The Achieve Podcast

In this episode, host Jesse Warner speaks with Matthew Watson, President of Legal Fee Consultants, about building a specialized billing and compliance business for law firms and service providers. The conversation centers on entrepreneurship through unexpected transitions, scaling a service-based company, and leveraging technology like AI to improve operational efficiency.What You’ll Learn:How an unexpected career disruption can become the catalyst for launching a successful businessThe importance of trusting experienced advisors when making major entrepreneurial decisionsWhy operational excellence and compliance are critical in billing and accounting servicesHow to scale a service business from a solo operation to a growing team in a short timeframePractical ways AI can enhance, rather than replace, human roles in complex workflowsWhy quality control and human oversight remain essential even with automationThe power of strategic partnerships and word-of-mouth in driving early business growthWhy in-person networking and industry events often outperform cold outreach in relationship-driven industriesMatthew Watson’s journey highlights the value of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing leadership, even when it feels unfamiliar. His experience underscores that sustainable growth comes from a balance of strong relationships, operational discipline, and thoughtful adoption of new technologies. Ultimately, the conversation reinforces that success in specialized industries is built on trust, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.To learn more about Matthew Watson and his work, visit legalfee-consultants.com.

In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Erin McDonald, founder of Spilt Milk Nannies, a childcare platform connecting families with vetted nannies, about building a community-driven business and scaling a service rooted in trust and relationships.What You’ll Learn:How Erin McDonald turned an early nanny role into ownership of a growing childcare businessWhy word-of-mouth marketing can outperform paid advertising in trust-based industriesThe critical role of custom software in scaling service-based businesses efficientlyHow community-building creates both supply (nannies) and demand (families) organicallyThe impact of COVID-19 on childcare businesses and shifting customer behaviorWhy human involvement remains essential in services like childcare despite advances in AIHow Erin balances multiple perspectives as a founder, former nanny, and now a parentThe operational challenges of managing reliability, cancellations, and rising labor costsErin McDonald’s journey highlights the power of combining operational systems with deeply personal service. By prioritizing trust, relationships, and community over aggressive marketing or automation, she has built a resilient business that adapts to changing family needs while maintaining high standards. Her story underscores that in human-centered industries, technology should support not replace the personal connections that drive long-term success.To learn more about Erin McDonald and their work, visit spiltmilknannies.com

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Mike Schindler, CEO of The VUCA Principles, a leadership coach and former military professional, to explore how individuals and organizations can navigate volatility and uncertainty by shifting their mindset and building internal resilience.What You’ll Learn:The meaning of VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—and how it impacts modern leadership and decision-makingHow to reframe VUCA into a positive framework: vision, understanding, clarity, and adaptabilityWhy external circumstances are uncontrollable, but internal responses are the key to growth and successThe concept of “above the line” vs. “below the line” thinking and how it shapes behavior and outcomesHow the “Human 1.0 to Human 10.0” model helps individuals move from reactive to intentional livingThe importance of adaptability and clarity in times of rapid change or crisisHow leadership development principles used in the military can be applied to business and personal transitionsWhy creating accessible tools and training can help people move from feeling stuck to taking meaningful actionMike Schindler’s insights highlight that while the world will always present uncertainty, true transformation comes from mastering internal perspective and response. By shifting from reactive patterns to intentional, values-driven action, individuals and leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and create lasting impact in both their personal and professional lives.To learn more about Mike Schindler and their work, visit itsvucamax.com

In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Tyler Clark, CEO and co-founder of Zawadie, about building a mission-driven company that connects skilled refugees with meaningful remote work. The conversation centers on unlocking overlooked global talent while creating dignified employment opportunities.What You’ll Learn:How firsthand exposure to refugee communities revealed a massive pool of highly educated, underutilized talentWhy many refugees possess advanced degrees and professional experience but lack access to job marketsThe origin story of Zawadie and how it evolved from building libraries to creating employment pathwaysThe concept of “dignified work” and why it matters more than traditional aid modelsHow businesses can access reliable, capable remote talent while making a social impactThe importance of vetting, training, and aligning talent with the right business needsCommon misconceptions about refugees and their capabilities in professional environmentsHow purpose-driven business models can create sustainable, scalable impact for both companies and communitiesre key advantages for early-stage entrepreneursThis conversation highlights a powerful shift from charity to empowerment, demonstrating that providing access to meaningful work can transform lives while also delivering real business value. Tyler Clark’s work with Zawadie shows that solving global challenges and building successful companies are not mutually exclusive, but can be deeply interconnected when approached with intention.To learn more about Tyler Clark and their work, visit zawadie.com

