Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast

Marina Byezhanova is the Co-founder of Brand of a Leader, a personal branding agency for entrepreneurs and executives. As an entrepreneur, global speaker, show host, and personal branding expert, she has been quoted and referenced in various publications, including Inc.com, Forbes.com, Yahoo News, Financial Post, Fast Company, and Success Magazine. Marina's mission is to inspire entrepreneurs to speak up, stand out, and be radically authentic through the power of building their personal brands. She's a tenured member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, having served in local, regional, and global roles. In this episode… Becoming a successful entrepreneur involves more than just opening up shop. It requires vision, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to embrace the journey with its highs and lows. It's these traits that have propelled Marina Byezhanova’s prosperity. Marina works at the intersection of personal branding and leadership development. Through innovative strategies and a people-centered approach, she helps individuals and organizations craft an authentic brand narrative and foster an inspiring company culture. Join Jeremy Weisz, host of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, for an enlightening discussion with Marina Byezhanova. They dive into Marina's entrepreneurial journey, her insights on personal branding, and the challenges of fostering company culture inside a team of freelancers. From her immigrant roots to building a business that aligns with her strengths, Marina's story is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Kara Brown is the Founder and CEO of LeadCoverage, a B2B marketing firm specializing in lead generation for the supply chain space. She has an impressive marketing background and was one of the early employees at Echo Global Logistics. Under her contribution, Echo exhibited rapid growth, leading to its successful public listing in 2009. Beyond her work at LeadCoverage, Kara continues to make career strides, demonstrating her communications prowess while managing a significant crisis at a Nashville-based supply chain management company. In her move to Atlanta in 2016, she fostered business growth and played an instrumental role in cultivating the city's female entrepreneurs. She also co-founded CloseHer, an initiative aimed at establishing a supportive community for women in sales. In this episode… Navigating the world of B2B marketing and lead generation in the supply chain market requires a deep understanding of client needs, innovative strategies, and effective follow-up techniques. Kara Brown, a seasoned marketing professional and the Founder and CEO of LeadCoverage, has demonstrated unrivaled expertise in these areas as she helps clients boost their marketing ROI, secure valuable leads, and drive business growth. So what does it take to thrive in the challenging and competitive landscape of B2B marketing in the supply chain sector? According to Kara, the key lies in crafting targeted public relations, developing a data-driven demand generation strategy, and ensuring timely follow-ups with leads. This approach not only helps businesses improve lead conversion rates but also enables them to maintain a strong and consistent brand presence in the market. Join Jeremy Weisz, host of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, in a captivating conversation with Kara Brown, Founder and CEO of LeadCoverage, a B2B public relations and demand generation agency specializing in the logistics and supply chain space. Kara shares her insights on the importance of effective cold outreach, maximizing trade show and webinar success, and leveraging account-based marketing to improve lead generation and conversions in the supply chain industry.

Adam Menconi is the Broker/Owner of Prosper Real Estate, a technology-driven real estate brokerage located in Sonoma County, just north of San Francisco. Under his leadership, his 10-person team at Prosper Real Estate has facilitated over $250 million in sales over the past two years, totaling around a billion dollars in transactions. RealTrends ranks the business in the top 1.5% of real estate agents nationwide. Their exemplary service has earned them five-star ratings on both Zillow and Google since its inception in 2014. In this episode… Navigating the complexities of the real estate market requires a unique blend of expertise, interpersonal skills, and adaptability. Adam Menconi, a seasoned real estate professional, has sharpened these skills to a fine point, successfully guiding countless clients through their property journeys, whether they're first-time home buyers or seasoned investors. So, what does it take to operate in the ever-changing world of real estate successfully? According to Adam, the key lies in understanding the different needs and expectations of buyers and sellers, fostering strong relationships, and expertly managing the complexities of the bidding process. This approach not only ensures a smooth transaction but also helps clients make informed decisions that best align with their real estate goals. Join John Corcoran, host of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, in an engaging conversation with Adam Menconi, Broker/Owner of Prosper Real Estate, a high-performing real estate team in Sonoma County, California. Adam delves into the dynamic nature of the real estate industry, discussing the importance of aligning buyers' and sellers' expectations, the value of comprehensive market preparation, and the need to constantly adapt and pivot in response to changing market conditions.

