The Founder Spirit

Jennifer Wu

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you! In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story. So tune in & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

  1. From Concert Halls to Prison Cells: Playing for the Forgotten with Eric Genuis

    MAY 1

    From Concert Halls to Prison Cells: Playing for the Forgotten with Eric Genuis

    Join us on The Founder Spirit podcast with Eric Genuis, a composer, virtuoso pianist and compassionate storyteller, who has dedicated the past three decades to playing for society’s most broken: death row prisoners, traumatized youth, the elderly, the homeless, and veterans battling PTSD. Uncover the extraordinary story behind his mission-driven career—how a shocking first prison performance ignited a lifelong calling. Discover how Eric’s compositions are rooted in stories of suffering, redemption, and the relentless fight to see the good in everyone, no matter their past. Most people overlook the profound power of music to heal, uplift, and transform lives—even those on the brink of despair. Playing for the forgotten, his music becomes a vessel for redemption and human dignity. Eric’s approach to music transcends entertainment—delivering hope and beauty, cultivating compassion, and elevating our collective humanity.How did Eric turn a world-class music career into a mission of healing and transformation for the marginalized? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    1h 18m
  2. Stanzin Gya: Living with Change in the High Himalayas

    APR 1

    Stanzin Gya: Living with Change in the High Himalayas

    Join us on The Founder Spirit podcast with Stanzin Gya, whose films are a testament to the power of storytelling rooted in truth and authenticity—giving voice to the High Himalayan communities and their urgent ecological concerns. His journey from shepherd boy on the Tibetan plateau to global storyteller encapsulates the resilient human spirit and unyielding hope for a sustainable future.Stanzin shares how documentaries became his tool not just for storytelling but for activism, after witnessing the devastating flash flood in 2010 that threatened both ecosystems and communities. His films, like Shepherdess of the Glaciers and Living with Change, illuminate the urgency of climate action and the importance of preserving indigenous wisdom and eco-heritage. Through his lens, you'll learn how truth, authenticity, and respect for nature can spark real impact.How did Stanzin, who grew up without a television, rise to become an award-winning documentarian? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    47 min
  3. Ajaita Shah: Advancing Opportunity and Dignity for Rural Women in India

    FEB 27

    Ajaita Shah: Advancing Opportunity and Dignity for Rural Women in India

    Join us on The Founder Spirit podcast with Ajaita Shah as we unlock the transformative power of entrepreneurship and impact in rural India through the remarkable story of Frontier Markets. Discover how one woman’s journey from New York City as an eighth member of a jewelry dynasty to leading India’s largest rural e-commerce platform is reshaping lives, empowering 40,000 women, and unlocking millions of dollars in rural commerce. This episode reveals the unfiltered challenges, bold innovations, and deep human stories behind building sustainable change at scale. Ajaita shares the core principles guiding her mission—dignity, inclusivity, and impact—highlighting how technology, strategic partnerships, and unwavering purpose drive her vision to empower one million women entrepreneurs by 2030. Her lessons on resilience, leadership, and building trust—especially as a female founder in patriarchal India—are invaluable for aspiring social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and anyone committed to creating a legacy of lasting change.How did an eighth-generation member of a jeweler family in New York City come to serve the poor & build prosperity for rural women in India? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    55 min
  4. From Sound to Spirit: Healing Through Music with Dana Leong

    FEB 6

    From Sound to Spirit: Healing Through Music with Dana Leong

    Join us on The Founder Spirit podcast with Dana Leong as we uncover how this two-time Grammy-winning musician blurs genres, experiments with AI, and crafts soundscapes that heal, inspire, and connect us all.From a child prodigy to a global innovator, Dana reveals the secrets behind creating music that touches the heart and heals the soul. Imagine a life where music is more than sound—it's a tool for resilience, a bridge across cultures, and a catalyst for social change. Discover how early musical experimentation set Dana on a path of relentless innovation, the surprising science behind music’s healing power, and why the future of creativity may lie at the intersection of art and AI, as he also unpacks his unique approach to time management.How did a child prodigy turn mastery into a career that spans music genres, continents, and social impact projects? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    1h 12m
  5. Interbeing with Shoukei Matsumoto, The Monk Entrepreneur, On Becoming Good Ancestors

    JAN 9

    Interbeing with Shoukei Matsumoto, The Monk Entrepreneur, On Becoming Good Ancestors

    Join us on The Founder Spirit podcast as we delve into the life and insights of Shoukei Matsumoto, a Japanese Buddhist monk, author, and social entrepreneur from Japan. Discover how Shoukei bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with modern business practices, emphasizing intergenerational responsibility and Interbeing, the interconnectedness of all beings. From his journey as a monk to his innovative ventures like the virtual temple Higanji, Shoukei shares his philosophy of becoming good ancestors, the importance of humility in an uncertain future, and how we can use AI as a (functional) Buddha.Just how did Shoukei’s journey as a Buddhist monk evolve into one that bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with the modern business world? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    56 min
  6. Breaking Barriers with Diana Yousef: From Molecules to Impact - The Story of change:WATER Labs

    12/12/2025

    Breaking Barriers with Diana Yousef: From Molecules to Impact - The Story of change:WATER Labs

    In this episode with Diana Yousef, a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience commercializing science-based technologies for global social and environmental impact, The Founder Spirit explores her journey from a childhood fascination with nature and science to founding change:WATER Labs, a climate tech venture using innovative materials science to increase access to safe, sustainable, and scalable sanitation in places with insufficient water and/or sewerage infrastructure.Discover how Diana's unique experiences of growing up as an Egyptian-American and relentless pursuit of impact have led her to create solutions that address global challenges, empower women, and promote sustainable development. Join us for an insightful conversation about innovation, resilience, and the power of science to change the world.How did Diana become known as the “Toilet Lady” who conceived the iThrone while consulting for NASA on recycling wastewater at the Space Station? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    46 min
  7. A Journey to No-End, the Philosophy: Beyond Shareholder Maximization with Jay Cziraky

    11/27/2025

    A Journey to No-End, the Philosophy: Beyond Shareholder Maximization with Jay Cziraky

    In this episode of The Founder Spirit podcast, Jay Cziraky, a serial entrepreneur and seasoned humanitarian operator, discusses how his journey, through extensive experience working in conflict zones and post-war reconstruction, has led him to found the No-End Philosophy. No-End Philosophy is a new socioeconomic paradigm that creates perpetual, sustainable, community-focused businesses that prioritize long-term impact over short-term profits. Jay shares insights on the challenges faced in logistics during the Kosovo War, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and how these events shaped his vision for the No-End Philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of localization and patient investment in fragile populations, going beyond shareholder maximization to strengthen local communities and operate within planetary boundaries.How did Jay’s journey in war zones shape his conviction in creating a path for the benefit of global communities? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    1h 12m
  8. SongHa Choi: A Solo Violinist's Path to Artistic Freedom

    11/14/2025

    SongHa Choi: A Solo Violinist's Path to Artistic Freedom

    In this episode with SongHa Choi, one of the most compelling violinists of her generation, The Founder Spirit sits down to explore her remarkable journey from South Korea to the global stage. More than a critically acclaimed violinist, SongHa is an artist with a creative, personal voice. And believe or not, she is only 25-years old, and is wise far beyond her years!Discover how her diverse musical experiences and cultural immersion have shaped her unique artistic voice. Listen as she shares insights into her rigorous practice routines, the influence of her family, and the challenges of pursuing a career as a soloist. This conversation also delves into the intersection of art and nature, highlighting the transformative power of music.What inner drive propelled SongHa to international fame so early in her career? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

    42 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you! In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story. So tune in & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

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