CJ Bruce is the Founder and CEO of The Missing Ingredient, a Sacramento-based food marketing agency that helps healthful and sustainable food and beverage brands grow. The agency specializes in performance marketing, paid media, influencer campaigns, and AI-driven strategies. Since 2016, CJ has led a team of 15, working with brands like Amy's Kitchen, Sumo Citrus, Baskin-Robbins, and Milk Bar. A certified plant-based chef and former food influencer, he combines his passion for food and technology to help brands stand out, connect with consumers, and scale.

What makes some food products stand out while others fade into obscurity? Why do certain brands go viral, gaining devoted fans almost overnight, while others never leave the shelves? Could the secret lie in the right mix of marketing creativity, influencer partnerships, and technology?

As noted by food marketing veteran CJ Bruce, the intersection of creative passion, tactical strategy, and AI integration defines the modern path to success. He highlights the importance of building genuine relationships with influencers rather than relying on one-off partnerships, creatively engaging consumers through contests, and leveraging digital workflows to scale brands quickly. By combining micro-influencer campaigns, viral video content, and AI-driven processes, even niche products can gain cult followings and achieve measurable growth. He emphasizes that balancing technology with authentic human connection is key to capturing attention in today's fast-moving food landscape.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with CJ Bruce, Founder and CEO of The Missing Ingredient, to discuss mastering food and beverage brand growth in the digital era. They explore how CJ uses AI to streamline campaigns, the strategies behind viral influencer marketing, and how to tap into emerging food trends for rapid growth. CJ also shares practical tools and workflows that help brands scale while staying agile.

Dan Lee is a Partner at Pin High Strategies, a merchant banking and advisory firm serving independent sponsors and founder-led businesses on capital raising and strategic growth. He has spent 25 years investing in private companies across both debt and equity. Previously, Dan was a Partner at Garnett Station Partners and a co-founder of Comvest Capital Partners, which he helped grow from $250 million to $12 billion. He has partnered with more than 100 founders and small businesses to support long-term growth and value creation.

Strong businesses don't grow from setbacks alone — they grow when leaders turn experience and relationships into leverage. What separates founders who scale from those who plateau isn't just strategy, but how well they activate networks and capital. How do entrepreneurs rebound from career shifts, tap deep connections, and leverage the rise of independent sponsors?

Drawing on decades of private equity and advisory work, Dan Lee explains how enduring relationships and strategic focus create a competitive advantage. As a partner at Pin High Strategies, he explains how collaboration, trust, and long-term alignment transform networks into genuine opportunities rather than one-off transactions. Dan also explores the growing influence of independent sponsors — operators who acquire and grow companies without traditional institutional funds — and why this model gives founders both flexibility and control.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Dan Lee, Partner at Pin High Strategies, to discuss building resilient business platforms and leveraging deep networks for capital and growth. They explore why independent sponsors are gaining traction, how strategic niches accelerate success, and how to turn professional setbacks into new opportunities. Dan also shares lessons on raising capital, scaling platforms, and building partnerships that last.

Justin Brooke is the Founder of AdSkills and AgentSkills, companies that help marketers and businesses master paid advertising and advanced AI tools for marketing and automation.

Seva Ustinov is the Founder and CEO of Plurio by Elly Analytics, a marketing analytics platform that delivers full-funnel insights and AI-powered automation to optimize performance and growth.

Paul Powers is the Founder and CEO of Physna, a world-leading 3D AI and geometric search platform that codifies 3D models into detailed data that is understandable by software applications.

Are you searching for tools and strategies that give you an edge, but find everyone using the same playbook? What if scaling and outsmarting competitors came not from pricey courses but from overlooked books, AI tools, and tactics used by top founders? What unconventional approaches keep today's most innovative entrepreneurs ahead?

Justin Brooke, Seva Ustinov, and Paul Powers reveal how they're transforming marketing, operations, and productivity with innovative AI and business strategies. Justin highlights how product-led growth and sales-focused copywriting can boost conversions and uncover customer behavior insights. Seva explains how integrating AI agents with workflow tools like ClickUp can streamline processes, reduce unnecessary tasks, and optimize ad management for software and service companies. Paul emphasizes how leveraging AI for both personal and professional use — like creating personalized GPTs or tracking key metrics — can replace multiple apps and enhance efficiency across teams.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Justin Brooke, Seva Ustinov, and Paul Powers to discuss how AI and innovative strategies are transforming business growth. They cover product-led growth and sales insights, AI-driven workflow optimization, and leveraging AI for personal and professional productivity. They also share tips on using AI tools to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge.

Eric Berman is the Founder and Mastermind Leader of Speakeasy Mastermind, a private global community that brings experienced entrepreneurs together for collaboration, problem-solving, and business growth. He is also the Founder and CEO of Brandetize and Celebritize, companies focused on digital marketing and brand visibility for thought leaders, consumer brands, and influencers. Prior to these ventures, Eric co-founded CollegeClub.com, an early large-scale online community, where he held executive roles during its rapid growth. He also advises companies, works with venture capitalists, and hosts the Inside the Speakeasy podcast.

Strong businesses rarely win on tactics alone. What separates the companies that endure from those that stall is often something harder to quantify but easier to feel once it's missing. So what really gives entrepreneurs a lasting edge when markets shift, tools change, and competition intensifies?

Drawing on decades of entrepreneurial experience, Eric Berman explains that meaningful relationships outperform tactics in the long run. He highlights how trust, openness, and long-term alignment turn connections into compounding assets rather than transactional exchanges. The result is better decisions, faster growth, and fewer blind spots over time. He also explains how performance-based partnerships and masterminds create accountability while unlocking opportunities that rarely emerge in isolation.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Eric Berman, Founder and Mastermind Leader of Speakeasy Mastermind, to discuss the power of relationships and masterminds in business. They explore how trust-based partnerships drive growth, how masterminds evolve into scalable communities, and why long-term leverage matters more than short-term wins. Eric also shares hard-earned lessons about focus, niche selection, and building businesses through collaboration.

Rick Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, a boutique performance marketing agency helping DTC e-commerce brands grow revenue through high-impact affiliate and partner programs. With over 20 years of experience, Rick has helped brands — from fast-growing startups to established names like Groupon and Home Chef — turn affiliate marketing into a scalable revenue engine. A former Division I athlete turned entrepreneur, he brings a disciplined, team-first approach and a passion for building aligned, high-value partnerships in an ever-evolving affiliate landscape.

Growing a brand isn't just about products — it's about partnerships that expand reach, influence, and revenue. Many companies struggle to use affiliate marketing and strategic collaborations effectively, leaving money and opportunities on the table. How can brands leverage these channels to grow smarter and faster?

According to Rick Gardiner, a seasoned performance marketing expert, the key is to focus on strategic, high-quality partnerships rather than quantity. He emphasizes the importance of aligning affiliate programs with content creators, influencers, and PR efforts while avoiding pitfalls such as paid search conflicts and compliance issues. By taking a relationship-driven approach, brands can drive measurable growth, stand out in crowded markets, and turn niche products into national successes. Real-world examples — from helping saturated brands gain market share to elevating smaller brands through mass media placements — show the power of thoughtful, well-executed collaborations.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Gardiner, Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, to discuss scaling growth through affiliate and strategic partnerships. They explore building quality partnerships, navigating compliance and tech tools, and leveraging cross-brand collaborations. Rick also shares tips for integrating affiliates into broader revenue strategies.

Cameron LiButti is the Founder and CEO of Bidview Marketing, a data-driven performance marketing agency specializing in digital media, analytics, and development. With a background in engineering consulting and years of experience leading marketing ventures and high-performing teams, Cameron built Bidview on a principle of prioritizing ROI and tailored solutions over one-size-fits-all tactics. Under his leadership, the agency focuses on intentional growth strategies that turn attention into measurable business outcomes. Beyond Bidview, he shares expertise on modern SEO and marketing through content and speaking engagements.

Search is changing faster than ever, and AI is reshaping how people find answers online. Many business owners worry that the strategies they've relied on for years are becoming obsolete. But are the fundamentals of SEO and marketing strategy really being replaced, or are they more important than ever?

SEO remains effective because search engines and AI models draw from the same trust and relevance signals, says Cameron LiButti, a data-driven digital marketing strategist. He highlights that strong websites, clear positioning, local optimization, and real authority continue to drive bottom-funnel leads, even as AI changes the front end of search. The main impact is more predictable growth for businesses that focus on fundamentals instead of chasing hype. He also emphasizes aligning strategy with market size, competition, and buyer intent. This approach prevents wasted spending and sets realistic expectations as platforms evolve.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Cameron LiButti, Founder and CEO of Bidview Marketing, to discuss why SEO and strategy still win in an AI-driven search world. They cover how AI affects search behavior, why bottom-funnel SEO remains critical, and how data-driven strategy drives measurable growth. Cameron also shares practical guidance on adapting marketing without overreacting to AI trends.

Adam Coffey is the Chairman and CEO of The Chairman Group, a high-level peer network for business leaders. Over his 25-year career as a CEO, he has built four companies for nine private equity firms, completed 58 acquisitions, and led exits totaling billions of dollars. A #1 best-selling author, US Army veteran, and international speaker, Adam shares actionable strategies in private equity, M&A, and building high-performance cultures, blending military discipline with cutting-edge business expertise.

Scaling a company to a billion-dollar empire requires strategy, discipline, and execution. Many entrepreneurs struggle to know which levers to pull, which pitfalls to avoid, or how to adapt under pressure. How can leaders combine strong leadership, operational excellence, and smart acquisitions to achieve lasting growth?

According to Adam Coffey, a seasoned CEO and private equity expert, scaling a company requires disciplined leadership, operational rigor, and strategic acquisitions. He explains how mastering profit levers like pricing, margin expansion, and M&A strategy drives growth while avoiding pitfalls such as impatience or chasing "fixer-uppers." By applying lessons from his military service and GE experience, Adam shows how humility, adaptability, and relentless execution create lasting value, offering entrepreneurs and executives a clear blueprint for building and selling high-performing companies.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Adam Coffey, Chairman and CEO of The Chairman Group, to discuss scaling businesses through private equity and strategic acquisitions. They explore growth playbooks, high-stakes deal execution, and the frameworks Adam uses to help founders and leadership teams multiply company value. Adam also shares insights on team culture, disciplined leadership, and navigating mergers and acquisitions for extraordinary exits.

Yoni Tserruya is the Co-founder and CEO of Lusha, an AI-powered sales intelligence platform built for B2B teams. Under his leadership, Lusha has grown to serve over one million users and more than 15,000 customers worldwide, raising over $40 million in funding. With a background as an iOS developer, Yoni is passionate about product-led growth and building AI-driven tools that help sales teams automate outreach, personalize engagement, and have more effective, human conversations at scale.

Modern sales success depends on timing, relevance, and insight — not just volume. Teams everywhere are searching for ways to identify real buying intent and reach prospects before competitors do. What does it take to build a system that turns raw data into meaningful, high-conversion conversations?

According to Yoni Tserruya, a seasoned SaaS founder and product-led growth advocate, the answer lies in listening closely to users and letting behavior guide strategy. He explains how shifting focus from assumptions to real usage patterns revealed a massive opportunity in sales intelligence, prompting a pivotal pivot that reshaped the company's trajectory. By prioritizing accurate data, seamless integrations, and AI-driven automation, this approach enabled sales teams to move from generic outreach to signal-based engagement.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Yoni Tserruya, Co-founder and CEO of Lusha, to discuss building an AI-first sales intelligence platform through product-led growth. They explore pivoting based on user behavior, leveraging real-time data signals, and scaling a SaaS company with a freemium model. Yoni also shares insights on team building, automation, and the future of RevOps in an AI-driven world.