Business Ninjas by WeLevel

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andy Steuer sits down with Isabelle Tashima, Investor at Volition Capital, for a behind-the-scenes look at growth equity investing. Isabelle walks through her path into private equity, what a day in the life of an investor actually looks like, and how Volition partners with founder-led companies that are ready to scale. Together, they unpack what investors look for beyond revenue numbers—team dynamics, capital efficiency, and long-term vision—and how founders can better prepare for growth-stage funding conversations. 💡 Backing Proven Founders with Patient Growth Capital Volition Capital specializes in growth equity investments in capital-efficient, founder-owned technology and tech-enabled services companies. Rather than pushing premature exits, Volition takes a long-term, flexible approach—helping founders accelerate growth while maintaining control. Isabelle explains how the firm evaluates opportunities, supports portfolio companies post-investment, and differentiates itself by aligning incentives with founders. With a focus on sustainable scaling, disciplined execution, and partnership-driven investing, Volition Capital has become a trusted name for entrepreneurs looking to grow without losing autonomy. 🔗 Learn more about Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com/ 💼 Connect with Volition Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volition-capital/ 👤 Connect with Isabelle Tashima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-tashima-780065135/ Want to be featured on our Business Ninjas podcast? Go to WeLevel.net and schedule a time with us and we'll make it happen. See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

What does it take to transform a 50-year-old lighting supplier into a modern infrastructure intelligence partner? In this episode, WLS Lighting & Electrical CEO, Brandon Scogins, shares how the company evolved from bucket-truck service calls to leading the industry in connected lighting, analytics, and sustainability reporting. We talk about the LED boom, the rise of total cost of ownership thinking, the push toward unified platforms, and why commercial property owners need better visibility into their assets. Brandon also opens up about navigating the pandemic, rebranding a legacy company, and building an AI-powered future for portfolio insights. Tune in for a grounded and forward-looking conversation about energy savings, smart infrastructure, and what it means to run a “new 50-year-old company.” 🔗 Learn more about WLS Lighting & Electrical: https://wlslighting.com/ 💼 Connect with WLS Lighting & Electrical on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wls-lighting-systems-inc/ 👤 Connect with Brandon Scogins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-scogins-46a15853/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman sits down with Kristin McLane, President of CIMx Software, to talk about three decades of transforming how manufacturers build, track, and deliver products. Since 1996, CIMx has been helping manufacturers modernize production processes, eliminate paper-based workflows, and gain visibility across the shop floor with their advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions. Kristin shares how CIMx empowers manufacturers to gain full control of production data, reduce waste, and boost throughput through real-time insights. By focusing on adaptability and customer support, CIMx has become the trusted partner for complex manufacturing operations—from aerospace and defense to medical devices and electronics. The company’s flagship platform, Quantum, bridges the gap between production and performance, helping teams make better decisions faster. If your business is ready to streamline operations, enhance traceability, and future-proof your manufacturing, this conversation is a must-listen. 🔗 Learn more about CIMx Software: https://www.cimx.com/ 💼 Connect with CIMx Software on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cimx/ 👤 Connect with Kristin McLane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmclane/ ----- Do you want to be interviewed for your business? Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/ ----- https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.io https://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/ https://twitter.com/writeformeio https://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/ https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Nikhil Rai of QNX, a BlackBerry subsidiary, to explore how their real-time operating system powers the automotive industry — and why the company is expanding into new frontiers like industrial automation, medical devices, and aerospace. From digital cockpits and over-the-air updates to mission-critical systems that demand zero failure, QNX has built its reputation on safety, reliability, and innovation. Now, the company is leveraging its dominance in automotive to become a global leader in embedded software across multiple industries. If you’re curious about the future of automotive technology, industrial automation, and the hidden software powering our most critical systems, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. 👉 Tune in to hear how QNX is redefining what’s possible in embedded software. 🔗 Learn more about QNX 💼 Connect with QNX on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Nikhil Rai on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Stu Seltzer, President of Seltzer Licensing Group. Stu shares his journey from working at Yves Saint Laurent and Warner Brothers to founding his own licensing agency more than 25 years ago. They dive into how brand licensing helps companies—from global CPGs to nonprofits and entertainment brands—unlock growth through partnerships, collaborations, and royalties. Stu also talks about his new book, Brand Licensing for Dummies, and what it means to be inducted into the Licensing International Hall of Fame. 💡 Turning IP Into Revenue and Opportunity Seltzer Licensing Group helps brands like Scotts Miracle-Gro, Dove, Airheads, Zippo, and even American Ninja Warrior grow by strategically extending their IP into new categories and products. Their unique process starts with a research-driven licensing plan—an 80+ page roadmap answering where a brand can extend and how much revenue to expect. From licensing Dunder Mifflin copy paper with The Office, to launching American Ninja Warrior Adventure Parks, to helping nonprofits like the American Red Cross, Seltzer Licensing Group proves licensing is more than merch—it’s a business model that drives real growth. 🔗 Learn more about Seltzer Licensing Group 💼 Connect with Seltzer Licensing Group on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Stu Seltzer on LinkedIn Get the Book: Licensing for Dummies Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Logan Yonavjak, Co-Founder and CEO of the Founder Readiness Institute. Logan shares how his two decades in impact investing, natural capital, and startup financing led him to launch a groundbreaking new tool: the Founder Readiness Level. Unlike typical assessments, this framework measures a founder’s ability to handle complexity, pivot under pressure, and grow as a leader—giving early-stage investors and founders a clearer picture of “people risk” in startups. 💡 Standardizing Founder Assessment to Improve Startup Success The Founder Readiness Institute sits at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and venture investing. Their assessments go beyond static traits like extroversion or conscientiousness, instead evaluating coachability, resilience, systems thinking, and vertical development. With follow-on coaching and support, the tool helps uncover both risks and overlooked opportunities—reducing investor bias while empowering founders with actionable feedback. Backed by research, a co-founder trained in psychology and data science, and plans for academic partnerships, the Institute aims to make “founder readiness” as essential as technology readiness in the investment process. 🔗 Learn more about Founder Readiness Institute 💼 Connect with Founder Readiness Institute on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Logan Yonavjak on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Matt Seefeld, EVP at MedEvolve. Matt shares his journey from consulting to healthcare entrepreneurship and how MedEvolve helps medical providers survive and thrive in today’s margin-crushing environment. From skyrocketing costs and declining reimbursements to the complexity of revenue cycle management, Matt breaks down the realities of running a healthcare practice in 2025—and why automation alone won’t save the industry. 💡 Data + Accountability = Real Healthcare ROI MedEvolve stands out by turning billing chaos into clarity. Their platform layers on top of any billing system to track staff effectiveness, reduce wasted touches, and uncover margin improvements that traditional systems miss. With clients ranging from surgical specialties to rural hospitals and BPOs, MedEvolve helps providers recoup millions by fixing denials before they happen, streamlining workflows, and holding teams accountable with real-time analytics. Unlike hype-driven “humanless” AI solutions, MedEvolve leverages generative AI responsibly, backed by novel datasets and human expertise—because in healthcare, mistakes are too costly to leave unchecked. 🔗 Learn more about MedEvolve: https://medevolve.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medevolve/ 👤 Connect with Matt Seefeld: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-seefeld-521319/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Daniel Murray, President and CEO of Roman Stone. Founded in 1903, Roman Stone has been at the forefront of precast concrete manufacturing for more than a century. Daniel shares how his 30+ years of experience in precast shaped his leadership—and how Roman Stone is scaling from a New York legacy brand into a national player. From underground infrastructure and shoreline resiliency to data centers and carbon-negative concrete, the company is proving that innovation and tradition can coexist to solve today’s toughest challenges. 💡 Faster Builds, Greener Futures, Stronger Communities Roman Stone specializes in precast concrete infrastructure—helping municipalities, utilities, and private companies move water, electricity, and protect coastlines. Their precast solutions shrink construction timelines by weeks, cut labor needs, and deliver consistent quality with rigorous QC standards. What sets them apart is a customer-first mindset: solving complex engineering problems within 48 hours, building stormwater filtration systems, and offering mobile on-site manufacturing to cut costs and carbon footprints. With new national product launches tailored for data center markets and the development of carbon-negative concrete, Roman Stone is writing the next chapter in sustainable infrastructure—without forgetting the quality and trust that earned them a 65-year contract with Con Edison. 🔗 Learn more about Roman Stone: Roman Stone website Roman Stone on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Daniel Murray on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Paula Grunfeld, Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director at Bunny Studio and Bunny Creative. Paula shares her global journey from media to SaaS to creative leadership—and how Bunny Studio grew from a scrappy voiceover platform into a full creative services powerhouse. Now, with the launch of Bunny Creative, the company offers a managed, hands-on production partner for agencies and enterprises looking to scale content without the chaos. 💡 Where Self-Service Meets Strategic Partnership Bunny Studio makes creative execution simple: from quick voiceovers and audio on their platform to fully managed campaigns through Bunny Creative. By acting as an extension of in-house teams, they take on the coordination, quality control, and scaling headaches that come with today’s nonstop demand for content. Serving verticals like marketing, advertising, e-learning, SaaS, retail media, and adtech, Bunny’s blend of speed, flexibility, and global talent has made it the go-to partner for brands that need high-quality creative at scale—without the overhead of a full-time team. 🔗 Learn more about Bunny Creative & Bunny Studio 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bunnycreative/https://www.linkedin.com/company/bunnystudio/👤 Connect with Paula Grunfeld on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Ladd Schuiling, VP of Sales at SkilledTrades.com Ladd brings nearly two decades of experience in construction recruiting and operations to explain how SkilledTrades.com is tackling one of the toughest challenges in the industry—finding and retaining skilled labor. From electricians to plumbers to CDL drivers, SkilledTrades.com is a niche job board designed specifically for tradespeople and the companies who need them. Ladd also shares how fixed-price job postings, a user-friendly platform, and real human support are changing the way contractors hire. 💡 A Human + Technology Approach to Hiring Tradespeople Unlike broad job boards that flood employers with unqualified applicants, SkilledTrades.com combines advanced recruiting technology with a human-driven approach. Their employment specialists personally help candidates complete applications—capturing talent that often gets lost in the process. The result? A higher quality pipeline and fresh candidate pools that keep contractors’ crews growing. With budget-friendly subscription models, a growing national database, and outreach into trade schools, SkilledTrades.com is on a mission to not just fill jobs, but to elevate the skilled trades as a rewarding career path. 🔗 Learn more about SkilledTrades.com 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Ladd Schuiling Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew chats with Ravi Bijlani, Founder & CEO of KYXStart, about how they’re changing the game for B2B fintech. KYXStart is on a mission to make it easier for banks, fintechs, and financial institutions to activate new product offerings, streamline KYB (Know Your Business) processes, and accelerate client onboarding: all through a single integration. Ravi shares how KYXStart was built to solve a pain point he saw firsthand across the industry: the disconnect between great financial products and the complex, messy onboarding workflows that slow them down. With a platform that’s API-first, compliance-friendly, and partner-agnostic, KYXStart enables banks and fintechs to launch offerings faster and without sacrificing control, quality, or experience. Whether it’s embedded finance, business identity verification, or orchestration at scale, KYXStart connects the dots for smarter growth. 🔗 Learn more about KYXStart: https://www.kyxstart.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyxstart/ 👤 Connect with Ravi Bijlani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravibijlani/ 💬 Follow KYXStart on X: https://x.com/KYXStart_Ai/ ----- Do you want to be interviewed for your business? Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/ ----- https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.io https://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/ https://twitter.com/writeformeio https://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/ https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andy Steuer sits down with Chris Carter, CEO and Founder of Approyo, to talk about how his team is transforming SAP cloud migrations with AI‑driven insights and real‑world expertise. Chris shares why the clock is ticking for the 483,000 organizations that need to move to SAP S/4HANA by 2027—and how Approyo’s AI‑powered tools like Overwatch and FlowGen simplify the entire journey. From pre‑migration assessments to real‑time dashboards for C‑suite visibility, Chris breaks down what it takes to modernize systems without losing sleep. 💡 Making SAP Migrations Faster, Safer, and Smarter Approyo is more than a migration partner—they’re a long‑term ally for companies navigating one of the largest IT upgrades in history. Using proprietary AI tools and deep SAP expertise, they streamline everything from code remediation to multi‑cloud infrastructure setup (Azure, AWS, and more). With clients ranging from multi‑billion‑dollar banks to mid‑market manufacturers, Approyo provides full‑stack solutions for assessment, migration, and ongoing managed support—so CIOs, CFOs, and IT teams can confidently embrace the future of SAP. As Chris says, “I’ll pull out my hair so you can sleep at night.” 🔗 Learn more about Approyo: www.approyo.com 💼 Connect to Approyo on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Chris's LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with John Fontein, Co‑Founder of Sesame, the first direct‑to‑consumer healthcare marketplace where patients can book appointments with doctors at clear, upfront cash prices—no insurance needed. John shares how a personal family health scare inspired him to tackle one of America’s most frustrating problems: access to affordable, transparent care. From urgent telehealth visits to in‑person specialist appointments, Sesame makes shopping for healthcare as easy as buying anything else online. 💡 A Healthcare Experience Built for Patients AND Providers Sesame empowers patients to compare prices, choose how they want to be seen (in‑person or virtual), and pay upfront, eliminating surprise bills and endless insurance headaches. For doctors, it’s a way to reach new patients, manage their practice like a business, and get paid quickly without insurer red tape. With thousands of providers nationwide and 24/7 telehealth options, Sesame is redefining the patient experience, making care more transparent, more affordable, and more immediate. 🔗 Learn more about Sesame Care: https://sesamecare.