Future Factory

Anthony Amunategui

The Future Factory Podcast is your go-to business podcast for seeing the future in real time. Hosted by founder of CDO Group, Anthony Amunategui, where he is joined by some of the most influential and respected guests in the business world. From young entrepreneurs changing the world via startups, to leaders of established big name brands across the world.

  1. 12H AGO · VIDEO

    Stop Burning Out Your Team - The Optimal Performer Method | Matt Granados

    Summary  In this episode, Anthony sits down with Matt Granados to challenge the grind culture most entrepreneurs wear as a badge of honor. Matt introduces the concept of moving from high performer to optimal performer — maintaining elite output without burning out yourself or your team. Together, they debate hustle vs sustainability, discipline vs distraction, and how leaders can create intentional margin without sacrificing results. From the “20 Mile March” principle to truth-based transformation, this conversation dives deep into awareness, leadership, and building businesses that scale without destroying the people inside them. Special Guest Matt Granados is a performance coach, speaker, and founder of LifePulse, where he helps executives, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams move from burnout-driven success to sustainable, optimal performance. Through workshops, executive coaching, and organizational overhauls, Matt equips leaders with practical frameworks to improve focus, accountability, discipline, and fulfillment — both in business and at home. His work centers on truth-based transformation, intentional growth, and helping teams close performance gaps without sacrificing long-term health. Chapters: 00:00 – Can grind culture really be sustainable? 01:14 – The 20-Mile March and Southwest’s disciplined growth 03:05 – High performers vs. optimal performers 04:09 – Whole-person performance and the “inefficiency epidemic” 07:26 – “I can’t” vs. responsibility and calling 10:14 – Boundaries, overwork, and the difference between nice and kind leadership 16:33 – Discipline, parenting, and the difference between managing and babysitting 20:29 – Analysis paralysis, distraction, and deep work 24:43 – Spiritual perspective, purpose, and “go slow to go fast” 32:27 – Addiction, phones, sugar, and building helpful friction 45:25 – Hitting rock bottom, self-awareness, and how Matt works with teams MATT’S INFO: Website: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/ Podcast: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgranados PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    51 min
  2. 5D AGO · VIDEO

    Your Rock Bottom Is the Foundation You Build On | Hilary Momberger Powers

    Summary  In this episode, Hilary Momberger Powers shares her powerful journey from trauma, addiction, and self-destructive patterns to becoming a sobriety and recovery coach who helps others rebuild their lives from the inside out. She and Anthony dive into the psychology of the mind, the illusion of external validation, and why “rock bottom” can actually be the greatest turning point a person experiences. Hilary breaks down practical steps for interrupting negative thought loops, rewiring self-sabotage, and surrendering control to create lasting transformation. This conversation is a raw, honest exploration of resilience, healing, and what it really means to rebuild yourself after life shatters you. Special Guest Hilary Momberger Powers is a recovery and life coach dedicated to helping people overcome addiction, trauma, and destructive mental patterns. Drawing from decades of lived experience, she guides clients through deep inner work, helping them quiet the mind, confront limiting beliefs, and step into a life of purpose and stability. Her coaching focuses on practical transformation, emotional resilience, and learning how to live fully in the present moment. Chapters: 00:00 - Kintsugi, brokenness, and introducing sober coach Hilary 00:48 - Seasons of life: from “more, more, more” to “How can I serve?” 02:38 - Chasing external validation vs. discovering happiness within 04:55 - Hollywood childhood, Charlie Brown, and a narcissistic mother 08:19 - Trauma responses: people-pleasing, isolating, and controlling 11:51 - Mind‑power disease, warped thinking, and early recovery 19:05 - Hitting bottom, grand mal seizure, and learning to surrender 25:33 - Message to struggling women: your bottom as a gift and purpose 30:37 - Rewiring the brain: inventory, stories, and character defects 35:16 - Getting into action despite feelings: prayer and next steps 42:07 - Hillary’s coaching, dumpster diving, and podcast wrap‑up HILARY’S INFO: Website: https://hilarymombergerpowers.com Coaching: https://meetwithhilary.coach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-momberger-powers-078a604/ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    43 min
  3. FEB 25 · VIDEO

