Afleveringen
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In this Future-Proofed episode, Brent Muller sits down with Monty Fowler, founder at Aspire 6 and author of Executive Debt: Confronting the Long-Term Cost of Short-Term Decisions. Monty explains how poor strategic decisions create hidden organizational debt that impacts operations, culture, and talent retention. He explains why founders and CEOs must rethink their plans, integrate AI into leadership, and avoid "strategic drift" that quietly kills growth. Monty also shares practical frameworks for spotting and fixing executive debt and discusses how AI-driven scenario planning can future-proof decision-making. A must-listen for any leader serious about scaling smart in today’s AI-driven world!
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome + Brent's introduction to Future-Proofed
00:50 - Meet Monty Fowler and the Aspire 6 mission
03:00 - Monty's background: Startups, consulting, and Aspire 6's practice areas
06:30 - Introduction to Executive Debt and why it matters now
08:00 - Lessons from aerospace and why business needs better decision-making models
11:00 - COVID as the ultimate business continuity stress test
13:00 - The Four Pillars of Executive Debt: Strategy, Operations, Culture, Talent
16:30 - How poor strategy leads to broken operations and lost talent
20:00 - Practical steps for founders/CEOs to fix executive debt now
24:00 - How to embrace AI for better leadership decision-making
28:00 - AI vs consultants: Why AI should be your new strategic advisor
If you’re a founder, leader, or C-suite exec feeling the pressure to scale faster and smarter, Future-Proofed offers cutting-edge AI "micro solutions" to immediately unlock growth opportunities. Last week alone, their clients saved over 30 hours in sales operations! If you want to explore where AI can give your business a critical edge, book a free 30-minute, no-pitch strategy call—link is available in the show notes.
Also, if you want to fix hidden executive debt in your company and future-proof your leadership strategy, reach out to Aspire 6 and Monty Fowler directly. Links to Aspire 6 and Monty’s book Executive Debt are included below the video!
#FutureProofed #ExecutiveDebt #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Aspire6 #MontyFowler #AILeadership #StartupScaling #TechLeadership #FixYourStrategy #AIInBusinesshttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode of Future-Proofed, Brent Muller sits down with Lee Roquet to unpack the hard-won lessons of leading a global performance marketing company through a turnaround under private equity ownership. Lee shares how stepping into a CEO role reshaped his leadership mindset, the importance of fast decision-making, modernizing tech stacks, and the evolving role of AI in business operations. He also explores how founders can keep more equity with faster MVP launches and why human-led AI strategies will define the next wave of business innovation. If you're passionate about scaling tech companies, leadership growth, or the future of SaaS, you won't want to miss this!
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to Future-Proofed + Brent's intro
01:00 - Lee Roquet’s background in software and performance marketing
02:50 - Getting thrown into a CEO role during a turnaround
05:00 - M&A work and real challenges in company integration
08:00 - Key lessons learned as a first-time CEO
11:45 - Industry shifts in SaaS, VC funding, and faster MVPs
14:00 - Auditing and modernizing tech stacks
16:30 - The future of AI-driven operations and customer experience
18:30 - Embracing AI tools and co-pilots in leadership
24:00 - Lee’s next career moves and advising early-stage companies
29:00 - Rethinking venture funding models and founder equity
30:10 - How Lee personally uses AI for productivity
If you’re a founder, leader, or C-suite exec feeling the pressure to grow faster with leaner teams, Future-Proofed offers cutting-edge AI solutions designed to save hours and accelerate your lead flow. Last week alone, they helped a client’s sales team recover over 30 hours! Interested in exploring where AI could unlock big wins for your business? Book a free, no-pitch, 30-minute strategy session—link available in the show notes!
#FutureProofed #LeadershipLessons #SaaSScaling #AIInBusiness #PrivateEquity #StartupLife #TechLeadership #AITransformation #ModernLeadership #BusinessGrowthhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of the Future Proofed Podcast, Sarah McKenna, CEO of Sequentum, dives deep into the evolution of web data, intelligent agents, and the power of automation. From her early days in QA before DevOps existed to running data-driven turnarounds and leading Sequentum, Sarah shares how real-time, contextual data is transforming industries—from finance and healthcare to retail and risk management. She explains why scraping isn’t a dirty word, how AI is supercharging automation, and what the future holds as intelligent agents shape how businesses make decisions at scale.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro to the podcast & guest Sarah McKenna
00:35 - Sarah’s background in QA, hedge funds & automation
02:10 - How she got into scraping and data platforms
04:00 - Tech turnarounds & Sequentum’s evolution
06:30 - Sequentum’s product offerings: software, data as a service, and cloud
08:20 - Use cases: risk alerts, pricing, inventory, compliance, macro trends
10:15 - How ChatGPT transformed data operationalization
12:30 - Competitive intelligence & public data's exploding value
14:00 - Use of web data in finance, insurance, healthcare, and branding
16:30 - Social media data ethics, scraping boundaries & legality
18:00 - Comprehending virality without using PII
20:00 - Decision-making from real-time data
21:15 - Intelligent agents, MCP servers & the new data mesh
23:00 - Automation vs human creativity, and the new blend with LLMs
26:00 - Using AI for fast research across any industry
28:00 - Sales productivity using ChatGPT in real time
30:00 - Market competition between AI models like Grok, Gemini, Claude
31:30 - Sarah’s 2-year vision: websites becoming their own data vendors
33:00 - Web scraping vs internal data & impact on monetization
34:30 - Final thoughts on the AI wave & where disruption is heading next
If you’re ready to unlock the true potential of web data and power your intelligent agents, visit Sequentum—a leading enterprise platform for industrial-scale web scraping and automation. Whether you need real-time risk alerts, price intelligence, or macroeconomic signals, Sequentum provides software, data-as-a-service, and cloud-based tools tailored for enterprise-grade performance and compliance. With support for AI-native workflows, Sequentum helps you future-proof your data pipeline while staying compliant with the latest standards.
👉 Learn more at sequentum.com and discover how to automate what matters, at scale.
#SarahMcKenna #Sequentum #WebScraping #DataAutomation #FutureProofed #IntelligentAgents #AI #DataDriven #LLMs #AutomationTools #PublicData #RiskAlerts #DataAsAService #AIUseCases #DigitalTransformationhttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode, Brent Muller sits down with Steve Cassidy, founder of EOD Gear and former Navy bomb disposal expert, to explore how military-grade thinking meets cutting-edge tech. From jumping out of helicopters to selling breaching tools with augmented reality, Steve shares how EOD Gear is innovating everything from tactical training to gear manufacturing. With clients like SOCOM, FBI, and international demining groups, Steve reveals how AI, rapid prototyping, and AR are helping soldiers, governments, and even civilians future-proof their missions.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Intro by Brent Muller & welcome to Steve Cassidy
01:15 - From football to Navy bomb disposal (EOD)
02:50 - Adventures with Clinton, Ozzy, and Blackwater
04:20 - From stockbroker to defense contractor
06:00 - Launching EOD Gear: first kits to full-scale supplier
07:40 - Government contracts, GSA delays & scaling headaches
09:45 - Certifications: ITAR, ISO 9001, explosives manufacturing
11:30 - From D2C to supplying competitors & special ops units
13:00 - Why engineers struggle with messaging & AI helps fix it
15:45 - How AI & AR power their e-commerce user experience
17:30 - Field-based training with AI image search & 3D models
19:00 - ChatGPT for content, meetings, planning, and strategy
21:00 - Rapid prototyping & DD2345 for secure data exchange
23:00 - How they triage RFQs and scale smart across markets
26:00 - Member discounts, retention strategies & supply chain logic
27:20 - Productivity tools, executive assistants, and AI prompts
30:00 - Using Kolbe test to optimize team problem-solving
34:00 - SEO automation & the compounding power of time savings
35:56 - Special offer & shoutout to the audience
Check out EOD Gear — your go-to tactical supplier for the U.S. military, bomb squads, special operations, and first responders worldwide. From custom breaching tools and ballistic protection to cutting-edge training tech with AI and augmented reality, EOD Gear brings combat-proven innovation to the front lines. They’re ISO-certified, ITAR-registered, and now manufacture custom products used by elite teams around the globe.