David Shamszad is an accomplished entrepreneur and the CEO of SG Real Estate — a full-service real estate firm based in Berkeley, CA, specializing in property management, sales, leasing, and development. With over 15 years of experience in the dynamic world of real estate, David has developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit that has helped him successfully navigate the industry's challenges. Over the years, David has worked with numerous clients, honing his skills and expertise in real estate investments, developments, and management. In this episode… Are you looking to build a successful real estate business, but you're unsure of where to begin? Do you want to learn from someone who has overcome personal struggles and persevered in the face of adversity? The path to success is often filled with challenges, and overcoming them can be a crucial part of the journey. David Shamszad's story of battling mental health and substance abuse and building a thriving real estate business is a testament to resilience and determination. His experiences in real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal growth can provide valuable insights for those looking to create their own success story. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, host John Corcoran sits down with David Shamszad, CEO of SG Real Estate. David shares his journey through personal struggles and the challenges of starting a real estate business during difficult economic times. He also discusses the importance of mentorship, his experience with EO, and how he navigated the pandemic as a real estate entrepreneur.

Phil Kristianson is a Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, where he helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams unlock their full potential by implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their organizations. With over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Phil has successfully built, operated, and exited multiple businesses across various industries. Throughout his career, Phil has been a prominent member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), holding numerous leadership positions and contributing to the growth and development of the entrepreneurial community. His expertise spans business operations, growth strategies, organizational development, and team leadership. In this episode… In an ever-changing business landscape, it's crucial for entrepreneurs to adapt and find effective strategies for success. Phil Kristianson shares his journey and insights into navigating business cycles and implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to empower organizations. Throughout his career, Phil discovered the value of the EOS system to simplify operations and focus on the essential aspects of Vision, Traction, and a Healthy team dynamic. The EOS model helps create a balance between visionary entrepreneurs and integrators, allowing businesses to thrive and maintain steady progress. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran speaks with Phil Kristianson, a Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, about his experience during the pandemic, exiting his Hawaii business, and refocusing his entrepreneurial energy. Phil cites the importance of staying prepared for change and the role of entrepreneur networks in staying informed about emerging trends.

David Shamszad is an accomplished entrepreneur and the CEO of SG Real Estate — a full-service real estate firm based in Berkeley, CA, specializing in property management, sales, leasing, and development. With over 15 years of experience in the dynamic world of real estate, David has developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit that has helped him successfully navigate the industry's challenges. Over the years, David has worked with numerous clients, honing his skills and expertise in real estate investments, developments, and management. In this episode… Are you looking to build a successful real estate business, but you're unsure of where to begin? Do you want to learn from someone who has overcome personal struggles and persevered in the face of adversity? The path to success is often filled with challenges, and overcoming them can be a crucial part of the journey. David Shamszad's story of battling mental health and substance abuse and building a thriving real estate business is a testament to resilience and determination. His experiences in real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal growth can provide valuable insights for those looking to create their own success story. In this episode, host John Corcoran of Rise25 sits down with David Shamszad, CEO of SG Real Estate. David shares his journey through personal struggles and the challenges of starting a real estate business during difficult economic times. He also discusses the importance of mentorship, his experience with EO, and how he navigated the pandemic as a real estate entrepreneur.

Jeff Spanbauer is the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board at Relevate Health, formerly known as Healthcare Regional Marketing. Since its inception in 2007, Jeff has led Relevate Health through four acquisitions and integrations, now supporting 185 brands, 15 hospitals and health systems, and generating over $70 million in revenue. With a background that includes 10 years at Pfizer and Procter & Gamble, Jeff has demonstrated expertise in leading teams to develop and grow businesses in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and hospital sectors. As a transformational organizational growth leader, his specialties encompass creating a world-class culture, producing measurable results, setting organizational strategy, building strategic roadmaps, driving marketing innovation, and paving the path to profitability. In this episode… Navigating the healthcare engagement landscape can be challenging, but for those who master it, the impact on people's lives is invaluable. Take a deep dive with Jeff Spanbauer, who has dedicated his career to revolutionizing healthcare engagement and building a successful business focused on improving patient outcomes through innovative strategies. So, what can you do to create meaningful healthcare engagement and improve patient outcomes? Jeff believes the key lies in developing locally relevant messages that resonate with patients, breaking through the clutter, and delivering content that motivates positive behavior change. Join Dr. Jeremy Weisz, host of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, in an insightful conversation with Jeff Spanbauer, the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board at Relevate Health. Jeff shares his insights into the world of healthcare engagement, discussing the importance of locally relevant messaging, the value of learning from failures, and the role that innovative strategies play in achieving success and improving patient outcomes.

