Flex Forward

Nic Espanet
  • 4.9 (15)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

FLEX Forward is a powerful podcast showcasing stories of resilience, reinvention, and rise. Hosted by Nic Espanet, each episode delves into the inspiring journeys of professionals who have overcome obstacles, made bold career pivots, and discovered new paths to personal and financial growth. With a theme of Growth. Grit. Gains., FLEX Forward highlights the determination and adaptability that drive success. Whether it’s bouncing back from setbacks, reinventing one’s path, or climbing to new heights, these conversations prove that every story of struggle and triumph has the power to motivate others. Tune in for real, raw, and relatable stories that will push you to flex forward in your own life.

  1. 1d ago

    From Pharmacist to Franchise Founder: Sawsan Abublan on Building Shawarma Press

    Copying is easy. Growing is hard. Sawsan Abublan knows the difference.   Sawsan was a pharmacist for close to 20 years. Then she and her husband co-founded Shawarma Press, the first shawarma franchise in the United States. They built it to be copied from day one, with a playbook, a central kitchen and a plan to grow. Today they have 10 locations.   She tells Nic Espanet how they stayed ahead of the copycats, why conferences changed her business, and the one lesson COVID taught her: never stop marketing.   Key takeaways: Build your business to be copied from the start. Copying is easy. Growing is hard. A central kitchen takes skilled labor out of the stores. Go to conferences with the intent to learn. Never stop marketing, even in hard times.   About Sawsan: Sawsan Abublan is the co-founder and CEO of Shawarma Press, the first shawarma franchise in the United States, with locations in Texas, Georgia and Kansas. Learn more at ShawarmaPress.com and ShawarmaPressFranchise.com.   Be a guest on the show: https://FlexForwardPodcast.com/guest

    From Pharmacist to Franchise Founder: Sawsan Abublan on Building Shawarma Press

  2. 2d ago

    Diagnosing What Normal Labs Miss with Dr. Vivian Asamoah

    Normal labs do not always mean you are fine. Dr. Vivian Asamoah's mission is to find what normal labs miss, especially in women.   Dr. Asamoah is an integrative gastroenterologist in Katy, Texas. She runs a growing in person practice, her own surgery center, and a virtual practice that now reaches patients in about 20 states.   She tells Nic Espanet why being flexible and curious has helped her career, why healing starts with hearing, and how a medical degree can open doors far beyond the exam room, from speaking and brand partnerships to advisory boards.   Key takeaways: The first part of healing is hearing the patient. Stay curious. Research what patients bring you. There are many ways to help people in healthcare. A medical degree can do more than one thing. If something is wrong, keep digging, even when labs are normal.   About Dr. Asamoah: Dr. Vivian Asamoah is an integrative gastroenterologist and the founder of Houston Gastro Institute in Katy, Texas. She also runs a surgery center and a multi state virtual practice focused on gut health.   Be a guest on the show: https://FlexForwardPodcast.com/guest

    Diagnosing What Normal Labs Miss with Dr. Vivian Asamoah

  3. 2d ago

    The Accidental Accountant: Jen Cuello on Relationships, Moving for Work and Abundance

    Jen Cuello never wanted to be an accountant. Sixteen years later, she is a partner at EisnerAmper.   Jen studied marketing. When none of her marketing friends could find jobs in the recession, she added accounting to stand out. She joined EisnerAmper, tried a few paths inside the firm, and found her home auditing funds in financial services.   She tells Nic Espanet why nothing comes easy, why sales is really about relationships, and how a move from New Jersey to Dallas, which she planned to last three years, turned into a home, a family and friends she never expected. Even some of her competitors are now close friends.   Key takeaways: Being creative can make you better at a numbers job. Hard work matters, but so do the people around you. Sales is about building relationships and creating value. There is enough business for everybody. Before you invest, read the terms and know how your money is protected.   About Jen: Jen Cuello is a partner at EisnerAmper in Dallas. She audits funds in the financial services group and helped grow the firm's Texas market.   Be a guest on the show: https://FlexForwardPodcast.com/guest

    The Accidental Accountant: Jen Cuello on Relationships, Moving for Work and Abundance

  4. 4d ago

    Smart Investing, Strong Teams, and Lessons in Leadership with George Elliman

    What does it take to build a strong business, make smart investments, and learn from failure? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with George Elliman, CFO and Partner at West End Capital Management, to talk about the lessons George has learned during more than 30 years in business. George shares his journey from management consulting in London and San Francisco to working with major companies and eventually finding his place in investment management. He explains why having the right people on your team can make all the difference, whether you're running a restaurant, managing rental properties, or helping clients invest their money. George also shares what makes West End Capital Management different. His team invests in individual stocks, carefully studies the companies they own, and puts their own money into the same investments as their clients. Along the way, Nic and George discuss the challenges of owning small businesses, the importance of knowing when to move on from a bad decision, and why taking care of yourself is an important part of long-term success.

    Smart Investing, Strong Teams, and Lessons in Leadership with George Elliman

  5. 4d ago

    Lead Yourself First: The Secret to Better Leadership with Marc Hildebrand

    What if the key to becoming a better leader isn't about leading others, but learning to lead yourself first? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet welcomes Marc Hildebrand, a retired LAPD sergeant turned self-leadership coach, for a conversation about personal growth, family, mindset, and finding success without losing sight of what matters most. After spending 20 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, Marc made a major career change. At one point, he was 100 pounds overweight and struggling to give his family the time and attention they deserved. He decided to make a change, transforming his health, his priorities, and eventually his career. Today, through Modern Leadership Coaching, Marc helps people learn to lead themselves through stress, setbacks, and life's everyday challenges. Nic and Marc explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape our actions, why failure can be one of our greatest teachers, and how shifting our focus can help us move forward instead of staying stuck. They also discuss why real success isn't just about building a career or making more money. It's about being present for the people who matter most. In this episode, you'll discover: How Marc went from LAPD sergeant to leadership coach. What losing 100 pounds taught him about personal growth. Why self-leadership is the foundation of leading others. How negative thought loops can keep us stuck. Why failure and discomfort are important parts of growth. How to balance professional success with family priorities. Why Marc is helping develop more coaches to create a lasting impact. About Marc Hildebrand Marc Hildebrand is a former LAPD sergeant with 20 years of service and the founder of Modern Leadership Coaching. As a self-leadership coach, he helps people develop the mindset and skills to show up as their best, even when life gets difficult. Marc is also a husband, father, and co-host of the Modern Leadership Coaching Podcast with his wife. Connect with Marc and learn more about his coaching programs at https://modernleadership.us.

    Lead Yourself First: The Secret to Better Leadership with Marc Hildebrand

  6. Nov 4

    Why Thinking Differently Is Your Biggest Advantage with Ben Gaddis

    What if your biggest opportunity comes from saying yes to something you don't know how to do yet? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, Nic sits down with Ben Gaddis, founder of Super Step Capital and author of Embracing Irrationality, to talk about taking chances, building successful businesses, learning from mistakes, and why thinking differently can help you get ahead. Ben shares his journey from leading T3, one of the country's largest independent digital agencies, to selling the business in 2019 and eventually launching Super Step Capital, a private equity firm that partners with IT services companies. He explains how his experience as a business owner shaped his approach to investing and why understanding people, company culture, and everyday business challenges matters just as much as understanding the numbers. Nic and Ben also explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence. Ben believes AI offers an incredible opportunity for people who are willing to learn, adapt, and challenge the way things have always been done. One of the most memorable stories comes from Ben's early career, when he volunteered to lead a mobile marketing project for American Airlines despite knowing very little about the field. That decision helped shape his future and taught him an important lesson: you don't have to know everything before you get started. Throughout the conversation, Ben shares practical insights about leadership, innovation, investing, and recognizing when it's better to work with someone who has more expertise. About Ben Gaddis Ben Gaddis is the founder of Super Step Capital, a private equity firm focused on partnering with IT services and digital services businesses. Before launching Super Step Capital, Ben led T3, a digital agency that worked with major brands including 7-Eleven, Pizza Hut, and UPS. He is also the author of Embracing Irrationality, a book about challenging traditional thinking and creating meaningful change.

    Why Thinking Differently Is Your Biggest Advantage with Ben Gaddis

  7. Nov 3

    Kim Hegwood: Why Smart Business Owners Never Stop Learning

    What does it take to build a successful business while helping families protect what matters most? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with Kim Hegwood, an attorney with 29 years of experience and owner of Your Legacy Legal Care, to discuss business growth, the importance of planning, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Kim shares how she reached her first million in business without a formal business plan, marketing strategy, or budget. That experience helped her realize the importance of understanding her finances, seeking mentorship, and continuing to learn as a business owner. She also discusses how her personal experiences as a caregiver and navigating difficult family legal matters shaped her approach to estate planning and elder law. Today, her practice focuses on helping families prepare for the unexpected, protect their loved ones, and make difficult transitions easier. In this episode, you'll discover: How Kim went from litigation attorney to building a growing estate planning and elder law practice. Why understanding your business finances is essential, even when you're already successful. How business coaching, mentorship, and mastermind groups can support long-term growth. Why estate planning and trusts are important tools for protecting your family's future. How Kim's firm helps seniors and their families navigate aging, caregiving, and major life transitions. Why continuing to learn and adapt is important for every entrepreneur.

    Kim Hegwood: Why Smart Business Owners Never Stop Learning

  8. Oct 29

    Protecting What Matters: Cybersecurity, Family & Financial Freedom with Wayne Sallee

    What does it take to protect the systems that keep our world running while also building a great life outside of work? In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with Wayne Sallee, Senior Technical Manager at Octave, to talk about cybersecurity, career growth, investing, and family. Wayne shares how an unexpected change in his family life led him away from pursuing a PhD and into a career in industrial technology. Today, he helps lead engineering services across North and South America, working to protect the control systems used in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, and chemical processing. Wayne explains the difference between traditional IT cybersecurity and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. He also shares why protecting industrial systems is so important, how his team helps companies understand their risks, and why new technology like AI must be used with care. The conversation also turns personal as Wayne talks about working with his wife on their family's investments, exploring new sources of income, and making time for what matters most. As a father of three boys, Wayne believes that creating lasting family memories is more valuable than buying more things. He also shares why mentorship and helping others are important parts of his life. Whether you're interested in technology, growing your career, building financial freedom, or finding a better balance between work and family, this conversation offers something to think about. Meet Wayne Sallee Wayne Sallee is a Senior Technical Manager at Octave, where he leads engineering services focused on automation and cybersecurity for industrial control systems across North and South America. With a background in science and engineering, Wayne brings technical knowledge and a passion for helping others learn and grow. Wayne is also a husband, father of three, and an advocate for mentorship, financial planning, and meaningful family experiences.

    Protecting What Matters: Cybersecurity, Family & Financial Freedom with Wayne Sallee
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

FLEX Forward is a powerful podcast showcasing stories of resilience, reinvention, and rise. Hosted by Nic Espanet, each episode delves into the inspiring journeys of professionals who have overcome obstacles, made bold career pivots, and discovered new paths to personal and financial growth. With a theme of Growth. Grit. Gains., FLEX Forward highlights the determination and adaptability that drive success. Whether it’s bouncing back from setbacks, reinventing one’s path, or climbing to new heights, these conversations prove that every story of struggle and triumph has the power to motivate others. Tune in for real, raw, and relatable stories that will push you to flex forward in your own life.

Information

  • Creator
    Nic Espanet
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Flex Forward