🎯 Want something special? Visit eod-gear.com/future-proofed for exclusive AI prompts, swag, and tactical resources curated just for Future Proofed listeners.
#FutureProofed #SteveCassidy #EODGear #TacticalTech #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryAI #ARTraining #VeteranOwned #DefenseManufacturing #AugmentedReality #MilitaryGear #SpecialOps #BombDisposal #SmartManufacturing #AIinDefensehttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this episode of Future-Proofed, Brent welcomes Sarah Miller, founder of Axis Entertainment and Ethos Sun, to explore how AI is reshaping PR, brand building, and leadership. Sarah shares valuable insights on leveraging AI for smarter workflows, building thought leadership, and why modern CEOs must become visible authorities in their industries. From eco-conscious product innovation to mastering digital PR strategies, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders looking to grow smarter and more authentically.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro to Future-Proofed Podcast and guest Sarah Miller
01:14 - Sarah’s background and the mission of Axis Entertainment
02:25 - Strategic PR and client focus at Axis
04:04 - Launching Ethos Sun: eco-friendly skincare innovation
06:18 - How AI is transforming PR and client education
08:42 - Understanding real public relations vs. publicity
12:44 - Why CEOs must build personal brands today
14:29 - How to make podcasts and social media work for thought leadership
17:36 - Picking the right platforms for maximum impact
19:08 - The power of being a client-facing leader
23:27 - Leading with kindness and responsibility
25:49 - How Sarah uses AI in her agency for efficiency
28:13 - Using AI tools without replacing human creativity
30:08 - How publishing and SEO are evolving with AI
34:09 - Virtual assistants and the future of leadership productivity
36:29 - Final tips on using Grammarly and other AI enhancements
37:12 - Wrap-up and final thoughts on leadership, branding, and AI
If you’re a founder, leader, or exec ready to future-proof your business and your brand, Axis Entertainment is the strategic PR partner you need. Led by Sarah Miller, Axis specializes in helping entrepreneurs and executives become authority figures in their industries through bespoke PR, branding, and strategic positioning. 🌟
Learn more about how Axis Entertainment and the new eco-conscious Ethos Sun product line are innovating for a better future at AxisEntertainment.com (link to be added in show notes).
Also, don't forget — if you're interested in exploring AI-powered growth solutions, grab a free 30-minute collaboration call with the Future-Proofed Podcast team through the show notes!
#FutureProofed #AxisEntertainment #SarahMiller #EthosSun #PRStrategy #BrandBuilding #ThoughtLeadership #AIInBusiness #EcoFriendlySkincare #BusinessGrowth #FutureOfPR #LeadershipDevelopmenthttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this Future-Proofed Podcast episode, Brent chats with Jeff Roberts, founder of Innovation Vista, about why the pace of AI innovation leaves no room for a “wait and see” mindset. Jeff shares his unique perspective as a former CIO turned consultant, breaking down how mid-market companies can leverage AI for competitive advantage, not fear it. From boosting team productivity to navigating legacy tech with AI-powered RPA, Jeff offers practical advice on how leaders can future-proof their organizations now — not later.
00:00 - Intro to Future-Proofed Podcast and Innovation Vista
01:03 - Jeff’s journey from programmer to CIO and founder
02:56 - Why mid-market companies are underserved and vulnerable
04:12 - The accelerated pace of AI and the death of 3-year plans
07:16 - Why AI is NOT just IT’s job anymore
09:09 - Real-world examples of AI elevating (not replacing) employees
13:33 - True digital transformation: redefining work with AI
15:53 - Managing legacy systems in an AI-driven world
19:34 - Innovation Vista’s AI personalization strategy for outreach
21:30 - Where to start with AI: top-down vs bottom-up approaches
24:44 - Why hesitation is dangerous for founders and CEOs
26:22 - The value of outside AI consulting
31:23 - Mid-market companies: the new AI disruptors
32:21 - Jeff’s personal productivity hacks with AI tools
36:46 - Final thoughts on future-proofing with AI
If you're a founder, CEO, or C-Suite leader who feels the pressure to innovate faster and smarter, Innovation Vista can help. Led by Jeff Roberts, Innovation Vista specializes in helping mid-market companies leverage AI and digital strategies to transform operations, outpace competitors, and create lasting impact.
💬 Connect with Innovation Vista for tailored AI strategies and consulting — visit InnovationVista.com (link to be added in show notes).
Also, if you're looking for free 30-minute AI collaboration sessions to see where you can reclaim hours and multiply your lead flow, check out the links in the show notes provided by the Future-Proofed Podcast team!
#FutureProofed #InnovationVista #JeffRoberts #AIinBusiness #MidMarketGrowth #DigitalTransformation #AIAutomation #FutureOfWork #BusinessStrategy #AIConsulting #FutureProofYourBusinesshttps://valeogrowth.com/
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In this eye-opening episode, Perry Boyle, former hedge fund exec turned wartime innovator, shares how he's channeling decades of Wall Street experience into building Ukraine’s defense tech ecosystem through Mitts Capital. From launching an accelerator in Kyiv to investing in AI-powered drone startups, Perry dives deep into how modern war is driving rapid tech advancement—and why Ukraine is the unexpected epicenter of innovation. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in startups, defense, AI, and how to make a global impact using systems and strategy.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Intro to the Future Proofed Podcast
00:37 - Meet Perry Boyle & his Wall Street background
02:00 - Founding Thomas Weisel Partners
03:00 - Transition to SAC Capital and hedge fund leadership
04:30 - Why Perry decided to go to Ukraine after retirement
05:45 - Founding Mitts Capital and building a defense tech accelerator
07:15 - Investing in Ukrainian drone and AI startups
08:50 - Challenges of Western capital in wartime Ukraine
10:10 - Differences between NATO & Ukraine defense innovation
14:00 - Emerging tech in warfare: AI & drone guidance systems
17:00 - Optical, infrared, and celestial navigation tech
19:00 - AI simulations for war strategy and geopolitical modeling
23:00 - Use of AI in equity research and financial modeling
28:00 - The real ROI: time as your most precious asset
30:00 - Pitching Ukraine’s tech to other countries like Mexico
35:00 - How AI enhances productivity, decision-making, and meetings
37:30 - Final thoughts and the future of Ukraine’s tech ecosystem
If you're as inspired by Perry Boyle's story as we are, be sure to follow the groundbreaking work happening at Mitts Capital — the leading private investor in Ukraine's defense tech space. Mitts Capital is accelerating dual-use technology startups through its Kyiv-based accelerator, investing in AI, drone systems, and next-gen military innovations. Whether you’re an investor, tech founder, or just someone who believes in future-proofing freedom, now is the time to support bold innovation in a place that needs it most.
👉 Visit mittscapital.com to learn more, get involved, or explore partnership opportunities.
#FutureProofed #PerryBoyle #UkraineTech #DefenseInnovation #AI #MittsCapital #Drones #EmergingTech #StartupAccelerator #WallStreetToWarfare #UkraineStartups #VentureCapital #MilitaryTech #Automation #GenerativeAI #PodcastClipshttps://valeogrowth.com/
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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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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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