1172: Unlocking the POTENTIAL in every conflict w/ Katie Kolon

In this episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast, host Brian Lofrumento sits down with Katie Kolon, a certified mediator and conflict resolution expert, to discuss how entrepreneurs can navigate conflict in business and life. Katie shares her unique perspective on turning conflict into opportunity and how understanding the human element can foster healthier workplace dynamics. As a former employment law attorney and founder of Mutual Ground Strategies, Katie's approach blends legal insight with real-world mediation skills, making this episode a must-listen for anyone dealing with team dynamics or client challenges.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why conflict doesn’t have to be negative—how to view it as a decision point and opportunity.🤝 Techniques for creating safe spaces to facilitate constructive dialogue.🧠 The importance of staying curious about people's backgrounds to better navigate disagreements.💼 Why mediation skills can benefit entrepreneurs in both internal and external conflicts.🌍 How understanding motivations and values can lead to lasting resolutions.🔑 Tips for preventing conflict by fostering open communication and proactive problem-solving.🎭 How to think of people as “method actors” to better understand their actions and reactions.📝 About Katie KolonKatie Kolon provides conflict resolution services for businesses and individuals to manage workplace conflict, avoid litigation, and foster healthy environments where employees thrive and businesses succeed. She creates private and brave spaces to engage in constructive dialogue, repair relationships, and guide people to discover their own solutions to conflict.Katie is a certified mediator and mediation coach with the Center for Conflict Resolution where she has volunteered for the past 13 years. She is also certified as a Workplace Mediator and Trainer in Conflict Resolution by the Mediation Training Institute. She is a former employment law attorney with no interest in returning to practice litigation. She founded Mutual Ground Mediation, LLC (please note my name may be changed by the time we speak) in 2024 to make a positive impact on workplace communities and beyond.🎯 Katie’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Think of people as method actors—everyone brings their own backstory to the table. Understanding that can help you acknowledge their experience and move forward in a positive way."Key Takeaways from Katie’s Advice: ✔️ Approach conflict with curiosity rather than judgment. ✔️ Create a safe space where all parties feel heard and respected. ✔️ Understand that sometimes the best resolution is simply engaging in the process.📢 Memorable Quotes“Conflict isn’t inherently negative—it’s an opportunity to see what’s next.” – Katie Kolon “Neutrality doesn’t mean avoiding emotion; it means holding space without judgment.” – Katie Kolon “Sometimes the best solution is not an agreement but an understanding.” – Katie Kolon💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth and problem-solving.✅ Practice active listening and avoid making quick judgments.✅ Foster a culture of open communication to prevent conflicts from escalating.✅ Use mediation techniques to address both internal and external conflicts.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Mutual Ground Strategies’ WebsiteConnect with Katie on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity and AI with David Beltran, a 30-year tech veteran and the founder of CypherShield. David shares how his insatiable curiosity led him from dismantling toys as a kid to becoming a cybersecurity architect at IBM, and now, a founder tackling one of the internet's biggest threats: phishing. His journey is both technically brilliant and wildly creative—melding science fiction, digital art, and entrepreneurship into a bold mission for safer tech ecosystems.If you're an entrepreneur fascinated by innovation, emerging tech, or building a business that solves real-world problems, this episode is for you.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚨 Why phishing still accounts for over 92% of all malware attacks—and how to stay protected🤖 How David is building consensus-based AI models to radically improve cybersecurity accuracy🧠 The “dark side” of tech innovation and how to ethically build solutions in AI and blockchain💥 Why artistic minds make powerful founders—and how David's creative brain fuels his company vision💡 How to turn your career experience into a startup that solves critical problems🌐 A real-world breakdown of Web3 risks—and how entrepreneurs can navigate decentralized ecosystems🔄 The power of building “from scratch” when creating business systems that don’t yet exist📝 About the Guest David Beltran is a seasoned IT professional with over 30 years of experience, including two decades in cybersecurity. During his 14-year tenure at IBM, he advanced from incident response to the role of architect, leading global initiatives to secure millions of endpoints against evolving threats. His expertise spans the design, configuration, and governance of cybersecurity frameworks for Fortune 500 companies. A military brat who briefly served in the armed forces himself, David brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to every challenge he tackles.🎯 David’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Follow your curiosity relentlessly—and invest in yourself along the way.”💡 Key takeaways from David’s advice: ✔ Curiosity is a superpower—don’t ignore your inner nerd ✔ Create a plan to do what you love, even if it’s not possible today ✔ Prioritize your mental wellness—your clarity fuels your leadership📢 Memorable Quotes“Phishing still accounts for over 92% of all malware incidents—and most people don’t even know they’re being targeted.” – David Beltran“Creatives make the best entrepreneurs because they thrive when there’s no roadmap.” – David Beltran“The dark side of tech isn’t just in sci-fi. It’s here—and we need ethical builders to combat it.” – David Beltran💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Audit your email systems—phishing is still the #1 cybersecurity threat ✅ Use AI as a tool for detection and protection, not just automation ✅ Build your company like a work of art—vision and structure matter ✅ Embrace curiosity: it’s the spark for innovation, invention, and entrepreneurial success ✅ Start with one problem you deeply understand—build your business around solving it🔗 Links & Resources Connect with David on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of education transformation with Dr. Melissa Feiger, founder of Wander Through Wonder, a groundbreaking micro school that’s redefining how students learn. Melissa shares her journey from public school teacher to entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a learning environment that prioritizes curiosity, global citizenship, and hands-on experience. Discover how her micro school model empowers students to drive their own learning and how she's leveraging global education to cultivate the next generation of thinkers and doers.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to recognize when it’s time to break away from traditional models and innovate within your industry🌍 Why global citizenship education can unlock new perspectives and entrepreneurial thinking🤝 The importance of building partnerships and community support when launching a mission-driven venture🔄 Embracing technology like AI in education to enhance—not replace—learning experiences📝 About the Guest Dr. Melissa Feiger believes students succeed when they choose what and how they learn. She taught middle school science for nine years and helped create the district's middle school science curriculum. Outside the classroom, Melissa co-led and coached the Science Olympiad team, led and chaperoned Springfield, D.C., and Galapagos student trips, & coached intramural tennis. Melissa earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in science, social studies, and language arts. While teaching, she earned her Master's in Education from National-Louis University in English as a Second Language (ESL) & Special Education (LBS1) and her PhD in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University. Her published dissertation focused on how the level of democracy impacts the education system in various countries. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Truman College. 🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Follow your vision. Even if it evolves and changes, stay true to it because, in the end, you’re creating positive change in the world. Sometimes it means taking risks like quitting your job or leasing a space before you're ready—but you have to believe in what you’re building, and others will believe in it too."📢 Memorable Quotes“The world is their oyster, and I’m just trying to facilitate and provide that education to encourage a love of learning.”“We have to embrace AI in education—not as a replacement, but as a tool to enhance learning experiences.”“We can change the education system step by step, one micro school at a time.”💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Identify opportunities to innovate within traditional systems—change often starts from the outside✅ Leverage community partnerships to strengthen your mission and impact🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Wander Through Wonder Academy’s WebsiteFollow Wander Through Wonder Academy on LinkedInFind Wander Through Wonder Academy on FacebookSubscribe to Wander Through Wonder Academy’s YouTube ChannelFollow Wander Through Wonder Academy on InstagramConnect with Melissa on LinkedIn

Christie Harrison’s entrepreneurial story is all about moving from vision to execution—and helping others do the same. From teen mom to CEO and founder of Core Performance 38:16, Christie built a business consulting firm rooted in strategy, accountability, and faith-driven leadership. In this episode, she shares her powerful journey through corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.You’ll learn how Christie helps individuals and organizations turn chaos into clarity through custom strategic plans—and more importantly, how she empowers them to follow through. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business, this episode is packed with honest truths and practical systems for taking real action.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR BusinessWhy “having a plan” isn’t enough—and how to bridge the gap between planning and executingThe REALITY of entrepreneurship: Christie’s honest take on money, risk, and building through tough seasonsHow to audit your past before planning your future (and why this is critical to avoid repeat mistakes)Why personalized strategy beats cookie-cutter advice every timeHow to hold yourself accountable when no one else is watchingThe exact consultation process Christie uses to turn business chaos into clarityHow her journey from clerk to CEO can inspire you to keep moving forward—even if you feel stuck📝 About the Guest Christie Harrison is the Founder of Core Performance 38:16, a business consulting and coaching firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations achieve sustainable growth. With a background in public policy, operations, and strategic business development, she brings over two decades of experience guiding businesses and individuals toward success. Christie specializes in business strategy, leadership coaching, and professional development—helping startups find structure, businesses streamline operations, and professionals elevate their careers. She’s passionate about empowering others through actionable strategies, accountability, and a results-driven approach.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Write it down. Find support. Don’t do it alone.”Key Takeaways:Writing your ideas down is the first step toward real actionYou need support, strategy, and outside perspective—don’t go it aloneMissing foundational steps now will cost you later—plan with intention📢 Memorable Quotes “Their success is my success. If they win, I win.” “Don’t try to do it on your own… you will miss steps.” “The plan is just a roadmap—it only works if you follow it.”