Ep. 49 - Todd Anderson, Vice President - Engineering and CTO at PHINIA ABOUT TODD ANDERSON: "I am a relationship-focused, analytical, and entrepreneurial executive with a 20+-year track record in delivering growth and profitability across global and multi-site operations, and a background spanning global operations, P&L management, product innovation and commercialization, mergers and acquisitions, and engineering. Over the years, I’ve become known for my highly collaborative, values-based servant leadership that leverages talent development and team/culture-building to derive results. I am also known for my ability to make the hard decisions needed to move the business forward, while consistently treating team members, suppliers, customers and partners with dignity and respect. Specialties: Forward-thinking Leadership | Listening and Responding to the Customer | P&L Management (to $380M) | Global Organizations (1,400 FTEs) | Strategic M&A/Carve-Outs | Product Innovation & Commercialization | Culture-Building | Galvanizing Stakeholders to Deliver | Industrial & Manufacturing | Transportation" https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddlarryanderson/ ABOUT PHINIA: "PHINIA is a global, market-leading premium solutions and components provider, with over 100 years of manufacturing expertise and industry relationships and a strong brand portfolio that includes DELPHI®, DELCO REMY® and HARTRIDGE®. At PHINIA, sustainability is embedded in our values and our approach to meeting the needs of our customers, including the use of advanced technologies to explore new possibilities for internal combustion to power the transition to a cleaner tomorrow. Across commercial vehicles and industrial applications (heavy duty and medium-duty trucks, off-highway construction, marine, aviation, and agricultural) and light vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, vans, and sport-utility), we develop fuel systems, electrical systems, and aftermarket solutions keeping vehicles and industrial applications running for longer and slowing the need for replacement parts. This approach, combined with our remanufacturing programs, support our circular model of sustainable mobility. We are also investing in alternative fuel technologies that offer the potential for enhanced sustainability. Fuels like hydrogen, ethanol, and methanol have the power to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, and we will continue to explore and serve as leaders in the pursuit of carbon-neutral and carbon-free solutions. PHINIA: Advancing sustainability today, to power a cleaner tomorrow." ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Email foundersascent@gmail.com for all business inquiries (including sponsorship, collaboration, and being a part of our next discussion)

Ep. 48 - John Kennelly Jr., Serial Entrepreneur, Founder of F3 Collective, Cofounder of Magistrate and B8ta, Strategic Advisor to Gatherly Virtual Events ABOUT JOHN KENNELLY: "Dynamic storyteller offering 13+ years of experience leading key growth initiatives with a passion for the technology and Software as a Service (SaaS) industries. Known as an expert in helping business tell the right story, to the right customer, in the right channels. Hands-on, flexible, and committed with a proven progressive career reflecting strong management and sales experience that builds and leads motivated sales organizations. Highly praised for work ethic, problem-solving skills, and integrity." https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkennellyjr/ https://funfairfast.com/ ABOUT B8TA: "b8ta was a software-powered retailer designed to improve the customer and maker experience. We helped people discover, try, and learn about new innovative products while empowering makers with a simple retail-as-a-service model that puts them in control. Sadly, in 2020 we made the tough decision to cease US operations. We hope you visit a b8ta store in Tokyo or Dubai!" https://www.linkedin.com/company/b8ta/ ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Email foundersascent@gmail.com for all business inquiries (including sponsorship, collaboration, and being a part of our next discussion) Learn How to Become an Entrepreneur Learn How to Become a Leader Learn How to Goal Set Learn How to Build Wealth Learn How to Make Money Learn How to Get Rich Learn How to Earn Money While You Sleep Learn How to Live a Life You Love Learn What is Accountability in Business Learn What is Specific Knowledge Learn What is Leverage Learn How to Use Code to Get Rich Learn How to Use Media to Get Rich Learn How to Use Capital to Get Rich Learn How to Use Labor to Get Rich Learn How to Invest Learn How to Think About Business Learn How to Start a Business Learn How to Become Successful Learn How to Accomplish Your Goals Learn How to Become Financially Free Learn How to Coding can Make You Rich Learn How to Get Rich from Your Podcast

Ep. 47 - Armando Vera Carvajal, CEO/Co-Founder at Hangtight In this episode of Founder's Ascent, we dive into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Armando Vera Carvajal, CEO and Co-Founder of Hangtight, an AI-powered social networking app. From growing his previous venture, Newchip Accelerator, to scaling Hangtight from the ground up, Armando shares key lessons in startup growth, leadership, and innovation he learned from Hangtight and from growing Newchip from zero to seven figures in revenue, expanding the team from 5 to 150+ employees in just 3.5 years. ABOUT ARMANDO: "Howdy! I'm the Co-Founder & CEO at Hangtight, an AI-powered app that is transforming how people come together. Our mobile app streamlines social coordination based on availability, interests, and location, making it effortless for friends to connect. Soon, we'll integrate more advanced AI to reduce many of the other informational asymmetries that create friction between people. With 10+ years of experience in global product development, launch, and management, I lead the vision, strategy, and execution of our company across all area under the guidance of our world-class advisory board and in tandem with my co-founder. Hangtight is now live and available for download on both iOS and Android - so go try it out! Before Hangtight, I co-founded and led the Newchip Accelerator, an online platform that helps entrepreneurs raise funding and scale their businesses, from zero to one. In 3.5 years, we grew our team from 5 to 150+, our customer base from 0 to 3,000+, and our revenue from 0 to seven figures. I also built and managed our global network of mentors and investors, which reached over 7,000 members across 60 countries. As a proud LGBT first-generation immigrant from Mexico City who grew up in McAllen (South Texas), I am passionate about creating positive social impact and fostering inclusive, diverse, and equitable communities that enable the flow and movement of people worldwide. I also speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian. I'm also a Texas Ex and UT Longhorn! I studied international relations and corporate communication at the University of Texas at Austin. Hook 'Em!!" - Armando's LinkedIn Bio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avera1/ Hangtight: https://qrco.de/beHCpj ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Email foundersascent@gmail.com for all business inquiries (including sponsorship, collaboration, and being a part of our next discussion)

Sarah Romanko, LinkedIn Top Voice in Startups & VC, Supporting Underrepresented Founders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahromanko/ ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Email foundersascent@gmail.com for all business inquiries (including sponsorship, collaboration, and being a part of our next discussion) Learn How to Become an Entrepreneur Learn How to Become a Leader Learn How to Goal Set Learn How to Build Wealth Learn How to Make Money Learn How to Get Rich Learn How to Earn Money While You Sleep Learn How to Live a Life You Love Learn What is Accountability in Business Learn What is Specific Knowledge Learn What is Leverage Learn How to Use Code to Get Rich Learn How to Use Media to Get Rich Learn How to Use Capital to Get Rich Learn How to Use Labor to Get Rich Learn How to Invest Learn How to Think About Business Learn How to Start a Business Learn How to Become Successful Learn How to Accomplish Your Goals Learn How to Become Financially Free Learn How to Coding can Make You Rich Learn How to Get Rich from Your Podcast

Ep. 45 - Sameer Ranjan, CTO and Director of Data Science at Catenate ABOUT SAMEER RANJAN: "Traveling from the East to the West, I realized a part of the world where everything is possible, exploring underground metal mining to data mining, being a sportsperson to a nerd, and from being dependent to independent. Life is all about choices and learning from mistakes. I believe this applies to the same with technology, it learns and rectifies itself from hidden hyperparameters. I am creating a world free from judgment and full of knowledge, where balance finds itself and makes people happy in their true selves. There is no space for discrimination and resentment. I am a data scientist, an engineer, a leader, and an awesome speaker if you ever need to listen to something very motivating and a passionate listener if you want to share something. Let's make this world a better place. "- Sameer RanjanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameerranjan009/ABOUT CATENATE:"Catenate’s AI-driven platform aids decision-making at every important node of human life. Our products built over this platform can assist school students to choose the right career, professionals track and improve their soft skills, people manage their well being and individuals make wealth based on their risk profile." Website: http://catenate.io/ ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Email foundersascent@gmail.com for all business inquiries (including sponsorship, collaboration, and being a part of our next discussion) Chapters: 0:00:00 Later in This Episode 0:00:18 Introduction and Background 0:04:03 How Their AI Company Was Born 0:05:33 What Does Catenate.io Do? 0:11:18 Is Any Part of Personality Concrete? 0:14:33 How to Make AI a Force for Good? 0:19:18 Barriers and Failures 0:27:48 Preventing AI Manipulation 0:29:43 Personality Testing 0:32:18 Diversity in Business 0:33:18 The Future of Catenate 0:37:48 The Future of Startups 0:40:18 Supporting the UTD Startup Ecosystem 0:43:18 Rapid Fire Questions Learn How to Become an Entrepreneur Learn How to Become a Leader Learn How to Goal Set Learn How to Build Wealth Learn How to Make Money Learn How to Get Rich Learn How to Earn Money While You Sleep Learn How to Live a Life You Love Learn What is Accountability in Business Learn What is Specific Knowledge Learn What is Leverage Learn How to Use Code to Get Rich Learn How to Use Media to Get Rich Learn How to Use Capital to Get Rich Learn How to Use Labor to Get Rich Learn How to Invest Learn How to Think About Business Learn How to Start a Business Learn How to Become Successful Learn How to Accomplish Your Goals Learn How to Become Financially Free Learn How to Coding can Make You Rich Learn How to Get Rich from Your Podcast

