Entrepreneur Intel

Wes Mathews
Entrepreneur Intel

Welcome to Entrepreneur Intel, a podcast where we discuss the most important strategies for success from amazing entrepreneurs. Host Wes Mathews sits down with business owners to learn about how they got started running their own business, what helped them succeed and the biggest lessons they learned along the way. Be sure to catch new episodes every Thursday morning, and to make sure you never miss out on any insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, You Tube or wherever you get your podcasts. This show is sponsored by Stealth Consulting, your Fractional CMO. Stealth provides the roadmap and accountability to reach your business and marketing goals. Learn more at https://stealthconsulting.com/

  1. Visionaries and Operators: Building Bridges for Success with Mario Lupia - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #39

    12 HR. AGO

    Visionaries and Operators: Building Bridges for Success with Mario Lupia - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #39

    In this insightful episode, Wes speaks with Mario Lupia, an expert in operations and leadership, about the challenges faced by visionary entrepreneurs and how structured processes are essential for achieving their ambitious goals. The discussion centers around balancing visionary ideas with realistic operational strategies and the importance of having an experienced operator to transform vision into execution. Takeaways: Visionaries often have grand ideas but may struggle with practical execution, as they tend to focus more on the big picture and less on the step-by-step process required to achieve it.Establishing a clear end goal is essential before creating strategies to achieve it. Without a defined outcome, the steps to get there may become disorganized or misguided.Tools like the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO) from EOS are highly effective in aligning visionaries and operators by clearly documenting core values, long-term targets, and actionable plans. This alignment helps ensure that everyone is on the same page.Operators play a crucial role in translating high-level goals into actionable steps, providing structure, timelines, and foresight to prevent potential setbacks. They serve as the bridge between vision and reality.Effective operators ask tough questions and challenge assumptions to ensure realistic goal-setting and resource allocation. They don’t just accept ideas at face value but delve deeper to highlight gaps and foster better decision-making.Quote of the Show:“A visionary might see the end result, but it’s the operator who steps in and says, 'Here’s how we’re going to get there.'” - Mario Lupia Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-lupia-57a460/Website: https://opfficiency.com/Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    42 min
  2. Fractional Leadership & Scaling Businesses - Mark Scrimenti - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #38

    NOV 7

    Fractional Leadership & Scaling Businesses - Mark Scrimenti - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #38

    In this episode, Wes is joined by Mark Scrimenti, an expert in fractional leadership, to discuss the power of fractional executives and how businesses can scale effectively using frameworks like EOS. Mark shares his experience transitioning from digital marketing to fractional COO and how businesses can benefit from having strategic support without the commitment of a full-time executive. They explore the challenges of being a visionary leader, managing growth, and the importance of setting clear goals while embracing iterative improvements. Takeaways:- Fractional executives bring a strategic edge to companies by focusing on specific needs while offering flexibility.- The role of a fractional COO is often temporary, aimed at setting up systems for growth and eventually handing over responsibilities to an internal team member.- The key to a successful fractional leadership model is regular communication, accountability, and a structured approach to planning and goal-setting (e.g., EOS, OKRs).- Visionaries need to embrace imperfection, iterate often, and allow their businesses to evolve in response to feedback and changing market conditions.- Building a healthy, growth-oriented culture within the company is crucial for long-term success. Quote of the Show:“Done is better than perfect. If you get it out there, you get real market feedback, and you just keep improving.” – Mark Scrimenti Links:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrimenti/- Website: https://vividpathconsulting.com/ Ways to Tune In:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 - Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 - Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    44 min
  3. Betting on Yourself: A Founder’s Guide to Success - Alexandra Satine - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #37

    OCT 24

    Betting on Yourself: A Founder’s Guide to Success - Alexandra Satine - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #37

    In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned entrepreneur Alexandra Satine Co-Founder and Fractional COO/CFO at Your-Cohort. She shares her journey from building her first business in her 20s to gaining two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and VC-backed startups. She discusses the importance of betting on yourself, managing time, and balancing operations, finance, and people in business. Tune in to learn about her unique perspective on startup infrastructure, the differences between self-funded and VC-backed companies, and how founders can set themselves up for success by building strong teams and financial models.   Takeaways: Betting on Yourself: Building your cohort and company begins with believing in yourself, as no one will be more invested in your success than you.The Value of Time: Time is the most valuable resource, and entrepreneurs should focus on making the most of it while also giving back to others.The Entrepreneur's Journey: Moving from Venezuela to the U.S. at 20, the guest shares her experiences working in retail, manufacturing, and finance, ultimately leading her to build her own business.Operations, Finance, and People: The importance of these three pillars in any business, and how balancing them is crucial for growth and sustainability.VC vs. Self-Funded: The guest dives into the differences between VC-backed companies and self-funded ventures, highlighting the expectations, timelines, and pressures associated with each.Building the Right Team: Hiring the right talent early on is key for success, as mistakes in this area can lead to a costly waste of time and resources.Financial Literacy: Entrepreneurs must educate themselves on finance, from understanding a P&L to knowing how to structure their business and hire the right professionals, such as bookkeepers, to guide them.Quote of the Show: "At the end of the day, it's about betting on yourself, and not waiting for someone's approval. No one will ever believe in you like you believe in yourself." - Alexandra Santine  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-satine-78907020/Website: https://www.yourcohort.co/Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    43 min
  4. Scaling Your Business with a Fractional COO - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #36

    OCT 10

    Scaling Your Business with a Fractional COO - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #36

    In this episode, we dive into the transformative relationship between a visionary entrepreneur and a Fractional COO with our guest Melissa Rose Fractional CMO at Operate Light. The conversation highlights the critical need for founders to recognize when they can no longer do it all themselves, and how hiring the right COO, even fractionally, can propel their business forward. Through real-life anecdotes, the guest outlines the unique benefits of fractional leadership, including the ability to achieve quick wins, navigate chaos, and ultimately free the visionary to focus on the big picture. Takeaways: Fractional COO Benefits: Hiring a fractional COO offers expertise without the full-time cost, allowing visionaries to focus on their strengths.Visionary Bottleneck: Entrepreneurs often become bottlenecks in their own companies by trying to manage everything, and a COO helps them step out of that role.Quick Wins Matter: Achieving small but impactful wins early on helps maintain momentum and keeps visionaries engaged.Tailored Solutions: Not all processes fit every founder, so a good COO tailors their approach to the needs and personality of the visionary.People and Processes: Visionaries are often not great at managing people or processes, and COOs can bridge that gap effectively.On the Importance of Delegation: Many entrepreneurs feel they need to do everything themselves or hire someone with minimal experience, but delegating to someone more experienced can save time and money in the long run.Balancing Vision and Execution: A visionary needs a COO to focus on the details while they pursue the bigger picture, creating a harmonious balance between creativity and operations.Managing Expectations: One of the biggest challenges for COOs is managing the rapid expectations of visionary leaders who crave quick results, but the relationship works best with a mix of immediate wins and long-term planning.Quote of the Show: “A Fractional COO brings high-level experience and guidance without the long-term commitment and cost.” - Melissa Rose Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-rose-coo/Website: https://www.operatelight.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    40 min
  5. The Changing Landscape of Sales and AI with Michael Eckhoff - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #35

    SEP 26

    The Changing Landscape of Sales and AI with Michael Eckhoff - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #35

    In this episode, we sit down with Michael Eckhoff, Fractional CRO at Sales Growth International. He is an award-winning sales leader with experience across startups, scale-ups, and Fortune 500 companies. He emphasizes the significance of having a robust sales structure and offers insights into the changing landscape of sales, including the resurgence of face-to-face meetings and personalized buyer journeys. This episode provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging fractional executives and effectively integrating sales technologies.   Takeaways: Importance of Founder-Led Sales: In the initial phases of a startup, founders often play a crucial role in sales. Their deep understanding of the product and vision helps in building customer relationships and securing early sales.Evolving Role of AI: AI is transforming sales by enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, generate actionable insights, and provide recommendations to improve sales performance.Resurgence of Face-to-Face Meetings: Despite the rise of digital communication, face-to-face meetings are making a comeback. In-person interactions can enhance engagement and provide a personal touch that digital meetings may lack.Integrated Sales Infrastructures: A well-integrated sales infrastructure ensures that all components of the sales process work seamlessly together. This includes CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and data management platforms.Timing for Fractional CRO/Sales Executive: For startups, the decision to bring in a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) or a sales executive depends on several factors, such as growth stage, revenue targets, and sales complexity.Balancing Pipeline Sources: Sustained growth relies on a balanced pipeline that includes inbound leads, partner referrals, and sales team-generated prospects. Quote of the Show: “Fractional is the new black. Everybody's looking at how I can get talented people who understand, who have the experience … at a cost that I can afford as an entrepreneur.” - Michael EckhoffLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleckhoff/Email: michael@salesgrowthinternational.comWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    44 min
  6. Perseverance: The Difference Between Success and Failure with Ryan Hogan - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #34

    SEP 12

    Perseverance: The Difference Between Success and Failure with Ryan Hogan - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #34

    In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship with Ryan Hogan. From navigating early failures to hitting product-market fit, Ryan shares the tough lessons learned along the way. Whether discussing the early false starts, how to pivot effectively, or scaling businesses like Hunt A Killer, this episode offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs. The message is clear: never give up, because the difference between success and failure is perseverance. Takeaways: Perseverance is Key: Entrepreneurship is a journey full of failures and micro wins. The only way to succeed is to keep pushing forward, even when the path is unclear.The Power of Pivoting: Understanding when to pivot is crucial—whether it's adjusting marketing or product strategies, flexibility is necessary to meet market demands.Validate Ideas Quickly: You can validate a business idea over a weekend by setting up a basic test, such as selling a product to gauge market interest.Adapting to Changes: Businesses must constantly evolve. From Facebook's changing algorithms to navigating AI and a rapidly shifting economy, staying agile is essential.The Shift Towards Recruiting as a Service (RAS): The concept of Recruiting as a Service (RAS) is introduced as a subscription-based model, providing a modern solution to outdated recruitment practices.Quote of the Show: “The only difference between success and failure is, are you going to persevere? Are you going to continue, or are you going to give up?” - Ryan HoganLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/Website: https://talentharbor.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talentharbor  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    42 min
  7. Building Million-Dollar Businesses with Cameron Herold - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #33

    AUG 29

    Building Million-Dollar Businesses with Cameron Herold - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #33

    In this insightful episode, Cameron Herold, a seasoned COO and author of six books, joins Wes to dive deep into the unique dynamics between CEOs and COOs. Cameron shares his journey from an EO member to scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, and how his entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his approach to the COO role. The conversation explores the delicate balance of the CEO-COO relationship, the importance of trust and communication, and the role of the COO in driving business success. Cameron also discusses the founding of the COO Alliance, a mastermind community specifically for second-in-command leaders, and offers his perspective on the value of fractional COOs.  Takeaways: The Power of EO: Cameron credits the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) for his personal and professional growth, highlighting its impact on his journey.The COO’s Unique Role: The COO must complement the CEO, filling in gaps and executing the vision while bringing their own entrepreneurial spirit.Communication is Key: Successful CEO-COO relationships require open communication, mutual trust, and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses.The Value of Mastermind Groups: Cameron emphasizes the importance of communities like the COO Alliance, where COOs can learn, share, and grow together.Fractional vs. Full-Time COOs: While fractional COOs can be valuable for smaller companies, Cameron argues that full-time COOs are crucial as businesses scale.Quote of the Show: “The COO's job is to make the CEO look good, and the CEO's job internally is to make the COO look good.” - Cameron HeroldLinks: Twitter: https://x.com/CameronHerold?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold/Website: https://cameronherold.com/Links to books: https://cooalliance.com/camerons-books/Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    38 min
  8. Empowering Teams: Building Culture for Success - Tullio Siragusa - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #32

    AUG 15

    Empowering Teams: Building Culture for Success - Tullio Siragusa - Entrepreneur Intel - Episode #32

    In this episode, we sit down with Tullio Siragusa to discuss the importance of involving executives, creating scalable systems, and how fractional roles can provide significant value without long-term commitment. We also explore how to nurture a culture where employees feel empowered and engaged.  Takeaways: Involvement & Scalable Systems: Keep executives engaged and develop scalable systems for sustained success. Fractional Roles: Leverage fractional C-level executives to access high-level expertise without the full-time commitment. Empowerment & Culture: Build a culture where employees feel part of something greater, find meaning, and have opportunities to make an impact and grow. Regular Feedback: Implement systems for regular feedback and performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with goals. Alignment with Vision: Ensure that every aspect of your operations aligns with the company’s vision and strategic goals for cohesive growth. Quote of the Show:  "Don't try to rush, make it happen tomorrow. Give yourself a 10 year plan to where you want to be and be patient.” - Tullio Siragusa  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliosiragusa/Website: https://tulliosiragusa.com/Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Entrepreneur Intel, a podcast where we discuss the most important strategies for success from amazing entrepreneurs. Host Wes Mathews sits down with business owners to learn about how they got started running their own business, what helped them succeed and the biggest lessons they learned along the way. Be sure to catch new episodes every Thursday morning, and to make sure you never miss out on any insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, You Tube or wherever you get your podcasts. This show is sponsored by Stealth Consulting, your Fractional CMO. Stealth provides the roadmap and accountability to reach your business and marketing goals. Learn more at https://stealthconsulting.com/

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