    Why Leaders Fail Without Storytelling | Gabrielle Dolan

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Gabrielle Dolan to explore why storytelling is one of the most underrated leadership and communication skills in business today. Gabrielle breaks down the science and psychology behind why stories are remembered while data is forgotten, how leaders can use simple personal stories to build trust and influence, and why most professionals struggle to communicate clearly because of the “curse of knowledge.” They dive into practical frameworks for crafting impactful stories, common mistakes leaders make when trying to communicate ideas, and how storytelling can transform the way you connect with teams, clients, and audiences. This conversation is a practical masterclass for anyone who wants to communicate with clarity, build credibility, and make their message stick. Special Guest Gabrielle Dolan is a global keynote speaker, storytelling expert, and author who helps leaders and organizations communicate with impact through authentic storytelling. With over two decades of experience working with executives, teams, and major companies, she specializes in teaching professionals how to turn everyday experiences into powerful stories that build trust, drive engagement, and inspire action. Gabrielle is the author of Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling and is widely recognized for helping leaders become more human, relatable, and effective communicators. Chapters: 00:00 - Introducing Gabrielle Dolan and the power of storytelling 01:00 - The illusion of communication and the “curse of knowledge” 03:40 - Why stories work better than data in change and transformation 06:30 - The risk manager “Copperhead snake” story and its impact 09:40 - Stories as sticky communication: understand, remember, retell 11:30 - Oversharing, vulnerability, and avoiding the “too much story” trap 13:20 - Story length, pacing, and why leaders must “get to the point” 15:50 - Simple story structure: one message, beginning–middle–end 18:40 - Naming characters, showing feelings, and landing the message 20:40 - Authentic vs manipulative storytelling and why truth matters 24:40 - Storytelling as a critical leadership skill + Gabrielle’s book plug and podcast wrap-up GABRIELLE’S INFO: Website: https://www.gabrielledolan.com Book: Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling – Available on Amazon & major retailers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    32 min
  4. FEB 20 · VIDEO

    Why Podcasting Is The New Marketing Advantage | Dennis Meador

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Dennis Meador to unpack why podcasting is no longer just for creators — it’s becoming one of the most powerful business tools for professionals. Dennis breaks down the real ways podcasts generate revenue beyond ads and sponsorships, how authority positioning attracts high-value clients, and why connection beats content volume every time. They explore the shift from mass marketing to relationship-driven influence, the psychology behind audience trust, and how business owners can use podcasting to build credibility, referrals, and long-term growth. This conversation is a practical playbook for anyone who wants to turn their voice into a strategic advantage. Special Guest Dennis Meador is a podcast strategist, consultant, and founder of a podcast network that helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and firms build authority-driven shows that generate clients, referrals, and market influence. He specializes in positioning leaders as trusted voices in their industries through strategic content, scalable systems, and targeted audience connection. Dennis works with professionals across industries to transform podcasting into a serious growth and relationship-building engine. Chapters: 00:00 - From hobby podcasters to professional podcasts 02:08 - Why podcasting is now a primary channel for authentic connection 06:45 - Forget millions of views: the power of small, core audiences 07:58 - Five ways to monetize a podcast beyond ads and sponsors 11:43 - Becoming a 3D expert: turning professionals into trusted personalities 13:35 - Hernia surgeon story: how niche expertise builds instant demand 17:31 - Authority podcasts for lawyers and professionals with “non-sexy” topics 18:25 - Using podcasts to build powerful referral relationships 25:33 - Overselling vs serving: when your content turns people off 31:05 - Digital languages and being platform-agnostic 40:58 - New platforms (Threads, BlueSky, Pinterest) and balancing value vs self-promotion DENNIS’ INFO: Website: https://www.dmondemand.expert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennismeador/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelegalpodcastnetwork_ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    51 min
  5. FEB 18