In this episode, host Jessie Warner speaks with Sinan Gölhan, CEO of GelTech Labs and a nanomedicine entrepreneur, about building a biotech startup focused on automating biomaterial testing and improving outcomes in healthcare. The conversation centers on innovation in lab automation, the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship, and scaling a hardware-driven business.What You’ll Learn:How personal experiences can shape a founder’s mission and drive innovation in healthcareWhy automation in scientific research can significantly improve efficiency and outcomesThe importance of focusing on a niche market and directly engaging with end usersHow persistence through early failure is critical to gaining traction and building momentumWhy building the right team is one of the most important—and difficult—early decisionsHow combining robotics with AI can enhance product functionality and user experienceThe operational challenges of running a hardware startup, including supply chain constraintsWhy full commitment and timing are key advantages for early-stage entrepreneursThis conversation highlights the intersection of purpose-driven innovation and disciplined execution, showing how a young founder navigated technical complexity, early setbacks, and resource constraints to build a promising biotech company. Sinan Gölhan’s journey underscores the importance of resilience, focus, and surrounding yourself with the right people to transform ambitious ideas into real-world impact.To learn more about Sinan Gölhan and his work, visit geltechlabs.com.

In this episode, host Jessie Warner speaks with Stevi Carr, founder and CEO of Wise Wellness Guild and co-founder of WellNXT, about redefining wellness as a comprehensive, human-centered approach to sustainable performance and fulfillment. Their conversation explores how businesses and individuals can better align values, health, and productivity to unlock long-term success.What You’ll Learn:Why “whole self wellness” goes far beyond surface-level habits and includes mental, financial, and occupational healthHow Stevi Carr’s corporate background revealed gaps in how organizations support employee wellbeingThe connection between human sustainability and long-term business performanceWhy aligning personal values with daily work is critical for fulfillment and effectivenessHow companies can rethink wellness as a strategic investment rather than a perkThe importance of accessibility and inclusivity in wellness programsHow leaders can create environments that support both productivity and personal wellbeingWhy the future of work depends on integrating wellness into every aspect of organizational cultureThis conversation highlights a shift from traditional notions of wellness to a more integrated, values-driven model that benefits both individuals and organizations. Stevi Carr emphasizes that sustainable success comes from supporting the whole person, not just their output, and that businesses that embrace this mindset are better positioned to thrive in an evolving workplace landscape.To learn more about Stevi Carr and her work, visit wisewellnessguildpartners.com or wellnxtfest.com.

In this episode, host Jessie Warner speaks with Ronald Eriksen, President of Crown Holdings Business Development, about his journey into franchising and business development, and the principles behind building and scaling successful business ventures. The conversation centers on sales, leadership, and the long-term mindset required to grow sustainable organizations.What You’ll Learn:How early exposure to sales can shape long-term business instincts and confidenceWhy consistency and discipline are more important than natural talent in salesThe role of franchising as a structured pathway to entrepreneurship and growthHow to identify and qualify the right opportunities and partners in business developmentThe importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating career and business transitionsWhy relationship-building is a critical driver of long-term successHow leadership evolves from individual performance to empowering and developing othersThe value of taking calculated risks and learning through real-world experienceThis conversation highlights the importance of foundational sales skills, persistence, and relationship-driven growth in building a successful career in business development. Ronald Eriksen’s journey illustrates how early hands-on experience, combined with a willingness to learn and adapt, can lead to leadership opportunities and long-term impact. The episode reinforces that sustainable success comes from discipline, strong partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.To learn more about Ronald Eriksen and his work, visit linkedin.com/in/ronald-eriksen-14029b12/.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Rich Marker, owner and CEO of All Metals Fabrication, to discuss his journey building a family-founded manufacturing business and the lessons learned in leadership, growth, and resilience. The conversation centers on entrepreneurship, navigating challenges, and sustaining a business over decades.What You’ll Learn:How taking calculated risks, like securing an SBA loan, can be essential to launching a businessThe impact of family influence and legacy on entrepreneurial decisionsWhy strong relationships and communication are critical in business partnershipsHow hands-on experience from a young age can shape leadership and industry expertiseThe importance of perseverance during uncertain or transitional periodsHow to evolve a business while staying grounded in core valuesThe role of leadership in building a stable and motivated teamWhy long-term thinking is key to sustaining and growing a companyThis conversation highlights the realities of building a business from the ground up, emphasizing that success is rarely immediate but earned through persistence, adaptability, and strong leadership. Rich Marker’s story underscores the value of embracing challenges, learning through experience, and maintaining a clear vision to guide long-term growth.To learn more about Rich Marker and his work, visit allmetalsfab.com.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Melissa Rosenthal, co-founder of OutLever and former media and SaaS marketing leader, to explore how companies can transform themselves into media engines and build powerful content ecosystems. The conversation centers on the evolution of marketing, the convergence of media and SaaS, and how brands can own their audience.What You’ll Learn:Why companies should think of themselves as media companies, not just product or service providersHow Melissa’s experience at BuzzFeed, Cheddar, and ClickUp shaped her approach to modern marketingThe concept of building a “media ecosystem” instead of relying on paid advertising channelsWhy owning your audience is more valuable than renting attention through adsHow storytelling and consistent content creation drive long-term brand growthThe shift from short-term performance marketing to long-term brand building strategiesWhat it takes operationally to build and sustain a content-driven growth engineHow B2B companies can leverage media strategies traditionally used by consumer brandsThis conversation highlights a fundamental shift in how businesses approach growth: moving away from dependency on paid channels toward building owned platforms that compound over time. Melissa Rosenthal makes a compelling case that the future belongs to companies that invest in storytelling, audience-building, and media infrastructure—turning marketing from a cost center into a scalable, strategic asset.To learn more about Melissa Rosenthal and her work, visit outlever.com.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner speaks with Nate Brown, co-founder of CX Accelerator and a leader in the customer experience (CX) space, about the evolution of CX as a discipline and the importance of building community, strategy, and intentionality around customer relationships.What You’ll Learn:Why customer experience should be approached as a strategic function rather than a reactive support roleHow Nate Brown’s early career shaped his perspective on meaningful customer engagementThe importance of finding and building community within emerging professional fieldsKey differences between traditional customer service and modern customer experience strategyHow organizations can shift from transactional interactions to relationship-driven experiencesThe role of leadership in embedding customer-centric thinking across a businessWhy curiosity and continuous learning are essential for success in CXHow CX Accelerator was created to fill a gap in education, connection, and professional developmentThis conversation highlights the transformation of customer experience from a misunderstood concept into a critical business discipline. Nate Brown emphasizes that organizations must move beyond surface-level service improvements and instead commit to a deeper, more intentional understanding of their customers. By fostering community, encouraging learning, and aligning CX with business strategy, companies can create lasting value for both their customers and their teams.To learn more about Nate Brown and his work, visit cxaccelerator.com.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner speaks with Shan Padda, co-founder and CEO of Harvard MedTech, about building mission-driven companies and addressing the opioid crisis through innovative, non-pharmaceutical solutions. The conversation centers on how technology, particularly virtual reality, can transform the treatment of trauma, chronic pain, and behavioral health challenges.What You’ll Learn:Why successful entrepreneurs often shift toward mission-driven work later in their careersHow the opioid crisis is closely tied to untreated trauma, PTSD, and mental health conditionsThe importance of treating the whole person rather than isolated symptomsHow virtual reality can be used as a therapeutic tool to rewire thought patterns and build resilienceWhy non-pharmaceutical approaches can be as effective as traditional pain management methodsHow immersive environments influence brain function and emotional responsesThe unique needs of veteran populations and others dealing with long-term traumaWhat it takes to design scalable healthcare solutions that combine technology and behavioral scienceThis episode highlights the power of aligning innovation with purpose, showing how addressing root causes rather than symptoms can lead to more effective and lasting outcomes. Shan Padda’s work demonstrates how emerging technologies like virtual reality can redefine healthcare by offering holistic, patient-centered solutions that reduce dependency on traditional medications while improving quality of life.To learn more about Shan Padda and his work, visit harvardmedtech.com.

In this episode, host Steven Bunker speaks with Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International, a pioneer in training and development for administrative professionals. Joan shares how she built an entirely new industry, navigated decades of entrepreneurial challenges, and continues evolving her business while empowering professionals and women leaders.What You’ll Learn:How Joan Burge identified a gap in professional development for administrative professionals and built a business around solving itWhy persistence and belief in your mission are essential when building something the market does not yet recognizeThe importance of building a strong team that can sustain a company through crises, leadership transitions, and personal challengesHow adapting quickly to change, such as pivoting to virtual training during the pandemic, can unlock new global opportunitiesWhy leading with empathy, collaboration, and “heart” can transform team culture and improve leadership effectivenessHow maintaining personal well-being directly impacts creativity, energy, and long-term leadership performancePractical ways entrepreneurs can use AI to accelerate content creation, clarify ideas, and streamline marketing processesWhy strong personal relationships and mentorship networks are essential for navigating the loneliness and complexity of entrepreneurshipThroughout the conversation, Joan reflects on the determination required to build a business over decades, from cold-calling early clients to nearly closing her doors multiple times before reaching sustained growth. Her story highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning embracing new tools like AI, evolving leadership styles, and pursuing new missions such as empowering women leaders. Ultimately, Joan emphasizes that long-term success comes from persistence, meaningful relationships, and the willingness to keep testing new ideas while staying true to your purpose.To learn more about Joan Burge and their work, visit officedynamics.com

In this episode, host Jessie Warner sits down with Matthew Christou, co-founder of Big League Clean, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned while building a fast-growing commercial cleaning company. Matthew shares how early setbacks, strategic partnerships, and a relentless commitment to growth helped him transform a struggling startup into a seven-figure business.What You’ll Learn:Why developing a personal “hunger for greatness” can shape long-term entrepreneurial ambition.How early business failures can serve as valuable learning experiences rather than setbacks.The importance of finding the right business partner who shares your vision and work ethic.What it really looks like to build a company during the early stages, including financial pressure and personal sacrifice.How systems, delegation, and building the right team become critical as a company begins to scale.Why fast and consistent client communication can become a competitive advantage in service businesses.How identifying consolidation opportunities within fragmented industries can unlock major growth.Why persistence, resilience, and long-term thinking are essential traits for founders navigating the startup journey.In this conversation, Matthew Christou highlights the realities of entrepreneurship—from early failures and financial hardship to building a thriving company through discipline, partnership, and operational focus. His story illustrates how persistence, strong systems, and a clear vision can turn even the most challenging beginnings into meaningful business success.To learn more about Matthew Christou and their work, visit bigleagueclean.com

In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Gina and Brian Kingdeski, founders and owners of Trinity Design and Construction, about their journey in real estate investing and their work creating affordable co-living housing through PadSplit properties. Drawing on decades of experience in home building, sales, and property renovation, they discuss how market shifts led them to pivot from vacation rentals to innovative workforce housing solutions.What You’ll Learn:How decades of experience in home building, sales, and property renovation shaped the Kingdeskis’ approach to real estate investingWhy shifting market conditions pushed them to pivot from vacation rentals to co-living housing modelsWhat PadSplit properties are and how they provide affordable housing for workforce tenantsThe operational and design considerations involved in converting traditional homes into co-living spacesHow real estate investors can identify emerging opportunities in saturated or changing marketsThe role of partnerships, construction expertise, and systems in scaling a real estate portfolioHow providing affordable housing can create both financial returns and meaningful community impactLessons from building a business as a couple and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship togetherGina and Brian’s story highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in real estate. By recognizing changes in the short-term rental market and pivoting toward co-living housing, they built a model that addresses both investor opportunity and a growing need for affordable workforce housing. Their experience shows how industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and a willingness to evolve can transform challenges into impactful business ventures.To learn more about Gina and Brian Kingdeski and their work, visit trinitydesignconstruction.com

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner speaks with Peter Lisoskie, a veteran technology leader and founder of Default, about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in business and how entrepreneurs can build human-centered technology in an increasingly automated world.What You’ll Learn:Why modern startups can scale effectively with very small teams by leveraging AI and automation.How Peter’s career leading product and technology teams at major companies shaped his entrepreneurial approach.The importance of keeping human needs and values at the center of rapidly advancing technologies.How the transition from the knowledge economy to the “intelligence age” is reshaping work and opportunity.Why the quality of questions you ask AI tools directly impacts the value of the output you receive.How entrepreneurs can adapt to technological disruption instead of resisting it.Why many founders are intentionally building leaner, more agile companies rather than large organizations.How failure, experimentation, and experience play a critical role in long-term entrepreneurial success.Throughout the conversation, Peter Lisoskie reflects on decades in the technology industry—from leading large teams at global companies to launching multiple startups—and shares his perspective on the profound changes being driven by AI. While automation will inevitably reshape jobs and industries, he emphasizes that innovation also creates new opportunities for those willing to adapt. By combining emerging technologies with a strong focus on human impact, entrepreneurs can build businesses that are both efficient and meaningful in the intelligence-driven economy.To learn more about Peter Lisoskie and his work, visit defaulteffect.com.

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner speaks with Arvind Sarin, Chairman and CEO of Copper Digital, about building a technology company that solves real-world healthcare problems. The conversation explores Arvind’s entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of his company, and how AI-powered tools are transforming documentation and efficiency in the home health industry.What You’ll Learn:How identifying a very specific, underserved niche can create powerful opportunities for innovation and growth.Why solving a real operational pain point for customers is more valuable than simply building impressive technology.How AI and automation can dramatically reduce administrative burden in healthcare workflows.The importance of adaptability when transitioning a company through multiple technology waves, from mobile development to AI-driven platforms.Lessons from an immigrant founder’s journey, including resilience, long-term thinking, and willingness to take risks.Why deep industry understanding is critical when building products for highly regulated sectors like healthcare.How strong teams and trusted partnerships play a central role in scaling a technology company.The mindset entrepreneurs need to stay focused on long-term value while navigating the uncertainty of startup growth.Throughout the conversation, Arvind Sarin shares how focusing on practical solutions, listening closely to customers, and continuously evolving with technology enabled his company to carve out a unique position in the healthcare technology landscape. His story highlights how persistence, domain expertise, and disciplined innovation can transform a small startup into a platform that meaningfully improves efficiency for healthcare providers while ultimately benefiting patient care.To learn more about Arvind Sarin and his work, visit copperdigital.com.

In this episode, host Taylor Baker sits down with Anne Maxson, pharmacist and founder of Effectiv, to discuss how better medication management and patient engagement can improve health outcomes. Anne shares how her background in pharmacy and real-world questions from friends and family inspired her to build a platform that helps patients understand their medications, improve adherence, and make more informed healthcare decisions.What You’ll Learn:Why medication adherence is one of the biggest yet most overlooked challenges in healthcare outcomesHow confusion around side effects, effectiveness, and affordability leads many patients to silently struggle with their medicationsThe critical role pharmacists can play in helping patients better understand and manage their treatment plansWhy many people lack accessible, reliable guidance when it comes to medication decisionsHow technology can bridge the communication gap between patients and their medicationsThe importance of empowering patients with better data, insights, and engagement toolsWhy improving medication adherence benefits both individuals and the broader healthcare systemHow personal frustration with system gaps can become the catalyst for building a mission-driven healthcare companyIn this conversation, Anne highlights a fundamental gap in healthcare: patients often take medications without the clarity or support needed to know if those treatments are working or right for them. By combining pharmaceutical expertise with technology and patient engagement, Effective aims to give individuals the tools and understanding they need to take control of their health while improving overall outcomes across the healthcare ecosystem.To learn more about Anne Maxson and their work, visit geteffectiv.com

In this episode, In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Debra Andrews, founder of Marketri, about how middle-market companies can build effective marketing functions through outsourced and fractional teams. Debra shares insights from more than two decades of helping organizations move beyond the “one marketer does everything” model and build scalable, specialized marketing capabilities.What You’ll Learn:Why the traditional approach of hiring one or two generalist marketers often limits growth for middle-market companiesHow outsourced or fractional marketing teams provide access to specialized expertise without the overhead of a full in-house departmentThe importance of aligning marketing strategy with business goals and revenue outcomesWhy modern marketing requires a team of specialists across strategy, digital, analytics, content, and creativeHow companies can scale marketing efforts efficiently by blending internal teams with external partnersThe role of data and analytics in demonstrating marketing’s impact and guiding smarter decisionsHow remote and distributed teams can successfully collaborate to deliver high-quality marketing servicesLeadership lessons Debra learned from building and growing a marketing firm over more than two decadesIn this conversation, Debra highlights how marketing has evolved into a complex discipline requiring multiple areas of expertise. By rethinking traditional staffing models and embracing flexible marketing partnerships, businesses can gain the strategic insight, execution power, and measurement capabilities needed to grow in today’s competitive environment.To learn more about Debra Andrews and their work, visit marketri.com

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Joseph Van Wyk and Dekota Dangelo, co-founders of GoSalesGenAI, about how AI-powered sales systems and modern revenue strategies are transforming the way businesses grow and scale. Their conversation explores how generative AI, improved sales infrastructure, and evolving technology are creating new opportunities for companies to increase efficiency and drive predictable revenue.What You’ll Learn:Why many businesses struggle with consistent sales growth and how stronger systems can solve that challenge.How generative AI is reshaping lead generation, outreach, and customer engagement.The importance of combining AI tools with human sales expertise to build effective revenue engines.How experience in high-ticket sales environments reveals the common operational gaps that hold businesses back.Why businesses that adopt AI strategically can gain a significant competitive advantage.How building strong networks and partnerships can accelerate growth opportunities.Why experimentation and adaptability are essential when implementing emerging technology.How companies can focus on practical AI applications that drive real business results rather than chasing hype.This conversation highlights how the intersection of AI and sales strategy is creating a new playbook for business growth. Joseph Van Wyk and Dekota Dangelo emphasize that while AI tools are rapidly evolving, long-term success still depends on strong systems, clear processes, and meaningful relationships with customers. Businesses that combine technological innovation with proven sales fundamentals will be best positioned to scale in the years ahead.To learn more about Joseph Van Wyk and Dekota Dangelo and their work, visit gosalesgenai.com

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas, co-founders and CEOs of Catalyst Constellations, about their work helping organizations support and empower the “catalysts” the natural innovators and change agents who drive transformation inside companies. The conversation explores leadership, innovation, and how individuals and organizations can better harness the energy of people who are wired to spark meaningful change.What You’ll Learn:Why many organizations overlook the people who naturally drive innovation and changeWhat it means to be a “catalyst” and the unique traits that define these natural change agentsThe common challenges catalysts face when working within traditional corporate environmentsHow organizations can better identify and support innovators inside their teamsWhy burnout often affects high-performing change leaders and how to prevent itThe importance of community and connection among people leading transformationHow research and behavioral insights can help leaders better understand innovation dynamicsPractical ways leaders can foster cultures that encourage experimentation and progressTracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas share how their research and leadership experiences led them to build Catalyst Constellations, a company focused on empowering the people who spark innovation from within organizations. By recognizing and supporting these catalysts, businesses can unlock stronger collaboration, sustainable innovation, and more resilient leadership cultures.To learn more about Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas and their work, visit catalystconstellations.com