Power Players

Hosted by Haroon Bokhary

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Latest episode

Feb 2024

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EN-US

About the show

In "Power Players" Haroon Bokhary chats with the brightest and boldest entrepreneurs, CEOs, finance gurus, authors, and business titans about their rise to the top. From epic wins to crushing failures, we'll explore the guts, grit, and glory behind their success stories.

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14 recent

February 27, 20241 hr 7 min

Caffeine and Capital: The Terra Kaffe Tale

Sahand, a former finance professional turned coffee innovator, shares his journey of transforming into the founder of Terra Kaffe. His entrepreneurial spirit, kindled by early ventures and a diverse cultural interest, propelled him from the world of investment banking to pioneering a more sustainable coffee experience.In this episode, Sahand discusses how Terra Kaffe is challenging the status quo with eco-friendly machines and a commitment to community culture in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that's as much about conscious consumption as it is about premium technology.Join us as Sahand unveils his story of innovation, culture, and sustainability, painting a vision for a future where coffee is a symbol of mindful consumption and environmental responsibility.Sahand's narrative is not just a business story; it's a testament to belief, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.Experience & enjoy coffee mastery with TK-02 (link here).Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:25) How did he end up being a finance bro? (3:55) How were his 2 years in IB?(4:59) Receiving a $100 gift card from his bank (6:44) Impact investment banking has on you (08:51) How architect parents have shaped his world view(09:28) On Working too hard(11:20) Parents hitting him with the "pls fix"(13:29) Why choose Terra Kaffe over competitors?(17:25) Terra Kaffe team (19:02) How much money can you save drinking Terra Kaffe coffee? (23:18) From IB to starting Terra Kaffe (28:48) Idea to machine (31:33) How long did it take to design the machines?(33:57) Think about getting a co-founder (35:11) Production process for coffee machines(37:00) Where are the machines being produced(39:14) What have you spent $14m of capital raised on?(41:14) Why even raise capital?(43:35) Scaling plan(45:35) End goal, sell or keep the company?(47:19) Would you consider selling right now at the right price?(48:53) Culture at Terra Kaffe(55:35) What Sahand's day to day looks like(56:51) 1 week from going out of business(1:01:00) Advice for entrepreneurs(1:03:05) Are you truly happy(1:05:22) Rapid-fire questions Sahand Dilmaghani links:Terra Kaffe WebsiteLinkedInMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTube

December 25, 202337 min

Designing Dreams: Indie McFarlane Path to Fashion Fame

Indie McFarlane is the visionary CEO and Founder of INDY Sunglasses. During our conversation, Indie takes us on her remarkable journey from Scotland to a photography student in London to the creator of a renowned sunglasses brand based in Brooklyn, New York.She delves into the captivating stories behind how celebrities like Alicia Keys and Bella Hadid became wearers of her chic designs. Indie offers an exclusive peek into her creative process, detailing the inspiration and dedication behind each pair of INDY sunglasses.She discusses her future ambitions, aiming to redefine fashion and functionality with every new drop. She also shares invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing from her own experiences and challenges. Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:08) Childhood in Scotland(2:12) Did you want to be entrepreneur when you were younger(2:50) Studying photography in college(3:42) Idea first come to you, then executing on vision(5:07) Steps to first launching a sunglasses brand(7:08) First few sales(8:35) Moving to NYC(10:26) Alicia Keys wearing her sunglasses(11:24) How did you react to the news(12:34) Bella Hadid story(14:26) Lifestyle vs scaled business (15:50) Customer acquisition strategy(17:08) Future plans: retailers vs online presence (18:05) Sustained bump in sales when celebrities wear her sunglasses (19:27) Creative process for designing sunglasses (21:30) Average day look like (23:10) Projects in the pipeline (25:07) Opportunities and challenges as a female founder (26:53) Advice for future entrepreneurs (29:17) How to maintain a healthy life (30:51) Biggest mentors and supporters (33:56) Legacy in business and personal life (35:15) Rapid-fire questions Indie Macfarlane links:INDY WebsiteINDY InstagramIndie InstagramIndie LinkedInMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTube

December 22, 202340 min

MAG Capital: Building a $1 Billion Industrial Real Estate Empire

Dax Mitchell and Neil Wahlgren are the visionaries behind MAG Capital Partners.In this episode, we journey through the corridors of MAG Capital Partners, a Texas-based investment firm managing a billion dollars with a focus on industrial real estate.Dax and Neil, share their in-depth perspectives on the pulse of the industrial real estate market as we edge into 2024. With anticipated shifts in interest rates on the horizon, they dissect the key factors influencing their investment evaluations and the returns they strategically target.Dax offers a personal glimpse into his life, revealing the unique experiences that come with living on a Texas ranch. Meanwhile, Neil draws an intriguing parallel between piloting planes and navigating the complexities of finance.For those yearning to carve their path in this formidable industry, Dax and Neil dispense invaluable advice, distilled from years of triumphs and challenges.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:27) Putting $1 billion to work(4:37) Founding of MAG Capital (8:06) Neil joining MAG Capital as a partner (9:34) Splitting responsibilities among partners (10:53) Ideal size for a private equity firms (14:08) Is MAG at its ideal scale(15:12) How are funds structured(16:09) Target returns(16:40) Are there leases you would consider not selling(17:50) What value are you bringing besides capital(19:23) Opportunity in industrial real estate(22:09) Single most important factor when investing(25:26) What have you mastered and what are you learning(26:40) Hardest lesson Dax has learned(28:29) Comparing flying planes to working in finance(30:16) What is it like living on a ranch(31:38) Most important hard/soft skill in finance(33:55) Skills/habits one should learn when young(35:52) Rapid-fire questions MAG Capital Partners links:Invest in Industrial Real Estate FundWebsiteDax Mitchell Neil WahlgrenMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTube

December 21, 20231 hr 7 min

Caffeine and Capital: The Terra Kaffe Tale

Sahand, a former finance professional turned coffee innovator, shares his journey of transforming into the founder of Terra Kaffe. His entrepreneurial spirit, kindled by early ventures and a diverse cultural interest, propelled him from the world of investment banking to pioneering a sustainable coffee experience.In this episode, Sahand discusses how Terra Kaffe is challenging the status quo with eco-friendly machines and a commitment to community culture in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that's as much about environmental consciousness as it is about premium coffee.Join us as Sahand unveils his story of innovation, culture, and sustainability, painting a vision for a future where coffee is a symbol of mindful consumption and environmental responsibility.Sahand's narrative is not just a business story; it's a testament to belief, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:25) How did he end up being a finance bro? (3:55) How were his 2 years in IB? (4:59) Receiving a $100 gift card from his bank (6:44) Impact investment banking has on you (08:51) How architect parents have shaped his world view (09:28) On Working too hard (11:20) Parents hitting him with the "pls fix"(13:29) Why choose Terra Kaffe over competitors?(17:25) Terra Kaffe team (19:02) How much money can you save drinking Terra Kaffe coffee? (23:18) From IB to starting Terra Kaffe (28:48) Idea to machine (31:33) How long did it take to design the machines?(33:57) Think about getting a co-founder (35:11) Production process for coffee machines(37:00) Where are the machines being produced(39:14) What have you spent $14m of capital raised on?(41:14) Why even raise capital?(43:35) Scaling plan(45:35) End goal, sell or keep the company?(47:19) Would you consider selling right now at the right price?(48:53) Culture at Terra Kaffe(55:35) What Sahand's day to day looks like(56:51) 1 week from going out of business(1:01:00) Advice for entrepreneurs(1:03:05) Are you truly happy(1:05:22) Rapid-fire questions Sahand Dilmaghani links:Terra Kaffe WebsiteLinkedInMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTube

November 24, 202343 min

Founding Obelisk: Alley Biehl's Coca Leaf Revolution

Alley Biehl, the mastermind behind Obelisk, joins us to illuminate her journey with the coca leaf. Founder of a company that crafts unique coca leaf-based products, like the renowned Blow candle, Alley has embraced the art of innovation.During our conversation, Alley shares the story of how she first found the coca leaf and how it's changed her life.Through Obelisk Alley plans on bringing the health benefits of coca leaf to everyone.Today Alley stands as a leading voice for the coca leaf's role in well-being, she's reshaping perceptions, leveraging her platform to illuminate the leaf's true potential.Alley's narrative is a tapestry of discovery, enlightenment, and steadfast dedication.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:25) What makes coco leaf special(3:58) Why hasn't anyone done research(5:17) How she discovered coca leaf(7:26) Coca leaf to cure depression(8:14) Does coca cola have cocaine it(9:47) Should cocaine be legal(12:15) What does Obelisk do(12:59) How did she meet her partner(13:54) How she decide to start a company about coca leaf(16:15) Self-identified crazy person(17:45) Blow candle(19:04) Alley's diet(19:50) Coca leaf farming(22:28) Marketing strategy(24:02) How did she build Blow(26:30) How big is the team(27:50) Biggest challenge she overcame(29:05) Is NY better than LA for starting a business(31:55) Motivation behind raising capital(33:08) How to make coca leaf mainstream(34:55) Challenges faced as a female founder(36:12) Are you truly happy(36:34) Business/personal legacy(38:31) Rapid fire questionsAlley Biehl links:Obelisk WebsiteBlow CandleMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTube

November 8, 202341 min

Gracie Pfaff – How a 12-Year-Old Started a Global Mission

Gracie Pfaff, the visionary behind Harvest 107, joins us to share her inspiring journey. At just 12 years old, Gracie founded this non-profit with a mission to combat hunger and malnutrition through sustainable agriculture worldwide.During our chat, Gracie recounts the life-changing decision her family made to relocate to Haiti for half a decade—a testament to their support for her mission.Now at 22, Gracie stands as one of the world's most influential young service leaders, driven by a relentless passion to eradicate hunger sustainably: "I'm dedicated to this cause. My goal is to ensure access to fresh food for all."Additionally, as Miss Tennessee Earth, she's gearing up for the Miss USA Earth competition in December, leveraging this platform to amplify her cause.Gracie's story is a remarkable blend of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:30) Viral song on TikTok(2:17) Areas she is focused on(2:50) Explain Harvest107 to a 5-year-old(3:30) Events that lead her to start Harvest 107 at 12-years (4:56) Idea to execution(6:05) Moving to Haiti(7:51) What did you do in Haiti(8:30) Harvest107 Team(9:25) How do the programs work(12:00) Process of getting up to speed(12:55) How are curriculum's designed(15:12) Content for everyone(16:21) Miss Tennessee Earth(18:35) How pageantry helps Harvest107(20:48) Daily things she is doing to improve(22:05) Is there an optimal level of fame(22:50) Expansion plans for Harvest107(23:21) How do you find a new market(25:38) Most and least sustainable state in the US(27:10) Sustainable cities in US(27:53) How to live a more sustainable life(30:00) How was it like being home-schooled(33:32) What do you want to be remembered by(33:48) What is the hardest lesson of last 10 years(34:22) How to be motivated on down days(36:00) Biggest personal struggle right now(36:50) Content diet(38:06) Rapid fire questionsGracie Pfaff links:LinkedInInstagramTennessee EarthHarvest107 WebsiteMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterBlog

November 7, 202340 min

Carson Morell – Building a Multi-Million Dollar Personal Branding Agency

Carson Morell is the Co-Founder and COO of Arcbound, a full-service personal branding firm, offering services from brand strategy to social media content, full-stack podcast production, book ghostwriting, publishing and community management.Carson has grown Arcbound’s team to 30 full-time team members, and is working to grow the business and add service offerings, from PR to speaking opportunities.In our conversation Carson tells us the story of how he dropped out college to start Arcbound, and how he’s scaled it to multi-million dollar business over the last 5 years.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:18) Founding story(2:20) What does Arcbound do(3:18) What does a COO do(4:57) Splitting responsibilities with co-founder(6:27) How has relationship with co-founder evolved(7:31) Scaling over the last 5 years(9:24) Products added recently(10:22) 1-Year and 5-Year goals(12:25) Hiring of talent in post-pandemic era(13:38) Earning trust as a young co-founder(16:49) Dropping out of college(17:47) Owner of a comics store(23:39) Networking group: Hampton(25:15) Advice for young entrepreneurs(27:31) Work-life balance(28:45) #1 Lesson learned(30:05) Staying happy despite chaos(31:04) Mentors(33:26) Content diet(36:34) Legacy in personal and business life(38:15) Rapid fire questions.Carson Morell links:LinkedInArcbound WebsiteMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterBlog

September 9, 202341 min

Nick Liuzza – Marry the House, Date the Rate

Nick Liuzza is the Founder and CEO of Beeline that is making getting access to mortgages easier by digitizing the process. Nick started Beeline just a day after selling his previous company, Linear Title, for a $100 million.In our conversation Nick tells us why and how he started Beeline. He demystifies the fuss around 7% mortgage rates, and offers his insights on the trajectory of interest rates and housing prices for the year ahead.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:17) Entrepreneurship bug(1:51) Why and how he started Beeline (3:41) How Beeline is differentiated(5:08) Approval process for mortgages (6:11) Process of getting an online mortgage (8:50) Building the tech for Beeline (10:53) Time to build Beeline(11:46) View on interest rates and housing market (13:33) Providing low interest rates (14:12) Diversifying into other loans (16:03) An online mortage world (17:04) Beeline's current operations (18:09) Beeline 3 years from now (19:42) Beeline's business model (20:20) Profile of mortgages (20:46) Starting a company after selling one for $100 million (22:25) What he did after selling company for $100 million(23:18) What he splurged on(23:34) Picking industries that he does not have experience in(26:20) Writing a book?(27:57) Role of a CEO(30:55) What business would you start right now(31:50) Skills young people should learn(33:14) What are you motivated by(34:10) Biggest influences(35:49) Legacy in personal and business life(37:22) Rapid-fire questionsNick Luizza links:LinkedInBeeline WebsiteMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterBlog

September 4, 202345 min

Jussi Askola – Building a Multi-Million Dollar Business on Seeking Alpha

Jussi is the CEO of Leonberg Capital, a REIT advisory firm. He writes the #1 REIT investing newsletter on Seeking Alpha, where he has over 60,000 followers. His firm provides research services to over 2,500 institutional clients.Jussi is one of the most well-respected names in the REIT industry. He has authored award-winning academic papers on REIT investing, and been featured on numerous financial media outlets. Jussi holds a BSc in Real Estate Finance from University Nürtingen-Geislingen (Germany) and a BSc in Property Management from University of South Wales (UK). In our conversation he tell us the story of how he started writing on Seeking Alpha while in the Finnish army. He gives a crash course on REITs, and why he has more than 50% of his net worth invested in them.He tells us how he expects REITs to fare in a rising interest rate environment and also gives his top REIT investment pick. Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:37) REITs intro and interest in real estate(2:52) Difference between REITs and real estate(4:30) How he started investing in REITs(5:42) When he started his firm (7:52) How you make money on Seeking Alpha (9:20) Journey to 0 to 60k followers (11:04) Did people in the army know about your side hustle (11:48) Writing on Seeking Alpha (12:50) Types of articles he writes (14:22) What his firm looks like, # of people etc. (14:48) P&L of his firm (16:30) Scaling plan for his firm (18:36) More than half his net worth in REITs(19:38) REITs/real estate investing in high interest rate environment (21:15) Were you ever not bullish on REITs (22:22) Names/geographies covered (23:35) Real estate markets that interest him (25:20) Is it a good time to a buy a house (27:08) View on interest REITs (28:10) What he would change about the REIT industry (29:07) Passing all the CFA exams (31:50) Done with studying? (32:33) Why he started a YouTube channel (33:33) Advice for entrepreneurs (34:40) Why he lives in Tallinn, Estonia (37:30) Handle/manage stress levels(38:44) Next travel destination(39:21) Advice he would give to his younger self (41:22) Legacy for personal and business life(43:00) Rapid fire questions Jussi Askola links:Seeking AlphaLinkedInYouTubeTwitterMy links:InstagramLinkedInTwitterBlog

July 6, 202350 min

Anna Szymanowska – Building a Ginger Shots Empire

Anna Szymanowska is the founder of Fighter Shots that produces ginger-based wellness drinks. Anna is based in the United Kingdom and has 3 masters degrees. Anna's entrepreneurial journey took off after completing her MBA at London Business School.In our conversation we talked about how and why Anna started Fighter Shots with just one product, how she managed to raise £150K in funding in 24 hours from 300+ investors. She also tells us what makes ginger special and why you should have it too. If you are into healthy living and hacks for it, this episode is for you. Show notes:(0:00) Intro (1:06) Childhood & growing up(2:07) Entrepreneurial spirit(3:19) College to Fighter Shots(5:08) MBA goal to start a business(6:47) How she got the idea for Fighter Shots(8:30) Production process(13:02) Starting with one product(16:04) Why is ginger good for you(17:47) Co-founder story(24:01) Crowdfunding campaign(26:05) Story behind raising £150K in 24 hours(27:49) UAE market(30:14) Listing on Amazon(31:23) Other products launching(35:26) 30 plants per week challenge(38:02) Moment of breakthrough with Fighter Shots(39:47) Content diet(40:46) Scaling goal(42:53) Advice for future entrepreneurs(45:06) Imposter syndrome(46:27) Legacy - personal/business life(47:40) Rapid-fire questionsAnna Szymanowska links:LinkedInCompany websiteMy links: Instagram Twitter Blog