Entrepreneur's Enigma

Melissa Llarena is a bestselling author, imagination coach behind the Fertile Imagination to Networking Success Group Coaching Program, consultant, speaker, and contributor to ForbesWomen articles that have garnered over 4 million views. She is also the podcast host of the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, featuring guests like GaryVee, Beth Comstock, Suzy Batiz, David Meltzer, and hundreds of other unconventional thinkers. Melissa has been featured in the WSJ, Business Insider, Fox Business, CNN Money, The Huffington Post, and other publications. Melissa holds a psychology degree from NYU, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate, and is training to become a meditation practitioner. Melissa resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three sons (one singleton and a set of identical twins). Key Moments [03:54] Coaches busy moms in entrepreneurship, manages motherhood. [07:32] Energy is essential for ideas to succeed. [11:56] Helping individuals communicate and sell their worth. [14:01] Queens accent readied me for motherhood. [18:07] Podcast sharing health scare, recovery inspiration story. [20:12] Boss suspects job hunting due to poor performance. [24:16] Embrace global diversity; learn from shared challenges. Find Melissa Online https://www.fertileideas.com Shop the book: https://bit.ly/fertilebook https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-founder-imagination-hub/id1308269140 https://open.spotify.com/show/46kFcz6gZSy4oYnCXBAr85 https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissallarena/ https://bit.ly/imagineaplan If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bennett Maxwell is a multifaceted entrepreneur renowned for his innovative approach to business and commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape. He is currently the driving force behind Dirty Dough Cookies, a fast-growing national cookie brand with over 80 stores open and dozens more set to launch this year. Bennett's career spans diverse industries, from real estate in Utah to co-founding and successfully selling Switch to Solar. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he is a sought-after speaker who regularly shares insights with the media. Bennett also hosts the Deeper Than Dough podcast, launched in 2023, where he explores finding joy and fulfillment in life through entrepreneurship and beyond. Key Moments [06:16] Opened San Diego franchise, learned, surrounded by experts. [07:47] Testing product effectiveness across multiple locations. [12:40] Money gained, but life's stress increased. [15:39] Prioritizing happiness over financial success and targets. [16:36] Living best life despite financial concerns. Entrepreneurial freedom. [22:18] Stop negative emotions by focusing on breath. Find Bennett Online Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennett.maxwell.3/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deeperthandough2123 Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37 If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex is the founder of Novatorius and the creator of *Siren*, a WordPress plugin focused on building meaningful affiliate relationships. Siren is crafted to prioritize quality over quantity, helping businesses attract affiliates who align with their brand values and drive impactful results. Alex's deep understanding of partnerships and affiliate programs, shaped through years of working with high-performing individuals and companies, fuels Siren’s mission to redefine online partnerships. With Siren, Alex aims to empower creators and businesses to build targeted, high-impact affiliate networks, allowing them to grow in ways that genuinely benefit both parties involved. Key Moments [06:38] Camper relocation plan between Vermont and Texas. [08:26] Fewer responsibilities allowed focus and travel freedom. [10:48] Project required third-party API integration. [15:34] Accidental sabbatical led to career reflection. [20:12] Being your own boss requires financial readiness. [22:44] Runway allows sustainable business growth, overcoming feast-or-famine. [26:23] Organize methods, tasks, and pull requests efficiently. [29:42] Outsource effectively by having sufficient financial runway. Find Alex Online https://www.alexstandiford.com https://www.sirenaffiliates.com Check Out Rocket.net https://gmedia.sh/rocket and use enigma at check out to get 50% off your next 3 months of hosting. If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie Doyle Oldfield is the president of Success Through Trust and the leading expert on how companies grow revenue by creating trusted relationships with customers and employees. She is the author of two books on trust: The Power of Trust: How Top Companies Build, Manage and Protect It and a NEW book, Trusted. The Proven Path to Customer Loyalty and Business Growth. Natalie has been named one of the World's Top Thought Leaders in Trust for 5 consecutive years by Trust Across America and received a lifetime achievement award from the same organization alongside other leaders like Starbucks founder and CEO Howard Schultz and author Stephen M.R. Covey. Natalie is the creator of The Client Trust Index™, an evidenced-based diagnostic that quantifies a company’s Trust Equity™. Utilizing these tools along with her data-backed, proprietary Trust Building framework, Natalie has consulted with and trained hundreds of companies across the globe to sharpen their ability to