Travis McAshan is the Founder and CEO of GLIDE Design, an award-winning, purpose-led digital creative agency based in Austin, Texas. The team at GLIDE helps startups, nonprofits, and leading brands create a seamless customer experience through its web design, development, and digital marketing services. Completing over 850 projects spanning seven countries, GLIDE continues to grow under Travis’ leadership. Before founding GLIDE almost 20 years ago, Travis was the Creative Director and UI/UX Designer at Pixona Video and a Graphic Designer for EverdayWealth. He is also on the Board of Directors and the Learning Chair at EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) and is a member of the EO Austin Chapter. In this episode… What is the role of continuous improvement in growth-driven web design? How does it provide ongoing assistance to support your clients’ needs? GLIDE Design's Travis McAshan emphasizes the value of supporting clients by eliminating the many headaches of the design process. Instead of waiting for a client to ask for help, GLIDE has an embedded system of continuous development that helps mitigate risks. Travis explains this allows for a richer user experience and better business outcomes. In today's episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Jeremy Weisz is joined by Travis McAshan, Founder and CEO of GLIDE Design, as he shares a glimpse behind his award-winning company and how it continues to make a positive impact in the world. Travis also talks about the company's continuous improvement embedded in the growth-driven design and how it applies to its clients.

Scott Empringham is the Owner and CEO of Empringham Media Group. For more than 21 years, his passion has been helping Fortune 50 companies to break through the clutter using digital marketing and social media to drive results in areas that matter most — customer retention and acquisition. Scott’s mission is to share his digital marketing and social media expertise to drive new business, retain current customers, and conquer the competition. He is also a member of the Orange County Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). In this episode… If your business has to shut down and you leave empty-handed, how do you pick yourself up and start over? What is the first step you have to take? Today’s guest was at his lowest point and found a way to pick himself up and rebuild. What are his secrets? When faced with calamity, it’s hard to know where to turn. Scott Empringham decided to reach out for help which was the turning point he needed to start over. With a broad history of working in various industries around the world, Scott leverages the power of his experiences to help companies and business leaders break through the clutter and focus on the direction they should take. Scott formulated an eight-step plan using digital marketing and social media to drive results in the business areas that matter most: sales and service. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Jeremy Weisz sits down with Scott Empringham, Owner and CEO of Empringham Media Group, who shares how he regained his position after closing his office and leaving with just a phone. He shares how he started over, steps he took to move forward, and the value of asking for help. Scott talks about honing his speaking skills, learning valuable lessons from others, and highlights the common mistakes people make in the marketing process and how to avoid them.

Brandon Metcalf is the Founder and CEO of Place Technology, a Salesforce-powered software that streamlines managing customer subscriptions, billing, financial data, and business analytics for B2B SaaS companies. With a deep understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem, Brandon has developed innovative products that solve critical business challenges for SaaS companies. In addition to Place Technology, Brandon is the CEO and Co-founder of Asymbl, a staffing and recruiting solution that helps companies optimize their recruitment process using Salesforce. He’s also the CEO and Co-founder of Blueprint Advisory, a software consulting firm that assists other businesses in building, implementing, and customizing Salesforce-based software. As the Cash & Burn weekly podcast host, Brandon talks with SaaS leaders about the challenges of creating and scaling their companies. In this episode… Delving into the world of SaaS innovation can be an intimidating experience, but for those who can navigate its complexities, the rewards are boundless. Take a deep dive with Brandon Metcalf, an experienced entrepreneur and expert in the SaaS industry who built successful businesses by developing customer-centric products and making smart strategic decisions. So, what can you do when you face the challenges of creating and scaling a SaaS business in a rapidly changing market? According to Brandon, the key lies in understanding the "build versus buy" decision and ensuring that your team is composed of diverse backgrounds and skill sets. This approach not only fosters creativity but also helps your company stay agile and responsive to market demands. Join Dr. Jeremy Weisz, host of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, in a captivating conversation with Brandon Metcalf, the Founder and CEO of Place Technology, the CEO and Co-founder of Asymbl, and the CEO and Co-founder of Blueprint Advisory. Brandon shares his insights into the world of SaaS innovation, discussing the importance of customer engagement, the value of forging strong business partnerships, and the role that company culture plays in achieving success.

