Founders' Forum

What happens when everything you’ve carefully planned falls apart? In this episode, co-hosts Marc Bernstein and Ang Onorato turn an unexpected guest cancellation into a powerful conversation on resilience, adaptability, and the lessons that emerge from life’s disruptions. Drawing from personal experiences—including a business lost to fire, navigating health challenges while running a business, and...

How can design shape a more equitable and regenerative future? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dery, founder of Allelo Design, to explore the power of design research in tackling complex challenges. With a background in anthropology and a passion for understanding the interactions between people and their environment, Nicole has spent her career applying research-driven design to create m...

Can what you eat impact the way you lead and grow a business? In this episode, we sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder of Soom Foods, to explore how mindful eating and strategic entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Amy shares her journey of bringing tahini—a nutrient-dense superfood—to the U.S. market and how it has become a kitchen staple for top chefs and health-conscious consumers alike. Beyond...

What if setbacks weren’t roadblocks—but the key to innovation? In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of Chris Patino, the forward-thinking CEO of Powered by PMC. From overcoming challenges to pioneering a new approach in property care, Chris shares how resilience, adaptability, and technology are reshaping the industry. We also explore the mindset shift that allows entrepreneurs...

💡 What does it really mean to be a disruptor in business? It’s not just about breaking the rules—it’s about strategic innovation that transforms an industry. In this episode, we sit down with Katrina Hutchinson O’Neill , CEO and founder of Join Talent , to uncover how she’s revolutionizing talent acquisition and redefining what it means to lead with purpose. From being named Startup Entrepreneur...

What if failure was just a stepping stone to success? In this episode, we explore how setbacks can fuel growth with real estate veteran Jim Remley and co-host Chris Patino. Jim shares his inspiring journey from college dropout to leading one of Oregon’s largest real estate firms—revealing how mentorship, resilience, and strategic focus accelerated his success. We dive into the power of niching dow...

Can you truly balance the chaos of entrepreneurship with the joyful madness of the holiday season? Join us as we unpack this challenge with our guests Jess Hallahan and Janet Bernstein, who share their ingenious tips for maintaining sanity during the festive rush. From strategic advice on pacing tasks to the delightful suggestion of dancing stress away to holiday tunes, you'll find yourself e...

Today we're transforming our approach to motivation and goal-setting with insights from Mel Robbins and our special co-host, Michael Martin, author of "The Self-Fulfilling Formula." We're also joined by Kevin Connor of Swirling Silks and Modern Strategic Branding + Communications. We discuss how cultivating habits rather than just chasing after motivation can lead to sustainabl...

Explore the fascinating intersection of character and entrepreneurship with our guest, Sean Dawes, co-founder of Modded Euros. Sean, a third-generation entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience from his family's diverse business ventures. Discover how his unique educational background in zoology and work in zoos and aquariums shaped his perspective on passion-driven careers and the financia...

Discover the hidden power of sleep and its role in problem-solving and recovery as we share personal anecdotes alongside our guest, Dale Keshishian, and special co-host, Jessica Hallahan. Dale, the visionary CEO of HealthWorks Academies, recounts her unexpected journey from managing a medical practice to spearheading a nonprofit that revolutionizes STEM and healthcare opportunities for high school...

Discover the journey of Dr. Brandi Baldwin, a former Wharton lecturer and founder of Millennial Ventures Holdings, as we explore her transformative insights on mental conditioning for success. Dr. Brandi opens up about her personal battle with the fear of singing publicly and how she used a faith-based music project to conquer this challenge. Alongside Dennis Gehman , a musician considering new ar...

Prepare to master resilience in life and business with insights from Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find and CEO of Astute Social Media LLC. Chris shares transformative habits like cold showers, and discusses the pillars of personal growth, financial independence, and health that arm you against life's unexpected challenges. Discover how Chris's experiences as a lifelong learner hav...

What if you could harness the power of resilience to build a successful business? Join us as we explore this with co-host, Jess Hallahan, and guest, Joe Arcangelo, two remarkable entrepreneurs who share their unique perspectives on navigating change and managing stress. Jess, the insightful mind behind Journey to Yourself, offers her wisdom on personal accountability and stress management amidst t...

Picture this: your business is suddenly thrown into chaos by an unexpected global event. What would you do? This episode presents an invaluable toolkit for navigating such unpredictable challenges with resilience and foresight. Ang leads us into the world of contingency planning with a poignant story about her sister's struggles, while our guest, Sathya Elumalai, an accomplished engineer and...

What if you could maintain a positive outlook even when life throws its toughest challenges at you? Join us for a compelling episode where Craig Lerch, our guest co-host, and the insightful Dr. Nicole Lipkin, an internationally recognized psychologist, share their strategies for staying optimistic amid the chaos. Craig opens up about his three key life funnels—changing lives, making money, and hav...

What if the power of courageous conversations could transform both your personal and professional life? Join us as we uncover the bravery behind these honest discussions with insights from our guest, project management expert Dawn Mahan. Known for her transparency and spiritual preparation, Ang shares her personal journey towards clarity, while Marc Brookland emphasizes empathy and the importance...

Discover how passion and innovation are the ultimate remedies for burnout as we sit down with Darrrell Jennings, co-founder and CEO of American Music Furniture Company. Darrell takes us on a journey from his days as a garage band guitarist to becoming a business leader with a mission to protect the instruments musicians hold dear. His personal battle with instrument damage sparked a venture that n...

What if you could transform the veterinary industry and inspire future leaders? Join our conversation with Dr. George Melillo, the founder and chief veterinary officer of Heart + Paw, as he shares the secrets behind successful entrepreneurial growth and talent acquisition in a rapidly evolving field. Discover how aligning individual strengths with business needs through tools like the Kolbe Profil...

What if embracing loss could profoundly change the way you live each day? Join us as we share deeply personal stories of loss and reflect on how these experiences have reshaped our approach to life, with our guest Richard 'RJ' Kedziora, MBA offering heartfelt insights from the passing of his in-laws, urging us to live with intention and joy. Through these poignant moments, we remind ours...

Discover the secret to finding happiness even when life feels overwhelming as we sit down with Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, and learn about his journey to becoming the mascot that spread joy across stadiums for 16 years. Dave shares how laughter and creativity fueled his passion and shaped his career, offering insights on sustainable happiness. Our conversation unveils how the Beat...

Have you ever struggled to truly disconnect from work during a vacation? We explore this common challenge among entrepreneurs while sharing our own experiences with finding the right balance between work and relaxation. Inspired by Dan Sullivan’s time management strategies, we discuss the importance of structuring focus, free, and buffer days, and our guest Rob Kaimowitz shares his insights on sho...

Ever wondered how a simple pause could be your secret weapon in communication? We discuss the magic of well-timed beats in public speaking, and Marc draws a fascinating parallel to music, showing how silence can amplify your message. Our guest, Craig Lerch, shares a life-changing lesson from his mentor on the power of listening more and speaking less. Get ready for a fun twist on the real estate i...

Ever wondered how positive thinking can reshape your business and personal life? This episode promises to be a beacon of insight and inspiration as we sit down with Dennis Gehman, a seasoned entrepreneur and home remodeling expert. Dennis opens up about his transformation from a carpenter to the owner of a flourishing remodeling business, all while grappling with recurring health issues. Inspired...

What does it mean for humanity when anti-Semitism rears its ugly head once again? With heartfelt reflections, we explore the devastating repercussions of the October 7th attack on Israel and the eerie echoes of pre-World War II Germany. Our guest Josh Patrick, CFP introduces the thought-provoking concept of the "fourth turning," a period of societal upheaval recurring every 80 to 100 yea...

Is it possible to have too much change in business and personal growth? Join us in a compelling discussion where we dissect this question through the lens of memorable examples such as Coca-Cola's notorious formula switch, Madonna's endless reinventions, and Elon Musk's aggressive ventures, including his recent acquisition of Twitter. Ang and Ryan Sullivan balance the conversation b...