    Stop Competing on Price or Your Business Dies | Harrison Tash

    Summary In this episode, Harrison Tash joins Anthony to break down why most businesses struggle to scale — and how the ones that win create unstoppable momentum. They explore the concept of “core promises,” why competing on price is a losing strategy, and how companies can become so valuable that customers willingly pay more and employees stay longer. From leadership honesty and culture building to systems, communication, and future-proofing against AI disruption, this conversation delivers practical frameworks entrepreneurs can apply immediately to strengthen trust, sharpen strategy, and build companies that last. Special Guest Harrison Tash is a business consultant, speaker, and founder of Living Water Consulting, where he helps organizations develop high-performing teams, stronger leadership culture, and scalable operational systems. He specializes in working with trades-based and growth-stage companies, guiding leaders to clarify vision, implement measurable value for customers, and build organizations that thrive through change. Harrison is also the author of Exit Without Leaving, a book focused on leadership, legacy, and building businesses that run effectively without depending on the owner. Chapters: 00:00 - Setting the stage: Harrison’s background & podcast kickoff 03:16 - What are “core promises”? Chick-fil-A vs. Wendy’s 09:54 - Turning strengths into measurable promises (gyms & cleanliness) 12:28 - Roofing & lawn care: escaping the race to the bottom on price 18:51 - Human connection vs. AI customer service 26:13 - Core promises for employees: Chick-fil-A’s culture & Sundays off 31:22 - Competing with “sharks”: price wars, risk, and reinvention 42:02 - Vision of the future: “dirt to dishes in four weeks” & AI in construction 47:43 - Healthy leaders, clarity, and rigorous honesty 55:59 - GROW, INVEST, GUIDE: the GIG framework for leadership 1:21:13 - Systems, vulnerability, and multiplying leaders (wrap-up & Harrison’s offer) HARRISON’S INFO: Website: https://consultlivingwater.com Email: connect@consultlivingwater.com Book: Exit Without Leaving — Available on Amazon & major retailers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-tash/ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    1h 38m
  6. FEB 13 · VIDEO

    The Business of Healthcare Is Failing Patients | Dr. Jessica Edwards

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Dr. Jessica Edwards to explore what’s broken in modern healthcare — and how a more human, preventative, and personalized approach can radically improve long-term health. Dr. Edwards explains why rushed appointments, insurance-driven incentives, and symptom-focused care are failing patients, and why true longevity comes from addressing root causes like nutrition, sleep, mental health, and lifestyle. Together, they unpack concierge medicine, generational health habits, accountability in care, and what it really means to extend health span, not just lifespan. This conversation challenges how we think about medicine and empowers listeners to take ownership of their health. Special Guest Dr. Jessica Edwards is a physician, entrepreneur, and healthcare innovator focused on longevity, preventative medicine, and whole-person care. With an MBA and years of clinical experience, she blends medical expertise with operational discipline to create patient-centered healthcare models that prioritize time, trust, and outcomes. She is the founder of Zara Medical and the COO of Serene Space AI, expanding access to personalized care and mental health support across the U.S. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Edwards & the broken incentives of medicine 02:44 - Medicaid rates, insurance profits & access challenges in Texas 04:28 - Investing early in “extreme health”: labs, sleep, diet & lifestyle 08:09 - Generational health habits and meeting patients where they are 10:18 - Using data, diagnostics & stepwise goals to drive behavior change 12:57 - Tough love vs compassion: addiction, denial & food as coping 18:06 - Social determinants, unsafe neighborhoods & creative health workarounds 21:27 - Perimenopause, midlife weight gain & the mental health connection 24:20 - The “Four Horsemen” (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s) & prevention 27:37 - Dr. Edwards’ top 5 longevity habits for patients to focus on 29:10 - How to work with Dr. Edwards, SereneSpace AI & podcast outro DR. EDWARDS’ INFO: Website: https://zaramedical.com/ Serene Space AI: https://serenespace.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-edwards-shepherd-411905152/ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    32 min
  7. FEB 11 · VIDEO

    How Investors Decide If Your Company Is Ready to Scale | Isabelle Tashima

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Isabelle Tashima to break down what it really takes to raise growth capital — and when founders shouldn’t raise at all. Isabelle pulls back the curtain on how investors evaluate companies post product-market fit, why capital should accelerate what’s already working (not fix what’s broken), and what separates scalable businesses from those that stall out. They explore sustainable growth, capital efficiency, AI’s impact on company building, and the brutal mistakes founders make when chasing funding too early. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating the jump from startup traction to real, durable scale. Special Guest Isabelle Tashima is a growth equity investor at Volition Capital, where she partners with founders scaling capital-efficient, category-defining businesses. Prior to Volition, she worked in middle-market M&A at Goldman Sachs before earning her MBA and transitioning into growth investing. Isabelle focuses on companies post product-market fit, helping founders accelerate sustainable growth while avoiding the common traps of premature scaling and misaligned capital partners. Chapters: 00:00 - From startup to scale: introducing Isabelle and today’s topic 01:07 - Should you raise capital? Sustainable, repeatable growth 03:04 - Post–product-market fit: signals investors want to see 05:19 - Capital efficiency, cash discipline, and organic traction 07:39 - Big markets, niches, and competing in crowded spaces 08:27 - AI’s impact on company building and investing 10:23 - Fast-changing markets and why team agility matters 12:33 - Capital for “good to great”: partnering with efficient founders 13:40 - Value beyond the check: hiring, marketing, and portfolio support 16:35 - Lessons from deals, contrarian bets, and the Chewy example 19:06 - Isabelle’s path from Goldman to growth equity and hard truths on fundraising ISABELLE’S INFO: Website: https://www.volitioncapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-tashima-780065135/ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    30 min
  8. FEB 6 · VIDEO

    Stop Chasing Tools - Automate Your Business the Right Way | Ghazenfer Mansoor

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Ghazenfer Mansoor to unpack what it really takes to automate a business in a practical, scalable way. They break down why most companies fail at AI adoption by chasing tools instead of fixing broken processes, how bottlenecks quietly drain time and revenue, and why “people-powered growth” eventually limits scale. From construction and manufacturing to service businesses and startups, this conversation explores how automation, knowledge capture, and system-driven workflows create efficiency, resilience, and long-term enterprise value. This episode is a straight-talk guide for leaders who want to future-proof their organizations without overwhelming their teams. Special Guest Ghazenfer Mansoor is a technology strategist, automation expert, and founder of Technology Rivers, where he helps companies design and implement AI-driven systems that remove operational bottlenecks and reduce human dependency. With deep experience across construction, manufacturing, software, and professional services, Ghazenfer works with leadership teams to shift from people-powered growth to system-powered growth — building scalable processes that increase profitability, speed, and valuation. He is known for translating complex AI concepts into practical workflows that businesses can implement immediately. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro, show setup & why automate with AI 01:05 - Where to start: mapping bottlenecks instead of chasing tools 03:18 - Construction case study: automating bids & project handoff 07:15 - Opportunity cost: lost bids and slow preconstruction prep 10:06 - Bottlenecked by experts: VPs, approvals & knowledge hoarding 15:43 - Radical impeccability: cameras, meeting recordings & trust 20:38 - Future-proofing: from people-powered to system-powered growth 24:36 - Change resistance: starting small with simple automations 30:02 - “AI will take my job?” Reframing work as bigger, bolder, more human 34:50 - Kids, college & careers in an AI world 39:25 - Differentiating yourself: standing out in an AI-saturated job market 43:20 - Practical steps to future-proof & how to work with Ghazenfer GHAZENFER’S INFO: Company: Technology Rivers – https://technologyrivers.com/ Website: https://ghazenfer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmansoor/ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    47 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Future Factory Podcast is your go-to business podcast for seeing the future in real time. Hosted by founder of CDO Group, Anthony Amunategui, where he is joined by some of the most influential and respected guests in the business world. From young entrepreneurs changing the world via startups, to leaders of established big name brands across the world.