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sesamecare/ 👤 Connect with John Fontein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfontein/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this inspiring episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Beth Demke, CEO of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, to discuss how a grassroots idea grew into a 43,000-square-foot science hub serving over 130,000 people annually. Beth shares how passion, community support, and good old-fashioned organization turned a former shoe store into a state-of-the-art learning center where kids, adults, and even seniors engage with hands-on STEM education. From mobile STEM zones to joyful preschool programs, the mission is clear: science should be joyful, accessible, and community-powered. 💡 Sparking Lifelong Curiosity with Purpose and Partnership Gateway to Science goes beyond exhibits. They provide statewide mobile programming, interactive lab spaces, and adult-only STEM nights, making sure curiosity doesn’t retire at any age. With deep ties to education, healthcare, and industry, their funding strategy combines public-private partnerships, thoughtful growth, and a powerful commitment to impact. Beth emphasizes the “perfect partnership” between scientists and organizers as key to their decades of success, and to a future that includes possible expansion. The vision? Keep joy at the center of learning, and lead with empathy, passion, and fearless change. 🔗 Learn more about North Dakota's Gateway to Science: Website: https://gatewaytoscience.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gateway-to-science-center-inc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatewaytoscience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatewaytoscience/ X: https://x.com/gateway2science 👤 Connect with Beth Demke on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Nelson Dunk, Owner and Chief Creative Officer of Hammer & Anvil, a trailblazing immersive content studio reshaping how museums engage the public. Nelson shares how his passion for handcrafted storytelling and cutting-edge virtual reality tech converged to form a new kind of educational experience. One that’s high-resolution, photorealistic, and built for shared awe. From 360-degree dinosaur encounters to deep dives into exoplanets and human anatomy, Hammer & Anvil is bringing theater-level immersion to museums everywhere. 💡 Immersive Education That Fits Any Footprint Hammer & Anvil focuses exclusively on museums and science centers, offering them plug-and-play VR theaters that deliver world-class experiences with minimal space and maximum wow. Unlike solitary VR setups, their shared immersive theaters let up to 20 visitors explore synchronized, cinematic journeys together, complete with 3D spatial sound and emotional depth. What sets them apart? Their content-first philosophy, deep production values, and dedication to storytelling. From scanning real fossils to CGI reconstructions of ancient worlds, their “filmmakers-first” approach blends storytelling craftsmanship with technical wizardry to create unforgettable museum exhibits. With a growing content library and a focus on educational impact and access, Hammer & Anvil is leveling the playing field for institutions of all sizes. 🔗 Learn more about Hammer & Anvil: https://www.hammeranvilvr.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hammer-and-anvil/ 👤 Connect with Nelson Dunk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsondunk/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Michael McGuire, Chief Revenue Officer at NobelBiz, a leader in omnichannel contact center solutions and carrier services. With over 30 years of experience running and fixing call centers, Michael shares why NobelBiz stands out in a crowded tech space: it’s built by people who’ve actually lived the contact center life. From telecom cost savings and spam-call suppression to AI innovation and crisis-proof infrastructure, they unpack how NobelBiz helps companies future-proof customer experience and stay compliant in a fast-evolving landscape. 💡 Carrier-Backed, Customer-Centered, and Contact-Crucial NobelBiz isn’t just a contact center platform. It’s a full-stack partner built specifically for BPOs, collections, lead generation, and customer service teams. What sets them apart? Their carrier backbone. Unlike other platforms that rely on third-party networks (and support tickets that take days), NobelBiz identifies and resolves call-quality issues in real time. They also help legit businesses avoid dreaded “spam likely” labels and equip remote teams with flexible, AI-driven tools to optimize QA, coaching, and CX, all while maintaining human empathy where it counts. With a strong focus on compliance education and community-building through webinars and live events, NobelBiz positions itself not just as a tech vendor but as the “Promise Keepers” of the contact center industry. 🔗 Learn more about NobelBiz 💼 Connect to NobelBiz on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Michael McGuire on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew sits down with Elizabeth Ji, CEO and Managing Attorney at The Ji Law Firm, to unpack what makes a truly client-centered approach to immigration law. From work visas to employer-sponsored green cards, Elizabeth brings a personal touch, deep expertise, and refreshingly candid communication to a space often clouded by bureaucracy and burnout. Whether she’s guiding individuals through self-petitions or helping companies sponsor international talent, Elizabeth doesn’t sugarcoat the path—it’s about clarity, focus, and fighting smart. She shares insights on what really differentiates The Ji Law Firm: responsiveness that builds trust, multiple solution paths when possible, and a firm refusal to let clients feel ghosted. Her firm’s mission is to not just navigate immigration law—but to do it with heart, transparency, and fierce advocacy. The Ji Law Firm is trusted by both businesses and individuals for their integrity and efficiency. If you're searching for a business immigration partner who won’t leave you guessing, you just found them. 