Tardigrades, not unicorns

Elliot Begoun
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

From Start Up to Scale. Bringing together the Natural Product industry's founders, experts, buyers, and legends, we discuss how to build Tardigrades, not Unicorns, nimble, capital-efficient, resilient brands that scale.

  1. 15h ago

    Building SIMPLi: Family, Mission, and Regenerative Food

    In this episode, Elliot sits down with Sarella Herrada and Matthew Cohen, the husband-and-wife co-founders of SIMPLi— the leading regenerative organic certified pantry staples brand known for their heirloom beans, single-origin grains, and premium olive and avocado oils. What started with a tent pitched on the border of Peru and Bolivia, a view of Lake Titicaca, and a quinoa harvest has grown into a purpose-driven business spanning 13 countries, with offices in Philadelphia and Lima. But the real story here is everything that had to happen alongside the business — three kids under three, a culture reset, a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and now tariffs. Sarela and Matt open up about: The origin of SIMPLi— from Sarela's upbringing in Peru and her early experience with the American food system to the moment the company was bornWhy they had to stop leading with sustainability and start leading with product attributes (including the nutrient density data that's turning heads)The fundamentals that saved them: gross margin, EBITDA, and contribution margin as their North Star KPIsThe evolution of leadership — from doer to architect to builder of capacity — and what it takes to not get stuckHow they approach energy management, resilience, and showing up for their team when the business is all-consumingThe culture reset that changed everything, including their eight norms frameworkWhat's keeping them up at night: capital access, new SKU launches, and the pantry club at eatSIMPLi.comTheir vision for SIMPLi as the gold standard in regenerative food — and Matt's goal of a one-night camping trip with the familyThis one is for every entrepreneur navigating the beautiful mess of building something meaningful while also trying to be present for the people you love most.

    51 min

  2. May 21

    The CEO's Inner Work: Energy, Mind, and the Path to Creative Leadership with Dr. Mark Atkinson

    In this episode, Elliot sits down with Dr. Mark Atkinson — medical doctor, integrative medicine expert, and human potential teacher — to explore the idea that your inner game is the glass ceiling to your outer success. Dr. Mark shares how he transitioned from medicine to coaching CEOs and entrepreneurial leaders, and unpacks the five dimensions of scaling a business, with a deep focus on energy management and inner evolution. Together they explore the concept of reactive vs. creative mind, how leaders get trapped in survival-focused thinking, and the practical tools — including a live centering practice — that can shift you from reactive to present in seconds. Dr. Mark also discusses how Google Cloud, Deli Star, and other organizations have embedded these inner game practices at the company level. Whether you're a founder, executive, or anyone striving to grow, this episode will challenge how you manage your mind, your energy, and ultimately, your impact. Topics covered: Why the inner game is the glass ceiling to the outer gameThe five dimensions of scaling a businessReactive mind vs. creative mind — and how to evolve between themA live centering practice to shift into presenceEnergy management, sleep, and why self-care is a performance strategyHow to start the inner work today with one micro-action Find out more about Dr. Mark Atkinson - drmarkatkinson.com optimalmind.io www.humanpotential.consulting

    57 min

  3. May 14

    18 Years, 20 Brands: Wayne Wu on What Actually Builds Enduring Companies

    Wayne Wu has spent 18 years at VMG Partners backing some of the most iconic consumer brands in the industry. In this episode, he joins host Elliot to break down what separates the companies that endure from those that don't. They cover the metrics that actually matter (landed gross margin over vanity revenue), why you can't skip the doer phase as a founder, how to know when it's time to build out your team, and why the biggest limiter on a business's growth is often the founder's own inner evolution. Key themes: Operating discipline & landed gross marginThe three phases of founder evolution: doer → architect → builder of capacityTeam-building timing and building culture before you need itRuthless focus vs. vision — and why balance between the two winsInner evolution: curiosity and vulnerability as founder superpowers

    50 min

  4. May 7

    Making the deal with Matthew Parry of The Good Crisp Company

    In this episode, Elliot Begoun sits down with Matthew Parry from the Good Crisp Company to discuss their journey and the critical aspects of scaling a business. Recorded in Boulder, Colorado, they reflect on the milestones achieved over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline, building a strong team, and focusing on core business fundamentals. Matthew Parry speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, including managing energy, raising capital, and the significance of culture in fostering a successful company environment. The conversation also delves into the necessity of evolving leadership roles, depicting Matthew Parry's journey from being a hands-on entrepreneur to a capacity builder for his team. With insights on sustaining growth, managing partnerships, and maintaining a long-term vision, this episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone involved in business growth and leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Reflections 01:45 Early Challenges and Successes 04:11 Operational Discipline and Focus 05:52 Financial Strategies and Market Fit 08:48 Navigating Venture Capital 20:20 Balancing Family and Business 23:52 Energy Management for Entrepreneurs 26:30 Flexibility and Team Dynamics 27:33 Building a Strong Team Culture 28:19 Intentional Team Building 28:57 Investing in Company Culture 33:04 The Importance of Systems 35:32 Focus and Fundamentals 38:58 Inner Evolution of Leadership 45:34 Reflecting on the Journey

    54 min
  5. Finding Key Talent: Hiring Practices To Implement Today With Mark Sandler

    01/17/2024

    Finding Key Talent: Hiring Practices To Implement Today With Mark Sandler

    Finding key talent is a struggle for many companies. As drivers of growth, these people can make or break your business, so it helps to learn the ways we find the right ones for us. Here to impart his insights and experience is Mark Sandler. He is a Managing Partner of Transcend Search Partners, a search firm that offers a hands-on approach to finding key talent. In this episode, he discusses what it is like to bring people into the organization, what pain points and issues companies need to overcome, and how to narrow down the search for the right culture fit. Going beyond the search process, Mark adds layers to the conversation by tapping into the importance of creating a good working atmosphere that brings out the best in your people and retains them. Learn about the best hiring practices you can implement today. Join Mark as he provides a guide on finding key talent for lasting success.

    47 min
  6. Business Funding Fit: Finding The Right Capital For Your Startup's Success With Keith Harrington

    01/10/2024

    Business Funding Fit: Finding The Right Capital For Your Startup's Success With Keith Harrington

    Aligning funding with your business goals isn't just about getting capital – it's about ensuring the fuel matches the journey for sustainable success. In this episode, we have Keith Harrington from Novel Capital to discuss the complex world of business funding. He explores the critical importance of aligning funding structures with business models, challenging the "rocket ship" aspirations versus the reliability of a "Toyota" business approach. He also explores alignment funding, CPG industries, and more. Tune in now! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! tigbrands.com/tig-talks/

    44 min
  7. Entrepreneurship In An Era Of Rapid Change With Merril Gilbert

    12/13/2023

    Entrepreneurship In An Era Of Rapid Change With Merril Gilbert

    Entrepreneurship is groundless because things are always changing. Finding success means learning to stay afloat with what is happening. Join us in this episode as Merril Gilbert from Trace Trust shares how to thrive in an era where change is the only constant. She discusses the changes in entrepreneurship, from raising capital to fostering resilience in uncertain times. Merril touches on the power of community, impact-driven entrepreneurship, celebrating progress, a purpose more than profit, and more. Today’s discussions are not just about entrepreneurship but also about seizing opportunities in this world. Tune in now. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! tigbrands.com/tig-talks/

    48 min
  8. Startup Success: Building A Business That Lasts With Simeon Margolis

    12/06/2023

    Startup Success: Building A Business That Lasts With Simeon Margolis

    To succeed as an entrepreneur, you don't need to chase the illusion of instant success. It is about persistently and resolutely pursuing continuous growth. Today, Simeon Margolis discusses the raw truths, challenges, and triumphs of building a business from the ground up. He debunks myths and misconceptions surrounding startup success, such as “hockey stick growth.” Simeon also showcases the realities of growth, highlighting the importance of the "staircase of growth" model. He emphasizes the importance of disciplined growth, warns about the temptation of attractive new opportunities, and more. Tune in now!   Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! tigbrands.com/tig-talks/

    47 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

From Start Up to Scale. Bringing together the Natural Product industry's founders, experts, buyers, and legends, we discuss how to build Tardigrades, not Unicorns, nimble, capital-efficient, resilient brands that scale.

Information

  • Creator
    Elliot Begoun
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elliot Begoun
  • Show Website
    Tardigrades, not unicorns

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