Shared Ground is a podcast that explores resilience & grit, generosity & kindness. We start with true stories of kindness and support during and after the 2025 LA wildfires.
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Sean Knierim Podcasts
Hear from industry leaders on leadership, strategy, marketing, and sales. We're talking to top CEOs and business leaders. This is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs, executives and experts that want to get real results that will last. About Mission Matters: At Mission Matters we amplify stories for Entrepreneurs, Executives and Experts. Our host and Co Founder, Adam Torres has interviewed 6,000+ guests and hosts 8 shows. At the heart of our media brand is a want to help professionals cut th ...
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Sean Knierim on Cross-Sector Solutions and the Power of Resilient Communities
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15:02In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Sean Knierim, Founder & Partner at SidePorch. Sean discusses how SidePorch supports leaders across sectors in tackling global challenges, and shares the story behind Shared Ground—a podcast born from personal loss and focused on community resilience and healing. This interview is part of the M…
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How Phoenix Tailings is Transforming Rare Earth Refining in the U.S.
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9:48In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Nicholas Myers, CEO & Co-Founder of Phoenix Tailings. They discuss the company’s pioneering work in clean rare earth metals refining, the strategic importance of critical minerals, and how innovation—not just excavation—will power the next industrial revolution. This interview is part of t…
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Nigeria’s SEC Chief Emomotimi Agama on Reforming Capital Markets and Investor Protection
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16:49In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. They discuss Nigeria’s new Investment and Securities Act of 2025, the importance of regulatory clarity, combating financial fraud, and preparing Nigeria’s capital markets for the digital future. This interview…
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Daniel Newman on the AI Infrastructure Boom and What Keeps CEOs Up at Night
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17:29In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, live from the Milken Global Conference in Beverly Hills. Daniel shares insights from advising 100+ major tech CEOs and explores how AI, geopolitics, and data centers are converging to reshape the global economy—and what that means for business leaders t…
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Elen Asatryan on Representation, Resilience, and Leading Glendale with Purpose
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8:35In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Elen Asatryan, Mayor of Glendale, during the Girls Power Network event in Beverly Hills. Elen shares how her passion for impact—not politics—led her to office and how she's using her platform to amplify women’s voices, dismantle bias, and lead meaningful change in local government. Follow Adam…
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Alicia Hanf on Building Ecosystems That Empower Underserved Founders
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5:55In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Alicia Hanf, Head of Partnerships at LG NOVA, live from the Girls Power Network event in Beverly Hills. Alicia shares her journey from military veteran to venture builder, and how she’s helping shape inclusive innovation ecosystems—first through Dear Mama Ventures and now at LG’s North Ame…
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Stacy Phillips on Using Her Voice to Empower Women and Build Community
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8:17In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Stacy Phillips, Partner at Blank Rome LLP, at the Girls Power Network event in Beverly Hills. Stacy shares her journey from top-tier family law attorney to podcast host of Stacy Phillips and Friends, where she leads authentic conversations on empowerment, wellness, and personal growth. Dis…
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David Rivero on Building Monetize Talks and Creating Deal-Driven Communities
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10:39In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews David Rivero, Founder of Monetize Talks, live from a vibrant Girls Power Network event in Beverly Hills. David shares how his monthly events are uniting entrepreneurs to connect, grow, and close real business—while also reflecting on his journey from first-gen Bolivian-American roots to becomi…
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Episode 14: Quick Hits - Defining Resilience, Finding Hope with Drew, Anuj and Lisa
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7:24Send us a text What does resilience actually mean - and where do we find it? We recorded a series of special episodes at a recent gathering focused on rebuilding to insurable standards in Altadena and the Palisades. Sean sits down with three thoughtful leaders working across architecture, energy infrastructure, and philanthropy: Drew Pedrick (MCTIG…
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Turning Stories Into Six Figures: Christopher Kai’s $1M Speaker Blueprint
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5:50In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Christopher Kai, Founder of The GPS Program, GifterX Talks, and The Manthem Group. Live from Monetize Talks in Beverly Hills, Christopher shares his $1M Speaker Blueprint, helping entrepreneurs craft personal, professional, and client stories that convert—and build six-figure businesses by …
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Stephen Meade on Green Bonds, Blockchain Exchanges, and Building Strategic Wealth
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12:52In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Stephen Meade, Founder of Big Bamboo LLC, about his work in high-level finance—from facilitating a $16B green bond deal to building a blockchain-powered digital stock exchange. Stephen unpacks his “Bullseye Belief” system and explains why helping others succeed through strategic alignment is h…
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How Linda Kim Scaled an Airbnb Arbitrage Business from Tech to Real Estate Success
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6:04In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Linda Kim, Real Estate Entrepreneur at Olive Gold Properties, about how she launched and scaled her Airbnb arbitrage business. Linda shares her journey from tech to real estate, why she chose mentorship, and how she’s expanding into new markets like Texas. Follow Adam on Instagram at https:…
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From Facebook to Meta: Jess Lewis on the Power of Purposeful Rebrands
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11:51In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Jess Lewis, CEO of The Rebrand, live from Monetize Talks in Beverly Hills. Jess recounts her leadership role in Meta’s historic rebrand, lessons from her time at Netflix and Meta, and how she now empowers founders to align brand with evolving vision—not ego. Follow Adam on Instagram at https:/…
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How Vito Glazers Built a $1M PR Empire by Telling the Stories That Get Ignored
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9:22In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Vito Glazers, CEO of Glazers Media, live from the Monetize Talks event in Beverly Hills. Vito reveals how he helps clients unlock massive growth by owning their narrative, leveraging PR, and scaling with independent content. His mission? Amplifying voices overlooked by traditional media and he…
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Alexis Hatchett on Why Hollywood Isn’t Bouncing Back and Where Stories Still Thrive
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18:17In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Alexis Hatchett, Creative Executive at Queens Collective Media (in association with Blue Shore Films). From the ripple effects of Hollywood's production stall to the rise of female-led documentaries, Alexis sheds light on the industry's transformation and her mission to spotlight voices that m…
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Don Howard on Empowering Low-Income Workers After Disasters
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15:50In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation, during the Milken Global Conference. They discuss how wildfires affect California’s low-wage workforce and the foundation’s mission to empower workers through opportunity, training, and inclusive community rebuilding. This interview…
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Episode 13: Coffee, Kindness, and the Long Haul with Jon Seidman
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37:42Send us a text When disaster strikes, who shows up? And who keeps showing up after the headlines fade? In this episode of Shared Ground, Venice resident Jon Seidman joins Allan and Sean to talk about the quiet, enduring work of recovery after the Los Angeles fires. We decided to release this on the 6-month anniversary of the January fires - listen …
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Preparing Students for an AI Future: Alex Kotran on Education and Economic Readiness
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14:19In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Alex Kotran, CEO & Founder of The AI Education Project (aiEDU). Together, they discuss how K–12 education must adapt to equip students with real-world AI readiness—not just literacy—and why that distinction matters now more than ever. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference cove…
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Leading the Fight Against IBD: Michael Osso on Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness
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18:13In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Michael Osso, President and CEO of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, at the Milken Global Conference. They discuss the growing impact of IBD, advances in treatment, and how the foundation supports patients and accelerates research toward a cure. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.ins…
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Valeria Sweet on Acting, Mental Health, and Her Upcoming Film 51/50
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7:17In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Valeria Sweet, actress and filmmaker, about her lead role in 51/50, a psychological feature film in production. Recorded at Cinequest in San Jose, the conversation explores Valeria’s approach to portraying mental illness with authenticity, her collaborative work on the script, and the personal…
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Sean McCarthy on Directing with Grit, Humor, and Creative Curiosity
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14:35In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Sean McCarthy, award-winning filmmaker and founder of Gorilla Wanderers, about his lifelong journey in storytelling. From filming 80 shorts in high school to launching the comedy series Doucheaholics, Sean shares insights on building a creative career through curiosity, discipline, and authent…
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Phillip Andre Botello on Finding Heart in Becoming Vera
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6:24In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Phillip Andre Botello, actor in Becoming Vera, a heartfelt underdog story centered on a gifted foster youth. Speaking from Cinequest Film Festival, Botello shares how the script moved him, his character’s mentor role, and his ongoing love for festivals that uplift emerging artists and authenti…
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Meghan McCormick on Building Africa’s Fintech Backbone for Small Business Growth
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12:53In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Meghan McCormick, Co-Founder & CEO of Oze, on how her fintech platform is empowering Africa’s small businesses with smart tools and access to fair capital. From founding West Africa’s first business accelerator to leading Oze’s expansion across the continent, Meghan’s mission is to turn su…
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Fighting for Freedom: Oleksandra Matviichuk on Human Rights and Justice in Ukraine
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12:20In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres speaks with Oleksandra Matviichuk, Chairwoman of the Center for Civil Liberties, about her powerful mission documenting war crimes and defending human dignity amid Russia’s war on Ukraine. From founding the organization to challenging authoritarianism globally, Oleksandra calls for a renewed commitment t…
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Boris Eykher on Using AI and Strategy to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains
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15:26In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Boris Eykher, CEO & Founder of Open Mineral, about how his company is modernizing commodity trading through technology, risk management, and logistics. The conversation highlights how AI and pragmatic strategy can improve access to critical minerals while supporting producers in emerging marke…
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Jason Snyder on Building Ethical AI That Respects Human Judgment and Consent
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12:00In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Jason Snyder, Co-Founder of SuperTruth, who explains how AI is shifting from a productivity tool to a core decision-making infrastructure. Jason shares his vision for designing AI systems that respect authorship, consent, and human values—especially in healthcare, hiring, and marketing. A must…
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Ancient Wisdom Meets Business Innovation: Csaba Lucas on Transformative Leadership
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31:10In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Csaba Lucas, a renowned business advisor and entrepreneur, on his unique journey blending tribal wisdom, regenerative technologies, and leadership strategy. From mentoring Wall Street leaders to reshaping modern entrepreneurship, Csaba delivers a profound look at what it truly means to lead. F…
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Building Luxury with Purpose: How Nancy Gale Blends Fashion and Impact
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27:01In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Nancy Gale, founder of JAMAH, a luxury handbag brand, and AMBITION, a nonprofit for disadvantaged youth. Nancy shares how her entrepreneurial journey combines high fashion with social good, creating a powerful model of purpose-driven business that redefines luxury. Follow Adam on Instagram at …
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Metta World Peace on Championing Mental Health and Building Purpose-Driven Ventures
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32:52In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Metta World Peace, Founder of Artest Management Group and Co-CEO of XvsXSports, on his evolution from NBA legend to entrepreneur and mental health advocate. From championship highs to building companies with purpose, Metta shares a powerful story of resilience and reinvention. Follow Adam on I…
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From Prison to Purpose: Carlos Vasquez’s Journey to Impactful Leadership
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28:08In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Carlos Vasquez, Founder & CEO of How To Battle, about his extraordinary journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship. Carlos shares how faith, education, and mentorship helped him overcome a 17-year prison sentence—and how he now uses those experiences to train leaders, coach youth, and insp…
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Dina LaPolt on Fighting for Artist Rights and Reforming Entertainment Law
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20:07In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Dina LaPolt, Founder of LaPolt Law, P.C., about her journey from musician to powerhouse attorney. Dina shares how her advocacy and activism led to landmark legislation and a bold new chapter with her book, podcast, and media venture. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askada…
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Jim Ellis on Leadership, Legacy, and the Global Rise of USC Marshall
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35:26In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres speaks with Jim Ellis, former Dean of the Marshall School of Business at USC, about his unexpected journey to academic leadership, the power of saying yes, and building global influence through education. The conversation spotlights his mission of mentorship, philanthropy, and helping students realize th…
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Calvin Cooper on AI, Capital Access & Driving America’s Techno-Industrial Future
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16:51In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Calvin Cooper, Advisor at The Milken Institute, Partner at Pilot Wave Holdings, and Co-founder at NeuroMetric.AI. Cooper breaks down the need to democratize private capital, close the AI performance gap, and empower local economies—all while aligning tech innovation with national policy for a …
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How Instacart Health Is Transforming Access to Nutrition with Tech and Purpose
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15:40In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Sarah Mastrorocco, VP & GM of Instacart Health at Instacart, to discuss how the company is merging technology with public health. From personalized AI-powered grocery experiences to nutrition stipends for expectant mothers, Sarah explains how Instacart is reimagining access to nutritious food …
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From Hustle to Legacy: How Scott A. Chaplan Built a Real Estate Empire with Purpose
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28:14In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, host Adam Torres welcomes back Scott A. Chaplan, Executive Chairman of Del Rey Urban and one of the original contributors to the Mission Matters book series. From his entrepreneurial roots in Los Angeles to leading a nationally expanding real estate investment firm, Scott reflects on the grit, creativ…
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Angela Rodell on Navigating Sovereign Wealth and Energy Innovation from Alaska
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13:42In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Angela Rodell, Principal at Rodell Consulting, during the Milken Global Conference 2025. Angela shares insights from her time leading the Alaska Permanent Fund and her current mission to support large-scale infrastructure and energy projects through strategic capital consulting. Follow Adam on…
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The Energy of Wellbeing: Estela Barraza on Fueling Leadership from Within
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12:03In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Estela Barraza, Award-winning Well-being Keynote Speaker and CEO of Estelaire, as part of the Power Up Conference “Take the Lead” series. Estela shares her five-part Energy of Wellbeing framework, explains why energy should be treated as a business strategy—not just a perk—and offers tangible …
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Transforming AI Infrastructure: Simeon Bochev on Building the Future of Compute
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15:05In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Simeon Bochev, CEO and Co-Founder of Compute Exchange, about the explosive growth of AI infrastructure and the urgent need for transparency in computing resources. From leading AI initiatives at Apple to founding a startup tackling inefficiencies in compute marketplaces, Simeon shares his m…
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Championing Immigrant Stories: Jannelle So-Perkins on Building Purposeful Media Platforms
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13:08In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Jannelle So-Perkins, CEO & Executive Producer at Jannelle So Productions, Inc., about her mission to spotlight immigrant stories and create meaningful representation in media. From launching the longest-running Filipino talk show outside the Philippines to producing hundreds of interviews, …
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Mongolia on the Move: Creative Economy, Tourism, and Tech at the Milken Global Conference
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26:15In this Mission Matters episode hosted by Adam Torres at the Milken Global Conference 2025, we spotlight Mongolia’s economic and cultural evolution with four influential voices: Nomin Chinbat, Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia; Namuun Battulga, CEO of Jenko Tour, JSC and Igo Hotel and Resorts; Daniel Kang, Founder of Berify…
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Episode 12: Finding Strength, Together, with Andrew King
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35:56Send us a text What does it take to rebuild - not just homes, but a whole community - after disaster? When 90-mile-per-hour winds swept through Los Angeles County this January, fires devastated neighborhoods in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In the aftermath, thousands of families faced the impossible: starting over. Among them was Andrew King, a …
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Kate Laurence on Building a Blockchain VC Fund and Leading Web3 Innovation
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13:49This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the Milken Institute for inviting us to cover the conference.In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Kate Laurence, CEO of Bloccelerate (BC VC), about her journey from enterprise research to launching a blockchain-focused venture fun…
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Craig Wichner on Profitable Regenerative Farming and the Future of Farmland LP
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17:28This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the Milken Institute for inviting us to cover the conferenceIn this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Craig Wichner, Founder and Managing Partner at Farmland LP, to explore how regenerative farming can be both profitable and plan…
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Preserving Legacies: Vijay Aiyar on Guiding Family Businesses Through Generational Change
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9:37In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Vijay Aiyar, Head of Underwriting at White Knight Capital, about how his team partners with family-owned businesses to manage generational transitions. Through strategic investment and advisory, White Knight helps ensure these businesses thrive well into the future. Follow Adam on Instagram…
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Client-First Finance: Shupto Mahbub on the Future of Boutique Advisory Firms
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7:28In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Shupto Mahbub, Co-Founder of MatrixMindz Financial Consultants, live from the Original Mixer in Los Angeles. Shupto shares insights into his boutique firm’s innovative Managed Accounting Solutions, a client-first, subscription-based model that brings hands-on support to small and mid-market co…
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A New Era in Aerospace Media: George Greenberg and the Rise of FLYT
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10:12In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews George Greenberg, CEO & Co-Founder of FLYT, about building a streaming platform dedicated to aviation and aerospace. With a background in launching iconic TV networks, George explains why now is the perfect time to create a digital hub for a global and passionate community. Follow Adam on I…
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Eric Dawson on Fueling Youth-Led Innovation Through Microgrants and Mentorship
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15:49On this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Eric Dawson, CEO & Co-Founder of RIVET, about building a global microfinancing platform that gives young people the capital and mentorship they need to create change today—not someday. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on b…
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From Nurse to Founder: David Sanchez's Journey to Redemptive Impact and Ethical Marketing
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17:34On this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews David Sanchez, Founder of Digitalis, about his journey from ER nursing to building a faith-based recovery nonprofit and a healthcare marketing agency. David shares hard-won lessons on business ethics, purpose, and scaling with intention. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com…
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How Amir Barsoum Is Redefining Startup Success with AI and Capital Efficiency
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8:26In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Amir Barsoum, Founder & CEO of InVitro Capital, about how his venture studio is changing the way startups are built. Focused on AI and service-based businesses, Amir shares why the traditional VC model is broken—and how his approach unlocks smarter, faster growth. Follow Adam on Instagram a…
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How Monica Challingsworth Is Reinventing Hospitality with Pickleball and Community Dining
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9:34In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Monica Challingsworth, Co-Founder of Dink & Dine Pickle Park, about the innovative concept launching in Mesa, Arizona. Monica shares her journey in the hospitality industry and how she’s using her experience to create a space where people can gather, play, eat, and connect—all in one welcom…
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