C2 Biz Growth

John Hale III
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

C2 Biz Growth features insightful information and lessons learned from entrepreneurs and CEOs who are growing and scaling their companies. We realize that being the CEO and leader can be a lonely position. However, Success breeds Success and our conversations with men and women on the “entrepreneurial battlefield” will inform, inspire, and drive you to keep marching onward and upward.  C2 Biz Growth is hosted by John Hale III, Founder and CEO of The Cornerstone Group, a business advisory and strategy consulting firm specializing in enhancing companies’ ability to accelerate growth and scale their businesses. 

  1. Leadership, Funding, and Exit Strategy with Maria Thompson - Episode 22

    JAN 28

    Leadership, Funding, and Exit Strategy with Maria Thompson - Episode 22

    Episode 22 of C2 Biz Growth, hosted by John Hale III, features an inspiring and deeply practical conversation with entrepreneur and venture partner Maria Thompson. Maria shares her remarkable journey from a fine arts and industrial design background to building and scaling TJ Technologies into a nationally recognized alternative energy company, ultimately acquired by A123 Systems. She opens up about early funding rejections, the persistence required to survive as a founder, and why securing government funding can be a powerful alternative to traditional venture capital. The discussion explores leadership, corporate governance, board dynamics, and the importance of building strong teams and relationships. Maria also breaks down acquisition readiness, exit strategy planning, and why bold decision making often creates unexpected opportunities. This episode is packed with real world lessons for CEOs, founders, and emerging leaders navigating growth, funding, and long-term impact.

    45 min
  2. From Toxic to Thriving: Leadership Lessons with Anton Gunn - Episode 21

    JAN 5

    From Toxic to Thriving: Leadership Lessons with Anton Gunn - Episode 21

    In Episode 21 of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and CEO of 937 Strategy Group, Anton Gunn, for a powerful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, and employee engagement. Anton shares how his family background, college football, healthcare leadership, and even hip-hop culture have shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why great leaders focus on empowering people, not controlling them, and how toxic workplace cultures quietly drive disengagement, burnout, and costly turnover. The discussion dives deep into the real economic impact of employee disengagement, why trust is built through consistent action, and how data driven decisions should guide leadership strategies. Anton also addresses the importance of mental health for leaders, coaching as a tool for professional development, and why organisations must invest in people if they want sustainable success. Anton offers practical insights on introducing AI into organizations without losing human connection, communicating the purpose behind change, and creating effective off boarding experiences that maintain long term loyalty. Throughout the episode, he emphasises clarity, action, and care for employee well-being as essential leadership superpowers. This episode is a must listen for leaders, executives, and founders who want to build healthy cultures, reduce turnover, and lead with purpose in a rapidly changing workplace.

    1h 14m
  3. From $35K to $90 Million: Business Blueprint Revealed with Austin Okere - Episode 20

    12/22/2025

    From $35K to $90 Million: Business Blueprint Revealed with Austin Okere - Episode 20

    In this powerful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, host John Hale III sits down with Austin Okere, Founder of CWG Plc and the Ausso Leadership Academy. Austin shares how he grew CWG from a modest startup with thirty-five thousand dollars in capital to a ninety-million-dollar valuation, and reflects on the mindset that fueled that journey. The conversation explores the evolution of CWG, the importance of trust and relationships in business, and the realities of securing foreign investment in Nigeria. Austin also discusses private equity, currency challenges, and the strategic decision to focus on banking, oil, and telecom. He explains why mentorship is central to his mission through the Ausso Leadership Academy and introduces his vision of redefining billionaires by their impact on society rather than their accumulated wealth. Austin breaks down the three powers that sustain success, way power, will power, and wait power, and offers practical lessons on leadership, innovation, and building businesses that thrive in changing markets. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship in emerging economies, the value of influence driven leadership, and the importance of giving back to the next generation of founders.

    1h 4m
  4. Leadership that Listens: People, Power, and Purpose with Cllr. Biyi Oloko FCA - Episode 19

    12/08/2025

    Leadership that Listens: People, Power, and Purpose with Cllr. Biyi Oloko FCA - Episode 19

    In this insightful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, host John Hale III sits down with Biyi Oloko, Executive Vice Chairman of Stephen Simeon Limited, Co-Founder of the Reading Tech Cluster, and a Council Member of the West Berkshire Council in the United Kingdom. Biyi shares his journey from his early life in Nigeria to building a global career in finance, investment, government, and leadership. He reflects on how his work with the Nigerian government and his service in UK local government shape his approach to business, community engagement, and long-term strategy. The conversation explores his passion for talent development, the evolution of his investment strategies, and the crucial role that mentorship and sponsorship play in business growth. Biyi discusses the creation of the Reading Tech Cluster and his belief that global impact begins with meaningful local action. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of adaptability, reflective leadership, and surrounding yourself with the right people to achieve sustainable success. Listeners will gain practical insights on raising capital, building trust, developing teams, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in a rapidly changing world.

    1h 4m
  5. The Mindset of Growth: Risk, Resilience, and Innovation with Dr. Mathew Knowles - Episode 18

    11/21/2025

    The Mindset of Growth: Risk, Resilience, and Innovation with Dr. Mathew Knowles - Episode 18

    In this powerful episode of the C2 Biz Growth podcast, host John Hale III sits down with the legendary Dr. Mathew Knowles, a global authority in sales, marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Known for generating more than five billion for organizations, shaping iconic careers like Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, and leading historic campaigns with brands like Pepsi and Samsung, Dr. Knowles brings a lifetime of knowledge, discipline, and strategic brilliance to this conversation. Dr. Knowles traces his journey from humble beginnings in Alabama to becoming one of the most respected business minds in the world. He reflects on the family values that molded his work ethic, his rise through high performance sales roles at Xerox and in the medical industry, and the deep importance of knowledge, preparation, and continuous learning. The conversation dives into the real differences between sales, marketing, and branding, the mindset required to build world class teams, and the lessons learned from taking bold risks throughout his career. Dr. Knowles also offers a rare look into the business of music and what it takes to build sustainable careers for artists by combining artistry with strong business acumen. He discusses embracing technology and AI, the challenges minority founders face with access to capital, and why the future of work will depend on education, adaptability, and cultural intelligence. Dr. Knowles also shares a personal message on health awareness, reflecting on his own experience with early detection as a breast cancer survivor. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and resilience. Dr. Knowles leaves listeners with a clear message: respect is essential, knowledge is power, and adversity can be an opportunity for transformation. Tune in for one of the most insightful and inspiring conversations of the season.

    44 min
  6. Faith, Family, and the Future of Beauty with Ursula Dudley Oglesby - Episode 17

    11/05/2025

    Faith, Family, and the Future of Beauty with Ursula Dudley Oglesby - Episode 17

    In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III talks with Ursula Dudley Oglesby, President and CEO of Dudley Beauty Corporation, about transforming a $10 kitchen startup into a global multicultural beauty brand. Ursula shares powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and family legacy, revealing how Dudley Beauty continues to empower communities through purpose-driven growth. She discusses bootstrapping, technology in business, hiring for culture, and the company’s expansion into online retail and industrial markets. Tune in to hear how faith, family, and strategy fuel long-term success in the beauty industry and beyond.

    51 min
  7. Generative AI, Leadership, and the Future of Work with Sophia Velastegui - Episode 16

    10/22/2025

    Generative AI, Leadership, and the Future of Work with Sophia Velastegui - Episode 16

    In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III welcomes Sophia Velastegui, a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, technology strategy, and corporate innovation. With senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Aptiv, Sophia brings unmatched expertise in integrating AI into organizations of all sizes. She shares her journey from a mechanical engineering background to spearheading AI initiatives at some of the world’s largest tech companies. Together, they explore the evolution of AI, the rise of generative AI, and how CEOs and business leaders can strategically harness its potential. Sophia highlights the importance of trust, user adoption, and leadership in successfully navigating the AI landscape while underscoring why continuous learning and adaptability are vital in this fast-changing era. Whether you are a business leader, innovator, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping industries, this conversation offers practical insights and forward-looking strategies to help you stay ahead.

    39 min
  8. The AI Gold Rush, Silicon Valley Investments, and the Future of VC with Michael Downing - Episode 15

    10/08/2025

    The AI Gold Rush, Silicon Valley Investments, and the Future of VC with Michael Downing - Episode 15

    In Episode 15 of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with Michael Downing, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of MDSV Capital. With over 25 years of experience founding five software companies and investing in more than 65 early-stage startups, Michael offers an insider’s perspective on the evolving world of venture capital and business growth. He unpacks the rise of emerging managers and micro funds, explains how smaller funds have consistently outperformed larger ones, and explores what startups must demonstrate to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Michael also shares his personal journey from a cattle ranch in Texas to leading multiple successful exits, as well as his perspective on AI’s transformative role in shaping the future of business. Whether you’re a founder seeking funding, an aspiring investor, or simply interested in how venture capital is shifting, this episode provides invaluable insights into investment strategies, technology innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

C2 Biz Growth features insightful information and lessons learned from entrepreneurs and CEOs who are growing and scaling their companies. We realize that being the CEO and leader can be a lonely position. However, Success breeds Success and our conversations with men and women on the “entrepreneurial battlefield” will inform, inspire, and drive you to keep marching onward and upward.  C2 Biz Growth is hosted by John Hale III, Founder and CEO of The Cornerstone Group, a business advisory and strategy consulting firm specializing in enhancing companies’ ability to accelerate growth and scale their businesses. 

Information

  • Creator
    John Hale III
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 C2 Biz Growth
  • Show Website
    C2 Biz Growth