build and maintain profitable relationships that lead to company growth by instilling her eight key principles of trust. Recognized as one of Canada’s Most Inspiring Women Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs, Natalie holds a Masters in Communications and Public Relations, a Certificate in Management, a Bachelor of Public Relations and a Bachelor of Arts. Her graduate studies focused on How Organizations Build and Measure Trust with Stakeholders. A former Chief Marketing Officer, Natalie spent 25 years in business before founding Success Through Trust. Natalie is a sought-after keynote speaker, podcast guest and writer. Her insights have also been featured by The Economist as a Business Trust Expert, and she is a contributor to Forbes. Natalie lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and enjoys book clubs, golf, sailing and travelling with her husband and her young adult children. Key Moments [04:38] Took sales role, returned to school. [06:39] Entrepreneurship requires dedication and sharing tools. [11:53] Choose stories freely; no commitment necessary. [14:22] Helping leaders grow and achieve transformations. [17:48] Seek trusted, customer-focused companies with integrity. Find Natalie Online https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedoyleoldfield/ https://www.successthroughtrust.com/ https://www.successthroughtrust.com/newsletter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFPQJKFQ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angela Frank is a fractional CMO with a decade-long track record of generating multimillion-dollar marketing revenue for clients. She is the founder of The Growth Directive, a marketing consultancy helping brands create sustainable marketing programs. Her new book Your Marketing Ecosystem: How Brands Can Market Less and Sell More helps business owners, founders, and corporate leaders create straightforward and profitable marketing strategies. Angela also hosts The Growth Pod podcast, where she shares actionable tips to help you build a profitable brand you love. Key Moments [00:02:18] - Angela Frank’s Journey into Fractional CMO Business: Angela shares how she started her journey with an ecommerce business and transitioned into corporate roles before becoming a fractional CMO. [00:04:22] - Understanding Marketing Strategy for Growing Businesses: Angela discusses the realization that businesses between $1M-$20M often don't need full-time marketing leaders but still need a solid marketing strategy. [00:07:59] - Launch of Angela’s Podcast: Angela talks about starting her podcast "The Growth Pod" in January and how it provides valuable insights and learning opportunities. [00:09:35] - Best Thing About Being an Entrepreneur: Angela shares her favorite aspects of being an entrepreneur, including quality of life and flexibility. [00:10:35] - Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Discussion on what keeps Angela up at night and the challenges of managing work with a small team, including working with her husband. [00:12:19] - Essential Items for Entrepreneurs: Angela highlights the importance of staying hydrated and always carrying water. Find Angela Online https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabfrank/ https://www.growthpod.fm https://www.growthdirective.com If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon is a career digital entrepreneur having built and sold a group of content affiliate sites in the mid 2000s before then setting up an agency group that was acquired by IPG PLC in 2016. At the time the business employed 125 people but grew quickly during earn out, becoming a business of 270+ people by the end of 2020. That business started life as a performance and content marketing agency and Simon spent ten years as a thought leader and expert in the space - so many now look to his expertise in sales and marketing now. The business eventually became a full service digital agency. Alongside this Simon started angel investing in 2016, realising that the early stage world was in desperate need of not just cash but people who had been there and could help guide and support founders properly. Along that journey he met three other angels with a similar world view and from it Haatch (an early stage venture investment fund) was born. That business, alongside his consultancy Scaled has been his focus over the last 6 years and he now spends his time helping and supporting B2B businesses grow fast and with less ‘pain’ and sits on a small handful of Boards also. Key Moments [06:10] Scaling business is challenging due to people. [09:22] Transitioning from business to private equity focus. [11:13] Investing: Spotting talent, guiding, equally rewarding. [13:22] Embrace opportunities to improve social networks. Find Simon Online https://scaled.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpenson/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. William Attaway is an Executive Coach specializing in leadership, mindset, and productivity who has been leading teams and coaching leaders for nearly 30 years. He's coached hundreds of agency owners and their teams on 6 continents, helping them to navigate and overcome the leadership and mindset challenges that can be overwhelming. William has spoken at events and to teams including Spyglass Ops, the All-In Agency Summit, Prospecting on Demand, Seven Figure Agency, Extendly, SHRM, and MinistryPass. He's written several best-selling books on leadership, and is currently working on his third. Pulling from his own 25+ years of leadership experience leading and coaching teams personally, as well as from the hundreds of leaders he has coached and 30+ years as a student of leadership and mindset, clients have access to a knowledge base that is deep and wide, a coach who is FOR you, and a proven methodology that will help you stop spinning your wheels into overwhelm and overwork. In addition to his professional endeavors, William is deeply committed to his faith, having served as a local church pastor for over 27 years. He and his amazing wife Charlotte have been married for 26 years, and they have two exceptional daughters, one in college and one in high school. Key Moments [03:54] College fascination: archaeology's scriptural context and understanding. [07:58] Leadership requires different skills than product/service. [12:09] Experienced in church leadership and entrepreneurship. [15:16] Legacy of entrepreneurship sets you apart. [17:17] I never get bored with routine tasks. [21:11] Dislikes questioning, loves deep topics, unexpected reactions. Find William Online https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamattaway/ https://catalyticleadership.net/ https://catalyticleadershipbook.com/ Please join us in helping the relief and recovery efforts in Asheville and Western North Carolina. The web address again is bit.ly/wnchelp. If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vince works with entrepreneurs, charitable foundations, and brands to unlock the power of marketing and community building through podcasts. Before jumping into podcasting, Vince spent nearly 10 years in radio, working his way from handing out t-shirts at bars to hosting the nationally syndicated The Vince Quinn Show across 225 stations in the US and Canada. He is a teacher, collaborator, and smoothie enthusiast. Key Moments [06:35] Job at Bertucci's after college, moved home. [08:31] Being in broadcasting altered my Philly accent. [12:46] Managed branding alone, exhausting work and hours. [14:19 Contemplating future career path in podcasting field. [18:02] Helping entrepreneurs produce and manage their podcasts. [21:15] Managing wedding, contractors, budgeting, future costs, financial freedom. Find Vince Online https://sbxproductions.com/contact/ If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://socl.bz/@seth Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Det Ansinn is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. As the founder and owner of BrickSimple LLC, Det developed a reputation for innovative and groundbreaking work with emerging computing technologies in healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, and the enterprise. Over the past twenty plus years, Det’s technical and business startup leadership has resulted in four successful exits and he remains committed to the startup community. Det is currently the CEO of Neuralert Technologies, a stroke monitoring medical device startup that has begun its clinical trial, and CTO of Vasowatch, an early stage startup with an innovative postpartum hemorrhage risk prediction technology. Beyond his work with startups, Det is the former CTO of Rogue Fitness, the leading manufacturer of strength and conditioning equipment, and now serves in an emeritus role. Det has provided technology business analysis and commentary for Bloomberg Television, BusinessWeek, MIT Technology Review, Talking Points Memo, and MTV. His company’s work has also been featured on Engadget, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, ArsTechnica, Geek.com, GigaOM, MTV, NBC news, Reuters, Rolling Stone, and the BBC. Det is also featured in the award-winning documentary "DATUNA: Portrait of America" for his work with the artist David Datuna and Google Glass. Det currently serves on the board of Startup Bucks, a non-profit committed to supporting startups in Bucks County, PA. Det is also a member of the Delaware Crossing Investor Group. Det served on the Business Forward Local Leadership Council and as a member of the Obama White House Business Council. For twelve years, Det served as a local elected official, with several roles, including police commissioner. Det is a product of Drexel University's Electrical Engineering program and currently serves as the Chair of the Dean’s Executive Advisory Council for the College of Computing and Informatics. Det was the commencement speaker for the college’s class of 2023. Det has an Honorable Discharge from the USAFR. Key Moments [05:58] Founded Bricks Simple after leading a startup. [08:56] Humble beginnings led to bold, impactful decisions. [13:03] Duels Town: Special, accepting, geographically diverse small town. [16:18] Variety keeps me engaged and motivated professionally. [18:12] Private equity harms socioeconomic mobility and startups. [20:37] Active in events, especially around Philadelphia region. Find Det Online https://www.linkedin.com/in/detansinn/ https://bricksimple.com https://neuralert.co If you’re enjoying Entrepreneur’s Enigma, please give us a review on the podcast directory of your choice. We’re on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. GoodPods: https://gmwd.us/goodpods iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser Also, if you’re getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) • Instagram: Instagram.com/s3th.me Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://s3th.me/@pch Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices