Change with Colton

Change with Colton Podcast 8 - with Shaan Arora, the Co-founder of Alia We talk about: - The origin story of Alia - Shaan's mantra of adaptability and resilience - The importance of focusing on storytelling and brand values when starting an e-commerce brand - Insights on scaling the company, focusing on organic content, events, and outbound strategies - Encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to get started Connect with Shaan: Linkedin: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaan-arora/ Alia Technologies: ⁠https://www.alialearn.com/home-2⁠ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/colton.kaplan X: https://twitter.com/ColtonKaplan Subscribe to Colton's Newsletter: ⁠https://www.coltonkaplan.com/ ⁠⁠#founder⁠ ⁠#startup⁠ ⁠#podcast⁠ ⁠#entreprenuership⁠ ⁠#business⁠ ⁠#confidence⁠

Hi everyone! Colton here, this is the transition episode from Coffee with Colton to Change with Colton. On Change with Colton, we will be discussing how to unleash your confidence that has been hidden away deep down.

Kara Goldin the Founder of Hint Water shares her story and how to be Undaunted. Hint Water is the first flavored beverage with no sweeteners, no preservatives, and zero calories.

Co-Founder of Next Gen HQ, Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, featured in Entrepreneur, USA Today, and INC, shares insight on how to build MOMENTUM and community.

Phillip Aubrey, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree and Founder of Yunit, a social savings app, shares his takeaways from his past experiences in the VC space and what he is doing today.

Aman Ailani shares his story about starting SAH.OL Cold Brew. A canned cold brew that is sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten free.

Kia Damon also known as Kia Cooks who was named one of 16 black chefs changing food in America by the NYT, Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, and has helped start multiple non-profits shares great advice on life! She also shares her mission for her non-profit Kia Feeds the People and Auxilio.

Nitiya Walker the Founder of Seeds of Fortune shares how she is empowering young women of color and helping them become financially literate.

Nick from Polliticly shares how you can make sure your voice is heard in your community.

Man of many talents Moses Williams also known as WrebleMuzik shares his views on life and what inspires him to make music.

I am joined for episode #1 with Rob who started an organization Save our Six as a resource for veterans and others who work in 911 services.

In this episode of Change with Colton, Fiona Bao, founder and CEO of Lushair Technology, shares her journey from studying bioengineering to creating a wellness tech company focused on hair care solutions. She discusses her early experiences, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of empowering female founders in the tech industry. Fiona also highlights her strategies for user growth and the cultural adaptation she experienced after moving to the US.TakeawaysFiona's personal experience with hair loss inspired her entrepreneurial journey.Lushair Technology aims to make hair care solutions accessible and affordable.The importance of internships in shaping Fiona's career path.Fiona emphasizes the need for more female representation in entrepreneurship.User growth can be achieved through organic strategies and social media.Cultural immersion helped Fiona adapt to the US business environment.Networking is crucial for startup success and brand awareness.Fiona's experience in a successful startup inspired her own venture.The tech industry still has a gender gap in funding and leadership.Fiona is actively seeking partnerships to expand Lushair's reach.Connect with Fiona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-b-176458189/Check out Lushair: https://www.lushair.net/_________________Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/Join Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/

Swanand Rao, shares his journey from a software engineer to an entrepreneur and co-founder of M9, focusing on the development of AI agents. He discusses the importance of product management, the impact of AI on various industries, particularly education, and the future of startups in the AI landscape. Swanand emphasizes the need for efficient AI solutions and the significance of mentorship and reflection in one's career. Takeaways • Swannand Rao transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for impact. • Product management requires a balance of creativity and data-driven decision-making. • AI is likened to the new internet, with potential for democratization. • M9 focuses on building AI solutions that enhance professional workflows. • Education can be revolutionized through AI, providing access and personalization. • Entrepreneurs should leverage AI to build efficient solutions. • Reflecting on career milestones can provide valuable insights. • The journey of entrepreneurship is as important as the destination. • AI agents will enable more autonomous workflows in the future. • Impact can be defined in various ways, and it's essential to focus on it. ________________ Connect with Swanand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swanandr/ Check out M9: https://momentumai.dev/ _________________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Join Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/

In this episode of Change with Colton, Colton Kaplan sits down with Sara Schmitt, co-founder and COO of Adro, a startup focused on simplifying the financial journey for international students in the U.S. Sara shares her inspiring story of building Adro from the ground up, tackling challenges like hiring the right people, managing stress as a founder, and navigating the complexities of scaling a startup. Sara discusses the crucial role financial independence plays for international students, specifically the importance of building U.S. credit and accessing essential financial products before even stepping foot on American soil. She emphasizes the need for founders to prioritize the customer’s pain points, be open to feedback, and maintain flexibility in the face of limited resources. Key Takeaways: • Customer-Centric Innovation: How asking the right questions and listening deeply to customers' experiences can validate your product and reveal hidden pain points. • Hiring in Early-Stage Startups: The value of hiring generalists who are adaptable and ready to contribute in multiple areas of the business. • Managing Stress as a Founder: Practical tips for managing self-doubt and avoiding burnout in high-pressure startup environments, like setting small achievable goals and focusing on routines. • The Importance of Financial Literacy for International Students: Sara’s mission to make it easier for international students to establish U.S. credit and financial accounts before arriving, leveling the playing field for newcomers. • Balancing Teaching and Entrepreneurship: How Sara continues to teach while running a growing startup, using real-world startup challenges to inspire students and stay connected to her community. • From Corporate to Startup: Sara’s advice for transitioning from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, stressing the value of industry experience and having a strong network. __________________ Connect with Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraschmitt/ Join Adro: https://www.joinadro.com/ _________________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Coyax: https://www.coyax.ai/

In this episode, Colton Kaplan interviews Hirbod Bigvand, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Cassius. Hirbod shares his journey of coming to the United States at the age of 16 and his experiences in entrepreneurship and venture capital. He discusses the lessons he learned from his previous startups, the importance of having a thick skin and managing stress as an entrepreneur, and the value of building a collaborative environment. He also talks about his latest venture, Cassius, a lifestyle company that coaches men in improving their dating lives. He emphasizes the importance of mastering your business, taking risks, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Takeaways - Having a thick skin and being able to handle stress are important traits for entrepreneurs. - Building a collaborative environment and hiring talented people are key to scaling a startup. - Validating ideas and knowing your market are crucial for success. - Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth. - Mastering your business and knowing your numbers are essential for attracting investors. - Building a community and creating real-life connections are becoming increasingly important in the digital age. ___________ Connect with Hirbod: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirbodbigvand/ Try Cassius: https://www.cassius.love/ ___________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Join Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@changewithcolton

Henry Sabin shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of focus, thinking differently about problems, and developing passion for any field. He also discusses the challenges of building a business and the value of persistence. Sabin highlights the need for responsible use of AI technology, particularly in preventing deep fake fraud. He shares his excitement for the future of AI video and personalized content. Sabin offers advice for aspiring founders, including the importance of patience and taking action. He also mentions the value of mentors and recommends following his content on LinkedIn. Takeaways Focus is about saying no and making choices that align with your goals. Thinking differently about problems is essential for innovation and growth. Passion can be developed over time by immersing yourself in a subject and finding what interests you. Responsible use of AI technology, such as preventing deep fake fraud, is crucial. ______________ Connect with Henry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-sabin/ Try Convi: https://www.convi.io _______ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5SWhiE7U0KAFrvQfPl24A

In this episode, Colton Kaplan interviews Nishkam Bhatta, the founder of GrayCyan, a solutions-driven IT and creative digital agency. He shares his journey from being an introverted child to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He also discusses the services GrayCyan offers, including building AI-driven apps with a focus on design and cybersecurity. Nish provides valuable insights on generating leads through LinkedIn and offers actionable business ideas for aspiring founders. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and changing behaviors in underserved industries. Takeaways Nish Bhatta shares his journey from being an introverted child to becoming a successful entrepreneur. GrayCyan specializes in building AI-driven apps with a focus on design and cybersecurity. Nish provides valuable insights on generating leads through LinkedIn and emphasizes the importance of providing value to your audience. He suggests exploring underserved industries and changing behaviors to create business opportunities. Nish admires entrepreneurs like Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Phil Knight, and Steve Jobs and recommends reading their biographies for valuable insights. ____________ Connect with Nishkam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishkambatta/ GrayCyan: https://www.graycyan.com/ ____________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5SWhiE7U0KAFrvQfPl24A

Deepika Phakke, founder of Nama Water, shares her journey from experiencing water scarcity as a child in India to starting a sustainable water brand. She also discusses her work with Street Store, a pop-up store that provides donated clothes to the homeless, and her experience organizing zero-waste events at Google. She offers tips for aspiring founders in the CPG space, emphasizing the importance of getting started, asking for help, and pursuing passions. She encourages entrepreneurs to find ways to do things better than what is already being done and to stay persistent and passionate throughout the journey. Takeaways 1. Water scarcity is a global issue that needs to be addressed, and individuals can make a difference by treating water with respect and reducing plastic waste. 2. Rejection is a part of the entrepreneurial journey, and it's important to persevere and continue making efforts toward your goals. 3. Sustainability is a growing concern, and there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to create more sustainable alternatives in various industries, such as CPG. 4. Getting started is key, and starting as a side hustle is possible while still working full-time. 5. Asking for help and building a supportive community of mentors and supporters is crucial for success. 6. Entrepreneurs will face challenges and setbacks along the way. Passion and persistence are essential qualities for entrepreneurs. 7. Entrepreneurs should focus on doing something better than what is already being done, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. 8. Finding ways to align personal values with business ideas can create a stronger connection with consumers and build a loyal community. 9. Entrepreneurs should stay open to feedback and continuously iterate and improve their products or services. 10. Gratitude and blessings are important mindset practices for entrepreneurs to maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated. Connect with Deepika: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepikaphakke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckiestwomanalive/ Nama Water: https://namawater.com/ Nama Water's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nama_water/ _________ Subscribe to Colton's Newsletter: https://www.coltonkaplan.com/ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colton.kaplan/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColtonKaplan Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HSD2EMNkUbs4PlcJKWTpBy Events: https://lu.ma/foundersocialclub

In this episode, Colton interviews Grace Ling, the founder of Design Buddies, the largest design community in the world. Grace shares her journey from bioengineering to UX design and how she started Design Buddies to make friends in the design industry. She emphasizes the importance of experimentation and embracing discomfort as a founder. Grace also discusses her approach to content creation on LinkedIn and the importance of being authentic and not worrying about what others think. She provides insights on approaching sponsorships, the impact of AI on design and entrepreneurship. Grace highlights the value of mentors and encourages listeners to take action and pursue their goals. Takeaways Embrace discomfort and be willing to experiment as a founder. Authenticity is key in content creation on platforms like LinkedIn. Don't be afraid of judgment and focus on adding value to others. Approach sponsorships as collaborations and find mutual value. AI will play a significant role in the future of design and entrepreneurship. Identify pain points in your own life and explore business ideas around them. Mentors can provide valuable guidance and support on your entrepreneurial journey. Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceling/ Design Buddies: https://www.designbuddies.community/ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Schedule a chat: https://calendly.com/kindlabz/connecting?month=2024-04

In this episode, Chris Kaufman, co-founder and advisor at StockX, shares his journey in entrepreneurship and the importance of design and branding in building a successful business. He discusses the day-to-day experience as the Chief Creative Officer of StockX and the role of design in shaping the company's creative direction and brand identity. Chris also talks about overcoming failure and self-doubt, building a strong company culture, and motivating and empowering employees. He shares insights on identifying passionate and motivated hires, acquiring the first 1,000 customers, and the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus venture funding. Lastly, he explores his passion for art and creativity and emphasizes the importance of culture and teamwork in business. Key Takeaways 🙌 1. Design plays a crucial role in building a successful business, as it helps shape the brand identity and user experience. 2. Overcoming failure and self-doubt is a common experience in entrepreneurship, and it's important to embrace it as part of the process and approach challenges with a growth mindset. 3. Building a strong company culture is essential for long-term success, and leaders should lead by example, show vulnerability, and foster trust and collaboration within the team. 4. Hiring passionate and motivated individuals is key to building a successful team, and leaders should create an environment that encourages learning, experimentation, and taking initiative. 5. Acquiring the first thousand customers can be challenging, and it often requires experimentation, seeding the platform, and demonstrating activity to attract both buyers and sellers. 6. The decision to bootstrap or seek venture funding depends on the type of business and its growth potential, but venture funding can provide the necessary capital and resources to accelerate growth. 7. When pitching to investors, it's important to clearly articulate the problem being solved, the potential for growth, and the strength of the team and its ability to drive revenue and long-term sustainability. 8. Exploring art and creativity can provide a different perspective and outlet for expression, and it's important to make time for personal passions and interests outside of work. 9. Culture and team are crucial aspects of any business, and it's important to align with organizations that share your mission and values to create a fulfilling and impactful work environment. ________________________ Connect with Chris: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetkauf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaufstagram/ ArtClvb: https://www.artclvb.xyz/ ________________________ Connect with Colton: Subscribe to Colton's Newsletter: https://www.coltonkaplan.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/colton.kaplan Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColtonKaplan