Visionary Voices Podcast

Aqil Jannaty
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED DAILY

Welcome to "Visionary Voices" the podcast where we dive into the minds of business owners, founders, executives, and everyone in between. Each episode brings you face-to-face with the leading lights of industry and innovation. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the success and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or just starting your business journey, these are the conversations you need to hear - packed with visionary voices and insights. Let's begin.

  1. From Corporate to Consulting: Tom Parker's Entrepreneurial Journey

    FEB 6

    From Corporate to Consulting: Tom Parker's Entrepreneurial Journey

    In this episode of Visionary Voices, host Aqil Jannaty welcomes Tom Parker, co-founder of ALINED Consulting Group, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the IT consulting landscape. Tom shares the unique approach that sets ALINED apart from traditional consulting firms, emphasizing a blend of consulting and staffing that allows for agility and tailored solutions to clients' technology problems. He recounts the pivotal moments that led to the founding of ALINED, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career trajectory. (00:00) - - Introduction to Tom Parker (01:10) - - Overview of Alined Consulting (02:50) - - Tom's Entrepreneurial Journey (06:15) - - Early Days of Alined Consulting (10:20) - - Finding Initial Clients (13:45) - - Transitioning to Cold Leads (16:30) - - Insights on Networking (19:10) - - Importance of In-Person Relationships (22:05) - - Hiring Key Team Members (25:00) - - Shifting Business Development Strategies (28:15) - - Blending Consulting and Staffing (31:40) - - The Role of AI in Business (35:00) - - Companies Struggling with AI Implementation (38:30) - - Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship (41:50) - - Key Lessons for the 18-Year-Old Self (44:30) - - Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations consulting, staffing, entrepreneurship, AI, technology, networking, business development, growth mindset, team building, market trends

    36 min
  2. Embracing Change: What I Learned as a CEO, with Anthony Ewing

    JAN 30

    Embracing Change: What I Learned as a CEO, with Anthony Ewing

    In this episode of the podcast, host Aqil Jannaty engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Anthony Ewing, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Thoughtium, an experienced-led coaching and consulting firm based in Chicago. Anthony shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with his motivations for starting Thoughtium, which stemmed from a desire for more immersive and personal development opportunities in the corporate world. With over a decade of experience, he reflects on the evolution of his business, the importance of understanding brand identity, and the natural decision to shift from CEO to a brand-focused role.

    37 min
  3. From Psychology to AI Ft Shorful Islam

    JAN 23

    From Psychology to AI Ft Shorful Islam

    In this episode of Visionary Voices, host Aqil Jannaty sits down with Shorful Islam, founder of Be Data Solutions, to explore his remarkable journey from academia to entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving field of AI and data solutions. Shorful shares insights on the importance of mentorship, taking risks, and the growing role of AI in business. They also discuss the challenges of balancing growth with security in the tech space, alongside the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. This podcast was edited and produced by ThePod.fm. If you need help managing a B2B podcast, head to https://thepod.fm to see how we can help. entrepreneurship, AI, business development, data solutions, marketing strategies, team management, risk-taking, mentorship, automation, security

    37 min
  4. AI and the Future of Creativity Ft Whit Harwood

    JAN 16

    AI and the Future of Creativity Ft Whit Harwood

    In this conversation, Whit emphasizes the necessity of being an operator in the marketing field, especially in the context of AI's growing influence. He discusses how automation will eliminate busy work, revealing those who can truly drive projects forward and engage stakeholders effectively. (00:00) - Introduction and Whit’s background (01:21) - Career journey into marketing and media (02:49) - Big companies vs startups (04:41) - Market research and leadership insights (06:40) - AI, marketing tech, and industry challenges (10:15) - How AI is changing roles and job expectations (13:09) - Go-to-market strategy and sales cycles (16:23) - Power of in-person events and relationships (20:29) - First-party data and relationship-led growth (21:38) - Career-defining moments and personal growth (24:50) - Advice for marketers entering the industry (28:37) - Three lessons to my 18-year-old self creativity, marketing, AI, productivity, decision-making, project management, automation, stakeholder engagement

    31 min
  5. Navigating the Marketing Landscape Ft Victoria Vella

    JAN 9

    Navigating the Marketing Landscape Ft Victoria Vella

    In this conversation, Victoria Vella shares her extensive journey in the marketing industry, detailing her role as head of growth at Dusted, an independent agency. She discusses her career path, the challenges she faced, and the importance of adaptability in a competitive landscape. Victoria offers valuable advice for aspiring marketers, emphasizing the significance of online presence and the evolving role of AI in marketing strategies. She also reflects on the balance between career and motherhood, sharing insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively. The conversation concludes with her key lessons for younger professionals, focusing on confidence, curiosity, and authenticity. (00:00) - Introduction to Victoria Vella and Dusted (03:09) - Victoria's Journey in Marketing (06:03) - Advice for Aspiring Marketers (09:05) - Turning Points in Victoria's Career (11:54) - Balancing Work and Family Life (14:46) - Current Role and Impact at Dusted (19:55) - The Role of AI in Marketing (30:59) - Lessons for the Future marketing, career advice, AI in marketing, balancing work and family, Dusted agency, growth strategies, personal journey, branding, entrepreneurship, insights

    41 min
  6. Navigating Job Market Challenges Ft Larry L. Chism

    JAN 2

    Navigating Job Market Challenges Ft Larry L. Chism

    The conversation delves into the challenges faced by job candidates in the current market, highlighting the difficulties in securing opportunities due to factors beyond qualifications. It emphasizes the role of algorithms in the hiring process, where resumes must meet specific keyword criteria to be considered, leading to a more competitive and often frustrating experience for applicants. (00:00) - Introduction to Larry and His Recruiting Background (00:12) - How Larry Started in Executive Recruiting (01:03) - Transitioning from Retail to Recruitment (02:54) - Early Career Lessons and Foundational Training (04:23) - Building His Own Recruiting Firm in Chicago (06:24) - First Years in Business and Client Growth (08:10) - Solitude, Discipline, and Communication Challenges (10:42) - Customer Service Skills Learned from Retail (12:37) - How the Internet Changed Recruitment (15:15) - The Impact of AI on Recruiting Today (17:12) - Problems with AI Filtering and Missed Candidates (19:17) - Balancing AI with the Human Element (21:25) - Larry’s Strategy for Getting New Clients (25:56) - The Power of a 45 Second Pitch (29:00) - Persistence, Discipline, and the Entrepreneur Mindset (33:46) - The Future of Recruitment and Emerging Trends (41:15) - Advice Larry Would Give His Younger Self (44:33) - Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap Up job market, candidates, opportunities, resume, keyword search, qualifications, hiring process, employment challenges, job applications, recruitment

    45 min
  7. Building a Dynamic Team in a Startup Ft Lindsay Warren

    12/26/2025

    Building a Dynamic Team in a Startup Ft Lindsay Warren

    In this episode, Lindsay Warren shares her journey from a sales development rep to leading growth at People Data Labs. She discusses the importance of hiring dynamic individuals, the mission of the company in building workforce data, and the strategies for effective marketing and sales messaging. Lindsay emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing marketing efforts while maintaining authenticity in content creation. She also reflects on the significance of company culture and personal growth, offering valuable lessons for future success. (00:00) - Lindsay Warren's Journey at People Data Labs (05:57) - The Mission of People Data Labs (11:58) - Marketing and Sales Messaging Strategies (17:57) - The Role of AI in Marketing (24:01) - Building Authenticity in Content and Branding (26:18) - Innovative Meeting Solutions (27:50) - Defining Company Culture (31:54) - Embracing Challenges and Growth (36:45) - Trusting Your Gut Instincts (40:48) - Future Aspirations and Personal Growth (46:17) - Lessons for the Future People Data Labs, growth marketing, hiring, company culture, authenticity, AI in marketing, sales strategies, personal growth, data-driven decisions, leadership

    50 min
  8. Freedom vs. Responsibility in Entrepreneurship Ft Ivor Stratford

    12/19/2025

    Freedom vs. Responsibility in Entrepreneurship Ft Ivor Stratford

    In this episode, Ivor Stratford walks through his journey from early entrepreneurial roots to building Morpheus, a recruitment firm focused on high-growth AI and tech companies. He highlights the realities of running a business, owning every outcome, staying consistent, and finding healthier ways to manage pressure, including his decision to quit drinking in 2022. Ivor explains why real relationships, in-person connection, and long-term trust will matter more than ever in a world saturated with AI outreach. He also reflects on how endurance training and marathon prep have shaped his discipline and mindset. Ivor ends by sharing three core lessons: keep going, be yourself, and enjoy the process. (00:00) - Introduction and Ivor’s background (01:00) - Journey into entrepreneurship (03:00) - Biggest mindset shifts (04:50) - Being “always on” as a founder (05:50) - Alcohol, burnout, and lifestyle changes (08:00) - Personal development through entrepreneurship (09:50) - What Morpheus does and who they help (11:30) - Early days and scrappy growth (13:00) - Power of in-person founder events (15:00) - Relationships leading to long-term clients (17:00) - Relationship-based growth vs AI outreach (19:00) - Importance of consistency in business (21:00) - Marathon training and discipline (23:30) - Small habits that compound (27:00) - Lessons learned from ultra running (31:30) - Keeping promises to yourself (34:00) - Future of recruitment with AI (37:30) - Building first-party relationships (38:40) - Three lessons to my 18-year-old self self-motivation, entrepreneurship, freedom, performance, accountability

    40 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Visionary Voices" the podcast where we dive into the minds of business owners, founders, executives, and everyone in between. Each episode brings you face-to-face with the leading lights of industry and innovation. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the success and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or just starting your business journey, these are the conversations you need to hear - packed with visionary voices and insights. Let's begin.

Information

  • Creator
    Aqil Jannaty
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ASTRA Digital Solutions LTD
  • Show Website
    Visionary Voices Podcast