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A Founder's Life

Leo Gestetner

Join me as I explore the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship, health & wellness, and parenthood. In each episode, I’ll be interviewing inspiring individuals who excel in one or more of these areas, sharing their stories, insights, and lessons. My goal is to provide valuable takeaways that can help you thrive both personally and professionally.

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 19 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • S7 · E7
    Thursday · 20 min

    Make Sure Entrepreneurship Is Fun – Marlo Fogelman | S7 E7

    Entrepreneurship requires constant evolution. What worked five years ago or even last year may not be enough today. For Marlo Fogelman, staying curious and being willing to figure things out has helped her navigate more than two decades of entrepreneurship and some of the biggest transformations the marketing industry has ever experienced. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Marlo Fogelman, Founder and CEO of Marlo Marketing, to discuss entrepreneurship, marketing, artificial intelligence, leadership, personal development, and why curiosity may be one of the most valuable skills a founder can develop. Marlo’s entrepreneurial journey was anything but planned. She moved to Boston for law school, earned a master’s degree in international relations, passed the bar exams in New York and Massachusetts and then realized she wasn’t sure she wanted to practice law. An unexpected opportunity brought her into public relations despite having no formal marketing education. Then came a career-defining opportunity: Starbucks. After the company struggled to establish its brand in New England and moved through multiple PR firms, Marlo was given the account. She turned the relationship around within three months, kept Starbucks as a client for five years, and eventually launched her own agency with Starbucks as her first client. More than 22 years later, marlo marketing has continuously evolved. What began as a PR-focused business expanded into brand identity, social media, digital marketing, influencer marketing, fractional CMO services, and now generative engine optimization. Marlo explains why that evolution has been essential and why companies that refuse to adapt to artificial intelligence and changing consumer behavior risk being left behind. But this conversation goes far beyond marketing. Marlo shares how COVID devastated a business heavily concentrated in hospitality, why the experience ultimately changed her relationship with work, and how she learned to prioritize health, friendships, travel, and personal fulfillment after years of allowing the business to consume much of her life. In this episode you’ll learn: - Why curiosity is becoming one of the most important entrepreneurial skills - How Marlo went from practicing law to building a 22-year marketing business - Why businesses must continuously evolve to remain relevant - How artificial intelligence is transforming marketing and search - Why GEO is becoming increasingly important for brands - How COVID forced Marlo to rethink both her company and her life - Why founders need people who can figure things out rather than simply follow instructions - How prioritizing health and relationships can create a more integrated life - Why building the right team allows founders to reclaim their time - Why entrepreneurship should ultimately be something you enjoy Marlo also discusses her long-term commitment to health and wellness, why social connections have become increasingly important in her life, and how remote work gave her greater freedom to integrate work, travel, friendships, and personal priorities. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is remarkably simple: make sure it’s fun. There will always be difficult moments, responsibilities you don’t enjoy, and challenges you never anticipated. But entrepreneurship is a long journey, and enjoying what you’re building makes those challenges worth solving. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, innovation, business leadership, artificial intelligence, personal development, work life balance, professional growth, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode. This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Email founders@thankz.com with the subject A Founder’s Life for preferred pricing. Connect with Today’s Guest – Marlo Fogelman Website: www.marlomarketing.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marlo-fogelman-483977/ If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more interviews with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders sharing the real stories behind building meaningful businesses and meaningful lives. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S7 · E6
    August 20 · 20 min

    Work-Life Balance Isn’t 50/50 - Graham Topol - S7 -E6

    Work life balance isn’t about dividing every day perfectly between your business and your personal life. For founders, it’s about understanding where your energy matters most and recognizing which priorities simply cannot be dropped. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Graham Topol, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MGT Insurance, to discuss work life balance, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, business leadership, and the difficult decisions that shape the founder journey. Graham’s career began in investment banking in New York before taking him inside Morgan Stanley, into technology investing, and eventually to Stanford. Throughout that journey, one problem continued to capture his attention: insurance remained unnecessarily complicated, slow, and inefficient, especially for small business owners. That insight eventually led Graham and his brother to launch MGT Insurance, an applied AI company working to modernize commercial property and casualty insurance and better serve America’s small business community. But this conversation goes far beyond insurance and artificial intelligence. Graham shares one of the most difficult moments of his entrepreneurial journey: walking away from an acquisition after spending years pursuing it, raising capital around it, going without salaries for years, and taking on millions of dollars in personal debt. Despite everything they had invested in the opportunity, Graham and his brother eventually realized it was the wrong path. Having the courage to walk away ultimately opened the door to something much better and permanently changed the way Graham approaches decision making, risk, and resilience. The conversation also explores Graham’s approach to work life balance as a new father and CEO. A lesson from his late mentor, Joel Peterson, helped reshape his perspective: balance doesn’t mean spending 50% of your day working and 50% everywhere else. What matters is whether, over time, you’re giving the right energy to the right things. Joel described life as juggling glass and rubber balls. Some responsibilities can temporarily be dropped and bounce back. Others, especially your responsibilities as a parent, are glass. Understanding the difference has become increasingly meaningful to Graham since welcoming his first daughter. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why work life balance doesn’t need to mean 50/50 • How to recognize which priorities in life cannot be dropped • Why founders should measure outcomes instead of hours • How exercise supports founder health and creates mental clarity • Why taking off the “founder hat” is essential for long-term performance • How sunk costs can trap entrepreneurs in the wrong decisions • Why walking away can sometimes be the strongest decision • How patience and resilience influence startup success • Why great business leadership starts with trusting talented people • Why entrepreneurs need to genuinely love the problems they’re solving Graham also discusses why becoming a father changed his perspective on success, how his wife has become one of his most important confidants, and why maintaining his physical health helps him become a better leader. For Graham, entrepreneurship is a marathon. Maintaining a strong founder mindset requires knowing when to push, when to recover, when to change direction, and when to give your attention to something beyond the company. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, work life balance, founder health, personal development, resilience, decision making, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode. This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Email founders@thankz.com with the subject A Founder’s Life for preferred pricing. Connect with Today’s Guest – Graham Topol Website: MGTInsurance.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S7 · E5
    August 13 · 18 min

    Why Every Entrepreneur Needs to Embrace Failure | Brad Springer | S7 E5

    Building a startup has never been easy—but today’s founders have one advantage previous generations didn’t: artificial intelligence. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Brad Springer, Co-Founder of Bob.pro, to discuss entrepreneurship, AI, startup growth, resilience, and how founders can leverage technology without losing the human side of business. Brad shares his unconventional journey from working in hospitality and marketing at Chick-fil-A to teaching himself how to code by trading beer and dinner for programming lessons. That determination led him into the startup world, where he spent years building software companies before launching Bob.pro to help businesses thoughtfully adopt AI. But this conversation goes far beyond technology. Brad opens up about how adopting his son transformed his outlook on life, why every entrepreneur needs intentional family rhythms, and how learning to slow down has become one of his greatest leadership challenges. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, artificial intelligence, resilience, family, health, startup growth, and the mindset required to thrive through every season of business. Whether you’re building your first startup or leading a growing company, Brad shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why failing fast accelerates entrepreneurial success • How AI helps businesses scale without replacing people • Why intentional family rhythms matter during busy seasons • The importance of slowing down to become a better leader • How prayer, meditation, and reading create mental clarity • Why quarterly fitness goals keep entrepreneurs motivated • How vulnerability builds stronger teams • Why commitment is essential when building a startup • How every season of entrepreneurship requires different priorities Brad also shares why adopting his son became the defining moment of his life, how teaching himself to code changed his career forever, and why his personal mantra “burn the ships” continues to guide every major decision he makes. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, artificial intelligence, startup growth, business leadership, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode. This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Email founders@thankz.com with the subject A Founder’s Life for preferred pricing. Connect with Today’s Guest – Brad Springer Website: https://bob.pro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradspringer/ LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S7 · E4
    August 6 · 28 min

    Why Optimism Is a Founder’s Greatest Advantage – Dick Pfister | S7 E4

    Most entrepreneurs spend years building wealth, but very few spend the same amount of time learning how to protect it. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Dick Pfister, Founder and CEO of AlphaCore Wealth Advisory, to discuss entrepreneurship, investing, wealth management, and the mindset required to build lasting financial success. Dick shares how his entrepreneurial journey began at just 13 years old, starting small businesses in rural Wisconsin before eventually working on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange alongside some of the world’s greatest investors. Those experiences ultimately led him to co-found Altegris, pioneer alternative investments for independent advisors, and later launch AlphaCore after realizing traditional wealth management wasn’t serving entrepreneurs well enough. But this conversation goes far beyond investing. Dick explains why optimism has become one of his greatest competitive advantages, how his wife gave him the confidence to start over after a successful exit, and why measuring your health is just as important as measuring your finances. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, wealth management, investing, leadership, family, health, resilience, and the habits that help founders build successful businesses while living meaningful lives. Whether you’re growing your first company or preparing for a major liquidity event, Dick shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: - Why traditional investing may no longer be enough for entrepreneurs • How alternative investments can improve portfolio diversification • Why optimism is a founder’s greatest competitive advantage • The importance of measuring your health as carefully as your finances • How daily habits compound into long-term success • Why having the right life partner changes everything • How setbacks create stronger entrepreneurs • Why continuous learning never stops • How trust becomes the foundation of every successful business Dick also shares how launching businesses as a teenager shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why endurance sports became part of his daily routine, and how AlphaCore was born from challenging conventional wisdom about wealth management. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, investing, wealth management, business leadership, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode. This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Email founders@thankz.com with the subject A Founder’s Life for preferred pricing. Connect with Today’s Guest – Dick Pfister - AlphaCore Website: https://alphacore.com/ - AlphaCore YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaCoreWealthAdvisory Upside Capture Podcast: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pBO2WB5qXlV7MEwQ48Kg?si=de3d6fdb84714cb6 - Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/upside-capture/id1888226015 - Dick’s LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickpfister/ - AlphaCore LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alphacorewealthadvisory/ LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S7 · E3
    July 30 · 19 min

    Building a Life You Don’t Need to Retire From | Marc Sanderson | A Founder’s Life S7 E3

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. Many entrepreneurs spend decades building a successful business, only to realize they never built the life they actually wanted. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Marc Sanderson, CEO and Co-Founder of INNERGY, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, work-life integration, and why success is ultimately measured by far more than revenue. Marc shares the incredible journey from acquiring a small cabinet company in the late 1990s to building custom ERP software that eventually evolved into INNERGY, now serving more than 1,800 woodworking and manufacturing businesses across North America. Along the way, he also led the transition of his original company to 100% employee ownership—creating a lasting legacy beyond himself. But this conversation goes far beyond software. Marc opens up about surviving cancer three separate times, why community theater became one of the most important investments in his own well-being, and how intentionally balancing work, family, health, and fun has become the foundation of both his leadership and his life. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, legacy, personal growth, and the importance of designing a life you never want to retire from. Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading a growing company, Marc shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why building a meaningful life matters more than simply building a successful business • How employee ownership creates lasting legacy • Why every entrepreneur should intentionally invest in family, health, work, and fun • How surviving cancer changed Marc’s perspective on leadership and life • Why “me time” makes you a better founder instead of a worse one • How systems allow founders to reclaim their time • Why integrity creates stronger long-term partnerships • How hobbies outside of work improve leadership performance • Why balance requires continuous adjustment—not perfection Marc also shares how performing in community theater helped him recharge, why monthly date nights remain a priority after more than three decades of marriage, and how one mentor fundamentally shaped his philosophy on trust, leadership, and entrepreneurship. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, work-life balance, personal development, health, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode. Connect with Today’s Guest – Marc Sanderson Website: https://innergy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsanderson/ If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more interviews with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders sharing the real stories behind building meaningful businesses—and meaningful lives. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S7 · E2
    July 23 · 22 min

    The Leadership Habits That Changed My Career Forever | Jorge Velasco | S7 E2

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife Business leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring people, staying curious, and learning to remain calm when the pressure is at its highest. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Jorge Velasco, President and CEO of BR Printers, to explore a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in publishing, printing, and executive leadership. From growing up in a family of publishers in Mexico to leading one of America’s largest book printers, Jorge shares how his passion for books evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping ideas reach millions of readers. His perspective on business leadership, mentorship, culture, and personal growth offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Throughout the conversation, Jorge explains why books remain more relevant than ever, how COVID unexpectedly reignited the publishing industry, and why leaders should focus less on controlling people and more on building teams that are empowered to succeed. One of the most memorable lessons from this conversation is surprisingly simple: breathe. Jorge shares why one of the greatest pieces of leadership advice he ever received was to slow down, breathe deeply, and give your brain the oxygen it needs before making important decisions. We also discuss entrepreneurship, family, health, travel, exercise, lifelong learning, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors who challenge you to become a better leader. Whether you’re building your first company, leading a growing team, or looking to improve your own business leadership skills, this episode is filled with practical wisdom that can be applied immediately. In this episode you’ll learn: - Why business leadership begins with self-awareness - How mentorship can completely change your career - Why building the right team matters more than having all the answers - The surprising comeback of printed books - How exercise and routine improve executive performance - Why travel creates better leaders - The importance of paying knowledge forward - How focus and presence build trust with your team - Why entrepreneurs should learn to slow down before reacting Jorge also shares how meeting his wife completely changed his perspective on life, why travel has become central to his family’s lifestyle, and how embracing different cultures has made him both a better person and a stronger leader. 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jorge Velasco: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgefvelasco https://www.linkedin.com/company/br-printers/ Facebook Jorge Velasco: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PXjt5ywDN/?mibextid=wwXIfr BR Printers: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PXjt5ywDN/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: brprinters.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S7 · E1
    July 16 · 18 min

    Balance is about cutting out the noise | Kyle Clements | S7 E1

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Kyle Clements Website: https://quipli.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleclements/ What does it take to build a company without facing burnout? In this episode, Kyle Clements, Founder and CEO of Quipli, shares how experiences at Uber and other venture-backed startups improved his mindset and prepared him to launch his own company and why he believes entrepreneurship should be sustainable, not exhausting. Kyle discusses building Quipli during the pandemic, raising three young daughters while running a startup, and how marathon training has shaped his philosophy on balance. Instead of sprinting through entrepreneurship, he compares building a business to staying in Zone 2: a pace you can maintain for the long run and avoid burnout. We also talk about focus, delegation, family, parenthood, health, and the courage required to become a founder. What you’ll learn: Why sustainable success beats constant hustle How running shaped Kyle’s leadership philosophy and nurtured his resilience The importance of focus and eliminating distractions for personal development and businesses Why founders must learn to delegate and trust their teams How family influences better decisions and thriving in business Burnout is not a requirement LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E19
    July 9 · 3 min

    A Founder's Life Season 6 Recap

    The best entrepreneurial advice isn’t usually found in books. It’s found in the people who have actually built businesses. Over the course of Season 6 of A Founder’s Life, we sat down with founders who have built companies from scratch, overcome incredible setbacks, scaled across industries, and learned lessons that only experience can teach. In this special episode, we’ve pulled together some of the most powerful moments from the season. You’ll hear why: * Your mindset is your biggest competitive advantage. * Balance isn’t about doing less, it’s about knowing when to step back. * Confidence often comes before success. * The hardest seasons create the strongest founders. * And sometimes the best advice is simply… don’t quit. Whether you’re building your first company, leading a growing team, or looking for your next breakthrough, these conversations are packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E18
    July 2 · 20 min

    Entrepreneurship Is About Taking the Leap Before You’re Ready - Grant McCrabb - S6 - E18

    Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as overnight success, but the reality is built on resilience, long-term thinking, and the willingness to keep moving forward when things get difficult. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Grant McCrabb, Founder and CEO of GeoTrek Vans, to discuss his remarkable startup journey from flipping used camper vans to building one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer RV manufacturers in North America. Grant shares how a simple side hustle evolved into a rapidly growing manufacturing company, why saying yes early helped create opportunities, and how endurance sports have shaped his founder mindset and approach to business leadership. As an ultra-runner, Grant compares entrepreneurship to running a 240-mile race. Success isn’t about sprinting—it’s about learning how to pace yourself, overcome setbacks, and keep showing up day after day. Throughout the conversation, we also explore family, resilience, leadership, risk-taking, product innovation, and why entrepreneurs should stop waiting for the perfect moment before starting. Whether you’re launching your first startup, growing a small business, or leading an established company, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone building a business for the long term. This episode covers: • How GeoTrek Vans grew from a side hustle into a national manufacturer • The importance of hiring people who are better than you • Why endurance sports create better entrepreneurs • Building resilience during difficult seasons • How family shapes better leadership • The biggest lessons from scaling a manufacturing company • Why focus becomes more important as businesses grow • The mindset required for sustainable business growth • Practical startup advice for aspiring founders Grant also shares the deeply personal story of how his father’s life-changing skiing accident reshaped his perspective on risk, resilience, and pursuing meaningful goals. That experience continues to influence the way he approaches entrepreneurship, leadership, and life. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business leadership, founder stories, startup growth, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Grant McCrabb Website: https://www.geotrekvans.com LinkedIn (Grant): https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-mccrabb-51b0242b5/ LinkedIn (GeoTrek Vans): https://www.linkedin.com/company/geotrek-vans LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E17
    June 25 · 19 min

    Language opens doors in negotiation - Kate Liburdi - S6 - E17

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Kate Liburdi Website: https://conversifi.com Platform: https://app.conversifi.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateliburdi/ Language learning becomes truly powerful when it moves beyond textbooks and into real conversations. While technology has transformed education, the human connection remains the most valuable part of learning a new language. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Kate Liburdi, Co-Founder and CEO of Conversifi, to discuss how she’s transforming language learning by connecting students with native speakers around the world through authentic video conversations. Kate shares her journey from teaching French and English as a Second Language to leading technology initiatives at a Fortune 50 company before launching Conversifi, a platform now used by more than 100 universities to help students build confidence through real-world communication. But this conversation goes far beyond education technology. Kate opens up about one of the biggest failures of her career—a software project that consumed nearly $1 million before her team realized they had to start over. Instead of seeing it as defeat, she explains how embracing Agile development, customer feedback, and continuous iteration completely transformed both the product and her leadership philosophy. We also explore entrepreneurship, focus, productivity, family, health, and why great founders often succeed by removing complexity instead of adding more. Whether you’re building a startup, leading a growing team, or simply looking to become more intentional with your time, Kate shares practical lessons that every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why authentic conversations accelerate language learning • The leadership lesson behind a $1 million product failure • How Agile development changed Kate’s approach to building companies • Why multitasking hurts productivity and focus • The importance of customer feedback during product development • How family influences better leadership decisions • Why founders should simplify instead of overcomplicate • How continuous learning creates better entrepreneurs • The mindset required to build resilient companies Kate also discusses adding new languages—including American Sign Language (ASL)—to Conversifi, why cultural exchange is just as important as vocabulary, and how meaningful conversations create deeper learning experiences than memorization alone. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, language learning, founder mindset, business leadership, startup journeys, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E16
    June 18 · 15 min

    Balance is about knowing when to step back - Mike Schroeder - S6 - E16

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Mike Schroeder Website: https://roundstoneinsurance.com Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundstone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelaschroeder YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/roundstoneinsurance Work-life balance isn’t about working less—it’s about knowing when to step back before burnout takes over. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Mike Schroeder, Founder and President of Roundstone Insurance, to discuss what it really takes to build a successful company while maintaining your health, family, and sense of purpose. Mike shares his entrepreneurial journey, from studying law and discovering an opportunity to reinvent employer-sponsored healthcare, to building Roundstone Insurance into a national company helping thousands of businesses take control of their healthcare costs through innovative self-funded insurance solutions. But this conversation goes well beyond insurance. Mike explains why founders must recognize when they’re burning the candle at both ends, how travel and reflection help him regain balance, and why entrepreneurship requires accepting that your business will always occupy part of your mind. We also discuss leadership, resilience, family, health, personal growth, and the mindset required to build a company that lasts for decades. Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established business, Mike shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How Roundstone Insurance transformed employer healthcare • Why work-life balance requires intentional decisions • How to recognize the signs of burnout before it’s too late • Why travel and reflection improve leadership • The importance of building a trusted leadership team • Why entrepreneurship demands complete commitment • How family helps create perspective as a founder • The value of resilience during difficult seasons • Why optimism and continuous improvement drive long-term success Mike also shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons he learned from taking entrepreneurial risks, and why founders should embrace the responsibility that comes with building something meaningful. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business leadership, work-life balance, founder mindset, personal development, and building successful companies, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E15
    June 11 · 9 min

    Second chances at life are powerful - Sarah Walker - S6 - E15

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Sarah Walker Website: https://nuanceinteriors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuanceinteriors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahplattwalker/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nuanceinteriors Your home influences far more than your comfort—it shapes your health, mindset, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Sarah Walker, Founder and Principal Designer of Nuance Interior Design, to explore how intentional design can improve wellness, support families, and create spaces that help people thrive. Sarah shares her journey from growing up in Dubai to founding an internationally recognized interior design firm that advises families and family offices around the world. Inspired by her father’s commitment to sustainability and her mother’s passion for art and holistic medicine, she built a business that combines beautiful design with science-backed wellness principles. A life-changing car accident during design school transformed the way Sarah viewed the built environment. It became the catalyst for her mission to create homes that don’t simply look beautiful—they actively improve the lives of the people who live in them. Throughout the conversation, we discuss entrepreneurship, wellness, leadership, sustainability, resilience, and why asking for help is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your personal and professional growth. Whether you’re building a business, designing your dream home, or looking to create a more intentional life, Sarah shares practical lessons that every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • How your home affects your physical and mental wellbeing • Why wellness should be part of every design decision • How a life-changing accident shaped Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey • The importance of sustainability in modern living • Why founders don’t have to build everything alone • How coaching and mentorship accelerate business growth • The value of creating environments that reduce stress • Why intentional design creates better daily habits • How asking for help can transform both your business and your life Sarah also shares why curiosity has been one of her greatest competitive advantages, how she balances entrepreneurship with family life, and why the spaces we create ultimately shape the people we become. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, wellness, business leadership, founder mindset, personal development, sustainability, and intentional living, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E14
    June 4 · 16 min

    Learn from failure, don't quit - Josh Otero - S6 - E14

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Josh Otero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshotero/ Elanah AI: https://elanah.ai Warrior GMR Foundation: https://warriorgmrfoundation.org In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Josh Otero, CEO and Co-Founder of Elanah.AI and Founder of the Warrior GMR Foundation, to discuss how technology, community, and purpose can transform mental health support for veterans, first responders, and everyday people. Josh shares his entrepreneurial journey from financial services to launching multiple businesses in health, fitness, and technology. After witnessing the devastating rise in veteran suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded the Warrior GMR Foundation to create meaningful communities through gaming and peer support. That mission eventually led to the creation of Elanah.AI, an AI-powered platform designed to provide immediate mental health support when human resources aren’t available—because mental health crises don’t happen on a schedule. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, resilience, purpose, failure, leadership, and why some of the most impactful businesses are born from solving deeply personal problems. Whether you’re building your first startup or searching for greater purpose in your entrepreneurial journey, Josh shares lessons that every founder can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why purpose creates stronger businesses • How AI can improve access to mental health support • The entrepreneurial lessons hidden inside failure • Why community is essential for wellbeing • How gaming became a platform for meaningful human connection • The importance of resilience during difficult seasons • Why founders should solve problems they genuinely care about • How continuous learning turns failure into growth • Why the best entrepreneurs simply refuse to quit Josh also shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, why serving others became his greatest motivation, and how believing in yourself through failure ultimately creates long-term success. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, resilience, mental health, business leadership, startup journeys, artificial intelligence, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E13
    May 27 · 16 min

    Why Saying “No” Builds Better Businesses - Rusty Fulling - S6 - E13

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Rusty Fulling Website: https://www.fullingmgmt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustyfulling/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulling-management-&-accounting Financial leadership is about more than numbers—it’s about helping business owners make better decisions, build stronger companies, and create lives they actually enjoy. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Rusty Fuhling, Founder of Fuhling Management & Accounting, to discuss how financial clarity helps entrepreneurs grow healthier businesses and become better leaders. Rusty shares his journey from corporate accounting to building a fractional CFO firm that helps companies across the United States improve profitability, strengthen financial systems, and make more confident strategic decisions. But this conversation goes well beyond accounting. Rusty explains why founders often spend too much time working in their business instead of leading it, how financial visibility creates better decision-making, and why success should never come at the expense of your family or your health. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial strategy, work-life balance, resilience, and the importance of building systems that allow businesses—and founders—to thrive. Whether you’re launching your first company or leading a growing organization, Rusty shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why every growing business needs financial visibility • How a fractional CFO can accelerate business growth • Why founders should make decisions based on data, not emotion • The importance of building systems instead of constant firefighting • How family and health contribute to long-term business success • Why delegation creates stronger companies • The value of financial discipline during uncertain times • How better leadership starts with better financial understanding • Why sustainable growth always beats rapid, uncontrolled growth Rusty also shares the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he’s learned while helping business owners across multiple industries, and why great financial leadership is ultimately about giving founders more freedom—not just bigger numbers. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial planning, founder mindset, business strategy, accounting, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E12
    May 20 · 23 min

    Success Starts in Your Mind - Bruno Drummond - S6 - E12

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bruno Drummond Website: https://drummondadvisors.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdrummond/ Success in entrepreneurship starts with mastering one thing: your mindset. Before you can convince customers, investors, or employees to believe in your vision, you have to believe in it yourself. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Bruno Drummond, Founder and CEO of Drummond Advisors, to discuss how growing up in Brazil, building multiple international companies, and leading teams across several industries shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Bruno shares his journey from selling products as a teenager to building a global advisory firm that helps businesses expand internationally. Along the way, he launched multiple companies in compliance software, real estate, and business operations, learning firsthand what it takes to scale organizations while wearing many different leadership hats. But this conversation goes far beyond business strategy. Bruno explains why your mind can become your greatest competitive advantage—or your biggest obstacle. He shares how developing a growth mindset, embracing discomfort, and staying calm under pressure have allowed him to navigate setbacks and continue building successful businesses. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, mindset, and the habits that help founders perform at their highest level. Whether you’re starting your first business or leading an established company, Bruno shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why mindset is every entrepreneur’s greatest asset • How a growth mindset creates long-term business success • Why learning never stops for great founders • The importance of staying calm under pressure • How family shapes leadership and personal priorities • Why health and consistency improve business performance • The value of embracing difficult moments instead of avoiding them • How building multiple companies requires different leadership styles • Why entrepreneurs succeed by pushing through self-doubt Bruno also shares how losing his father at a young age changed his perspective on responsibility, why becoming a father transformed his leadership, and how his commitment to continuous learning has fueled decades of entrepreneurial success. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, startup journeys, personal development, and business growth, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E11
    May 13 · 16 min

    Why You Must Love the Problem You Solve - Caleb Avery - S6 - E11

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Caleb Avery Website: https://tilled.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-avery/ Building a successful startup isn’t about finding the perfect idea—it’s about choosing a problem you’re passionate enough to solve for the next decade. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Caleb Avery, Founder and CEO of Tilled, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from selling payment solutions door-to-door at 19 years old to building one of the leading embedded payments platforms in the fintech industry. Caleb shares how years of consulting software companies revealed a common problem: businesses were leaving millions of dollars in payment revenue on the table. That insight led him to found Tilled, a company pioneering the concept of “PayFac as a Service” and helping software platforms monetize embedded payments more effectively. But this conversation goes beyond fintech. Caleb opens up about launching a startup during the uncertainty of COVID-19 while raising two young children, the importance of having a supportive family, and why entrepreneurship is less about balance and more about being intentional with your time. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, family, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts. Whether you’re considering launching your first business or scaling an existing startup, Caleb shares practical lessons every founder can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why solving the right problem matters more than chasing trends • How embedded payments create new revenue opportunities • Why startups require long-term commitment and patience • The importance of being intentional with your time as a founder • How to balance entrepreneurship with raising a family • Why passion is essential for long-term business success • The value of staying focused during uncertain times • How COVID shaped both Caleb’s business and personal life • Why founders should build businesses they’re excited to run for the next ten years Caleb also shares how his wife encouraged him to continue building Tilled during one of the most uncertain periods of his life, why being present with his children matters more than chasing the idea of perfect balance, and how consistency compounds into entrepreneurial success. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, fintech, business leadership, startup journeys, business growth, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E10
    April 29 · 30 min

    Believe in Yourself and Just Do It - Meredith Hirsh - S6 - E10

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Meredith Hirsh Website: meredithhirsh.com Instagram: @WorkingHealthcare Facebook: @WorkingHealthcare LinkedIn: @meredithfhirsh YouTube: @WorkingHealthcare LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meredithfhirsh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-healthcare/id1746629912 Confidence is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have. Before anyone else believes in your vision, you have to believe in yourself. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Meredith Hirs, CEO of the Hirs Center for Arthritis & Sports Medicine, to discuss her unconventional journey from advertising and education into healthcare entrepreneurship, where she built and now leads one of South Florida’s largest independent rheumatology practices. Meredith shares how a difficult partnership offer presented to her husband became the catalyst for launching their own medical practice. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving organization with more than 60 employees, multiple physicians, advanced practitioners, and a reputation for patient-centered care. But this conversation goes well beyond healthcare. Meredith opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with raising three children, returning to earn her MBA later in life, and learning one of the hardest lessons every founder faces: you can delegate responsibilities, but you can never completely walk away from your business. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, confidence, family, health, personal growth, and the mindset required to build a successful company while creating a meaningful life. Whether you’re launching your first business or leading an established organization, Meredith shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why confidence is one of a founder’s greatest assets • How believing in yourself creates new opportunities • Why founders can never completely abandon their business • The importance of building the right leadership team • How family influences entrepreneurial decisions • Why continuous learning creates stronger leaders • The value of prioritizing your health and wellbeing • How saying “no” becomes a leadership skill • Why success comes from both aptitude and attitude Meredith also shares how returning to graduate school transformed her leadership, why she’s intentionally entering a new chapter focused on herself and her family, and how decades of entrepreneurial experience have strengthened her belief that confidence is often the deciding factor between success and failure. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, confidence, personal development, work-life balance, and startup journeys, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E9
    April 22 · 29 min

    Building Wealth Without Losing Yourself - Rick Beyer - S6 - E9

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Rick Beyer Website: https://engagewellness.org Website: https://onepacificfs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/engagewellness/ Email: rick@engagewellness.org Building a successful business isn’t just about growing revenue—it’s about creating a life where your health, family, faith, and purpose grow alongside it. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Rick Beyer, CEO of Engage Wellness and COO of One Pacific Financial Strategies, to discuss how decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and business transformation shaped his philosophy on success, wellness, and intentional living. Rick shares his remarkable journey from leading major mergers and acquisitions for Daimler and Freightliner to building one of Arizona’s largest financial services practices before launching businesses focused on financial planning, employee wellness, and behavioral change. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Rick explains why true leadership begins with serving others, how wellness and financial planning are both rooted in human behavior, and why entrepreneurs should focus on creating sustainable success instead of simply working harder. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, faith, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to become better. Whether you’re building your first company or leading an established organization, Rick shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why great leadership begins with serving others • How wellness and financial planning share the same behavioral principles • Why entrepreneurs should focus on consistency instead of perfection • The importance of protecting your health while building a business • How faith and purpose shape better leadership decisions • Why surrounding yourself with great people accelerates success • The value of being coachable throughout your entrepreneurial journey • How intentional family time creates lasting impact • Why believing in yourself is the first step toward earning the trust of others Rick also shares how transitioning from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship changed his perspective on success, why helping employers improve employee wellness became his personal mission, and how staying focused on your purpose allows you to navigate life’s biggest challenges. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, health and wellness, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E8
    April 15 · 25 min

    Why I Don’t Want an Easy Life - Richard Crane - S6 - E8

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Richard Crane LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcrane/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richcrane YouTube (Inventing Fire with AI) https://www.youtube.com/@InventingFirewithAI Blog (Inventing Fire with AI) https://inventingfirewith.ai/ Business Website (MILL5) https://mill5.com/ Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing entrepreneurs—it’s empowering the founders who are willing to adapt faster than everyone else. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Richard Crane, Founder, CTO, and CIO of Mil5, to discuss entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the mindset required to build a global technology company in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world. Richard shares his journey from electrical and computer engineering to Microsoft, where he spent a decade helping enterprise customers solve their toughest technical challenges before co-founding Mil5. What started with two people in a room has grown into a global software development and AI consulting company with more than 350 employees across seven countries. But this conversation goes far beyond technology. Richard explains why entrepreneurs must embrace discomfort, why AI is becoming an essential skill for every professional, and how continuously investing in yourself is the only way to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, artificial intelligence, and the habits that help founders continue growing long after their companies become successful. Whether you’re building a startup, leading a technology company, or simply trying to stay ahead in the age of AI, Richard shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why AI is becoming a non-negotiable skill for every entrepreneur • How continuous learning creates long-term competitive advantages • Why embracing discomfort leads to greater success • The importance of investing in yourself before investing in your business • How health and fitness improve entrepreneurial performance • Why keeping your circle small helps maintain focus • How global technology companies scale successfully • Why entrepreneurs should welcome change instead of resisting it • How resilience shapes both leadership and personal growth Richard also shares the childhood experiences that fueled his relentless work ethic, why he believes comfort is the enemy of progress, and how staying curious has helped him build multiple successful technology ventures throughout his career. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, founder mindset, business leadership, startup journeys, technology, innovation, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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  • S6 · E7
    April 8 · 14 min

    Why Entrepreneurs Must Accept Uncertainty - Bart Davis - S6 -E7

    This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing founders@thankz.com with the subject line Founder’s Life. 🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube: @AFoundersLife • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife 👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bart Davis Website: https://512financial.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdavis512/ Building a successful business isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making confident decisions with incomplete information and staying focused on what matters most. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Bart Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of 512 Financial, to discuss his unexpected journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship and how helping founders gain financial clarity has become his life’s work. Bart shares how a career that began at PwC auditing oil and gas companies evolved into leading finance and accounting operations for software companies before launching 512 Financial, a fractional finance firm that helps startups and growing businesses build the financial foundation needed to scale successfully. But this conversation goes beyond accounting. Bart opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with raising two young daughters, why protecting family time has become one of his highest priorities, and how rediscovering fitness has made him a more productive entrepreneur and leader. Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, financial strategy, resilience, and the realities of building a company while navigating uncertainty. Whether you’re starting your first business or growing an established company, Bart shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why financial clarity helps businesses grow faster • How fractional finance teams support scaling companies • Why entrepreneurs must make decisions without perfect information • The importance of protecting family time as a founder • How fitness improves focus, energy, and leadership • Why uncertainty is part of every entrepreneurial journey • How trusting your team creates stronger organizations • Why flexibility matters when building a growing business • How long-term consistency creates sustainable success Bart also shares how becoming a father reshaped his priorities, why the COVID years strengthened his appreciation for family, and how embracing uncertainty has helped him build a thriving business serving startups across the country. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, financial planning, startup growth, business strategy, resilience, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leogestetner Website leogestetner.com/leo Subscribe Now! youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

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Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes