INspired INsider Podcast

Nick Loise is the Founder and Chief Sales Officer of Sales Performance Team, a company dedicated to helping small and midsize businesses enhance their sales leadership, processes, and systems. With a background as a salesperson, sales leader, entrepreneur, marketing executive, and President's Club winner, he brings a wealth of experience to his clients. Nick has authored and co-authored several books on sales and marketing, including Moving the Sales Needle in Your Business and The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Sales Team. He is also a sought-after speaker who has shared the stage with industry leaders such as Dan Kennedy, Russell Brunson, and Barbara Corcoran. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with low sales conversion rates despite having a steady stream of leads. Sales teams often lack structured processes, fail to properly follow up, and lose opportunities due to ineffective recruiting and inadequate onboarding. How can companies create scalable sales systems, hire the right people, and consistently close deals? Nick Loise, an expert in building high-performing sales teams and developing sales systems, provides actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of building proven, repeatable sales processes rather than relying on individual salesperson styles. He highlights key tools like CRMs, follow-up automation, and AI-driven pipeline analysis to streamline operations. Nick also stresses that active listening is a critical, often overlooked skill in sales, and he recommends using flowcharts instead of rigid scripts to guide sales calls. He shares proven methods for recruiting top sales talent using direct response techniques and detailed screening processes to avoid costly hiring mistakes. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Nick Loise, Founder of Sales Performance Team, about building effective sales teams and systems. Nick shares insights on sales process design, sales team recruiting, and using technology to improve pipeline management. He also discusses active listening, overcoming constraints in the sales cycle, and the differences between selling and closing.

Mike Palmer is the CEO of Sigma Computing, a company that makes data exploration, analysis, and business intelligence accessible to all. Under his leadership, Sigma has experienced remarkable growth, going from $2 million to $100 million in IRR over three years and raising a $200 million funding round. Mike's expertise in business transformation and customer experience has been a driving force behind Sigma's success. He specializes in scaling enterprise solutions and driving innovation across product, marketing, and operations. In this episode… Many businesses struggle to unlock the full potential of their data, especially when complex systems limit access to only technical teams. This creates bottlenecks that slow decision-making and restrict company-wide collaboration. How can organizations make data accessible, actionable, and manageable for everyone, regardless of technical skill? Mike Palmer, an expert in scaling technology solutions and driving enterprise growth, shares how to break down these barriers by focusing on user-friendly, no-code platforms that allow non-technical users to analyze and act on live data. He emphasizes starting with mid-market customers to perfect the user experience and building scalable, intuitive products that eliminate complexity. He suggests prioritizing real-time collaboration, developing features like instant data write-back, and continuously collecting customer feedback to drive product evolution. Mike also highlights the importance of growing strategically by securing the right investors, resisting distracting acquisitions, and building a team culture that values direct feedback and long-term development. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mike Palmer, CEO of Sigma Computing, about creating accessible, scalable data solutions. Mike discusses how rebuilding their product from scratch led to exponential growth, why a mid-market focus sharpened their user experience, and how his team strategically expanded to enterprise clients. He also shares lessons on fundraising, product-led growth, and sales team evolution.

Bruce Eckfeldt is a Strategic Coach and Master Facilitator at Eckfeldt & Associates, where he works with CEOs and leadership teams to scale their businesses. As a former Inc. 500 Founder and CEO, he successfully scaled and sold his business. Bruce focuses on developing leadership skills, optimizing companies for transactions, and navigating mergers and acquisitions. In this episode… Many business owners dream of a profitable exit, but few are prepared for the emotional, strategic, and operational complexities that come with selling a company. Beyond valuation, sellers often overlook the personal identity challenges, the intricacies of deal structures, and what life will look like post-exit. So, how can founders approach their business exits in a way that minimizes regret and maximizes future opportunities? Leadership coach and former tech CEO Bruce Eckfeldt emphasizes the importance of reverse-engineering the exit process to align with long-term personal and professional goals. He advises founders to confront their emotional attachment to their businesses early and to develop networks and interests outside of work. He recommends proactively organizing company information and sharing all potential risks upfront to build buyer trust and streamline transactions. Bruce also highlights the need to carefully evaluate earnouts, deferred payments, and non-compete clauses to ensure the deal supports the seller’s next venture. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Bruce Eckfeldt, Founder of Eckfeldt & Associates, about planning business exits as a launchpad for future success. Bruce shares why treating exits as springboards leads to more fulfilling outcomes. He also discusses the pitfalls to avoid, how to prepare for post-sale life, and the psychology behind successful transitions.

Vivian Gonzalez is the President of Park Capital Search, a global finance and accounting executive search firm that helps organizations — from private equity-backed companies to public corporations — build senior leadership teams in areas like finance, accounting, data science, and business analytics. With a focus on retained, C-suite and functional leadership assignments, Vivian spearheads senior-level placements that shape the operational health and strategic direction of client organizations. Vivian is a recognized member of CHIEF and contributes thought leadership on efficient and transformative hiring practices for today’s rapidly evolving economy. In this episode… Executives stepping into private equity roles often face overwhelming expectations, vague performance goals, and high-pressure environments. Many leaders don’t receive clear guidance on negotiating equity or navigating the cultural shift that comes with PE-backed companies. At the same time, firms risk costly mis-hires by failing to define tactical needs during the hiring process. How can both sides align to build strong leadership teams that scale effectively? According to Vivian Gonzalez, a seasoned executive recruiter, success begins with clarity, communication, and advocacy on both ends of the hiring table. Firms must set expectations early and look beyond credentials to assess mindset, humility, and grit. Candidates, meanwhile, benefit from partners who help them package their experience, position their value, and negotiate for long-term upside, including equity. With the right match and support, executives can step into transformative roles that accelerate both personal and business growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Vivian Gonzalez, President of Park Capital Search, to explore how executive search drives successful outcomes in private equity-backed companies. They discuss what sponsors really want in C-suite talent, how candidates can break through career ceilings, and why humility and grit are often stronger indicators of success than titles. Vivian also shares stories of executives who turned career stagnation into seven-figure exits — and how her immigrant upbringing and background as a competitive gymnast shaped her leadership journey.

Andy Ruben is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, a re-commerce technology company that powers branded resale programs for major labels like Patagonia, Lululemon, REI, and Levi’s. Before Trove, he spent a decade at Walmart as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, where he launched global sustainability efforts, led omnichannel and private-brand strategies, and integrated e‑commerce — including the rollout of grocery delivery. Ruben founded Trove (originally Yerdle) in 2012 and introduced the first branded resale platform with Patagonia’s Worn Wear in 2017, helping advance the circular economy across more than 150 global brands. He advises BCG and Earthshot Ventures, serves as Lead Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair at Zevia, and has been featured on NPR, TED, and testified before Congress on sustainable business practices. In this episode… Most brands sell products once and lose the customer until their next full-price purchase — often years later. In today’s economy, that leaves businesses vulnerable to rising acquisition costs, volatile supply chains, and growing consumer demand for sustainability. So, how can companies reclaim the value of their products, strengthen customer relationships, and stay competitive in the circular economy? Andy Ruben, a sustainability expert and retail pioneer, shares how brands can tap into the hidden inventory in customers’ closets by implementing buy-back and resale systems. He explains how branded resale builds loyalty and trust, reduces acquisition costs, and attracts new customers. He emphasizes the importance of starting small, using technology to streamline trade-ins, and designing programs that reinforce the brand's core values. Andy also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, including hard-earned lessons about building a startup, pivoting business models, and executing founder-led sales in the early stages. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Andy Ruben, Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, about transforming retail through branded resale and the circular economy. Andy shares his startup origin story, the evolution from peer-to-peer to B2B, and insights on customer retention. He also discusses business development missteps, his leadership experience at Walmart, and why speed and focus matter most when launching a new venture.

Mike Agugliaro is the Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, a training and coaching company specializing in personal growth and development. He blends ancient wisdom, neuroscience, and modern performance strategies to help entrepreneurs and individuals design lives rich in health, wealth, relationships, and impact. Mike is a self-made entrepreneur and martial arts expert who began his career as an electrician and scaled a home services company to $32 million in annual revenue before selling it to private equity in 2017. He then founded CEO Warrior, the largest coaching organization for home‑service businesses globally, helping clients generate over half a billion dollars in additional revenue in six countries. A sought‑after speaker, author of more than 20 books, and multi‑black‑belt martial artist, he’s on a mission to transform one million lives across 100 countries within 10 years. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs pour themselves into their business success while silently sacrificing their health, relationships, and personal fulfillment. When success comes at the cost of disconnection or burnout, the real question becomes, can you build wealth and live a deeply fulfilling life? Mike Agugliaro, business strategist and mindset expert, shares how to break this cycle by focusing on holistic growth — across life, business, and legacy. He emphasizes the importance of growing together in relationships, mastering one’s mindset, and designing a movement rather than just a business. Mike offers tactical advice around breaking through limiting beliefs, healing sales trauma, and reshaping habits that sabotage success. His framework, the Parthenon, integrates leadership, marketing, business, health, wealth, and relationships into one life-by-design blueprint. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mike Agugliaro, Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, about building a purpose-driven life and business. Mike explores the power of immersive learning, why curiosity strengthens relationships, and the importance of mastering your inner dialogue. He also discusses what happens after exiting a business, creating movement-based companies, and rewiring your mindset for lasting success.

Phil Randazzo is the Founder of American Dream U, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military service members transition into successful civilian careers or launch their businesses. Since its founding in 2003, American Dream U has provided educational programs and mentorship to over 16,000 veterans and their families, featuring guidance from top entrepreneurs and business leaders. Beyond his nonprofit work, Phil has authored several books, including Mission Next, Funding Your Bigger Future, and Shark Talk. As an entrepreneur, he maintains business interests across healthcare, compliance, and franchising industries. He has been recognized for his service with honors like the key to the City of Las Vegas and a commission on Nevada’s Veterans Services Commission. In this episode… Many veterans struggle with transitioning from military to civilian life, facing uncertainty, emotional upheaval, and misaligned career paths. Standard programs often push veterans into roles that mirror their service jobs without exploring their passions or personal growth. But what if the transition could be a transformative opportunity to rediscover purpose and design a life that truly fits? Social impact entrepreneur and leadership mentor Phil Randazzo shares how identity challenges, suppressed emotions, and outdated belief systems can hinder veterans from fully integrating personal growth. He offers insights into shifting from seeking external relief to practicing internal integration — through tools like meditation, storytelling, journaling, and self-reflection. Phil emphasizes the importance of releasing inherited emotional patterns, cultivating awareness, and building community for sustained change. His journey of emotional awakening, marriage transformation, and helping over 19,000 service members provides a roadmap for creating lasting impact and self-discovery. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Phil Randazzo, Founder of American Dream U, about empowering veterans through personal transformation and entrepreneurship. Phil discusses his turning point, strategies for sustainable change, and the power of community. He also explores childhood belief systems, how transition impacts family dynamics, and the importance of integrating lessons rather than chasing relief.

Tyler Lane is the Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 13 years of experience in digital marketing, he has successfully created, launched, and evaluated SEO, content marketing, analytics, and social strategies, bringing his expertise to Session Interactive. Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. In this episode… Many companies struggle to turn their digital marketing investments into measurable outcomes, often due to blind spots in data tracking, ineffective SEO strategies, or lackluster paid media performance. Businesses waste money and miss growth opportunities without understanding user behavior or proper attribution. So, how can organizations build more intelligent, results-driven marketing systems? Tyler Lane, an expert in SEO, paid media, and analytics, shares how a deeply analytical approach can transform marketing effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of a clean analytics setup to ensure accurate attribution and performance tracking. He recommends auditing conversion events and tailoring data dashboards to support strategic decisions without overwhelming teams. By focusing on user intent, leveraging both organic and paid strategies, and staying ahead of AI's role in search behavior, Tyler provides a framework for sustainable digital success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Tyler Lane, Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, about building results-focused marketing campaigns. Tyler explores actionable SEO strategies, the power of clean analytics, and the impact of customer journeys on conversion. He also discusses agency culture, the role of AI in search, and his path from IBM to launching his own business.

Chadd Olesen is the CEO and Co-founder of AVRL, an Austin-based automation company specializing in logistics and supply chain technology. Since launching AVRL in 2017, he has led its transformation from a natural language processing startup into a freight tech powerhouse, now automating over 60 million shipments annually. Under Chadd's leadership, AVRL has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the US, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list. He is known for his consultative approach to automation, empowering brokers and carriers to integrate technology without sacrificing human expertise. In this episode… Breaking into a saturated and highly competitive industry like freight and logistics is no small feat — especially when innovation is rare and copycats abound. Startups in this space face challenges like differentiating their offering, managing growth without overexposure, and surviving tight margins. So, how do you build a technology-driven solution, scale it, and protect your edge in a legacy industry? Chadd Olesen, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in voice and automation technology, shares how he strategically navigated these hurdles by focusing on deep integrations, word-of-mouth growth, and selective client onboarding. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear problem — such as inefficient freight pricing — and solving it with adaptable, robust tech. He warns against the allure of big corporate logos, advocating instead for smaller, agile client relationships and value-based pricing. Through lessons learned the hard way, Chadd recommends hiring scrappy engineers over corporate veterans and using automation to minimize human error and maximize scalability. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL, about disrupting the freight industry through automation. Chadd discusses entering a legacy space without industry experience, how his team landed enterprise clients like Walmart and JB Hunt, and the strategic decision to operate in stealth. He also explores product-market fit, the funding process, and how his leadership evolved after becoming a parent.

Gabe Karp is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and conflict management expert known for his book Don't Get Mad at Penguins: And Other Ways to Detox the Conflict in Your Life and Business. He began his career as a trial lawyer, later becoming Executive Vice President and General Counsel at ePrize (now Merkle), where he helped grow the company into a global leader in digital promotions. Currently, Gabe serves as an Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners and a Venture Partner at Lightbank, advising early-stage tech companies and serving on multiple boards. His work focuses on transforming conflict from a liability into a strategic asset, drawing from over 30 years of experience in law, business, and venture capital. In this episode… Navigating conflict is one of the biggest challenges in both personal and professional relationships. Whether dealing with strong personalities, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, or managing unspoken resentment, unresolved conflict can slow progress, damage culture, and erode trust. So, how can leaders turn conflict into a tool for growth instead of a source of frustration? Gabe Karp, conflict management expert and author of Don't Get Mad at Penguins, shares a framework for transforming toxic conflict into a productive force. Drawing on his experiences as a former trial lawyer, executive, and venture capitalist, he explains how leaders can shift team dynamics by normalizing direct communication, embracing discomfort, and identifying common conflict traps such as ego, the need to win, and misaligned expectations. Gabe introduces strategies like the debrief/pre-brief meeting format, ego-neutral negotiation, and fostering cultures of candor and accountability, all of which help teams surface issues before they escalate. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Gabe Karp, Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners, about building healthier team dynamics through conflict. Gabe discusses how to dismantle ego-driven tension, the power of cultural feedback loops, and why expectations shape most of our frustrations. He also explores lessons from litigation, handling difficult terminations, and creating space for honest team dialogue.

Noah Rosenfarb is a third-generation CPA and the Founder of Wealthrive, which empowers high-achieving entrepreneurs to leverage tax strategies and generational wealth. He has sold eight companies and completed over 50 real estate investments valued at almost $1 billion. Noah is also an author, podcast host, and thought leader in exit planning. In this episode… For entrepreneurs approaching a business exit or seeking lifestyle freedom, the stakes are high and the path can be uncertain. Many struggle with designing a fulfilling post-exit life, navigating complex tax strategies, and making confident, values-aligned decisions. So, how can business owners exit on their terms, reduce financial friction, and build a life they don’t need a vacation from? Noah Rosenfarb, a seasoned CPA, investor, and exit strategist, shares a powerful framework for turning these challenges into opportunities. Drawing from his Lotto Method, he encourages entrepreneurs to envision life as if they’d already won the lottery, then take deliberate steps to live that reality. Noah outlines how to structure tax-efficient investments, use retirement plans creatively, and prepare for a meaningful transition before selling a business. His insights stress clarity, courage, and purpose as critical tools for lasting success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Noah Rosenfarb, Founder of Wealthrive, about living intentionally before and after selling a business. Noah explains how the Lotto Method shapes life decisions and financial planning. He also discusses innovative tax strategies, the value of real estate investing, and how to travel the world while homeschooling.

Craig Dunham is the CEO of Voltron Data, a company specializing in GPU-accelerated data infrastructure for large-scale analytics, AI, and machine learning workloads. Before joining Voltron Data, he served as CEO of Lumar, a SaaS technical SEO platform, and held executive roles at Guild Education and Seismic, where he led the integration of Seismic's acquisition of The Savo Group and drove go-to-market strategies in the financial services sector. Craig began his career in investment banking with Citi and Lehman Brothers before transitioning into technology leadership roles. He holds a MBA from Northwestern University and a BS from Hampton University. In this episode… In a world where efficiency and speed are paramount, how can companies quickly process massive amounts of data without breaking the bank on infrastructure and energy costs? With the rise of AI and increasing data volumes from everyday activities, organizations face a daunting challenge: achieving fast and cost-effective data processing. Is there a solution that can transform how businesses handle data and unlock new possibilities? Craig Dunham, a B2B SaaS leader with expertise in go-to-market strategy and enterprise data systems, tackles these challenges head-on by leveraging GPU-accelerated computing. Unlike traditional CPU-based systems, Voltron Data's technology uses GPUs to greatly enhance data processing speed and efficiency. Craig shares how their solution helps enterprises reduce processing times from hours to minutes, enabling organizations to run complex analytics faster and more cost-effectively. He emphasizes that Voltron Data’s approach doesn’t require a complete overhaul of existing systems, making it a more accessible option for businesses seeking to enhance their computing capabilities. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Craig Dunham, CEO at Voltron Data, about building high-performance data systems. Craig delves into the challenges and solutions in today’s data-driven business landscape, how Voltron Data’s innovative solutions are revolutionizing data analytics, and the advantages of using GPU over CPU for data processing. He also shares valuable lessons on leading high-performing teams and adapting to market demands.

Jake Karls is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a Montreal-based functional chocolate company known for its bold transparency and viral storytelling. After early ventures in fitness and fashion, he found his niche in brand building and community engagement. Since launching Mid-Day Squares with his sister and brother-in-law, Jake has helped scale the company to produce over 90,000 bars daily and achieve multimillion-dollar revenues. Recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, he champions authenticity and emotional connection as the keys to modern entrepreneurship. In this episode… Launching a new food product is already a challenge, but doing so in a saturated market like snacks, with refrigerated items that require special handling, makes it even more difficult. Entrepreneurs often encounter skepticism, limited shelf space, and high operational costs, particularly when trying to differentiate themselves with bold branding and unconventional strategies. So, how can you grow a disruptive food brand without compromising product integrity, consumer trust, or scalability? Jake Karls, an expert in community-driven brand building and marketing, outlines how he and his co-founders tackled these challenges through relentless storytelling, unfiltered transparency, and unapologetic self-belief. He emphasizes the importance of building a fan base rather than just a customer base, capturing early momentum by personally delivering samples and gathering feedback. He also shares actionable strategies like leveraging content for trust-building, securing unconventional financing, investing in manufacturing infrastructure, and leaning into therapy to strengthen co-founder dynamics and leadership. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jake Karls, Co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, about building a disruptive snack brand from scratch. Jake dives into creating brand loyalty through storytelling, taking risks like owning manufacturing, and dealing with crises like a potential recall. He also discusses mental health in entrepreneurship, redefining success, and how dancing with a boombox helped land investors.

Joe Polish is the Founder of Genius Network, an exclusive group of renowned and successful entrepreneurs. He is an established marketer and has helped thousands of businesses, from large corporations to small family-owned companies, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Additionally, Joe is the Founder and President of Piranha Marketing and the host of three top-rated business and marketing podcasts, including I Love Marketing. He is also a passionate philanthropist and the Founder of Genius Recovery, which works to change the global conversation around addiction and recovery. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out in a crowded market, build authentic relationships, and create a lasting impact without burning out. Despite working harder, they often miss out on strategic opportunities that come from real connection and clarity in communication. So, how can business leaders market smarter, not harder, while also growing meaningful networks and purpose-driven success? Marketing expert and entrepreneur Joe Polish shares many insights for solving these issues through relationship-first strategies, direct response marketing, and storytelling. He emphasizes the danger of chasing profits over purpose and encourages listeners to shift their focus toward giving and creating value. He outlines practical tips such as mastering the fundamentals of storytelling, avoiding transactional relationships, and investing in personal development through books, mentors, and masterminds. Joe also shares lessons from his journey, including how addiction recovery and resilience shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Joe Polish, Founder of Genius Network, about building relationships that drive business success. Joe explores how giving without expectation builds trust, the role of direct response marketing, and how storytelling can transform your business. He also discusses overcoming adversity, top book recommendations, and the importance of meaningful follow-up.

Brett Allen is the host of The Marketing 32 Show and the Founder of Marketing 32, a dental marketing agency specializing in internal and external marketing strategies to help dental practices grow. Under Brett's leadership, Marketing 32 has successfully supported over 215 dental practices across the US, Canada, and Australia by implementing its unique Practice Impact Formula, which guarantees growth within 30 days or the service is free. Brett's journey into dental marketing started with his expertise in search engine optimization and online marketing, which he honed as a marketing director in Houston before launching his own company. In this episode… Navigating the dental marketing world can be a frustrating experience for practice owners who invest heavily in agencies yet see minimal results. With so many marketers making big promises but failing to deliver, how can dental practices ensure they choose a partner who drives growth and stands behind their work? Brett Allen, an expert in dental marketing and growth strategies, tackles this challenge by sharing the critical importance of niche specialization, performance-based guarantees, and leveraging technology like AI call tracking to ensure accountability. He emphasizes that practices must seek agencies that offer transparent results, avoid long-term contracts, and provide clear metrics for success. Brett also dives into the significance of nurturing patient relationships and internal teams to create lasting growth, offering practical insights into building trust and avoiding common industry pitfalls. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Brett Allen, Co-founder and CEO of Marketing 32, about creating results-driven dental marketing strategies. Brett discusses why offering a strong guarantee sets agencies apart, how his collegiate swimming background influences his business mindset, and what practices can do to better engage existing patients to foster growth.

Ben Dixon is the CEO of Naxum, a referral marketing technology company that provides innovative solutions to businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Naxum has introduced tools like the UNIFY platform and predictive action engines, revolutionizing how companies approach referral marketing. With a background in sales and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Ben has been instrumental in developing platforms that enhance user engagement and drive growth. He is passionate about helping companies use referral marketing to build strong, trust-based relationships, ultimately driving success in their respective industries. In this episode… Growing a business through traditional advertising is more challenging than ever — trust is low, attention spans are shorter, and competition is fierce. The answer may lie not in shouting louder, but in empowering your best customers to become your strongest advocates. So, how can companies create authentic connections, build trust, and turn relationships into revenue without burning out their teams or budgets? Ben Dixon, an expert in referral marketing and sales systems, shares proven strategies to solve these challenges. He explains the evolution of marketing technology from first-generation tracking to cutting-edge predictive platforms that guide sales reps like a top-performing mentor. He emphasizes identifying the right target audience by focusing on individuals motivated by pain who are already taking action to solve their problems. Ben also discusses how layering multiple referral channels, gamifying engagement, and offering seamless mobile experiences can unlock massive business growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ben Dixon, CEO at Naxum, about building and scaling referral marketing systems. Ben shares insights on predictive sales technology, identifying the right audience, and the power of gamification. He also dives into strategies for supporting a global workforce, lessons from client case studies, and how to create lasting trust through referral programs.

Mark Rickmeier is the CEO of TXI Digital, a Chicago-based digital product innovation firm specializing in UX research, design, and software development. With over two decades of experience, he has led the creation of more than 100 digital products for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to mission-driven nonprofits. Beyond his role at TXI, Mark is the Founder of initiatives like Walkshop, a leadership development retreat, and the Sticky Note Game, a facilitation technique enhancing team collaboration. He is also an active member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board, contributing thought leadership on innovation, company culture, and inclusive design. In this episode… Creating a digital product is more complex than building a mobile app or launching a new platform. Many companies waste time, money, and resources by rushing into solutions without fully understanding the problems they are trying to solve. So, how can organizations shift their mindset to ensure they are innovating in the right direction from the beginning? Mark Rickmeier, an expert in product innovation and intelligent systems, shares how companies can avoid costly missteps by adopting a discovery-first approach. He emphasizes using frameworks like the Double Diamond method to better understand user needs before jumping into development. He advocates for integrating design thinking early in the process, gathering real user insights, and validating assumptions rapidly. Mark also stresses the importance of building a strong data foundation to prepare for future AI and intelligent product opportunities, encouraging businesses to think beyond traditional digital transformation toward smart solutions. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark Rickmeier, CEO of TXI Digital, about building intelligent products through discovery and design thinking. Mark discusses the critical importance of solving the problems first, shares lessons from projects spanning industries like rail, healthcare, and food innovation, and explores the future of agentic AI interfaces.

Yuval Gonczarowski is the Founder and CEO of Akooda, an AI-powered operations intelligence platform that helps organizations unify and analyze internal data to drive faster, smarter decisions. Under his leadership, Akooda has secured $11 million in seed funding, used by Fortune 500 companies to streamline operations and unlock insights across digital workflows. A graduate of Harvard Business School with a MBA and the Technion from Israel Institute of Technology, Yuval previously served in Israel’s elite Unit 8200 and held technical and leadership roles at Intel, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Tomorrow.io. He brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and business acumen to the enterprise tech space. In this episode… Information overload and organizational silos pose significant challenges for growing companies. As teams scale, finding the right data, the right person, or simply understanding cross-functional collaboration becomes chaotic and time-consuming. How can leaders eliminate these inefficiencies without adding more complexity to their workflows? Yuval Gonczarowski, an expert in AI-powered enterprise intelligence and operational analytics, shares how companies can solve these challenges by leveraging their digital footprints. He explains the evolution from traditional organizational charts to dynamic knowledge graphs, enabling companies to map collaboration patterns in real-time. He emphasizes actionable insights like implementing topic-based search, integrating systems like Slack and Salesforce for unified visibility, and using anomaly detection to spot inefficiencies. Yuval also offers strategies for improving productivity without disrupting current workflows, such as Slack-based search commands and Chrome extensions that surface hidden insights. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Yuval Gonczarowski, CEO of Akooda, about optimizing enterprise operations through AI-driven insights. Yuval discusses how to eliminate information silos, speed up decision-making, and roll out enterprise tools with minimal disruption. He also shares the story of Akooda’s first customer, explains the ROI of reducing information hunting, and details lessons from serving large-scale enterprise clients.

Fred Meyers is the Founder and President of Queensboro, a custom logo apparel business he started in 1982 while a student at Columbia University. Inspired by the popularity of Lacoste shirts and a desire to offer high-quality polos with personalized logos, he began his venture from his college dorm room. Over the past four decades, Fred has grown Queensboro into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, serving small businesses and major clients like Costco and Pepsi. Today, the company operates out of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Dallas, Texas, continuing its mission to help people share who they are with the world through custom apparel. ​ In this episode… Growing a small business can feel overwhelming, especially when building trust with customers, standing out with a strong brand, and managing complex logistics as you scale. How do you offer irresistible products, build lasting relationships, and maintain operational control without getting buried under inefficiencies? Fred Meyers, an expert in direct marketing and custom product development, shares how entrepreneurs can create a powerful customer experience through trust, transparency, and dynamic offers. He explains the critical importance of offering risk-free guarantees, using relatable marketing strategies, and investing in custom technology to track customer orders in real-time. Fred also highlights how building a strong internal culture focused on principled, proactive, positive, and productive employees drives business success over the long term. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Fred Meyers, Founder and President of Queensboro, about growing a multi-million dollar custom apparel business. Fred discusses building trust with customers, evolving the product line, and scaling operations without losing personal touch. He also shares direct marketing insights, early entrepreneurial challenges, and leadership lessons based on relationships and trust.

Edward Woodford is the CEO and Co-founder of Zero Hash, a leading crypto-as-a-service platform that enables businesses to integrate digital assets into their offerings. Under his leadership, Zero Hash has processed over $45 billion in transactions and secured over $170 million in funding from prominent investors, including Point72 Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures.​ Before founding Zero Hash, Edward co-founded Seed CX, a CFTC-registered derivatives execution venue, and gained experience at various hedge funds and startups. He holds a BA in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Warwick and a master's degree in finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.​ In this episode… Many businesses struggle to navigate the complexity of integrating digital assets like crypto and stablecoins into their platforms. As regulations shift and technology rapidly evolves, companies face overwhelming barriers when adopting seamless, secure payment infrastructures. So, how can organizations overcome these hurdles to leverage emerging technologies and stay competitive? Edward Woodford, an expert in crypto infrastructure and digital payments, shares valuable insights on breaking down these barriers. He emphasizes the importance of abstracting technical complexities through infrastructure solutions, allowing companies to easily embed crypto and stablecoins without getting bogged down in regulation or fragmentation. He outlines the value of stablecoins for instant, low-cost transactions, highlights the growing importance of crypto rewards, and advises businesses to pivot quickly based on customer needs and market signals, just as his team did during their early pivot from a B2C to a B2B model. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Edward Woodford, Co-founder and CEO of Zero Hash, about building digital asset infrastructure. Edward discusses simplifying crypto adoption, evolving company strategy through customer feedback, and the critical role of stablecoins in future payment systems. He also shares insights on team development, leadership growth, and scaling through major fundraising rounds.