Back by popular demand, Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, returns to Founder's Story. Fresh from hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island and preparing for an adventure to Antarctica, Ivan shares incredible insights, personal anecdotes, and powerful business lessons. This interview was originally recorded live in 2021.

Episode Highlights:

• How Ivan founded BNI in 1985 and scaled it to over 10,400 chapters globally, driving 11.5 million referrals and $16 billion in annual business for its members.
• The transformative "Brody Moment" that took BNI from 20 chapters to a worldwide network.
• His journey from humble beginnings and financial challenges to becoming a networking powerhouse.
• Insights into his latest book, Who’s In Your Room?, explore the profound impact of personal relationships and core values.
• Why successful businesses focus on mastering a few key activities rather than chasing multiple distractions.
• Networking strategies emphasize farming relationships instead of transactional hunting.
• Ivan’s revelation about being a “situational extrovert” and practical tips for introverts to succeed in networking.
• Techniques to overcome social anxiety and build authentic connections.
• The critical distinction between mere contacts and genuine connections.
• Ivan's proven "24-7-30" follow-up system for nurturing relationships.
• Leadership principles are centered around motivation and inspiration rather than management alone.
• Favorite wine recommendations from Ivan's impressive 1,600-bottle cellar.
• Creating harmony in life instead of chasing the elusive idea of perfect balance.

Resources and Books Mentioned:

• IvanMisner.com
• Books: Who’s in Your Room?, Networking Like a Pro, The World’s Best-Known Marketing Secret
• Recommended Reads: How to Work a Room by Susan RoAne, Endless Referrals by Bob Burg

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In this inspiring episode of Founder’s Story, we sit down with self-made billionaire and serial entrepreneur Mike Paulus. From humble beginnings on a blueberry farm to founding multi-billion dollar companies like Adapar and Assurance IQ, Mike shares powerful insights into building businesses that last, navigating liquidity events, and why he still identifies as a gritty operator rather than a yacht-dwelling billionaire.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why saying no early in your career can lead to massive opportunity
• The underrated power of bootstrapping and how it sharpens your edge
• How to think like an investor—even as a founder
• The future of lean teams, AI, and the one-person billion-dollar business
• Practical advice for young professionals entering the workforce today
• What it means to build with conviction and stay close to the customer

Quotes to Remember:

“I like to think of myself as the underdog, even now.”“Your customer is your real boss—not the VC.”“Put your investor hat on before you commit your time.”“Find a rocket ship. Don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”

Follow Mike Paulus:

💼 LinkedIn

🌐 EncoreInvestment.com

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Gavin Whyte is a visionary leader with over a decade of expertise in artificial intelligence. Transitioning from a background in design and mathematics to becoming a pioneer in secure, private AI, Gavin has redefined what’s possible in enterprise technology. His journey, marked by roles as Deloitte Australia’s chief scientist and adjunct professor, underscores a relentless pursuit of innovation.

HIS JOURNEY

• Unconventional Beginnings:

Gavin’s story began in design, where his passion for aesthetics and creativity merged with a natural talent for mathematics. A pivotal shift led him to computer science, igniting his lifelong commitment to AI.

• Career Milestones:

With significant stints at Deloitte Australia and as director of data science at KPMG, Gavin honed his skills in predictive analytics, neural networks, and deep learning. His academic and industry experience set the stage for founding Brew AI, where he now leads cutting-edge research and development.

VISION & IMPACT

At Brew AI, Gavin is dedicated to building secure, private large language models that empower industries such as law, finance, and government. His work ensures data integrity while driving scalable innovation. By developing advanced AI solutions that reduce hallucinations and enhance predictive accuracy, Gavin is transforming how organizations harness data.

INNOVATION & THE FUTURE OF AI

Gavin’s forward-thinking approach centers on integrating deep reasoning models and AI agents to create smarter, more efficient systems. His vision is to unlock the full potential of AI, enabling businesses to make better, faster decisions while safeguarding their intellectual property.

CONNECT

Learn more about Brew AI and explore Gavin’s transformative journey at brewai.com. Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn for further insights into the future of artificial intelligence.

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Vedant Pradeep shares his journey into creating Reframe App, a neuroscience-based platform designed to help individuals reduce alcohol consumption and achieve peak human performance. Driven by his own struggles with OCD and unhealthy coping strategies, Vedant developed 10-minute daily lessons that empower users to rewire their mindsets and build sustainable, healthier habits.

Key Discussion Points:

• Personal Journey & Inspiration:
• Vedant’s battle with OCD and alcohol as a coping mechanism led to the creation of Reframe.
• His passion for achieving peak human condition drives his mission to transform lives.
• Reframe App & Neuroscience-Based Approach:
• How 10-minute daily lessons help rewire thought patterns and promote mindful living.
• The impact of the platform has already helped over three million people reduce their alcohol consumption.
• Launch of Liquid Luck:
• Introduction of Liquid Luck, a new functional elixir designed to combat cravings and support healthier lifestyle choices.
• This innovative drink complements Reframe’s mission by offering a practical, daily solution for alcohol reduction.

Takeaways:

• Embrace neuroscience-based strategies to create healthier habits and achieve peak performance.
• Reframe App offers a sustainable way to rewire your mindset with just 10 minutes a day.
• Liquid Luck is a groundbreaking addition, providing a functional beverage solution to combat alcohol cravings.

Resource:

• Reframe App & Liquid Luck: JoinReframeApp.com/LiquidLuck-Functional-Elixir

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Dr. Paula A. Ferrada, MD, is a trailblazer trauma surgeon who has shattered barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Hailing from Colombia, her remarkable journey to becoming a leading surgeon in the U.S. exemplifies resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. Her groundbreaking work redefines trauma care and paves the way for future generations of women in medicine.

HER JOURNEY: FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO THE OR

• Early Life & Inspiration:
• Born in Colombia, where her nurse mother and surgeon father introduced her to medicine at a very young age.
• “Surgery picked me,” she recalls, having witnessed deliveries and surgeries as a child.
• Path to the U.S.:
• Moved to the United States to train at renowned institutions such as Emory, Grady Memorial, and eventually Harvard—becoming the first Colombian woman to graduate from a Harvard surgery program.
• Further honed her skills through fellowships in Pittsburgh, Maryland’s Shock Trauma center, and over a decade of practice at Virginia Commonwealth University.

BREAKING BARRIERS & LEADING WITH EMPATHY

• Overcoming Challenges: Latina physicians represent only 6.3% of the U.S. physician pool, with Latina female physicians making up less than 2.4%. Dr. Ferrada’s achievements speak volumes about perseverance in a challenging field.
• Leadership Style: Believes in vulnerability, teamwork, and creating a culture where every team member feels empowered to speak up.
• Asserts that true leadership in trauma is about trusting your team and maintaining a patient-centered focus, even under pressure.

PASSION FOR RESEARCH & MENTORSHIP

• Advancing Medicine: Authored over 130 peer-reviewed articles, driving forward innovation in trauma care by challenging old paradigms.
• Empowering the Next Generation: A dedicated mentor whose guidance has inspired many young surgeons to achieve their goals.
• Passionate about building a legacy based not on accolades but on the lives she’s helped shape.

THE HUMAN SIDE OF TRAUMA SURGERY

• Thriving Under Pressure: Embraces the intensity of trauma surgery, where split-second decisions make a life-or-death difference.
• Wellness & Resilience: Focuses on gratitude, maintaining autonomy, and cherishing the little moments of joy (like catching a glimpse of the sunshine) as key elements to avoid burnout and keep passion alive.

Learn more at: https://www.inova.org/doctors/paula-a-ferrada-md

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Brian Treu, CEO and Founder of Intelvio. shares his remarkable journey from bypassing traditional education to building a thriving, debt-free enterprise in medical training. With his innovative “Miracle Hour” strategy, Brian reveals how early-morning focus transformed his daily grind from mere maintenance into breakthrough momentum. He discusses balancing a day job with entrepreneurial pursuits, overcoming fear, and the power of strategic delegation. Brian’s candid insights offer actionable lessons for entrepreneurs striving to scale sustainably and achieve long-term success.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Spark of Entrepreneurship:
• Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit early on despite unconventional beginnings.
• Transitioning from a day job to fully committing to his business dream even after many years working both.
• The Miracle Hour Strategy:
• Leveraging uninterrupted early-morning productivity to drive growth.
• Shifting focus from maintenance tasks to creating real momentum.
• Overcoming Challenges:
• Balancing multiple roles while learning from failures.
• The critical importance of delegation and risk-taking in scaling.

Takeaways:

• Structured routines and early-morning focus can fuel breakthrough growth.
• Resilience and strategic delegation are key to long-term success.
• Embrace change, overcome fear, and build momentum to scale your business.

www.intelvio.com

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Caroline and Sebastian Graeff share their inspiring journey from professional athletes to pioneering health supplement innovators. Growing up in a sports-centric family in France, they combined their athletic passion and entrepreneurial spirit to launch NAIAD. Focused on natural, clinically tested supplements for joint health, stress management, muscle recovery, and weight management, they emphasize authenticity, sustainable practices, and community empowerment to transform personal wellness and contribute to a greener future.

Key Discussion Points:

• Origins & Inspiration: Their formative years in a sports-driven, entrepreneurial family and the transition from athletic challenges to addressing health needs.
• Identifying the gap in the U.S. market for natural, high-quality supplements.
• Product Innovation & Sustainability: Development of simple, single-ingredient formulas that are clinically tested and naturally derived.
• Commitment to eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.
• Community & Consumer Empowerment: Building a supportive community that educates and inspires sustainable, healthy lifestyles.
• Integrating wellness education with product offerings to foster long-term habit change.

Takeaways:

• Authentic, sustainable products can redefine personal wellness and environmental impact.
• Community engagement and education are essential to long-term health success.
• A clear vision and commitment to quality drive innovation in the competitive wellness industry.
• https://naiadshop.com/

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Angelo Coletta discusses his bold vision for transforming e-commerce through visual customization and immersive technology. Based in Italy, Angelo explains how Zakeke enables merchants to deliver personalized, 3D, and AR-enhanced shopping experiences that bridge artisan craftsmanship with mass production. He shares insights on the evolution of visual commerce, the strategic challenges of onboarding diverse B2B customers, and his long-term plan to redefine online retail, making digital interactions as compelling as in-person experiences.

Key Discussion Points:

• Vision & Inspiration:
• Predicting the shift towards personalized, immersive e-commerce experiences eight years ago.
• The spark to merge artisan quality with mass-market affordability.
• Technology & Innovation:
• Integrating 3D visualization, AR, and automated back-office processes.
• Creating a scalable platform that serves small businesses to global brands.
• Strategic Partnerships & Market Expansion:
• Building dual pricing models for small and large merchants.
• Leveraging global partnerships to drive adoption in various markets.

Takeaways:

• Visual commerce is set to become the new standard in online retail.
• Embracing emerging technologies can redefine customer engagement.
• Strategic innovation and flexible pricing models drive sustainable growth.

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Today we have Kelly Roach—a former NFL cheerleader, Fortune 500 executive turned 8-figure entrepreneur, and one of the only female founders who scaled from 0 to 8 figures without debt or investors. Kelly shares how she invested significantly in her personal brand and built a powerful platform that empowers thousands worldwide through entrepreneurship, bestselling books, a Top 20 podcast, and media features in ABC, NBC, Fox, and Forbes.

Topics We Cover:

• The journey to building a strong personal brand in a zero-barrier market

• How investing in your personal brand differentiates you from the competition

• Transitioning from corporate roles to becoming a successful entrepreneur

• The concept of “Spiritual Selling” and its impact on business activation

• The Miracle Hour strategy—dedicating one hour a day to profit-producing activities

• Tips for developing a consistent content strategy and building a mini media company

• Strategies for hiring and building a high-performing sales team aligned with your vision

Key Takeaways:

💡 Your personal brand is your most valuable asset in a crowded marketplace.

💡 Focusing on your own journey—without comparing yourself to competitors—is crucial for growth.

💡 The Miracle Hour strategy can transform your business by prioritizing profit-producing activities.

💡 Spiritual selling and service-oriented approaches empower both sales and long-term client relationships.

💡 Consistent content creation and a clear vision help you build a sustainable, scalable business.

Resources & Mentions:

• Kelly Roach International – Leading business growth and branding strategies

• The Kelly Roach Show – A Top 20 podcast that delivers impactful insights in under 20 minutes

• Spiritual Selling Book – Embracing faith-based principles to activate sales and drive business

• Miracle Hour Strategy – Daily core activities that boost profitability

Connect with Kelly Roach:

📢 Website: https://kellyroachinternational.com/

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We sit down with Erika Glenn, an award-winning C-suite growth and healthcare executive, sought-after keynote speaker, and business consultant who is also the CEO and founder of Glenn Professional Services. Erika shares her journey, transitioning from a secure corporate role to building a scalable business, with her TEDx talk at over 500k views. Her insights on personal branding, strategic leadership, and embracing technology are invaluable for any entrepreneur seeking to transform their career and reclaim their life.

Topics We Cover:

• Transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship

• The inspiration behind building a powerful personal brand

• Overcoming the fear of leaving a guaranteed paycheck for entrepreneurship

• Practical strategies for scaling a business with a clear vision and empowered team

• The importance of mentorship, communication, and tailored go-to-market strategies

• How technology and AI drive operational efficiency and innovation

• Lessons learned from decades of experience in diverse industries

Key Takeaways:

💡 Investing in your personal brand provides a competitive edge and a safety net during transitions.

💡 Overcoming fear is essential—focus on your strengths and learn from your mistakes.

💡 A clear strategic roadmap, including effective mentorship and process optimization, is crucial for sustainable growth.

💡 Technology and AI are transformative tools that boost efficiency, creativity, and overall business success.

💡 Empowering your team and evolving from a hands-on operator to a visionary leader is key to scaling.

Resources & Mentions:

• Glenn Professional Services – Expert business consulting and growth strategies

• Personal Branding – The importance of building an authentic, differentiating identity

• Strategic Mentorship – Leveraging guidance to avoid common pitfalls

• AI & Digital Tools – Enhancing business efficiency and innovation

Connect with Erika Glenn:

📢 Website: https://erika-glenn.com/

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In this episode of Founders Story, Allison Maslan—an entrepreneur with over forty years of experience and the founder/CEO of Pinnacle Global Network—shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to building ten companies across diverse industries. Allison dives deep into the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of transitioning from an operator to a visionary leader, and her proven five-phase model for scaling. Along the way, she reveals how she’s helped over 150,000 entrepreneurs overcome the pitfalls of micromanagement, burnout, and operational overwhelm to create sustainable, team-managed businesses.

Key Discussion Points

The Entrepreneurial Spark

• Family Influence: Inspired by her grandfather’s and father’s ventures in the retail space, Allison developed a passion for business from an early age.
• Early Beginnings: She launched her first business at nineteen, setting the stage for a lifelong entrepreneurial journey.

Transitioning from Operator to Visionary

• Overcoming Early Challenges: She faced significant stress and burnout in the early days of managing every aspect of her businesses, including a near-fatal car accident due to overexertion.
• Mindset Shift: Realized the need to move away from being the “end-all” operator to becoming a visionary CEO who empowers a team.

The Pinnacle Global Network Solution

• Solving Common Entrepreneurial Issues: Identified that 95% of business owners struggle with similar challenges—overwhelm, micromanagement, and lack of a clear growth roadmap.
• Building a Supportive Ecosystem: Founded Pinnacle Global Network in 2010 to provide a community and strategic roadmap that helps CEOs build sustainable, team-managed companies.
• Premier CEO Network: Currently supports over 150,000 entrepreneurs, offering guidance, mentorship, and a strategic framework for growth.

Scaling Phases and Leadership Evolution

1. Five Phases of Scaling a Business: Startup Phase: The early stage where everything revolves around the founder.
2. Pioneer Phase: Transition into mid six-figures with initial team building—often hindered by fear of delegation.
3. Ringleader Phase: Overcoming the pitfalls of micromanagement and clarifying what success looks like.
4. Co-Creator Phase: Developing a collaborative culture where leadership is shared and team members drive initiatives.
5. Visionary Phase: Achieving a founder-independent business model, allowing the CEO to focus on strategic growth and personal well-being.

• Real-World Example:Shared the transformative journey of Marshall Doyle, who moved from exhaustive day-to-day management to achieving nine-figure revenue and reclaiming his personal life.

The Importance of Personal and Company Branding

• Building a Dual Brand: Emphasizes the need for both a strong personal brand and a champion company brand that resonates with team culture and client values.
• Attracting the Right Talent: Focuses on promoting company culture, vision, and mission in recruitment to ensure alignment and foster growth.

Embracing AI & The Future of Business

• Integrating Technology: Discusses how AI is being incorporated to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and support creative decision-making.
• Maintaining Human Connection: Despite technological advancements, underscores the importance of human connection, team collaboration, and leadership development.

Practical Takeaways

• Embrace Delegation: Transition from being an overbearing operator to a visionary leader by empowering your team and establishing clear roles.
• Adopt a Proven Growth Roadmap: Utilize the five-phase model to identify which stage your business is in and apply targeted strategies for each phase.
• Invest in Branding: Build a strong personal and company brand to attract the right talent and create a culture that fuels growth.
• Leverage Technology: Embrace AI and other innovative tools to streamline operations, but remember that human connection remains key.
• Focus on Work-Life Balance: Scaling a business should also mean reclaiming your time and energy to lead a fulfilling life.

How to Connect

• Learn More About Pinnacle Global Network: Visit pinnacleglobalnetwork.com to discover more about their services, CEO strategies, and community.

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