Business Speaks Podcast

Business Speaks Podcast

Welcome to the Business Speaks Podcast, or as we like to call it, the BS Pod, where it isn't just business speaking. This podcast isn't just about success stories; it's a deep dive into the challenges, strategies, and visions of those who've reshaped their industries and markets. Each week, we bring you closer to CEOs and founders, offering up-close insights into the dynamics of success and innovation. Prepare for a journey into the minds that are crafting tomorrow's business landscape. The BS Pod: Where business speaks, we listen.

  1. 1d ago

    Betting on Yourself: Atul Pathiyal on Healthcare, Entrepreneurship & Building Crankfrog | BSPOD | S3 | EP2

    In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Joey Echeandia sit down with Atul Pathiyal — entrepreneur, healthcare consultant, technology strategist, and founder of Crankfrog — to explore the journey from science and healthcare into consulting, entrepreneurship, and building a successful company from the ground up. Atul reflects on growing up in Connecticut in an entrepreneurial family, studying biology at Johns Hopkins, earning his Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University, and beginning his career as an epidemiologist. He shares how his career evolved from science into management consulting at PwC and eventually into technology strategy within the healthcare industry. The conversation then dives into one of the biggest decisions of Atul’s career: leaving the security of corporate America to bet on himself and start Crankfrog. With three young children at the time, Atul discusses the uncertainty and risk involved in leaving a stable career, finding his first clients, and turning an idea into a company that eventually grew to 35 employees. Atul also shares what he learned about leadership, company culture, hiring, consulting, and the challenges that come with growing a business. He discusses Crankfrog’s eventual acquisition by Chartis in 2022, what it was like letting go of a company he had spent more than a decade building, and how his role has evolved since joining Chartis. Beyond entrepreneurship, the episode explores taking risks, networking, career uncertainty, and the importance of not having everything figured out. Atul offers advice for students and young professionals on when to take a chance on themselves, how to build meaningful relationships, and what it really means to create a career on your own terms.

  2. May 28

    Captain On and Off the Court: Travis Lay on Basketball, Finance & Mentorship | BSPOD | S3 | EP1

    In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Kam Sanghai sit down with Travis Lay — former Bullis School alum, American University basketball captain, professional athlete, CPA, and mentor — to explore the transition from sports to business and the mindset required to succeed in both worlds. Travis reflects on helping lead American University to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 while balancing the demands of Division I athletics and graduating Magna Cum Laude from AU’s Kogod School of Business. He shares what leadership looked like as team captain, the lessons learned from competing at a high level, and how discipline developed through basketball later became essential in finance and accounting. The conversation also dives into Travis’s experience playing professional basketball overseas in England and Australia, the challenges of transitioning out of sports, and rebuilding identity after athletics. From earning his CPA to working in consulting and financial systems implementation, Travis explains how communication, leadership, and consistency matter just as much in business as they do on the court. Beyond career success, the episode explores mentorship, service, and giving back through programs like Year Up. Travis shares advice for young people trying to balance academics, athletics, and long-term goals, while offering insight into leadership, preparation, and building success that lasts beyond any single chapter of life.

  3. May 25

    The Business Behind Entertainment: Jonas Hosmer on WME, Netflix & the Future of Streaming | BSPOD | S2 | EP8

    In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Joey Echiendia sit down with Jonas Hosmer — former WME brand partnerships executive and Netflix business strategist — to unpack how the entertainment industry actually works behind closed doors. Jonas shares his journey from brokering major brand and celebrity partnerships at one of Hollywood’s most powerful talent agencies to spending four and a half years inside Netflix during one of the most transformative periods in streaming history. The conversation dives into how billion-dollar entertainment deals are structured, who really holds power in Hollywood negotiations, and how streaming platforms are reshaping the relationship between content, advertising, and culture. The episode also explores Netflix’s internal culture, the rise of ad-supported streaming, the economics of influencer marketing, and why live sports may become the next battleground in entertainment. Along the way, Jonas breaks down what makes brand partnerships feel authentic, where media budgets are actually flowing today, and how AI could completely disrupt the future of entertainment and advertising. From talent agencies to streaming giants, this episode is a deep look into the business side of Hollywood — and where the industry is headed next.

  4. May 24

    Do Not Let the Old Man In: Robert Stocker on Law, Racing, Reinvention & Refusing to Slow Down | BSPOD | S2 | EP7

    In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kam Sanghai and Cooper Stacey sit down with Robert Stocker — attorney, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and Bullis Class of ’61 — to unpack a life built on constant reinvention. Robert shares his journey from clerking for a federal chief judge and building his own solo law practice to running marathons, and completing triathlons well into his later decades. The conversation explores discipline, goal setting, aging, and the mindset behind refusing to slow down. Robert opens up about the realities of practicing law today, the psychology of competition, and the moment he realized the limits people place on themselves are often just stories they’ve accepted for too long. From the courtroom to the racetrack, this episode is about pushing past expectations, staying curious, and never “letting the old man in.”

  5. Apr 24

    From Consultant to CEO: How Fred Costa Built MetaPhase | BSPOD | S2 | EP6

    In this episode of Business Speaks, we sit down with Fred Costa, Founder and CEO of MetaPhase Consulting, to break down his journey from consultant to building a thriving company. Fred shares how he made the leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a business, and the lessons he’s learned leading a team and navigating growth. If you’re interested in consulting, startups, or what it really takes to build something from the ground up, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

  6. Feb 2

    Breaking Barriers in Construction Leadership: Legacy Business, Trades & Growth | BSPOD | S2 | EP5

    In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Libby Mendiratta, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of Frisco Woodline, to explore leadership inside a legacy construction materials business. Libby shares her path from IT into a family-run company, lessons from building new divisions, and her work advancing women in construction through NAWIC. The conversation covers trades as a career path, certification strategy, culture, and what it takes to grow and lead in an often overlooked but essential industry.

  7. Jan 16

    From Overlooked Industry to Durable Wealth: Building an Insurance Business | BSPOD | S2 | EP4

    In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Kevin Rowe and Steven Bender, co-founders of Still Creek Insurance, to unpack the business behind one of the most overlooked yet essential industries. From home and auto insurance to residual revenue and long-term stability, Kevin and Steven share how they built, sold, and rebuilt insurance businesses while competing in the same market for years. They dive into early struggles, trust, acquisitions, private equity exits, and why insurance remains one of the most durable and recession-resistant business models out there. Along the way, they break down real-life risk, lessons for young people and first-time drivers, and timeless principles around trust, consistency, and long-term thinking. This episode challenges common misconceptions about insurance and shows why boring businesses can be some of the smartest ones to build.

  8. 11/21/2025

    From Side Hustle to Real Business: Two Teens Build a Window-Washing enterprise | BSPOD | S2 | EP3

    In this episode, Cooper and Joey talk with young entrepreneurs Jack Cleveland and Brody Paul, co-founders of a fast-growing window-cleaning and power-washing business they launched in high school. Jack and Brody break down how they got started, early mistakes, skeptical customers, and what it’s like balancing school with running a legit business. They also share their future plans and advice for other teens who want to build something of their own.

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About

Welcome to the Business Speaks Podcast, or as we like to call it, the BS Pod, where it isn't just business speaking. This podcast isn't just about success stories; it's a deep dive into the challenges, strategies, and visions of those who've reshaped their industries and markets. Each week, we bring you closer to CEOs and founders, offering up-close insights into the dynamics of success and innovation. Prepare for a journey into the minds that are crafting tomorrow's business landscape. The BS Pod: Where business speaks, we listen.

Information

  • Creator
    Business Speaks Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Business Speaks Podcast
  • Show Website
    Business Speaks Podcast