Cut The Tie | Own Your Success

Thomas Helfrich
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Define success on your terms, then, "Cut The Tie" to whatever is holding you back from achieving that success. Inspiring stories from real entrepreneurs sharing their definition of success and how they cut ties to what is holding them back.  This is not your typical podcast. This is a deeper dive into the entrepreneurial spirit, the journey, and what it feels like to achieve success.  Each episode is inspirational, motivational, and most importantly - actionable. You'll gain real strategies and mindset shifts you can immediately apply to your own life and business. Visit podcast.CutTheTie.Com to connect with others on the same journey or become a guest on the show. Subscribe to our growing YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers at youtube.com/@cutthetie  Own your success.  Cut The Tie Thomas Helfrich Host & Founder

  1. “You Have to Reinvent Yourself or You Get Stuck”—Devon Gummersall on Taking Control of His Career

    1D AGO

    “You Have to Reinvent Yourself or You Get Stuck”—Devon Gummersall on Taking Control of His Career

    Cut The Tie Podcast with Devon Gummersall What happens when early success makes you think the road will always be easy—until it isn’t? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Devon Gummersall, former teen star of My So-Called Life turned director and founder of Authentic Content Productions. Devon shares the highs and lows of Hollywood, the painful lessons of waiting for permission, and why building financial stability outside the industry gave him the creative control he always wanted. About Devon Gummersall Devon Gummersall launched his career as an actor at 14, starring in the iconic series My So-Called Life. After two decades of acting in television and film, he pivoted to directing and writing, leading feature films, television episodes, and eventually branded content. Today, through his company Authentic Content Productions, he helps brands—from startups to Microsoft—tell cinematic, authentic stories. His journey highlights the same truth entrepreneurs face: reinvention and ownership are the only way to thrive. In this episode, Thomas and Devon discuss: The addiction of freelance highs and lows Acting feels like winning the lottery when you book a job—and devastation when you don’t.Pivoting to directing and ownership How buying one camera and betting on himself launched a thriving content business.The danger of trying to “do it all” Why clarity of brand beats scattershot attempts in both Hollywood and entrepreneurship.Financial freedom fuels creativity Stability from branded work allows Devon to take risks and enjoy auditions again.Hard-earned Hollywood lessons Why reinvention, focus, and saying no to bad fits apply equally to business owners.Key Takeaways: Reinvention is survival. Don’t wait—pivot before you get stuck.Clarity wins. Diluting your brand makes you forgettable.Stability creates freedom. Financial security lets you take creative risks.Own your lane. In acting or business, trying to do everything means doing nothing well.Connect with Devon Gummersall: 🌐 Website: https://authenticcontentprods.com 📸 Instagram (Devon): https://www.instagram.com/devon_gummersall/ 📸 Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/authentic_content_prods/ Connect with Thomas Helfrich: 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetiegroup 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/ 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com ✉️ Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 InstantlyRelevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    38 min
  2. “Your Point of View Still Beats the Prompt”—Why Erich Archer Believes AI Expands Creativity

    3D AGO

    “Your Point of View Still Beats the Prompt”—Why Erich Archer Believes AI Expands Creativity

    Cut The Tie Podcast with Erich Archer What happens when a longtime TV producer discovers generative AI and feels the same spark he once had as a college soccer player? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks with Erich Archer, a Massachusetts-based television producer turned AI creator, about cutting ties with limits, rediscovering creativity, and why AI is changing the way stories are told. From network television in New York and LA to running a local nonprofit station, Erich spent two decades building a career in media. But it wasn’t until he dove into AI video production that he found his passion reignited. He shares how creative control has become his new definition of success—and why AI is both disrupting and expanding the future of film, TV, and content. About Erich Archer Erich Archer is a television producer and creative director with over 20 years of experience across sports, music, reality TV, and nonprofit community media. Today, he is focused on generative AI video production, creating end-to-end projects, consulting with businesses, and teaching others how to integrate AI into their creative processes. He is the founder of CGA Creative and shares his work and insights on LinkedIn. In this episode, Thomas and Erich discuss: From broadcast to AI storytelling Erich’s path from TV in New York and LA to a local station in Massachusetts—and how generative AI reignited his creativity to make full projects on his own.Defining success through creative control Why success now means owning the process end to end, and how AI brought back the same spark he once felt as a competitive soccer player. The future of actors and avatars How AI-driven avatars with emotional range are reshaping production, and why live theater and performance will remain in demand.Advice for AI beginners Start small: use ChatGPT on a real problem. By experimenting, you’ll see AI as a helpful assistant, not a threat.Key Takeaways Creative control defines success - True fulfillment comes from owning the process, not chasing outside validation.AI is a catalyst for creativity - These tools don’t just speed up work; they reignite the spark many creatives thought they’d lost.Actors won’t vanish, but roles will change - AI will dominate digital production, while live theater and authentic performance will rise in cultural value.Don’t stiff-arm AI - Unless you’re already financially free, ignoring AI puts you at risk. Learn it, integrate it, and make it work for you.Connect with Erich Archer 🌐 Website: https://www.cgacreative.com/ 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericharcher Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    27 min
  3. “Eight is the Sweet Spot”—Why Brian Keltner & Francesca Kenney Elevate Entrepreneurs Together

    4D AGO

    “Eight is the Sweet Spot”—Why Brian Keltner & Francesca Kenney Elevate Entrepreneurs Together

    Cut The Tie Podcast with Brian Keltner & Francesca Kenney What happens when two co-founders build multiple ventures without ever meeting in person? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Brian Keltner and Francesca Kenney, co-founders of ELEV8ORS, to talk about how they’re reinventing networking. From nearly choking on their first phone call together to launching a global B2B community in just 8 weeks, Brian and Francesca share how they help entrepreneurs shift from “me, me, me” pitching to relationship-first ecosystems. Their secret? Small groups of 8, immersive environments, and a culture of listening for impact. About Brian & Francesca Brian Keltner and Francesca Kenney are the co-founders of ELEV8ORS, a virtual B2B networking company built on the principle of elevating others. With decades of combined experience in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, they designed ELEV8ORS as an antidote to pitch-fests—focusing instead on authentic relationships, structured agendas, and immersive virtual spaces. Their mission is simple: help entrepreneurs build meaningful networks that grow businesses faster. In this episode, Thomas, Brian, and Francesca discuss: From strangers to partners How a chance introduction and a hilarious near-death choking incident sparked a lasting business partnership.Why 8 matters The symbolism, science, and practicality of keeping networking groups capped at 8 members.From idea to revenue in 8 weeks The sprint that took ELEV8ORS from concept to international cash flow.Cutting ties with time-wasters Why saying no to unproductive tasks, software, and people frees you to focus on what matters.Immersive meetings over Zoom fatigue How a 3D virtual environment beats traditional video calls and deepens connections.Key Takeaways Small rooms, big outcomes Eight is the sweet spot—large groups leave people out.Relationships beat pitches Networking works when it’s about who you can help, not what you sell.Iterate quickly Launch, learn, and improve—don’t wait for perfection.Simplify your stack The right tools can replace several wrong ones and save time.Community is a system Be intentional about who you gather and how you engage.Connect with Brian & Francesca 🌐 Website: https://elev8ors.net 📎 LinkedIn (Brian): https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankeltner1/ 📎 LinkedIn (Francesca): https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescakenney/ Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    25 min
  4. “Don’t Die on the Sofa Scrolling”—Why Steven Puri Helps People Unlock Their Greatness

    AUG 28

    “Don’t Die on the Sofa Scrolling”—Why Steven Puri Helps People Unlock Their Greatness

    Cut The Tie Podcast with Steven Puri What if the biggest tragedy in life isn’t failure, but never trying? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company, to talk about cutting ties with safe paths, failed ventures, and the weight of other people’s opinions. From winning an Academy Award for Independence Day’s visual effects, to launching companies that failed, to building Sukha—a flow state app that helps people focus—Steven shares his journey of reinvention and resilience. He shows why success is about doing the thing you’re capable of, not just scrolling your life away. About Steven Puri Steven Puri is the founder of The Sukha Company, where he helps people enter flow state, eliminate distraction, and do their best work. Before building Sukha, Steven worked as a senior executive at Fox and DreamWorks, produced digital effects on more than a dozen films (including True Lies and Independence Day), raised over $20M in venture capital, and launched three companies—one successful exit, two failures. His mission today is simple: help people unlock their potential and finish the work that matters. In this episode, Thomas and Steven discuss: From Hollywood to startups How Steven went from Academy Award–winning visual effects producer to building tech companies.The biggest tie to cut: others’ opinions Why the hardest part of failure is facing friends and family—and how to push through shame.Redefining success Moving from chasing Oscars and exits to helping people write their novel, finish their PhD, or simply stay focused.Failure as fuel How two failed startups reshaped Steven’s perspective, leading him to discover what truly matters.Life, family, and legacy Why becoming a husband, soon-to-be father, and mentor gave Steven a new purpose beyond business metrics.Key Takeaways Don’t waste your life scrolling The biggest tragedy is never trying to do the thing inside you.Failure is not fatal Steven’s two failed companies taught him more than his successful exit ever did.Success is helping others unlock potential Real achievement is measured by the lives you impact.Cut the tie of others’ opinions You can’t let shame or judgment from friends and family stop you from trying again.History repeats—learn from it Human behavior cycles. Understand it, and you’ll spot patterns for opportunity.Connect with Steven Puri 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/ 🌐 Website: https://www.thesukha.co/ 📧 Email: steven@thesukhacompany.com Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: thomas@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    26 min
  5. “The Bee Goes to the Flower—Not the Other Way Around”—Donna Chiacchia on Attracting Clients Instead of Chasing Them

    AUG 24

    “The Bee Goes to the Flower—Not the Other Way Around”—Donna Chiacchia on Attracting Clients Instead of Chasing Them

    Cut The Tie Podcast with Donna Chiacchia What happens when you stop chasing clients and instead let them come to you? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Donna Chiacchia, founder of 1 Advantage Consulting, to explore her journey from ballet to boardroom to entrepreneurship. Donna shares how discipline, resilience, and a powerful mindset shift—“I’m the flower, the clients are the bees”—changed how she built her business and defined success on her own terms. From cutting ties with misaligned clients to creating sustainable revenue streams, Donna’s story is a masterclass in courage, clarity, and self-leadership for entrepreneurs ready to stop chasing and start attracting. About Donna Chiacchia Donna Chiacchia is the founder of 1 Advantage Consulting, a boutique firm helping executives and entrepreneurs design strategies for growth, leadership, and business transformation. With a background in ballet and decades of experience in management consulting, Donna brings discipline, creativity, and authenticity to her work with clients. She believes in building businesses with integrity, creating impact, and defining success through the value delivered to others. In this episode, Thomas and Donna discuss: From ballet to business How the discipline of dance laid the foundation for Donna’s career in consulting and eventually, entrepreneurship.The flower and the bee mindset The pivotal realization that clients are drawn to you when you stand in your value, rather than chasing them down.Cutting ties with misaligned clients Why walking away from big contracts is sometimes the smartest—and bravest—business decision.The power of authenticity Donna shares how knowing and expressing your true self can transform both your life and business relationships.Building diverse revenue streams Why entrepreneurs must create multiple income paths—consulting, courses, books—to thrive long-term.Key Takeaways Attraction beats chasing Position yourself as the flower and let the right clients—your bees—come to you.Value is measured by results Success is defined by the transformation you create for others, not your own accolades.Integrity matters most Cutting ties with bad-fit clients protects your energy and opens the door to better opportunities.Self-awareness fuels success Authenticity and clarity about your strengths are your greatest entrepreneurial assets.Diversify early Don’t wait until one income stream dries up—create multiple paths to stability and growth. Connect with Donna Chiacchia 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnachiacchia 🌐 Website: https://www.1advantageconsulting.com 📧 Email: AskDonna@1AdvantageConsulting.com Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    23 min
  6. “I Crashed Three Brands in Three Years”—Pasha Knish on Learning the Hard Way

    AUG 23

    “I Crashed Three Brands in Three Years”—Pasha Knish on Learning the Hard Way

    Cut The Tie Podcast with Pasha Knish What does it take to walk away from a traditional path—college degree, steady career—and instead double down on entrepreneurship? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Amazon seller and agency founder Pasha Knish to explore what it means to define success for yourself and keep going no matter how many times you fail. From hustling in Brooklyn as a teenager to building seven-figure Amazon brands to launching his own full-service agency, Pasha shares the raw truths of e-commerce, resilience, and why confidence is the ultimate skill every entrepreneur needs. About Pasha Knish Pasha Knish is a serial entrepreneur, Amazon seller, and founder of AMS Optimized, a full-service agency that helps brands launch, scale, and thrive on Amazon. Having built and exited his own seven-figure Amazon business, Pasha brings real-world experience—successes and failures alike—to his work with clients. Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, he grew up with a hustle mindset and a relentless drive to carve his own path. Beyond Amazon, Pasha is passionate about cryptocurrency, investing, and mentoring e-commerce entrepreneurs. In this episode, Thomas and Pasha discuss: Dropping out to bet on business Pasha left college in his final semester to pursue e-commerce full-time, choosing uncertainty over comfort—and never looking back.Building (and crashing) brands From a seven-figure electronics brand to three failed launches, Pasha explains why failure taught him more than success ever could.The reality of Amazon today With competition fiercer than ever, Pasha shares why experience, adaptability, and a full-service approach separate the pros from the scammers.Why success is surviving failure For Pasha, success isn’t flashy cars or viral posts—it’s the ability to fail a thousand times and keep getting up every single time.Confidence as the game-changer Whether in jiujitsu, consulting, or business deals, confidence determines whether you execute or hesitate—and it’s the skill he’s most intent on passing to his son.Key Takeaways Failure is part of the path Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about refusing to quit when it happens.E-commerce is constant change Amazon shifts fast; winning means adapting faster than your competition.Trust is non-negotiable in business When trust breaks down with partners, it’s time to cut the tie and move on.Confidence builds results The difference between winning and losing is often the courage to commit fully.Define your own success If you don’t set the standard, someone else will—and you’ll be chasing their dream, not yours.Connect with Pasha Knish 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasha-knish/ 🌐 Website: http://www.amzoptimized.com Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    26 min
  7. “Break Every Problem Into Small Pieces”—Steve Chiama’s Engineering Secret for Business

    AUG 22

    “Break Every Problem Into Small Pieces”—Steve Chiama’s Engineering Secret for Business

    What happens when years in corporate America teach you how to make money—for someone else’s business—but leave you wondering if you could do it for yourself? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Steve Chiama, a business coach with ActionCOACH Western Fairfax, to talk about scaling companies, pricing correctly, and cutting the tie to the false security of corporate jobs. Steve shares how he shifted from engineering and running profit centers in Fortune 500 companies to becoming a business coach who helps owners scale from six to seven figures—and beyond. With 15 years of coaching experience and more than 140 businesses transformed, Steve knows what it takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. About Steve Chiama Steve Chiama is a business coach with ActionCOACH, serving clients across the U.S. His background spans 38 years in corporate America, including leadership roles in engineering, customer service, and profit center management. Today, he brings that hard-won knowledge to entrepreneurs and small business owners, guiding them through proven systems to achieve the growth, profitability, and lifestyle they imagined when they first started their business. Whether it’s refining processes, pricing for profit, or building teams that can scale, Steve’s mission is to help owners step out of “doing everything” and into running a business that works for them. In this episode, Thomas and Steve discuss: Cutting ties with corporate security After nearly four decades in corporate roles, Steve realized the “security” of a paycheck wasn’t so secure after all.Why most small businesses stay small Steve explains why 96% of businesses never get past $1 million in revenue, and why only 0.4% ever hit $10 million. Pricing, value, and paying yourself first Steve breaks down why paying yourself first, building margin into pricing, and scaling through others is the only way to achieve lasting profitability.Key Takeaways Corporate jobs aren’t secure—your skills are Layoffs can erase “security” overnight. Real stability comes from knowing how to create results yourself.Break problems into small pieces Steve’s engineering mindset: solve challenges step by step, then reassemble into a working whole.Most businesses fail by undervaluing themselves Undercharging and overworking kill profitability. Pay yourself first and charge what you’re worth.10x growth requires systems, not hustle Working harder won’t scale. Build processes and delegate to grow beyond your own time.Coaches drive accountability Knowledge without action fails. Coaching ensures consistency, follow-through, and momentum.Connect with Steve Chiama 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevechiamabusinesscoach/ 🌐 Website: https://westernfairfax.actioncoach.com Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    36 min
  8. “Hermie the HR Crab Has Legs”—Why Rich Cruz is Blending Humor, Art, and Business

    AUG 21

    “Hermie the HR Crab Has Legs”—Why Rich Cruz is Blending Humor, Art, and Business

    What happens when your creative passion won’t leave you alone, even as you juggle work, consulting, and family responsibilities? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich reconnects with Rich Cruz—organizational development consultant, podcaster, and cartoonist—who is turning his lifelong love of art into something bigger than just a side project. From a career in marketing to organizational psychology consulting, Rich has always carried the dream of being an animator. Now, with the launch of Hermie the HR Crab, he’s blending humor, workplace insights, and storytelling into a brand that goes beyond a comic strip—expanding into workshops, books, animations, and a growing YouTube presence. About Rich Cruz Rich Cruz is an organizational development consultant based in Chicago and the creator of Hermie the HR Crab. With a background spanning marketing, communications, and industrial-organizational psychology, he brings a unique mix of creativity and strategy to his work. He co-hosts the Harmonious Workplaces podcast and leads consulting engagements focused on improving culture, leadership, and organizational health. As a member of the National Cartoonists Society, Rich is pursuing his passion for blending art and business through Hermie, using humor to spotlight the challenges and quirks of workplace culture in a lighthearted yet meaningful way. In this episode, Thomas and Rich discuss: The birth of Hermie the HR Crab → Inspired by a simple doodle for his youngest child, Hermie has grown into a cartoon series, a book, and an animated character. Rich shares how Hermie’s antics mirror real workplace dynamics, from leadership flaws to culture struggles.Balancing a side hustle with client work → Rich opens up about the challenges of growing a passion brand while managing consulting engagements. He reflects on lessons learned from past business failures, the impact of uncertainty in client work, and why his creative vision keeps him moving forward.Using humor to tackle workplace problemsHermie isn’t just for laughs—he’s a teaching tool. Rich describes how humor and cartoons help leaders and teams confront serious organizational issues in a way that is approachable, engaging, and memorable.Key Takeaways Your past setbacks don’t define your future.Creativity is a business asset, not a distraction.Entertainment can be a tool for solving workplace problems.Confidence grows the more you practice it.Don’t wait for “perfect timing” to start.Connect with Rich Cruz 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjacruz/ 🌐 Website: https://www.harmoniousworkplaces.com 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarmoniousWorkplaces Connect with Thomas Helfrich 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfirch 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie 📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich 🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com 📧 Email: thomas@instantlyrelevant.com 🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com Support the show Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

    27 min
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About

Define success on your terms, then, "Cut The Tie" to whatever is holding you back from achieving that success. Inspiring stories from real entrepreneurs sharing their definition of success and how they cut ties to what is holding them back.  This is not your typical podcast. This is a deeper dive into the entrepreneurial spirit, the journey, and what it feels like to achieve success.  Each episode is inspirational, motivational, and most importantly - actionable. You'll gain real strategies and mindset shifts you can immediately apply to your own life and business. Visit podcast.CutTheTie.Com to connect with others on the same journey or become a guest on the show. Subscribe to our growing YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers at youtube.com/@cutthetie  Own your success.  Cut The Tie Thomas Helfrich Host & Founder

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