Kimberly Wiefling is a Founding Member and Global Consultant at Silicon Valley Alliances, where she transforms managers into leaders and groups of people into teams. Known for her unique style, Kimberly’s superpower is bringing people with diverse backgrounds and cultures together, connecting them across borders, boundaries, and barriers of every kind, to achieve what seems impossible but which none could achieve alone. As a serial entrepreneur, long-time consultant, coach, trusted advisor, and valued partner working with global companies, Kimberly has used her expertise with culturally diverse employees in over 100 countries, including the US, Europe, and Asia, and in 50 Japanese companies. In this episode… Do you own a business that needs a transformation, but you’re not sure where to start? Does your company struggle to compete in the global marketplace? Learning how to turn managers into leaders, construct a solid team, foster innovation, and deal with culturally diverse people can be game-changers. As a worldwide expert consultant and advisor, Kimberly Wiefling has leveraged the power of her experiences to help global businesses conquer what seems almost impossible. With her experience collaborating with culturally diverse groups, Kimberly imparts her knowledge to company leaders so they can tread the business world and effectively scale in the international landscape. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Kimberly Wiefling, Founding Member and Global Consultant at Silicon Valley Alliances. Kimberly describes her journey to becoming an expert consultant and how her leadership programs strengthen companies from the inside out. She also talks about her unique interests and coaching style, why she became an Air Force avionics technician, how she ended up working with Japanese companies for 10 years, and what she’s doing now.

Craig Swanson is a longtime entrepreneur, Consultant at Emerald, and Partner at KaisaFit, an online fitness platform. He is the Chair of the Seattle EO Accelerator program and EO Seattle and loves helping creators, educators, and entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses around their dreams. Craig is a former Partner at The Wedding School, an online education program for wedding photographers. He was the Founder of CreativeTechs (previously known as Swanson Tech Support), which was a leading IT support firm for Seattle area creative teams. He also co-founded CreativeLive, one of the earliest live-streaming educational platforms, with Chase Jarvis in 2008 before exiting in 2015. In this episode… Are you an entrepreneur trying to grow your business and establish meaningful partnerships? Understanding the importance of collaboration and shared values can be a game-changer for your venture. As an expert in growing and scaling businesses, Craig Swanson has leveraged the power of partnerships to build impactful companies, focusing on values and a shared mission to guide their growth. With experience in many industries, Craig's insight into creating fruitful collaborations helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex business world and find lasting success. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Jeremy Weisz sits down with Craig Swanson, Co-founder of CreativeLive, who shares his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses the importance of aligning values, vetting potential partners, and handling scrutiny as your business grows. Craig also shares the stories behind his partnerships with Sue Bryce and KaisaFit, emphasizing the power of shared mission and values to achieve success.

Renzo Luján is the Managing Director at First Republic Bank, where he leads a team of private bankers that provide customized banking solutions to clients. He started his career in banking with Washington Mutual and later moved to Citibank, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. With almost two decades in the banking industry, Renzo's passion for banking and his commitment to delivering the best possible service to clients have earned him a reputation as a respected leader in the banking industry. In this episode… For immigrants pursuing their career objectives, challenges often arise. What does it take to overcome obstacles and create the American dream? Renzo Luján, a first-generation immigrant who came to the United States with his family from Peru, faced his fair share of challenges. But through determination and a commitment to excellence, he worked his way up the ranks of the banking industry and now holds a top leadership position. Renzo's story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance, and it offers valuable lessons for people looking to succeed in their careers. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran talks to Renzo Luján, Managing Director at First Republic Bank, about his journey from being a first-generation immigrant to becoming a successful banker. He discusses his passion for helping people and how the culture of First Republic Bank aligns with his values. Renzo also offers valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in banking and shares his thoughts on the industry’s future.

Shamit Khemka is the Founder and CEO of SynapseIndia, a premier IT outsourcing company based in India. Focusing on open-source frameworks and e-commerce, SynapseIndia provides software development and custom web mobile applications, primarily working with customers in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. Over the last 23-plus years, the company has delivered over 10,000 projects for clients such as the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), Steve Madden, IBM, 3M, and Johnson & Johnson. A commerce graduate in finance and economics from St. Xavier College, Shamit was resolute about launching a business right after college. He has comprehensive business expertise in technology businesses, including executive management, business ownership, international business relations, project management, consulting, and e-business. He is also a member of EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) and YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) in New Delhi, India. In this episode… Technology is constantly evolving. As an IT company, how can you stay ahead of the game and provide end-to-end solutions to your clients? Shamit Khemka has been in the technology industry for decades and has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working with large organizations. He has successfully run his company SynapseIndia since 1999. He says that for IT companies to excel, they need to be innovative, be on the lookout for technological advancement, and know their clients' needs. Tune into this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast with host Dr. Jeremy Weisz as he welcomes the Founder and CEO of SynapseIndia, Shamit Khemka. Shamit talks about SynapseIndia, the evolution of its services, how he overcame the stigma around using Indian-based companies, and how to recruit, hire, and retain top talent in the IT space.

Phillip Baltazar is the Founder and Private Banker of Reiden Group, a firm that offers short-term financing for real estate investors and wholesalers. He is also the Executive Advisor at Culture Index, a strategic advisory firm working exclusively with visionary entrepreneurs, business leaders, and management to scale and transform organizations using applied analytics. Phillip is a business advisor, serial entrepreneur, and Culture Index licensee. With a passion for empowering people and impacting lives, he possesses expertise in the mortgage lending industry, specifically driving growth and developing affinity partnerships across direct-to-consumer mortgage platforms. In this episode… Any company's success is heavily reliant on its team. As a business leader, how can you orchestrate the growth of your business with the employees you have? Statistics show that 55% of the workforce will change jobs this year, and only 35% are actively engaged in their roles. The issue happens because employers are putting people in the wrong position. Business leaders need to make the right hires, understand that people are different, and know how to incentivize, motivate and coach them to be perfect. Having launched and managed three successful companies, Phillip Baltazar learned many lessons on how to be successful, which he uses to help other CEOs and owners scale across a spectrum of businesses and industries. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Phillip Baltazar, Founder and Private Banker of Reiden Group, to discuss his journey as a successful entrepreneur. Phillip explains how he got into the mortgage space, Culture Index and what it does, considerations for hiring and retaining the right talent, and how to become a better leader.

Craig Swanson is the Co-founder of CreativeLive, the world-leading live and online classroom for creative entrepreneurs. Getting his start delivering newspapers, Craig is a natural-born entrepreneur that loves the challenge of growing an online business from low six-figures to breaking $1M and building the team and systems to a scale far beyond. Craig is also a board member and the Accelerator Chair at EO Seattle, a partner in KaisaFit, and a consultant for Emerald. In this episode… As an entrepreneur, are you exercising your creative side? Where can you get the help you require to leverage your creativity and scale your business? Creativity positively impacts the world, moving it forward and helping people foster ideas and become innovative. When you take knowledge and combine it with passion and your creative side, there’s no telling where you’ll go. Entrepreneur Craig Swanson combined his love for creativity, publishing, and technology, taking him on an entrepreneurial path he would not have foreseen. Leaders and entrepreneurs don’t always know how to use their creativity to achieve success. Creators and entrepreneurs can now learn ways to be creative in all aspects of design, photography, video, music, and entrepreneurship, thanks to CreativeLive. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Craig Swanson, Co-founder of CreativeLive. Craig talks about his entrepreneurial journey and what he learned along the way. He explains the early challenges he faced running his business, how he started and scaled CreativeLive, and his partnership with Sue Bryce and KaisaFit.

Pramod Dabir is the Co-founder, CEO, and Partner at West Agile Labs, a premier web and mobile design and development company. Some of its notable clients include Samsung, Johnson & Johnson, and the Ritz Carlton. Pramod also manages Open Door Partners, an investment fund that’s helping democratize private investing. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Pramod is able to do what he loves: build businesses and create value. He is also an accomplished tennis player who has won a national championship and competed in the main draw of the US Open. In this episode… Pramod Dabir has exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit since a young age, launching ventures such as a grocery delivery website and an In-N-Out burger fundraiser. Since then, he’s built many more businesses and continues to invest in others to help them scale. What lessons does Pramod take with him from this extensive experience? Since the early days, Pramod has learned how to simplify his business model. His approach to solving community pain points is much more streamlined and straightforward, which helps his businesses get off the ground quickly. With offices in the US, India, and Poland, he’s also learned how to manage global teams and stay on top of each project. Tune in to hear what Pramod says about scaling a business — no matter the industry! In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Pramod Dabir, Co-founder, CEO, and Partner at West Agile Labs. Pramod talks about some of his early entrepreneurial startups, how he made it through the economic meltdown, strategies for simplifying business models, and the secrets to managing a global team.

