Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

The Storytellers Company
  • 5.0 (8)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The world is crying out for new leaders, greater transparency and more original thinking to solve our biggest problems in business and society. Our Host, Rob Ryan has conversations with these people every week. Since 2020, we’ve faced a global pandemic, rapid technological change, and political, economic, and cultural disruption. We believe the world needs more entrepreneurial thinkers—not just more entrepreneurs or executives—across every sector and segment of society and industry. We’re here to introduce you to some of the best and brightest people from here in California and across the 🌎.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep 209: "Keeping Sports Accessible for All Fans" with Sebastien Bellin & Diederik Bots

    Are modern day sports experiences only for the rich VIPS? Can teams afford to lose their working class fans? Join us as we explore the visionary work of two former professional athletes, turned co-founders, Sebastien Bellin and Diederik Bots, of YouTopia Sports. These two are integrating technology and media to revolutionize the sports fan experience and empower clubs and teams to connect more richly with their fan communities. Discover insights on fan engagement, data-driven loyalty, and the power of immersive ecosystems in modern athletics. In this forward-thinking conversation, Sebastien and Diederik share the journey of building YouTopia Sports, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between live events and digital media. They discuss the importance of inclusive community building, sustainable monetization, and the impact of technological innovation in transforming the global sports industry. Feel free to follow and engage with GUEST here: Sebastien LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-bellin-29749b6/Diederik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbots/YouTopia Sports LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/youtopia-sports/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: https://www.youtopia-sports.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience interested in the best and brightest entrepreneurial thinking behind our greatest challenges and opportunities in today’s world. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers, with Rob Ryan.” Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

    1h 22m

  2. MAY 7

    Ep 208: "De-Addiction; Transforming Lives & An Industry" with Jason Varughese

    Join us as we explore the transformative journey of Jason Varughese, founder and CEO of Pink Cloud, who leverages technology to revolutionize addiction recovery. Discover insights on de-addiction, hustle culture, and the power of personal stories in overcoming addiction. In this insightful conversation, Jason Varughese shares the journey of building Pink Cloud, a platform dedicated to recovery and mental health. He discusses the importance of privacy, personalized care, and the impact of technology and research collaborations in transforming addiction treatment.Feel free to follow and engage with JASON here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-varughese/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jasonfischervarughese/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkcloudapp/Website: https://www.gopinkcloud.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

    1h 28m

  3. APR 30

    Ep 207: "Los Angeles’ Millennial Governance Whisperer" with Nicholas Caputo

    What if the reason your city feels inefficient, confusing, or stuck… is actually fixable? In this episode, Nick Caputo—founder of Caputo Strategies and the non-profit, Livable Advanced LA, breaks down how local government really works (and why it often doesn’t). From his journey moving from Chicago to Los Angeles to his mission to reform LA’s city charter, Nick shares fresh, practical ideas on making government more transparent, responsive, and effective. We also explore how social media is becoming an unexpected tool to simplify complex systems and empower everyday citizens. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from how your city is run, this conversation will change the way you see local leadership and your role in it. Feel free to follow and engage with NICHOLAS here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/npcaputo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nickcaputo_Threads: https://www.threads.com/@_nickcaputo_Website: https://caputostrategies.com/Website: https://www.livableadvancedla.org/aboutWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and at our “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers 04:55 Understanding Charter Reform 16:48 The Importance of Charter Reform 23:01 Engaging the Community in Governance 26:54 The Power of Social Media as a Journal 28:28 Feedback and Community Engagement 30:30 Journaling and Creative Expression 32:24 Demystifying Government and Civic Engagement 33:21 Personal Connection to Los Angeles 37:18 Risk Tolerance and Entrepreneurial Spirit in LA 38:42 Accessibility and Civic Involvement 47:13 The Future of Politics and Personal Aspirations 50:39 Stabilizing Governance: The Current Election Cycle 52:23 Repairing Infrastructure: The Path Forward 54:36 Growth and Development: Building for the Future 56:16 Caputo Strategies: Empowering Small Businesses 01:00:41 AI in Governance: Opportunities and Challenges 01:07:15 Assessing Leadership: Criteria for Effective Governance 01:12:57 Getting Involved: Engaging with Local Communities

    1h 23m

  4. APR 23

    Ep 206: "Conversation & Community: LA’s future being built IRL.” with Michelle Edgar & Ben Reiss

    What does it really take to build a thriving community—and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, Rob Ryan sits down with The Community Collective team of Michelle Edgar and Ben Reiss to uncover how meaningful connections, arts, and culture can transform cities and lives. From relationship-building to bold visions for civic engagement in Los Angeles and beyond, this conversation reveals why community might just be the most powerful force we’re overlooking. Feel free to follow and engage with MICHELLE & BEN here: Ben LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benreiss/Ben Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benreiss1/Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-edgar-86b5ba1/Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michme12/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.community-collective.org/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers 04:51 The Necessity of Community Collectives 08:56 The Role of Arts and Music in Community 11:35 Curating Relationships in a Changing World 13:37 Bridging Gaps Between Constituencies 16:05 Identifying Community Gaps 18:25 The Business Model of Community Collective 20:37 Upcoming Events and Initiatives 26:43 Vision for the Future of Community Collective 28:22 Cultural and Economic Insights from Los Angeles 30:21 Building Relationships and Networking 31:57 Cultural Shifts and the Role of Arts 35:40 Personal Resilience and the Discipline of Joy 40:12 Community Engagement and Local Initiatives

    51 min

  5. APR 16

    Ep 205: "Local journalism is not dead, and LA is leading the way!” with Michele Siqueiros

    What happens when local news disappears—and who decides which stories get told? In this thought-provoking episode, Rob Ryan sits down with Michele Siqueiros, CEO of LA Local, to explore the critical role of local journalism in building trust, informing communities, and strengthening democracy. Michele shares her journey into nonprofit media, the challenges facing traditional news outlets, and how innovative, community-driven approaches are reshaping the future of journalism in Los Angeles. From crisis reporting to empowering the next generation of journalists, this conversation reveals why reliable, local information matters more than ever. Feel free to follow and engage with MICHELE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-siqueiros/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele.siqueiros/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey.lalocal/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-la-local/Website: https://thelalocal.org/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LA Local and Michele Siqueiros 04:35 The Importance of Non-Profit Media 05:30 Michele's Journey to LA Local 08:02 The Role of Local News in Crisis 11:11 Adapting to Digital News Consumption 13:24 The Landscape of News Media in LA 15:33 Collaboration Over Competition in Journalism 18:01 The Non-Profit Model of LA Local 22:17 The Vision and Mission of LA Local 25:18 Building a Sustainable Revenue Model 28:40 Partnerships with Other Media Outlets 33:37 Empowering Young Journalists 36:37 The Core Message of LA Local 38:22 Community Feedback and Engagement 41:52 Personal Reflections on Community Stories 45:57 Activating Local Democracy

    52 min

  6. APR 9

    Ep 204: "America’s Greatest Latino Business Network was born at Stanford!" with Arturo Cázares

    What if one of the most powerful forces driving the U.S. economy is still widely misunderstood? In this inspiring and data driven episode, Rob Ryan sits down with Arturo Cázares, CEO of the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), to unpack the rise of Latino entrepreneurship—and why it matters now more than ever. From his journey as a child immigrant to leading a national movement, Arturo shares powerful insights on leadership, community, and breaking through systemic barriers. This conversation dives into the real impact Latino founders are making, the misconceptions holding them back, and the practical mindset shifts entrepreneurs need to grow with purpose and resilience. Feel free to follow and engage with ARTURO here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturocazares/Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBANstrongBusiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbanstrong/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lbanstrong/Business X: https://x.com/LBANStrongWebsite: https://www.lban.us/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers and Arturo Cázares 14:02 The Economic Impact of Latino Entrepreneurship 28:44 Empowering Entrepreneurial Thinkers through LBAN 35:18 The Value of Community and Ecosystems 42:21 Future Aspirations and Scalability 49:03 Misconceptions About Latino Entrepreneurs 01:02:15 Navigating Overwhelm in Business

    1h 16m

  7. APR 2

    Ep 203: "The Secondary Offering is the New IPO!” with Antonia Rojas

    What if entrepreneurs and investors could take money off the table without giving up control of their company? In this eye-opening episode, Rob sits down with Antonia Rojas, Managing Partner at Attom Capital, to explore the rise of direct secondary offerings in Latin America—and why they’re changing the game for founders. The two discuss the history and context of Secondary Offerings, from unlocking liquidity to navigating emotional and strategic decisions. Antonia breaks down how this emerging approach is empowering entrepreneurs, reshaping capital flow, and opening new doors—especially for women in venture capital. Whether you're a founder, investor or just curious about how money really moves behind the scenes, this conversation offers fresh insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss. Feel free to follow and engage with ANTONIA here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniarojase/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antorojase/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attom-capital/Website: https://www.attomcapital.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 04:57 Understanding Direct Secondary Offerings 10:11 The Necessity of Secondary Capital 18:03 Building a Sustainable Ecosystem in Latin America 22:58 The Story Behind Attom Capital 30:00 The Business Model of Attom Capital 34:50 Navigating Deal Flow: Entrepreneurs and Investors 42:08 The Evolution of Secondary Markets in Latin America 49:57 Emerging Industries and the Role of Fintech 57:57 Actionable Steps for Entrepreneurs Considering Secondary Offerings

    1h 10m

  8. MAR 26

    Ep 202: "Hustle Culture is Killing Us- You Can do Better!" with Lynnette Astaire

    What if the very habits you think are driving your success are secretly killing you? In this powerful and unexpectedly personal conversation, Rob sits down with Wellness and Longevity Advisor, Lynnette Astaire to unpack the hidden cost of hustle culture — and why burnout is not the price of ambition. Together, they explore how high performers can shift from constant optimization to true sustainability by building a personal health baseline, understanding emotional triggers, and managing energy instead of just time. Lynnette shares the early warning signs of burnout most people ignore, the physiology behind clarity and resilience, and why aging doesn’t have to mean decline. They also dive into self-trust, self-love, and the deeper questions that unlock long-term growth — not just quick wins. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone who wants to feel better without doing more, this episode is a reminder that real success includes your health — and it’s built to last. Feel free to follow and engage with LYNNETTE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-astaire/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnette.astaire/Website: https://www.lynnetteastaire.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Meet Lynette Astaire: Wellness and Longevity Advisor 05:19 The Secret to Sustainable Success 11:14 Sustainability Over Optimization 17:15 The Outlier Perspective on Health 19:11 Common Symptoms of Burnout 23:07 Emotional Labor and Energy Leaks 37:23 Lynette's Business and Client Engagement 42:11 Vision for the Future: A Decade Ahead 44:31 Balancing High-Performance and Accessibility 45:01 Building Trust with High Performers 49:16 The Essence of Clarity: Physical and Emotional Well-being 53:58 Navigating Aging: Health Beliefs Across Decades 01:01:07 The Power of Self-Trust and Intuition 01:11:14 Questions for Self-Reflection and Growth

    1h 19m
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The world is crying out for new leaders, greater transparency and more original thinking to solve our biggest problems in business and society. Our Host, Rob Ryan has conversations with these people every week. Since 2020, we’ve faced a global pandemic, rapid technological change, and political, economic, and cultural disruption. We believe the world needs more entrepreneurial thinkers—not just more entrepreneurs or executives—across every sector and segment of society and industry. We’re here to introduce you to some of the best and brightest people from here in California and across the 🌎.

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