Эпизоды
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Phil Kosak, founder of Carolina Fine Snacks, shares his decades-long journey from frying pork skins in a 1,500 sq ft bay to building Wicked Crisp into a nationally recognized brand. Learn how hiring employees with disabilities transformed his company, why e-commerce and TikTok shops are critical today, and how AI solves operational headaches for small teams.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:02 – Phil’s start: Frito-Lay dropout to bootstrapping with pork skins.
04:00 – The Weight Watchers lifeline that saved his business.
06:00– Hiring employees with disabilities: “They either got better or quit.”
12:30 – Adapting to e-commerce: “My daughter hasn’t been in a grocery store in 5 years.”
19:00 – Willie Nelson’s birthday order and organic brand advocacy.
29:00 – AI as a “physical tool” for operations: “It’s saved us tons.”
🔗 Connect with Phil Kosak:
💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-kosak-53a56724/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#PhilKosak #CPG #SnackFood #Entrepreneurship #DisabilityEmployment #AIinBusinesshttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this action-packed episode of the Future Proof Podcast, host Brent Muller sits down with Alex Grace, VP of Growth & Revenue at Arta, to break down the future of B2B sales, scaling smart, and where AI fits into the equation. With a career spanning startups and global expansion, Alex reveals the “five core problems” every business faces—along with actionable solutions. From founder-led sales to empowering teams with automation and real data insights, this is a must-watch for anyone leading growth, sales, or strategy. Get ready for no-fluff wisdom on AI, prospecting, talent, and why sales decks are killing your conversions.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro with Brent Muller
00:29 – Alex’s career path: from cold calls to global growth
03:36 – The “five problems” that all sales orgs face
05:15 – CAC v LTV: Alex’s ZocDoc story
06:57 – Why hiring top reps from big companies often fails
08:51 – Early-stage scaling: founder-led sales vs rep-led success
11:43 – Ditch the 60-page deck: how to truly sell with empathy
12:48 – Growth in 2025: no more “grow at all costs”
14:32 – AI’s place in modern sales and prospecting
16:05 – Why calls & relationships still matter
17:05 – AI as assistant, not salesperson
19:05 – The research advantage: AI as sales intel tool
21:15 – Writing killer emails: it starts with doing the work
23:05 – Put your top reps in high-leverage roles
24:30 – AI for strategy: surfacing real-time problems & trends
28:16 – Can you scale the top 20% of your sales team?
30:09 – Muscles, roles & where training really works
32:42 – Tools Alex actually uses (Granola, Grammarly, ChatGPT)
35:06 – Tone control & how AI saves you from bad customer emails
37:40 – How to connect with Alex & learn more about Arta
🔗 Connect with Alex Grace
🌐 Website: https://www.alexgrace.co/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergrace/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#B2BSales #StartupGrowth #RevenueStrategy #AIinSales #SalesLeadership #SalesOps #FutureProofPodcast #AlexGrace #Arta #FounderLedSales #Growth2025 #AutomationTools #SalesCoaching #DigitalCoworkers #ProspectingTipshttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Пропущенные эпизоды?
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In this insightful episode of the Future Proof Podcast, host Brent Muller sits down with Kelly Kovack, the powerhouse behind BeautyMatter, a global B2B media and intelligence platform serving the beauty and wellness ecosystem. Kelly shares her journey from beauty brand builder to creating a purpose-driven platform that champions both emerging tech and community-first thinking. From launching with a simple newsletter to building a highly engaged, sticky audience, she breaks down why content, brand, and human connection matter more than ever in today’s B2B world. She also reveals how AI is transforming beauty—from R&D to supply chain—while explaining her productivity hacks, founder tips, and the future of thoughtful growth.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro with Brent Muller
01:00 – Kelly’s entrepreneurial journey in beauty
04:00 – Why B2B media was missing in the beauty industry
06:34 – How BeautyMatter was born with “Plan A and Plan B”
08:47 – Scaling BeautyMatter and going from side project to platform
09:24 – The outdated mindset in B2B industries
11:42 – Brands vs products: the true essence of building a business
13:08 – Why fewer, better leads beat more contacts
15:28 – B2B isn’t different—why it needs branding and community
17:26 – Sales without selling: give value, then earn trust
19:10 – The human side of B2B and hand-written thank you notes
21:09 – Evolution of the beauty industry and the role of VC
23:38 – How AI is revolutionizing product dev and supply chain
27:25 – Using AI to optimize manufacturing and creative workflows
29:05 – Creating internal AI data pools for long-term insights
30:27 – Kelly’s top productivity tips as a founder
33:15 – Tech overwhelm & how to evaluate emerging trends
37:26 – Start small: how AI helps eliminate the mundane
39:22 – Building a future-proof business with community at the center
40:17 – How to connect with Kelly & explore BeautyMatter
🔗 Connect with Kelly Kovack:
🌐 Website:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-kovack-beautymatter
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#beautyindustry #B2BMarketing #FounderStory #KellyKovack #BeautyMatter #B2BStrategy #FutureProofPodcast #AIInBeauty #BrandBuilding #FemaleFounders #DigitalMedia #ContentMarketing #CommunityDriven #BeautyTech #Entrepreneurshiphttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode of the Future Proof Podcast, Brent Muller sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Christian Johnson, founder and CEO of Beautiful Brains. From creating a teen-driving safety product to becoming New York's fastest-growing business in 2023, Christian shares her journey through early startup challenges, pivoting during COVID-19, and now pioneering sustainable, AI-powered manufacturing. Her story is rich with purpose, resilience, and community giveback—from U-Haul mask deliveries in blizzards to mentoring entrepreneurs and working with the Buffalo Bills on inclusive business strategy. This is an unmissable story of innovation, grit, and heart.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro by Brent Muller
01:06 – Christian Johnson’s entrepreneurial beginnings
02:00 – Launching Driver Watchdog and the hurdles as a Black woman in tech
03:44 – Emotional pivot as market shifted
05:21 – COVID-19 and the birth of BrainWave medical line
06:49 – Delivering PPE in Buffalo winters & business model shift
07:48 – Overcoming barriers in the medical supply industry
10:27 – Mentoring local businesses & community involvement with the Buffalo Bills
12:16 – Christian’s long-term vision: world’s leading product manufacturer
14:04 – The challenge of tariffs & bringing manufacturing to the U.S.
15:23 – Veterans, automation, and AI as supportive tools
17:20 – Using AI in healthcare and education
20:00 – Creating circular economy in PPE with AI-powered tracking
23:46 – Unique AI tips: using ChatGPT for quarterly business reviews
25:42 – Magic wand wish: capital for scaling
26:47 – Contact info, coaching & building personal brand
29:35 – Real talk: entrepreneurship, motherhood & staying authentic
🔗 Connect with Christian Johnson
🌐 Website: https://www.beautifulbrains.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjohnsondwd/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BlackTechFounders #MedicalSupplies #SaaS #AIForGood #VeteranSupport #SustainableBusiness #FutureProofPodcast #BeautifulBrains #ChristianJohnson #COVIDPivot #BuffaloStrong #PersonalBranding #B2BGrowthhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode of the Future Proofed Podcast, host Brent Muller sits down with Mike Gadsby, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-founder of O3, to explore how AI is reshaping the future of customer experience, personalization, and digital strategy. From unlocking hyper-personalization and optimizing data structures to deploying agentic AI workflows in real business scenarios, this deep-dive conversation unpacks the tactical and strategic approaches companies need today. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or technologist, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to start small, scale smart, and think ahead with AI.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & About Future Proofed
00:55 – Meet Mike Gadsby and O3
03:01 – Personalization at Scale with AI
06:12 – Value Exchange in Data Personalization
08:49 – Behavioral Data & AI Contextual Awareness
11:06 – The Future of Data Value: Synthetic & Intent-Based
15:00 – Search vs. Conversational Interfaces
18:46 – Real Example: AI Memory & Personalized Responses
21:07 – AI's Impact on Healthcare & Personal Wellbeing
23:25 – The Next Level: Neuroscience + Experience Design
25:10 – Agentic AI Workflows in Action
28:12 – Human-Centered Automation & Trust in AI
31:45 – Analytics and KPIs in AI Planning
33:14 – Mike’s AI Productivity Tips for Founders
37:06 – Magic Wand Moment: Solving the Reach Problem
40:28 – How to Contact O3 & Upcoming 1682 Conference
🔗 Connect with Mike Gadsby:
🌐 Website: https://www.o3world.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgadsby/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#FutureProofed #AIinBusiness #CustomerExperience #DigitalStrategy #MikeGadsby #AgenticAI #HyperPersonalization #O3World #B2BGrowth #AIworkflow #DataDrivenDesign #AIProductivity #BusinessInnovationhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Rob Marsh, founder of The Copywriter Club, reveals how AI is reshaping the copywriting industry—eliminating low-value work while empowering skilled writers to deliver 85% faster results. Learn why "garbage in, garbage out" prompts fail, how to use AI for hyper-personalized content (with 15-page research inputs!), and why relationships still dominate in the age of automation.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Future-Proofed Podcast & AI-powered SaaS growth
01:06 – Rob’s journey: From 1992 copywriter to founding The Copywriter Club
04:46 – Pivot to productized services: Membership, courses, and community
08:19 – Why businesses should treat freelancers like partners (not vendors)
13:44 – AI’s impact: Killing $10 content farms, elevating strategic writers
19:30 – Rob’s AI formula: 15-page research → 85% draft completion
25:27 – Custom GPTs for headlines, benefits, and workshop playbooks
32:00 – Magic wand wish: AI that closes clients (not just books calls)
🔗 Connect with Rob Marsh
🌐 Website: thecopywriterclub.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbmarsh/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#Copywriting #AIForBusiness #FutureProofed #ContentMarketing #FreelanceSuccess #RobMarsh #SaaSGrowthhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Rob Denicola joins Brent Muller on the Future-Proofed Podcast to break down the modern medtech startup landscape. From navigating FDA approvals to raising capital and leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok, Rob shares firsthand insights from his roles at RCD2 Consulting, Ayres, and Virtuox. He dives into the do’s and don’ts of commercialization, how startup culture can make or break your company, and why product-market fit and payer strategy matters more than a flashy prototype. Whether you're an early-stage founder or a sales leader, this episode will sharpen your growth game and get you thinking bigger (and leaner).
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:01 – Intro to Future-Proofed and Brent Muller’s AI-powered B2B SaaS
00:45 – Welcome Rob DeNicola & intro to RCD2 Consulting
01:17 – Rob’s career pivot: law to stockbroker to medtech
02:32 – Managing multiple startups: RCD2, Ayres, Virtuox
04:38 – Early-stage vs later-stage startup strategies
07:12 – Fundraising challenges & FDA approval hurdles
09:50 – The impact of leadership & startup culture
13:39 – AI in diagnostics, robotics, and healthcare planning
17:20 – How AI is transforming marketing, sales, and pitching
24:49 – Pro tips on shortening and tailoring pitch decks
29:21 – Magic wand question: smarter VC matchmaking
31:39 – Closing thoughts, startup advice & fishing dreams
🔗 Connect with Rob:
Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-denicola-jr/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#MedTechStartups #FutureProofedPodcast #RobDeNicola #B2BGrowth #AIinHealthcare #StartupSuccess #VCFunding #FDAApproval #HealthTech #AItools #Commercialization #PitchDeckTips #RCD2Consulting #AyresHealth #Virtuoxhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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On this episode of the Future Proof Podcast, host Brent Muller sits down with Wesley Nappi, founder of TaskBullet, to explore the evolution of remote staffing and virtual assistants. Wesley dives into his journey from running a CD manufacturing company to disrupting the VA industry with TaskBullet’s “bucket system,” a smarter way for startups to scale. If you’re tired of juggling every role in your business—or hiring people who can’t do it all—this episode offers a breakthrough mindset and strategy for delegation, productivity, and growth in the age of AI.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Future Proof & Guest Wesley Nappi
01:08 – Wesley’s Early Business Journey & The Napster Collapse
03:23 – From Side Hustle to TaskBullet
05:15 – What Makes TaskBullet Different: The Bucket System
07:08 – Why Small Teams Fail at Hiring
09:32 – How TaskBullet Keeps Specialists Available
11:19 – Adapting to Remote Work Models
13:10 – AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Entrepreneurs
16:31 – Thinking Time: Wesley’s Productivity Secret
20:21 – Client Success Stories (Including One During Labor!)
24:57 – Who Fails, Who Succeeds with VAs
26:14 – TaskBullet’s Growth Strategy & Scaling Pains
29:32 – How Wesley Uses AI for Contracts, Coding & Strategy
32:16 – Magic Wand Fix: Communication Between Clients & VAs
35:36 – Try TaskBullet: Free Trial Info & How to Get Started
🔗 Connect with Wesley:
🌐 Website: https://www.taskbullet.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-nappi-0a138627/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#FutureProofPodcast #WesleyNappi #BrentMuller #TaskBullet #VirtualAssistant #StartupGrowth #RemoteWork #Delegation #Entrepreneurship #B2BMarketing #AIProductivity #BucketSystem #OutsourcingMadeEasyhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Jeff Blau, real estate developer and founder of Giga Holdings, shares how he built 600+ apartment units (and 5,000 more in the pipeline) by focusing on community-driven amenities and strategic acquisitions. Discover why office-to-residential conversions rarely work, how AI is revolutionizing construction takeoffs and fire monitoring, and why he bets on "old-school" principles—like overpaying top talent—to scale his empire.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Future-Proofed Podcast & SaaS growth platform
00:49 – Jeff Blau’s background: Construction to real estate mogul
03:11 – COVID’s impact on commercial real estate & interest rates
06:07 – Why office-to-residential conversions fail (windows, elevators, costs)
12:00 – Post-COVID trends: Rent prices still rising despite "exodus" myths
15:12 – AI in construction: Instant design renders, lumber takeoffs, fire detection
21:37 – Jeff’s rule: "Never be first to adopt tech—let others make mistakes"
25:45 – Leadership philosophy: Overpaying talent & preserving company legacies
🔗 Connect with Jeff:
🌐 Website: https://gigaholdings.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-blau-75906619a/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#RealEstateInvesting #ConstructionTech #AIForBusiness #FutureProofed #JeffBlau #ScaleYourBusiness #LeadershipLessonshttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brent Muller dives into an inspiring founder story with Ryan Massie, President and Co-Owner of Syssero Inc. — a people-first consulting firm specializing in Workday solutions. Ryan shares how he transitioned from being a fine arts professor to building a multi-faceted consulting company that champions empathy, self-sufficiency, and long-term client success. Discover how Syssero is transforming how enterprise services are delivered, why AI should serve humans, not replace them, and how to build trust in a world of fear-based selling. From philosophy to frameworks, this is a lesson in scaling with heart.
00:00 – Intro from Brent Muller
01:00 – Ryan’s path from fine arts to tech
03:00 – Leaving academia after becoming a dad
05:00 – Discovering Workday and early industry insights
07:00 – Partnering with Amber Lowry and starting Syssero
09:00 – How Syssero’s client-first approach took shape
11:00 – The 3 core differentiators of Syssero
14:00 – Redefining managed services with empathy
17:00 – Why helping clients become self-sufficient is the goal
19:00 – The rise of AI and human creativity
22:00 – Using AI as a sounding board and writing assistant
28:00 – Funny road trip story: Amber vs. AI stamina
32:00 – How AI will shift how we define productivity
35:00 – Magic wand: eliminating fear-based sales tactics
38:00 – How to connect with Syssero Inc.
🔗 Connect with Ryan:
🌐 Website: https://syssero.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-massie-022591149/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#SysseroInc #RyanMassie #WorkdayConsulting #TechLeadership #FutureProofedPodcast #B2BGrowth #DigitalTransformation #AIInBusiness #HumanCenteredTech #LeadershipWithHearthttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In one of the most fascinating episodes of Future-Proofed yet, Brent Muller sits down with Peter Freer — educator, entrepreneur, and neurotechnology pioneer — to explore how brainwave-based tech is transforming everything from ADHD treatment and driver safety to mindfulness and pet communication. Peter shares the origin of his groundbreaking program Play Attention, the science behind executive function training, and how his latest innovations include a Fitbit-style wristband for focus and collars that decode your dog’s emotional state. This episode dives deep into the future of human-computer interaction, emotional regulation, and even combatting dementia — all through real-time brainwave feedback.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Peter’s Journey from Teacher to Neurotech Founder
02:00 – The Student That Sparked a Mission: How ADHD Inspired Play Attention
04:30 – NASA Research, Patents & Creating Brainwave-Controlled Games
06:45 – What Executive Function Really Is — And Why It Matters
08:00 – Clinical Results: 5x Gains in Focus & Executive Function
10:00 – Why More Women Are Being Diagnosed with ADHD Later in Life
11:00 – The Evolution: From Headsets to Wristbands to Wearable Neurotech
12:30 – DaVinci’s Candle & Real-Time Mindfulness Through Your Phone
14:00 – Making Neurotech Mainstream & Working with the FDA
16:00 – Neurotech in Cars: Fatigue Detection, AI Companions & Driver Safety
18:00 – Cognitive Games from Your Car Console
20:00 – Dogs That Talk: Emotional Feedback via Neuro-Collars
23:00 – Real-Time Brain Signals & Custom Dog Voices (Yes, Snoop Dogg!)
27:00 – Can Neurotech Help Prevent Dementia?
30:00 – The Fighter’s Story: Rebuilding a Damaged Brain with Daily Training
34:00 – The Science Behind Rewiring the Brain (Neurogenesis & Plasticity)
38:00 – Teaching Nuclear Power Plant Operators Executive Function
41:00 – Why Real Human Connection Is Still the Core of Change
46:00 – Peter’s Favorite Use of AI for Personalized Communication
49:00 – How to Learn More About Play Attention or Contact Peter
🔗 Connect with Peter:
🌐 Website: https://www.neumo.ai/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-freer-6b080a3/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#Neurotech #PlayAttention #PeterFreer #ADHDSolutions #MindfulnessTech #Brainwaves #AIandNeuroscience #ExecutiveFunction #MentalHealthTech #TalkingDogCollar #FutureOfFocus #DementiaPrevention #WearableTech #FutureProofedPodcasthttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Michael Shore joins Brent Muller on Future-Proofed to share his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to solar entrepreneur, to launching his newest venture — Juice Capital. After two successful exits in renewable energy, Michael is now focused on investing in "electricity tech": innovations that address the rapidly growing global demand for power driven by AI, EVs, and data centers. He discusses the need to move beyond traditional clean tech labels and focus on scalable, independent solutions in generation, storage, transmission, and energy efficiency. From smarter motors to building-level AI optimization and climate risk modeling, this episode is a masterclass on where the future of sustainable business is headed — and how smart capital can drive it.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Michael Shore’s Career Journey
01:10 – Peace Corps in Mali & Discovering Sustainability
03:00 – Launching One of the First Solar Farm Companies in the U.S.
04:30 – First Exit & What Came Next
05:30 – Starting Heart of Waraba & Global Entrepreneur Network
07:45 – The Birth of Juice Capital & Its Mission
10:00 – Why AI, EVs, and Crypto Are Power-Hungry — and What That Means
12:00 – Why Wind & Solar Alone Won’t Cut It
13:45 – Examples of Efficient Energy Tech & New Innovations
15:00 – Ecobot & Automating Environmental Compliance
16:00 – NextPower360 & Revolutionizing Wind Turbine Efficiency
18:00 – The Role of AI in Clean Energy Tech
19:00 – Hickory Nut Gap: A Sustainable Farm Michael Supports
21:00 – Smart Grids & Smarter Transmission
23:00 – The Climate Service: Climate Risk Tools for Enterprises
26:00 – Why Every Business Needs a Climate Risk Plan
30:00 – How Michael Uses AI in Branding, Business Ops & More
32:00 – What Investors Look for in Tech-Driven Sustainability Startups
34:00 – Nimble Energy & AI for Building Energy Optimization
35:00 – Best Growth Advice for Early Stage Founders
🔗 Connect with Michael:
🌐 Website: http://www.tprenewable.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljamesshore/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#JuiceCapital #MichaelShore #ElectricityTech #CleanTech #FutureProofedPodcast #AIandEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateRisk #SmartGrid #EnergyEfficiency #CleanEnergy #Ecobot #NextPower360 #NimbleEnergy #GreenInvesting #TechForGoodhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Ari Hirsch, founder of InstaSteam, shares how a dorm-room laundry struggle sparked a revolutionary travel steamer—now used in hotels, cruise ships, and homes worldwide. Learn how he turned a $700 prototype into a Shark Tank-worthy business, survived COVID’s travel collapse, and leveraged AI to scale. A must-watch for entrepreneurs and travelers alike!
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro: Meet Ari Hirsch & InstaSteam
02:15 - The dorm-room idea that started it all
08:30 - DIY prototype to Mark Cuban’s inbox
15:45 - Surviving COVID’s travel industry crash
22:10 - How AI helps run the business today
30:50 - Demo: How InstaSteam works (no iron needed!)
38:20 - Vision: Dominating hotels, cruises & retail
45:00 - Magic wand question: Scaling infrastructure
🔗 Connect with Ari!
🌐 Website: instasteampod.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-hirsch/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#Entrepreneur #StartupStory #TravelHacks #SharkTank #InstaSteam #NoMoreIrons #BusinessGrowth #FounderJourney #Innovationhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, Brent Muller is joined by Steve Doll, Founder of D2D Technologies. From launching a broadcast technology company after a failed startup to building infrastructure that supports FEMA’s emergency alert system, Steve shares how D2D is bridging legacy TV systems with modern streaming and AI. He unpacks the game-changing potential of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), their work with PBS stations across the country, and how AI is helping them create surprisingly clever ads—featuring his cat in a smoking jacket. This episode is packed with innovation, resilience, and insight into how traditional broadcasts are getting a second life.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Steve’s Career Path
01:30 – From the Navy to Broadcast Tech
03:45 – Founding D2D Technologies
05:30 – What D2D Does (Design to Deliver)
06:45 – Emergency Alert Infrastructure with FEMA & PBS
08:00 – D2Flex & Streaming Broadcast Quality over the Internet
10:30 – Product Design Challenges & PBS Station Field Testing
12:00 – Vision for D2D: New Products & Market Expansion
14:30 – Industry Shifts: Streaming, Antennas, and Over-the-Air Quality
17:00 – NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) & The Rebirth of Broadcast
19:00 – Data Casting, First Responder Use, and Software Updates Over Air
21:00 – Challenges Slowing Down Adoption (Regulation & Patents)
24:00 – How D2D Uses AI for Marketing, Research & Creative Ads
26:30 – “Fat Cat” Campaign: AI-Generated Humor Meets Local Advertising
28:00 – Growth Hurdles: The Need for Regulatory Clarity
30:00 – How to Get in Touch with D2D Technologies
🔗 Connect with Steve Doll:
🌐 Website: digitalvortex.us , http://d2dtechnologies.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d2dsteve
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#BroadcastTech #EmergencyAlerts #NextGenTV #D2DTechnologies #StreamingInnovation #ProAV #ATSC3 #AIinMarketing #DigitalSignage #FutureProofedPodcast #FEMA #WirelessAlerts #FatCatAd #TechLeadershiphttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Michelle Knox, founder of WindSolar USA, joins Brent Muller on the Future-Proofed Podcast to discuss her incredible journey from insurance and Montessori education to leading a clean energy movement in Illinois. Michelle explains why renewable energy is now more affordable than ever, thanks to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Illinois’ aggressive RPS goals. She also dives into how policy affects growth, the importance of storage technology, and what the “solar coaster” means for entrepreneurs in the space. It’s an eye-opening look into how one woman is driving real energy change while educating and empowering communities.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Michelle Knox’s Career Journey
02:45 – What Sparked Her Interest in Solar Energy
04:30 – Founding WindSolar USA & Early Growth
06:00 – How the Inflation Reduction Act Changed the Game
07:30 – Solar Incentives in Illinois & Cost Trends
09:30 – Why Education is the Most Powerful Solar Sales Tool
13:00 – Policy Inequity for Rural and Municipal Utility Customers
15:45 – The “Solar Bill of Rights” & Clean and Reliable Grid Act
17:30 – Emerging Tech: Efficiency Gains & Storage Solutions
25:30 – Where the Industry Is Headed Next
27:00 – How Michelle Uses AI in Her Business
30:00 – The “Solar Coaster” – Managing Policy Fluctuations
32:50 – How to Contact WindSolar USA
🔗 Connect with Michelle Knox:
🌐 Website: http://www.windsolarusa.com/, http://www.illinoissolar.org/, http://www.midwestrenew.org/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-knox-2b955213/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#SolarEnergy #WindSolarUSA #CleanEnergy #MichelleKnox #RenewableEnergy #IllinoisSolar #InflationReductionAct #FutureProofedPodcast #EnergyIndependence #GreenTech #SolarStorage #B2BSaaS #WomenInEnergy #SustainableLivinghttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Ben Narasin, founder of Tenacity VC and early investor in Lending Club and Zenefits, shares his incredible journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist. Learn why he focuses on seed-stage startups, how he evaluates founders, and the tough-love advice every entrepreneur needs to hear. Discover the mindset behind building billion-dollar companies and avoiding common pitfalls in fundraising.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:15 - Ben’s entrepreneurial journey & founding Tenacity VC
08:30 - Why seed-stage investing is his passion
15:45 - The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching VCs
22:10 - How AI is changing startups (and VC due diligence)
30:50 - The truth about growth vs. profitability
38:20 - Ben’s toughest advice for founders
45:00 - How to get in touch with Tenacity VC
🔗 Connect with Ben Narasin:
🌐 Website: https://www.tenacity.vc/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennarasin/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
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💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #SeedInvesting #FounderAdvice #TenacityVC #FutureProofedPodcast #StartupGrowthhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this powerful episode of the Future-Proof Podcast, Brent Muller sits down with Nicholas Wiktorski, VP at Omega TMM, to explore the evolution of American manufacturing. Nick shares his journey from college dropout to a leader in precision tool measuring technology, discusses the role of AI and automation in reshoring manufacturing jobs, and how Omega’s American-made machines are driving efficiency across industries from defense to medical devices. With a strong message about revitalizing the trades and empowering the next generation, this episode is both inspiring and eye-opening for anyone interested in the future of the industry.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Nick’s Career Journey
01:30 – What Omega TMM Does & Their Unique Market Position
03:30 – Clients from John Deere to Boeing
05:10 – Challenges in the Manufacturing Workforce
07:45 – The Push for Trade Careers & Role of Influencers
10:00 – How AI and Automation Are Enhancing, Not Replacing Jobs
13:00 – Embracing Industry 4.0 and Data-Driven Efficiency
18:45 – Key Industries Poised for Growth: Defense, Medical, Stone
21:00 – How AI Could Support Customer Service in Manufacturing
25:00 – How Nick Uses ChatGPT in Sales Research
28:30 – Overcoming Fear & Building Confidence in American Manufacturing
30:00 – Where to Learn More About Omega TMM
🔗 Connect with Nicholas Wiktorski:
🌐 Website: http://omegatmm.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-m-wiktorski/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#Manufacturing #AIinManufacturing #Reshoring #Industry40 #FutureProofPodcast #OmegaTMM #ToolPresetters #AmericanMade #Automation #TradeCareers #NickWiktorski #PrecisionEngineering #DigitalTransformationhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this game-changing episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Muller is joined by Anuj Gupta, founder of Gradient Advisors and co-author of the acclaimed book Practical Natural Language Processing. Anuj shares his unique framework for building successful AI-powered businesses, emphasizing a four-pillar strategy that goes beyond just models to drive real business impact. From his early days in theoretical computer science to consulting for Fortune 50 companies, Anuj offers insights on why most companies are still misapplying AI and how to fix it. Whether you're a founder, CEO, or innovator, this conversation lays out exactly how to align AI with strategic business growth—and avoid the common traps along the way.
⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro and welcome to Anuj Gupta of Gradient Advisors
01:00 - Anuj’s academic and industry journey into AI
03:00 - Founding Gradient Advisors and defining business-centric AI
04:00 - The four pillars of AI transformation: model, system, product, business
06:00 - Misuse of AI in small-impact use cases
07:30 - Thinking like a disruptor: reinventing your business with AI
09:00 - Why bottom-line improvements aren't enough
10:30 - Avoiding the “model-first” trap
12:00 - Gradient’s consulting approach to working across AI maturity levels
14:00 - Building an AI strategy backwards from the desired impact
16:00 - The ChatGPT moment: changes in access, awareness, and execution
18:00 - Startups vs. incumbents: how disruption is reshaping business
20:00 - Advice for CEOs: burn your own house down before someone else does
22:00 - Microsoft and Satya Nadella: A playbook for AI-forward leadership
24:30 - Why plug-and-play AI doesn’t work without foundational design
26:00 - Managing AI, humans, and legacy systems as one ecosystem
28:00 - How Anuj personally experiments with new AI tools every 3 days
30:00 - If Gradient had a magic wand: what Anuj would change in the industry
32:00 - Final thoughts and how to get in touch with Gradient Advisors
Looking to go beyond generic AI buzzwords and actually drive business results through strategic, well-integrated AI? Connect with Anuj Gupta and the team at Gradient Advisors, a boutique firm helping companies—from startups to global giants—build AI systems that move the needle. From model development to full-scale business integration, Gradient operates with one mission: turn AI into ROI.
📘 Check out Anuj's acclaimed book: Practical Natural Language Processing (translated into 5 languages, 270+ citations)
🌐 Website: gradientadvisors.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anujgupta-82/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#AITransformation #GradientAdvisors #BusinessWithAI #PracticalNLP #AIBusinessStrategy #FutureOfAI #AIConsulting #StartupInnovation #DisruptWithAI #AIForCEOs #FutureProofedhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Bob Manley, Co-Founder of Hermit Woods Winery, shares how he’s pioneering a new category of wine—made entirely from fruit, not grapes—while staying true to classic winemaking traditions. Discover how this New Hampshire winery crafts dry, barrel-aged wines from local apples, berries, and honey, competes with Napa Valley, and leverages AI to streamline operations. Plus: Why climate change might make their unconventional approach the future of wine.
⏱Timestamps
00:22 – From art school to accidental winemaker: Bob’s unconventional journey
07:06 – The "aha" moment: Why they abandoned grapes (and hybrids) entirely
13:37 – Breaking barriers: Their standing ovation from traditional winemakers
18:46 – QR codes & AI: How tech runs their old-world craft winery
25:48 – Climate change’s surprising role in wine’s future
30:20 – Bob’s AI wine assistant? Why it’s closer than you think
Want to taste their groundbreaking wines? Order directly at HermitWoods.com (shipping to 39 states!). Follow their journey @HermitWoodsWinery.
Connect with Bob!
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmanley/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
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💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#CraftWine #InnovationInWine #ClimateChange #AIForBusiness #NewHampshireWine #FutureOfWine #Artisanal #WineLovers #Entrepreneurhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this insightful episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Mueller sits down with Jeff Dillon, founder of EdTech Connect, to explore how higher education is evolving in response to the AI revolution. With over two decades of experience in higher ed IT, Jeff reveals the inspiration behind EdTech Connect, a platform designed to simplify software discovery for colleges and universities. He discusses the massive transformation underway—from AI-powered campus search and personalization to launching his upcoming AI Training Academy for educators. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in how technology, data, and strategy are colliding to reshape the future of education.
00:00 - Intro and Jeff Dillon’s background in higher ed and tech
01:30 - The problem that led to founding EdTech Connect
03:00 - From a passion project to a business: platform evolution
05:10 - Why higher ed is slow to change (and how it’s shifting)
06:45 - Schools like ASU and Southern New Hampshire as innovation leaders
08:30 - How AI is reshaping higher ed through site search and personalization
12:10 - The pivot: Launching an AI Academy to train faculty and staff
14:00 - ChatGPT’s impact on students and faculty mindset
16:30 - The rise and fall of chatbots—and what’s next
18:00 - Google vs OpenAI: AI tech trends and browser battles
21:30 - Navigating the AI model landscape: just pick one
22:30 - Crowdsourcing EdTech insights via the .edu community
24:00 - What’s next: AI agents, personalization, and the agentic era
26:00 - NinjaCat demo and replacing expensive data teams
29:00 - The real power of prompting and using AI as a co-pilot
31:00 - How Jeff uses AI as a strategic business advisor
34:30 - Jeff’s “magic wand” for launching AI Academy faster
36:00 - Final thoughts and how EdTech is helping higher ed adapt
🚀 Coming Soon: The AI Training Academy by EdTech Connect—designed specifically for higher ed professionals. Learn everything from AI fundamentals to prompt mastery, custom GPTs, and responsible adoption. Perfect for schools looking to upskill their teams in the age of AI.
📧 Contact: [email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edtechconnect/
🎙️ Podcast: The Higher EdTech Podcast
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
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💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#EdTech #HigherEd #AIinEducation #DigitalTransformation #AITraining #PromptEngineering #AIForTeachers #FutureOfEducation #EdTechInnovation #CrowdsourcedData #EdTechConnect #AIAcademyhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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