Founders Podcast

Ash Lonare
  • 4.9 (7)
  • BUSINESS

Welcome to Founder's Podcast, This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your business.

  1. 1D AGO

    How 2 Students raised $100k in 1 Week with crapy MVP

    In this episode of the Founders Podcast, hosts Ash, Cosimo, and Omer discuss the journey of building MindStash, a tool designed to help users manage information overload. They share their inspirations, the challenges of execution, and the importance of curiosity in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the problem of information overload, the research process behind validating their idea, and the strategies for pricing and community engagement. Cosimo and Omer also reflect on their backgrounds, the fundraising journey, and the significance of building a movement around their product. Takeaways Curiosity drives innovation and entrepreneurship. Execution is crucial; ideas need to be acted upon. Identifying a real problem is key to building a successful product. Research and validation are essential before launching a product. Pricing strategies should be flexible and based on user feedback. Building a community around your product fosters engagement and loyalty. Founders should be prepared for the challenges of fundraising. Authenticity in communication resonates with investors and customers alike. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, requiring resilience. Curiosity and grit are essential traits for successful founders. Chapters 00:00 Inspiration and Motivation 02:33 The Journey Begins: From Idea to Execution 06:29 Identifying the Problem: Information Overload 11:51 Researching the Market: Validating the Problem 14:23 Pricing Strategies: Finding the Right Model 18:29 Founders' Background: The Roots of Entrepreneurship 34:09 Fundraising Journey: Pitching and Learning 34:38 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 36:20 Business Size and Team Dynamics 37:47 Community Engagement and Technology Relationships 40:32 The Art of Pitching and Fundraising 42:55 Strategies for Growth and Traction 50:31 Curiosity and Grit in Founding 56:00 Productivity Tools and Habits 57:10 Innovative Business Ideas and Future Visions 59:29 Fun Facts and Personal Insights

    1h 4m

  2. 12/23/2025

    How this Founder Lost Everything and Rebuilt it Back

    In this conversation, David Feinman shares his journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges he faced, including nearly losing everything in his business. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, the transition from a hustler to a CEO, and the significance of building a productized service that can scale. David also explores the role of AI in enhancing productivity, the necessity of documenting processes, and the value of creating a life-aligned business. Throughout the discussion, he provides actionable insights for founders looking to grow their businesses effectively. Takeaways David's favorite quote is about going one more round when you don't think you can. He faced significant challenges in his business but rebuilt it stronger. The importance of mindset in overcoming adversity is crucial. Productized services can help scale a business effectively. AI tools can enhance productivity in video production. Founders should focus on high-leverage tasks to grow their business. Documenting processes is essential for repeatability and growth. Creating a life-aligned business is vital for long-term success. Endurance is a key characteristic of successful founders. Building a creative system allows for a state of flow in work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quotes 02:29 Overcoming Adversity in Business 04:53 The Impact of Bad Partnerships 08:13 The Importance of Value Alignment in Partnerships 11:38 Building a Productized Service 17:51 Creating a Life-Aligned Business 21:52 Customer Acquisition Strategies 26:00 Embracing AI in Video Production 28:39 The Importance of Modern Skills in Video Editing 30:32 Automation and Productivity in Creative Workflows 35:18 Designing Effective Creative Systems 41:14 Documenting and Improving Processes 45:15 Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights

    49 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    How to 10x Your Founders Journey

    In this conversation, Gwen Bortner shares her insights on accountability, untapped potential, and the importance of reflection for founders. She emphasizes the need for focus, the distinction between discipline and genuine accountability, and the role of external accountability partners. The discussion also covers how to define success, prioritize tasks, and the significance of metrics in tracking performance. Gwen provides practical strategies for founders to enhance their productivity and achieve their goals while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Takeaways Everyone has untapped potential that needs to be tapped into. Accountability is more than just task management; it's a conversation. Urgent tasks often distract from what is truly important. Discipline is not the same as accountability; true accountability requires reflection. Defining success is personal and can change over time. Reflection helps identify what to stop, continue, or start doing. Metrics should focus on profit, not just income. An accountability partner should be committed and not too close to you. Success can mean different things to different people. Regular check-ins can help maintain accountability and focus. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quotes 02:36 Unlocking Untapped Potential 07:36 The Importance of Accountability 14:55 Discipline vs. Accountability 22:45 Setting Priorities for Success 27:16 Navigating Project Forecasting and ROI 28:52 Defining Success for Founders 30:46 The Importance of Clarity in Business 31:43 Adapting to Change: A Client's Journey 34:06 Reflection and Accountability in Business 36:15 Metrics That Matter: Income vs. Profit 39:01 Finding the Right Accountability Partner 46:16 Quickfire Insights for Founders

    51 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Startup Success doesn't teach you much

    In this episode of the Founders Podcast, Andrew Ackerman shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, discussing his journey from founder to investor and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, understanding market dynamics, and the value of storytelling in entrepreneurship. Andrew also delves into the challenges faced during his two startups, the insights gained from writing his book 'Entrepreneur's Odyssey', and offers practical advice for aspiring founders. The conversation covers various themes including customer discovery, the startup ecosystem, and strategies for success, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways A lot of things in life are luck, intention, and being ready for luck. Founders often stay in their comfort zones instead of exploring necessary areas for growth. Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. Contracts keep honest people honest; clarity is crucial in partnerships. A startup is more of a chain; if one link fails, the startup fails. You need to test your cost to customer acquisition; it's vital for success. The startup journey is not as glamorous as portrayed in movies. It's important to understand the real day-to-day of running a startup. Building a strong network is essential for startup success. Customer discovery can be done effectively with simple prototypes. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: A Joke with a Lesson 01:52 From Founder to Investor: Andrew's Startup Story 07:49 Navigating Challenges: Lessons from Two Startups 16:56 The Birth of 'Entrepreneurs Odyssey': Sharing Wisdom 25:47 The Startup Landscape: Why and How to Start 28:44 The Startup Decision: Is It Right for You? 30:26 Understanding the Startup Ecosystem: Trends and Tides 35:51 Strategies for Startup Success: Insights from Experience 41:29 The Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights 52:03 Personal Insights: Balancing Work and Life

    54 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    The 4% That Drives 64% of Profitability

    In this conversation, Todd Hagopian discusses the importance of focusing on key activities that drive profitability in business. He emphasizes that spending time on non-profitable tasks can significantly reduce overall profitability. By concentrating on the most impactful areas, businesses can enhance their profitability dramatically. Takeaways If you spend 40% of your time on non-profitable tasks, you'll be 40% less profitable. Focusing on the 4% of activities that drive 64% of profitability can lead to a 600% increase in profits. Identifying key profit drivers is essential for business success. Efficiency in task management can lead to greater profitability. Understanding where to allocate time and resources is crucial for growth. Profitability is not just about revenue, but about strategic focus. Businesses should regularly assess their activities for profitability impact. Time management is a critical skill for business leaders. Prioritizing high-impact tasks can transform business outcomes. Continuous evaluation of business strategies is necessary for sustained profitability.

    41 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    The 3 Metrics That Actually Grow Your Business

    In this episode of the Founders Podcast, Colin Sanburg shares his journey from starting in a family business to becoming a fractional CFO. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business metrics, the dangers of focusing on surface-level numbers, and the foundational role of pricing in profitability. Colin discusses how to engage teams in profitability, the significance of tracking meaningful metrics, and the necessity of looking forward in decision-making. He also reflects on personal growth and the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights for founders and early-stage builders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quotes 01:46 Colin's Journey and Business Philosophy 05:00 Understanding Metrics in Business 07:46 The Danger of Surface-Level Metrics 11:41 Reframing Metrics for Decision Making 15:49 Key Numbers for Business Health 18:55 Misunderstandings About Profitability 23:46 Understanding Profitability Challenges 29:09 Balancing Short-Term Profitability with Long-Term Sustainability 32:30 The Importance of Forward-Looking Decision Making 38:09 Lessons from Mistakes and the Path to Professionalism 40:07 Quick Fire Round: Essential Strategies for Founders

    48 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Unlocking Wealth Through Words

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Aurora Winter shares her insights on the importance of storytelling for founders, the power of communication, and how to effectively convey a message to attract clients and investors. She discusses her personal journey, the influence of her family, and the significance of giving back. Aurora emphasizes the need for a clear message in business and provides strategies for media outreach and authority building. The discussion also touches on the lessons learned from her entrepreneurial experiences and the importance of grit and passion in achieving success. Takeaways Teaching people how to communicate is economically valuable. A compelling story can increase income significantly. Founders often sabotage their success by lacking a clear message. The attitude of giving can lead to greater success. Identifying the highest leverage point in business is crucial. Communication has a structure similar to engineering. Founders should focus on solving big, sticky problems. Your unique story is more valuable than ever in business. Grit and persistence are key attributes of successful founders. Blocking off time for deep work enhances productivity. Takeaways Teaching people how to communicate is economically valuable. A compelling story can increase income significantly. Founders often sabotage their success by lacking a clear message. The attitude of giving can lead to greater success. Identifying the highest leverage point in business is crucial. Communication has a structure similar to engineering. Founders should focus on solving big, sticky problems. Your unique story is more valuable than ever in business. Grit and persistence are key attributes of successful founders. Blocking off time for deep work enhances productivity.

    49 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    How to find a startup idea and market it

    In this engaging conversation, Patrick Rayes shares his journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of overcoming hardships, finding the right ideas, and the critical role of a solid business plan. He discusses how to leverage education and experience to identify viable business opportunities, the significance of market research, and effective marketing strategies. The conversation wraps up with quickfire questions that reveal Patrick's insights on productivity, successful traits of founders, and his personal experiences in entrepreneurship. Takeaways Through hardships to the stars is a powerful motto. Success teaches us nothing; failures do. The three pillars of a business are ideation, planning, and marketing. Leverage your education and experiences to find ideas. Young founders should utilize university resources for support. Market research is crucial for understanding your audience. Targeting a niche audience can lead to success. A business plan helps convince both yourself and investors. Continuous improvement is essential for business growth. Passion and experience together create a strong foundation for success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Motto 05:46 Finding the Right Idea 11:39 Navigating Early Challenges 19:50 The Importance of a Business Plan 28:52 Refining the Business Plan 33:55 The Importance of Market Research 40:10 Effective Marketing Strategies 45:25 Quickfire Insights and Personal Reflections

    49 min
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4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Founder's Podcast, This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Ash Lonare
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ash Lonare
  • Show Website
    Founders Podcast

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