エピソード

  • Ep 337 Motivated by Motion: The Success of everbowl™ with Jeff Fenster, the Founder of everbowl™; San Diego, CA, USA

    Ep 337 Motivated by Motion: The Success of everbowl™ with Jeff Fenster, the Founder of everbowl™; San Diego, CA, USA
    2026/06/17
    From a single San Diego location to 100+ stores nationwide, Jeff Fenster reveals how everbowl™ turned better-for-you food into a thriving, purpose-driven brand. Today we sit down with the founder and CEO of everbowl™! Jeff shares the journey of building a better-for-you superfood brand from a single location to over 100 stores across 32 states. He discusses the lessons learned from early mistakes, the power of pivoting during challenges like COVID-19, and how focusing on relationship capital and authentic connections has fueled growth. Listeners will gain insights on simplifying complex problems, meeting customers where they are, and leveraging creativity and resilience to scale a business successfully. Here are the highlights: ● everbowl™ delivers better-for-you food options. The brand focuses on affordable, filling, and delicious choices that help people make healthier decisions. ● Called to Unevolve guides the business model. The philosophy emphasizes simplifying health and meeting customers where they are to encourage sustainable lifestyle choices. ● Franchising and vertical integration fuel growth. everbowl™ expanded by building its own stores, sourcing proprietary superfoods, and later enabling franchise opportunities nationwide. ● Failure and pivoting are learning tools. Challenges like COVID-19 prompted creative problem-solving, including direct-to-consumer sales and leveraging relationship capital. ● Relationship capital drives opportunities. Building authentic, value-first connections has led to partnerships, franchise growth, and unexpected business opportunities without transactional expectations. About the guest: A pioneer in the quick-serve restaurant category, Fenster is the founder of the rapidly expanding, So Cal-based superfood brand, everbowl™ which he established in 2016. everbowl is nationally recognized as a rising-star within the sector, making healthy superfoods accessible and affordable for everyone. With a growing footprint of retail locations in So-Cal and Arizona, Fenster is driving the monumental growth of everbowl, with plans to introduce the brand nationwide through both retail operations and a line of superfood-infused CPG products. As part of successfully scaling the brand, Fenster has spearheaded the implementation of innovative processes to streamline everbowl’s revenue-driving efficiencies in areas including operations, procurement, supply chain and construction. Connect with Jeff: Website: https://www.everbowl.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfenster/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 分
  • Ep 336 Security Without Compromise with Dave Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder of Expel; Washington, DC, USA

    Ep 336 Security Without Compromise with Dave Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder of Expel; Washington, DC, USA
    2026/06/03
    Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It is a business survival issue, and every leader needs to understand where the real risks are hiding. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave “merk” Merkel, CEO and co-founder of Expel, about the evolving world of cybersecurity, AI, and business resilience. Dave shared the founder’s journey behind Expel, how the company grew by solving cybersecurity as a technology-driven scale problem, and why businesses of every size need to think seriously about 24/7 protection. We also explored the growing risks created by supply chains, fragmented systems, AI adoption, and increasingly sophisticated threat actors, while still keeping the conversation grounded, practical, and encouraging for business leaders. Here are the highlights: Cybersecurity matters for every business, not just large enterprises. Dave explained that even smaller companies can become targets when they are part of the supply chain for larger organizations. Expel was built to solve the scale-and-quality problem in cybersecurity. Rather than operating like a traditional services business, Expel uses software and human expertise together to deliver consistent 24/7 protection. AI is changing the speed and complexity of cyber risk. Dave emphasized that both attackers and defenders are using AI, which means businesses need security partners who understand how AI is reshaping the threat landscape. Business owners should look for outcome-focused security partners. Dave cautioned leaders to avoid fear-based selling and instead seek providers who understand their business, ask smart questions, and can clearly explain their approach. Cybersecurity professionals are doing mission-driven work. One of the most powerful moments in the conversation was Dave’s reminder that cybersecurity teams are protecting companies, employees, families, and livelihoods every day. About the guest: Dave “merk” Merkel is the co-founder and CEO of Expel, a leading provider of Managed Detection and Response cybersecurity. He has been involved in the information security field for nearly 30 years, first as a federal agent pursuing cyber criminals in the era of floppy disks and 2400 baud modems, then as Chief Technology Officer and vice president of Mandiant. Following FireEye’s acquisition of Mandiant, Dave served as the global CTO of FireEye. Connect with merk: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemerkel Website: https://expel.com/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 分
  • Ep 335 Breaking and Rebuilding a Family Business for the Future with Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

    Ep 335 Breaking and Rebuilding a Family Business for the Future with Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
    2026/05/20
    In a business that ships nearly half its orders the same day, speed is not just an advantage. It is the strategy. I sat down with Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, a 36-year-old family-owned company that manufactures more than one million emblems a day across multiple countries. Randy shared how technology, AI, and internally built systems have helped World Emblem compete globally by moving faster, streamlining design processes, and creating a customer experience built around speed and flexibility. We also explored the realities of leading through uncertainty, building a culture of accountability, and preparing the next generation of the business to adapt to whatever the future brings. He is actively pushing his company to experiment, automate, and rethink how work gets done, from design and development to marketing workflows and customer experience. We also talk about what it takes to lead a global business in uncertain times, how strong operating systems create flexibility, and why the future of World Emblem may depend less on the products it makes and more on its ability to adapt, move fast, and keep learning. Here are the highlights: From Five People to Global Scale: How a family-owned company grew from a five-person operation into a global manufacturer producing more than one million emblems a day. Speed as a Competitive Advantage: Why speed has become one of World Emblem’s greatest competitive advantages, from one-piece minimums to same-day shipping on 40% of orders. AI and Technology in Action: How AI and internal technology are helping transform design, development, marketing, workflows, and the overall customer experience. Leading Through Uncertainty: What it really takes to lead a business through uncertainty, especially in a global marketplace shaped by trade policy, nearshoring, and rapid economic change. The Future of Manufacturing: Why the future of manufacturing may depend less on the product itself and more on systems, adaptability, communication, and a team willing to keep learning. About the guest: Randy Carr is the CEO of World Emblem, where he leads with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and continuous growth. A member of the Young Presidents’ Organization since 2008, Randy also served on the YPO Executive Committee from 2019 to 2021, supporting fellow business leaders and entrepreneurs. Beyond his work, Randy is a devoted husband to Amy and proud father to their two sons, JC and Jayden. He enjoys spending time with his family, his four dogs, and skiing whenever he can. Connect with Randy: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/randy-carr/ Email: rcarr@worldemblem.com Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 分
  • Ep 334 Inside the CEO Mindset on the Sell‑Side of Acquisitions with Kyle Park, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Harvest Management Partners, LLC; Campbell, CA, USA

    Ep 334 Inside the CEO Mindset on the Sell‑Side of Acquisitions with Kyle Park, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Harvest Management Partners, LLC; Campbell, CA, USA
    2026/05/06
    What if the biggest deal of your life fails not because of the market but because you were never truly ready for it? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Park, co-founder and Managing Director of Harvest Management Partners, to explore his journey from finance leader and IPO veteran to boutique M&A advisor in Silicon Valley. Kyle shares how a frustrating acquisition experience unexpectedly led him to build a firm focused on high-touch, sell-side advisory for deep tech companies. We dive into today’s explosive AI-driven market transformation, what buyers are truly looking for, and the common blind spots founders face when preparing for an exit. Kyle also opens up about the mindset shift from operator to owner, the importance of trust and expectations in dealmaking, and why having the right advisor can make or break an outcome. It’s a candid, insightful conversation packed with real-world lessons for any founder thinking about growth, exit, or long-term value creation. Here are the highlights: Serendipitous Entrepreneurship: A disappointing banker experience turned into the unexpected launch of a boutique M&A firm that’s thrived for over a decade AI Market Transformation: The current surge in AI and semiconductors is creating one of the most active and disruptive deal environments in history What Buyers Really Want: In many tech acquisitions, it is not revenue but the combination of technology and talent that drives value Founder Blind Spots: Lack of preparation, weak documentation, and unrealistic expectations often derail otherwise promising exits The Power of Trusted Advisors: Navigating a complex, emotional deal process requires experienced guidance to reach the best possible outcome About the guest: Kyle Park is a seasoned technology executive, M&A advisor, and co-founder of Harvest Management Partners, bringing over 30 years of experience across investment banking, strategic advisory, and C-level leadership in both early-stage and public technology companies. He has led more than 50 M&A transactions and played key roles in multiple high-profile IPOs, including Synopsys, Niku, and Synplicity, while also raising over $500 million in private equity, venture, and debt financing during his tenure as CFO for several venture-backed firms. Kyle’s expertise spans the semiconductor ecosystem, AI and machine learning, automotive electronics, SaaS, and security software, and he currently serves as a strategic advisor to Silicon Catalyst and other global organizations. Throughout his career, he has overseen global operations across finance, HR, IT, and investor relations, and has advised or completed transactions with leading companies such as Nvidia, Tesla, AMD, Siemens, and Synopsys. He holds an MBA in International Finance from Santa Clara University and a BS in Finance from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities, organic farming, and exploring great wine. Connect with Kyle: Website: www.harvestmp.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kyle-park-254a Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 分
  • Ep 333 Custom Packaging Solutions: Building a Scalable Business with Jason Wong, Founder & CEO of Paking Duck; Newport Beach, CA and Guangzhou, China

    Ep 333 Custom Packaging Solutions: Building a Scalable Business with Jason Wong, Founder & CEO of Paking Duck; Newport Beach, CA and Guangzhou, China
    2026/04/22
    What if the packaging around your product mattered just as much as the product itself? In this episode, I sit down with Jason Wong, founder and CEO of Paking Duck, to explore how packaging has evolved into a powerful brand experience. We discuss his journey from building consumer brands to launching a global packaging company, and how he leveraged relationships, creativity, and content-driven marketing to scale quickly without outside funding. Jason shares insights on building a high-performance team, navigating global manufacturing, and why today’s packaging must be visually striking, functional, and designed for a social media-first world. This conversation highlights how thoughtful packaging can elevate a brand far beyond the product itself. Here are the highlights: ● Packaging as a Brand Experience: Packaging can evoke emotion, shape perception, and even become a lasting part of the customer’s environment. ● Bootstrapped Growth: Jason built Paking Duck without raising capital, using past business success and relationships to fuel expansion. ● Content-Driven Marketing: The company generated millions of views and consistent inbound leads by focusing on engaging short-form content instead of paid ads. ● Global Bridge Advantage: Leveraging his background, Jason connects Eastern manufacturing with Western brands for efficiency and cost savings. ● A-Player Team Philosophy: Hiring driven, curious, and adaptable team members is key to scaling quickly and maintaining performance. About the guest: Jason Wong is the Founder and CEO of Paking Duck, a packaging manufacturing company helping consumer brands bring products to market with greater speed, transparency, and flexibility. Born in Hong Kong and raised in the U.S., Jason began his entrepreneurial journey at just 14 and gained early recognition after building Doe Lashes to a $15 million valuation from a $500 investment. Through his experience launching and scaling multiple brands, Jason saw firsthand the inefficiencies in the packaging industry, including slow timelines, poor communication, and lack of visibility. He founded Paking Duck to solve these challenges, creating a more streamlined, tech-enabled approach to manufacturing. Today, Paking Duck serves a wide range of clients, from established global brands to emerging startups, delivering customized packaging solutions that turn a traditionally overlooked expense into a strategic advantage for growth. Connect with Jason: Website: https://www.pakingduck.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imjasonwong/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 分
  • Ep 332 How CEOs Use Story to Lead and Stand Out with Lisa Martin, Founder of Lisa Martin Media; San Jose, CA, USA

    Ep 332 How CEOs Use Story to Lead and Stand Out with Lisa Martin, Founder of Lisa Martin Media; San Jose, CA, USA
    2026/04/15
    What separates a forgettable interview from a powerful one often comes down to a single overlooked skill: truly listening. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Martin, a seasoned media strategist and tech correspondent, to unpack what it really takes to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. We explore the art of interviewing, the power of storytelling through the customer’s voice, and why authenticity and vulnerability are essential for building trust. Lisa also shares how leaders can cut through the noise in today’s AI-driven world by focusing on outcomes, not buzzwords. Here are the highlights: Listening Is the Ultimate Differentiator: The best interviewers stand out not by asking more questions, but by deeply listening and responding in real time. Great Stories Aren’t About You: The most compelling brand narratives center on the customer’s journey and measurable business outcomes. Stop Selling AI, Start Selling Outcomes: In a noisy market, audiences care less about technology labels and more about tangible results. Trust Is Built Through Vulnerability: Leaders who are transparent, curious, and willing to say “I don’t know” create stronger connections. Authenticity Drives Connection: Whether on stage or on camera, being natural and present is what makes communication resonate. About the guest: After five years launching biological payloads into space with NASA, Lisa Martin brought her curiosity and analytical skills to the tech world. Over the past two decades, she has built a reputation for turning complex innovation into insights that are not just understandable, but actionable. A trusted media personality and marketing leader, her commentary regularly appears on The Schwab Network, Bloomberg, iHeartRadio, and Business Insider. As founder of Lisa Martin Media, Lisa is a dynamic emcee, host, and storyteller who blends energy, expertise, and authenticity on stage. She helps brands cut through the noise, elevate their voice, and translate disruptive technology shifts into stories that resonate with audiences and drive real impact. Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.lisamartinmedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamartinmedia/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/lisamartinmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamartinmedia/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 分
  • Ep 331 Smart Startup & the Product Blueprint with Joel Brewer, Founder & CEO of Brewer Digital; Denver, CO, USA

    Ep 331 Smart Startup & the Product Blueprint with Joel Brewer, Founder & CEO of Brewer Digital; Denver, CO, USA
    2026/04/08
    What if your startup isn’t failing because of the idea… but because no one is truly communicating clearly enough on the product development and build? Joel is the founder and CEO of Brewer Digital, and today we explore what really makes or breaks a startup in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world. Joel shares why most startups don’t fail due to bad ideas, but because of breakdowns in communication across founders, developers, and customers. We talk about how entrepreneurs can avoid wasting time and money, the role of AI in product development, and why having the right partner early on can be the difference between momentum and missed opportunity. Joel also opens up about hard leadership lessons, navigating business cycles, and what it takes to build something scalable with clarity and confidence. Here are the highlights: ● Startups Fail from Miscommunication, Not Bad Ideas: Most startups struggle because teams and customers aren’t aligned on what should actually be built. ● Clarity Removes Barriers to Growth: Clear pricing, deliverables, and direction help founders move faster and make confident decisions. ● AI Is a Tool, Not a Strategy: Founders should focus on solving real problems first instead of forcing AI into their product. ● Time and Money Are Easily Wasted Without Guidance: Going it alone often leads to costly mistakes that the right partner can help avoid. ● Resilient Leadership Comes from Real Challenges: Navigating downturns reinforced the need for strong sales systems and adaptability. About the guest: Joel Brewer is the Founder and CEO of Brewer Digital, a US based software development agency that helps early stage startup founders launch products with confidence. A software developer himself, Joel works directly with founders who have an idea, some traction, or fresh funding but no internal engineering leadership. His team builds MVPs, rescues failed offshore projects, and helps founders make smart technical decisions before they burn runway. Joel believes most startups do not fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they build the wrong thing or build it the wrong way. Brewer Digital partners with founders who value communication, clarity, and long term thinking over cheap shortcuts. With deep experience in HealthTech and FinTech, Joel helps founders decide what to build next, why it matters, and how to launch without creating technical debt that slows them down later. Connect with Joel: Website: https://www.brewerdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-brewer-69680037/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 分
  • Ep 330 Optimize Your Business Through Human Solutions with Christopher McShanag, founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate; Glendale, AZ, USA

    Ep 330 Optimize Your Business Through Human Solutions with Christopher McShanag, founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate; Glendale, AZ, USA
    2026/04/01
    What if the biggest bottleneck in your business isn’t your strategy—but the tasks you refuse to let go? In today's episode, I sit down with Christopher McShanag, founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate, for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to grow a business without burning out your team or yourself. Chris shares how business owners can buy back their time by delegating administrative, operational, and customer-facing tasks to skilled virtual teammates, allowing leaders to focus on the work that truly moves the business forward. We also talk about the common fears that hold people back from outsourcing, from communication concerns to questions about accountability, and Chris explains how the right hiring standards, reporting systems, and support structure can make virtual staffing feel far more seamless and strategic than many leaders expect. Beyond that, we explore the role of AI in today’s workplace and why the smartest path forward is not choosing between technology and people, but using both together to create better outcomes, stronger productivity, and more sustainable growth. Here are the highlights: ● Stop Doing $10 Tasks as a $100 Leader: Many business owners stay stuck because they are spending too much time on low-value activities instead of focusing on the work that actually drives growth. ● Virtual Teams Can Create Real Efficiency Gains: Chris explains that, with the right systems and support, virtual teammates can help companies improve productivity while significantly lowering overhead costs. ● Most Outsourcing Fears Can Be Solved with the Right Structure: Concerns about communication, accountability, and performance become much easier to manage when there are strong hiring standards, clear reporting, and visibility into the work being done. ● AI Works Best as a Tool, Not a Replacement: One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that AI should be used to enhance human performance, not eliminate the people who bring judgment, care, and oversight to the work. ● Leaders Need to Protect Their Highest-Value Time: Chris makes a compelling case that sustainable growth happens when CEOs and business owners identify what only they can do and intentionally delegate the rest. About the guest: Christopher McShanag is the Founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate, a company dedicated to helping businesses scale more efficiently by leveraging high-performing global talent. With a background in building and leading multiple companies, Chris brings a CEO-level perspective to outsourcing, focusing on productivity, cost optimization, and sustainable growth. Under his leadership, Virtual Teammate has supported hundreds of clients and deployed thousands of virtual assistants across industries including healthcare, sales, marketing, and operations. Chris is passionate about helping business owners reclaim their time, maximize the value of their teams, and create opportunities that benefit both clients and remote professionals around the world. Connect with Christopher: Learn more: Virtual Teammate Create Value with Your Best Asset Alliance of CEOs, https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:76947ab1-589f-4bcc-b542-9e1054fe463d Website: www.virtualteammate.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mcshanag/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 分