Best Stuart Draper Podcasts (2025)

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From Failed Sales Jobs to EdTech Empire: Stuart Draper on Building Stukent, Simternships, and Innovation That Sticks 22:06

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13d ago22:06

22:06

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, host JL Heather sits down with serial entrepreneur and investor Stuart Draper, founder of Stukent, a trailblazing edtech company that revolutionized digital marketing education. From losing three jobs in a recession to helping over a million students in 80+ countries, Stuart shares his raw, resilient jour…

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From Photoshop to Figma: David Altis on Humanity, AI, and the Future of Experience Design 18:40

4d ago18:40

18:40

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by David Altis, Global Chief Experience Design Officer for the Ford Business at VML. With a creative career spanning two decades and clients ranging from Intel to Kellogg’s to United Rentals, David shares how AI is reshaping experience design—and why human insight still leads the way. Key Les…

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Dr Steve Jones, author of the The Metamodern Slasher Film and The Postmodern Slasher Film 58:54

5d ago58:54

58:54

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with Assistant Professor, Dr Steve Jones a film scholar and a leading authority on extreme imagery and the intersections between horror and pornography, about his book The Metamodern Slasher Film and "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" To get your copy of his books: THE METAMODERN SHASHER http…

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Hairdresser Turns $500K Investment Into Emotional Intelligence Startup for Kids

6d ago

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What happens when a small-town hairdresser discovers her clients need more than just a haircut? Tami Hymas built five successful businesses in rural Idaho, but her biggest venture yet tackles childhood emotional wellness through cartoon characters that help kids identify and process their feelings. In this episode of StartUps with Stu, Tami shares …

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Empathy Over Ego: Trevor Paulsen on Building Breakthrough Products Inside Big Companies 16:53

6d ago16:53

16:53

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, hosts JL Heather and Preston Chandler sit down with Trevor Paulsen, Director of Product Management at Adobe, and one of the key architects behind Customer Journey Analytics (CJA)—a product that redefined Adobe’s analytics strategy and scaled from zero to hundreds of millions in revenue. Trevor takes us be…

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Slaying Bureaucratic Banshees: Kristin Bryce on Playful Innovation, Workforce Trauma, and Government Reinvention 17:20

7d ago17:20

17:20

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Kristin Bryce, founder and CEO of Managed Chaos Innovations, whose bold, human-centered approach has helped transform burnt-out teams into engaged innovators. Drawing on a background in engineering, logistics, and government operations, Kristin blends lean methodology, storytelling, emotio…

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Why Responsible AI Isn’t Optional: Dr. Mihaela Vorvoreanu on Designing AI That Works With People, Not Just for Them 17:10

11d ago17:10

17:10

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Dr. Mihaela Vorvoreanu (aka “Miki”), Principal Applied Scientist at Microsoft. A leading expert in human-computer interaction and AI ethics, Miki brings a bold perspective on what it means to build good AI—and why “responsible AI” shouldn’t be a separate track, but core to everything we bu…

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How This Founder Hit $56M Revenue After Living in His Car for a Year Following Bankruptcy

11d ago

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StartFragment StartFragment StartFragment StartFragment What does it take to build a $56 million company after losing everything twice? Jeremy Barker, founder of Murphy Door, shares his incredible journey from making his first $20 million at 21, going bankrupt, and living in his car for exactly one year to building the Kleenex brand of hidden doors…

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Audrey Knox, author of the FREE ebook “The Query Email Guidebook For Screenwriters” 43:46

12d ago43:46

43:46

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with former literary manager Audrey Knox about her 34 page, FREE ebook “The Query Email Guidebook For Screenwriters” and "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" To get your FREE copy of “The Query Email Guidebook For Screenwriters” see https://howtogetamanager.com Subscribe to Audrey’s substack se…

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From Banking Systems to Generative AI: Max Winter on Escaping the Remix Trap and Rethinking Innovation 19:27

14d ago19:27

19:27

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Max Winter, Principal Solutions Architect at AWS and a former IT leader at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. With decades of experience in financial systems and a front-row seat to the rise of generative AI, Max explores how AI can both unlock new potential and unintentionally trap us in …

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From Surgical Robots to Decarbonization: Dave Saunders' Vision for Transforming Industries with Innovation 18:47

18d ago18:47

18:47

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Dave Saunders, a tech pioneer with a career spanning the internet, surgical robotics, and decarbonization. From his groundbreaking work at Bell Labs to his current efforts in environmental sustainability, Dave shares his journey of turning visionary ideas into impactful solutions that chan…

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This Mother Turned a $40K Yellow Trailer Into a Multi-State Franchise Empire

20d ago

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What started as a $500 college fund goal turned into a frozen custard empire spanning multiple states. Jessica Mortensen shares her unexpected journey from buying a college student's yellow trailer business for $40,000 to building Karie Anne's Frozen Desserts into a thriving franchise operation. In this episode of Startups with Stu, Jessica reveals…

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From Traditional Fracture Care to 3D-Printed Solutions: Diana Hall’s Vision for Revolutionizing Orthopedic Treatment 18:37

20d ago18:37

18:37

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Diana Hall, founder and CEO of ActivArmor, a biomedical company revolutionizing fracture care with 3D-printed medical devices. Diana shares her journey from chemical engineer to healthcare innovator and how ActivArmor is transforming the treatment of broken bones with cutting-edge, customi…

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Mastering the Art of Storytelling: Andrew Chesnutt’s Guide to Unlocking Authentic Connections in Public Speaking 18:35

21d ago18:35

18:35

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather sits down with Andrew Chesnutt the CEO at The Authority Forge, a speaker and coach dedicated to helping individuals share their personal stories with the world. With his mission to empower 100,000 people to speak authentically, Andrew provides valuable insights on how storytelling can elevate p…

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The Courage to Lead: Rethinking Vulnerability in Innovation with Jason Gaikowski 16:47

25d ago16:47

16:47

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Jason Gaikowski, Chief Transformation Officer at VML, endurance athlete, and neurodivergent leader. Jason challenges the popular narrative of vulnerability as the ultimate leadership trait, arguing that true innovation and growth come from courage, not vulnerability. Key Lessons Covered in…

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9 Years, 4 Kids, 1 Kitchen Vision: How This Mom Built a Hair Extension Empire From Scratch

26d ago

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Standing alone in her parents' kitchen making a quesadilla, Whitney Rigby heard a male voice tell her to "create magnetic hair extensions" - and nobody else was home. Nine years later, that supernatural moment has transformed into the world's first magnetic hair extension company, with investors begging to get in and trade shows selling out instant…

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Outcome-Driven Innovation: Predicting Product Success with Tony Ulwick 17:52

27d ago17:52

17:52

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Tony Ulwick, founder and CEO of Strategyn and the pioneer behind Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI), a proven approach that helps companies predict product success with greater precision. Tony shares his journey from his early days as a mechanical engineer at IBM to becoming a leading voice i…

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Culture Is Strategy: Redefining Leadership with Jaime Taets 16:47

28d ago16:47

16:47

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Jaime Taets the CEO of Keystone Group International, author, and leadership strategist. Jaime shares how today’s high-growth companies can no longer afford to separate culture from strategy. With decades of experience leading both Fortune 50 teams and entrepreneurial ventures, she reveals …

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Quantum Vision: How Khalia Padilla Is Building the Future of VR, AI & Space Commerce 16:29

1M ago16:29

16:29

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Khalia Padilla—a 20-year-old quantum physicist, visionary entrepreneur, and co-founder of Imagine Engine Studios. From starting a fashion line at 14 to pioneering AI-driven VR platforms and now turning her sights toward space commerce, Khalia brings a bold, systems-thinking mindset to ever…

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This Founder Turned Down $500K to Build a Recruiting Business on Her Terms

1M ago

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Xan Marcucci rejected a $500,000 corporate offer to start Confetti Recruiting as a summer project while caring for her young children. What began with a surprise $20,000 commission check evolved into a thriving business aligned with her family priorities. Xan shares an unconventional perspective, suggesting aspiring entrepreneurs gain corporate exp…

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Innovation with Heart: Leading from Fear to Impact with Jennifer Moore 18:20

1M ago18:20

18:20

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather sits down with Jennifer Moore, a seasoned product executive, interim CPO, startup advisor, and investor, to discuss the mindset that drives impactful innovation. Jennifer takes us through her journey—from humble beginnings in a family where women didn’t work outside the home to becoming a leade…

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Innovation in Logistics: Solving Industry Challenges with Prasad Gollapalli 18:58

1M ago18:58

18:58

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, host JL Heather is joined by Prasad Gollapalli, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Qued, a company revolutionizing the appointment scheduling process in the logistics industry. Prasad discusses his journey from founding Trucker Tools to his latest venture, Qued, and how his team is solving long-standing…

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The Art of Leadership: From Baking to Gardening with Arnaud Lucas 21:27

1M ago21:27

21:27

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather sits down with Arnaud Lucas, an experienced tech executive and leader, to explore the unique leadership philosophies that have shaped his career across e-commerce, SaaS, and mobile technology. Arnaud, who’s worked with top companies like TripAdvisor, Wayfair, and now Cambridge Mobile Telematics…

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AI Breakthroughs: How Kentik's Field CTO Justin Ryburn is Shaping the Future of Tech & Business 17:14

1M ago17:14

17:14

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather is joined by Justin Ryburn, Field CTO at Kentik, to discuss how the future of business is being shaped by cutting-edge technology, AI, and network intelligence. Justin offers a behind-the-scenes look at his unique role in combining technical leadership with customer strategy to drive real-world…

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24-Year-Old Founder Reveals the $0 Marketing Strategy That Beats Cold DMs and Paid Ads

1M ago

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While most entrepreneurs struggle with expensive lead generation, 24-year-old Derek Bock discovered a networking strategy that costs nothing but delivers warm leads directly to your inbox. Starting with social media work for a Nebraska gym during COVID, Bock has built multiple ventures and now runs The Doers Podcast, which he strategically uses as …

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Startup Velocity: Building 100+ Companies at Lightning Speed with Jon Robert Bradford 17:52

1M ago17:52

17:52

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Jon Robert Bradford , serial entrepreneur, venture studio pioneer, and founder of CoLab in Los Angeles. Jon opens the playbook on how his team has launched over 100 startups, raised more than $400M in capital, and built a portfolio now worth over $2 billion—all while turning the traditiona…

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EP367: Up is where we go from here 1:11:58

1M ago1:11:58

1:11:58

We are going up say we are going up! Nick and Stu review a great day - if not a great game - at Wembley, including all the key moments, battles, and managerial decisions. We talk about the stadium, atmosphere, and post-match celebrations, as well as what life must have been like in the Warsaw end. Alongside all that, we look at the key moments of t…

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Innovative Leadership: Navigating Tech, Resilience, and Human-Centered Success with Daniel Holguin Sr. 15:48

2M ago15:48

15:48

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, Preston Chandler and JL Heather are joined by Daniel Holguin, the Chief Technology Officer at Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachyocca Tribe. Daniel shares his extraordinary journey from a police officer to a leader in the tech world, highlighting the key moments that shaped his career, including overcoming a life-…

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Scott Stenholm, TV Producer talks about his love of cinematic television – What is cinematic television? How do I make cinematic television? 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with TV producer Scott Stenholm about his love of cinematic television and "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" Follow Scott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/scottstenholm/ "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" BACKDRAFT (1991) TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983) APOLLO 13 (19…

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How This Mom Built a $1M Agency While Working 4 AM Mornings

2M ago

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"I magically carve out hours for my day. So some days I have to start at 4 a.m." This is how Akvile DeFazio, who fled Lithuania during the Cold War with just a wooden crate, manages to run a thriving social media advertising agency while raising a kindergartner. In a decade of business, she's achieved something almost unheard of: she's never been f…

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Travel Tech Revolution: How HousMthr is Redefining Vacation Rentals with Will Schmahl 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Will Schmahl, founder of HousMthr a travel tech startup that is redefining the way we approach vacation rentals and group stays. Will shares the story behind HousMthr, an innovative app designed to enhance the travel experience by offering personalized assistance, managing group logistics,…

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From Pedals to Products: Leadership & Innovation with Dylan Casey 20:19

2M ago20:19

20:19

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather and Preston Chandler are joined by Dylan Casey, Chief Product Officer at WISEcode and former Google and Yahoo leader, for an engaging conversation on leadership, product innovation, and decision-making. Dylan’s unique journey, from being an Olympic cyclist to a tech executive, offers fresh insi…

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EP366: Until Completion 1:05:58

2M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Que Sera, Sera ... it's the 9yrs Wembley preview show! Nick and Stu discuss our road to the play-off final, and how much we are looking forward to the day. Clearly hyper, we take a circuitous route through many varied topics, from CCL memories to Portuguese women's football, but we manage to stay on track to comment on Notts County, Warsaw, and Jos…

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From Supply Chain to Strategy: Karen Chao on AI, Innovation, and Adaptive Leadership 18:12

2M ago18:12

18:12

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Karen Chao, Chief Product Officer at Flowspace, who takes us through her remarkable journey from a first-generation college student to a pioneering leader at the intersection of AI, product innovation, and supply chain strategy. Karen’s career path—from Cisco to Apple to high-growth startu…

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EPISODE 700: Mike Hewitt talks about producing the STEPPENWOLF LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY 39:46

2M ago39:46

39:46

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with freelance producer at ARROW FILMS Mike Hewitt about producing the STEPPENWOLF LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY for Arrow Films and "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" STEPPENWOLF is released 26 May 2025 https://www.arrowfilms.com/blu-ray/steppenwolf-limited-edition-blu-ray/16237697.html?autocomple…

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From Digital Pioneer to Transformational Leader: Howard Holton’s Vision for Business and Tech Innovation 18:17

2M ago18:17

18:17

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Howard Holton, the Chief Technology Officer at GigaOM, who shares his journey from a tech enthusiast to a trailblazer driving digital transformation. Howard reveals how his unconventional path from software development to consulting in sectors like government, telecom, and healthcare has s…

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College Student Founder Gaining Traction With His SaaS Startup

2M ago

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In a recent episode of Startups with Stu, host Stuart Draper, Join us as we explore the innovative journey of Subitt.io, a startup that's transforming how small businesses implement subscription models to drive customer retention. Founder Nick Hepworth shares his insights on building a platform that makes subscription services accessible to mom-and…

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AI, Education, and the Human Mindset: Unlocking Potential with Vishwath Mohan 14:34

2M ago14:34

14:34

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, Preston Chandler sits down with Vishwath Mohan, AI strategist and CTO of Bright Schools, as he discusses his transition from Google to transforming education for children in low-income neighborhoods. Vishwath shares how AI can reshape the educational landscape by providing personalized tutoring, promoting…

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EP365: Half. Way. There. 1:02:40

2M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

A wonderful night in Nottingham - and we're halfway to Wembley. What were the key elements of our win at Meadow Lane, and how will we have to be different in the second leg? Whilst Owen Goodman was outstanding, Nick and Stu also look at the other main players in the victory, and what role they played. It's not all sunshine and flowers though: a str…

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From Innovator to Disruptor: Russ Felker’s Vision for Revolutionizing Logistics 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Russ Felker, the Chief Technology Officer at Trinity Logistics, who is leading the charge in transforming the logistics industry through technology and culture. With over 30 years of experience, Russ shares his journey from working in startups to shaping the future of one of the largest lo…

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Simon Utlley, screenwriter of CLEANER… How do I write a movie? How do I write action for a movie? 1:01:58

2M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with screenwriter, Simon Uttley about writing CLEANER, starring Daisy Ridly, and "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" CLEANER is out via Sky Cinema https://www.sky.com/watch/cleaner "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) LA CONFIDENTIAL (1997) PLAN…

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From Startup to Cybersecurity Visionary: Sumedh Barde's Journey Through AI-Driven Defense 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Sumedh Barde, Chief Product Officer at Symbian, who takes us through his dynamic journey from building groundbreaking digital rights management (DRM) technologies to pioneering AI solutions in cybersecurity. Sumedh shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the transformative …

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25-Year Expert Shares SBA Loan Secrets

2M ago

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Learn how SBA loans can transform your business dreams as Craig Sherle, VP of SBA Lending at Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) with 25 years of small business lending experience, explains exactly how to get financing when other lenders reject you. These government-backed loans (covering 75-85% of the risk) have helped numerous employees become owne…

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From Startup Scaler to AI Pioneer: Christian Hammer’s Vision for Future Innovation 19:54

2M ago19:54

19:54

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Christian Hammer, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Heart.io, who takes us through his evolution from building startups to becoming a leader in AI-driven business innovation. Christian reflects on his time at Nike, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping their digital and direct-to-…

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EP364: ROLLIN' 59:38

2M ago59:38

59:38

We're in the playoffs! Nick and Stu discuss how we got there, and what we might expect from Notts County, Warsaw, and Chesterfield. There's also a lot of ranting about kick-off times, TV, ticketing, and just modern football in general. A combination of tiredness and excitement made us a bit hyper and where this podcast goes, nobody knows - but it's…

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From Transformation to Innovation: Alex Pyatigorskiy’s Guide to Digital Success 16:18

2M ago16:18

16:18

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Alex Pyatigorskiy, a seasoned management consultant and expert in driving innovation through agile, lean, and human-centered design practices. Alex shares his journey from working in major corporations like Walt Disney to his current focus on transforming the financial and fintech industri…

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Susan Ferris, CEO of the BOHEMIA GROUP… How do screenwriters get a manager? How do I get a manager? 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with CEO of the BOHEMIA GROUP, Susan Ferris about what a manager is for and offers advice on when you should be looking to get yourself a manager, and "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" BEOHEMIA GROUP https://www.bohemiaent.com "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" THE GO…

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AI-Powered Marketing: Unlocking Efficiency and Growth for SMBs with Rob Riggs 14:45

2M ago14:45

14:45

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather and Preston Chandler chat with Rob Riggs, a seasoned marketing technology strategist with over two decades of experience helping businesses grow smarter through AI and automation. Rob shares his unique journey from working at a small clothing manufacturer to founding his own tech-forward compan…

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Rugby Player's Ripped Jersey Launches $25 Million Sports Apparel Dream

2M ago

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In this episode, we sit down with James Reber who transformed his frustration with torn rugby jerseys into a thriving custom sports apparel business. Starting with just 50 misspelled rugby balls, James now celebrates breaking six figures in Q1 2025—more than his entire previous year's revenue. He shares the exact moment he received his first $72 ch…

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Guardrails for Innovation: Michael Bar-Sinai’s Vision for AI-Driven Development 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Michael Bar-Sinai, co-founder and CTO of Provengo, to explore the critical role of formal methods in AI development and software engineering. Michael takes us through his extensive career in tech, discussing the transformative potential of formal specifications—mathematically rigorous guid…