Episodes

  • From the Parking Lot Workout to Fitness Empire: Empowering Women Through Fitness with Morgan Kline, Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp

    From the Parking Lot Workout to Fitness Empire: Empowering Women Through Fitness with Morgan Kline, Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp
    Jul 10 2024
    In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with Morgan Kline, Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp. Morgan shares her inspiring story of transitioning from parking lot boot camps to leading a thriving fitness franchise with over 400 locations and a best-selling book. The conversation touches on: Entrepreneurship & Career Transition: Morgan recounts how she left her corporate job to follow her passion, leveraging her experience to build a successful business. Navigating Marriage & Business: Susan and Morgan address the challenges and strategies of balancing professional and personal growth, especially when working with a spouse. They stress the importance of effective communication and updating their relationship "contract." Fitness & Women's Empowerment: Morgan highlights Burn Bootcamp's mission to empower individuals through fitness, nutrition, and mindset, sharing stories of transformation and the holistic approach of their program. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for entrepreneurship, personal growth, and community building. Morgan Kline, Co-Founder & CEO of the Burn Boot Camp Franchise. Morgan Kline is the Co-Founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp. Growing up in Battle Creek, MI, she initially pursued a corporate career at Kellogg Company. However, her true passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals led her to co-found Burn Boot Camp with Devan in 2012. This venture has enabled Morgan to share her passion for healthy living and realize her potential. As a mother of three, she understands the challenges women face in prioritizing their well-being and is dedicated to empowering them through Burn Boot Camp. Connect with Morgan Website https://burnbootcamp.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-kline-0ab49758/ Instagram @morgan.a.kline Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Connect With Susan Website https://susansly.com Website https://thepause.ai/ LinkedIn @susansly  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Navigating Obstacles and Building High-Performing Teams with Karen Gordon, Founder of Simpli5

    Navigating Obstacles and Building High-Performing Teams with Karen Gordon, Founder of Simpli5
    Jun 21 2024
    In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly talks to Karen Gordon, Founder of Simpli5. Karen shares her journey from managing a thriving business with $1 million in monthly revenue to navigating that customer's bankruptcy. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance and strategic pivoting. Karen shares the practical implications of cognitive diversity. She discusses the importance of understanding one's strengths and actively seeking out and surrounding oneself with diverse individuals who possess complementary skills and perspectives. She explains this is the key to building high-performing teams that foster collaboration and innovation. Karen and Susan discuss balancing work and family responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and the role of flexibility in fostering a supportive work environment. Karen shares her experience managing her company while dealing with her daughter and husband's cancer diagnoses. They also address gender disparities in entrepreneurship, particularly women's challenges in securing funding. Tune in to be inspired by Karen's resilience and gain actionable insights on leading with passion, embracing flexibility, and harnessing the power of diverse teams to drive high performance. Karen Gordon, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Simpli5, is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming workplace cultures through collaboration and team performance. Recognized as a two-time Inc. 500 Honoree and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, Karen's expertise is featured in top publications like The CEO Magazine and Huffington Post. Her TEDx talk on "The Myth of Difficult People" highlights her thought leadership in navigating complex workplace dynamics. Under her guidance, Simpli5 partners with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and healthcare organizations to promote cognitive diversity and productivity. Connect with Karen Website https://www.simpli5.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-wright-gordon-1937a66 Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan Website https://susansly.com Website https://thepause.ai/ LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • The Future of Content Creation and AI with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder of Swell AI

    The Future of Content Creation and AI with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder of Swell AI
    Jun 5 2024
    In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, host Susan Sly sits down with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder of Swell AI. Together, they explore the dynamic landscape of startups, highlighting the rising trend of remote work and the power of global talent pools. Cody shares invaluable insights on scaling companies through innovative strategies like podcasting, live courses, and social media, emphasizing the critical role of community building. Explore the transformative impact of AI on media and marketing, as Susan and Cody discuss practical marketing strategies and the significance of leveraging expert knowledge and brand voice. Cody reveals his tried-and-tested methods for achieving page one of Google overnight and provides a glimpse into the evolving content creation process powered by AI. Learn from real-world examples, including success stories of tech startups leveraging AI tools and remote teams to drive exponential growth. Cody discusses the success of AI-powered platforms in content marketing and the potential ban of TikTok. For entrepreneurs seeking to harness the power of AI, create impactful content, and navigate the ever-evolving startup world with confidence and strategic foresight, this episode is an indispensable resource. It offers timely insights and practical strategies that can help entrepreneurs stay ahead in today's dynamic business environment. About Cody: Cody Schneider is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in AI-powered content marketing. As Founder of Draft Horse AI and Swell AI, he has helped numerous companies exponentially grow their businesses by leveraging AI to automate content production workflows. Named one of Business.com's Top 25 Marketers to Watch, Cody gained his experience helping scale startups from the ground up through strategic content strategies. Connect with Cody Website: swellai.com LinkedIn: @codyxschneider About Susan: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan Website: https://susansly.com Website: https://thepause.ai/ LinkedIn: @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • From Startup to Starbucks: How Chris Hunter Navigated The Crash of Four Loko and Landed On Top

    From Startup to Starbucks: How Chris Hunter Navigated The Crash of Four Loko and Landed On Top
    May 22 2024
    Ever wondered how a kid selling coloring books door-to-door could end up co-founding one of the hottest plant-based protein drink brands? In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly sits down with Chris Hunter, the unstoppable force behind KOIA. From hustling coloring book pictures in Youngstown, Ohio, to navigating the chaos of Four Loko, to breaking into major retailers like Starbucks with KOIA, Chris's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Chris opens up about his early entrepreneurial sparks, the financial hurdles he faced, and the resilience it took to turn his side hustles into full-blown successes. We dive deep into his innovative approach to parenting, raising kids who are already budding entrepreneurs, and the critical role of mentorship and sustainable business practices in his journey. But it's not all smooth sailing. Chris shares his raw and real experiences of dealing with regulatory crackdowns, managing towering debts, and the therapeutic process of writing his book. This episode is packed with insights on authenticity, perseverance, and learning from every misstep. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just dipping your toes into the business world, Chris Hunter's story is a powerful reminder that with grit, hustle, and a bit of chaos management, you can turn your wildest dreams into reality. Tune in for a dose of real-talk entrepreneurship that's as inspiring as it is enlightening. About Chris: Chris Hunter is a powerhouse in the beverage industry, known for his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. He's the mastermind behind several hit beverage brands, including Four Loko, Koia, and Not Your Father's Root Beer. As the co-founder of Koia, Chris has driven the company to $100M in annual sales, securing spots in Whole Foods, Sprouts, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks. His memoir, Blackout Punch, reveals the gripping story of his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Connect with Chris: Website https://drinkkoia.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/koia/ About Susan: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/ Website https://thepause.ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Unchained Ambition: Breaking Free from Debt to Build Dreams With Nick Fogle, Founder of Chunkey

    Unchained Ambition: Breaking Free from Debt to Build Dreams With Nick Fogle, Founder of Chunkey
    May 15 2024
    In this raw and riveting episode of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast, Susan Sly sits down with Nick Fogle, the resilient founder of Churnkey, to unpack the gritty truth of turning financial chaos into entrepreneurial gold. Their conversation dives deep into the whirlwind journey from crippling student loans to groundbreaking business success, offering a masterclass in transforming burdens into opportunities. Nick peels back the curtain on how he juggled a staggering $250k in student debt while kickstarting his law firm and, later, diving headlong into the tech world. From mowing lawns to coding innovative software, Nick's path is anything but conventional. He shares how understanding the hard numbers and embracing creative risks propelled him from a broke lawyer to a tech maven at a publicly traded company. Susan and Nick discuss the relentless challenges of entrepreneurship, from battling high churn rates to mastering work-life balance while raising a family. They reveal personal strategies for coping with stress, emphasizing the game-changing role of therapy and the power of investing in oneself despite financial strain. Whether you're buried in debt, struggling to scale your business, or need real-world wisdom, this episode is your guide to harnessing adversity. Tune in to hear how Nick's journey of self-discovery and bold moves led him to survive and thrive, selling his company for a mid-seven-figure sum and setting the stage for his next big venture. Discover the unfiltered truths about debt, risk-taking, and the entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to quit. About Nick Fogle: Nick, the Founder and CEO of Churnkey, has an inspiring journey from a struggling attorney buried in student debt to a successful entrepreneur. Overcoming adversity, he taught himself to code while driving a shuttle bus for minimum wage and eventually rose to lead engineer at a publicly traded software company. Nick's relentless dedication led to the creation of Wavve, a SaaS business, which he later sold for a mid-7 figure sum in 2021. Drawing from his experiences, he launched Churnkey, leveraging his expertise in retention strategies to revolutionize customer retention solutions. Nick's remarkable story exemplifies resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Connect With Nick: LinkedIn @nickfogle Website https://churnkey.co/ About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • How This Founder Raised $800K in Capital With No Experience to Acquire an $8m Business with Kevin Bibelhausen, Founder of Fruition Capital

    How This Founder Raised $800K in Capital With No Experience to Acquire an $8m Business with Kevin Bibelhausen, Founder of Fruition Capital
    May 8 2024
    Join Susan Sly, Raw and Real Entrepreneurship host, as she interviews Kevin Bibelhausen, the mastermind behind Fruition Capital and Heritage Fabrics. This isn't your typical business chat; it's a deep dive into the mechanics of buying and selling businesses, focusing on the crucial role of cash flow and profitability. Kevin opens up about his unlikely path from opera singing to dominating the business acquisition game. He breaks down the nuts and bolts of navigating business purchases with minimal initial know-how, from deciphering balance sheets to wrangling SBA loans and rallying investors. He shares his strategic maneuvers in investment, targeting growth-stage companies, and how to cultivate investor relationships to boost business growth skillfully. The conversation also gets honest about the mental grind and emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, giving you a candid look at the personal challenges of raising capital and juggling multiple business ventures. This episode is packed with critical insights into the strategies, pitfalls, and triumphs of navigating the business landscape while keeping your personal and professional growth at full throttle. About Kevin Bibelhausen Kevin Bibelhausen is an investor, business owner, and consultant specializing in digital strategy & operations. He's a sought-after conference speaker, podcast guest, and author, passionate about professionalizing SMB acquisitions. Kevin founded Fruition Capital, which invests in SMB acquisition deals. With an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, he brings over a decade of experience in corporate technology and operations leadership. Kevin's journey from a near-fatal health challenge to small business ownership reflects his dedication to entrepreneurship. Connect With Kevin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibelhausen/ X https://twitter.com/bibelhausen Website https://bibelhausen.com/ Website https://heritagefabrics.com About Susan Sly Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Demystifying the Tech World: You Do Not Have to Be A Technical Founder To Start a Tech Company, with Award-Winning AI Entrepreneur Susan Sly

    Demystifying the Tech World: You Do Not Have to Be A Technical Founder To Start a Tech Company, with Award-Winning AI Entrepreneur Susan Sly
    May 2 2024
    In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a founder in the tech industry, challenging the notion that deep coding skills are a prerequisite for creating successful tech products. From her journey as an Award-Winning AI entrepreneur and her education at MIT, Susan shares four practical strategies for taking a Minimum Marketable Product (MMP) to market. She discusses the importance of validating market demand early and highlights how a hybrid in-house and external development model balances cost-effectiveness and control. Susan emphasizes the value of outsourcing to development shops while cautioning against potential pitfalls such as project delays and loss of control. Throughout the episode, Susan draws on her experiences in AI, stressing the need for entrepreneurs to understand the technical landscape and environment essential for AI solutions to thrive. She recounts her own journey in computer vision and generative AI, underlining how curiosity, continuous learning, and a grasp of ethical concerns are crucial for success. Susan offers guidance for navigating this complex field, advocating for self-education through courses, and surrounding oneself with a supportive team of experts. Whether scribbling down business ideas on your lunch break or gearing up for your next big venture, this episode will fuel your entrepreneurial fire and equip you with the knowledge to step boldly into the tech scene. About Susan: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansly/ X: @susanslylive Facebook: @susanslylive Instagram: @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • The One Skill Every Entrepreneur Needs - How to Crush Your Pitches with Best Selling Author, Strategist, and Entrepreneur, Terri Sjodin

    The One Skill Every Entrepreneur Needs - How to Crush Your Pitches with Best Selling Author, Strategist, and Entrepreneur, Terri Sjodin
    Apr 24 2024
    Join Susan Sly in this dynamic episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, featuring renowned public speaking expert and bestselling author Terri Sjodin. With over two decades of experience electrifying audiences and consulting for top corporations, CEOs, and Members of the U.S. Congress, Terri brings her sassy, fresh, and insightful expertise directly to you. In this episode, explore the powerful strategies from Terri's latest book, "Presentation Ready: Improve Your Sales Presentation Outcomes and Avoid the Twelve Most Common Mistakes." Learn how these tactics can help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls, crafting polished and persuasive pitches that resonate deeply with any audience. Discover how Terri redefines persuasive pitching with Monroe's Motivated Sequence, providing listeners with a transformative step-by-step framework to revolutionize their presentation skills. Learn how to empower yourself and enhance your presentation delivery with Terri's practical and actionable advice. Her exercises, like video scrimmages, are designed to refine your approach and boost your confidence. This episode is a masterclass in speaking, selling, and succeeding. Whether you're preparing for your next big pitch or looking to revitalize your business strategies, Susan and Terri provide the insights and inspiration you need to succeed. About Terri Sjodin Terri L. Sjodin is the founder of Sjodin Communications. For over 25 years she has served as a speaker and consultant. Sjodin was inducted into the National Speakers Association CPAE Speakers Halls of Fame.. Terri is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning speaker, a popular LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and a frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, appearing on The Today Show, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, and many industry podcasts. Connect With Terri Website https://www.sjodincommunications.com/ LinkedIn @terrisjodin Book https://www.sjodincommunications.com/presentationready/ About Susan Sly Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins