Building Blocks With Brendan Herjavec

Brendan Herjavec

Every business comes from an idea, every success story starts as a dream, finding what makes something or someone great requires first understanding where it all started. Building blocks with Brendan speaks with and interviews these individuals to uncover not only how they got started but where they are going in hopes to understand how these influential people can change the landscape of tomorrow.

  1. 04/24/2024

    Revolutionizing Mental Health: Insights from PlaySpace CEO Matt Cohen

    Join Brendan Herjavec on Building Blocks as he delves into the entrepreneurial journey with Matt Cohen, CEO of PlaySpace. PlaySpace specializes in customizable, secure playrooms designed for therapists working with children and teens. In this episode, they explore the genesis of PlaySpace, inspired by the challenges therapists faced during the pandemic's shift to virtual therapy sessions. Matt shares his personal journey with mental health and how it led to the creation of PlaySpace to make care more accessible. Key Takeaways: Origins of the Idea: Discover how the concept of PlaySpace evolved, driven by the need to replicate the engaging, therapeutic environment of physical playrooms in a virtual setting. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Matt reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from early ventures like high school businesses to founding PlaySpace, driven by a passion to solve a pressing need in the mental health space. Navigating Startup Challenges: Gain insights into the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, from managing day-to-day operations to grappling with the weight of leadership responsibilities. Work-Life Integration: Explore the nuances of work-life balance in the startup realm, especially crucial in the mental health space where burnout prevention and self-care are paramount. Tune in for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation in the evolving landscape of mental health technology. https://www.playspace.health/

    44 min
  2. Ideation to Publication: Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Overcoming Challenges W/ Sam Paisley

    01/18/2024

    Ideation to Publication: Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Overcoming Challenges W/ Sam Paisley

    Dive into the captivating world Sam Paisley has created, a seasoned sales rep, a masterful storyteller, and now the visionary Author behind "The Elements of Time," the compelling first installment in a riveting three-part series. Drawing inspiration from both classic and modern science fiction and fantasy, Sam weaves a tale enriched with timeless themes of destiny and personal responsibility. "The Elements of Time" beckons to all who yearn for an escape into a world that is not only rich and deep but also profoundly resonant. With influences from iconic works like Star Wars (the Original Trilogy), Avatar: The Last Airbender, Stargate SG-1, Supernatural, and more, this series is a delightful action-adventure, boasting a distinctive magic system and exploring the essence of growing up and facing life's challenges. In this episode, Sam takes us on a fascinating journey, drawing parallels between the worlds of entrepreneurship and book launch. Uncover valuable insights, including: - Discerning and leveraging feedback effectively, and knowing when to trust your instincts. - Gauging the readiness of your product for the market. - The synergy between the creative process and analytical thinking in navigating your unique journey. If you seek inspiration for writing a book or launching a company, this episode is tailor-made for you. Join us as Sam reflects on his remarkable 10-year journey, sharing the trials and triumphs of bringing a book to life. Gain valuable insights into the lessons learned, the evolution from ideation to publication, and discover what Sam wouldn't change for the world. Don't miss out on this illuminating exploration of creativity, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.

    52 min
  3. Ep: 66 From Garage Project to Podcast Powerhouse: The Zencastr Story with CEO Josh Nielsen

    12/07/2023

    Ep: 66 From Garage Project to Podcast Powerhouse: The Zencastr Story with CEO Josh Nielsen

    Join Brendan Herjavec in this episode of Building Blocks as he sits down with Josh Nielsen, the visionary CEO of Zencastr. Dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship and discover the incredible journey of building a company that has become a podcasting game-changer. From unexpected pivots to solving real problems for creators, learn how Zencastr evolved to empower podcasters worldwide. Gain insights into the challenges of transitioning from a solo venture to leading a growing team, and explore the future of podcasting, including the rise of short-form content and the quest for true audience engagement. Don't miss this candid conversation with Josh Nielsen, where the building blocks of success are unveiled. Key Takeaways: Discover the unexpected origin story of Zencastr and how it shifted from a music collaboration platform to a podcasting solution. Learn how solving a specific problem for podcasters led to the creation of a revolutionary product. Uncover the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business from a solo endeavor to a thriving team. Explore the impact of the digital nomad lifestyle and the surge in podcasting during remote work. Gain insights into the future of podcasting, including advanced editing tools, monetization strategies, and the importance of short-form content. Stay tuned for valuable lessons, inspiring anecdotes, and a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Zencastr on this episode of Building Blocks!

    32 min
  4. Ep: 65 From Ironman to Entrepreneur: Unveiling the Mushrooming Success with Parker Olson

    11/30/2023

    Ep: 65 From Ironman to Entrepreneur: Unveiling the Mushrooming Success with Parker Olson

    Join us in this captivating episode as we dive deep into the entrepreneurial odyssey with Parker Olson, a dynamic individual who seamlessly transitioned from conquering Ironman challenges to steering the helm of a successful functional food company, FORIJ. In our conversation, Parker reflects on the startup journey as a profound adventure, emphasizing the importance of self-focus and passion. Discover how his dedication to health, manifested through intense Ironman training, unexpectedly heightened his productivity and focus in business. Parker shares insights on the invaluable lesson that results, not just effort, matter in the business world. From building a Twitter following of over 750,000 in just 8 months to steering a profitable blog, Parker's journey is marked by strategic shifts and calculated risks. His exploration into the impact of nutrition on quality of life, fueled by a love for mushrooms and whole foods, culminated in founding FORIJ. Learn how this journey led him to a board seat at the largest mycological society in the US, and how mushrooms became the AI trend of recent years. Parker's transition from consulting to founder, coupled with his experiences as an Ironman athlete, offers a unique perspective on the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. Discover how his passion for mushrooms evolved into a thriving business, inspiring fellow entrepreneurs to embrace calculated risks in their own ventures. Tune in for an engaging discussion that delves into the intersection of fitness, business, and the unexpected rise of mushrooms in the entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned business mind, this episode is packed with valuable insights to fuel your own entrepreneurial journey. 🎙️ Subscribe now and join us on The Entrepreneur's Journey Podcast for more inspiring stories from founders who dared to dream and turned their passion into success! #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #BusinessMindset #FoundersStory #MushroomSuccess #IronmanToFounder

    31 min

About

Every business comes from an idea, every success story starts as a dream, finding what makes something or someone great requires first understanding where it all started. Building blocks with Brendan speaks with and interviews these individuals to uncover not only how they got started but where they are going in hopes to understand how these influential people can change the landscape of tomorrow.