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Seth Casden is the Founder and CEO of Hologenix, a material science company known for its innovative product, CELLIANT, designed to amplify human potential and overall health. Hologenix's innovative textiles, which harness the power of infrared for enhanced performance and health, have led to partnerships with renowned brands such as AEON, Bear, Decathlon, DFND, Medline, and Under Armour.
Seth has a degree from Pepperdine University and frequently speaks at industry conferences. Under his leadership, Hologenix has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US for three consecutive years, showcasing his ability to drive impressive growth and innovation.
In this episode… Have you ever wondered how to turn innovation into profit and sell it to other companies? In a constantly transforming economy, excelling with innovative technological solutions is crucial. Could there be an intersection of technology and the textile industry?
Seth Casden faced these questions head-on when he helped develop CELLIANT, a performance textile designed to improve circulation through infrared energy. He explains how his company created a textile embedded with infrared-emitting minerals that enhance circulation and aid recovery. Despite the initial challenges, including skepticism from major brands like Under Armour, his team substantiated their claims through rigorous scientific studies. Seth emphasizes the importance of long-term vision and patience, investing in studies and product development that may take years to bear fruit but ultimately establish credibility and market demand.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Seth Casden, Founder and CEO of Hologenix, about the intersection of textiles and technology. They discuss how working at a law firm laid the foundation for Hologenix, the impact of private equity experience on company strategy, and overcoming challenges to partner with major brands. He also emphasized the importance of long-term vision and scientific validation.

Zachary Kushel is the Founder and Managing Partner of Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV), a venture capital fund focused on local startups within the North Bay region. With a diverse professional background, including experience at the White House, Wall Street, and Silicon Valley, Zachary has been instrumental in building a thriving local business community. Before founding MSIV in 2020, he served as Head of People and Corporate Operations at SmithRx and held key roles at Glassdoor and Cisco.
Zachary's notable achievements include working on Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign and holding a master's in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School. He has received numerous accolades, including the Leaders of the North Bay award for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Spirit in 2023.
In this episode…
Building a thriving local business community can be challenging, especially in areas traditionally overlooked by major startups and investors. Many regions have the potential for economic growth but lack the infrastructure, support, and capital necessary to nurture new businesses. So, how can local connections grow a business in nontraditional entrepreneurial regions?
 
Zachary Kushel addressed this issue by founding Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV) in April 2020. Zachary focused on leveraging local talent and capital to foster economic development in the North Bay. By organizing community events, building a network of local founders, and securing investments from residents, he created a support system for startups. His approach involved barnstorming through neighborhoods to gather small groups, pitch his vision, and raise capital, demonstrating how grassroots efforts can lead to substantial economic growth.
 
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Zachary Kushel, Founder and Managing Partner of MSIV, about fostering local economic growth through community-driven initiatives. Zachary shares his journey from working at the White House and Wall Street to founding MSIV and discusses how the pandemic accelerated the relevance of hyper-local job creation.

Barry Shulman is a seasoned talent advisor, executive search expert, and Predictive Index expert with over 30 years of experience working with various executive teams. He began his career in New York City on Madison Avenue as a recruiter before founding his management consulting firm in Silicon Valley during the early 1990s, navigating the ups and downs of the tech boom and bust. Barry is known for his deep understanding of organizational dynamics and innovative use of predictive analytics to enhance workplace performance. His insights are sought after not only for recruiting and placing top executives but also for transforming organizational structures and optimizing team performance.

In this episode… In today's business landscape, finding and managing the right talent remains a critical challenge for leaders across industries. The complexities of building cohesive teams that drive organizational success can often seem daunting, especially when traditional hiring practices fail to yield the desired results. So, how do you recruit the right talent without making costly mistakes?
Barry Shulman, with his deep expertise in executive search and talent optimization, provides practical solutions to these challenges. By leveraging advanced assessment tools like the Predictive Index, Barry helps leaders design winning teams and secure top talent. His methodology focuses on identifying behavioral and cognitive patterns in employees and aligning their capabilities with the strategic objectives of their employers. Barry’s methods not only refine the hiring process but also enhance overall team performance and organizational health.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Barry Shulman, a talent advisor and executive search expert at Shulman Associates, about how predictive analytics can revolutionize talent management strategies. Barry talked about his strategic move to Silicon Valley and how he navigated the challenges of the dot-com bust. They also discussed the significance of the Predictive Index and how it transforms talent management.

Brett Winn is the Founding Partner and Executive Creative Director at The Refinery AV, an LA-based entertainment marketing agency that specializes in crafting compelling promotional materials for film and television. He began his career at Ithaca College, studying theater and film, and has since worked with major companies like FX Networks, Fox Broadcasting, and Disney before co-founding The Refinery AV in 2008. Brett is also known as the co-director and editor of the award-winning film "My Date with Drew," which showcases his innovative approach to filmmaking and marketing on a tight budget. His passion for creative storytelling and entrepreneurial spirit have driven his success in the entertainment industry and garnered numerous accolades, including Clio Awards, Golden Trailer Awards, and Promax Awards.
In this episode… Many aspiring professionals struggle to transition from academic environments to the highly competitive business side of entertainment, where making a mark often requires a blend of strategic thinking and creative execution. The industry demands not only creativity and innovation but also an entrepreneurial spirit to thrive. How can one navigate these complexities to build a successful career in such a dynamic field?
Brett Winn tackled these challenges head-on by leveraging his early experiences and academic background in theater and film. Recognizing his passion for film and understanding the importance of control over creative projects, Brett pursued a degree in film and television at Ithaca College. This foundational decision led him to roles at FX Networks and Fox Broadcasting and to eventually co-founding The Refinery AV, where he innovatively combined his creative talents and business acumen. His entrepreneurial journey was marked by a significant project, "My Date with Drew," which he co-directed and edited, demonstrating his capability to handle multiple roles in production and storytelling effectively.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brett Winn, Executive Creative Director and Founding Partner at The Refinery AV, about building a thriving entertainment marketing industry. They discuss the strategic challenges of marketing major film projects and balancing creative integrity with commercial success. Brett also shares the impact of industry disruptions like strikes and the transformative role of community organizations like the EO.

Rishi Khan is the President of Extreme Scale Solutions and the Chief Technology Officer at AKOS Solutions, companies that specialize in large-scale simulation, analysis, and leveraging AI and high-performance computing to solve complex challenges. With a PhD in Computational Biology, Rishi has spearheaded transformative AI projects in collaboration with industry leaders like DARPA and Qualcomm. His expertise spans workload analysis, hardware simulation, and advanced toolchain development, significantly impacting DOE and DoD operations. Rishi's active participation in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization enhances his experience, providing valuable opportunities to connect with and learn from fellow business leaders.
In this episode…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a buzzword, but how much of it is hype versus hope? Revolutionizing productivity and scaling capabilities with AI has become a trending topic across industries. And the stories are as varied as they are incredible, but what’s the real score?
Rishi Khan addresses these challenges by emphasizing the importance of utilizing AI in diverse industries, from high-performance computing to practical business applications. He highlights the transformative impact of AI in tasks such as workload analysis, hardware simulation, and the development of advanced toolchains. Rishi's innovative approach includes pioneering Fourier Neural operators, which significantly enhance simulation speeds, demonstrating how AI can not only accelerate but also revolutionize various complex processes.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Rishi Khan, Chief Technology Officer at AKOS Solutions, about harnessing artificial intelligence in modern business and government operations. They also discussed the use of AI for optimizing business operations, guiding drilling and carbon sequestration decisions in the oil industry, and accelerating prospect research and improvement of lead generation strategies.

Lucien Harriot is the Executive Producer at Mechanism Digital, a New York City-based studio specializing in visual effects, animation, innovative media, and marketing within the entertainment sector. With over 25 years of experience in visual effects and creative work, he is a member of the Producers Guild of America and has contributed significantly to feature films and corporate projects. Lucien is known for his ability to explain complex topics simply and ensure clear and concise project goals and deliverables. Additionally, he embraces emerging technologies such as AI, regarding them as essential tools for advancing creative processes and business efficiencies in his industry.
In this episode… In today's fast-paced creative industries, professionals grapple with integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) into traditional workflows. Many fear these advancements might replace human creativity and expertise, threatening existing job roles. So, how can creative professionals utilize emerging tools without losing their unique touch?
Lucien Harriot addresses these challenges by emphasizing the importance of embracing AI as a tool rather than a threat. He illustrates how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency, offering examples from his experience at Mechanism Digital, where AI assists in conceptual design and project acceleration. Lucien also discusses the balance of running a business while nurturing creative talent, advocating for strong systems and processes to streamline operations without stifling creativity.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Lucien Harriot, Executive Producer at Mechanism Digital, about the integration of AI in the creative industries. They also discussed the importance of early entrepreneurial lessons, balancing creative passions with business demands, and the potential of VR headsets to revolutionize viewing experiences.