🔗 Learn more about The Ji Law Firm: https://myjilaw.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thejilawfirm/ 👤 Connect with Elizabeth Ji: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-ji-business-immigration/ ----- Do you want to be interviewed for your business? Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/ ----- https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.io https://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/ https://twitter.com/writeformeio https://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/ https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman chats with John Polk, President of John Polk & Associates, about how smart businesses turn data into influence—not just reports. With a background in strategy, analytics, and leadership at Capital One, John now helps companies refine their presentation and storytelling skills to better connect with audiences, drive decision-making, and sharpen their strategic messaging. John’s firm focuses on much more than pretty slides. They help clients—ranging from Fortune 500s to startups and even medical professionals—develop clear strategies, eliminate communication gaps, and blend data with narrative to influence stakeholders. He also shares insight into his upcoming book, Presentation Pitfalls (Wiley, September), a practical guide for avoiding the most common traps professionals fall into when building and delivering presentations in both in-person and virtual settings. Whether you're pitching, presenting, or persuading, John Polk & Associates teaches you how to speak with clarity and lead with confidence. 🔗 Learn more about John Polk & Associates: https://johnpolkandassociates.com/ 📘 Check out the book: https://johnpolkandassociates.com/book/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnpolkandassociates/ 👤 Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwpolk/ ----- Do you want to be interviewed for your business? Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/ ----- https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.io https://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/ https://twitter.com/writeformeio https://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/ https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman sits down with Jay Jung, founder and principal of Embarc Advisors, a boutique investment banking and M&A advisory firm serving the middle market. With a background at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, Jay has worked on major deals like Yahoo’s sale to Verizon and MuleSoft’s acquisition by Salesforce. Now, he’s bringing that elite-level execution and insight to 7- and 8-figure mergers and acquisitions for founders and private businesses across industries—from SaaS and healthcare to industrials and business services. Embarc Advisors is flipping the traditional investment banking model on its head. Instead of commission-based success fees, they operate on a transparent hourly billing model, helping clients plan and optimize their exits months or even years in advance. Their fully remote team offers CFO services, quality of earnings reports, and end-to-end deal support. Embarc’s industry-agnostic approach allows them to bring unique insight across verticals, creating higher ROI and less friction throughout the M&A process. It’s no surprise they’ve been named to Axial’s Top 25 Middle Market Investment Banks. 🔗 Connect with Embarc Advisors: Website: https://embarcadvisors.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embarc-advisors/ Jay’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/embarc/ ----- Do you want to be interviewed for your business? Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/ ----- https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.io https://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/ https://twitter.com/writeformeio https://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/ https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

Radon, founder and CEO of Recovered and Free, and TEDx Southlake speaker. Don shares his raw, personal journey from addiction to long-term recovery, and how it inspired him to build a radically different kind of recovery program. Unlike traditional treatment centers driven by insurance payouts and clinical detachment, Recovered and Free is a peer-led, private-pay men’s program that prioritizes real connection, honest dialogue, and practical freedom. Based in small-town Hubbard, Texas, Recovered and Free stands apart by staying intentionally lean and fiercely human. No insurance. No “spa treatment.” No clinicians with clipboards. Just recovered addicts helping other addicts find their way out—because they’ve lived it. Don’s approach centers on restoring dignity and equipping men with sustainable tools for long-term sobriety, so they can re-enter life as better husbands, fathers, and neighbors. Alumni regularly return, not out of obligation, but to stay grounded and give back. It’s not treatment—it’s transformation. 🔗 Connect with Recovered and Free: Website: https://recoveredandfree.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveredandfreeRAF Nonprofit Partner: https://www.accesstofreedomtx.org/ LinkedIn (Don Radon): https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-radon-90920420/ Don’t miss Don’s upcoming podcast and his acclaimed TEDx Southlake talk—both continuing the mission to smash the stigma of addiction and share what real recovery looks like. ----- Do you want to be interviewed for your business? Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/ ----- https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.io https://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/ https://twitter.com/writeformeio https://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/ https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!