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.
⸻
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
⸻
⚠️ 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
⸻
⚠️ 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/
—
🔗 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/
⸻
🔗 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 happens when your startup’s ownership structure gets messy — right before a big investment round?
Amit Jethani, Co-Founder at Mantle (https://withmantle.com/), breaks down the world of cap tables, capital calls, and equity management in plain language, while sharing the hard-earned lessons that led him to start Mantle after 15+ years in the startup ecosystem. We dive into how messy spreadsheets cost founders ownership, why one-star reviews can fuel product strategy, and the surprising ways AI is transforming equity management.
📌 Topics Covered:
• What a cap table really is (and why most founders ignore it too long)
• The dangers of SAFE notes and unexpected dilution
• How Mantle uses AI to migrate messy spreadsheets into clean dashboards
• Why flat-rate pricing beats “gotcha” SaaS subscriptions
• The startup founder mindset: balancing product, team, and customers
👉 Learn more about Amit and Mantle:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajethani/
Websites:
(personal) - https://amitjethani.com/
(company) - https://withmantle.com/
If you’re a founder, investor, or advisor looking to understand startup ownership without the spreadsheets and chaos — this episode is for you.
🔗 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 happens when an ex-investment banker builds one of the most disruptive products in the beauty industry?
Lewis Farsedakis, Founder & CEO of Blinc Inc., joins me to share the extraordinary journey of how he invented tubing mascara — a smudge-proof, flake-proof formula that changed the game for millions. But this story goes way beyond cosmetics. From privatizing telecoms in post-Soviet Eastern Europe to launching a clean skincare brand and shaping the future of ethical beauty, Lewis’s path is full of lessons in vision, grit, and timeless innovation.
In this episode, we explore how radical thinking, mentorship, and obsession with solving problems led Lewis to build one of Sephora’s top-selling products — and how he’s gearing up for an even bigger innovation.
📌 Topics Covered:
• How Lewis invented tubing mascara after solving nuclear power plant challenges in the former USSR
• Why cross-industry thinking is the key to true innovation
• What makes a mentor life-changing — and how one shaped his entire career
• The real secret to long-term success: building a great business, not just a flashy one
💡 Learn more about Blinc: https://www.blincinc.com
🔗 Follow Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-e-farsedakis-934292b0/
🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.working-towards.com
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingtowards
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr
🍏 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-are-you-working-towards-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_towards
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@working_towards
What does it take to walk away from job security, face rejection, and build a thriving 30+ lawyer law firm from scratch?Eric Gros-Dubois, founder of EPGD Business Law, joins me to share his remarkable story — from graduating into two recessions to growing a Miami-based practice with 65 employees and 30 lawyers. Eric reveals how he turned early doubts into entrepreneurial drive, why he doubled down on marketing long before it paid off, and why he believes AI isn’t a threat but a tool for the future of law.From handwritten thank-you notes to 3,000 blog posts that accidentally built a Google powerhouse, Eric’s story is equal parts grit, strategy, and luck. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business (or scaling one), this episode is packed with insights you can use.📌 Topics Covered: • How Eric went from “I can’t start a business” to founding EPGD Business Law • Why consistent networking and content marketing fueled early growth • How COVID and 3,000+ blog posts turned into 80% of his client pipeline • Why he embraces AI, nearshoring, and the “wisdom economy” instead of fearing them💡 Learn more about Eric Gros-Dubois:Website: https://www.epgdlaw.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgrosdubois/⸻🔗 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 we could eliminate plastic water bottles and produce safe, clean drinking water right where it’s needed? Ulf Stenerhag, Founder and Chairman of Wayout, joins me to share his mission to revolutionize the future of water through decentralized, plug-and-play microfactories.
With a background in life sciences and two decades leading industrial companies, Ulf turned his attention to one of humanity’s most urgent challenges: access to safe, sustainable drinking water. In this episode, he shares Wayout’s journey — from building cutting-edge water systems to piloting projects with global beverage brands, hospitality leaders, and even crisis zones.
📌 Topics Covered:
• Why the centralized water model is broken — and how Wayout’s microfactories fix it
• The role of sustainability and values-driven leadership in scaling impact
• How Wayout partners with hotels, water brands, and crisis response organizations
• The ambitious vision to replace plastic bottles and become the “Tesla of water”
💡 Learn more about Ulf and Wayout:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulfstenerhag/
Website: https://wayout.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ulf-Stenerhag-100004869198842/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulf.stenerhag
Podcast: https://corporateunplugged.com/ulf-stenerhag/
🔗 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 build one of the fastest-growing marketing consultancies in the U.S.? Erik Huberman, Founder & CEO of Hawke Media, joins me to share his journey from launching and selling two e-commerce startups by age 26 to scaling a $150M+ marketing empire that’s helped over 5,000 brands grow.
From his early experiments sending 1,000 outfits to bloggers (turning $20K into $1.2M in sales) to creating Hawke Media’s outsourced CMO model, Erik reveals the principles, strategies, and mindset that continue to drive his success.
We also dive into AI’s role in the future of marketing, building trust in noisy markets, and how Hawke Ventures and Hawke.AI are shaping the next era of business growth.
📌 Topics Covered / Key Insights:
• Why Erik launched Hawke Media after realizing “99% of agencies are full of it” 
• The three timeless pillars of marketing: awareness, nurturing, and trust 
• How sending free products to bloggers turned into a seven-figure ROI campaign 
• Why every modern company must act like a media company to survive 
💡 Learn more about Hawke Media: https://hawkemedia.com
🌐 Connect with Erik Huberman: https://erikhuberman.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
⸻
⚠️ 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 go from Fortune 1000 executive to commercial astronaut and CEO of a multibillion-dollar space company?
Dylan Taylor, Chairman & CEO of Voyager Technologies (https://voyagertechnologies.com/), joins me to share his incredible journey—from leading global companies to becoming one of the world’s most active space investors, to flying aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard as the 606th human in space.
In this conversation, Dylan opens up about his passion for space since childhood, how Voyager Technologies went from founding to IPO in just six years, and why the future of humanity in space is closer than most realize.
📌 Topics Covered
• Why Dylan left a Fortune 1000 executive career to follow his passion for space
• How Voyager Technologies won a NASA contract just 20 months after founding
• The game-changing role of Starlab and microgravity research
• Dylan’s perspective on Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the future of the space economy
💡 Learn more about Dylan Taylor:
Website: https://dylantaylor.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylordylan/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/dylan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylantaylorspace/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanTaylorSpace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylantaylorspace
💡 Learn more about Voyager Technologies:
Website: https://voyagertechnologies.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
⸻
⚠️ 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