The Achieve Podcast

Host Jessie Warner sits down with Zachary Hedges, CEO and co-founder of Customer Model AI, to discuss how businesses can replace marketing guesswork with data-driven customer insights. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in digital marketing, automation, and enterprise technology, Zach shares lessons on scaling companies, leveraging AI responsibly, and building sustainable growth strategie...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Riley Epps, founder and managing partner of State Tax Advisors, to discuss the complexities of state and local tax compliance, building a niche business, and what it takes to scale a specialized professional services firm. Riley shares lessons from decades in the industry, including how he grew his company from a solo practi...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Paul Adams, CEO and founder of Sound Financial Group, to explore how financial planning, leadership, and long-term thinking intersect. Paul shares his unconventional approach to wealth management, building a values-driven business, and why designing your life first is the foundation for financial freedom. What You’ll Learn: W...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with John Morgan, Founder and CEO of Pelagic, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building resilient supply chains for high-growth consumer brands. John shares lessons from his journey through SpaceX, startup leadership, and scaling Pelagic into a trusted partner for companies navigating rapid growth. What You’ll Learn:...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Sanjay Bhatia, CEO and founder of Runday.ai and a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience building AI-driven companies. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is transforming sales, marketing, and customer engagement, while highlighting the importance of combining human expertise with AI-powered systems...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Brad Hawkins, CEO of Infinite Protection and a longtime entrepreneur focused on making cybersecurity accessible for small businesses. Their conversation explores the growing cybersecurity challenges facing entrepreneurs, the importance of building security-minded cultures, and how leaders can create lasting impact through bot...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Thomas Hood, President and CEO of Shade Doctor, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and the mindset required to build a market-leading company. Thomas shares his journey from mowing lawns as a teenager to leading a rapidly growing national organization, while offering insights on faith, customer service,...

Host Taylor Baker sits down with Thiru Thangarathinam, CEO and Founder of KeenStack and a longtime technology entrepreneur, to discuss building and scaling IT services companies, creating a culture-driven organization, and navigating growth in an increasingly AI-powered business landscape. The conversation explores the mindset, leadership principles, and strategic focus required to build sustainab...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Anthony Koltenuk, founder of Pledged Inc., a platform designed to help universities better manage and grow their corporate relationships. Their conversation explores how better data, stronger collaboration, and thoughtful technology can unlock new opportunities for higher education institutions and the businesses that partner...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Emil Abedian, CEO and founder of Counsel CPAs, to discuss the power of specialization, building a scalable service business, and helping law firms grow through strategic accounting, tax planning, and advisory services. Emil shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of clarity in business, and how focused...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Jon Cheney, entrepreneur, technology leader, and CEO of GenAIPI. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping business, why leaders must embrace AI now, and how entrepreneurs can use emerging technologies to create meaningful competitive advantages. What You’ll Learn: Why AI adoption is becoming a busi...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Leon Eisen, entrepreneur, venture studio founder, venture capitalist, and former quantum physics researcher, to discuss the journey from academia to building innovative companies. Their conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, fundraising, venture building, and the mindset required to create businesses that deliver...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Katie Birkelo, President of Aspire Professional Talent Solutions, to discuss leadership, business growth, and the evolving landscape of executive recruiting and staffing. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in financial staffing and talent solutions, Katie shares insights into scaling a people-focused business whil...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Henry Abenaim, founder and CEO of Fundingo, about transforming the lending industry through automation, connected systems, and AI-driven innovation. Henry shares how his experience in lending exposed major operational inefficiencies and inspired him to build a platform designed to help complex lenders scale more effectively. Wha...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Jackson Pace, founder of Refractional CFO, to discuss building a niche financial services firm dedicated to optometry and ophthalmology practices. Jackson shares how his background in public accounting and healthcare finance led him to create a specialized business focused on helping doctors operate more effectively as busine...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner sits down with Dr. Paul Barattiero, founder of Echo Water, to discuss the science behind hydrogen water, the personal health journey that inspired his business, and the challenges of scaling an innovative wellness company. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, health innovation, consumer education, and how mission-driven businesses c...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Benjamin Birch, CEO of Stratas, to discuss his transition from the construction industry into commercial real estate finance and the rapid growth of his company. Their conversation explores entrepreneurship, relationship-driven business development, creative financing strategies, leadership, and the importance of adaptability...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Jag Prakasam, CEO of Qdeck and a longtime leader in hedge funds, AI, and wealth management innovation. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial advisory industry, the growing importance of trust and personalization, and how advisors can use AI to scale meaningful client relationships...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Alex Ferguson, Founder and CTO of RequestRocket, to discuss the evolving intersection of AI, API security, and enterprise integration. Alex shares how his company helps businesses securely connect systems, manage sensitive data, and navigate the growing complexity of AI-driven automation. What You’ll Learn: Why API security h...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Kelly Hagg, CEO of Boulder Dog Food Company, about transitioning from a long corporate career in asset management into the world of consumer packaged goods and premium pet products. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, rebranding, AI-driven operations, and the challenges of scaling a manufacturing-based business while sta...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with John Crestani, an entrepreneur known for building online businesses and educating others on digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Their conversation explores the realities of building wealth online, the mindset required for long-term success, and how technology, discipline, and personal standards shape both business and lif...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Tomas Milar, founder and CEO of Eqvista, to discuss entrepreneurship, equity management, company valuations, and building scalable businesses from the ground up. Tomas shares his journey from launching a company in Hong Kong with limited resources to leading a platform serving thousands of companies and managing billions in a...

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Praveen Challa, CEO and founder of Kogniv, about the future of AI-powered workflow transformation and the growing role of automation in enterprise operations. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping consulting, reducing operational friction, and helping large organizations modernize legacy systems faster than ever before....

In this episode, host Taylor Baker sits down with John and Nikki DeCausmaker, the founders and owners of Call Boss, to discuss how they built a business dedicated to helping companies manage their calls, convert leads, and strengthen customer experience. The conversation centers on the evolution of Call Boss, the gaps they saw in traditional call center solutions, and their mission to support serv...

In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Frank Trotter, CEO of Battle Bank, about his background in digital banking and the evolution of direct-to-consumer financial services, exploring how technology, trust, and customer relationships shape modern banking. Frank shares insights from decades of experience building and scaling online banking platforms and discusses the principles guiding Batt...