The Necessary Entrepreneur

Mark Perkins
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Experience Earned. Execution Required. The Necessary Entrepreneur brings together people who are actively creating, not constantly consuming. Hosted by entrepreneur and operator Mark Perkins, the show assembles founders, operators, and investors doing the work. They share direct conversations about execution, leadership, and the realities of creating something that endures. The show rejects theory as a standalone and focuses on the discipline, decisions, and resilience required to stay in the game every day.

  1. 6d ago

    #206 - How Great Leaders Scale Through AI, Curiosity & Culture | John Sampogna

    What separates businesses that continue to grow from those that hit a ceiling? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with John Sampogna, CEO and Co-Founder of Wondersauce, to explore the leadership principles, growth strategies, and mindset shifts required to build and scale a modern business. John shares lessons learned from leading a fast-growing agency through economic shifts, technological disruption, acquisitions, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. He explains why attitude often matters more than talent, how curiosity fuels innovation, and why self-awareness remains one of the most underrated leadership skills in business. Mark and John dive into the real impact of AI on marketing, hiring, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, John discusses how leaders can leverage emerging technologies to eliminate mediocrity, increase efficiency, and create new competitive advantages. The conversation also explores talent retention, company culture, business acceleration, marketing strategy, navigating growth plateaus, and the importance of balancing long-term brand building with measurable performance marketing. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, executive, marketer, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights on adapting to change, building resilient teams, and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In This Episode: • How attitude shapes business success • The future of AI in marketing and entrepreneurship • Leadership lessons from scaling a growing company • Why curiosity is a competitive advantage • Talent retention and team development strategies • Performance marketing vs. brand marketing • Breaking through business growth ceilings • Navigating acquisitions and market cycles • The future of hiring in an AI-driven economy • Finding fulfillment while building a successful business 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About John Sampogna & Wondersauce: https://wondersauce.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wondersauce https://www.jsamps.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/

    55 min

  2. Jun 15

    #205 - The Critical Minerals Crisis: Why the Future of AI Depends on Deep-Sea Mining | Oliver Gunasekara

    What if the next great resource boom isn't on land, but thousands of feet below the ocean's surface? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Oliver Gunasekara, founder and CEO of Impossible Metals, to discuss one of the most controversial and potentially transformative industries of the next decade: deep-sea mining. As demand for AI, electric vehicles, data centers, batteries, and advanced technologies continues to surge, the need for critical minerals has never been greater. Oliver explains how Impossible Metals is developing autonomous underwater robotics designed to harvest critical minerals from the ocean floor while minimizing environmental impact. Oliver shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building a venture-backed technology company operating at the intersection of robotics, mining, sustainability, national security, and energy independence. He discusses the challenges of scaling breakthrough technology, competing in global commodity markets, raising capital, hiring mission-driven teams, and moving quickly in highly regulated industries. Mark and Oliver also explore the future of AI infrastructure, the growing importance of rare earth materials, leadership lessons from world-class innovators, and why founders must learn to balance bold vision with disciplined execution. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, technology leader, engineer, or simply curious about the future of energy and critical resources, this conversation offers a fascinating look at one of the most important challenges facing modern industry. In This Episode: • The future of deep-sea mining and critical minerals • How underwater robotics are changing resource extraction • Why AI and data centers require massive mineral infrastructure • The national security implications of rare earth materials • Scaling a startup in a highly regulated industry • Leadership lessons from technology pioneers • Building mission-driven teams around ambitious goals • Environmental trade-offs in the global energy transition • Startup execution, perseverance, and long-term vision • The entrepreneurial mindset required to tackle impossible problems 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Oliver Gunasekara and Impossible Metals: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunasekara/ https://impossiblemetals.com

    54 min

  3. Jun 8

    #204 - Why High Achievers Still Feel Empty | Kenyada Meadows

    What if the life you've worked so hard to build isn't actually the life you want? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Kenyada Meadows, leadership coach, former executive at Deloitte, JPMorgan, and Bank of America, and author of The New Alpha. After spending more than 25 years climbing the corporate ladder, Kenyada realized something uncomfortable: success on paper does not guarantee fulfillment. The paycheck was growing. The titles were impressive. But the life he was building no longer felt like one of his own. This conversation dives into the tension between achievement and contentment, ambition and balance, influence and identity. Kenyada challenges many of the assumptions high performers make about success and explores why so many accomplished people find themselves feeling disconnected despite outward success. Mark and Kenyada discuss the hidden cost of chasing status, why emotional intelligence is becoming a leadership requirement, the difference between happiness and contentment, and how entrepreneurs can build lives that are both successful and meaningful. Kenyada also shares the powerful "hollow tree" metaphor from The New Alpha, explaining why many high-achieving men appear strong on the outside while struggling internally. Together they explore personal responsibility, intentional living, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, family, leadership, and the importance of defining what "enough" truly means. Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or simply trying to create a life you'll be proud of when you look back, this episode offers a thought-provoking framework for examining what success really means. In this episode: • Why achievement without fulfillment creates a dangerous trap • The difference between happiness and contentment • Why defining "enough" is one of life's most important decisions • The hidden struggles behind the high-achiever mindset • Emotional intelligence and the future of leadership • Why balance is a season, not a constant state • Lessons learned from 25 years in corporate leadership • The role of intentionality in building a meaningful life • What entrepreneurs misunderstand about risk, failure, and growth • How to create a life that is well-lived, not just well-paid 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Kenyada Meadows: https://www.executiveparentcompany.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyadameadowscpaciacfe/ 📖 Order a copy of The New Alpha: Be Three Times the Leader Through Balance, Not Dominance HERE 📖 Order a copy of The P.A.S.S.E.N.G.E.R Seat: Drive Integrity and Steer Influence When Authority Isn't Yours HERE

    53 min

  4. Jun 1

    #203 - Daniel Nikic on AI, International Investing & The Future of Entrepreneurship

    Daniel Nikic joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, international investing, startup growth, and the future of global business. As a global investment strategist and founder of Cohres, Daniel has analyzed thousands of companies across international markets and brings a unique perspective on how entrepreneurs and investors can identify real opportunity in a rapidly changing economy. From AI's impact on jobs and productivity to the cultural differences between American and European business environments, Daniel shares practical insights for founders, investors, and operators looking to build sustainable long-term success. In this episode, Mark and Daniel discuss: How AI is eliminating "bot work" while increasing the value of human intuition and creativity What entrepreneurs misunderstand about international investing and expansion The key signals Daniel looks for after studying more than 15,000 companies Why founder behavior and trust matter more than flashy projections The growing role of family offices in wealth management and venture investing Business opportunities emerging in Dubai and international markets How investors separate real opportunity from noise Why passion and long-term thinking still matter in an AI-driven world Daniel also shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, investment research, risk management, and how founders can build stronger relationships with investors and partners in uncertain markets. If you are interested in AI, investing, entrepreneurship, global markets, venture capital, or building trust in business, this episode delivers practical insights from someone operating at the intersection of strategy, research, and international finance. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Daniel Nikic: https://www.danielnikic.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-nikic/

    50 min

  5. May 25

    #202 - The 12 Week System That Can Triple Your Productivity | Dan Mintz

    Dan Mintz, Founder & CEO of 12-Week Breakthrough, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur to break down why most businesses don't fail from lack of strategy, they fail from lack of execution. In this conversation, Dan explains how the "12-week year" helps entrepreneurs and organizations move faster, stay focused, and create measurable momentum without waiting for annual planning cycles. Drawing from decades of experience helping companies improve performance systems, Dan shares why execution has become the ultimate competitive advantage in today's AI-driven economy. Mark and Dan also dive into: Why most entrepreneurs overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in 12 weeks How elite performers use rapid feedback and micro-adjustments to accelerate growth What Elon Musk's first-principles thinking teaches about solving complex business problems Why focus and clarity matter more than working longer hours The massive shift AI is creating in business, and why operators who embrace it early will dominate How performance systems help founders bridge the gap between vision and results The compounding effect of disciplined execution over time Whether you're leading a company, scaling a team, or trying to improve your own performance, this episode is packed with practical insights on productivity, leadership, strategy, and execution in a rapidly changing world. 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Dan Mintz & 12-Week Breakthrough: https://12week-breakthrough.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt7LdgCTlUAVw9EDSMpHNfg https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mintz/

    48 min

  6. May 18

    #201 - The Trust Recession: How Ari Galper Uses Trust-Based Selling to Close Deals Faster

    What if the reason your sales process feels broken… is because trust itself is broken? In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with world-renowned sales expert and trust-based selling authority Ari Galper to unpack what he calls the "trust recession" — and why traditional sales tactics are failing in today's economy. Ari shares the breakthrough moment that changed his entire philosophy on sales after accidentally overhearing a potential client admit they planned to use his expertise for free while shopping for a cheaper option. That painful experience launched a 25-year mission to reinvent selling through trust, honesty, clarity, and authentic human connection. This conversation dives deep into trust-based selling, collapsing sales cycles, eliminating pressure, and why entrepreneurs and sales professionals must stop trying to be liked and start becoming trusted advisors. Ari explains his "doctor model" for sales conversations, how to eliminate assumptions, why free consulting kills deals, and how to build respect instead of chasing approval. Mark and Ari also explore how AI is changing the future of business, why human trust is becoming more valuable than ever, and how sales organizations can create high-trust systems that close deals faster without manipulation, pressure, or endless follow-up. If you are an entrepreneur, founder, business owner, consultant, coach, or sales professional looking to improve conversions and build stronger client relationships, this episode delivers practical insights that can completely transform the way you sell. Topics discussed include: Trust-based selling strategies The trust recession in business How to collapse long sales cycles Building trust without chasing clients High trust sales conversations Sales psychology and communication Eliminating pressure and manipulation in sales The doctor model for sales AI, business trust, and the future of selling Why traditional relationship selling is failing Key Quotes: "Be the doctor, not the friend, in sales." "Ask, 'Where does it hurt?' like a doctor." "Eliminate assumptions to build real trust." "The only way to beat AI is to get better at trust building." 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Ari Galper: https://www.youtube.com/@ari_galper https://www.facebook.com/arigalper https://www.linkedin.com/in/arigalper/

    42 min

  7. May 14

    #200 - Why Most Entrepreneurs NEVER Become Wealthy | Kenneth Himmler

    On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with wealth strategist, author, and co-founder of One Wealth Map, Kenneth Himmler, for a powerful conversation on what it really means to build wealth, and why most entrepreneurs never make the leap from high income to true financial freedom. Ken breaks down the mindset shifts that separate wealthy people from everyone else, why most financial advice fails entrepreneurs, and how business owners can turn income into long-term wealth without sacrificing their family, health, or quality of life. He shares lessons from working with high-net-worth individuals for more than four decades, the dangers of chasing "lazy sound bite" financial advice like the 4% rule, and why balance is one of the most overlooked pillars of living rich. The conversation dives deep into wealth psychology, entrepreneurship, retirement planning, investment strategies, market volatility, passive income, and the importance of designing a life with freedom and intentionality. Ken also opens up about his own early struggles, including living out of his Jeep in Canada as a teenager, and how reading Think and Grow Rich completely transformed his mindset and future. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, investor, or someone trying to create lasting financial security, this episode delivers practical wisdom on building wealth that actually supports the life you want to live. Topics include: Wealth building and financial freedom Entrepreneur mindset and psychology Investment and retirement strategies Passive income and wealth preservation Why entrepreneurs struggle to keep wealth The truth about index funds and market cycles How to balance business success with family and lifestyle Financial education and long-term planning Lessons from Napoleon Hill and Think and Grow Rich 📌 Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Kenneth Himmler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenhimmler/ https://onewealthmap.com/ Order a copy of Live Rich Stay Healthy HERE

    1 hr

  8. May 11

    #199 - How to Evaluate Franchise Opportunities, Build Wealth & Escape Corporate Burnout | Scott Jones of FranChoice

    On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with franchise consultant Scott Jones of FranChoice to explore the realities of franchising, entrepreneurship, and building a life with intentionality. With more than 30 years of experience as a franchisee, franchisor, CEO, and business advisor, Scott shares what separates successful franchise owners from those who struggle, how to evaluate franchise opportunities, and why leadership, grit, systems, and execution matter more than hype. Mark and Scott also discuss corporate burnout, financial freedom, wealth building, franchise ROI, SBA financing, and the difference between starting a business from scratch versus buying into a proven system. Whether you are considering franchise ownership, leaving corporate America, or looking to create more options in life and business, this episode delivers practical insights from someone who has helped entrepreneurs navigate major career and financial decisions for decades. Topics include: Franchise consulting Best franchises to own Franchising vs starting a business Passive income and business ownership Leadership and entrepreneurship Franchise ROI and scalability SBA loans for franchises Corporate burnout and career transition Building wealth through business ownership Systems, culture, and franchise success About Scott Jones: Scott Jones is a franchise consultant with FranChoice and founder of Franchise Guide Group. Over the past three decades, he has worked as a franchisee, franchisor, CEO, entrepreneur, and advisor helping individuals evaluate franchise opportunities and build long-term business ownership strategies. 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Find Out More About Scott Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjonesforfranchising/ https://franchiseguidegroup.com/

    44 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Experience Earned. Execution Required. The Necessary Entrepreneur brings together people who are actively creating, not constantly consuming. Hosted by entrepreneur and operator Mark Perkins, the show assembles founders, operators, and investors doing the work. They share direct conversations about execution, leadership, and the realities of creating something that endures. The show rejects theory as a standalone and focuses on the discipline, decisions, and resilience required to stay in the game every day.

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