Horizon Search

David Lovejoy
Horizon Search

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs and industry experts around the world, unpacking their success and lessons learned. Tune in for candid talks that reveal the real stories and strategies behind today's business innovations.

  1. How to Launch Fast, Build Smarter & Thrive with AI - David Hirschfeld | 167

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    How to Launch Fast, Build Smarter & Thrive with AI - David Hirschfeld | 167

    Make sure to subscribe to our new channel at @bizdevpod for more deep dives into innovation, growth, and startup strategy. David Hirshfield — 35-year tech veteran, founder of Tekyz Corp, and host of the Scaling Smarter podcast — joins us to share what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a successful startup in today’s AI-driven world. In this deep-dive conversation, David unpacks his Launch First approach, which flips the traditional startup model by focusing on validation and sales before writing a single line of code. He explains why free beta testing doesn’t prove product-market fit — only paying customers do. We explore how AI is transforming software development, not by replacing developers, but by accelerating what’s automatable and unleashing more space for human creativity. You’ll also hear his insights on hiring smarter (not just more skilled) people, scaling systems through distinct growth phases, and how he envisions a future of AI-driven abundance — one where even parking garages disappear. 🎧 This episode is essential for startup teams, founders, and innovators navigating the new tech economy. ✨ Get weekly business growth hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe 🔗 Connect with David:✉️ david@tekys.com💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhirschfeld/🌐 https://tekys.com 📍 Chapters0:00 Intro1:17 Success in a Recovery Project6:11 Turning Around a Dying Business11:27 The Mistake of Free Trials14:32 From Small-Scale Idea to Major Snack Distribution Software22:05 Building a Culture of Excellence Without Burnout29:24 Founders, Delegation, and Cultural Leadership35:31 Scaling Through Logarithmic Growth Principles37:32 Visualizing Future Scale & Systemic Thinking39:26 Recognizing a Profitable Market — The StageRite Story42:29 Will AI Eliminate Software Jobs?48:14 A Vision of AI-Driven Abundance53:09 The Biggest Mistake Young Founders Make55:53 Outro #HorizonSearchPodcast #StartupSuccess #ProductMarketFit #AIinBusiness #FoundersAdvice #SaaS #TechLeadership #RemoteTeams #LaunchStrategy #ScaleSmarter #DavidHirshfield #TechInnovation #Automation #SmartHiring #DigitalProducts #NoCode #StartupTips #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupMistakes

    57 phút
  2. The System That Built a 7-Figure Business - Ernesto Mandowsky | 166

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    The System That Built a 7-Figure Business - Ernesto Mandowsky | 166

    Ernesto Mandowsky is helping entrepreneurs turn chaos into clarity by systemizing their businesses for sustainable growth.With a background spanning hospitality, tech, and consulting—including a chief of staff role at a fast-scaling POS startup and experience at Deloitte—Ernesto blends operational excellence with creativity. As the founder of the Million Dollar Machine framework and author of Momentum Multipliers, he teaches solopreneurs how to scale without burning out by treating business like a recipe—step-by-step, repeatable, and scalable. In this episode, we discussed:Why structure and systems give entrepreneurs the freedom to be curious and scale with confidence.How personal alignment and originality can create magnetic, sustainable business growth.Why building a business should feel more like following a recipe than surviving a storm. Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe Connect with Ernesto:https://www.yourmdm.co/https://www.yourmdm.co/bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ernestomandowsky/ Chapters:0:00 Intro2:01 Good Design Reflects Good Business4:19 The Idea Behind the “Million Dollar Machine”5:55 Crossing the First Threshold10:22 Leaving Deloitte for a Passion in Restaurants15:36 Lessons from Cross-Pollinating Life Experiences16:04 Introducing Momentum Multipliers and the Five Recipes18:10 The Philosophical Foundation Behind the Recipes19:54 Client Case Studies and Small Changes with Big Impact25:18 AI and the Solopreneur Reality26:20 Building a Team: From Org Chart to SOPs29:59 Building Systems Through Consistent Progress30:53 Outro #HorizonSearchPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSystems #MillionDollarMachine #MomentumMultipliers #SolopreneurLife #DigitalTransformation #StartupSuccess #DeloitteAlumni #RestaurantToRiches #FoundersJourney #ScalingUp #SOPs #BusinessAutomation #SmallBusinessGrowth #StartupPlaybook #FromKitchenToCEO #ProductivityHacks #BusinessStrategy #ConsciousLeadership #BuildWithSystems

    31 phút
  3. How FinTech Founders Can Sell to Banks - Stacy Bishop | 165

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    How FinTech Founders Can Sell to Banks - Stacy Bishop | 165

    Sctacy Bishop is helping FinTech founders close more deals by turning technical brilliance into sales clarity. With over two decades of experience at Jack Henry and a deep understanding of the banking world, Stacey now leads Selling FinTech, where she empowers startups to position their products effectively, build strategic partnerships, and master the art of selling to financial institutions. In this episode, we discuss why sales success starts with empathy, clarity, and structured conversations—not aggressive tactics. Stacey explains how fintech founders can avoid costly mistakes by validating product-market fit before scaling sales teams. We also explore how Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Open Banking are transforming the future of fintech–bank collaboration. Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe Connect with Stacey:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybishop/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellingfintech/https://sellingfintech.com/ Chapters:0:00 Intro1:27 Early Sales Challenges3:51 Being Underestimated as a Female Sales Leader5:44 Balancing Education and Sales in Communication9:27 Standing Out Without Discounts or Pushy Sales Tactics14:21 Why Discounting Often Signals a Deeper Sales Problem18:31 Building Confidence Through Validation and Micro-Agreements23:08 Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) as a Win-Win Model26:31 Founders, Sales, and Knowing When to Scale30:13 Motivating Sales Teams Without Burnout33:40 Emerging Trends in FinTech and Banking36:41 Defining a Realistic Target Market for FinTech Startups39:13 Vision for the Future of FinTech-Bank Collaboration43:03 Outro #HorizonSearchPodcast #FinTech #StartupSales #BankingAsAService #OpenBanking #SalesStrategy #FinTechFounders #FinTechGrowth #StartupLeadership #SellToBanks #ProductMarketFit #SalesMentorship #SaaSSales #TechSalesTips #StartupAdvice #FoundersJourney #SalesCoaching #FinTechPodcast #HorizonSearchPodcast #BaaS #FinTechSelling

    47 phút
  4. What CEOs Forget During Mergers - Jennifer Fondrevay | 164

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    What CEOs Forget During Mergers - Jennifer Fondrevay | 164

    Jennifer Fondrevay is helping leaders navigate the emotional side of mergers and acquisitions with deep expertise drawn from years in executive roles and consulting. As the founder of Day One Ready and author of Now What? A Survivor’s Guide for Thriving Through Mergers and Acquisitions, she supports organizations in building people-first strategies that drive successful integrations. In this episode, we discussed why the emotional toll of M&A is often underestimated—and how grief, identity loss, and ambiguity impact performance. Jennifer shares why middle managers are the make-or-break force in post-deal success and why they need to be trained, not just informed. We also dive into the power of rituals, empathy, and even music in helping teams process change and move forward with clarity and trust. Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe Connect with Jennifer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fondrevay/https://jenniferjfondrevay.comhttps://maconsulting.jenniferjfondrevay.comhttps://www.amazon.com/NOW-WHAT-Survivors-Thriving-Acquisitions/dp/1734111305 Chapters:0:00 Intro1:38 The Emotional Impact CEOs Overlook2:17 Human Emotions and Cultural Integration6:48 Grief in the Workplace10:09 Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Skill11:13 Normalizing Emotion at Work12:06 The Power of Vulnerability14:00 Using Music to Process Grief16:50 Identifying Hidden “Us vs. Them” Dynamics18:21 Respect as the Foundation for Cultural Integration23:42 Middle Managers as the Backbone of M&A Success26:27 A Call for Examples of Effective Leadership Communication27:34 Honoring the Past31:06 The Messy Middle and Hope for the Future of M&A40:30 Music as a Universal Emotional Language in M&A43:00 Outro #HorizonSearchPodcast #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessLeadership #JenniferFondrevay #EmotionalIntelligence #CorporateCulture #MiddleManagement #ExecutiveLeadership #ChangeManagement #BusinessStrategy #CareerResilience #DayOneReady #BusinessTransformation #Entrepreneurship #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalChange #PostMergerIntegration #CultureFit #HumanCapital

