Test. Optimize. Scale.

My guest this week is Christian Ray Flores. A high-performance coach, entrepreneur, international recording artist, and philanthropist with a story that spans continents and industries. From a childhood as a refugee in Chile to becoming a pop star in Eastern Europe, launching award-winning media ventures, and leading global philanthropy—his journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and impact.   With a master’s in economics and fluency in four languages, Christian has built and advised startups, raised millions for businesses and missions, and coached top executives, founders, and creatives to sustained peak performance. He co-founded Third Drive Media, producing content that moves audiences and fuels innovation, and leads Xponential, where he empowers high achievers to maximize success and significance.   As host of the Headspace by Christian Ray Flores podcast and author of Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America, he speaks globally on leadership, mindset, and the habits that create extraordinary lives.   Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrayflores/ Website: https://www.xponential.life/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianrayflores/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christianrayflores1   Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency

My guest this week is Andrew Geisel. The Co-Founder and Head of Growth at Citizens, a hospitality brand redefining the modern café experience. With a deep passion for coffee and community, Andrew sharpened his expertise at one of Australia’s premier coffee brands before channeling his skills into building Citizens into a fast-growing, investor-backed business.    His background in architecture, construction, and commercial real estate gives him a unique edge in developing standout café spaces that seamlessly blend design, functionality, and brand identity. As Citizens expands across the U.S., Andrew’s strategic vision and hands-on leadership are driving its growth into a category-defining brand.     Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-geisel-59793117b/ Website: https://www.citizens.coffee/ Check out the Citizens Coffee raise page: https://www.startengine.com/offering/citizens-coffee   Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency

This week on Test. Optimize. Scale. My guest is Darren Marble, a pioneering force in democratizing investment opportunities through media and technology. As the Executive Producer of Going Public®, he's revolutionizing how viewers engage with business television – creating the first show where audiences can invest in featured companies while watching in real-time. The groundbreaking series is set to launch its third season exclusively on 𝕏 in Spring 2025. Darren is also the CEO of Issuance, a leading SaaS investment platform that's facilitated over $300 million in securities investments. His entrepreneurial journey has attracted backing from some of the most respected names in venture capital and business, including Cyan Banister of Long Journey Ventures, fashion mogul Chris Burch, Acorns' Co-founder Walter Cruttenden, and Computershare Co-founder Chris Morris. A sought-after voice in the intersection of entertainment and finance, Darren's insights have been featured in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Forbes, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. He's raised $10 million for his own ventures and continues to push the boundaries of how media can transform investment opportunities for everyday people." Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmarble/ X: https://x.com/darrenmarble Website: issuance.com Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency

My guest this week is Tom Blair, a seasoned entrepreneur and corporate executive with extensive experience in AI, enterprise software, and business development across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As the Founder of iClerk, he is pioneering AI-driven automation to streamline repetitive and economically costly tasks. Previously, he co-founded Performance Livestock Analytics, Inc., leveraging data science to improve agricultural efficiency before its acquisition by Zoetis Inc. He also served as Senior Vice President at Iteris, Inc. and co-founded ClearAg Inc., which was later acquired by DTN Inc. His leadership at Trimble Navigation Ltd., Sybase Inc. (SAP AG), Autonomy Systems (HP), Clustra Systems (Sun Microsystems), and Eastman Kodak has shaped industries from AI and telecommunications to enterprise data management. With an M.S. in Computer Science (AI) from Rochester Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from DeVry Institute of Technology, Blair continues to drive innovation at the intersection of AI, automation, and enterprise efficiency.  Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-blair/ Website: https://www.iclerk.ai/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency

My guest this week is Jeff Carlton, a Certified Business & Executive Coach with FocalPoint who brings an extraordinary blend of military leadership and business expertise to the coaching world.   With over 30 years as a military officer and fighter pilot, Jeff has navigated both the skies and complex organizational challenges. His background includes serving as a USAF Inspector General, where he mastered the intricacies of compliance and auditing systems.   Jeff's unique perspective combines his aerospace engineering education and Master's studies in aviation business with hands-on experience in strategic planning and continuous process improvement. His high-level security clearance and experience managing critical projects have given him invaluable insights into leadership under pressure.   Today, he channels this wealth of experience into helping executives and businesses reach new heights through strategic coaching and consulting. Drawing from his military precision and business acumen, Jeff helps leaders develop clear flight paths to their goals.   Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-g-carlton/ Website: https://jeffcarlton.focalpointcoaching.com/   Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency  

