Episodes

  • Jason Lee: Entrepreneur, Architect of On-Demand Pay, and the Visionary Behind Two Major Exits

    Jason Lee: Entrepreneur, Architect of On-Demand Pay, and the Visionary Behind Two Major Exits
    Nov 4 2024
    Jason Lee’s entrepreneurial journey has reshaped the on-demand pay industry. After founding and successfully exiting both DailyPay and Salt Labs, he's now leading Chime Enterprise with the same innovative spirit. His insights into scaling businesses, pioneering financial wellness, and transforming employee pay access continue to drive industry change. In this episode we look at entrepreneurship, financial wellness, on-demand pay, HR technology, venture capital, startup journey, business strategy, banking innovation, leadership, decision-making, financial solutions, market dynamics, and trust. Key Takeaways: Jason Lee pioneered the on-demand pay industry with successful exits from DailyPay and Salt Labs. As Chief at Chime Enterprise, he’s leading the charge on innovative financial wellness solutions. Jason’s entrepreneurial journey highlights the value of creating businesses that drive real-world impact. Scaling and exiting companies with a purpose is central to Jason’s approach to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the role of accessible pay in supporting employee financial security and well-being. Building trust with investors and clients has been key to Jason’s success across multiple ventures. Jason shares valuable insights on navigating market dynamics and adapting to changing industry needs. With Chime Enterprise, Jason is positioned to lead the next wave of financial wellness and HR tech innovation. Chapters 00:00 Who is Jason Lee, pioneer of the on-demand pay industry, DailyPay, Salt Labs, and Chime 06:14 Jason's Entrepreneurial Background 11:54 The Concept of On-Demand Pay 18:05 Building Financial Solutions for Everyday Americans 23:53 The Genesis of an Idea 30:18 Building Trust in Entrepreneurship 36:41 Navigating Market Dynamics 42:05 The Reality of Decision-Making Connect with Jason Lee here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleem2/ William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • PlanSource CEO: Mike Morini on Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Analyzing Losses to Win

    PlanSource CEO: Mike Morini on Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Analyzing Losses to Win
    Oct 28 2024
    Mike Morini, CEO of PlanSource, brings powerful insights from his NFL days to the tech industry, highlighting teamwork, resilience, and the art of listening. He shares his thoughts on eliminating outdated processes, prioritizing business strategies, and how emotional intelligence shapes effective sales and communication. In this episode, we look at AI in business, workforce management, leadership, teamwork, career development, and emotional intelligence, exploring how Mike combines his sports background with cutting-edge business strategies to drive success. Key Takeaways: Teamwork is foundational, blending lessons Mike learned from both the NFL and tech. Listening and adaptability are crucial for sustained growth and leadership success. Transitioning from the NFL to tech sharpened Mike’s skills in resilience and strategy. Eliminating outdated practices is key to staying ahead in a competitive market. Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in successful sales and client relationships. Continuous improvement stems from analyzing losses and embracing change. Building strong, skilled teams is essential for any CEO striving for long-term success. AI can streamline operations, enhancing efficiency and prioritization for leaders. Mentorship and paying it forward are central to Mike’s leadership philosophy. Curiosity and a liberal arts foundation cultivate critical thinking in the next generation. Chapters 00:00 From the NFL to CEO of top global companies, Who is Mike Morini, CEO at PlanSource? 03:04 Career Journey and Transition to PlanSource 05:59 The Importance of Learning and Listening 08:56 Athletic Background and Its Influence 11:55 Experiences in the NFL and Lessons Learned 15:04 Teamwork and Leadership Philosophy 18:09 Understanding Competition and Market Dynamics 20:57 Analyzing Losses and Continuous Improvement 24:49 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Sales 25:31 Lessons from IBM: Training and Work Ethic 27:28 Transitioning from IBM to Software Sales 29:09 The Challenge of Prioritization in Business 30:31 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 32:39 Guiding the Next Generation in Education 36:05 The Value of Curiosity and Liberal Arts Education 39:06 Building a Successful Workforce Management Company 42:34 Empowering Others: The Role of a Leader Connect with Mike Morini here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemorini/ William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Empowering Women in Leadership: Kendra Cato’s Journey to Authenticity

    Empowering Women in Leadership: Kendra Cato’s Journey to Authenticity
    Oct 7 2024
    Kendra Cato reflects on her transformative career journey, from aspiring designer to strategic leader in the staffing industry. Authenticity, feedback, and community are the pillars of her leadership, and her passion for uplifting women in business is the driving force behind her empowering book project. In this episode, we look at authentic leadership, career journey, feedback, personal growth, women in business, staffing industry, and community building. Discover Kendra Cato’s impactful insights into the importance of empowering women and fostering genuine connections in leadership. Key Takeaways Authentic Leadership: Kendra highlights the importance of authenticity in building trust and leading effectively. Community Support: She emphasizes the role of community in empowering women, especially in the staffing industry. Feedback for Growth: Learn how feedback is a critical tool for both personal and professional development. Balancing Experience and Education: Kendra shares how real-world experience shaped her leadership journey. Empowering Women’s Voices: Her book project is focused on elevating women in business through storytelling. Building Genuine Connections: Kendra explains how meaningful relationships lead to new opportunities and career growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Kendra Cato 03:02 Career Journey: From Interior Design to Business Writing 06:02 Transitioning into Management and Leadership Challenges 09:04 The Importance of Feedback and Personal Growth 12:00 Navigating Career Decisions and the Value of Experience 15:00 Building Community and Supporting Women in Leadership 17:49 The Power of Authenticity in Professional Settings 21:00 The Journey of Writing a Book and Empowering Others Connect with Kendra here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendracato/ William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • From Snow Removal to the C-Suite: Stephen Sokoler’s Journey to Leadership

    From Snow Removal to the C-Suite: Stephen Sokoler’s Journey to Leadership
    Sep 16 2024
    Stephen Sokoler, founder and CEO of Journey, shares how proactive mental health practices and daily habit formation can lead to healthier, less stressful lives. From running snow removal businesses to leading Journey Meditation, Stephen dives into the challenges of mental health in the workplace, entrepreneurship, and the value of meditation for personal growth and well-being. In this episode, we look at proactive mental health, workplace wellness, behavior change, executive leadership, HR, entrepreneurship, and the importance of mindfulness. These themes shape how we understand and approach mental health in today’s rapidly evolving corporate and personal spaces. Key Takeaways: Proactive mental health focuses on daily habits for stress reduction and overall well-being. Societal shifts are changing the narrative from mental illness to mental wellness. Bridging HR and executive leadership is essential for advancing workplace mental health support. Stephen Sokoler’s entrepreneurial journey illustrates the diverse paths to success, from snow removal to wellness tech. Meditation is a powerful tool for fostering personal growth, clarity, and alignment with one’s values. Kindness and presence are key to living a meaningful life, both personally and professionally. Chapters 00:00 Who is Stephen Sokoler? 03:23 Proactive Mental Health 06:22 Shifting Societal Understanding of Mental Health 11:41 Bridging the Gap: HR and Executive Leaders 14:31 Journey's Proactive EAP 18:09 Entrepreneurial Journey: From Snow Removal to Journey 25:21 Starting a Bar and the Challenges of the Hospitality Industry 32:00 Discovering Meditation and the Journey to Mental Health 38:36 Becoming a Kinder Leader and Manager 45:34 Advice to Younger Self: Be Kinder Connect with Stephen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensokoler/ and visit Jouney to learn more about Proactive Mental Health here: https://journey.live/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Entrepreneurial Wisdom from Lovesac's Founder and CEO, Shawn Nelson

    Entrepreneurial Wisdom from Lovesac's Founder and CEO, Shawn Nelson
    Sep 9 2024
    Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, recounts his entrepreneurial journey from a basement startup to a leading furniture retailer. He dives into the evolution of Lovesac, his mission experience in Taiwan, and crucial lessons on leadership, perseverance, and innovation. Shawn highlights the impact of learning from rejections and the significance of a strong executive team in scaling a business. In this episode we look at Shawn Nelson's entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of Lovesac, challenges faced in building a furniture retailer, the role of mission experience in leadership, and the importance of learning from rejection and building a strong team. Key Takeaways: Taking Risks and Learning from Mistakes: Essential for starting and growing a successful business. Innovative Product Ideas: Can stem from personal experiences and interests. Developing Leadership Skills: Challenges and experiences contribute to stronger leadership. Overcoming Obstacles and Rejection: A critical part of building a successful company. Hiring the Right People: Crucial for business growth and success. Balancing Confidence and Humility: Important for long-term entrepreneurial success. Chapters 00:00 Who is Shawn Nelson, CEO and Founder of Lovesac 01:09 The Origins of Lovesac 03:16 Mission Experience and Leadership Skills 06:12 Lessons Learned from Rejection and Overcoming Obstacles 09:58 The Significance of the Lovesac Name 16:30 Hiring the Right People 19:42 Growth and Success of Lovesac 20:11 Overcoming Rejection and Building a Successful Company 23:39 Instincts and Perseverance in Entrepreneurship 30:21 The Power of Faith and Motivation 34:43 Balancing Self-Confidence and Humility 39:21 Transitioning from Bootstrap to Public Company 44:23 Books as Mentors and Building a Strong Executive Team Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Networ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • From Bootstrapping to Venture Capital: Erling Linde’s Entrepreneurial Journey

    From Bootstrapping to Venture Capital: Erling Linde’s Entrepreneurial Journey
    Aug 19 2024
    Erling Linde, founder and CEO of CV Partner, shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the transition from bootstrapping to venture capital, the importance of a board of advisors, and the role of emotional resilience in startup success. His insights provide valuable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur. In this episode, we look at Erling Linde, venture capital funding, professional service firms, software as a service, user experience, co-founder relationship, and entrepreneurship. Discover the strategies and lessons that have fueled CV Partner's growth and how they can be applied to your own ventures. Key Takeaways CV Partner enables professional service firms to showcase their expertise in public tenders. Venture capital funding can significantly accelerate growth but must be spent wisely. A board of advisors is crucial for providing strategic guidance during growth phases. Early startup failures offer valuable learning experiences and pave the way for success. User experience is a critical component of a successful SaaS product. Balancing friendship and business in a co-founder relationship requires careful navigation. Chapters 00:00 Who is Erling and CV Partner? 01:14 CV Partner: Showcasing Expertise for Professional Service Firms 05:30 The Journey of Bootstrapping and Taking on Venture Capital 08:59 The Importance of a Board of Advisors 13:39 From Building Things to Building a Company 22:36 Lessons from Startup Failures 23:04 The Importance of User Experience 23:39 Balancing Friendship and Business 24:13 Setting Goals for Growth 25:11 Finding the Right Team Balance 26:27 Leading vs Managing 29:35 Emotional Resilience in Entrepreneurship Connect with Erling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erlingwl/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Redefining Equity in the Workplace: Managing Director at CareerCircle, Kim Sneeder's Leadership Journey

    Redefining Equity in the Workplace: Managing Director at CareerCircle, Kim Sneeder's Leadership Journey
    Aug 12 2024
    Kim Sneeder dives into the challenges of transitioning from an exceptional doer to a transformative leader, highlighting the importance of redefining equity and fostering inclusion in the workplace. Kim explores the critical role of resilience, mentorship, and data-driven leadership in shaping a successful and inclusive organizational culture. In this episode, we look at leadership, equity, resilience, inclusion, DEI departments, and data-driven decisions. Explore how these elements intersect to redefine the future of work and create a thriving, inclusive workplace. Key Takeaways: Redefining equity in the workplace requires a data-driven approach to foster true inclusion. Transitioning from a doer to a leader is a journey of self-reflection and personal growth. Resilience, shaped by overcoming personal challenges, is essential for effective leadership. Strong leaders must possess not only sales skills but also coaching and mentoring abilities. A culture of inclusion and open communication is vital for organizational success. Mentorship and honest feedback are crucial for both personal and professional development. Connect with Kim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-sneeder-a49a723/ Chapters 00:00 Who is Kim Sneeder? 03:04 Kim Sneeder's Background and Career 04:12 Redefining Equity in the Workplace 05:24 The Changing Landscape of DEI Departments 09:05 Challenges of Transitioning from Doer to Leader 17:35 Coaching and Mentoring in Sales Leadership 19:49 Seeing the Bigger Picture: The Role of a Leader 20:48 The Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth as a Leader 25:08 Creating a Company Culture that is Like a Family 29:45 Using Data to Drive Change and Foster Inclusion 36:45 Leadership: Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Team Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Embracing Failure and Humility in Entrepreneurship - The Myth of Overnight Success

    Embracing Failure and Humility in Entrepreneurship - The Myth of Overnight Success
    Jul 22 2024
    John Hansen, CEO of Atana has started 8 different companies, exited some and closed others. He's exited to companies like Oracle and Marconi - We look at this journey of leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. He opens up about how technical challenges, failures, and humility have shaped his path. Connect with John Hansen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhansen/ Takeaways John Hansen's experiences and lessons learned as a CEO and leader The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship The role of failure and humility in personal and professional growth The impact of teaching and learning on John's career Failures are valuable learning experiences that can lead to future success. Overnight success is rare and often overlooks the hardships and challenges faced along the way. The impact and legacy of one's work can be measured by the lives they touch and the success of those they've helped. Gen Z employees have unique strengths and challenges, and it's important to understand and support them. Perseverance, passion, and commitment are essential qualities for achieving success in any endeavor. Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins