navigating the reality that no entrepreneur has infinite cash or time, and how to effectively prioritize your focus to make an idea work. * [10:19.4] Leveraging Core Values for Scale: Why building a team around family, respect, teamwork, compassion, and personal growth allows for faster execution and long-term retention. * [15:48.7] Brain Dumping with Technology: Using voice recorders and AI matrices to organize your thoughts, weigh pros and cons, and map out your goals for the next six months. Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Family-Owned & Locally Grown Series] The Secret to Building a Business That Runs While You Travel | Kim Coates & Isaac Navias

What if the secret to scaling your business visibility was actually spending less time behind your computer screen? In this episode of Unfinished Business, host Eric Mulvin sits down with Kim Coates and Isaac Navias, the founders of LocalFi SEO and creators of the Full Time to Travel Time podcast. They dive deep into the reality of building a thriving brand while traveling the world, exploring all 63 national parks, and adapting to the massive shifts brought on by AI. Kim and Isaac share candid, funny, and pivotal moments from their entrepreneurial journey, including a networking disaster that forced them to restructure their company and an accidental winery tour in Italy that sparked an entire brand. Tune in to learn how to successfully merge human creativity with technology, optimize your role within your business, and design a life focused on freedom and passion. Episode Highlights 00:01 The Vision Behind the Podcast 04:12 The Antidote to Negative News Feeds 08:45 The Intersection of Human Intelligence and AI 14:30 The Problem with Zoom AI Transcribers 19:15 The Dynamic Pricing Lego City 23:40 Eric's Entrepreneurial Roots 28:10 Disrupting the Taxi Industry Pre-Uber 34:55 Building a Cult-Like Brand Loyalty 39:20 The Pivot from True Cab to Pac Biz 46:54 The $50 Italian Menu Mistake 52:10 The Next Tech Frontier 56:15 The Agency Sell-Off Phenomenon 59:08 The Wrong Seats and Networking Disasters 1:07:45 The Last Blockbuster Left Standing 1:14:30 The Infinite Game Follow Kim & Isaac / LocalFi:  LinkedIn:  Kim Coates - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-coates-3b15b8b4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-coates-3b15b8b4/] Isaac Navias - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacnaviasmarketingexpert/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacnaviasmarketingexpert/] Website: https://localfiseo.com  [https://localfiseo.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localfi.llc/ [https://www.instagram.com/localfi.llc/] Follow Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin:  Instagram: @bizwitheric  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php%3Fid%3D61560126743830]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]