My guest this week is Simon Penson. Having started his career in journalism, he quickly became captivated by the power of audience building across all platforms. His expertise grew to encompass digital marketing, business leadership, strategy, and growth.   His natural enthusiasm for innovation led him to establish, grow, and successfully sell two digital businesses, while continuing to pursue opportunities aligned with emerging consumer behavior trends.   Throughout his journey, he gained valuable insights into building and scaling digital businesses effectively, mastering the complexities of M&A to maximize exit value. This experience formed the foundation for Scaled, a consultancy dedicated to guiding the next wave of agency leaders in building profitable businesses through to successful exits and beyond.   His passion for technology remains strong, as he actively invests in founder-led businesses, contributing both capital and experience. He serves as a partner in Haatch Ventures, a leading early-stage B2B SaaS investment fund.   Drawing from his extensive background, he now applies his expertise as a digital-focused NED, NxD, and Chair, helping private equity firms acquire and develop outstanding companies. His approach combines deep digital understanding with practical business experience, making him a valued advisor in the digital business landscape.   Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpenson/ Website: https://simonpenson.co.uk/   Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency  

My guest this week is Jenny Kassan, Jenny is an attorney, coach, and ecosystem builder focused on capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Jenny earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and a masters degree in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley. She is the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business without selling Your Soul. Jenny co-founded the Sustainable Economies Law Center, the Force for Good Fund, and Opportunity Main Street.   Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykassan/ Website: https://www.jennykassan.com    Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency  

My guest this week is Eddie Tobler, a seasoned expert in corporate governance and shareholder relations with over 15 years of industry experience. Currently serving as the Managing General Partner at West Coast Stock Transfer Corp, Eddie has established himself as a trusted advisor in the Community and Regional Banking sector, particularly specializing in guiding banks through public market transitions and M&A processes. Prior to his current role, Eddie spent a decade as the Director of Shareholder Services at Issuer Direct Corporation, where he honed his expertise in corporate actions and shareholder communications. His commitment to community service is exemplified through his nearly six-year tenure as a Foundation board member at Harnett Health, where he contributed to advancing healthcare initiatives in North Carolina. Based in the Fayetteville area, Eddie brings unique insights into the intersection of corporate governance, community banking, and shareholder relations. His particular focus on banks navigating the complexities of public markets makes him an invaluable voice in today's financial landscape." Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-tobler/ Website: https://westcoaststocktransfer.com/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency  

My guest this week is Karl Dakin. Karl is a seasoned entrepreneur and capital strategist with over four decades of experience in transforming innovative ideas into thriving businesses. As the founder of Dakin Capital LLC and an adjunct professor at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business, Karl has pioneered the "Motivated Money Method," a unique approach to capital raising that focuses on aligning investor goals with entrepreneurial visions. His expertise spans multiple industries, from wellness and air disinfection technology to sustainable workforce housing. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Splish Naturals, Karl continues to drive innovation in the CBD wellness sector while maintaining his role as a dedicated educator and business coach. A passionate advocate for small businesses, Karl combines legal expertise with strategic vision to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of business growth. His work in opportunity zones, strategic planning, and international financial transactions has established him as a trusted advisor for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact. Whether sharing insights on capital acquisition or discussing the future of entrepreneurship, Karl brings practical experience and fresh perspectives to every conversation, helping shape the next generation of business leaders while fostering an environment where innovation thrives.  Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karldakin/ Website: http://dakincapital.com/  Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency  

My guest is Brian Belley, Brian is the Vice President of Product at KingsCrowd and a prolific angel investor who has backed over 220 private startups through equity crowdfunding and private syndicates. As the founder of Crowdwise.org and VentureWallet.co (acquired by KingsCrowd in 2021), Brian has established himself as a leading voice in the democratization of private investing. Beyond his investing activities, Brian serves on the Board of Directors for the Crowdfunding Professional Association and NE FIRST, where he helps shape the future of retail investing and robotics education. A self-taught developer and experienced engineering leader, he spent over a decade in the Defense & Space industry before focusing on fintech and startup investments.  Brian holds a Master's in Aerospace Engineering from USC and combines his technical expertise with a passion for making private market investing accessible to everyone. As an advisor and mentor, he helps startups navigate the complexities of crowdfunding campaigns, drawing from his unique perspective as both an investor and platform builder." Social and Website: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbelley/ Website: https://kingscrowd.com/companies/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency