Claim OwnershipVenture Visionaries with Thomas Igeme
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Welcome to Venture Visionaries: Behind the Business, where we journey into the heart of entrepreneurship with those who dare to reimagine our world. This isn’t just a conversation with inspiring CEOs; it's an exploration of the entire 'village'—the dedicated teams, the satisfied clients, and the collaborative spirit—fueling transformative ventures. From tech startups to educational non-profits, from local politics to global solutions, our guests are united in their pursuit to create a better tomorrow. We delve into personal stories, distill collective wisdom, and reveal the actionable strategies behind visionary success. Join us for a roadmap that not only narrates the messy, brilliant, and beautiful journey of entrepreneurship but also hands you the compass to navigate your own path to innovation.
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In a recent TL Partners Fireside Chat, "Day One Readiness: Laying the Groundwork for Successful M&As in Due Diligence," we explore the pivotal first steps in mergers and acquisitions. Expert panelists Thomas Igeme, Nikoleta Vlamis, Theresa Roswell, and Warren Ragoonanan share their insights on building trust early, integrating differing company cultures, and adapting leadership styles during the crucial initial phases of M&A. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to understand the complexities of M&A groundwork and learn practical strategies for ensuring a smooth transition and successful integration from day one. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a newcomer to the field of M&A, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on making the most of your mergers from the very beginning.
On this episode of Venture Visionaries, host Thomas Igeme sits down with Marshall Lebovits—a lending expert with over 35 years of experience helping fast-growing companies unlock the working capital they need to scale. Marshall’s specialty? Turning receivables, inventory, and even equipment into the fuel that founders need to grow—without giving up equity too soon.Together, Thomas and Marshall pull back the curtain on the real-world messiness of startup finance: the traps and pitfalls, the critical role of cash flow, and the capital strategies that separate survival from scale. Marshall shares stories of founders who faced down cash crunches, survived near-crises, and built strong companies by mastering the game of non-dilutive funding.If you’re a founder, operator, or finance lead ready to rethink what’s possible for your company’s growth, this episode delivers both practical advice and cautionary tales.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Marcelo Calbucci—author, technologist, and founder—who brings over 25 years of experience across Microsoft, Amazon, and six startups on two continents. Marcelo joins Thomas Igeme to unravel the Amazon-born PRFAQ framework: a powerful writing tool that helps founders pressure-test bold ideas, align teams, and avoid costly mistakes before building anything.Thomas and Marcelo dive deep into how the discipline of writing can sharpen decision-making, foster critical thinking, and reveal hidden gaps—whether you’re scaling a five-person team or navigating the chaos of rapid growth. Marcelo shares stories from his own entrepreneurial journey, lessons from publishing his book, and tactical advice for founders eager to move fast while staying smart.If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or business leader ready to take your next big swing, this episode is packed with frameworks and wisdom to help you ask—and answer—the questions that matter most.
On this episode of Venture Visionaries, Thomas Igeme sits down with David Hirschfeld—35-year tech veteran, serial entrepreneur, and the creator of the Launch 1st Method. David’s journey spans from early engineering and national sales to launching a logistics software company that served 800 customers in 22 countries and building Tekyz Inc., a firm specializing in AI-driven workflow transformation.Thomas and David dive deep into the realities of software startups, what it really takes to scale, and why founders should validate their ideas with customers before they even start building. David shares hard-won lessons on process documentation, playbooks, and leveraging AI for better project management. The conversation unpacks the practical side of entrepreneurship—building teams, serving customers, and the importance of clarity and usability.Whether you’re launching your first product, scaling a tech business, or just looking for a smarter way to work, this episode is a masterclass in building what matters, faster.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, Thomas Igeme welcomes Claudia Fulga—executive coach, former tech executive, and the creative force behind immersive leadership retreats around the globe. Claudia’s story is one of bold reinvention: after leading people strategy in fast-growth tech startups and navigating two successful exits, she pivoted to a mission of helping leaders build grounded confidence from the inside out.Thomas and Claudia explore the mindset strategies that empower high achievers to thrive in uncertainty, the hidden value of travel for personal growth, and what it means to truly practice authenticity and resilience. From racing teams to the C-suite, Claudia brings practical tools for hacking your mindset, finding clarity, and leading with unwavering confidence.If you’ve ever faced a career crossroads—or wondered how to lead with both ambition and presence—this episode is packed with wisdom, story, and actionable insight.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, Thomas Igeme sits down with Nellie Wartoft to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the founding of Tigerhall, and her innovative approach to change management. Nellie offers a deep dive into her experiences as a national champion in skeet shooting, the inspiration behind Tigerhall, and her perspective on industry trends like mega acquisitions.Listeners will gain actionable advice on leading with empathy, implementing change effectively, and fostering personal and professional growth.
Legal disputes are often synonymous with stress, time, and expense. But Rich Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of New Era ADR, envisions a better way. Drawing from his unique journey through bioengineering, law, and technology, Rich is on a mission to transform how we approach dispute resolution—making it faster, fairer, and more accessible.In this episode of Venture Visionaries, host Thomas Igeme sits down with Rich to discuss how empathetic leadership, innovative thinking, and calculated risk-taking can reshape industries, build trust, and drive sustainable growth.
Join us for a compelling discussion with Fred Schonenberg, founder of VentureFuel, as we explore how his company bridges the gap between startups and corporations to foster innovation. Fred shares insights into navigating the complexities of large organizations, supporting underrepresented founders, and using storytelling to evaluate startups. Learn how VentureFuel has accelerated growth for over 50 organizations and how Fred is shaping the future of innovation.
We’re joined by Borja Cuan, a marketing leader at Four15 Digital, a performance advertising agency helping businesses scale through strategic advertising on platforms like Google, Meta, and LinkedIn. Borja shares his journey into leadership, the importance of customer-centricity, and the strategies that have made Four15 Digital a trusted partner for high-growth companies.Host Thomas Igeme delves into Borja’s leadership philosophy, his approach to adapting in the dynamic digital marketing space, and his thoughts on fostering client relationships in a competitive landscape. This episode is packed with actionable insights for marketers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their organizations strategically.
We spotlight Aakash Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of Wyndly, a cutting-edge telehealth platform revolutionizing allergy treatment. Aakash’s inspiring journey, driven by his personal experiences with debilitating allergies, highlights the intersection of technology and healthcare. Through Wyndly, he’s making life-changing allergy relief accessible to millions.Host Thomas Igeme dives into a thoughtful conversation with Aakash, exploring his entrepreneurial path and the unique challenges of blending innovation with patient-centered care. From tackling operational hurdles to leveraging AI for future growth, Aakash’s insights are both inspiring and actionable for leaders across industries.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we feature Rob Meyers, Managing Director and Partner at Versus, a studio known for redefining storytelling through innovative client collaborations and original intellectual property. Rob shares his journey from screenwriting to brand development, highlighting the influences that shaped his creative philosophy and Versus’s free-thinking culture.Host Thomas Igeme leads an in-depth discussion with Rob, exploring his insights on leadership, diversity, and the role of AI in the storytelling landscape. This episode is packed with inspiration for creatives, innovators, and anyone fascinated by the fusion of technology and storytelling.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Nick McEvily, a fractional Chief Product Officer and product strategist, known for helping startups define their vision and achieve product-market fit. Nick shares his journey from building things as a child to becoming a startup founder, exploring the value of customer discovery, the ethical implications of AI, and his community-driven work in Mexico City.Host Thomas Igeme guides a dynamic conversation with Nick, diving into his insights on pivoting startups, building trust within teams, and balancing personal and professional life as a fractional leader. This episode provides actionable takeaways for startup leaders, product developers, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful community impact through their work.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Matt Tait, a serial entrepreneur, former attorney, and the founder of Decimal, a financial operations company. Matt shares his journey from law school to entrepreneurship, offering insights on navigating the challenges of leadership, mental health, and building a resilient company culture. His experience in accounting, law, and tech gives him a unique perspective on the “messy middle” of business growth, especially for companies scaling from $1 to $50 million in revenue.Host Thomas Igeme leads an engaging conversation with Matt, diving into the tactical and emotional hurdles of business ownership, the significance of company values in a remote work environment, and the transformative role of AI in accounting. This episode is packed with advice for business owners, HR leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of mental health and leadership.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Joshua Monge, a seasoned Fractional COO, entrepreneur, and economic development leader with over 20 years of experience across industries like Food & Beverage, Finance, and Manufacturing. Host Thomas Igeme leads a fascinating discussion with Joshua, exploring the challenges and rewards of business ownership, the power of process mapping for operational efficiency, and the importance of community-centered economic development. Joshua shares personal anecdotes about his journey as an entrepreneur and the values that drive his work. This episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners, economic development leaders, and anyone passionate about creating resilient communities.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Melissa Beck, President of Anonymous LLC, a boutique firm dedicated to helping high-net-worth families create impactful philanthropic legacies. This episode dives into a powerful conversation with Melissa, exploring her career transition from finance to philanthropy, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how Anonymous LLC helps clients develop strategic giving plans that go beyond simple charity. With a commitment to creating lasting impact, Melissa offers insights into the future of philanthropy and how businesses and individuals alike can use their resources to drive positive change.
In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Sean Grace, the Founder and Principal at Peak Luma – a communication consultancy. Sean is also the author of new release, The Art of the Question, where Sean explores how asking better questions can transform both personal and professional relationships.Host Thomas Igeme leads a thought-provoking conversation with Sean, delving into his journey from performing at Carnegie Hall to leading teams across industries. The episode explores the significance of curiosity in leadership, navigating difficult conversations, and practical strategies for personal and professional growth. Sean shares personal stories and actionable insights, making this episode a must-listen for leaders looking to enhance their communication skills and decision-making processes.
Isaiah Dawe is the Founder and CEO of ID Know Yourself, an organization dedicated to empowering Aboriginal children in out-of-home care. In this episode, Isaiah shares his powerful story of resilience and transformation, from his childhood experiences in foster care to his leadership role today. We explore the holistic approach of ID Know Yourself, the organization's impact on young lives, and the broader advocacy initiatives Isaiah champions to drive systemic change. Join us as we delve into Isaiah’s leadership philosophy, his vision for the future, and the importance of cultural connections in creating lasting positive change for Aboriginal children.
In this episode, we welcome Naomi Davidson, a seasoned HR executive with experience at LinkedIn, Khan Academy, and McKinsey. Currently, she is pioneering the use of Generative AI at TL Partners to transform organizational productivity. Naomi shares her insights on leading teams through hyper-growth, M&A, and economic downturns. We delve into her innovative HR strategies, her engineering approach to problem-solving, and her vision for the future of work with AI. Join us for an enlightening conversation on resilience, adaptability, and transformational leadership.
Meet Larry Gadea, founder and CEO of Envoy. In this episode, Larry shares his experiences building Envoy, the importance of AI and automation in the workplace, and how Envoy adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover insights on leadership, problem-solving, and the future of workplace technology in this engaging conversation.
Meet Hector Hernandez and Evan Klein, the dynamic duo behind Shift Academy. In this episode, we delve into Hector and Evan’s entrepreneurial journeys and the formation of Shift Academy. They share the inspiration behind their innovative coaching methods and the challenges they faced in building their business. We explore their unique approach to managerial development, which moves beyond traditional training programs to provide practical, impactful solutions. Hector and Evan also discuss the evolving landscape of leadership and enablement, highlighting the importance of individualization in coaching and the role of AI in sales enablement. Additionally, they provide insights into the significance of diversity and inclusion in leadership training programs and how these elements contribute to building effective, resilient teams. Join us for a deep dive into the minds of two visionaries transforming the world of managerial development.
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