https://simplecast.com On The Founder Factor, we’ll bring you behind the scenes with South Carolina's most impactful entrepreneurs so that you can discover the strategies, ideas, and mindsets you need to unlock your next business breakthrough. Brought to you by Designli (South Carolina's top-rated app development firm) and Word of Web (your partner in website strategy and design). 2022 The Founder Factor en Wed, 5 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 Wed, 5 Jul 2023 10:00:12 +0000 https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/7a9ff28c-b611-40ca-866b-5764055cadc8/bbe6dc4d-3181-4e83-be19-b764feb02286/3000x3000/primary-color-navy-background.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com episodic On The Founder Factor, we’ll bring you behind the scenes with South Carolina's most impactful entrepreneurs so that you can discover the strategies, ideas, and mindsets you need to unlock your next business breakthrough. Brought to you by Designli (South Carolina's top-rated app development firm) and Word of Web (your partner in website strategy and design). Designli, Word of Web no https://feeds.simplecast.com/kXicMdYS business, ceo, entrepreneurship, factor, founder, hustle, inspiration, startups Designli hello@designli.co c73cb5b6-8979-41d1-aede-7f8f6f119f0a Wed, 5 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-16-stop-guarding-the-door-goeff-wasserman-ceo-and-founder-of-the-brand-leader-5KX1U8RT Episode 16 - Stop Guarding the Door: Goeff Wasserman, CEO and Founder of The Brand Leader Designli 00:52:22 "We will never sacrifice a person for a dollar." Geoff Wasserman has lived by these words at The Brand Leader for over 24 years. In today's episode, Geoff shares his biggest inside tip to being a sucessful leader: stop guarding the door. For Geoff, this meant being financially tranparent with his staff and giving them permission to make mistakes, change roles, and leave when they are ready. Improving quality of life for a diverse staff community at work ultimately contributed to The Brand Leader's long standing success. "We will never sacrifice a person for a dollar." Geoff Wasserman has lived by these words at The Brand Leader for over 24 years. In today's episode, Geoff shares his biggest inside tip to being a sucessful leader: stop guarding the door. For Geoff, this meant being financially tranparent with his staff and giving them permission to make mistakes, change roles, and leave when they are ready. Improving quality of life for a diverse staff community at work ultimately contributed to The Brand Leader's long standing success. no full 16 8b01a73f-08d6-452a-bccc-d1f5035192f2 Wed, 7 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-15-relinquishing-control-and-leading-with-intentionality-marty-osborn-managing-director-of-accenture-vTKW2Ti7 Episode 15 - Relinquishing Control and Leading with Intentionality: Marty Osborn, Managing Director of Accenture Designli 00:39:10 Love and business aren't often mentioned in the same sentence. In this episode, Marty Osborn breaks down this stereotype, expressing the love he has for his employees, customers, and company. He reveals that cultivating a caring and considerate culture in the workplace is what ultimately drove the financial sucess of his businesses. In this episode, discover how stepping up as a successful, entrepreneurial leader means understanding who your employees are as individuals, and relinquishing control to let them grow. Love and business aren't often mentioned in the same sentence. In this episode, Marty Osborn breaks down this stereotype, expressing the love he has for his employees, customers, and company. He reveals that cultivating a caring and considerate culture in the workplace is what ultimately drove the financial sucess of his businesses. In this episode, discover how stepping up as a successful, entrepreneurial leader means understanding who your employees are as individuals, and relinquishing control to let them grow. no full 15 b3d1e0bd-3463-4f55-b036-0cb49ffafb6f Wed, 3 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-14-staying-centered-throughout-change-brandy-amidon-co-president-of-brains-on-fire-olIrYgo_ Episode 14 - Staying Centered Throughout Change: Brandy Amidon, Co-President of Brains on Fire Designli 00:30:54 Some people are destined for jobs they never expected to have. With an accounting background, Brandy Amidon never thought she would be a co-president of a creative agency. But year after year, as the company grew, her skillset was just what it needed to adapt to an ever changing market. Amidon discusses her opinion on what being a leader means, how to stay calm and focused during times of change, and how to rely on others to make the whole team better. Some people are destined for jobs they never expected to have. With an accounting background, Brandy Amidon never thought she would be a co-president of a creative agency. But year after year, as the company grew, her skillset was just what it needed to adapt to an ever changing market. Amidon discusses her opinion on what being a leader means, how to stay calm and focused during times of change, and how to rely on others to make the whole team better. no full 14 9a72a76d-dc41-470b-98e7-809885fcf584 Wed, 5 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-13-selling-services-instead-of-products-designli-founders-keith-shields-josh-tucker-ZHNgzK38 Episode 13 - Selling Services instead of Products: Designli Founders Keith Shields & Josh Tucker Designli 00:40:11 Many people unconsciously think about startups as a company selling a product... but what if you are selling your time and knowledge? Scaling a service company looks different than commodifying a product. Josh Tucker & Keith Shields of Designli chat through the pros, cons, and paths to growth they experienced while growing their software development business. Many people unconsciously think about startups as a company selling a product... but what if you are selling your time and knowledge? Scaling a service company looks different than commodifying a product. Josh Tucker & Keith Shields of Designli chat through the pros, cons, and paths to growth they experienced while growing their software development business. no full 13 9c7f8bb5-2d3f-4ede-9faa-4a6bdbbe3bcc Wed, 1 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-12-from-neuroscience-to-ux-to-entrepreneurship-caroline-jennings-founder-of-word-of-web-A2IaftVl Episode 12 - From Neuroscience, to UX, to Entrepreneurship: Caroline Jennings, Founder of Word of Web Designli 00:29:38 In this special episode, you get to learn more about your host, Caroline Jennings. Having studied psychology and neuroscience in school, Caroline never dreamed of starting her own business. But when her web design hobby grew into something bigger, she decided to embrace the entrepreneurial path and launch her business full-time. Discover Caroline's journey with Word of Web – and her successes, challenges, and learnings along the way. In this special episode, you get to learn more about your host, Caroline Jennings. Having studied psychology and neuroscience in school, Caroline never dreamed of starting her own business. But when her web design hobby grew into something bigger, she decided to embrace the entrepreneurial path and launch her business full-time. Discover Caroline's journey with Word of Web – and her successes, challenges, and learnings along the way. no full 12 344468cf-cb1d-4755-931d-2eed51c41477 Wed, 1 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-11-professional-cyclist-to-entrepreneur-nicole-johnson-co-founder-of-boyd-cycling-mlwJZny6 Episode 11 - Professional Cyclist to Entrepreneur: Nicole Johnson, Co-Founder of Boyd Cycling Designli 00:23:08 When Nicole Johnson and her husband co-founded Boyd Cycling back in 2009, they had no idea it would become as successful as it is today. In this episode, Nicole dives into the importance of leveraging your network, the art of creating a work environment that people enjoy, and the resilience required to navigate big business challenges. When Nicole Johnson and her husband co-founded Boyd Cycling back in 2009, they had no idea it would become as successful as it is today. In this episode, Nicole dives into the importance of leveraging your network, the art of creating a work environment that people enjoy, and the resilience required to navigate big business challenges. no full 11 5838b024-23f5-44fb-ba8e-c40ed2442c29 Wed, 4 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-10-you-cant-learn-to-drive-from-a-parked-car-didi-caldwell-president-and-founding-principal-at-global-location-strategies-and-global-location-technologies-DiL0CaLg Episode 10 - You Can't Learn to Drive from a Parked Car: Didi Caldwell, President and Founder at GLS Designli 00:24:09 In 2008, Didi Caldwell decided to make an offer to buy out the financial firm she had been working for. To her shock, amazement, and horror, they accepted her offer – and that's how Global Location Strategies was born. In this episode, Didi discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of optimism and delusion and working hard to mitigate risk without being paralyzed by fear. In addition, she explains her team's journey to creating a technology business – Global Location Technologies – to complement their core consulting business. In 2008, Didi Caldwell decided to make an offer to buy out the financial firm she had been working for. To her shock, amazement, and horror, they accepted her offer – and that's how Global Location Strategies was born. In this episode, Didi discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of optimism and delusion and working hard to mitigate risk without being paralyzed by fear. In addition, she explains her team's journey to creating a technology business – Global Location Technologies – to complement their core consulting business. no full 10 57457353-fc40-4c76-8c80-28d5133af51c Wed, 7 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-9-breaking-the-mold-kenzie-biggins-visionary-and-founder-ceo-at-worxbee-T7OtF387 Episode 9 - Breaking the Mold: Kenzie Biggins, Visionary and Founder/CEO at WorxBee Designli 00:29:34 Kenzie Biggins and her business, WorxBee, are living proof that not every company has to be a tech company to be successful and scale. In this episode, Kenzie shares her experiences with raising money as a services business and navigating the double standards she's faced as a black female founder. Additionally, she opens up about learning to leverage her dyslexia as a superpower and getting comfortable sitting in discomfort. Kenzie Biggins and her business, WorxBee, are living proof that not every company has to be a tech company to be successful and scale. In this episode, Kenzie shares her experiences with raising money as a services business and navigating the double standards she's faced as a black female founder. Additionally, she opens up about learning to leverage her dyslexia as a superpower and getting comfortable sitting in discomfort. no full 9 d6ed573b-fcce-4dbc-9569-edcdd4415a07 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-8-finding-the-right-kind-of-support-peter-micali-startup-success-program-manager-at-next-kiWhWd7R Episode 8 - Finding the Right Kind of Support: Peter Micali, Startup Success Program Manager at NEXT Designli 00:25:23 Having worked with dozens of entrepreneurs throughout his career, Peter Micali has seen all of the peaks and valleys they experience. He even felt a few of them himself as the co-founder of a nutrition company in Boston. In today's episode, Peter offers advice on some of the most common challenges entrepreneurs experience – like finding the right mentors, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning how to leverage your personal story. Having worked with dozens of entrepreneurs throughout his career, Peter Micali has seen all of the peaks and valleys they experience. He even felt a few of them himself as the co-founder of a nutrition company in Boston. In today's episode, Peter offers advice on some of the most common challenges entrepreneurs experience – like finding the right mentors, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning how to leverage your personal story. no full 8 c22db469-5432-41bc-b570-a975dac2b8af Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-7-the-entrepreneurial-disease-michael-mino-entrepreneurial-ecosystem-builder-XfQeoM4g Episode 7 - The Entrepreneurial Disease: Michael Mino, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder Designli 00:29:26 As a serial entrepreneur, NEXT mentor, and Professor at Clemson's MBA program, Michael Mino knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship. Tune in to today's episode of The Founder Factor to hear Michael's perspective on when, if ever, to bring on a business partner, how to get started as a first-time entrepreneur (whether you have an idea or not), and deciding on what kind of business suits your lifestyle and stage of life. As a serial entrepreneur, NEXT mentor, and Professor at Clemson's MBA program, Michael Mino knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship. Tune in to today's episode of The Founder Factor to hear Michael's perspective on when, if ever, to bring on a business partner, how to get started as a first-time entrepreneur (whether you have an idea or not), and deciding on what kind of business suits your lifestyle and stage of life. no full 7 3ea207c7-41fb-45c2-82a2-daa02984a6b2 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-6-building-a-human-based-business-paige-mcpheely-founder-and-ceo-at-base-yZnvS_Rw Episode 6 - Building a Human-Based Business: Paige McPheely, Founder and CEO at Base Designli 00:34:25 As one of the few women in venture-backed tech, Paige McPheely has worked hard to figure out how to stay authentic to who she is and what she cares about while also 'playing the game' effectively. In today's episode, we dig into how Paige has built her remote executive assistant business, Base, in a way that prioritizes 'being human' first. Plus, she offers some tips on fundraising and how to weather a potential recession. As one of the few women in venture-backed tech, Paige McPheely has worked hard to figure out how to stay authentic to who she is and what she cares about while also 'playing the game' effectively. In today's episode, we dig into how Paige has built her remote executive assistant business, Base, in a way that prioritizes 'being human' first. Plus, she offers some tips on fundraising and how to weather a potential recession. no full 6 b482b21b-494f-4c0e-93aa-ae230cfac53d Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-5-no-ifs-ands-or-buts-scott-millwood-founder-at-yesflow-and-next-jOr_4WkM Episode 5 - No Ifs, Ands, or Buts: Scott Millwood, Founder at Yesflow and NEXT Designli 00:31:28 Scott Millwood knows his way around entrepreneurship: from founding several companies of his own to mentoring up-and-coming entrepreneurs through NEXT. Join us as we dig into Scott's perspective on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and learn his tips on how to plug into South Carolina's entrepreneurial support network. Scott Millwood knows his way around entrepreneurship: from founding several companies of his own to mentoring up-and-coming entrepreneurs through NEXT. Join us as we dig into Scott's perspective on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and learn his tips on how to plug into South Carolina's entrepreneurial support network. no full 5 a19e51de-5df7-4dee-beca-6bf0fed9a757 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-4-mastering-the-science-of-growth-ryan-johnston-and-ryan-heafy-co-founders-of-6am-city-C76KeNtL Episode 4 - Mastering the Science of Growth: Ryan Johnston and Ryan Heafy, Co-Founders of 6AM City Designli 00:46:03 Scale is always scary, but that's never stopped Ryan Johnston and Ryan Heafy, Co-Founders of 6AM City. The hyper-local media company expanded from 7 cities to 24 in just nine months, more than tripling the size of its team and subscriber base. In this episode of The Founder Factor, we dive into the growing pains of scaling, and how the Ryans have navigated each new obstacle and opportunity. Scale is always scary, but that's never stopped Ryan Johnston and Ryan Heafy, Co-Founders of 6AM City. The hyper-local media company expanded from 7 cities to 24 in just nine months, more than tripling the size of its team and subscriber base. In this episode of The Founder Factor, we dive into the growing pains of scaling, and how the Ryans have navigated each new obstacle and opportunity. no full 4 6d6cb13a-91cb-4fd0-bc21-06a007ab1043 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-3-breaking-the-mold-lelia-king-executive-director-at-build-carolina-JJO9aOUl Episode 3 - Breaking the Mold: Lelia King, Executive Director at Build Carolina Designli 00:34:04 Four years ago, Lelia King, Executive Director at Build Carolina, didn't even consider herself an entrepreneur because she didn't fit the typical mold. Now, she realizes there is no mold – and that's what makes entrepreneurship so exciting. In this episode, Lelia tells us about how she has learned to overcome Imposter Syndrome, navigate uncertainty, and give herself permission to go and try something new. Four years ago, Lelia King, Executive Director at Build Carolina, didn't even consider herself an entrepreneur because she didn't fit the typical mold. Now, she realizes there is no mold – and that's what makes entrepreneurship so exciting. In this episode, Lelia tells us about how she has learned to overcome Imposter Syndrome, navigate uncertainty, and give herself permission to go and try something new. no full 3 69d27e54-bf78-4b69-bfc6-37df9679e6c6 Mon, 6 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-2-clarity-creates-confidence-jenna-spencer-founder-and-visionary-at-assistpro-MqWPKZD_ Episode 2 - Clarity Creates Confidence: Jenna Spencer, Founder and Visionary at AssistPro Designli 00:20:25 It wasn't until Jenna Spencer started taking time away from her virtual assistant company that the business really began to grow. Eight years and $5MM later, she still gives herself the rest and space she needs to guide AssistPro in the right direction. In this episode, we explore Jenna's approach to balancing work satisfaction with personal goals, and resisting the pressure to work around the clock. It wasn't until Jenna Spencer started taking time away from her virtual assistant company that the business really began to grow. Eight years and $5MM later, she still gives herself the rest and space she needs to guide AssistPro in the right direction. In this episode, we explore Jenna's approach to balancing work satisfaction with personal goals, and resisting the pressure to work around the clock. no full 2 26acbbb4-c472-45e2-9ea3-63853f6b6914 Wed, 18 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-1-zigging-when-everybodys-zagging-austin-jones-co-founder-at-daedalus-industrial-JGUrR_gx Episode 1 - Zigging When Everybody's Zagging: Austin Jones, Co-Founder at Daedalus Industrial Designli 00:26:15 You don't hear about many entrepreneurs who were kicked out of college. But that's exactly what instilled Austin Jones, Co-Founder of Daedalus Industrial, with one of his biggest superpowers: being okay with failing big and knowing how to come back from it. In this episode, we explore Austin's unconventional path to success and learn how some pretty crazy risks made all the difference – in his life and his business. You don't hear about many entrepreneurs who were kicked out of college. But that's exactly what instilled Austin Jones, Co-Founder of Daedalus Industrial, with one of his biggest superpowers: being okay with failing big and knowing how to come back from it. In this episode, we explore Austin's unconventional path to success and learn how some pretty crazy risks made all the difference – in his life and his business. no full 1 ce1b8806-ba57-4606-bfaa-b2b2c8d8a4f1 Thu, 5 May 2022 14:49:32 +0000 hello@designli.co (Designli) https://the-founder-factor.simplecast.com/episodes/welcome-to-the-founder-factor-qbDOwIye Welcome to The Founder Factor Designli 00:00:48 Welcome to The Founder Factor, where we’ll take you behind the scenes with South Carolina's most impactful entrepreneurs so that you can discover the strategies, ideas, and mindsets you need to unlock your next business breakthrough. Brought to you by Designli (South Carolina's top-rated app development firm) and Word of Web (your partner in website strategy and design). Welcome to The Founder Factor, where we’ll take you behind the scenes with South Carolina's most impactful entrepreneurs so that you can discover the strategies, ideas, and mindsets you need to unlock your next business breakthrough. Brought to you by Designli (South Carolina's top-rated app development firm) and Word of Web (your partner in website strategy and design). no full 0