Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® - podcast cover

Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®

Susan Slywww.susansly.com
Get ready to step into the unfiltered world of entrepreneurship with the award-winning entrepreneur Susan Sly on the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® podcast. Recognized and featured by major media outlets such as Forbes, MIT Sloan Management Review, CNBC, Fox, and CNN, Susan brings an exceptional blend of real-world experience and hard-earned knowledge to the podcasting stage. As the co-founder of a leading AI company, Susan harnesses her unique insider perspective to explore the hearts and minds of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. She presents candid, in-depth conversations that uncover the realities of their journeys, featuring enlightening discussions with illustrious founders like Glenn Stearns, Jesse Itzler, and Brandon Steiner. The Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast is a dynamic and insightful show dedicated to revealing the unfiltered truths of entrepreneurship with new interviews every week. Through compelling stories and personal anecdotes, guests share their highs and lows, offering listeners a glimpse into the perseverance, resilience, and hard work required to navigate the unpredictable landscape of business ownership. From startup struggles to strategic growth, each episode provides valuable insights, practical advice, and actionable takeaways for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.
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Episodes

342. Empowering Minds: Gregory Shepard's Neurodivergent Entrepreneurial Journey & $900M Plus in Exits

Join Susan Sly on the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast as she talks to Gregory Shepard, Co-Founder of BOSS Capital Partners, about his unconventional journey as an entrepreneur. Gregory's unique global perspective and challenging experiences set him apart from traditional C-suite executives. In this episode, Gregory discusses the transformative power of entrepreneurship, starting over, and navigating neurodivergence in the business world. He shares his approach to tackling challenges, adapt...

Feb 19, 202457 minSeason 12Ep. 342

341. Tech with Heart: Unleashing AI Innovation for Pets with Susan Groeneveld, Founder of Sylvester.ai

In this empowering episode of ‘Raw and Real Entrepreneurship’, Susan Sly sits down with a remarkable guest, Susan Groeneveld, the visionary founder of Sylvester.ai . Get ready for a deep dive into entrepreneurship as Susan Groeneveld shares her inspiring journey of founding and leading Sylvester.ai, a cutting-edge company at the intersection of technology and predictive healthcare to improve animal health. Susan Sly engages in a candid conversation with Susan Groeneveld, exploring the challenges...

Feb 12, 202452 minSeason 12Ep. 341

340. Raw and Real Entrepreneurship: Embracing Pivots and Confronting Disappointments with Lori Harder

In this revealing episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” Susan engages in an intimate conversation with Lori Harder, the innovative force behind www.loriharder.com and the exciting new venture, www.getgloci.com . Friends for over 15 years, Susan and Lori delve into the emotional complexities of pivoting in business and the inherent fear of disappointing others. This episode takes listeners through the tumultuous yet rewarding business transformation process. Drawing on her experiences with ...

Feb 05, 202448 minSeason 12Ep. 340

339. Democratizing Startup Funding and Investing: Josh Chodniewicz Unleashing Fundify’s Bold Mission

Get ready for a no-holds-barred episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship as Susan dives into the audacious world of Josh Chodniewicz, the trailblazing founder of Fundify. In an unfiltered conversation, Josh reveals how he’s flipping the script on startup investing, smashing barriers, and levelling the playing field for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Enter the realm of Fundify, Josh’s revolutionary platform disrupting the startup investment game. It’s not your run-of-the-mill investment site;...

Jan 29, 202436 minSeason 12Ep. 339

338. Susan Sly, Tech Co-Founder: Hacks for Building Your Personal Brand and Why LinkedIn Matters for Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly dives deep into personal branding, particularly focusing on the transformative power of LinkedIn. As a platform boasting over 310 million active monthly users, LinkedIn is a goldmine for entrepreneurs seeking to establish credibility, network with industry leaders, and unlock a world of opportunities. Key Takeaways from the episode Discover how a robust personal brand on LinkedIn can position you as an industry leader. Learn how Susan's...

Jan 24, 202430 minSeason 12Ep. 338

337. SaaS Maverick: Kieran O’Brien’s Double Exit Playbook at 24

Buckle up for a wild ride on this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, where we slice through the fluff and get down to business with Kieran O’Brien, the 24-year-old SaaS sensation with two massive exits. We’re tearing into the raw and real truth of startup warfare – from the adrenaline of pitching to a sea of investors to the cutthroat fundraising strategies. Kieran breaks down the game of picking your business allies – mercenaries or missionaries? Plus, we’re diving deep into the art of p...

Jan 15, 202442 minSeason 12Ep. 337

336. Overcoming Entrepreneurial Depression: Ashley Stanford’s Journey from Ice Cream Social Co-Founder to Digital Marketing Maven

In this empowering episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” join Susan Sly as she delves into the candid and inspiring story of Ashley Stanford, the co-founder of Ice Cream Social and a digital marketing freelancer. Discover the raw and real truth about entrepreneurial depression, a challenge that Ashley has bravely faced and overcome. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of problem-solving and resilience, showcasing how Ashley’s journey from a small-town girl with big dreams in Ohi...

Jan 08, 202448 minSeason 12Ep. 336

335. Silencing The Critics: With the Founder of Blueroot and Cofounder of Croux, Jennifer Ryan

Prepare for a “must-listen” experience as we delve deep into the raw and real world of entrepreneurship with Jennifer Ryan, the entrepreneurial force behind Croux ( www.croux.co ) and the visionary founder of Blueroot ( https://bluerootco.com/ ). Jennifer takes us on her riveting journey from zero to entrepreneurial hero in this electrifying episode. With no prior experience, she fearlessly navigated the turbulent waters of business, defying critics and forging her path to success. Her story is ...

Jan 01, 202457 minSeason 12Ep. 335

334. Interview with Kathy Coover: Co-Founder of a 8 Billion Dollar Company Shares her Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

Join host Susan Sly as she engages in a powerful conversation with the remarkable Kathy Coover. Together, they discuss the depths of entrepreneurship, navigating crises, and forging ahead despite life's most challenging hurdles. Kathy imparts invaluable wisdom on handling crises with grace, emphasizing the importance of mentors, professional guidance, and maintaining a positive outlook. She unravels her daily triumvirate—physical, mental, and spiritual wins—to foster resilience and maintain focu...

Dec 26, 202341 minSeason 11Ep. 334

333. Interview with Chelsey Roney, Co-Founder of Proxi: Charting Success: The Journey from Finance to Tech Titan - A Mom’s Tale of Triumph

Join Susan Sly on this enlightening episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast as we delve into the inspiring story of Chelsey Roney, co-founder of Proxi ( https://www.proxi.co ). Discover how Chelsey, a remarkable entrepreneur and mother, leaped from finance at Boeing to B2B omnichannel marketing at Microsoft and eventually to tech entrepreneurship. In this candid conversation, Chelsey shares her unique journey of founding a SaaS company while in college, leading it to a significant exit,...

Dec 18, 202354 minSeason 11Ep. 333

332. Interview with Matt Holland, CEO and co-founder of Field Effect: A $32 Million A-Round, Walking Away from a PhD - How This Founder is Securing Success in Cybersecurity by Serving an Underserved Market

In this captivating episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” host Susan Sly sits down with Matt Holland, CEO and co-founder of Field Effect, to delve into his remarkable journey in cybersecurity. Holland, who boldly decided to walk away from completing his PhD, shares his unique insights into the transition from academia to entrepreneurship. The conversation takes a deep dive into the nuances of bootstrapping a company, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ...

Dec 11, 202345 minSeason 11Ep. 332

331. Susan Sly, Tech Co-Founder: The $100 Million Blueprint: Unveiling the Secrets of Business Valuation

Welcome to “The $100 Million Blueprint: Unveiling the Secrets of Business Valuation,” a must-listen episode of the acclaimed podcast series, Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of scaling a business to an astounding $100 million valuation. Join Susan Sly, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach, as she unravels the complex tapestry of company valuation in today’s dynamic market. What sets apart companies valued at $100 million from the...

Dec 06, 202337 minSeason 11Ep. 331

330. Susan Sly, Tech Co-Founder: OpenAI's Restructure, Q-Star, and Why the Board Collapse of OpenAI Is Relevant to Every Founder

In this episode, Susan unpacks the whirlwind saga of Sam Altman, the visionary CEO and co-founder of OpenAI. She also dissects the stunning news of his removal, the shockwaves it sent across the tech community, and the unprecedented decision to bring him back into the fold. Join Susan as she explores Q-Star, a mysterious player making bold moves in AI advancement, and what this development could mean for the future of artificial intelligence. Susan also takes a critical look at the unraveling of...

Nov 29, 202337 minSeason 11Ep. 330

329. Interview with John St.Pierre, Serial Entrepreneur: From Forced Exit to Creating a $100 Million Enterprise

Join Susan Sly and her guest, John St. Pierre, a serial entrepreneur who has navigated the tumultuous business world, co-founding and leading multimillion-dollar ventures. John's journey is one of resilience, learning from monumental successes and poignant failures. In this riveting episode, John shares the raw truth behind his tumultuous 15-year entrepreneurial journey, highlighted by founding a company that soared to over $50,000,000 in revenues, only to face unexpected firing and a gruelling ...

Nov 27, 202349 minSeason 11Ep. 329

328. Interview with Elijah Meeks, Co-Founder of Noteable: AI's Ethics & Entrepreneurial Challenges Ahead (Part 2)

In part two of this conversation, Susan Sly and Elijah Meeks, Co-Founder and CO-CEO of Noteable, dive deeper into the transformational power of AI-driven tools in data science and analytics. Ethical considerations also surface, particularly regarding AI’s role in content creation and cultural impact. Elijah paints a thought-provoking picture of a future where AI-generated media isolates individuals within personalized experiences, altering the fabric of shared culture. The conversation gets into...

Nov 20, 202330 minSeason 11Ep. 328

327. Interview with Elijah Meeks, Co-Founder of Noteable: Decoding Netflix Culture and Remote Work Revolution (Part 1)

In this episode, Susan interviews Elijah Meeks, the Co-Founder of Noteable, for a candid conversation about his journey from studying ancient Chinese civilizations to co-founding a tech company. Elijah shares his transition experience from academia to tech, highlighting his challenges in adopting new tools and methodologies. He reflects on the importance of embracing contrarian thinking and being open to unexpected skills that set him apart in data visualization. As one of the co-founders of Not...

Nov 13, 202332 minSeason 11Ep. 327

326. Interview with David Ledgerwood, Co-Founder of Add1Zero: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Anxiety Despite Losing Multiple Businesses (Part 2)

In this episode of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast, Susan Sly continues with part two of her interview with David Ledgerwood, the co-founder of Add1Zero. David shares his essential shift in perspective when he realized that relationships and personal well-being are at the core of success. David shares his unique approach to business, emphasizing the importance of protecting what truly matters while maintaining an abundance mindset. Together, they explore various aspects of entrepreneur...

Nov 06, 202334 minSeason 11Ep. 326

325. Interview with David Ledgerwood, Co-Founder of Add1Zero: How to Create Your Own Momentum in This Down Economy

In part one of this two-part episode, Susan Sly dives deep into entrepreneurship with David Ledgerwood, the Co-Founder of Add1Zero. With over two decades of experience in the business world, David's journey from professional services at PwC to crafting code for Fortune 500 giants like UPS, JP Morgan Chase, and Aetna is nothing short of inspiring. In part one of this conversation, you'll hear David's insights on the current business landscape. He shares his experiences with the unprecedented chal...

Nov 01, 202325 minSeason 11Ep. 325

324. Susan Sly, Tech Co-Founder: What the War in Israel Means For Entrepreneurs

In this episode, Susan addresses a topic impacting not only the world but also entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. The war in Israel, a deeply divisive issue, holds significance for anyone in the business world. Susan explores the five key factors that may influence your business strategy during these challenging times. From supply chain disruptions and tech company collaborations to hiring, she delves into how these aspects are affected by the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Susan discu...

Oct 23, 202321 minSeason 11Ep. 324

323. Interview with Jon Ricketts, Co-Founder and CEO of Writerly.ai: Beyond Silicon Valley: The Writerly.ai Journey

In this riveting episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship”, we dive deep with Jon Ricketts, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking platform, Writerly.ai . Venture beyond the Silicon Valley bubble and discover the unique challenges and triumphs of building a tech powerhouse in uncharted territories. From assembling a remote team to navigating different entrepreneurial ecosystems, Jon shares candid insights into his relentless drive and audacious appetite for risk. Whether you’re an aspiring en...

Oct 16, 202347 minSeason 11Ep. 323

322. Beyond Barriers: The Hidden Power of Emotional Release in Achieving Success with Dr. Bradley Nelson

Join Susan as she unravels a compelling dialogue with the exceptional Dr. Bradley Nelson, globally celebrated author of ‘The Emotion Code’ and a powerhouse entrepreneur with over 12,000 certified coaches to his credit. With connections that include the legendary Tony Robbins, Dr. Brad possesses a unique blend of professional expertise and profound wisdom. In this illuminating episode, they delve into the unseen challenges entrepreneurs grapple with, shedding light on the emotional and mental roa...

Oct 09, 202347 minSeason 11Ep. 322

321. Susan Sly, Tech Co-Founder and Co-CEO: Simplicity in Success: The Power of Focus in Business

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the captivating world of unicorn companies that rose to success with a laser-focused vision. From the seamless video conferencing of Zoom to the disruptive transportation model of Uber, we unravel how simple, robust concepts can lead to astronomical success. But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns; we also explore the other side of the coin, highlighting companies that spread themselves too thin and faced challenges due to over-diversification. Through the ta...

Oct 02, 202331 minSeason 11Ep. 321

320. Interview with Jen Pelka, Co-Founder and CEO of Une Femme: From Champagne Bars to Sparkling Success

Join Susan as she interviews Jen Pelka, the Co-Founder and CEO of Une Femme. Jen was the former CEO and founder of the beloved champagne bars, The Riddler, in New York City and San Francisco. She's also the founder of Magnum PR, a leading San Francisco-based restaurant PR agency. She's been recognized as one of the top 30 under 30 in her field due to her resilience, courage, and innovation. In this episode, Jen shares her insights into fundraising and the importance of transparent communication ...

Sep 25, 202354 minSeason 11Ep. 320

319. Interview with Nikki St.John and Kiara Mahan, Founders of The Twerk Museum: What It Takes To Build A NPO

Join host Susan Sly in this captivating episode of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast as she sits down with Nikki St. John and Kiara Mahan. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Susan, Nikki, and Kiara share the incredible opportunity to create a groundbreaking venture that combines their passion for community empowerment, education, and cultural preservation in an immersive and interactive experience. Listen in as they recount how a chance encounter in an Uber ride sparked the idea fo...

Sep 18, 202343 minSeason 11Ep. 319

318. Interview with Indus Khaitan, CEO of Quolum: Unmasking Silicon Valley Myths and Pioneering Innovation

In this episode, Susan welcomes a dynamic and accomplished tech entrepreneur, Indus Khaitan, the CEO of Quolum. With a diverse career spanning enterprise marketing, product management, VC portfolio advising, and serving as a growth officer, Indus has a wealth of experience. Today, he's dedicated to developing Quolum, an all-in-one SaaS management and security platform catering to the needs of Finance, IT, and Procurement teams in tech-savvy organizations. Join Susan and her guest as they dive de...

Sep 11, 202345 minSeason 11Ep. 318

317. Interview with Charles Gellman, Co-Founder and CEO of HiDO Health: Revolutionizing Healthcare from Home Using AI

In this episode of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast, Susan interviews Charles Gellman, the CEO of HiDO Health, a cutting-edge healthcare technology company that's deeply committed to transforming lives through innovation. With a background in data science, Charles is on a mission to revolutionize the healthcare industry and improve the well-being of countless individuals through artificial intelligence. Charles shares the critical issue of medication errors and misdiagnoses, which affec...

Sep 06, 202335 minSeason 11Ep. 317

316. Interview with Dr. Erik Korem, CEO and Founder of AIM7: The Secrets to Lasting Improvements in Motivation, Sleep, Mood, and More

Join Susan as she sits down with Dr. Erik Korem, the visionary CEO and Founder of AIM7. AIM7 is an app that translates wearable data into personalized recommendations for exercise, sleep, and mental fitness. After months of private beta testing, AIM7 is now officially available on the app store. Dr. Korem shares the incredible story of how this app went from conception to reality, proving its effectiveness with over 500 customers in just a few months. The results speak for themselves: users of A...

Aug 28, 202329 minSeason 11Ep. 316

315. Susan Sly, Tech Co-Founder and Co-CEO: How to Incorporate AI to Make You More Attractive to Investors

If you've been wondering whether AI is a valuable addition to your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is a must-listen. Join Susan Sly as she shares her expertise as a co-founder of an AI company established in 2017. She cuts through the noise and hype surrounding AI, delivering the raw and real truth about effectively integrating AI into your business strategy. In a world inundated with AI buzz, Susan breaks down the misconceptions and clarifies the practical ways entrepreneurs can harness t...

Aug 23, 202337 minSeason 11Ep. 315

314. Interview with Avery Sly, Co-Founder of Agency 8: This Is How You Put Yourself Out There to Grow Your Business

Join host Susan Sly in this compelling episode as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with her daughter, Avery Sly. As a tech-savvy marketer, Avery shares her insights on the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence and human ingenuity in the world of entrepreneurship and marketing. In the ever-evolving landscape of AI, Avery delves into the fascinating realm of AI's impact on industries and job roles, particularly focusing on social media management and influencer marketing...

Aug 14, 202341 minSeason 11Ep. 314

313. Interview with Dr. Amy Beckley, Founder of Proov: How 7 Heartbreaking Miscarriages Lead To Startup Success

In this episode, we uncover how Dr. Amy Beckley's personal pain evolved into the groundbreaking diagnostic tool, Proov, which addresses one of the most common and preventable causes of infertility and miscarriage. As a scientist, she was relentless in her pursuit to create a solution and empower women and couples to take control of their fertility journey. Listen in as Dr. Beckley candidly shares her experiences navigating the male-dominated startup world, overcoming challenges, and finding her ...

Aug 07, 202337 minSeason 11Ep. 313
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