Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast

Valerie Fenchel is the Founding Attorney and CEO of Fenchel Family Law, a San Francisco-based firm that helps clients navigate divorce, custody, and other complex family law matters. She advises clients, crafts strategies, and collaborates with therapists, actuaries, and forensic accountants to resolve disputes. Valerie also serves as the Secretary of the Jewish Bar Association of San Francisco and leads pro bono legal efforts for survivors of domestic abuse. In this episode… Growing a thriving business while raising young children can feel like an impossible balancing act. Add the emotional weight of leading a law firm through a pandemic, and it becomes even more challenging. How can entrepreneurs protect their mental health while managing explosive growth and the demands of family life? According to Valerie Fenchel, a seasoned family law entrepreneur, the key lies in embracing resilience and setting clear boundaries. She highlights how early career setbacks, such as failing the bar exam and navigating a male-dominated tech environment, built the grit needed to start her own practice. Launching a fully remote firm before the pandemic allowed her to adapt quickly when it hit and positioned her business for growth. Even while becoming a mother of two and facing the loss of key team members, she doubled her firm by focusing on high-caliber hires and prioritizing mental well-being. Her journey shows that sustainable success comes from aligning personal values with business strategy. In this episode, John Corcoran sits down with Valerie Fenchel, Founding Attorney and CEO of Fenchel Family Law, to discuss balancing motherhood, mental health, and business growth. They explore how to recover from professional setbacks, strategies for scaling a remote law practice, and lessons learned from hiring senior-level attorneys. Valerie also shares insights on protecting mental health while leading through rapid change.

Chris Ronzio is the Founder and CEO of Trainual, a SaaS platform that helps small and growing businesses document, organize, and share their processes, roles, and training materials. Before launching Trainual, he built and sold a national video production company and led an operations consulting firm focused on business efficiency. Chris also hosts the Organize Chaos podcast and authored The Business Playbook, which offers practical guidance for building scalable, process-driven companies. In this episode… Scaling a business often feels like juggling people management, processes, and growth all at once. Many entrepreneurs get stuck doing everything themselves, which stalls progress and burns out leadership. How can leaders create systems that free up their time while empowering teams to succeed? According to Chris Ronzio, a seasoned entrepreneur and bestselling author, the key is documenting and delegating with clarity. He highlights that every business has a unique playbook made up of its brand, products, policies, and processes, and codifying this knowledge ensures consistency across teams. The result is stronger accountability, smoother onboarding, and the ability to scale without bottlenecking growth. Chris explains how early struggles shaped his focus on building tools for role-based training, feedback loops, and culture-driven leadership. He emphasizes that creating repeatable systems is what allows founders to step back and focus on long-term strategy. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Chris Ronzio, Founder and CEO of Trainual, to talk about building scalable businesses through documentation and delegation. Chris shares the lessons from his early product launch struggles, explains how customer feedback shaped Trainual, and discusses the importance of core values in scaling culture. Chris also gives insights on partnerships, leadership development, and empowering teams to take ownership.

Alice Chen is a Partner at Pender Hastings Capital, a private equity firm specializing in niche, high-return land development investments in the US and Canada. She is also the Founder of Alice Chen Companies, a portfolio of ventures spanning international trade, financial services, consumer products, technology, and investment management. A former mergers and acquisitions attorney, Alice transitioned her legal expertise into capital allocation across private equity, venture capital, and tax-advantaged strategies. Her work has been featured in major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, LA Times, and Success Magazine. In this episode… What if one of the most profitable opportunities in real estate was hidden in plain sight? Many investors chase multifamily developments or single-family rentals, but few explore the less obvious paths that can generate outsized returns. Could the real secret to long-term growth lie in a strategy most people overlook? According to Alice Chen, a seasoned investor and private equity fund manager, the real estate industry’s best-kept secret is land development. She highlights how a shortage of millions of single-family homes in the US has created an urgent demand for finished lots, which national homebuilders rely on to expand. By partnering with best-in-class land developers and focusing on large-scale problems like housing deficits, she explains how investors can minimize risk while achieving strong returns. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Alice Chen, Partner at Pender Hastings Capital and Founder of Alice Chen Companies, to talk about land development investing as real estate’s best-kept secret. Alice shares why major homebuilders outsource this process, how her team structures funds to manage risk, and why timing is crucial in achieving profitable exits. Alice also discusses her personal routines that keep her grounded as an entrepreneur and investor.

Bruce Eckfeldt is the Founder of Eckfeldt & Associates, a coaching and advisory firm that helps entrepreneurs scale high-growth companies. He is a former architect turned tech CEO who successfully built and exited his own company, appearing multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list. Today, Bruce works with founders and leadership teams using Scaling Up, 3HAG, and agile methodologies to drive growth with less drama. He is also a podcast host and author, sharing strategies on leadership, scaling, and preparing businesses for successful exits. In this episode… When it comes time to sell a business, many founders focus solely on valuation and the headline number. But what if a profitable, high-growth company still isn’t attractive to buyers? And how do entrepreneurs ensure their exit sets them up for long-term success instead of future frustration? According to Bruce Eckfeldt, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO coach, the real key is making your company buyable, not just valuable. He explains that buyers want clarity, documentation, and reduced risk, and without those, even the best-performing business will be discounted. He highlights the importance of transparency, even putting skeletons in the closet on the table early to build trust. This shift in mindset helps founders avoid costly surprises, navigate negotiations more confidently, and create smoother transactions. Beyond valuation, Bruce emphasizes that entrepreneurs should prepare for what comes next, using the exit as a springboard into future opportunities. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Bruce Eckfeldt, Founder of Eckfeldt & Associates, to discuss how to make your business buyable, not just valuable. They explore why risk reduction and transparency drive better deals, how earnouts and noncompetes can create pitfalls, and why identity outside the business matters in the exit process. Bruce also shares lessons from his own exit journey and insights on scaling companies with less drama.

Shalini Lunia is the Co-founder of Cielo, a San Francisco-based platform that fosters authentic in-person connections through curated small group gatherings. She grew up in a ninth-generation family of jewelers and has lived in cities around the world. Shalini led ventures in industries ranging from jewelry to edible oils and real estate infrastructure. Her mission with Cielo is to help people overcome loneliness and build meaningful relationships wherever they are. In this episode… In a world where we’re more digitally connected than ever, many still struggle to find genuine, face-to-face friendships. Moving to a new city, starting fresh, or simply wanting to expand one’s social circle can feel daunting and isolating. How can we bridge the gap between online connections and meaningful real-world relationships? According to Shalini Lunia, a lifelong entrepreneur with a global upbringing, the answer lies in creating intentional spaces for small group gatherings that foster authentic bonds. She highlights how loneliness has become a pressing issue, even in bustling urban centers, and how technology can be used to solve this problem. Her approach centers on curated, verified meetups that prioritize quality over quantity, giving people the comfort and confidence to engage. This model encourages deeper conversations, stronger community ties, and a greater sense of belonging, no matter where life takes you. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Shalini Lunia, Co-founder of Cielo, to discuss creating real-world connections in a digital age. They explore why smaller groups foster stronger bonds, how curated events combat loneliness, and the importance of safety and trust in social platforms. Shalini also shares how her personal journey inspired the creation of Cielo.

Nima Gabbay is a Principal at Bay Investment Group, a real estate investment and development firm. He focuses on creating strategies to market properties and generate steady cash flow. His work is primarily concentrated in San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area. Nima has built his career in real estate by identifying opportunities and managing projects across the region. In this episode… Building wealth through real estate isn’t just about big budgets or perfect timing; it’s about vision, grit, and knowing how to create value where others see problems. What does it really take to turn underutilized properties into profitable investments? According to Nima Gabbay, a seasoned real estate investor with a creative edge, it starts with seeing potential where others don’t, from rundown strip malls to forgotten marinas. He highlights how resourcefulness, such as using life insurance money to fund a first purchase or negotiating creative financing, can open doors most people assume are closed. This ability to spot and enhance value through renovations, landscaping, and strategic leasing drives long-term returns and community revitalization. His story shows that resilience and execution matter just as much as capital. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Nima Gabbay, Principal at Bay Investment Group, to discuss creative strategies for building wealth through real estate. They explore how to finance deals with limited capital, the power of strategic property upgrades, and lessons learned from buying a marina without prior experience. Nima also shares how landscaping and design play a major role in boosting property value.

Roman Slavinsky is the Director of Student Success at A+ Tutoring Inc. and the creator of an AI hiring tool developed to scale educator recruitment. A former science teacher, he founded A+ Tutoring in 2010 to support K–12 and college students. Seth Casden is the CEO and Co-founder of Hologenix, the company behind CELLIANT®, a mineral-infused infrared textile designed to enhance wellness and performance. He launched the company in 2002 and has secured FDA clearance and partnerships with top brands. Beau Atkins is the CEO of Evolve Family Law, a Saskatchewan-based firm offering flat-fee and subscription legal services. After co-founding a previous firm, he launched Evolve to make family law more transparent, affordable, and scalable. Bas Beek is the Founder and CEO of CompaNanny, a Netherlands-based childcare company focused on early childhood development. Since 2003, he has grown it into a multi-location provider serving working families across the region. Jon Roman is the Managing Partner of Transworld Business Advisors of Atlanta North, where he leads a team helping entrepreneurs buy, sell, and grow businesses. A former banker and entrepreneur, he holds multiple credentials in business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions. In this episode… Scaling a business takes more than strategy. It requires resilience, creativity, and a willingness to rethink what leadership looks like. Whether they’re launching AI tools to solve hiring bottlenecks or rebuilding stronger after natural disasters, today’s entrepreneurs are finding new ways to grow by leaning into purpose and community. Roman Slavinsky shares how necessity led him to develop an AI-powered hiring platform that streamlined operations overnight. Seth Casden discusses how his infrared textile company, Celliant, stayed mission-driven in the wake of California wildfires and how EO supported his team through the crisis. Beau Atkins opens up about walking away from a traditional legal model to build a more scalable and affordable approach to family law. Bas Beek reveals how a personal passion for early childhood development helped him grow CompaNanny into a 1,500-person childcare company, while Jon Roman reflects on starting from scratch in business brokerage and how EO helped him become a better entrepreneur, parent, and partner. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how five founders are scaling their companies through purpose, resilience, and the support of a like-minded entrepreneurial community. You’ll also learn why solving real problems and showing up with authenticity are at the heart of sustained business growth.

Catherine Tyler is the Founder and CEO at Baer Reed Inc., a women‑owned business and legal process outsourcing firm that delivers secure, cost‑effective support to law firms, corporate legal departments, and regulated industries. A former litigation attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Cruncher and Winston & Strawn, she launched Baer Reed in 2010 after recognizing a need for high‑quality, scalable legal support. Under her leadership, the company has grown to serve Fortune 100 and Am Law 100 clients. Uday Bhasin is the Managing Director at Tradeways, an emerging markets advisory firm specializing in financial and family office strategy in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe He previously held senior finance roles at Sharjah Holding and Dubai Group and spent 11 years at PwC. Uday also serves on the boards of multiple regional banks and insurers, including Diamond Trust Bank in Kenya and Tanzania. Lael Sturm is the Founder of Ogmentor, a virtual assistant agency that connects executive, marketing, and sales assistants with growing businesses. He built Ogmentor as an extension of his marketing agency experience, helping place skilled assistants and providing strategic support to business leaders. In this episode… From legal outsourcing and cross-border financial advisory to virtual staffing and leadership development, the entrepreneurial journey is rarely linear. How can founders navigate burnout, pivot their models, and rebuild with intention? After questioning the status quo of US legal practices, Catherine Tyler launched Baer Reed in the Philippines and joined EO to reshape her personal and professional future. Uday Bhasin reflects on launching Tradeways after a high-powered finance career, the challenge of starting from scratch, and the long game of earning trust across continents. For Lael Sturm, a pandemic-era pivot from agency work to virtual team support sparked rapid growth and deeper engagement in EO’s community. All three credit EO with sustaining their growth and helping them rediscover what matters most. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneur's Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how Catherine Tyler, Uday Bhasin, and Lael Sturm overcame burnout, embraced reinvention, and found purpose through EO. You’ll also learn how mindset, delegation, and peer support fuel long-term success.

Cindy Free is the Owner and CEO of HR Annie Consulting, a firm specializing in human resources support, training, and compliance for small to midsize businesses. With over two decades of experience in HR leadership, Cindy helps companies build strong people strategies. She is known for her pragmatic approach to aligning culture and compliance. Wesley Naidoo is the Managing Director at Oasis Group, a global provider of information management services including data storage, digital transformation, and secure destruction. He leads strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence across international markets. Wesley brings a track record of leadership in scaling enterprise solutions and managing complex data governance. Shirley Wiliani is the Founder and CEO of A La C.A.R.T.E. Solutions, a business process outsourcing firm that provides back-office and customer service support to scaling companies. Her leadership focuses on delivering customized, cost-effective operational solutions. Shirley brings over 20 years of experience in helping companies improve efficiency and growth through outsourcing. Andy Cheng is the Co-founder of OptiNizers, a company focused on optimizing business operations and technology integration for growth-stage businesses. He leverages automation and strategic consulting to streamline systems and improve scalability. Andy has a background in technology consulting and entrepreneurship, helping clients transform operational bottlenecks into growth opportunities. In this episode… Growing a company takes more than hustle. It requires clarity of vision, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt through every stage. Whether it’s navigating economic uncertainty, building a team culture from the ground up, or learning to let go through delegation, today’s most effective entrepreneurs are aligning strategy with purpose to drive meaningful, lasting growth. Cindy Free emphasizes how thoughtful planning helped HR Annie Consulting rebound from setbacks and scale during the pandemic, while Wesley Naidoo explains how leveraging EO’s global network enabled Oasis Group to expand across continents and industries. Shirley Wiliani shares how she transformed her hiring process by leading with core values, creating a culture that attracts the right people. Andy Cheng dives into the mindset shift that helped him overcome burnout: mastering delegation and building a business model centered on remote talent. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how Cindy Free, Wesley Naidoo, Shirley Wiliani, and Andy Cheng are using people-first leadership, strategic planning, and personal growth to power their companies forward. You’ll also learn how community, vulnerability, and connection have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys.

Ryder Meehan is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Upgrow, a performance-driven digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, paid media, and conversion optimization for B2B tech companies. With over 20 years of experience, he led digital marketing teams at Samsung, Microsoft, Razorfish, Fossil, and Tatcha. Ryder has managed more than $1 billion in Google Ads spend and has been featured in Forbes and Business News Daily. He has also contributed to university-level digital marketing curricula and frequently speaks at industry events. In this episode… What does it take to scale a digital marketing agency in an era where attention is scarce and competition is fierce? In a landscape flooded with AI-generated content and ever-rising client expectations, standing out requires more than just performance metrics or clever ads. How do the most effective agencies build not only campaigns but enduring client relationships? According to Ryder Meehan, a seasoned digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience, the key is combining performance-driven execution with a deep understanding of the audience. He highlights how agencies must evolve beyond simply running Google Ads or optimizing SEO. They need to immerse themselves in client pain points, audience behavior, and competitive messaging. By building robust brand research documents and conducting SERP-level competitor analysis, agencies can craft campaigns that speak directly to what matters. Ryder also emphasizes how thoughtful use of AI can elevate, rather than dilute, marketing effectiveness when it's guided by strong inputs and human editing. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Ryder Meehan, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Upgrow, to talk about building a scalable marketing agency in a noisy digital world. They discuss how to turn early consulting gigs into a full-fledged agency, why message clarity is the new performance lever, and how to weather market volatility through smart positioning. Ryder also offers advice on using AI tools responsibly without losing creative edge.

Zhubei is the Co-founder of Venture Education, a Beijing-based consultancy that provides market intelligence on K–12 education in China to organizations worldwide. Before co-founding Venture Education, she taught English to thousands of university volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Committee and coordinated between CCTV and its overseas partners. Adam Horowitz is the Principal of Lever Capital Partners, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in complex commercial real estate financing across the United States. He founded the company in 2009, leveraging his extensive experience to arrange debt, mezzanine, and equity financing for prominent real estate developers and owners. Paul Carroll is the Founder and CEO of Avion Wealth, a Houston-based wealth management firm that assists clients in making smart financial decisions aligned with their goals and values. With a background in the US Air Force and degrees from the University of Maryland and Texas A&M University, he has built a firm managing approximately $850 million in assets. Jeff Luther is the Founder and CEO of Home-Probe, Inc., a home inspection company serving the greater Atlanta and Charleston areas. Since establishing the company in 2002, he has grown it into one of the most referred home inspection firms in the Southeast, emphasizing high standards and client satisfaction. In this episode… Reinventing a business in the face of crisis demands clarity, community, and the courage to pivot. From collapsing industries and personal challenges to leadership breakthroughs, how do today’s top entrepreneurs find their footing and come back stronger? Zhubei reflects on navigating China’s sudden education crackdown while caring for a sick child — and how mentorship, empathy, and her EO community helped her rise again. Adam Horowitz shares lessons from launching a commercial real estate firm during a financial crash and the importance of building a strong network to weather any storm. Paul Carroll recounts his unexpected transition from airline pilot to financial advisor after 9/11 reshaped his future, and Jeff Luther explains how EO helped him rebuild and scale after devastating downturns in the real estate market. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how Zhubei, Adam Horowitz, Paul Carroll, and Jeff Luther turned adversity into opportunity. Learn how EO’s support system fueled their resilience, helped them redefine success, and gave them tools to lead with purpose.

Ashley Du is the Founder of Meaningful Beginnings, a premium childcare provider in San Francisco offering licensed early education for children aged 0-5. She started the business in 2013 from her home after identifying a gap in high-quality, affordable childcare options. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into multiple centers and is known for its nurturing environment and Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. Ashley also mentors aspiring daycare owners and leverages her real estate expertise to support their growth. In this episode… Some entrepreneurs are driven by vision; others are fueled by hardship. But what happens when both collide and a business becomes more than just a business? According to Ashley Du, a seasoned entrepreneur who transformed her side hustle into a fast-growing childcare brand, success stems from believing in yourself when no one else does. She highlights how overcoming self-doubt and a scarcity mindset was just as crucial as mastering systems and operations. That inner shift laid the groundwork for scaling effectively and sustainably. Ashley also learned, through painful setbacks like embezzlement and culture breakdowns, that smart delegation and strong leadership are non-negotiable for long-term growth. Her resilience and adaptability ultimately turned adversity into structure, vision, and impact. In this episode, John Corcoran speaks with Ashley Du, Founder of Meaningful Beginnings, to talk about building a scalable childcare business through grit and vision. They discuss how personal hardship shaped her leadership, why systems are essential for growth, and how she navigated a crisis that nearly derailed her company. Ashley also shares what sobriety taught her about clarity and control.

Chad Nikkel is a Business Guide at Next Level Growth, a firm that helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams scale their companies while maintaining a work-life balance. With over 25 years of experience, he has founded and scaled 11 businesses, including facilitating seven acquisitions and four high-value exits. Ashley Richards is the Founder and CEO of E Squared Marketing, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping service-based businesses grow through smart strategy, standout content, and meaningful connections. Ashley is passionate about creating flexible work environments, particularly in supporting working mothers in balancing their careers and families. Vincent Moiso is the Founder and President of VIS Business Group LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, sales, and operations for small businesses in the flooring industry. Vincent is actively involved in industry organizations and has contributed to various technical committees and educational programs. Don Williams is the CEO of Don Williams Global, a consulting firm that assists businesses in enhancing sales, marketing, and customer experience strategies. Don also hosts The Proven Entrepreneur Show, which shares insights on business growth and leadership. In this episode… Building a business is not just about strategy or hustle. For many entrepreneurs, real growth comes from community, vulnerability, and stepping up to lead. What does this look like in practice Chad Nikkel built and exited 11 companies, learning a painful lesson about bankruptcy after losing millions in a deal gone wrong. Ashley Richards turned a blurry season of diapers and deadlines into a thriving agency that champions working moms. Vincent Moiso walked away from a stalled partnership, started fresh, and ran companies spanning consulting, litigation, and manufacturing. EO carried Don Williams through a brutal divorce, and saying yes to service helped him lead one of the most impactful events in the organization’s history. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how these leaders turned setbacks into purpose, why serving others can be the most powerful growth strategy, and how EO continues to shape their journeys.

Genevieve Barter is the President of Palmeira Home + Health, a leading home healthcare provider delivering personalized skilled nursing and therapy services to patients in the comfort of their homes across multiple states. After more than eight years working in home health, she acquired the company she loved to close the gap between small caregivers and large, impersonal providers. Under her leadership, Palmeira has expanded into multiple states while maintaining a human‑touch, goal‑oriented approach to care. In this episode… Building a meaningful business in healthcare isn’t just about strategy or margins — it’s about mission, service, and resilience. What drives someone to stay committed in an industry that demands so much and changes so fast? And how do you scale a business that keeps compassion at its core? According to Genevieve Barter, a second-generation entrepreneur and home health leader, staying grounded in purpose is what keeps the business and its people moving forward. She highlights that the best companies are built not only with operational systems but also with a deep understanding of the human element behind care. That foundation helped her navigate everything from industry burnout to supply shortages during the pandemic while continuing to expand across states. For her, empathy isn’t a soft value; it’s a competitive advantage that attracts top talent, earns patient trust, and fuels sustainable growth. In this episode, John Corcoran sits down with Genevieve Barter, President of Palmeira Home + Health, to talk about how she built a multi-state healthcare company rooted in compassion. She shares how family legacy and unexpected turns led her to leadership, why resilience matters more than perfection, and what it takes to thrive in a people-centered business. Genevieve also talks about leading through crisis and the post-pandemic challenges facing the industry.

Michael Hsu is the Founder and CEO of MEASURE × HACK, a financial literacy and business performance company that helps entrepreneurs understand and manage their money through systems and metrics. He is also the Founder and CEO of DeepSky, a leading CFO consulting and outsourced accounting firm. Lisa Riley is the Owner and President of multiple Tulsa-area Pinot’s Palette studios, part of a US paint‑and‑sip franchise offering guided canvas painting with wine and cocktails. Under her leadership, she expanded to three locations and built a reputation for creativity. Lisa also works as a professional food stylist. Lorraine Corcoran is the Co‑founder and CEO of Nyrah Beauty, a science‑driven, plant‑infused skincare company. A mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience in product development, she led the formulation, manufacturing, and innovation of products in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Marina Byezhanova is the CEO of Brand of a Leader, a global personal‑branding agency that helps entrepreneurs and executives build thought leadership voices. Born in Soviet-era Ukraine, she is a global speaker, university instructor, and has been featured in top-tier media like Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, and WSJ. In this episode… Building a business is never a straight line. From personal health challenges to financial missteps, global disruptions, and emerging technologies, entrepreneurs are constantly faced with moments that demand reinvention. The ones who thrive are those who lean into community, stay adaptable, and turn setbacks into catalysts for growth. For Michael Hsu, losing track of his company’s finances forced a wake-up call and a return to disciplined money management. Lisa Riley’s cancer diagnosis and appearance on a business reality show helped her reimagine her franchise and earn national recognition. Lorraine Corcoran shifted a manufacturing business during COVID and launched a skincare brand focused on hormonal health. Leveraging AI allowed Marina Byezhanova to restructure her agency and gave her a renewed focus on high-impact talent and innovation. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how four founders embraced crisis, leaned on community, and came out stronger through clarity, creativity, and change.

Ashish Patel is the Founder and CEO of Simpat Tech, a custom software development consultancy. With a background in engineering and product management, he has scaled the company to become a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner in Application Development. Ashish is also the Owner and Manager of Austin .NET User Group. In this episode… Starting a business often entails facing uncertainty about when to take risks, how to scale, and how to differentiate in a competitive market. Many founders struggle to balance growth while maintaining culture and controlling costs, especially when talent demands skyrocket. How can entrepreneurs scale while managing financial, operational, and cultural challenges? Software developer and entrepreneur Ashish Patel scaled his company by starting small, securing early mentorship, and leveraging nearshore talent to manage costs without sacrificing quality. Ashish partnered with a trusted colleague to build a development team in Mexico, where he facilitated cultural alignment to enhance collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of investing in company culture through regular in-person visits and open communication. In this episode, John Corcoran hosts Ashish Patel, Founder and CEO of Simpat Tech, to discuss scaling a software development company. Ashish shares his immigrant and entrepreneurial upbringing, how he leverages AI for coding efficiency, and the role of mentorship in his entrepreneurial journey.

Brooke Kimbrough is the Agency Owner of Roots Surrogacy, a boutique agency that facilitates ethical, relationship-driven surrogacy journeys for intended parents and gestational carriers. A former surrogate, Brooke co-founded the agency in 2015 to create a personalized and compassionate experience grounded in transparency and mutual respect. With over a decade of experience in the field, she leads an all-female team dedicated to supporting diverse families, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, throughout their path to parenthood. Brooke is also the founder of Families Without Borders, an agency offering affordable surrogacy options in Mexico to make family-building more accessible. In this episode… Surrogacy offers a life-changing path to parenthood, but it also comes with emotional, legal, and medical complexities that many don’t fully understand. What makes a surrogacy journey successful, and how can intended parents and surrogates navigate these challenges together? According to Brooke Kimbrough, a leading expert with firsthand experience as a surrogate and agency founder, success begins by building deep trust and clear expectations between all parties. She highlights the importance of emotional support, careful surrogate screening, and understanding the medical realities that impact pregnancy success rates. While surrogacy creates beautiful new families, it can also involve loss, complicated legal landscapes, and the challenge of matching intended parents with surrogates. By prioritizing relationships over transactions, Brooke helps intended parents overcome these obstacles and experience the joy of growing their families. In this episode, John Corcoran is joined by Brooke Kimbrough, Agency Owner of Roots Surrogacy, to discuss creating meaningful surrogacy journeys for diverse families. They explore the emotional highs and lows of surrogacy, how to match surrogates with intended parents, and the evolving legal landscape of surrogacy. Brooke also shares how her personal experience inspired her to launch her agency.

Stephanie Waldrop is the Principal of Employee Benefits International, a firm that designs data-driven, cost-effective employee benefits for midsize and large employers. With 25-plus years in the insurance industry, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, compliance, and client-focused service. Chris Schalleur is the CEO of Christo IT, a Philadelphia-based company providing managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions for small and midsize businesses. He founded the firm in 1999 to bring enterprise-level technology support to growing organizations. Ed Howie is the Founder and CEO of BTYcreative and Serve Others Well, branding and customer experience firms that help businesses grow through strategic messaging and client loyalty. He’s worked with brands like Chick-fil-A and 7-Eleven and hosts The Wonder of WOOO podcast. Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt is the CEO of TechWerxe, an IT services company delivering tailored managed support and cybersecurity for small to midsize businesses. A former banking executive, she’s guided TechWerxe to national recognition among top IT and security providers. In this episode… Building and scaling a business is never a straight path — it’s filled with unexpected setbacks, major transitions, and the constant need to adapt. But for the entrepreneurs who stay grounded in purpose, embrace community, and remain open to reinvention, those challenges become the catalysts for growth. So how do successful founders push through obstacles while staying true to their values? Stephanie Waldrop emphasizes the power of reclaiming control after a misaligned partnership and how owning every layer of her business unlocked strategic growth. Chris Schalleur reflects on the hard lessons of team turnover and the long game of developing autonomous leadership. Ed Howie explores the identity shifts that come with building a company over two decades and the importance of releasing clients and employees who don’t align with your mission. Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband and co-founder and how she rebuilt the business and her life with the support of EO and a global network of peers. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how these EO leaders are navigating transitions with grit, building resilient companies, and leaning on a global community for support and inspiration.

Nima Gabbay is a Principal at Bay Investment Group, a real estate investment and development firm. He focuses on creating strategies to market properties and generate steady cash flow. His work is primarily concentrated in San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area. Nima has built his career in real estate by identifying opportunities and managing projects across the region. In this episode… Building wealth through real estate isn’t just about big budgets or perfect timing; it’s about vision, grit, and knowing how to create value where others see problems. What does it really take to turn underutilized properties into profitable investments? According to Nima Gabbay, a seasoned real estate investor with a creative edge, it starts with seeing potential where others don’t, from rundown strip malls to forgotten marinas. He highlights how resourcefulness, such as using life insurance money to fund a first purchase or negotiating creative financing, can open doors most people assume are closed. This ability to spot and enhance value through renovations, landscaping, and strategic leasing drives long-term returns and community revitalization. His story shows that resilience and execution matter just as much as capital. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Nima Gabbay, Principal at Bay Investment Group, to discuss creative strategies for building wealth through real estate. They explore how to finance deals with limited capital, the power of strategic property upgrades, and lessons learned from buying a marina without prior experience. Nima also shares how landscaping and design play a major role in boosting property value.

Michelle Bomberger is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, a firm that provides fixed-cost, strategic legal services tailored to the needs of small and midsize businesses. She’s a former Ernst & Young consultant and award-winning entrepreneur recognized for her innovative legal approach. Michael Sacher is a Partner at WestPoint Financial Group, a firm that offers personalized financial services, including insurance, investment, and retirement planning. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, he mentors advisors and supports his community through organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity. Odette D’Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Gourmet Ventures, which includes Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes — companies known for their custom cakes and artisan petit fours. A third-generation baker, she’s also a podcast host, certified coach, and food finance consultant. Jonathan Oliff is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Tim, a South African company focused on AI-driven performance marketing, podcast production, and online education. He brings over 15 years of creative industry experience and co-hosts The Incredible Machines podcast. In this episode… Building a business that can weather uncertainty, embrace innovation, and foster long-term relationships isn’t easy, but it’s what separates thriving companies from those that stall. From legal strategy and financial resilience to brand building and media innovation, how do today’s top entrepreneurs prepare their companies for the future? According to seasoned entrepreneur Michelle Bomberger, future-proofing starts with aligning services to how clients want to be served, not just how the industry has always operated. She highlights the power of fixed-fee legal models that eliminate barriers to proactive decision-making and explores how coaching legal teams to think like entrepreneurs fosters more valuable client partnerships. This shift not only increases trust but also enables businesses to navigate emerging technologies like AI with clarity. Michael Sacher emphasizes the power of open, authentic communication with clients during financial turbulence, while Odette D’Aniello reflects on building a multi-generational, family-run bakery brand from scratch. Jonathan Oliff adds perspective on storytelling, brand voice, and the scrappy creativity needed to launch a media company in an emerging market. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneur's Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how founders Michelle Bomberger, Michael Sacher, Odette D’Aniello, and Jonathan Oliff are embracing AI thoughtfully, building deep client relationships through transparency, and creating resilience through innovation. You’ll also learn why mindset and strategic coaching are key to long-term success.