    43 phút
  5. The Future of Trust: AI’s Role in Business - Rowland Hirst | 163

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    The Future of Trust: AI’s Role in Business - Rowland Hirst | 163

    Can trust be measured, coached, and improved using AI? In this episode, we sit down with Rowland Hirst, President of Relate Research and Technology Co, to explore how AI-driven technology is revolutionizing the way businesses build trust with clients and partners. 🔹 Why trustworthiness can be objectively measured and how AI acts like a coach for professionals.🔹 The problem with traditional trust metrics like CSAT and NPS – and why they don’t capture the full picture.🔹 How AI-driven trust measurement drives business success by improving relationships, sales, and long-term growth. If you're in sales, leadership, or customer success, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how technology is reshaping the business world. 🎧 Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:🔗 Subscribe Here Connect with Rowland:🔗 LinkedIn🔗 TrustRelate🔗 Company LinkedIn🔗 Forum 360 Chapters 00:00 - Intro01:13 - AI, Deception, and the Nature of Trust03:44 - The Role of AI in Measuring Human Behavior06:09 - Trust as a Business Imperative07:26 - The Trust Perception Gap08:20 - The Relationship Between Transparency and Trust09:12 - The Absence of Trust Data15:52 - The Role of Technology in Ensuring Fair Measurement18:09 - The Psychological Comfort of Objective Measurement20:57 - Overcoming Fear of AI25:45 - The Limitations of Executive Oversight28:07 - Measurement of Trustworthiness33:21 - The Role of Context in Trust-Building Behaviors36:29 - Ensuring Standardization and Preventing Manipulation39:36 - Outro 🔍 Follow for more insights on AI, trust, and business growth! #HorizonSearchPodcast #CanAIMeasureTrust #ArtificialIntelligence #TrustInBusiness #CustomerSuccess #SalesLeadership #BusinessRelationships #AIandBusiness #DigitalTransformation #TrustMeasurement #MachineLearning #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #MarketingStrategy #FutureOfWork #AIforGood #DataDrivenDecisions #CorporateStrategy #CustomerExperience #BusinessInnovation #GrowthMindset #BusinessPodcast

    40 phút
  6. How Disney's Billion-Dollar Magic Can Transform Your Business Today - Vance Morris | 162

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    How Disney's Billion-Dollar Magic Can Transform Your Business Today - Vance Morris | 162

    What makes Disney one of the most successful brands in the world? The answer lies in systems, marketing, and customer experience. In this episode, we sit down with Vance Morris, a former Disney leader and expert in customer service, business systems, and direct response marketing, to break down the billion-dollar playbook that can transform any business. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Disney’s systems create freedom and help businesses scale effortlessly. ✅ Why direct response marketing and personalization give businesses an edge. ✅ The future of customer experience—why human interaction beats automation. ✅ Real-world strategies to increase revenue through unforgettable service. 💡 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or marketer, these insights will help you stand out, charge premium prices, and retain customers for life. 🔗 Save hours with top business hacks every Friday: https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe Connect with Vance: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/ Website: https://yes.deliverservicenow.com/dsninstitute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vance.morris.9/ Get his free book: https://book.deliverservicenow.com/free-book Chapters: 0:00 The Power of Systems in Business 3:54 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 9:25 The Psychology of Customer Experience and Profitability 12:47 Customer Retention: Staying Top of Mind 18:52 The Customer Journey: Mapping and Prioritizing Touchpoints 21:21 Transforming a Struggling Business 23:59 Raising Prices: The Simple Profit Strategy 25:17 Customer Experience with Direct Response Marketing 33:51 Businesses That Excel at Marketing 38:57 The Importance of Tenacity in Business 40:08 The Future of Customer Experience 42:11 The Most Important Advice for Business Owners 43:20 Outro #HorizonSearchPodcast #CustomerExperience #DisneySecrets #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #MarketingTips #CustomerRetention #SalesGrowth #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #DirectResponseMarketing #MarketingPsychology #CustomerLoyalty #RetentionMarketing #CX #CustomerFirst #MarketingMastery #DisneyPlaybook

    44 phút
  7. Is Startup Success Just Luck? - Erik Caputo | 161

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    Is Startup Success Just Luck? - Erik Caputo | 161

    In this episode of the Horizon Search Podcast, we dive deep into the reality of building a business with Erik Caputo, co-founder of Evenda, an AI-driven sponsorship marketplace that’s revolutionizing how events and brands connect. With years of experience consulting Fortune 500 companies at Deloitte, Erik shares the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship and what it really takes to succeed. Why branding beats cold sales—How to establish credibility and trust in your market. How AI is reshaping marketing & sponsorships—Leveraging automation for faster, smarter growth. The startup survival equation—What role luck, timing, and persistence really play in success. If you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights you don’t want to miss! Save hours with top business hacks every Friday: thesearchlight.com/subscribe Connect with Erik Caputo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcaputo/ Evenda: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinevenda/about/ Episode Chapters:0:00 Intro3:17 Communication Styles in Corporate Consulting11:02 Balancing Growth with Development19:40 Building a Brand to Drive Sales22:28 From Vendor-Event Marketplace to Sponsorship Platform26:15 Navigating Competitive Risks and the Role of Patents30:11 The Power of Transparency33:41 AI and Automation in Marketing37:47 Balancing External Advice39:48 Challenging the Status Quo41:10 The Role of Luck42:41 Outro Follow & Subscribe for More Insights! #HorizonSearchPodcast #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AIinMarketing #BrandingStrategy #Sponsorships #MarketingTech #StartupJourney #FounderMindset #SmallBusiness #TechInnovation #AIforBusiness #ScalingStartups #SalesStrategy #DigitalMarketing #LuckVsHardWork #StartupGrind #DeloitteConsulting #BusinessLeadership #GrowthHacking

    43 phút
  8. How AI Will Replace Lawyers - Rich Lee | 160

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    How AI Will Replace Lawyers - Rich Lee | 160

    AI and technology are transforming the legal industry, making justice more accessible, faster, and fairer than ever before. In this episode, we sit down with Rich Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of New Era ADR, to discuss how his platform is reshaping dispute resolution with a 100-day arbitration model and flat-fee pricing—cutting down years of legal battles into months. In this episode, we cover: Why the traditional legal system is broken—delays, high costs, and legal loopholes.How New Era ADR is revolutionizing dispute resolution with technology and better incentives.The role of AI in law—bridging the justice gap and making legal services more accessible.Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just interested in how AI is disrupting industries, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Save hours with top business hacks every Friday:https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe Connect with Rich:https://www.neweraadr.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtlee/ Chapters:0:00 Intro2:03 The Founding of New Era ADR2:50 The Burden of Legal Disputes6:00 New Era ADR: A Faster, More Efficient Alternative14:35 The Role of AI in Law24:12 How New Era ADR Keeps Disputes to 100 Days32:06 Aligning Incentives for Fair Legal Outcomes33:15 Investing in Frontier Technologies40:49 The Role of AI in Bridging the Justice Gap41:14 Outro #HorizonSearchPodcast #LegalTech #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinLaw #DisputeResolution #NewEraADR #BusinessLaw #Entrepreneurship #LegalInnovation #FutureOfLaw #CourtroomTechnology #LawAndTech #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #TechForGood #Automation #LegalAI #FastJustice #Arbitration #JusticeReform #SmartContracts

    42 phút
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In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs and industry experts around the world, unpacking their success and lessons learned. Tune in for candid talks that reveal the real stories and strategies behind today's business innovations.

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