Tales From The PROS

Michael Georgiou: Imaginovation, Co-founder, Tech Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Influencer

Tales from the PROS is hosted by Michael Georgiou, Co-Founder, and Eric Lawrence, Director of Growth at Imaginovation, an award-winning app and software development company. Each episode dives into honest, unscripted conversations, hard-earned lessons, and educational insight into how to help bridge the gap between technology and people. If you’re a founder, exec, or innovator trying to navigate the tech world without getting burned, this podcast is your no-BS roadmap. Through real talk, personal stories, and insights from the front lines, you’ll pick up smarter ways to build software, steer clear of common mistakes, and choose the right partners in a crowded, often confusing space. Whether you’re scaling a startup, driving digital change at a larger company, or just love keeping up with tech innovation, Tales from the PROS brings you straight-shooting advice and inspiration without the fluff.

  1. Building Businesses That Run Without You | Chris Ronzio | Ep 70 (A)

    FEB 6

    Building Businesses That Run Without You | Chris Ronzio | Ep 70 (A)

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Michael Georgiou sits down with Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, to talk about what it really takes to build a business that can grow without breaking. Chris shares his journey from starting his first business at 14 to running a nationwide operation and eventually launching Trainual, a platform designed to help small businesses document their processes, train their teams, and scale with confidence. Along the way, he explains why so many founders unintentionally build themselves into a job instead of a company. This conversation goes deep into systems, productivity, and leadership, covering everything from bootstrapping versus raising capital to creating operational clarity, protecting personal well-being, and defining success on your own terms.  If you are a founder or operator trying to get out of the weeds and build something sustainable, this episode offers practical insight you can actually apply. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss How Chris started his first business at 14 and scaled it nationwideWhy most founders accidentally create jobs instead of businessesThe real reason systems and documentation unlock growthBootstrapping versus raising capital, and when each makes senseHow customer stories fuel traction and brand credibilityPaid versus organic growth and how to build momentum earlyWhat operational efficiency actually looks like in practice 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 💡 Key Takeaways Systems create freedom, not rigidityBootstrapping builds discipline before scaling with capitalCustomers are your strongest brand storytellersEfficiency improves when revenue grows faster than headcountProductivity comes from clarity, not longer hoursSustainable success requires boundaries, not burnout🗂 Topics We Cover Chris Ronzio’s entrepreneurial journeyBuilding and selling a service-based businessWhy Trainual was created and the problem it solvesBootstrapping versus venture fundingCustomer-centric growth and testimonialsPaid ads versus organic marketingProductivity, efficiency, and delegationDefining success beyond revenue ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Chris Ronzio’s early entrepreneurial journey02:30 Building and scaling a nationwide video business05:40 Why systems and processes matter09:30 The origin story behind Trainual13:00 Bootstrapping versus raising investment17:00 Customer-first growth and testimonials20:45 Paid versus organic marketing strategies24:00 What operational efficiency really means27:30 Productivity, delegation, and avoiding burnout31:00 Defining success and collecting experiences

    35 min
  2. Ep 77 - The Kaizen Trap: When Tech Growth Outpaces Your Well-Being

    FEB 4

    Ep 77 - The Kaizen Trap: When Tech Growth Outpaces Your Well-Being

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence get real about a mindset many high performers live by but rarely question: continuous improvement. What happens when Kaizen stops being a strength and starts becoming a liability? Drawing from personal experiences scaling Imaginovation, Michael and Eric unpack how relentless growth, overhiring, and constant optimization can quietly lead to burnout, misalignment, and costly decision-making. They explore why pausing, reflecting, and leading with intention is not a sign of weakness but a prerequisite for sustainable success. From leadership pressure and mental health to consistency over impulsive pivots, this conversation reframes ambition through a more human lens. If you are a founder, operator, or leader feeling the weight of always needing to “do more,” this episode offers clarity on how to grow without losing yourself or your team in the process. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss When Kaizen and continuous improvement start doing more harm than goodThe hidden cost of scaling too fast and overhiringWhy burnout often comes from obsession, not effortHow impulsive pivots create chaos in sales, marketing, and product teamsThe importance of intentional, quarterly improvement over constant changeWhy consistency beats chasing shiny new strategiesHow leaders can protect culture, clarity, and well-being while growing 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcastsSoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros💡 Key Takeaways Continuous improvement must be intentional, not obsessiveScaling too quickly can damage both people and core operationsBurnout is often a signal to pause, not push harderSustainable growth comes from small, consistent improvementsLeadership requires empathy, self-awareness, and restraintNot every slowdown is a failure—sometimes it’s a correctionMental health and clarity are foundational to long-term performance 🗂 Topics We Cover Kaizen and the dark side of continuous improvementBurnout in founders and high-performing teamsScaling mistakes and overhiring in tech companiesIntentional leadership and decision-makingSales, marketing, and operational alignmentConsistency vs constant pivotingBuilding a sustainable company culture ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Why continuous improvement can become dangerous02:30 Kaizen, ambition, and founder pressure05:40 Scaling fast, overhiring, and operational overwhelm10:15 Burnout, mental health, and leadership responsibility14:00 Obsession vs intention in growth strategies18:30 Sales, marketing, and alignment breakdowns22:50 Why impulsive pivots hurt more than help27:30 Intentional quarterly improvement frameworks31:40 Micro-improvements and sustainable execution34:30 Final reflections on leadership, balance, and clarity

    36 min
  3. Ep 76 - Leading Through Innovation: How Everflex is Redefining Physical Therapy at Scale

    JAN 14

    Ep 76 - Leading Through Innovation: How Everflex is Redefining Physical Therapy at Scale

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence sit down with Andrew Cherry, COO of Movement for Life, to explore how innovation actually works inside a legacy healthcare organization. Andrew shares how COVID, clinician burnout, and access challenges forced Movement for Life to rethink traditional physical therapy delivery and why waiting on off-the-shelf solutions was no longer enough. The conversation dives into the cultural, operational, and leadership shifts required to build EverFlex, a custom platform designed to improve patient access, support clinicians, and create measurable business impact. From change management and internal buy-in to AI’s role in reducing decision errors without replacing human care, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to lead through uncertainty and why patient experience, not revenue alone, became the guiding metric. Whether you’re a healthcare leader, operator, or founder navigating innovation in a regulated or legacy industry, this episode delivers practical insight into building technology that scales without losing the human element. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss Why Movement for Life chose to build instead of buy healthcare software How COVID accelerated telehealth and exposed its limits in physical therapy The real challenge of change management inside large organizations Why AI should enhance clinicians, not replace them How EverFlex generated meaningful ROI in a low-margin industry What “PT vigilantes” really means and why ownership mattered How patient experience became the driver of sustainable growth 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcastsSoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros💡 Key Takeaways Innovation in healthcare requires cultural and leadership alignment, not just technology Solving patient access and clinician burnout must happen together AI is most valuable as a decision-support tool, not an automation shortcut Building custom software can reduce tech sprawl and improve operational efficiency Patient trust and engagement increase when technology feels human Measured ROI matters, especially in time-for-money industries like physical therapy 🗂 Topics We Cover Physical therapy innovation at scale Telehealth and remote therapy monitoring post-COVID Change management in healthcare organizations AI’s role in clinical decision-making Patient access, affordability, and experience EverFlex’s impact on clinics and clinicians Leadership mindset shifts required to innovate⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Cherry and Movement for Life 03:19 Technology gaps in physical therapy 06:45 COVID, telehealth, and access challenges 09:10 Patient experience vs revenue growth 12:39 Culture shifts and internal product ownership 16:02 Change management and leadership buy-in 20:35 Fear, innovation, and starting the work 26:22 AI’s role in enhancing, not replacing clinicians 32:42 EverFlex ROI and clinic impact 37:30 Where to find Movement for Life and EverFlex

    39 min
  4. Ep 75 - Is Your Business Ready for Software Automation?

    12/17/2025

    Ep 75 - Is Your Business Ready for Software Automation?

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence break down what software automation really means for growing businesses and how to know when an organization is actually ready for it. Moving beyond buzzwords, they share real-world examples of companies that automated successfully and others that wasted time and budget by doing it too early or without a plan.  Drawing from years of hands-on experience, they discuss the warning signs that manual processes are slowing teams down, why disconnected systems create operational chaos, and how automation should support people rather than replace them. The episode also introduces a practical automation readiness playbook to help leaders audit operations, define ROI, and start small with high-impact pilots.  If you are scaling a business or struggling with inefficiencies, this conversation will help you determine where automation fits, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to approach it strategically with clarity and confidence.  🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss How to tell if your business is truly ready for automationThe difference between automation and AI and why it mattersCommon operational red flags that signal inefficiencyWhy disconnected tools slow growth and increase costsHow to audit workflows and identify high-impact automation opportunitiesThe importance of starting small with pilot automation projectsHow automation improves compliance, scalability, and competitivenessWhy automation should empower teams, not replace them  🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 🗂 Topics We Cover What smart, practical automation looks like in real businessesSigns manual processes are costing time and moneyHow operational growth can outpace systems and teamsWhy auditing workflows is the first step to automation readinessHow to define ROI before investing in automationCommon automation roadblocks and how to overcome themThe role of leadership and team input in automation decisionsWhy automation is essential to remain competitive  💡 Key Takeaways Manual, repetitive work is a strong signal that automation may be neededAutomation must align with business goals, not trends or hypeDisconnected systems create inefficiency, errors, and frustrationStarting small with high-impact pilots reduces risk and improves ROIAutomation frees teams from low-value busyworkAI and automation are related but not the sameA clear audit and roadmap prevent wasted investmentStrategic automation strengthens long-term scalability and resilience  ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Practical Automation02:22 Signs Your Business Is Ready for Automation05:22 When Growth Outpaces Operations07:53 Disconnected Systems and Tool Overload10:36 Losing Competitive Advantage12:30 The Automation Readiness Playbook15:41 Involving Teams in Automation Decisions18:12 Starting Small With High-Impact Pilots20:35 Real-World Automation Case Studies23:06 Common Automation Roadblocks26:48 Automation vs AI Explained30:25 Final Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

    32 min
  5. Ep 74 - Why SaaS Startups Fail: Lessons From the Trenches

    11/27/2025

    Ep 74 - Why SaaS Startups Fail: Lessons From the Trenches

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence open up about the hidden challenges that quietly derail SaaS startups. These issues often go unnoticed until it is too late, and they rarely have anything to do with funding or technology. Instead, the real problems show up in planning, leadership, market understanding, and the founder’s mindset. Drawing from real stories and years of working closely with founders, they talk about why a strong business model matters, how emotional resilience shapes decision making, and why continuous innovation is a non-negotiable part of building a lasting SaaS product. If you are building or growing a SaaS startup, this conversation will help you recognize the early signs, avoid common traps, and build with more clarity and confidence. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss The real reasons SaaS startups fail behind the scenesWhy planning and direction matter more than a “unique idea”Market validation that actually reflects user demandHow mindset and emotional resilience shape every decisionWhy branding and differentiation influence tractionThe role of leadership in keeping teams aligned and motivatedHow continuous innovation keeps your product alive🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcastsSoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros🗂 Topics We Cover Why planning and clarity decide how fast startups growWhat real market validation looks like and why feedback mattersThe emotional side of being a founder and staying resilientHow branding shapes trust and early adoptionWhat a sustainable SaaS business model includesHow leadership influences team culture and progressWhy innovation can never stop after launch 💡 Takeaways Poor planning and unclear direction quietly kill SaaS startups.Founders need a strong, realistic mindset to get through challenges.Market validation must come before building, not after.Emotional resilience helps founders make better long-term decisions.Good branding and differentiation help a product stand out.A sustainable business model is essential for long-term success.Leadership shapes team motivation, culture, and productivity.Continuous innovation keeps your product relevant and competitive. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Silent Killers of SaaS Startups02:56 The Importance of Planning and Mindset05:57 Understanding Market Validation and User Feedback08:56 Navigating Challenges and Emotional Resilience11:55 The Role of Branding and Differentiation14:48 Building a Sustainable Business Model17:38 Leadership and Team Dynamics20:37 Continuous Innovation and Adaptation23:55 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    30 min
  6. Ep 73 - When to Rebuild Your Software Application for Growth

    11/05/2025

    Ep 73 - When to Rebuild Your Software Application for Growth

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence dive into a topic every growing business eventually faces — when to stop patching old systems and start rebuilding from the ground up. Many organizations cling to outdated software because rebuilding feels risky — too costly, too disruptive, or simply too big to take on. But as Eric and Michael explain, the real cost often lies in holding on. Slow performance, fragile integrations, and technical debt can quietly drain resources and block growth. Drawing from real client stories and years of experience helping businesses modernize their technology, they unpack how to recognize the warning signs, what an audit should uncover, and how to make the decision to rebuild with clarity and confidence. If your systems are slowing you down, this conversation will help you see rebuilding not as failure — but as a chance to evolve, scale, and future-proof your business. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss Why holding on to outdated systems costs more than rebuilding – 02:10The fear of letting go: why companies resist modernization – 03:30The three main paths after a system audit (stay, white-label, rebuild) – 07:30Real-world examples of outdated tech still running critical operations – 10:45The mindset shift every organization needs before a rebuild – 13:58How rebuilds boost scalability, team morale, and long-term ROI – 18:12🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 🗂 Topics We Cover How to tell when your tech is holding your business backWhat a proper system or code audit should includeThe hidden risks of technical debt and patchwork fixesSigns your platform is past its prime — and what to do about itHow to evaluate rebuild vs. rework decisionsWhy mindset and internal alignment are critical before rebuildingThe long-term benefits of modernization — from scalability to team morale💡 Takeaways Outdated software quietly drains growth and efficiency.A rebuild is often the smarter long-term investment.Conducting an audit helps you choose the right path — stay, migrate, or rebuild.Modern platforms improve not just performance but internal collaboration.Rebuilding isn’t about failure; it’s about creating a stronger foundation.Mindset alignment across teams is crucial for a smooth rebuild.Innovation requires letting go of what no longer serves your business.⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Episode Overview01:38 Why Businesses Hold On to Outdated Software04:57 The Fear of Rebuilding and What’s Behind It07:34 The Three Paths After an Audit10:16 Real Examples of Legacy Systems Holding Back Growth13:58 The Mindset Shift for Modernization15:59 Choosing the Right Partner and Internal Stakeholder18:12 The Long-Term Benefits of a Rebuild20:44 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    21 min
  7. Ep 72 - Got Funding? The #1 Mistake That Sinks Startups

    10/24/2025

    Ep 72 - Got Funding? The #1 Mistake That Sinks Startups

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, I sit down with my co-host and our Director of Growth, Eric Lawrence, to talk about something that hits home for many founders: what happens after you get funding. You’d think raising capital is the hard part, but what often follows can be even tougher. So many startups make one critical mistake right after receiving funds: choosing the wrong development partner.  We’ve seen this happen countless times. Founders get the runway, rush into development, skip validation, and end up burning through their budget with little to show for it. In this conversation, we dig into the emotional and financial cost of poor partnerships, why idea validation before development is essential, and how having funding can create a false sense of security.  I share real experiences from our journey at Imaginovation, where a lack of planning and unrealistic expectations led to unnecessary setbacks. We also talk about how to approach these situations differently: plan early, document thoroughly, build trust with your team, and stay intentional at every stage. Because in the startup world, success doesn’t come from getting funded. It comes from what you do next. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss The emotional and financial impact of poor development choices – 08:58Why validation before development can make or break your startup – 06:32How proper planning and documentation prevent costly rework – 23:04Building a lean MVP that encourages user-driven iteration – 20:13 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 🗂 Topics We Cover Navigating post-funding decisions with confidenceThe pitfalls of choosing the wrong development partnerWhy validation should come before developmentSetting realistic expectations with vendorsThe emotional toll of poor partnershipsHow documentation and planning set the foundation for successBuilding a lean MVP and learning from user feedbackTakeaways Startups often choose the wrong development partner after funding.Having funding can create a false sense of security.The emotional toll of poor partnerships can be significant.Validation of ideas is crucial before development begins.Setting realistic expectations with development partners is key.The cost of rework can be devastating for startups.Building a lean MVP allows for user feedback and iteration.Documentation and planning are essential before starting development.Trust between startups and vendors is critical for success.Being strategic and intentional can save a startup's future.Chapters 00:00 The Startup Funding Dilemma03:41 The Importance of Choosing the Right Development Partner06:32 Balancing Validation and Development08:58 The Emotional Toll of Wrong Partnerships11:49 Realistic Expectations in Development14:35 The Cost of Rework and Time Loss17:24 Learning from Past Mistakes20:13 Building a Lean MVP23:04 Planning and Documentation Before Development26:01 Final Thoughts and Advice

    33 min
  8. Ep 71 - How to Actually Choose the Right Development Partner

    10/01/2025

    Ep 71 - How to Actually Choose the Right Development Partner

    In this episode of Tales from the Pros, Eric and I dive into something every entrepreneur struggles with at some point: how to choose the right app development partner. If you’ve ever sat through vendor pitches, you know how overwhelming (and sometimes confusing) the process can be. We talk about spotting the red and green flags when evaluating teams, and why things like transparency, clear communication, and a solid discovery phase make all the difference in building a successful partnership. We also share a few hard-learned lessons from our years at Imaginovation—like the risks that come with chasing the cheapest option, and why protecting your intellectual property is non-negotiable. Throughout the episode, we highlight practical ways to cut through the noise: setting clear expectations, keeping communication open, and working with a partner who not only gets your vision but isn’t afraid to challenge your assumptions and give you honest feedback. Listeners will walk away with insights into what really matters when choosing a development team, including how social proof and credibility can help guide your decision. We encourage entrepreneurs to ask tough questions, trust their instincts, and think beyond the initial build—because real success comes from long-term support and innovation after launch. Highlights You Won't Want to Miss: The pivotal role of transparency and communication in vendor relationships - 10:15Key red flags to watch for when selecting a development partner - 22:30How a thorough discovery phase can set your project up for success - 35:45 Listen and Subscribe on iTunes: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros Topics We Cover: Navigating the vendor selection maze with confidenceThe power of clear communication and transparencyProtecting your intellectual property rightsThe pivotal role of the discovery phase in app developmentThe importance of social proof and credibility in choosing a partner

    34 min
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5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Tales from the PROS is hosted by Michael Georgiou, Co-Founder, and Eric Lawrence, Director of Growth at Imaginovation, an award-winning app and software development company. Each episode dives into honest, unscripted conversations, hard-earned lessons, and educational insight into how to help bridge the gap between technology and people. If you’re a founder, exec, or innovator trying to navigate the tech world without getting burned, this podcast is your no-BS roadmap. Through real talk, personal stories, and insights from the front lines, you’ll pick up smarter ways to build software, steer clear of common mistakes, and choose the right partners in a crowded, often confusing space. Whether you’re scaling a startup, driving digital change at a larger company, or just love keeping up with tech innovation, Tales from the PROS brings you straight-shooting advice and inspiration without the fluff.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Georgiou: Imaginovation, Co-founder, Tech Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Influencer
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Imaginovation, LLC
  • Show Website
    Tales From The PROS