Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

Hosted by The Storytellers Company

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn YouTube

Episodes

249

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

The world is crying out for new leaders, greater transparency and more original thinking to solve our biggest problems in business and society. Our Host, Rob Ryan has conversations with these people every week. Since 2020, we’ve faced a global pandemic, rapid technological change, and political, economic, and cultural disruption. We believe the world needs more entrepreneurial thinkers—not just more entrepreneurs or executives—across every sector and segment of society and industry. We’re here to introduce you to some of the best and brightest people from here in California and across the 🌎.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 21316 min

Ep 213: "What 6 Months of Conversations With Amazing Entrepreneurial Thinkers Taught Me" with Rob Ryan pt. 1

What happens when you spend half a year picking the brains of the world’s most disruptive founders, tech leaders, and community architects? You get a crystal-clear map of where the world is heading right now. In this special reflection episode, host Rob Ryan looks back at the invaluable lessons learned from six months of intense entrepreneurial conversations. From the compounding speed of tech acceleration and the irreplaceable value of human judgment, to the deep business need for trust and community, Rob unpacks the major themes defining the future of innovation in 2026. Whether you are a startup founder or an industry leader, this episode is your masterclass in what it takes to build, survive, and thrive in the modern economy.Feel free to follow and engage with GUEST here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robryan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrobryan/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@iamrobryanWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

June 4, 20261 hr 24 min

Ep 212: "Reimagining a Modern City: The Great Reset 🏙️🔥" with Jerome Chang

Do you ever feel like you’re living in a physical world built for the 1990’s? In this fascinating interview, Jerome Chang, founder of BLANKSPACES, the originator of the co-working concept here in Los Angeles, shares his expertise in architecture, design, urban development, the evolution of workspaces and the future of city planning, with our host Rob Ryan. They explore how our cities arrived at the world we inhabit in 2026, and how we go forward from here! Discover how historical policies, architectural design, and community involvement shape our cities and what the future holds for sustainable, vibrant neighborhoods and workplaces.Feel free to follow and engage with Jerome Chang here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromechang/ Pro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blankspaces/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeromeusa1/Website: https://www.blankspaces.com/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the humanity of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind the reimagining of our world.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows anywhere you enjoy your podcasts, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers, with Rob Ryan.” Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team

May 28, 2026Episode 2111 hr 12 min

Ep 211: "Soccer, Stadiums and World Class Guest Experiences" with Christian Lau

What if you could walk into a packed stadium, grab a drink, and head straight to your seat—without ever pulling out a ticket, your wallet or standing in forever lines? In this very timely conversation, considering the upcoming World Cup 2026, Rob is joined by Christian Lau, Chief Technology Officer of LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club of the MLS), and BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, who shares his leadership insights into how technology is transforming the fan experience at stadiums worldwide, blending AI, biometrics, and seamless design to create frictionless, memorable events whether it be sports, concerts or other events. Discover how innovative stadium technology and human centered design can redefine live entertainment and sports, and learn practical lessons for industry leaders who want to build the crowd-pleasing experiences of tomorrow.Feel free to follow and engage with GUEST here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianlau/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianmlau/Website: https://www.lafc.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, executives, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories and leadership thinking of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind our growing entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends because that’s how we grow this show. You can find our shows wherever you enjoy your podcasts, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers, with Rob Ryan”. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

May 21, 2026Episode 2101 hr 12 min

Ep 210: "Modernizing Food: Deep Science is Personalizing Nutrition" with Priyanka Srinivas

Are we completely rewriting the playbook on how humanity eats? 🧬🌱Can we make food more accessible, less costly and better for us, all at once? In this very insightful interview, Priyanka Srinivas, Co-founder and Chief Hustle Officer of De3pbio, explores the world of food science, personalized nutrition, and the role of deep technology in transforming how we eat. Discover how science is shifting from mass production to creating better, more nutritious, and personalized foods that could revolutionize global food systems. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a foodie, or an entrepreneur, you won't want to miss a single second of this conversation about the deep-tech revolution coming to your dinner plate.Feel free to follow and engage with Priyanka Srinivas here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prisrinivas/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priinchiWebsite: https://de3pbio.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, creators and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows wherever you enjoy listening to or watching your favorite podcasts at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers, with Rob Ryan.” Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

May 14, 2026Episode 2091 hr 21 min

Ep 209: "Keeping Sports Accessible for All Fans" with Sebastien Bellin & Diederik Bots

Are modern day sports experiences only for the rich VIPS? Can teams afford to lose their working class fans? Join us as we explore the visionary work of two former professional athletes, turned co-founders, Sebastien Bellin and Diederik Bots, of YouTopia Sports. These two are integrating technology and media to revolutionize the sports fan experience and empower clubs and teams to connect more richly with their fan communities. Discover insights on fan engagement, data-driven loyalty, and the power of immersive ecosystems in modern athletics. In this forward-thinking conversation, Sebastien and Diederik share the journey of building YouTopia Sports, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between live events and digital media. They discuss the importance of inclusive community building, sustainable monetization, and the impact of technological innovation in transforming the global sports industry.Feel free to follow and engage with GUEST here:Sebastien LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-bellin-29749b6/Diederik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbots/YouTopia Sports LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/youtopia-sports/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: https://www.youtopia-sports.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience interested in the best and brightest entrepreneurial thinking behind our greatest challenges and opportunities in today’s world.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers, with Rob Ryan.” Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

May 7, 2026Episode 2081 hr 28 min

Ep 208: "De-Addiction; Transforming Lives & An Industry" with Jason Varughese

Join us as we explore the transformative journey of Jason Varughese, founder and CEO of Pink Cloud, who leverages technology to revolutionize addiction recovery. Discover insights on de-addiction, hustle culture, and the power of personal stories in overcoming addiction. In this insightful conversation, Jason Varughese shares the journey of building Pink Cloud, a platform dedicated to recovery and mental health. He discusses the importance of privacy, personalized care, and the impact of technology and research collaborations in transforming addiction treatment.Feel free to follow and engage with JASON here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-varughese/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jasonfischervarughese/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkcloudapp/Website: https://www.gopinkcloud.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

April 30, 2026Episode 2071 hr 22 min

Ep 207: "Los Angeles’ Millennial Governance Whisperer" with Nicholas Caputo

What if the reason your city feels inefficient, confusing, or stuck… is actually fixable? In this episode, Nick Caputo—founder of Caputo Strategies and the non-profit, Livable Advanced LA, breaks down how local government really works (and why it often doesn’t). From his journey moving from Chicago to Los Angeles to his mission to reform LA’s city charter, Nick shares fresh, practical ideas on making government more transparent, responsive, and effective. We also explore how social media is becoming an unexpected tool to simplify complex systems and empower everyday citizens. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from how your city is run, this conversation will change the way you see local leadership and your role in it.Feel free to follow and engage with NICHOLAS here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/npcaputo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nickcaputo_Threads: https://www.threads.com/@_nickcaputo_Website: https://caputostrategies.com/Website: https://www.livableadvancedla.org/aboutWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and at our “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers04:55 Understanding Charter Reform16:48 The Importance of Charter Reform23:01 Engaging the Community in Governance26:54 The Power of Social Media as a Journal28:28 Feedback and Community Engagement30:30 Journaling and Creative Expression32:24 Demystifying Government and Civic Engagement33:21 Personal Connection to Los Angeles37:18 Risk Tolerance and Entrepreneurial Spirit in LA38:42 Accessibility and Civic Involvement47:13 The Future of Politics and Personal Aspirations50:39 Stabilizing Governance: The Current Election Cycle52:23 Repairing Infrastructure: The Path Forward54:36 Growth and Development: Building for the Future56:16 Caputo Strategies: Empowering Small Businesses01:00:41 AI in Governance: Opportunities and Challenges01:07:15 Assessing Leadership: Criteria for Effective Governance01:12:57 Getting Involved: Engaging with Local Communities

