Change with Colton

Colton Kaplan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Colton discusses overcoming adversity, actionable steps to build confidence, and new business ideas with founders and inspiring individuals. We will help you reach your unlimited potential and find the confidence that has been hidden away deep down. Previously known as Coffee with Colton

  1. 02/25/2025

    Empowering Women in Tech: Fiona Bao's Journey

    In this episode of Change with Colton, Fiona Bao, founder and CEO of Lushair Technology, shares her journey from studying bioengineering to creating a wellness tech company focused on hair care solutions. She discusses her early experiences, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of empowering female founders in the tech industry. Fiona also highlights her strategies for user growth and the cultural adaptation she experienced after moving to the US. Takeaways Fiona's personal experience with hair loss inspired her entrepreneurial journey.Lushair Technology aims to make hair care solutions accessible and affordable.The importance of internships in shaping Fiona's career path.Fiona emphasizes the need for more female representation in entrepreneurship.User growth can be achieved through organic strategies and social media.Cultural immersion helped Fiona adapt to the US business environment.Networking is crucial for startup success and brand awareness.Fiona's experience in a successful startup inspired her own venture.The tech industry still has a gender gap in funding and leadership.Fiona is actively seeking partnerships to expand Lushair's reach. Connect with Fiona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-b-176458189/ Check out Lushair: https://www.lushair.net/ _________________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Join Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/

    18 min

  2. 02/03/2025

    Unlocking the Future of AI with Swanand Rao

    Swanand Rao, shares his journey from a software engineer to an entrepreneur and co-founder of M9, focusing on the development of AI agents. He discusses the importance of product management, the impact of AI on various industries, particularly education, and the future of startups in the AI landscape. Swanand emphasizes the need for efficient AI solutions and the significance of mentorship and reflection in one's career. Takeaways • Swannand Rao transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for impact. • Product management requires a balance of creativity and data-driven decision-making. • AI is likened to the new internet, with potential for democratization. • M9 focuses on building AI solutions that enhance professional workflows. • Education can be revolutionized through AI, providing access and personalization. • Entrepreneurs should leverage AI to build efficient solutions. • Reflecting on career milestones can provide valuable insights. • The journey of entrepreneurship is as important as the destination. • AI agents will enable more autonomous workflows in the future. • Impact can be defined in various ways, and it's essential to focus on it. ________________ Connect with Swanand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swanandr/ Check out M9: https://momentumai.dev/ _________________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Join Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/

    33 min

  3. 11/26/2024

    Change with Colton Episode #14, Sara Schmitt, Co-founder & COO of Adro

    In this episode of Change with Colton, Colton Kaplan sits down with Sara Schmitt, co-founder and COO of Adro, a startup focused on simplifying the financial journey for international students in the U.S. Sara shares her inspiring story of building Adro from the ground up, tackling challenges like hiring the right people, managing stress as a founder, and navigating the complexities of scaling a startup. Sara discusses the crucial role financial independence plays for international students, specifically the importance of building U.S. credit and accessing essential financial products before even stepping foot on American soil. She emphasizes the need for founders to prioritize the customer’s pain points, be open to feedback, and maintain flexibility in the face of limited resources. Key Takeaways: • Customer-Centric Innovation: How asking the right questions and listening deeply to customers' experiences can validate your product and reveal hidden pain points. • Hiring in Early-Stage Startups: The value of hiring generalists who are adaptable and ready to contribute in multiple areas of the business. • Managing Stress as a Founder: Practical tips for managing self-doubt and avoiding burnout in high-pressure startup environments, like setting small achievable goals and focusing on routines. • The Importance of Financial Literacy for International Students: Sara’s mission to make it easier for international students to establish U.S. credit and financial accounts before arriving, leveling the playing field for newcomers. • Balancing Teaching and Entrepreneurship: How Sara continues to teach while running a growing startup, using real-world startup challenges to inspire students and stay connected to her community. • From Corporate to Startup: Sara’s advice for transitioning from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, stressing the value of industry experience and having a strong network. __________________ Connect with Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraschmitt/ Join Adro: https://www.joinadro.com/ _________________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Coyax: https://www.coyax.ai/

    28 min

  4. 08/05/2024

    Change with Colton Episode #13, Hirbod Bigvand, Founder of Cassius

    In this episode, Colton Kaplan interviews Hirbod Bigvand, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Cassius. Hirbod shares his journey of coming to the United States at the age of 16 and his experiences in entrepreneurship and venture capital. He discusses the lessons he learned from his previous startups, the importance of having a thick skin and managing stress as an entrepreneur, and the value of building a collaborative environment. He also talks about his latest venture, Cassius, a lifestyle company that coaches men in improving their dating lives. He emphasizes the importance of mastering your business, taking risks, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Takeaways - Having a thick skin and being able to handle stress are important traits for entrepreneurs. - Building a collaborative environment and hiring talented people are key to scaling a startup. - Validating ideas and knowing your market are crucial for success. - Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth. - Mastering your business and knowing your numbers are essential for attracting investors. - Building a community and creating real-life connections are becoming increasingly important in the digital age. ___________ Connect with Hirbod: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirbodbigvand/ Try Cassius: https://www.cassius.love/ ___________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Join Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@changewithcolton

    37 min

  5. 07/30/2024

    Change with Colton Episode #12, Henry Sabin, Co-founder of Convi

    Henry Sabin shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of focus, thinking differently about problems, and developing passion for any field. He also discusses the challenges of building a business and the value of persistence. Sabin highlights the need for responsible use of AI technology, particularly in preventing deep fake fraud. He shares his excitement for the future of AI video and personalized content. Sabin offers advice for aspiring founders, including the importance of patience and taking action. He also mentions the value of mentors and recommends following his content on LinkedIn. Takeaways Focus is about saying no and making choices that align with your goals. Thinking differently about problems is essential for innovation and growth. Passion can be developed over time by immersing yourself in a subject and finding what interests you. Responsible use of AI technology, such as preventing deep fake fraud, is crucial. ______________ Connect with Henry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-sabin/ Try Convi: https://www.convi.io _______ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5SWhiE7U0KAFrvQfPl24A

    33 min

  6. 07/23/2024

    Change with Colton Episode #11, Nishkam Batta, Founder of GrayCyan

    In this episode, Colton Kaplan interviews Nishkam Bhatta, the founder of GrayCyan, a solutions-driven IT and creative digital agency. He shares his journey from being an introverted child to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He also discusses the services GrayCyan offers, including building AI-driven apps with a focus on design and cybersecurity. Nish provides valuable insights on generating leads through LinkedIn and offers actionable business ideas for aspiring founders. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and changing behaviors in underserved industries. Takeaways Nish Bhatta shares his journey from being an introverted child to becoming a successful entrepreneur. GrayCyan specializes in building AI-driven apps with a focus on design and cybersecurity. Nish provides valuable insights on generating leads through LinkedIn and emphasizes the importance of providing value to your audience. He suggests exploring underserved industries and changing behaviors to create business opportunities. Nish admires entrepreneurs like Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Phil Knight, and Steve Jobs and recommends reading their biographies for valuable insights. ____________ Connect with Nishkam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishkambatta/ GrayCyan: https://www.graycyan.com/ ____________ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5SWhiE7U0KAFrvQfPl24A

    30 min

  7. 06/14/2024

    Change with Colton Episode #10 - Deepika Phakke, Founder of Nama Water

    Deepika Phakke, founder of Nama Water, shares her journey from experiencing water scarcity as a child in India to starting a sustainable water brand. She also discusses her work with Street Store, a pop-up store that provides donated clothes to the homeless, and her experience organizing zero-waste events at Google. She offers tips for aspiring founders in the CPG space, emphasizing the importance of getting started, asking for help, and pursuing passions. She encourages entrepreneurs to find ways to do things better than what is already being done and to stay persistent and passionate throughout the journey. Takeaways 1. Water scarcity is a global issue that needs to be addressed, and individuals can make a difference by treating water with respect and reducing plastic waste. 2. Rejection is a part of the entrepreneurial journey, and it's important to persevere and continue making efforts toward your goals. 3. Sustainability is a growing concern, and there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to create more sustainable alternatives in various industries, such as CPG. 4. Getting started is key, and starting as a side hustle is possible while still working full-time. 5. Asking for help and building a supportive community of mentors and supporters is crucial for success. 6. Entrepreneurs will face challenges and setbacks along the way. Passion and persistence are essential qualities for entrepreneurs. 7. Entrepreneurs should focus on doing something better than what is already being done, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. 8. Finding ways to align personal values with business ideas can create a stronger connection with consumers and build a loyal community. 9. Entrepreneurs should stay open to feedback and continuously iterate and improve their products or services. 10. Gratitude and blessings are important mindset practices for entrepreneurs to maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated. Connect with Deepika: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepikaphakke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckiestwomanalive/ Nama Water: https://namawater.com/ Nama Water's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nama_water/ _________ Subscribe to Colton's Newsletter: https://www.coltonkaplan.com/ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colton.kaplan/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonkaplan Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColtonKaplan Founder Social Club: https://www.foundersocialclub.com/ WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HSD2EMNkUbs4PlcJKWTpBy Events: https://lu.ma/foundersocialclub

    29 min

  8. 03/29/2024

    Change with Colton Episode #9 - Grace Ling, Founder of Design Buddies

    In this episode, Colton interviews Grace Ling, the founder of Design Buddies, the largest design community in the world. Grace shares her journey from bioengineering to UX design and how she started Design Buddies to make friends in the design industry. She emphasizes the importance of experimentation and embracing discomfort as a founder. Grace also discusses her approach to content creation on LinkedIn and the importance of being authentic and not worrying about what others think. She provides insights on approaching sponsorships, the impact of AI on design and entrepreneurship. Grace highlights the value of mentors and encourages listeners to take action and pursue their goals. Takeaways Embrace discomfort and be willing to experiment as a founder. Authenticity is key in content creation on platforms like LinkedIn. Don't be afraid of judgment and focus on adding value to others. Approach sponsorships as collaborations and find mutual value. AI will play a significant role in the future of design and entrepreneurship. Identify pain points in your own life and explore business ideas around them. Mentors can provide valuable guidance and support on your entrepreneurial journey. Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceling/ Design Buddies: https://www.designbuddies.community/ Connect with Colton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-kaplan/ Schedule a chat: https://calendly.com/kindlabz/connecting?month=2024-04

    24 min
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About

Colton discusses overcoming adversity, actionable steps to build confidence, and new business ideas with founders and inspiring individuals. We will help you reach your unlimited potential and find the confidence that has been hidden away deep down. Previously known as Coffee with Colton

Information

  • Creator
    Colton Kaplan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Colton Kaplan
  • Show Website
    Change with Colton