Our guest today is a legend in the music industry, Dr. Matthew Knowles. Known as Beyoncé's father, Matthew is a successful music executive, entrepreneur, author, and professor. He played a pivotal role in the rise of Destiny's Child and the solo careers of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. Founder of Music World Entertainment, Matthew has over 450 million records sold worldwide. His books include “The DNA of Achievers” and “Racism from the Eyes of a Child.” Welcome, Matthew! Episode Summary: Matthew ...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 16
Brand Evangelism, Innovation, and Resilience with Guy Kawasaki Episode Description: Join us on this captivating episode of Braving Business as we delve into the mind of marketing maven and innovation evangelist, Guy Kawasaki. With a storied career that spans pioneering roles at Apple, a transformative tenure at Canva, and influential writings, Guy’s insights are a treasure trove for business professionals seeking to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Guy shares h...
Jun 09, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming a truly visionary guest, Walter Kinzie, the founder of Kinzie Foods. Walter's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation, and we're thrilled to have him share his story with us. About Walter Kinzie Walter Kinzie is Founder at Kinzie Foods. Incredible products, made with love. Topics Covered • Walter's journey as an entrepreneur. • The pivotal moment in Walter's career and how it shaped the path forward. • Walter's journey from the st...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 14
In a popularly demanded re-run of Braving Business , we sit down with Kat Weaver , a 2x accidental entrepreneur who turned crisis into opportunity —twice. Kat launched her first business from a college dorm room , built it into a successful company, then faced a devastating fire that could have ended everything. Instead of giving up, she used storytelling to win 22 of 23 pitch competitions , secure six figures in funding, and eventually sell the business for a successful exit —but not before nea...
May 26, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Warning: This episode includes explict discussion of child abuse (of a non-sexual nature). User discretion is advised In this previously released Top 10 of all times episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Ray Higdon , a former foreclosure statistic turned multimillion-dollar entrepreneur, bestselling author, and CEO of The Higdon Group. Ray's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the human spirit's capacity for transformation. ( After facing personal and financial...
May 05, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 11
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Ulf Ekberg , co-founder of the iconic Swedish pop group Ace of Base . Rising to global fame in the 1990s with hits like "All That She Wants" and "The Sign," the band sold over 50 million records worldwide, making them one of Sweden's most successful musical exports. Beyond the charts, Ulf's journey is one of transformation. From his early days immersed in Gothenburg's electronic music scene, inspired by bands like Kraftwerk, to co-founding A...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with John Horn , CEO of StubGroup , a top-tier Google Premier Partner agency that manages digital ad campaigns for clients around the globe. But John isn’t your typical tech CEO—he didn’t start in Silicon Valley, and he didn’t have a blueprint. He built his leadership style in real time, often the hard way, with a deep belief in values-first decision-making, transparency, and good old-fashioned grit. John was StubGroup’s first employee , eventual...
Apr 21, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 8
By popular demand, we are reissuing his unforgettable episode of Braving Business where we meet Crystal Ball , whose life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of embracing freedom. Raised in poverty and repression within the infamous “Shiny Happy People” cult, Crystal’s childhood was defined by control and fear. But breaking free was only the beginning. Crystal shares her journey through profound loss, including surviving Hurricane Michael , losing both grandparents, and help...
Apr 15, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Duke Kroll , a relentless e-commerce entrepreneur, agency founder, brand builder, Spartan racer, and father of six whose life has been anything but linear—and who wouldn’t have it any other way. Duke’s journey started with hustling on eBay at 15 and took him through roles in ballroom dancing, photography, and Amazon agencies before he launched SellerSlice , his e-com agency built on grit, transparency, and an unapologetic commitment to getti...
Apr 07, 2025•49 min
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Dustin Portillo , who has turned laughter into a career—and a life lesson. Dustin fulfilled his childhood dream at just 19 years old when he became a professional clown with the Ringling Bros. Circus , performing in over 3,500 shows for more than 35 million people across North America. After leaving the circus, Dustin’s comedic talent led him to become Ronald McDonald for McDonald’s , where he made appearances at major events like The Macy’s...
Mar 31, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Dr. Richard Safeer , a medical innovator who has dedicated his career to revolutionizing workplace well-being . As Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-Being at Johns Hopkins Medicine , Dr. Safeer has spent decades challenging outdated corporate wellness models and building cultures where employee health isn’t just a perk—it’s a business priority . But Dr. Safeer’s journey hasn’t been a straight path. After 11 years of medical ...
Mar 24, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In episode 3 of season 4 of Braving Business , we sit down with Kat Weaver , a 2x accidental entrepreneur who turned crisis into opportunity —twice. Kat launched her first business from a college dorm room , built it into a successful company, then faced a devastating fire that could have ended everything. Instead of giving up, she used storytelling to win 22 of 23 pitch competitions , secure six figures in funding, and eventually sell the business for a successful exit —but not before nearly lo...
Mar 17, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Marcus "Bellringer" Bell , an award-winning music producer, entrepreneur, and AI visionary who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg . With over a billion streams to his name , Marcus has left an undeniable mark on the music world—but he’s not stopping there. After losing his voice during a critical recording session in 2023 , Marcus turned to Artificial Intelligence to complete his p...
Mar 10, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In season 4's first episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Mark Rampolla , a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor, and author who didn’t just build a brand—he built an entire category. As the Founder of ZICO Beverages , Mark turned coconut water from a niche health trend into a global phenomenon , ultimately selling the company to Coca-Cola in 2013. But success didn’t come easy. Five years on the verge of bankruptcy, high-stakes negotiations with Coca-Cola, and personal struggles—includin...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this episode of Braving Business , we welcome Dennis Stearns , a financial strategist, futurist, and entrepreneur renowned for his ability to navigate complex challenges and anticipate future trends. As the founder of Stearns Financial Group , Dennis has helped countless business owners think ahead and play smart, creating sustainable success even in uncertain times. With accolades like "Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Most Admired CEO," Dennis’s career spans decades of advising companies on i...
Jan 20, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode of Braving Business , we sit down with Apurva Desai , a seasoned digital technology and media executive, investor, and mentor whose career spans Silicon Valley, Asia, and the Midwest. From his early days at tech giants like Intel and Yahoo to scaling startups like Vuclip and guiding them through successful exits, Apurva’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. Now leading Sarvian Inc. , a CFO and digital transformation consultancy, and serving as a Partner at I...
Jan 13, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In the transformative first episode of 2025 of Braving Business , we dive into the extraordinary story of Marquel Russell , a 9th-grade dropout who sold drugs on street corners before turning adversity into advantage, rising to become a multimillion-dollar strategist and one of the most sought-after business scaling experts in the world. Marquel’s journey began with humble beginnings and real-life challenges that shaped his mastery of direct response marketing . Over the years, he has generated ...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this unforgettable episode of Braving Business , we meet Crystal Ball , whose life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of embracing freedom. Raised in poverty and repression within the infamous “Shiny Happy People” cult, Crystal’s childhood was defined by control and fear. But breaking free was only the beginning. Crystal shares her journey through profound loss, including surviving Hurricane Michael , losing both grandparents, and helping her husband recover from a strok...
Dec 23, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this powerful episode of Braving Business , we sit down with the legendary Bruce George , a visionary entrepreneur, award-winning poet, and co-founder of the groundbreaking Def Poetry Jam on HBO . With a career spanning four decades, Bruce has earned accolades such as a Peabody Award and a Tony Award , but his true passion lies in empowering others through his Genius is Common Movement . Bruce’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and collaboration. From navigating financial h...
Dec 09, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this episode of the Braving Business podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Gardner, a PGA award-winning innovator and entrepreneur in the golf gear industry. Jeff’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and unyielding determination. From inventing the groundbreaking Alignment Ball Marker to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Jeff proves that persistence and passion are the ultimate game-changers. Episode Highlights: Jeff Gardner’s Alignment Ball Marker, a tool designed to help golfers...
Dec 02, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Join Tal and PJ as they welcome Jessica Gonzales, a Latina powerhouse in resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to the Braving Business Podcast. Jessica's journey is a testament to overcoming adversity, bootstrapping innovation, and redefining sustainability. Episode Highlights: Jessica began her entrepreneurial career by bootstrapping her first company, InCharged, from her parents' house, turning it into a global event technology success, partnering with brands like Google and Coca-Cola....
Nov 25, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Join us in welcoming Sarah Hurley, a self-made entrepreneur, global brand creator, and founder of SH Brands Group and the Sarah Hurley Academy. From starting her business with just £40 to building a multi-million dollar enterprise, Sarah’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering self-belief. Episode Highlights: Sarah shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a tower block, overcoming an abusive first marriage, and later, the heartbreak of losing her s...
Nov 18, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Join us as we welcome Bernadette McClelland, ranked one of the Top 35 Women in Sales Globally by Sales Hacker, Tony Robbins collaborator and author of six books on sales and leadership including most recently 'SHIFT and DISRUPT: Stop Selling Widgets. Start Selling Wisdom'. Episode Overview: Bernadette McClelland’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and reinvention. From a successful corporate career with Xerox to a life-altering personal and financial setback, Bernadette’s story is both insp...
Nov 11, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Join us on the Braving Business Podcast as we sit down with Adam Kroener, the co-founder of Carbliss, a trailblazer in the low-carb beverage industry. Adam's journey is filled with resilience, starting with his early days as a teenage father and Army veteran, to building Carbliss alongside his wife, Amanda. Named in honor of a close friend, Carbliss has achieved tremendous growth, earning the title of #1 Fastest Growing Company by Inc Regionals Midwest. Adam's story is one of vision, grit, and s...
Nov 04, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Join us on the Braving Business Podcast as we welcome Joe Huss, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Supply Chain BEST, with a career spanning over 25 years in global business development, product manufacturing, and supply chain management. Joe’s journey from his entrepreneurial family roots to launching his own ventures in North America and Asia is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. His story speaks to the power of perseverance and the im...
Oct 28, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Episode Summary: Join us as we welcome Monte Holm, co-founder of World Financial Group (WFG), accomplished entrepreneur, and author of Expect to Win . From a challenging start to becoming a global leader in the financial services industry, Monte’s story is one of resilience, strategic planning, and unwavering focus. He shares insights on overcoming adversity, creating a vision for success, and the importance of preparation and execution. Monte’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of ...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Episode Summary: Join us in this inspiring episode of the Braving Business Podcast as we welcome Krystal and Dedric Polite, stars of the hit TV show 50/50 Flip on Hulu and A&E. Krystal and Dedric share their journey as first-generation real estate investors, where they have grown from owning three rental units to over 70 properties valued in the millions. They’ve built a real estate empire that demonstrates the potential for anyone, regardless of background, to create generational wealth thr...
Sep 30, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Join us in welcoming the remarkable and extremely thoughtful Ayeshah Abuelhiga, founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, to the Braving Business Podcast. Ayeshah shares her journey from a successful tech career to launching Mason Dixie Foods, a fast-growing comfort food brand. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey, overcoming challenges, and the pivotal moments that reshaped her business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Discussion Points: 1. Growing up in a family of immigrants who...
Sep 23, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Tal and PJ welcome Nadine Chammas, singer, actor, speaker, author and the founder of 'The Life Director,' to the Braving Business Podcast. Episode Summary: Nadine shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Lebanon to becoming a pioneering social impact strategist and life mentor in Dubai. Her work spans theater, music, and personal development, with over 250 theater plays produced and the launch of the first Edutainment center in Dubai. Nadine’s story of resilience includes overcoming the d...
Sep 16, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Tal and PJ welcome Reid Tileston, an author, adjunct professor, keynote speaker, and expert in Entrepreneurial Business Ownership. Reid’s journey includes acquiring, growing, and successfully exiting four different companies, achieving remarkable success. His new book, "Grit it Done," has quickly become a top seller on Amazon. Reid’s story is not just about triumphs; it’s also about overcoming significant challenges like failure and loneliness. Today, we’ll dive deep into his experiences, insigh...
Sep 09, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 8
