What makes an early-stage startup truly fundable — and why do so many founders miss the mark?
In today’s episode, I sit down with Ian Levine, Managing Director of Launchpad Venture Group, one of the most active and respected angel investment networks in the United States.
Ian has spent 15+ years investing in and syndicating early-stage deals and has helped grow more than 150 companies across New England and New York. Before Launchpad, he built and exited SaaS companies and held executive leadership roles at Bowne & Co., Merrill Corporation, and Iron Mountain. His combination of operator instincts and investor discipline gives him a rare, practical lens into what actually helps founders win.
We dig into:
• How Launchpad evaluates startups and why capital efficiency matters more than ever
• The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching investors
• Why distribution — not product — is the real scaling bottleneck
• How angel groups fill a critical funding gap missed by VCs
• What the Boston startup ecosystem gets right
• Ian’s personal journey across startups, corporate leadership, and now operating one of the most influential angel groups in the country
• What he’s working toward in the next chapter of his career
If you’re a founder, investor, operator, or someone growing a team, Ian’s insights will reframe how you think about raising money and building a durable company.
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Guest Links
Launchpad Venture Group
Website: https://www.launchpadventuregroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/launchpad-venture-group/
Ian Levine
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilevine/
Company: https://www.launchpadventuregroup.com/
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Host & Podcast
Chris Brodhead
Podcast: What Are You Working Towards?
Website: https://working-towards.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrodhead/
Download the free storytelling guide:
How to Tell the Best Version of Your Business Story
https://working-towards.com/
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
What does it take to design, build, and install stainless-steel rooftop pools for some of America’s biggest cities? Greg Carnforth, President of Chester Pool Systems (https://www.chesterpools.com/), joins me to share the remarkable story behind one of the most specialized construction companies in the country.
With 35+ years in the industry, Greg has helped transform Chester Pool Systems into the go-to provider for engineered stainless-steel pools across New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Denver, San Diego, and beyond. In this episode, Greg walks through the engineering, logistics, and craftsmanship required to design and fabricate entire pool systems in Indiana — then hoist them onto rooftops hundreds of feet in the air.
We also talk through Chester’s transition to a 100 percent employee-owned company, how the ESOP reshaped culture and collaboration, and the unique challenges of building inside billion-dollar high-rise projects.
📌 Topics Covered:
• How stainless-steel rooftop pools are engineered and fabricated off-site
• Why off-site construction is essential for major cities like NYC and Chicago
• The logistics, coordination, and “space shuttle launch” planning behind every install
• How Chester grew from a small team to 100+ employees over several decades
• The decision to become an ESOP and how it strengthened the company’s future
• Why developers and general contractors trust Chester for specialty builds
💡 Learn more about Greg and Chester Pool Systems:
Website: https://www.chesterpools.com/
Century Industries (co-owned): https://www.centuryindustries.com/
LinkedIn (Greg): https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-carnforth-b54bba14/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chesterpoolsystems5544
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.carnforth.1/
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
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⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Chad de Lisle, VP of Marketing at Disruptive Advertising, joins the show to break down what it really takes to build a mission driven, high performing marketing agency. With nearly two decades in digital marketing, Chad shares his journey from an aspiring English professor to leading one of the most respected performance marketing teams in the country.
We dive into:
• How Disruptive is growing toward a $100M vision
• Why pairing purpose with performance drives real long term results
• Scaling through people, culture, and clarity
• The realities of leading marketing inside a marketing agency
• AI’s role in the future of storytelling and brand growth
• Chad’s creative passion project: the Heroic Round podcast
This one is full of wisdom for marketers, founders, and creatives who want to build something that lasts.
Connect with Chad:
"Heroic Round Podcast": https://www.youtube.com/@HeroicRound
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-de-lisle/
Website: https://disruptiveadvertising.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noirwhale/
X: https://x.com/noirwhale
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chad.delisle.1/
NoirWhale: https://noirwhale.com/
NoirWhale Tumblr: http://noirwhale.tumblr.com/
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
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⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Today’s episode features Bim Dave, CEO of Helm360, a global leader in legal technology transformation. Bim has spent more than 25 years helping law firms modernize their finance systems, compliance workflows, and risk management infrastructure. We explore his journey, the future of legal tech, and the innovation roadmap behind Helm360’s rapid growth.
Bim shares how he went from a family-run newsagent business in the UK to leading global teams at Thomson Reuters, and now shaping the next chapter of Helm360. He also breaks down the major pressures facing law firms today, from legacy systems to compliance demands to the shift toward AI powered workflows.
Whether you are in tech, legal, consulting, or leadership, Bim’s insights on transformation, customer trust, and scaling people-focused organizations are loaded with lessons you can use immediately.
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Guest Links
Helm360 Website
https://helm360.com/
Bim Dave on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimaldave/
The Legal Helm Podcast
https://helm360.com/the-legal-helm-podcast/
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Connect With Our Guest
Learn more about Helm360’s legal tech solutions, cloud transformations, compliance systems, and AI readiness:
https://helm360.com/
Connect with Bim on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimaldave/
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🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
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⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/Bill Price is one of the most influential minds in customer experience — and he joined us to break down how AI is transforming CX, why 88 percent of customers never complain, and how companies can finally eliminate friction at scale.Bill was Amazon’s first Global VP of Customer Service, where he helped build the customer-centric philosophy that powered Amazon’s explosive early growth. Today he runs Driva Solutions and is the Founder & CEO of Intendra AI, a CX analytics platform that identifies intents, reduces operational drag, and uncovers the “silent sufferers” who quietly churn without ever contacting support.In this conversation, Bill shares insights on:• The real story of Amazon’s early customer-centric culture• Why “the best service is no service”• How large language models are rewriting the rules of customer service• The 88 percent of customers who never complain — and how to find them• Why first-contact resolution is now misleading• How companies across hospitality, banking, ecommerce, and B2B services can proactively fix hidden friction• What Intendra AI is building today and where CX is going nextBill is also the author of four must-read books on CX:• The Best Service Is No Service• Your Customer Rules!• The Frictionless Organization• Zero Complaints⸻Guest LinksIntendra AIhttps://www.intendra.ai/Driva Solutionshttps://drivasolutions.com/Bill Price on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-price-drivasolutions/Bill’s Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JSHFSM/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=a36f7561-fb02-460d-a0ea-ad2cd221d6a4&ccs_id=98438664-2c15-4575-8e8d-dfaa695e3bbd🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris BrodheadWebsite: https://www.working-towards.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDriTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowardsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towardsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards⸻⚠️ DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Want to 10X your blue collar or traditional business using technology?
Ben Simpson, Managing Director and Co-Owner of MyWorkwear, reveals exactly how he modernized a 49-year-old workwear manufacturer and grew it more than 1,200 percent without losing the core values that made the company special.
In this conversation, Ben breaks down the real playbook behind transforming a legacy business into a systemized, data-driven growth engine.
We cover:
• How to modernize a blue collar business without breaking what already works
• The systems that replaced 40 filing cabinets and manual processes
• Why culture and people matter more than any technology stack
• How to use ERP, CRM, BI tools, and AI agents to create compounding efficiency
• Turning brand awareness into long-term, high-value customers
• The future of AI inside traditional industries
• How MyWorkwear became one of the UK’s standout players in workwear and apparel
If you’re building, scaling, or modernizing any operations-heavy company — manufacturing, apparel, logistics, trades, services, e-commerce — this episode delivers a rare inside look at how to evolve fast without chasing shiny objects.
Connect with Ben Simpson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-simpson-myww/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website: https://www.myworkwear.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myworkwearco
About MyWorkwear
A leading UK supplier of branded uniforms and workwear, serving thousands of businesses nationwide with a unique mix of modern systems and traditional manufacturing expertise.
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Dr. John Heinlein, Chief Marketing Officer at Sonatus, a global leader in vehicle software powering the shift toward software defined vehicles (SDVs) and AI-driven automotive innovation.
John brings a unique blend of deep engineering expertise — with degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford — and more than two decades of senior leadership across marketing, automotive technology, business development, and system architecture.
We dig into:
• How SDVs work and why vehicles are becoming more like data centers
• The transition from 150+ hardware ECUs to flexible, upgradeable software platforms
• How automakers harness vehicle data, intelligence, and AI to improve performance
• The infrastructure needed to support next generation automotive experiences
• The explosive role of AI in vehicle optimization, diagnostics, and personalization
• Why the automotive industry is attracting top engineering talent again
• Sonatus’ rapidly growing footprint in more than 5 million production vehicles (soon to be 6 million)
• The behind-the-scenes look at building a modern automotive software stack
John also hosts The Garage by Sonatus, where he interviews top minds in vehicle software and mobility innovation.
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Guest Links
Website: https://www.sonatus.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnheinlein/
The Garage Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL02SS1Fp5GCjBUmXe4eTnEVdDLDViQXR2
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
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⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/Michael Watkins — co-founder of Genesis Advisers, best-selling author of The First 90 Days, and Professor of Leadership & Organizational Change at IMD Business School.Michael has helped thousands of leaders navigate high-stakes transitions and has shaped modern leadership thinking for more than two decades. His book The First 90 Days has sold more than a million copies in English, is translated into 24+ languages, and was named one of Amazon’s Top 100 Business Books of All Time. He was also inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame for his contributions to management and leadership.We dive into:• How leaders can navigate today’s unprecedented turbulence• Why most writing online feels like noise• The real impact of AI on creativity, communication, and leadership• How The First 90 Days became the “onboarding bible”• Why strategic thinking is the most undervalued leadership skill• What Michael is working towards nowIf you want to understand how world-class leaders think, adapt, and build meaningful legacies, this episode is packed with insight.⸻Connect with Michael WatkinsGenesis Advisershttps://www.genesisadvisers.com/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldwatkins/X / Twitterhttps://x.com/MichaelDWatkinsYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/first90daysFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/thefirst90daysBooks by Michael Watkinshttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JS6RV8IMD “First 90 Days” Programhttps://www.imd.org/f90d/🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris BrodheadWebsite: https://www.working-towards.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDriTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowardsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towardsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards⸻⚠️ DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/What if finding a home in a new country was as easy as booking a hotel? Jan Hase, Co-Founder and CEO of Wunderflats (https://wunderflats.com/en), joins me to share how his company is transforming the future of mid-term housing by removing the stress, friction, and uncertainty that expats, professionals, and even refugees face when relocating.With a background in computer science and a decade building Wunderflats from the ground up, Jan reveals what it takes to build a trusted real estate marketplace that works across borders, supports both landlords and tenants, and scales without losing the human touch. We also explore his unique co-founder relationship, mission-driven leadership, and the emotional realities of growing a startup that helps people feel at home anywhere in the world.📌 Topics Covered:• Why the traditional housing system fails global citizens — and how Wunderflats fills the gap• How Jan scaled Wunderflats across Germany, France, Austria, and Belgium• Building trust through technology and real human connection• Lessons from 10+ years of startup growth, pivots, and global expansion💡 Learn more about Jan and Wunderflats:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janhaseWebsite: https://wunderflats.com/en🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris BrodheadWebsite: https://www.working-towards.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDriTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowardsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towardsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards⸻⚠️ DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/Artificial intelligence is exploding — but can our power grid keep up?Josh Levine, Chief Marketing Officer at EnergySage, explains why renewable energy is the only realistic path forward to sustain the AI revolution.Josh’s 20-year career spans the U.S. Army, Harvard Business School, Google, and Procter & Gamble. Today, he’s leading EnergySage’s mission to make clean energy simple, affordable, and accessible for everyone.💡 In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why renewables like solar and wind are the only scalable solution for rising global energy demand • How the clean energy transition benefits both the environment and consumers’ wallets • What it takes to build a mission-driven marketing organization • How EnergySage empowers homeowners to gain energy independence and resilience🌎 Explore More:🔹 Website – https://www.energysage.com/🔹 YouTube Series “Plugged In” – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=EnergySage+Plugged+In🔹 Connect with Josh Levine – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshzlevine/🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris BrodheadWebsite: https://www.working-towards.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDriTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowardsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towardsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards⸻⚠️ DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Dane Chapin shares the incredible story behind building The Op Games into a powerhouse of fun, connection, and creativity. From humble beginnings creating city-specific Monopoly editions with his sisters, to partnering with Disney, Warner Bros., The Beatles, NFL, NBA, and Game of Thrones, Dane reveals how he turned board games into a global business built on joy, laughter, and human connection.
He also opens up about the challenges and lessons from his other ventures — including Bindle Bottle, Zephyr Partners, and Made Here Brands (co-founded with actor Scott Eastwood). Dane’s insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation make this one of the most inspiring founder stories you’ll hear all year.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Dane turned Monopoly into a massive licensing opportunity
• The secrets behind creating best-selling games like Telestrations, Blank Slate, and Tap
• Why physical connection matters more than ever in a digital world
• Lessons from failing forward and bouncing back stronger
• What’s next for The Op and the future of family entertainment
Connect with Dane Chapin:
🌐 Website: https://theop.games/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dane-chapin-8b76399/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopgames
Mentioned in this episode:
• Bindle Bottle (Former company — patent still owned)
• Made Here Brands (Founded with Scott Eastwood)
• Zephyr Partners
• Zahn Innovation Program at San Diego State University
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Adam Beamish isn’t chasing every lead — he’s intentionally turning down over 50% of inbound prospects. Why? Because saying no is how he scaled his family business, Mark Beamish Waterproofing, to $30M+ in revenue while preserving quality, culture, and profitability.
In this episode, Adam breaks down:
• How he transformed a garage-based business into a 150+ person powerhouse
• The strategy behind shrinking from 2,000 jobs/year to just 700 — and making more money
• Why most subcontractors are overwhelmed by bad fits (and how to stop)
• The origin of SubSmart, his fast-growing SaaS built to streamline subcontractor chaos
• What it really means to lead with integrity in construction and software
If you’re a founder, operator, or builder of any kind — this conversation will challenge how you think about scale, culture, and saying no.
👉 Learn more:
MBW: https://markbeamish.com/
SubSmart: https://www.getsubsmart.com/
Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-beamish-6a2a6423/
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/Craig Pellin is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Nexen Group, a global leader in precision motion control systems used across aerospace, semiconductor, amusement, medical, automation and even bourbon barrel manufacturing.In this episode Craig breaks down: • How AI, automation & mechatronics are rapidly changing manufacturing • The surprising industries powered by Nexen: Space Needle, MRI machines, amusement parks, whiskey distilleries, global bottling lines • Why zero-backlash precision is becoming mission-critical for the future • How Nexen built a global rep network and deal flow engine without relying on outbound • The REAL future of AI inside mid-market manufacturing orgs⸻🔗 Links MentionedNexen Group — https://www.nexengroup.com/Craig on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-pellin-7494b16/Craig’s personal build & hobby page (woodworking / restoration) — https://hobbychaser.wordpress.com/⸻If you’re a manufacturing leader exploring automation or AI integration — this one is a must-watch.🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris BrodheadWebsite: https://www.working-towards.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDriTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowardsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towardsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards⸻⚠️ DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Adrian Newman is the Founder and President of Numero Uno Web Solutions, one of Canada’s leading SEO and digital marketing agencies. With over 25 years in performance marketing, Adrian has helped hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses grow through SEO, AI-driven content, and multi-channel strategies that actually drive revenue.
In this interview, we talk about:
• How search is changing with AI and AEO
• What still works right now in digital marketing
• Lessons learned from 25 years of running successful campaigns
• How he finds and closes high-value clients
• What he’s working towards next in life and business
Follow Adrian:
https://www.numerounoweb.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriannewman/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@numerounoweb
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
Dr. Jay Luis Aguilar is the Global VP of Business Development at Chance Rides (https://www.chancerides.com/) — the legendary U.S. manufacturer behind rollercoasters, carousels, observation wheels, trains and immersive rides found in Six Flags, Universal, SeaWorld, Area15 Las Vegas and more.
In this episode, Jay shares:
• How he turned his childhood dream of designing amusement rides into reality
• The surprising way theme parks, zoos & cities actually BUY rides
• The creative process behind post-apocalyptic carousels & live Minion rides
• The future of ride design
• His personal obsession with Ironman triathlons & intentional living
If you’ve ever wondered how the rides you love are actually created, funded, sold, and brought to life — this is an INSANE behind-the-scenes look you won’t find anywhere else.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayluisaguilar/
Website: https://www.chancerides.com/
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
What do tacos, sustainability, and the future of food all have in common? For Conner Tidd, it started with a single bunch of cilantro and became a mission to reshape how the world grows and accesses fresh produce.
Conner shares the origin story of Just Vertical, a company building scalable vertical farms from condos to campuses and beyond. We explore how a university prototype led to a $30K check, why post-COVID supply chains opened doors for commercial expansion, and how Just Vertical is deploying farms as far as Moldova and Alaska to improve food security.
We also dive into:
• Why vertical farming isn’t a silver bullet—but is a powerful tool
• How growing food closer to home reduces waste and boosts resilience
• The surprising impact of clean-room farming on pesticides and fertilizers
• How Conner and his team are telling powerful stories on a shoestring budget
Whether you’re a tech-driven sustainability advocate or just someone tired of wilted herbs in your fridge, this episode will inspire you to think differently about where your food comes from—and what’s possible when mission meets innovation.
👉 Learn more at https://justvertical.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connertidd
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
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⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
What if emotional support was as accessible as Amazon Prime?
Irad Eichler, founder and CEO of Circles — a revolutionary mental health platform offering 24/7 live group support for just $40/month.
Irad shares the deeply personal story behind Circles, how watching his mother battle cancer inspired him to rethink emotional care, and why audio-only peer groups led by trained facilitators are outperforming traditional therapy in many situations.
Topics covered:
• The loneliness epidemic & the limits of 1:1 therapy
• Why men struggle to join support groups (and how that’s changing)
• How Circles uses performance marketing to scale
• Real stories of users leaving abusive relationships with live support
• Future partnerships with hospitals, nonprofits, and employers
Whether you’re a founder, therapist, or someone going through a tough time — this episode will move you.
🔗 Learn more: https://circlesup.com/
👤 Connect with Irad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iradeichler/
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🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
What if customer support could become one of your most powerful growth engines? Pierre Latscha, Co-founder and CCO of Onepilot, a tech-forward customer care outsourcing platform combining AI automation with real human agents — 24/7 and multilingual.
We unpack how Pierre and his four co-founders launched Onepilot during the pandemic, scaled to $30M+ in ARR, and are now transforming customer service into a revenue-driving profit center.
📌 Topics Covered:
• How Onepilot blends automation and empathy
• Why customer care is a strategic growth lever
• The rise of remote agent models
• How AI is trained and deployed within support teams
👨💼 Learn more about One Pilot and Pierre:
Onepilot → https://onepilot.co/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-latscha-8956a6a5/
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/
What does Tiger Woods’ true legacy look like beyond golf?
In this powerful episode, Dan Scali, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at TGR Foundation, shares how Tiger’s nonprofit has quietly changed the lives of tens of thousands of students across the U.S.
From opening cutting-edge STEAM Learning Labs to mentoring first-generation college students and launching a 30-year legacy of education, the TGR Foundation is reshaping how youth discover their passions and build meaningful futures.
📌 Topics Covered:
• The inspiring origin story of Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation
• How TGR empowers underserved students through STEAM and mentorship
• Building learning labs in Anaheim, Philadelphia, L.A., and Augusta
• The future of TGR’s mission and Tiger’s next 30 years of impact
🎙️ Guest:
Dan Scali — VP, Marketing & Communications at TGR Foundation
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielscali/
🌐 Learn more about the TGR Foundation:
https://tgrfoundation.org
🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent…
What does it take to accidentally invent a solar cooker and go on to power EVs, fridges, and entire lives with nothing but sunshine? Patrick Sherwin, the “mad solar scientist” behind GoSun, joins me to share how a single hot dog, a vacuum tube, and a passion for clean energy led to a revolutionary product line—and a whole new way of thinking about how we live, move, and cook.
From launching GoSun through crowdfunding to building solar-powered appliances that work in your backyard or during blackouts, Patrick’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven innovation, scrappy product development, and building community around big, audacious ideas.
🌞 Discover how he’s helping people everywhere—whether in RVs, at music festivals, or in Ukraine—run their lives on the sun.
📌 Topics Covered:
• The hot dog experiment that sparked a solar movement
• How GoSun uses crowdfunding (and equity crowdfunding) to launch wild new ideas
• The EV Solar Charger: why it’s a game-changer for daily commuters and festivals alike
• Why solar resilience is more than just tech—it’s about independence, food, freedom, and family
💡 Learn more about GoSun: https://gosun.co
🚗 Reserve your EV Solar Charger: https://startengine.com/gosun
📷 Follow GoSun on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gosun/
👤 Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksherwin/
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🔗 Follow “What Are You Working Towards?” & Host Chris Brodhead
Website: https://www.working-towards.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
⸻
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on the “What Are You Working Towards?” podcast are those of the hosts, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.