Ep. 44 - BJ & Gavin Strategy Meeting ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Email foundersascent@gmail.com for all business inquiries (including sponsorship, collaboration, and being a part of our next discussion) Learn How to Become an Entrepreneur Learn How to Become a Leader Learn How to Goal Set Learn How to Build Wealth Learn How to Make Money Learn How to Get Rich Learn How to Earn Money While You Sleep Learn How to Live a Life You Love Learn What is Accountability in Business Learn What is Specific Knowledge Learn What is Leverage Learn How to Use Code to Get Rich Learn How to Use Media to Get Rich Learn How to Use Capital to Get Rich Learn How to Use Labor to Get Rich Learn How to Invest Learn How to Think About Business Learn How to Start a Business Learn How to Become Successful Learn How to Accomplish Your Goals Learn How to Become Financially Free Learn How to Coding can Make You Rich Learn How to Get Rich from Your Podcast

Ep. 42 - Freshta Farzam, CEO & Founder at LYTE Aviation pioneering a 40-seater eVTOL ABOUT FRESHTA FARZAM: Freshta Farzam is a German (spiritual) entrepreneur who believes that bold mindset, sharp focus and passionate co-creation is the solution to tackle our climate crisis. A few years ago, almost obsessed over “direct air capture” technology, Freshta studied an over 500 pages book in one day in order to grasp the possibilities we have in existing direct air capture technologies and to combine them with her bold business mindset. With her hybrid mental capabilities, understanding business strategy as well as technology, she then approached the fundamentals of aviation, such as the physics of an aircraft with the same passion and eagerness to research, study and find an ideal solution for the aviation industry with her team. She worked as the connecting part between renewable energy projects (solar, wind farms, biomass plants etc), then with direct air capture and lastly with green hydrogen upstream & downstream projects and introduced them to strategic partners and investors. One major thing was usually missing though: the bold mindset of her clients. Approaching them with upscaling strategies, she could literally feel the fear in their minds to expand horizons. That is what lead her to jump on the horse herself and help solve the sustainability challenges that aviation is facing today and even harder tomorrow. At LYTE Aviation, Ms Farzam, is focused on the creation of a disruptive 40seater eVTOL aircraft that expands the horizons of current dimensions, shapes and opportunities. “Whatever you dream, begin it, for boldness has genius, power and magic in it” (Goethe), that is the philosophy by which Ms Farzam enters into highly competitive industries and yet, expands the existing technologies with her bold mindset. LYTE Aviation is therefore today working and collaborating with world-leading suppliers and partners such as Inmarsat, Inflight Canada and many more (that will be announced very soon!). Genius senior advisors from these partnerships have popped up on her journey that have been and are still standing by her side on the journey of co-creation. Freshta believes that combining smoothly wisdom from the past with current knowledge and then looking excitedly into the same future together, is what moves mountains, exponentially. The solid foundation for LYTE Aviation has been laid the last 3 years, researching, studying, co-creating while attracting genius minds into her team and bringing almost 200 years of aviation expertise together, signing strategic partnerships with suppliers and future clients, in order to create the next-level UAM/RAM disruption. ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to Founder's Ascent. In this podcast, we will explore self improvement, success, and motivation through the stories of Founders. These Founders are not just entrepreneurs who created startups that became successful businesses, but those who founded a new lifestyle, purpose, or mindset that allow them to pursue success, money, and/or fame without sacrificing health or happiness. The journeys of athletes, innovators, philosophers, and creators will inspire discussion between our co-hosts and guests who share their ideas on life. Feel free to Subscribe to get our next episode which airs every Tuesday at 12pm CST. Learn How to Become an Entrepreneur Learn How to Become a Leader Learn How to Goal Set Learn How to Build Wealth Learn How to Make Money Learn How to Get Rich Learn How to Earn Money While You Sleep Learn How to Live a Life You Love Learn What is Accountability in Business Learn What is Specific Knowledge Learn What is Leverage Learn How to Use Code to Get Rich Learn How to Use Media to Get Rich Learn How to Use Capital to Get Rich Learn How to Use Labor to Get Rich Learn How to Invest Learn How to Think About Business Learn How to Start a Business Learn How to Become Successful Learn How to Accomplish Your Goals