Founder’s Story

In this compelling episode of Founder's Story, Brian Kelly, the visionary behind The Points Guy, reveals how his passion for travel evolved into a multimillion-dollar digital enterprise. Brian details the strategic insights and relentless research that helped him decode the world of loyalty programs and travel rewards. With a focus on data-driven decision-making and customer value, he shares actionable strategies that propelled his brand to global prominence. Whether you’re a travel aficionado or an entrepreneur, Brian’s journey offers inspiration and practical tips for mastering both digital innovation and the art of travel rewards.Key Topics DiscussedFrom Passion to Empire:How a deep love for travel sparked the creation of The Points Guy.Data-Driven Decisions:The role of meticulous research and analytics in navigating loyalty programs.Digital Innovation:Embracing technology to connect with millions of travel enthusiasts worldwide.Value-Driven Marketing:Strategies for delivering actionable insights and building customer trust.Notable Quotes“Travel isn’t just about going places—it’s about unlocking opportunities.”“Every mile matters. It’s all about turning data into decisions.”“Innovation is the passport to staying ahead in a rapidly changing digital world.”Resources & LinksThe Points Guy Website: thepointsguy.comConnect with Brian Kelly:https://www.instagram.com/briankelly/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepointsguyCheck out the article about Brian KellyOur Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this deeply personal and candid episode, Daniel sits down with Prophet Gerald John Jennings II to explore the extraordinary transformation that led him to embrace his divine calling. Prophet Jennings shares his life-changing encounter with God, his unique spiritual experiences—including what he calls telepathic communication and visions—and the profound impact these events have had on his life and mission.Key Topics Discussed:The Divine Encounter:Prophet Jennings recounts when his world shifted: witnessing a giant face in the clouds and feeling God’s presence directly.Details of the mysterious and awe-inspiring experience that began his prophetic journey.Spiritual Awakening and Transformation:His transition from a life of partying and working various jobs to dedicating himself to God’s teachings.How his relationships and daily interactions changed after he began receiving messages from God.Unique Gifts and Blessings:The telepathic ability to communicate thoughts and emotions, as well as connect with animals and departed souls.The personal experience of having a “stream” of divine energy filling him, leaving him with a permanent connection to God’s soul.Mission and Vision for the Future:Prophet Jennings’ desire to unite people and bring peace, particularly highlighting his wish to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and between other nations.He plans to create a documentary motion picture that captures his spiritual experiences and validates his message for those who are curious.Impact on Personal Relationships and Community:The challenges of reconnecting with old friends and communities after undergoing a significant spiritual transformation.His approach to inviting skeptics to experience the divine firsthand by keeping an open door for dialogue and exploration of God’s word.The Role of Social Media:Discussing both the positive and negative aspects of social media in spreading religious messages and connecting communities worldwide.Emphasizing the potential for social media to be a tool for spreading inspiration and unity, despite concerns over time absorption and distraction.Advice for Those Seeking Spiritual Change:Encouragement for anyone undergoing a personal or spiritual awakening to embrace change and open their hearts to new possibilities.A heartfelt message about the importance of living a life centered on love, peace, and community over material pursuits.Resources & Links Mentioned:Prophet Jennings’ Book:Book of God Holy Bible The Living TestamentView on AuthorHouseOur Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this inspiring episode, host Nadja Atwal sits down with business and life coach Julian Heppt, who shares his journey from facing severe depression and panic attacks to discovering his life’s calling: helping others reach their full potential. Julian opens up about the tough challenges he encountered in his twenties, the tools he used to overcome them, and how those experiences shaped his holistic coaching approach. Whether you’re an entrepreneur at a crossroads, a leader feeling overwhelmed, or simply someone seeking deeper purpose and alignment, Julian’s insights on emotional well-being, authenticity, and personal growth will resonate and motivate you to pursue positive change.Key Discussion PointsIntroduction & Personal JourneyJulian explains how his early fascination with psychology, relationships, and personal growth led him to become a coach. He candidly describes his first major crisis in his early twenties, including severe depression, panic attacks, and morning sickness related to stress. This difficult period—and his choice to pursue holistic healing rather than medication—deeply informed his coaching philosophy.Discovering Purpose Through AdversityMoving from Hamburg to Lake Constance on a strong intuitive calling opened unexpected doors in Julian’s life. He describes how stepping away from a victim mindset helped him understand the transformative power of adversity. Julian credits a higher power or universal guidance with showing him the path to becoming a mentor and coach.The Coaching ApproachJulian’s authenticity and relatability shine through on social media—particularly YouTube—where he balances grounded, practical advice with discussions of deeper, intangible elements like energy and intuition. His strong intuition allows him to pinpoint the root issues that clients face, while providing a safe space for them to open up and explore change.Common Client ChallengesAs a business and life coach, Julian often works with entrepreneurs and leaders who feel overwhelmed, empty, or in need of reevaluating their true purpose. Many struggle to balance their relentless drive for success with maintaining fulfilling personal relationships. Julian emphasizes that material achievements alone cannot fill deeper emotional voids.Embracing Change & The Hero’s JourneyJulian views entrepreneurship as a “hero’s journey,” one that can involve repeated cycles of crisis and transformation. He believes that life’s toughest challenges often propel us to evolve and grow. A key takeaway is that seeking help—through mentorship, coaching, or therapy—is a sign of strength, not weakness.Looking Ahead: 2025 & New VenturesJulian’s new podcast, Bold Leaders with Big Hearts, brings in high-profile guests who share personal stories of overcoming obstacles and finding meaningful success. He will be traveling more in the U.S. to speak at events and connect with philanthropic projects like the Ariel Recovery Group, which helps veterans repurpose their skills for rescue missions and disaster relief.Closing ThoughtsNadja highlights the transformative work Julian does for clients and thanks him for sharing his story. Julian expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations and live events.Notable Quotes“I don’t see myself as a victim of my hardships; I see them as challenges to grow.”“When we start a business, we basically take on a hero’s journey of the soul.”“My intuition helps me see exactly what my clients need—often within the first minute of our conversation.”About the Guest: Julian HepptJulian Heppt is a business and life coach dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs, leaders, and high achievers through transformative personal and professional growth. After overcoming severe depression and anxiety in his early twenties, Julian developed an approach that integrates practical business strategies with deeper emotional and spiritual insights. Passionate about helping others discover meaning beyond material success, he also hosts the Bold Leaders with Big Hearts podcast. Julian frequently travels internationally to speak at events and collaborates with philanthropic organizations.Resources & LinksJulian’s Website: Julian-Heppt.comFollow Julian on Instagram: @julian_heppt_germanThank you for listening to Founder’s Story!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with friends who might benefit from Julian’s insights. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and visionaries who are shaping the future.Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this bonus episode of The Founder’s Story Podcast, host Nadia Atwal catches up with Roei Samuel while he’s in NYC for Connectd’s latest milestone—its official launch in the city. Roei, the founder and CEO of Connectd, shares his entrepreneurial journey from scaling his first tech venture to 8 million monthly users, to leading Connectd in its nationwide US expansion targeted for 2025. Discover how Connectd is revolutionizing startup growth through automated investor reporting and expert talent matching, and learn Roei’s insights on hyperfocus, advisory boards, and leveraging early PR.Episode HighlightsEarly Tech BeginningsRoei’s teenage fascination with emerging digital platforms and video content.He founded his first venture, which centered on content creation and scaling to millions of users.How Connectd Came to BeInsights from Roei’s experience with startup investing and advising that spurred Connectd’s creation.An overview of Connectd’s unique approach: automating investor reporting and curating expert talent networks.Expansion Plans and NYC LaunchWhy Connectd chose New York City for its US launch.Ambitious goals for reaching coast-to-coast coverage by 2025 and how remote collaboration accelerates growth.Avoiding Common Startup PitfallsGoing “insular” when challenges arise instead of collaborating with investors and advisors.Balancing tangible growth drivers with accelerators, incubators, and other opportunities.The Power of Advisory Boards and PRBuilding a well-rounded board early to fill knowledge gaps and blind spots.Nadia and Roei discuss leveraging PR and marketing before product completion to create meaningful buzz.Practical Takeaways for FoundersHow Connectd’s data-driven insights can pinpoint talent needs and highlight key metrics.Why hyperfocus on core objectives leads to better outcomes in both funding and growth.Key Quotes“If investors were looking for a perfect investment, they wouldn’t be going for a risky startup.”– Roei on transparency and making the most of investors’ insights.“A strong advisory board can be life or death for early-stage companies.”– Identifying and filling blind spots drives meaningful progress.“I believe in giving away as much value as possible—that’s at the heart of Connectd’s mission.”– Roei on empowering founders through resources, guidance, and technology.Resources & LinksConnectd Website: https://connectd.comExplore the platform’s features for investor reporting, expert networking, and more.Follow Roei Samuel on LinkedIn:Roei Samuel LinkedIn (Add a direct link to Roei’s profile, if available)Stay updated on his entrepreneurial insights and Connectd’s expansion journey.Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, guest host Vanessa Antonio sits down with Andrew Bolton, CEO of TechRescue, a visionary company providing 24/7 tech support tailored to simplify technology for seniors and enhance their quality of life. Andrew shares how his love for his grandmother inspired the creation of TechRescue, addressing the growing generational tech divide with personalized, patient-centered solutions.The conversation explores the unique challenges seniors face with smart technology, the impact of TechRescue’s affordable subscription model, and success stories that highlight the company’s role in fostering connectivity and independence for seniors and their families.Key Moments:The inspiration behind TechRescue: a personal story of love and innovation.Challenges seniors face with modern smart devices and how TechRescue bridges the gap.A success story of helping a Vietnam veteran reconnect through tech support.Debunking myths: Seniors' curiosity and investment in technology.Andrew’s mantra: “Don’t let tech be the reason you visit mom—TechRescue has you covered.”Guest Information:Andrew Bolton: CEO of TechRescue, championing simplified, patient-first tech solutions for seniors.Links and Resources:Learn more about TechRescue: TechRescue WebsiteJoin us next week as we feature another visionary founder making waves in their industry. Subscribe to Founder's Story to stay inspired and informed!Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Live from CES 2025 in Las Vegas, guest host Kurt Walker interviews Dr. Alexandra, Medical Advisor and Urogynecologist, and Yftah Ben Yaackov, CEO of Femto Technologies. The episode delves into Femto's groundbreaking product, Sensera, a feminine wellness device that bridges the gap between sexual pleasure and health. Equipped with advanced sensors and powered by AI, Sensera adapts to users' bodies, enhancing both wellness and pleasure experiences.Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya highlights the critical role of sexual wellness in overall health, explaining how Sensera supports women through various life stages, from postpartum recovery to menopause. CEO Yftah Ben Yaackov shares insights into Femto's innovation journey, discussing the company's mission to integrate AI and machine learning into wellness technologies.Listeners also get a sneak peek into Femto's pipeline, featuring future devices targeting skincare, haircare, and pain relief—all leveraging the proprietary SRS technology honored with the CES Innovation Awards® 2025 in the AI category.Key Moments:Introduction to Femto Technologies and Sensera’s capabilities.The role of SRS technology in customizing wellness experiences.How Sensera integrates AI for personalized adaptations and future advancements.Femto’s upcoming products in skincare, haircare, and pain relief.Insights on the CES Innovation Awards® 2025 recognition.Links and Resources:Learn more about Sensera and early-bird registration: Sensera WellnessFemto Technologies: Company WebsiteFollow CES 2025 innovations: CES Innovation AwardsGuest Information:Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya: Medical Advisor and Urogynecologist at Femto Technologies.Yftah Ben Yaackov: CEO of Femto Technologies.Recorded Live at CES 2025Catch the excitement and innovation directly from the show floor!Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Founder’s Story, guest Nikole Mitchell discusses her background transitioning through multiple careers—teacher, bartender, religious leader, Etsy shop owner—and how she eventually discovered OnlyFans (OF). She shares insights on content creation, diversification, and how she navigates family and social dynamics. The conversation covers practical steps for succeeding on OF and broader topics about the creator economy’s future.Key Discussion PointsNikole’s Background and Early WorkHeld various roles, including teaching, pastoring, and bartending.Explored entrepreneurial paths (e.g., Etsy) before discovering OF.Entering the Creator EconomyThe initial draw to OF was its autonomy—freedom in content, pricing, and scheduling.Personal fulfillment was an important factor in deciding to pursue content creation.Family and Community ReactionsExperienced differing opinions from family, friends, and larger communities.Acknowledges the importance of being prepared for varied responses when entering this space.Diversification StrategiesMaintains multiple social media accounts and presence on various platforms (Fansly, ManyVids, etc.).Advises creators not to rely on one platform to mitigate risks of account suspension or sudden policy changes.Business Mindset and MonetizationBelieves in pricing content appropriately and setting no cap on potential earnings.Recommends creators learn about marketing strategies, audience engagement, and business fundamentals.Content Creation and BurnoutEmphasizes aligning content with personal interests to maintain authenticity and energy.Suggests planning content (such as seasonal promotions) well in advance to reduce stress.Future of the Creator EconomyNotes the shift among younger generations toward creative careers.Discusses the impact of AI and emotional intelligence on future job markets.Long-Term GoalsNikole plans to expand beyond OF, potentially building multiple global companies.Sees potential to branch into industries like fashion, lingerie, and media.Advice for Aspiring CreatorsSuggests embracing adaptability, creativity, and strategic thinking.Points out the importance of emotional intelligence in maintaining relationships and brand integrity.Connect with Nikole MitchellVisit NikoleMitchell.com for information on her coaching services and other social media channels.Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Michael Tamvakologos, partner at Seyfarth Shaw, a distinguished employment lawyer featured in Forbes and Vanity Fair. Michael has been an awarded Australian employment lawyer for eight years and was voted by Best Lawyers as the Employee Benefits Lawyer of the Year in 2023. Michael shares his career journey, lessons from working with leading global companies, and how technology shapes the future of law and business.Episode Highlights:Michael’s Legal JourneyOver 20 years of legal experience representing top public and private companies.The value of learning from clients and building long-term professional relationships.Lessons for EntrepreneursLong-term strategic thinking is critical for sustainable business growth.Effective communication tailored to diverse stakeholders is essential, especially when working with large organizations.The Role of Technology in LawHow AI is transforming document management and streamlining legal processes.Why human connection and ethical considerations remain key despite technological advancements.Teamwork as a Key to SuccessMichael compares legal practice to a football team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and preparation in achieving successful outcomes.Michael’s Book RecommendationShoe Dog by Phil Knight, an inspiring story of Nike’s growth, filled with lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming challenges.Key Takeaways:Strategic foresight and long-term planning are vital for both legal and business success.While technology can enhance efficiency, the human element remains irreplaceable in building trust and navigating complexities.Teamwork and alignment among all contributors are essential for tackling large-scale legal and business challenges.Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to Founder's Story! In this episode, guest host Vanessa Antonio speaks with Andrew Spira, founder of SkyCap, a fintech company focused on providing unsecured business loans. Andrew shares his journey, the motivations behind starting SkyCap, and his perspectives on the challenges businesses face in securing funding.Episode Highlights:About SkyCap:Founded in October 2023, SkyCap specializes in unsecured loans for SMEs ranging from $2,000 to $100,000 AUD.The company leverages AI to streamline funding approvals, providing an alternative for businesses unable to secure traditional financing.Learn more at skyecap.com.au.Andrew’s Journey:Andrew reflects on personal challenges in his youth that influenced his entrepreneurial outlook.He shares how these experiences shaped his approach to solving funding accessibility issues for small businesses.What Sets SkyCap Apart:SkyCap is privately funded, which Andrew believes enables the company to make faster decisions and offer greater flexibility to its clients.The company emphasizes building a team culture focused on supporting SMEs with tailored funding solutions.Motivations Behind SkyCap:Andrew discusses the gap in funding for SMEs and his perspective on why traditional banking systems often fall short.SkyCap was founded with the goal of providing businesses with a reliable, open-minded funding option.Future Plans:Andrew shares his focus on consistent improvement and scaling SkyCap to reach more businesses in need.He expresses long-term goals for growth and expansion within the SME funding sector.Connect with SkyCap:Visit skyecap.com.au to learn more about their funding options.For partnership opportunities, check out the broker section at skyecap.com.au/broker.Key Takeaways:SME funding remains a significant challenge, and Andrew discusses his perspective on how alternative solutions like SkyCap aim to address these issues.SkyCap focuses on offering flexible funding options using AI technology, which Andrew believes helps streamline the process for SMEs.Andrew shares his outlook on the importance of resilience and planning in building a business and supporting small enterprises.Financial DisclaimerThe information provided in this episode of Founder's Story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. Neither the host, guests, nor Founder's Story is responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this discussion. Individuals are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor or professional before making any financial or business decisions.Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to Founder's Story! In this episode, Daniel Robbins sits down with Larry McDonald, founder of The Bear Traps Report and author of the newly released book, How to Listen When Markets Speak. Larry brings decades of investment expertise and invaluable insights on navigating today’s volatile markets and preparing for the future.Episode Highlights:The Journey to Bear Traps:Larry shares how he became a leading voice in financial analysis, writing A Colossal Failure of Common Sense during the 2008 financial crisis and connecting its lessons to today’s economic landscape.Market Insights for 2025 and Beyond:The shift from austerity post-2008 to massive fiscal and monetary responses totaling $16 trillion since COVID.Why today’s inflation pressures demand a new investment philosophy for the next decade.Predictions for 2025, including major restructuring in the U.S. debt market and its potential impacts.Investing in a Multipolar World:The rise of emerging markets and their increasing energy consumption.Why global energy infrastructure—including natural gas, uranium, and copper—may become the biggest beneficiaries of the AI and crypto boom.Lessons from Legends:Larry reflects on mentorship from investing greats like Charlie Munger, highlighting the importance of patience, discipline, and resisting the hype.The Reality of Crypto Investing:Why Bitcoin’s extreme volatility requires careful timing and discipline.The dangers of "testosterone-driven" investing and how liquidity drives crypto markets.BRICS and Global Shifts:The BRICS nations’ push away from the U.S. dollar and toward hard assets like gold.How overuse of sanctions by the U.S. has accelerated this trend.AI's Transformational Role:Why the true winners in AI will be those investing in the energy infrastructure to support it.Why NVIDIA’s valuation is a cautionary tale and where to look for real opportunities.Key Takeaways:Patience and timing are critical for successful investing—“All the great profits are in the waiting.”The next wave of investment opportunities lies in energy infrastructure, not just AI companies.Bitcoin and crypto are highly volatile and require a disciplined, long-term perspective.The global financial system is evolving into a multipolar world, requiring new strategies and insights.Connect with Larry McDonald:Follow him on Twitter: @ConvertBondEmail for a free trial of The Bear Traps Report:Tatiana@thebeartrapsreport.comValentina@thebeartrapsreport.comLarry’s newsletter and book democratize market intelligence, providing everyday investors access to the insights of top hedge funds, mutual funds, and pension funds.Our Sponsors:* Check out CoinFlip and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://coinflip.tech* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy