Magnetic Rise Podcast

Cikizwa Vilakazi

Join us in uncovering the real stories behind the scaling journeys of B2B companies. We explore the highs and lows, the victories and setbacks, and the strategic decisions that have led companies to rise, scale, and secure funding.

  1. Jimi Gibson: The Art of Branding and Performance | Magnetic Rise #17

    11/07/2025

    Jimi Gibson: The Art of Branding and Performance | Magnetic Rise #17

    In this episode of Magnetic Rise, host Cikizwa A. Vilakazi speaks with Jimi Gibson, Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency. They explore Jimi's unique journey from magician to marketing expert, discussing how the principles of magic can enhance marketing strategies. The conversation delves into the importance of personal branding for founders, the myths surrounding conversion rates, and the methodical approach to improving client conversions. Jimi emphasizes the need for creativity and performance in branding, encouraging listeners to build trust through authentic connections. Connect with Jimi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson Check out Thrive Agency: thriveagency.com ---- If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or investor looking for real-world insights on growth, securing funding, and overcoming obstacles, you’re in the right place! Hit subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and don’t miss out on these incredible conversations. 👉 Ready to rise with us? Subscribe to Magnetic Rise on your favorite podcast platform! The Magnetic Rise podcast is created by Strategnetic, a B2B lead generation agency dedicated to helping businesses scale and grow. Check out how Strategnetic can help scale your company:⁠ strategnetic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MagneticRise⁠ ⁠#B2Bsuccess⁠ ⁠#Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠#BusinessGrowth⁠ ⁠#Scaling⁠ ⁠#Leadership⁠ ⁠#b2b⁠ ⁠#scalingbusiness⁠ ⁠#b2bsaas⁠ ⁠#b2bgrowth⁠

    24 min
  2. The Journey of an Entrepreneur - Zahid Muhammad | Magnetic Rise #16

    07/07/2025

    The Journey of an Entrepreneur - Zahid Muhammad | Magnetic Rise #16

    In this episode of Magnetic Rise, host Cikizwa A. Vilakazi speaks with Zahid Muhammad, an entrepreneur who transitioned from a corporate job to building a successful e-commerce business. Zahid shares his journey of overcoming burnout, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of building multiple income streams. He emphasizes the need for a mindset shift when moving from a 9-to-5 job to entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of self-trust, quick decision-making, and the necessity of enjoying the work you do to avoid burnout. Zahid also discusses strategies for managing multiple income streams and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. Connect with Zahid on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zaaheed/ Check out Conzia: conzia.com ---- If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or investor looking for real-world insights on growth, securing funding, and overcoming obstacles, you’re in the right place! Hit subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and don’t miss out on these incredible conversations. 👉 Ready to rise with us? Subscribe to Magnetic Rise on your favorite podcast platform! The Magnetic Rise podcast is created by Strategnetic, a B2B lead generation agency dedicated to helping businesses scale and grow. Check out how Strategnetic can help scale your company:⁠ strategnetic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MagneticRise⁠ ⁠#B2Bsuccess⁠ ⁠#Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠#BusinessGrowth⁠ ⁠#Scaling⁠ ⁠#Leadership⁠ ⁠#b2b⁠ ⁠#scalingbusiness⁠ ⁠#b2bsaas⁠ ⁠#b2bgrowth⁠

    25 min
  3. From Film to Fulfillment: Paul Shrater's Entrepreneurial Journey | Magnetic Rise #15

    06/27/2025

    From Film to Fulfillment: Paul Shrater's Entrepreneurial Journey | Magnetic Rise #15

    In this episode of Magnetic Rise, Paul Shrater, CEO of Minimus Brands, shares his entrepreneurial journey from the entertainment industry to pioneering a niche in small size convenience products. He discusses the challenges of scaling his business, the impact of COVID on e-commerce, and the emerging trends in marketing, particularly the rise of live selling on platforms like TikTok. Paul emphasizes the importance of storytelling in marketing and how businesses can adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Connect with Paul Shrater on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paulshrater Check out Minimus Fulfillment: minimusfulfillment.biz Check out: Minimus Products: minimusproducts.biz ---- If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or investor looking for real-world insights on growth, securing funding, and overcoming obstacles, you’re in the right place! Hit subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and don’t miss out on these incredible conversations. 👉 Ready to rise with us? Subscribe to Magnetic Rise on your favorite podcast platform! The Magnetic Rise podcast is created by Strategnetic, a B2B lead generation agency dedicated to helping businesses scale and grow. Check out how Strategnetic can help scale your company:⁠ strategnetic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MagneticRise⁠ ⁠#B2Bsuccess⁠ ⁠#Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠#BusinessGrowth⁠ ⁠#Scaling⁠ ⁠#Leadership⁠ ⁠#b2b⁠ ⁠#scalingbusiness⁠ ⁠#b2bsaas⁠ ⁠#b2bgrowth⁠

    29 min
  4. 05/21/2025

    From Employee to Entrepreneur: Sandra Kokotovic's Journey | Magnetic Rise #13

    In this episode of Magnetic Rise, host Cikizwa A. Vilakazi interviews Sandra Kokotovic, a successful entrepreneur and digital marketing expert. Sandra shares her journey from a traditional job to building multiple seven-figure businesses, emphasizing the importance of mindset, stress management, and effective team management in the digital age. She discusses the rewards and challenges of being a digital nomad, the necessity of adapting one's mindset for entrepreneurial success, and the strategies she employs to manage stress and uncertainty. Sandra also reflects on her early business decisions and offers insights into building a productive remote team, highlighting the significance of trust and hiring the right people. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandrakokotovic Check out SnapAdvantage: snapadvantage.com ---- If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or investor looking for real-world insights on growth, securing funding, and overcoming obstacles, you’re in the right place! Hit subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and don’t miss out on these incredible conversations. 👉 Ready to rise with us? Subscribe to Magnetic Rise on your favorite podcast platform! The Magnetic Rise podcast is created by Strategnetic, a B2B lead generation agency dedicated to helping businesses scale and grow. Check out how Strategnetic can help scale your company:⁠ strategnetic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MagneticRise⁠ ⁠#B2Bsuccess⁠ ⁠#Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠#BusinessGrowth⁠ ⁠#Scaling⁠ ⁠#Leadership⁠ ⁠#b2b⁠ ⁠#scalingbusiness⁠ ⁠#b2bsaas⁠ ⁠#b2bgrowth⁠

    21 min
  5. The Importance of Franchising - Hossein Kasmai | Magnetic Rise #11

    03/26/2025

    The Importance of Franchising - Hossein Kasmai | Magnetic Rise #11

    In this episode of Magnetic Rise, host Cikizwa A. Vilakazi speaks with Hossein Kasmai, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise expert. Hossein shares his journey from being an electrical engineer at Motorola to becoming a successful entrepreneur with multiple business exits. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of scaling businesses through franchising, and common mistakes made by entrepreneurs in the franchising process. The conversation also touches on alternative growth strategies and the significance of brand preservation in franchising.Connect with Hossein on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hossein-kasmaiCheck out Franchise Creator: franchisecreator.com ---- If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or investor looking for real-world insights on growth, securing funding, and overcoming obstacles, you’re in the right place! Hit subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and don’t miss out on these incredible conversations. 👉 Ready to rise with us? Subscribe to Magnetic Rise on your favorite podcast platform! The Magnetic Rise podcast is created by Strategnetic, a B2B lead generation agency dedicated to helping businesses scale and grow. Check out how Strategnetic can help scale your company: strategnetic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #MagneticRise⁠ ⁠#B2Bsuccess⁠ ⁠#Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠#BusinessGrowth⁠ ⁠#Scaling⁠ ⁠#Leadership⁠ ⁠#b2b⁠ ⁠#scalingbusiness⁠ ⁠#b2bsaas⁠ ⁠#b2bgrowth⁠

    27 min

About

Join us in uncovering the real stories behind the scaling journeys of B2B companies. We explore the highs and lows, the victories and setbacks, and the strategic decisions that have led companies to rise, scale, and secure funding.