Longtime entrepreneur Charles (Chuck) Bender is the CEO of Attentus Technologies, a leading IT service provider in Bellevue and Seattle. He has a strong background in managed services and the internet industry, with expertise in business planning, operations management, and sales. Chuck is a dedicated member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and currently serves as the regional chair for the US West region. In addition to his professional pursuits, Chuck is committed to ending generational poverty and is a follower of the philosophy of Stoicism. In this episode… Overcoming poverty is an admirable accomplishment, but the battle doesn’t end there for those with familial responsibilities. Though survivors of an impoverished life may want to spoil their children with the lavish lifestyle they never had, Chuck Bender knew that wasn’t the path he wanted to take. Chuck explains he knew ending the curse of generational poverty was his responsibility. He surrounded himself with successful hard workers who taught him it was normal to dream big. Once he became a father, he didn’t want his children to grow up thinking wealth was unattainable. Instead, Chuck opted to raise his children to become competent adults. How did he do it? Tune into this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast with host John Corcoran as he welcomes the CEO of Attentus Technologies, Charles (Chuck) Bender. The two continue their discussion about overcoming generational poverty as Chuck explains changing your mindset to achieve greatness, living in gratitude, and raising his kids to appreciate money through honest work. Plus, Chuck talks about his entrepreneurial journey from the matchmaking space to founding his IT and internet businesses.

Longtime entrepreneur Charles (Chuck) Bender is the CEO of Attentus Technologies, a leading IT service provider in Bellevue and Seattle. He has a strong background in managed services and the internet industry, with expertise in business planning, operations management, and sales. Chuck is a dedicated member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and currently serves as the regional chair for the US West region. In addition to his professional pursuits, Chuck is committed to ending generational poverty and is a follower of the philosophy of Stoicism. In this episode… Having access to large sums of money creates a level of freedom – eliminating a great amount of stress – and affording certain luxuries. Unfortunately, not everyone is raised in affluence, as in the case of business leader Chuck Bender. Yet, his impoverished upbringing didn’t stunt his effort to acquire wealth as an adult. So how did self-professed “poor boy” Chuck climb out of poverty? He says he played the cards dealt to him. He used his talents to create job opportunities, becoming an additional provider for his family. Chuck also had a massive drive to achieve greatness. But it was one pivotal moment that helped him discover his life’s purpose. Want to learn more about Chuck’s incredible story? Tune into this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast with host John Corcoran as he welcomes the CEO of Attentus Technologies, Charles (Chuck) Bender. The two discuss his upbringing and his passion for ending generational poverty. Chuck reflects on his childhood battles, the lessons they taught him, and how the military revealed his life’s purpose. Plus, Chuck shares his entrepreneurial journey and his role in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

Former gymnast Jennifer Atkinson is the co-CEO of Destira, a women-run and family-owned gymnastics apparel company specializing in leotards for young girls and empowering young female gymnasts across the United States. Jennifer gained several years of retail, social media, and e-commerce experience, climbing the corporate ladder at Gap. Before joining Destira as its co-CEO, she worked in marketing at Adobe and DaVita. In this episode… The saying “Find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” is a cliche, yet it holds true. It also helps when you have family support to cheer you on. After all, building a business around your passion doesn’t guarantee automatic success. But when you take risks and fail, the support of loved ones can be the biggest motivator. Jennifer Atkinson, an entrepreneur, experienced firsthand the process of transforming a passion into a business with the support of her family. Her mother’s love for sewing evolved from a hobby into a family-owned company. Her father did not only support her mother, but he encouraged her and her siblings to take risks and become entrepreneurs. However, Jennifer had to follow her path. So, what was the defining moment that led her to join the family business? In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, host John Corcoran welcomes the co-CEO of Destira, Jennifer Atkinson. The two discuss Jennifer’s business background and how it eventually groomed her to join the family business. Additionally, she shares her family’s entrepreneurial spirit, how to create a work-life balance, and her mission to empower young girls.