Pioneering Perspectives

Hosted by Pioneers21

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Pioneering Perspectives Podcast is the podcast for all things Pioneers 21! Pioneers 21 is a nonprofit organization and business incubator based in Downtown El Paso, Texas. We are a regional center that provides an affordable and welcoming space with valuable resources and connections for tech and non-tech businesses. On this show, you can expect to hear from business professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders as we talk about adversities in starting and scaling a business, tips for entrepreneurs, events and resources in the El Paso community, and the crazy, behind the scenes work at Pioneers 21.

Listen to episodes

7 recent

July 31, 2026Episode 526 min

Cracking the Code with Felix Martinez

Welcome back to the Pioneering Perspectives Podcast! In this episode, "Cracking the Code," we're joined by the founder of AI Krixus, winner of both the Service Track and Overall Winner of the 4th Annual P21 VMS Pitch Challenge. He shares how mentorship, feedback, and continuous refinement helped transform his venture from an early-stage idea into an award-winning startup. From strengthening his pitch to building confidence as a founder, he reflects on the lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're developing your first idea or preparing for your next opportunity, this conversation offers practical insights on perseverance, communication, and what it really takes to stand out as an entrepreneur. Now available to watch on YouTube! Link: https://youtu.be/xqz7S7CxSPw Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest! https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw

July 24, 2026Episode 835 min

AI Fuel for Entrepreneurs with Thea Zimnicki

Welcome back to Pioneering Perspectives! In this episode of “AI Fuel for Entrepreneurs,” we are joined by Thea Zimnicki, a P21 VMS Mentor, and the Founder and CEO of FutureProof. Thea Zimnicki shares how solo entrepreneurs can harness AI as a "business partner" to automate tasks, maintain authenticity, and drive business growth. She also dives in on overcoming AI integration challenges, navigating ethical considerations, and leveraging emerging trends to scale effectively. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned founder, Thea’s insight and perspective is invaluable. Don’t miss this episode!! Now available to watch on YouTube! Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBblCmonlNc Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest! https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw

July 24, 2026Episode 927 min

Building a STEMpire with Missy Lazo Aveytia

Welcome back to Pioneering Perspectives! In this episode of “Building a STEMpire,” we are joined by Missy Lazo Aveytia, Mechanical Engineer at Marathon, the Founder of SheCreates, and Business Owner of the Melissa Aveytia Insurance Agency LLC. Missy shares how the El Paso region is primed for aerospace innovation and why engineers with entrepreneurial vision are perfectly positioned to lead this transformation. From leveraging industry opportunities with companies like Virgin Galactic and Lockheed Martin to overcoming challenges in leadership and business, Missy’s insights offer a blueprint for engineers and founders ready to make an impact. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned founder, or STEM enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don’t miss it! Now available to watch on YouTube! Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JEQB4ubFA Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest! https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw

July 24, 2026Episode 110 min

Clicks to Cash with Ivonne Luevanos

Welcome back to Pioneering Perspectives! In this exclusive interview with Ivonne Luevanos, the visionary CEO behind Bonnie Collection, we explore the benefits of having an E-commerce website and how it can elevate your business in today’s digital age throughout our Digital Marketing Series Program. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned founder, or STEM enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don’t miss it! This podcast is in Spanish. To view with English subtitles, check out our channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlz5HECchJw&t=2s Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest! https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw

July 9, 2026Episode 429 min

Sharpening Your Senses with LacSense and The Sense Cube

Welcome back to the Pioneering Perspectives Podcast! In this episode, "Sharpening Your Senses," we're joined by Md. Mamunoor Islam, founder of LacSense, and Carlos Gael Hernandez Castro, founder of The Sense Cube, two UTEP student innovators who competed in the 4th Annual P21 VMS Pitch Challenge. Mamunoor and Carlos share how mentorship, feedback, and repeated refinement transformed both their ventures and the way they communicate their ideas. From overcoming self-doubt to distilling complex technologies into compelling one-minute pitches, they reflect on the lessons that shaped their entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you're a student with your first idea or an entrepreneur preparing for your next opportunity, this conversation offers practical insights on resilience, storytelling, and the value of embracing feedback to build something better. Now available to watch on YouTube! Link: https://youtu.be/l4JkVMhyuCs Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest! https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw

April 27, 2026Episode 341 min

Manufacturing the Future with Philip Morton

Welcome back to the Pioneering Perspectives Podcast! In this episode, “Manufacturing the Future,” we’re joined by Philip Morton, Founder of PM Technologies. Philip shares how he turned his background in mechanical engineering and additive manufacturing into a company focused on on-demand, point-of-need production for defense and advanced manufacturing. He talks about starting during COVID, pivoting into defense tech, securing a $190K federal contract, and building within El Paso’s growing innovation ecosystem. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Philip’s journey highlights resilience, technical innovation, and the drive to build something that lasts. Now available to watch on YouTube! Link: https://youtu.be/2VCbl2nqJwc Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw

November 11, 2025Episode 226 min

Idea to Illumination with Luis Ochoa

Welcome back to Pioneering Perspectives Podcast! In this episode, “Idea to Illumination,” we’re joined by Luis Ochoa, Founder and CEO of Kraft 3D. Luis shares how he turned his background in design and 3D printing into a growing business that creates custom lamps and keepsakes, turning memories into light. He talks about winning Pioneers 21’s Pitch Challenge, how he used that funding to expand his work, and what he’s learning now in the Capital Edge Accelerator. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Luis’s journey shows the power of persistence, creativity, and community. Now available to watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/XY1_Vk6NLQk Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbf32Ar7nGvECxhL4HeJY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-perspectives/id1688451351 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a9efe3c7-0b47-4664-b82b-208018127ce8/pioneering-perspectives Stay Connected: Website: https://pioneers21.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneers21ep/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneers21EP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneers-21/ Subscribe to our newsletter: Pioneers 21 Innovator’s Digest! https://pioneers21.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7453c8a78fca6db0e2ce742d5&id=9f19b0c937 Music: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGQNrzqrGqw