Entrepreneurship 101

Gregory Shepard The entrepreneurs; entrepreneur - 12 Exits, 4 PE Awards, Published Author Gregory Shepard is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and author with a track record of building and selling 12 businesses across BioTech, TransitTech, AdTech, and MarTech. Throughout his career, he has successfully led startups, turnarounds, cleanups, and roll-ups, demonstrating a deep expertise in business growth and transformation. He is the author of The Startup Lifecycle (Penguin Random House), a definitive guide to navigating a startup from idea to exit. Greg’s insights have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, The New York Observer, The DEAL, and Thrive Global. A four-time private equity award recipient for transactions ranging from $250M to $1B, Greg has been a guest on TV, radio, and top podcasts. As a TEDx speaker and keynote presenter, he has shared his expertise at leading universities and conferences worldwide, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bo Short Co-Founder & CEO, Base Molecular Resonance Technologies - Speaker to 1M+ People in 35 Countries. Published author and holder of 19 patents, Top 10 Most Influential Leadership Speakers of 2023 Bo Short is the Co-Founder and CEO of Base Molecular Resonance™ Technologies, a company advancing one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in the past 50 years. In less than 24 months, Bo and his team have transformed a revolutionary quantum physics discovery into a validated technology with 20 patent assets and a third-party valuation of $60.3 billion. BMRT’s technology can detect cancers, weapons, explosives, and every element on the periodic table. It is non-invasive, safer than Wi-Fi, and designed for mass-market affordability. A published author and holder of 19 revolutionary patents, Bo was named one of the 'Top 10 Most Influential Leadership Speakers of 2023,' cited alongside Jordan Peterson, Simon Sinek, Malcolm Gladwell, and John Maxwell. He has spoken in 35 countries to over one million people, addressing global brands and institutions including Harley-Davidson, John Hancock, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the American Red Cross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Cockerell Public Relations and Marketing Expert for Growing Organizations Lauren Kwedar Cockerell is the founder and president of Kwedar & Co., a boutique strategic communications firm that helps business owners grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity. Her team provides both the thinking and doing behind thoughtful PR and marketing so clients can focus on building meaningful businesses without losing themselves in the process. At Kwedar & Co., Lauren works with values-driven entrepreneurs across industries like insurance, real estate, and manufacturing to uncover the stories that build trust, reputation, and long-term relevance. Beyond the firm, Lauren is a member of the Fort Worth Chamber board of directors, the immediate past board chair of the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth, and an EO Fort Worth Accelerator participant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Swing Christopher Swing: Seasoned Executive Driving Innovation Across Logistics, Banking, Healthcare, and Private Equity A podcaster might want to have Christopher Swing on their show for several reasons: Diverse Industry Expertise: Christopher’s extensive experience across logistics, healthcare, private equity, manufacturing, and finance allows him to offer valuable insights that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Podcasters appreciate guests who can speak to different topics and share stories from various fields. Leadership Insights: As a seasoned executive and board director, Christopher can share practical advice and strategies on leadership, decision-making, and driving organizational growth. This especially appeals to business-focused podcasts aiming to educate entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders. Success Stories and Case Studies: His accomplishments at Vantage Surgical Solutions, such as revolutionizing logistics and spearheading healthcare innovations, can serve as case studies for business success. Christopher can share real-life examples of overcoming challenges and driving transformational change. Private Equity and Investment Knowledge: With his experience in private equity and investments, Christopher can provide insights into evaluating ventures, generating returns, and empowering emerging companies, which would be of interest to finance, investment, or startup-focused podcasts. Teaching and Mentorship Experience: As an Adjunct Professor, he can offer advice on career growth, continuous learning, and business education, appealing to podcasts that focus on personal development or professional skills. Thought Leadership: Christopher’s broad knowledge and visionary outlook can help shape discussions on the future of industries like healthcare, logistics, or finance. Podcasters often seek thought leaders with unique perspectives on trends and future directions. Networking and Relatability: His reputation for building relationships and fostering stakeholder consensus can resonate with audiences interested in understanding how to connect, collaborate, and cultivate strong networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Barattiero Dr. Paul Barattiero, Founder of Echo Dr. Paul Barattiero is the founder of LumaNova and a leading advocate for performance-based red light therapy systems designed to support cellular health, recovery, and long-term vitality. With more than two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry, he focuses on advancing non-invasive technologies that enhance mitochondrial function, improve energy production, and optimize the body’s natural recovery processes. Through LumaNova, Dr. Paul develops photobiomodulation devices engineered to deliver clinically relevant wavelengths and power densities aligned with published research. His work centers on helping individuals, athletes, and wellness providers integrate red and near-infrared light therapy into practical, measurable health routines. By bridging consumer accessibility with professional-grade standards, he positions red light therapy as both a performance tool and a foundational wellness modality. Scientific literature on photobiomodulation underscores that therapeutic benefit is dose-dependent. The biological response to red and near-infrared light is influenced by wavelength specificity, irradiance, exposure time, and cumulative energy delivery. Peer-reviewed studies suggest that when light is delivered within established parameters, it may support: • Enhanced mitochondrial ATP production and cellular energy output • Reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers • Improved muscle recovery and tissue repair • Increased circulation and collagen support for skin health • Circadian rhythm alignment and sleep quality • Cognitive clarity and mood regulation Research consistently emphasizes that precision matters. Effective photobiomodulation requires consistent wavelength accuracy and controlled irradiance levels to align with validated photobiological standards. This research-driven approach informs the development philosophy behind LumaNova systems and distinguishes clinically aligned devices from commodity wellness lighting products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruth Douthitt, Manager of RAD Writing, LLC Through story and art, Ruth Douthitt explores faith, courage, and creativity—inviting readers and viewers to see the extraordinary beauty hidden in ordinary moments. As a best-selling self-published author across multiple genres, I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of the publishing world. Through my award-nominated podcast, "A Writer’s Day," I’ve interviewed hundreds of authors and discovered the incredible power of community—how sharing our creative journeys can inspire, connect, and motivate us all. I'd love to share about my books and my writing journey with your audience. As an educator, I love to inspire others to never quit learning. I returned to school to obtain my masters in Mental Health and Wellness. Beyond writing, I’m also a mental health and wellness advocate and a trained grief support group facilitator with GriefShare. I’ve seen firsthand how storytelling and the arts can bring healing, helping people navigate loss and rediscover hope. Empowering others to find light through creativity and faith is truly my passion. When I’m not writing or podcasting, you’ll often find me running desert trails or hiking mountain paths—activities that help me nurture both mental clarity and spiritual renewal. I've completed many marathons, half marathons, and ultramarathons to challenge myself. These races have taken me to lovely Rome, to Lake Powell, and to the forests of Yosemite National Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Kathrine Parnell — a licensed therapist, author, and retreat creator with over two decades of experience in the mental health field. Kathrine is the founder of A New View Counseling & Psychological Services and the author of Keeping It Real, a book centered on authenticity and honest growth. Her work now extends beyond the therapy room into transformational retreats, including immersive retreats in Scotland designed for people who are created for people who appear capable and accomplished, yet feel tired, disconnected, or out of alignment with themselves. Through her work, Kathrine helps people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with greater clarity, intention, and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phillip Lanier From Poverty to 8-Figure Exit | Teaching Practical Money & Mindset for Everyday People Phillip Lanier is an entrepreneur who built and sold an eight-figure business after growing up in poverty. Today, he helps everyday people take control of their money through practical financial discipline, mindset shifts, and real-world strategies that actually work. He’s the author of No College, No Problem and teaches people how to go from financial survival to stability and long-term wealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Lee Founder & CEO of First Light Studios ($100mm+ in managed revenue) I’m Joshua Lee, founder of First Light Studios — and I help legacy brand owners bring their products into the modern digital marketplace without losing the heart of what made them successful in the first place. I specialize in partnering with founders who’ve built trusted, values-driven businesses — often over decades — but haven’t yet figured out how to translate that success to platforms like Amazon, Walmart, or social commerce. My agency doesn’t just “do eCommerce.” We become strategic growth partners for brand owners who want to protect their legacy, expand their reach, and continue serving their customers in a changing world. What makes me different is I don’t just understand eCommerce — I understand founders. I’ve worked with VC-backed startups and household names sold in Walgreens and REI, but I choose to work with companies that care about good stewardship, sustainable products, and people-first leadership. Your audience will walk away with a clear understanding of how to: Future-proof their brand in the face of digital disruption Unlock new growth channels without compromising their values Avoid common traps when entering Amazon or Walmart for the first time Think differently about legacy, succession, and scaling with integrity If your show is about entrepreneurship, brand building, purpose-driven leadership, or navigating change — I’ll bring a mix of strategic insight, real-world experience, and a deep respect for the people behind the products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Pells Founder of LifeGiver Legacy | Helping Families Build Freedom, Income, and Legacy Through Simple Wealth Systems. Today’s guest is Ann Pells, a financial freedom strategist and founder of LifeGiver Legacy, a purpose-driven movement helping families replace financial stress with predictable passive income. Ann’s journey started with a simple free call at AnnsPlan.com, and what began as her personal search for peace of mind turned into a mission that’s helped countless people take back control of their money and time. Through her proven Three Steps to Financial Freedom, Ann teaches how to: 1. Pay off your home in 5–7 years without changing your income, 2. Build multiple streams of passive income through done-with-you businesses and real estate, and 3. Create financial peace of mind in just one hour a week while building a lasting legacy. She believes wealth should create freedom, not pressure and she’s here to share exactly how to make that your reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Leblanc Harvard | Marine | Sequoia Founder Mike LeBlanc brings a distinct perspective shaped by experience in environments where decisions carry real consequences. He spent 13 years as a Marine Corps officer, including deployments and advisory work at the Pentagon, before transitioning into entrepreneurship and building robotics companies deployed in complex, real-world conditions. After leaving the military, Mike co-founded multiple robotics companies, including Cobalt Robotics (acquired in 2024) and his current company, Foundation Future Industries, which builds humanoid robotic systems for defense and industrial applications. His work sits at the intersection of leadership, technology, national security, and organizational design. Podcast conversations with Mike tend to go beyond surface-level business stories. He speaks candidly about leading under pressure, building teams from nontraditional backgrounds, translating military experience into civilian organizations, and what it actually takes to deploy technology in high-stakes environments. He also draws on experience building venture-backed companies at the intersection of AI and roboticsfrom early hiring and product decisions to scaling and fundraising across all stages. Hosts often find that his background creates natural entry points into discussions on leadership, trust, decision-making, ethics, and execution—whether the audience is interested in startups, defense, robotics, artificial intelligence, or personal leadership growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maren Perry Maren Perry; Founder & CEO, Arden Coaching. Dynamic, relatable, smart guest for podcasts on the HUMAN SIDE of LEADERSHIP. Expert in executive coaching, leadership, and making the host look great! Maren Perry is the Founder and CEO of Arden Coaching. For nearly two decades, Maren has partnered with CHROs and senior executives at organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Mars/Wrigley, ZipRecruiter, and JLL to develop leadership capacity and strengthen organizational culture. She’s a Professional Certified Coach and entrepreneur known for her candor, clarity, and ability to help leaders and HR executives create thriving, high-performing workplaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices