builders from business.com

business.com
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Welcome to builders —  where John Busby interviews business leaders, changemakers and investors on scaling your business, navigating your career and building great brands.  Guests include the co-inventor of Siri, the first business leader of Xbox, and first-time startup CEOs.  At builders you'll get insights from others to apply to your own business or career.  Subscribe today — for whatever business you're building. This is builders from business.com.

  1. 6D AGO

    How Leaders Use AI Authentically - with Allison Shapira

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Allison Shapira, Harvard lecturer, keynote speaker, and author of AI for the Authentic Leader, to explore how leaders can use AI without losing their voice. As generative AI becomes embedded in everyday communication, Allison explains why liberal arts skills like adaptability, curiosity, and critical thinking are more valuable than ever. She shares research on how overreliance on AI can erode trust, why authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership, and how to create your own Authentic Voice Intelligence blueprint so AI enhances rather than replaces human connection. Allison and John discuss: 04:32 – How AI can erode trust if leaders overuse it 08:25 – Generic AI communication vs. unique human voice 16:39 – Public speaking lessons from opera training 20:39 – Universal truths about human connection across cultures 23:51 – How to ask for feedback and continuously improve as a speaker 26:17 – Why humor matters in leadership communication Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone who cares about leading with both innovation and authenticity. 👉 Learn more about Allison Shapira: https://allisonshapira.com/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor plus exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    29 min

  2. FEB 24

    America’s Nuclear Energy Opportunity with Kevin Kong, CEO of Everstar

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Kevin Kong, CEO and founder of Everstar, to discuss the critical role nuclear energy plays in addressing the global energy crisis. As energy demand surges driven in part by AI and data center growth, Kevin explains why nuclear is becoming a key part of the clean energy equation and what must change for the U.S. to scale safely and efficiently. He shares how regulatory complexity, documentation burdens, and industry knowledge loss have slowed nuclear development, and how Everstar is modernizing workflows to accelerate site qualification, permitting, and project timelines. Kevin also reflects on his journey from engineer to entrepreneur and why first principles thinking, confidence, and culture building are essential for tackling massive infrastructure challenges. Kevin and John discuss: 01:10 – The current energy crisis and nuclear’s role in meeting rising demand 05:35 – Nuclear energy’s potential and global comparisons (U.S. vs. China) 07:28 – Everstar’s mission to streamline nuclear project workflows 12:44 – Kevin’s personal journey into the nuclear sector 21:36 – How engineering skills translate into entrepreneurial success 25:27 – Building culture while scaling an energy-focused startup Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Check out Everstar’s website: Accelerating Nuclear with AI | Everstar🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    31 min

  3. FEB 17

    Upgrading your AirBnB with Jordan McDonough of Somerled Designs

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jordan McDonough, co-founder of Somerled Designs, to discuss how interior design has become a critical business strategy in today’s competitive short-term rental market. Jordan shares why design is no longer optional for Airbnb owners and how guest expectations, market research, and intentional experiences drive bookings and ROI.Jordan also shares the story behind Somerled Designs, from spotting a gap in the STR market to scaling a 100% remote service-based business, and explains how understanding your target audience, amenities, and systems fuels both property performance and company growth. Jordan and John discuss: 02:55 – Designing for differentiation in a crowded market 07:52 – The origin story of Somerled Designs 12:21 – The process of working with STR clients 19:06 – Scaling a service-based business 22:32 – Building and maintaining a remote work culture Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore more of Somerland Designs: Somerled Designs - Specializing in Vacation Rentals 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    29 min

  4. JAN 27

    The Importance of Delegation in Scaling Businesses - with Atiba de Souza

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Atiba de Souza, entrepreneur, marketing expert, and author of The Delegation Trap, to talk about what matters most in marketing in 2026 and beyond. Atiba explains how moments of truth in the buyer journey have changed, why human connection and community are winning in B2B, and why video is now central to search and engagement. The conversation also explores Atiba’s 30 year business journey, including launching a search engine before Google, the thinking behind turning doers into thinkers through better delegation, and the cultural and practical benefits of living and working in the Philippines. Atiba and John discuss: 00:45 – Atiba’s background and focus on modern marketing 03:37 – Moments of truth and the role of community in B2B 07:40 – The rise of video marketing and video search 14:33 – Atiba’s journey from search engines to video strategy 21:47 – The Delegation Trap and the CASE method 32:27 – Living and working in the Philippines Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Atiba de Souza’s book, The Delegation Gap: https://thedelegationtrap.com/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    37 min

  5. JAN 23

    Do You Have A Good 401(k) Plan? With 401(k) Forensic Consultant Paul Sippil

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Paul Sippil, a registered investment advisor and 401(k) forensic consultant, to unpack how retirement plans really work, and why most employees and employers are paying more than they should. Paul explains what a 401(k) actually is, how fees quietly erode long-term savings, and why transparency in plan design and advisor compensation matters more than most people realize. The conversation also explores investment strategies beyond traditional index funds, best practices for early and mid-career investors, and Paul’s broader mission to bring transparency to complex systems. Paul and John discuss: 01:26 – What a 401(k) really is (and how it differs from an IRA) 05:43 – How to tell if you have a good or bad 401(k) plan 09:58 – Advisors, administrators, and where hidden fees come from 14:50 – Paul’s path to becoming a 401(k) forensic consultant 19:55 – Best practices for early-career investors 31:22 – Paul’s community dining initiative and food system transparency Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Paul’s website: www.paulsippil.com 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    34 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Uncertainty Advantage with Scott Stirrett, Founder of Venture for Canada

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Scott Stirrett, founder of Venture for Canada and author of The Uncertainty Advantage, to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful career in an era defined by rapid change. Scott breaks down why young professionals must learn to embrace uncertainty, take smart risks, and focus on developing adaptable, useful skills rather than chasing rigid career plans. He also opens up about his mental health journey, how travel builds adaptability, and why pursuing multiple ventures can be a strength, not a distraction. Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Get Scott’s book The Uncertainty Advantage: https://www.amazon.com/Uncertainty-Advantage-Launching-Career-Change/dp/1459753224👉 Follow Scott’s Substack: https://substack.com/@scottstirrett 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions.🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    30 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    Scaling Brands with Jason Weinberger, Co-Founder of Mother Bear Agency

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jason Weinberger, Co-Founder & CRO of Mother Bear Agency, to talk about what it really takes to scale a brand in 2025. Jason breaks down why an integrated, holistic approach to marketing outperforms one-off tactics. He also shares his journey from copywriter to leading major campaigns, the lessons he’s carried into building Mother Bear, and how AI is transforming the way modern marketing teams operate. The conversation covers everything from performance creative to data-driven PR to the challenges marketers face in an era of platform changes and signal loss. Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Mother Bear Agency: https://motherbear.agency/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    27 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Cybersecurity – Protecting your Business and Yourself with Paul Laudanski of Onapsis

    On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Paul Laudanski, Director of Security Research at Onapsis and a leading cybersecurity expert, to explore the evolving world of digital security, from zero day vulnerabilities and ERP attacks to the growing impact of AI and offensive research. Paul shares insights from his extensive career, discussing how both businesses and individuals can strengthen their defenses, make smart cybersecurity investments, and stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone that you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on the best solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

    33 min
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About

Welcome to builders —  where John Busby interviews business leaders, changemakers and investors on scaling your business, navigating your career and building great brands.  Guests include the co-inventor of Siri, the first business leader of Xbox, and first-time startup CEOs.  At builders you'll get insights from others to apply to your own business or career.  Subscribe today — for whatever business you're building. This is builders from business.com.

Information

  • Creator
    business.com
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Busby
  • Show Website
    builders from business.com