builders from business.com

On this episode of the builders Podcast, John Busby sits down with David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker Brewing Company, to talk about the 30+ year journey behind one of the defining brands in American craft beer. David shares how his background in wine, love of English ales, and belief in California’s craft brewing future helped shape Firestone Walker from the ground up. John and David di...

On this episode of the builders Podcast, John Busby sits down with Meghan French Dunbar, former CEO and co-founder of Conscious Company Media and author of This Isn’t Working, to talk about the hidden cost of entrepreneurial success and how to build a thriving business without sacrificing your health. Meghan shares her journey from launching a nationally distributed magazine after business school...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Michael Browning, CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, to explore how he built a multi-brand platform focused on helping kids become well-rounded and life-ready. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching trampoline parks with Urban Air to scaling a portfolio of brands serving over 20 million kids each year. The conv...

On this episode of the builders Podcast, John Busby sits down with Mike Barron, Founder of Ikon Digital Media, to break down how e-commerce brands grow through modern affiliate and creator strategies. Mike explains why success goes far beyond influencers—spanning editorial, media buyers, and community-driven channels—and what makes these programs actually perform, from product-market fit to review...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Allison Netzer, Founder of BrandThnk.co and a branding expert known for her work with financial institutions, to explore how companies can stand out in increasingly commoditized markets. Allison shares insights from her updated book, Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank, including her Pain, Promise, Proof framework—a practical approach t...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Amy Rasdal, founder of Billable at the Beach, to explore how professionals can launch a successful consulting business without getting stuck in endless planning, branding, or underpricing. Amy shares her journey from Silicon Valley executive to solopreneur, revealing why consulting gave her more freedom, more impact, and more incom...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Allison Shapira, Harvard lecturer, keynote speaker, and author of AI for the Authentic Leader, to explore how leaders can use AI without losing their voice. As generative AI becomes embedded in everyday communication, Allison explains why liberal arts skills like adaptability, curiosity, and critical thinking are more valuable than...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Kevin Kong, CEO and founder of Everstar, to discuss the critical role nuclear energy plays in addressing the global energy crisis. As energy demand surges driven in part by AI and data center growth, Kevin explains why nuclear is becoming a key part of the clean energy equation and what must change for the U.S. to scale safely and...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jordan McDonough, co-founder of Somerled Designs, to discuss how interior design has become a critical business strategy in today’s competitive short-term rental market. Jordan shares why design is no longer optional for Airbnb owners and how guest expectations, market research, and intentional experiences drive bookings and ROI.Jo...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Atiba de Souza, entrepreneur, marketing expert, and author of The Delegation Trap, to talk about what matters most in marketing in 2026 and beyond. Atiba explains how moments of truth in the buyer journey have changed, why human connection and community are winning in B2B, and why video is now central to search and engagement. The...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Paul Sippil, a registered investment advisor and 401(k) forensic consultant, to unpack how retirement plans really work, and why most employees and employers are paying more than they should. Paul explains what a 401(k) actually is, how fees quietly erode long-term savings, and why transparency in plan design and advisor compensati...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Scott Stirrett, founder of Venture for Canada and author of The Uncertainty Advantage, to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful career in an era defined by rapid change. Scott breaks down why young professionals must learn to embrace uncertainty, take smart risks, and focus on developing adaptable, useful skills rat...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jason Weinberger, Co-Founder & CRO of Mother Bear Agency, to talk about what it really takes to scale a brand in 2025. Jason breaks down why an integrated, holistic approach to marketing outperforms one-off tactics. He also shares his journey from copywriter to leading major campaigns, the lessons he’s carried into building Mot...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Paul Laudanski, Director of Security Research at Onapsis and a leading cybersecurity expert, to explore the evolving world of digital security, from zero day vulnerabilities and ERP attacks to the growing impact of AI and offensive research. Paul shares insights from his extensive career, discussing how both businesses and individu...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Dr. Candace Steele Flippin, author, researcher, and corporate leader, to talk about leadership, generational change, and the evolving workplace. Dr. Flippin shares her journey from studying art history to leading in marketing and communications, and how intentionality, networking, and adaptability have shaped her career. The conver...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jeff Seibert, founder and CEO of Digits, to talk about building companies that last. Jeff shares how he helped scale Crashlytics to millions of users before joining Twitter, why he designed Digits as a fully remote company long before it was common, and how founder–market fit shapes lasting success. They also dive into his work pro...

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Will Bartholomew, former D1 athlete and founder of D1 Training, to explore the journey from the playing field to building one of the fastest-growing training franchises in the country. Will shares lessons learned from competing alongside legends like Peyton Manning, the setbacks that shaped his path, and how the values of accountab...

When work energizes us, everything else in life improves - our mood, our relationships, and even our impact at home. On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby meets with Moe Carrick to uncover how “people-first” doesn’t have to mean ignoring business realities, how meetings can shift from draining to energizing, and how purpose shows up even in everyday roles. They also cover HR’s role i...

In this episode of the builders podcast, host John Busby talks with Chad Brooks, Editor in Chief at business.com, about brand-new research uncovering a surprising productivity crisis among small business owners. Chad shares insights from surveying 550 leaders, revealing where time really goes, and why so few hours are spent on the growth that owners say matters most. He also introduces business.co...

In this episode of the builders podcast with John Busby, you’ll meet Emily Whittaker — EVP of North America at VistaPrint. Emily shares what she’s learned in 15 years at the company, including how to foster innovation inside a now 25-year-old brand, the mindset behind today’s small business owners, and why she believes we’re all at “Day Zero” when it comes to AI. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why...

In this episode of the builders podcast with John Busby, you’ll meet Toni Clem-  former President & COO of Ovare Group and now an executive coach to top leaders. Toni shares candid insights on leadership, growth, and navigating turning points in your career. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to lead when the path forward isn’t clear — and everyone’s watching Why the best leaders focus on chan...

His work stands where elite investors and successful entrepreneurs meet. Phil Strazzulla himself is both of these, and in this episode of The Builders Podcast, he joins host John Busby to share hard-earned lessons from 20+ years of investing, pouring sweat equity in startups, and quietly building a category-leading HR software review platform. Phil and John discuss: Phil’s personal investing philo...

Today’s leaders face constant change, cultural complexity, and the demand to do more with less… yet many fail to adapt because they don’t reinvent themselves. In this episode of the builders podcast, Walmart’s Regional CEO Gui Loureiro and executive leadership coach Carlos Marin join John Busby to share the real frameworks, habits, and coaching insights that help executives navigate complexity, bu...

How do you build a global brand that’s purpose-driven—and adapt through massive change? In this episode of the builders podcast, Indeed’s Global VP of Brand Marketing and Creative, Jennifer Warren, joins John Busby to share how she helps lead the world’s #1 job site through technological shifts, changing economic cycles, and a rapidly evolving labor market. Jennifer breaks down: How Indeed is inve...

How do you build a wellness brand that’s personal, scalable—and clinically backed? In this episode of the builders podcast, Pvolve President Julie Cartwright joins John Busby to share how she helped transform a personal pain story into a global brand known for functional movement, patented equipment, and a hybrid membership model. Julie breaks down: Why functional movement is disrupting fitness—an...