April 23, 2026Episode 20651 min

Ep 206: "Conversation & Community: LA’s future being built IRL.” with Michelle Edgar & Ben Reiss

What does it really take to build a thriving community—and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, Rob Ryan sits down with The Community Collective team of Michelle Edgar and Ben Reiss to uncover how meaningful connections, arts, and culture can transform cities and lives. From relationship-building to bold visions for civic engagement in Los Angeles and beyond, this conversation reveals why community might just be the most powerful force we’re overlooking.Feel free to follow and engage with MICHELLE & BEN here:Ben LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benreiss/Ben Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benreiss1/Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-edgar-86b5ba1/Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michme12/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.community-collective.org/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers04:51 The Necessity of Community Collectives08:56 The Role of Arts and Music in Community11:35 Curating Relationships in a Changing World13:37 Bridging Gaps Between Constituencies16:05 Identifying Community Gaps18:25 The Business Model of Community Collective20:37 Upcoming Events and Initiatives26:43 Vision for the Future of Community Collective28:22 Cultural and Economic Insights from Los Angeles30:21 Building Relationships and Networking31:57 Cultural Shifts and the Role of Arts35:40 Personal Resilience and the Discipline of Joy40:12 Community Engagement and Local Initiatives

April 16, 2026Episode 20552 min

Ep 205: "Local journalism is not dead, and LA is leading the way!” with Michele Siqueiros

What happens when local news disappears—and who decides which stories get told? In this thought-provoking episode, Rob Ryan sits down with Michele Siqueiros, CEO of LA Local, to explore the critical role of local journalism in building trust, informing communities, and strengthening democracy. Michele shares her journey into nonprofit media, the challenges facing traditional news outlets, and how innovative, community-driven approaches are reshaping the future of journalism in Los Angeles. From crisis reporting to empowering the next generation of journalists, this conversation reveals why reliable, local information matters more than ever.Feel free to follow and engage with MICHELE here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-siqueiros/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele.siqueiros/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey.lalocal/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-la-local/Website: https://thelalocal.org/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to LA Local and Michele Siqueiros04:35 The Importance of Non-Profit Media05:30 Michele's Journey to LA Local08:02 The Role of Local News in Crisis11:11 Adapting to Digital News Consumption13:24 The Landscape of News Media in LA15:33 Collaboration Over Competition in Journalism18:01 The Non-Profit Model of LA Local22:17 The Vision and Mission of LA Local25:18 Building a Sustainable Revenue Model28:40 Partnerships with Other Media Outlets33:37 Empowering Young Journalists36:37 The Core Message of LA Local38:22 Community Feedback and Engagement41:52 Personal Reflections on Community Stories45:57 Activating Local Democracy

April 9, 2026Episode 2041 hr 16 min

Ep 204: "America’s Greatest Latino Business Network was born at Stanford!" with Arturo Cázares

What if one of the most powerful forces driving the U.S. economy is still widely misunderstood? In this inspiring and data driven episode, Rob Ryan sits down with Arturo Cázares, CEO of the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), to unpack the rise of Latino entrepreneurship—and why it matters now more than ever. From his journey as a child immigrant to leading a national movement, Arturo shares powerful insights on leadership, community, and breaking through systemic barriers. This conversation dives into the real impact Latino founders are making, the misconceptions holding them back, and the practical mindset shifts entrepreneurs need to grow with purpose and resilience.Feel free to follow and engage with ARTURO here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturocazares/Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBANstrongBusiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbanstrong/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lbanstrong/Business X: https://x.com/LBANStrongWebsite: https://www.lban.us/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers and Arturo Cázares14:02 The Economic Impact of Latino Entrepreneurship28:44 Empowering Entrepreneurial Thinkers through LBAN35:18 The Value of Community and Ecosystems42:21 Future Aspirations and Scalability49:03 Misconceptions About Latino Entrepreneurs01:02:15 Navigating Overwhelm in Business