💡 Actionable TakeawaysCreate a written plan—even if it’s just for five daysIdentify your business’s true needs (not just what you think you need)Don’t rely solely on motivation—build systems for accountabilityBe brutally honest: are you really doing the work, or just “planning” the dream?🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Core Performance 38:16’s WebsiteFollow Core Performance 38:16 on LinkedInFind Core Performance 38:16 on FacebookFollow Christie on InstagramConnect with Christie on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of James McNamara, founder of 8 Penny Labs, who brings a refreshingly practical approach to digital transformation. James shares how he helps mid-sized businesses modernize their systems, improve efficiency, and unlock growth—without the overwhelm. His expertise blends strategic clarity, tech insight, and business pragmatism, making this a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating tech choices.Whether you're wrestling with outdated tools, thinking about custom software, or just trying to get smarter about tech, James offers real-world advice that will help you move faster and make smarter decisions.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to stop making do with legacy tools and decide when to build custom solutions🤖 The truth about low-code platforms—and when they’ll actually cost you more💰 Why offshore development can give you a budget and speed advantage🧭 How to roadmap tech upgrades even if you don’t know what you don’t know💬 The strategic questions that uncover what your business really needs🔄 How agile development (done right) keeps clients informed and projects under control🔍 Why transparency—not tech—is the real key to happy clients and successful builds📝 About the GuestJim McNamara is the founder of 8 Penny Labs, where he helps companies turn vision into value—faster, cleaner, and with a laser focus on client success.Jim works with leaders who know that in today’s marketplace, digital transformation isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a requirement. But that doesn’t mean it has to be risky or overwhelming. From modernizing legacy tools to launching entirely new digital products, Jim and his team help mid-sized businesses unlock growth with real, usable solutions.His clients aren’t chasing shiny objects—they’re shortening sales cycles, breaking into new markets, building stickier customer experiences, and improving employee satisfaction. And with 8 Penny Labs, they’re doing it with speed and clarity.🎯 James’ BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Stay focused on the problem you’re trying to solve—not the technology of the day.”📢 Memorable Quotes“If everybody’s using enterprise software the same way, how will you stand out?” – James McNamara “The dirty secret in this industry is that too many companies just build what you ask for… even if it’s not what you need.” – James McNamara “Transparency isn’t just good business—it’s how you earn the right to build something meaningful.” – James McNamara💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Audit your current tech stack—where are you compromising and losing efficiency?✅ If something feels painful or inefficient, it’s probably worth exploring a custom solution✅ Don’t just hire a dev shop—find a strategic partner who starts with your business goals ✅ Use two-week sprints and daily updates to stay aligned on long-term builds ✅ Think of your software partner as a translator between your vision and the tech reality🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit 8 Penny Labs’ WebsiteFollow 8 Penny Labs on LinkedInFind 8 Penny Labs on XConnect with James on LinkedInFollow James on X

After nearly two decades in healthcare and a standout career as a surgical team leader, Christiana Adesanmi made a bold move—she walked away from a six-figure offer to build her own digital marketing agency. In this inspiring episode, Christiana shares how her background in nursing uniquely prepared her for entrepreneurship, the mindset shift that fueled her pivot, and how she now helps small businesses grow through strategic SEO, ads, and reputation management.If you’ve ever felt called to do something greater—something that’s fully your own—this episode will give you both the courage and the blueprint.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why listening is your agency’s biggest growth lever—and how Christiana uses it to build winning marketing roadmaps🔍 How to audit your business foundations to boost visibility and attract clients🤖 How to use AI responsibly to increase efficiency without losing your brand voice📊 When to choose SEO, paid ads, or brand awareness strategies—and how to mix them for long-term growth🛠 The underrated power of Google Business and clean websites in client trust and conversions🧠 How her OR leadership skills now help her manage tech stacks, clients, and systems with precision🧱 Why “being a doer” trumps shiny strategies every single time in business📝 About the Guest Christiana Adesanmi spent two decades in healthcare, nearly a decade as an operating room nurse, leading surgical teams, managing multi-million-dollar technology, and onboarding top surgeons. But her biggest transformation wasn’t in the OR—it was in betting on herself and stepping into entrepreneurship.Rising from a nurse’s aide to a respected leader, she graduated with honors, was inducted into Sigma Nursing Honor Society, and thrived as a travel nurse, managing teams and optimizing surgical departments. Her leadership was so impactful that a hospital offered her a six figure permanent position—but she turned it down.Why? Because she knew she was meant for more.Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, she built her own. Today, as CEO of COA Enterprises, Christiana helps small businesses scale through SEO, paid ads, websites, and reputation management—leveraging the same precision and leadership that made her a top-performing nurse.🎯 Christiana’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Take chances on yourself. You are the only one who can unlock your own potential.”📢 Memorable Quotes “Being a doer is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs.” – Christiana Adesanmi “You can attract people all day, but if your foundation is broken, they won’t stay.” – Christiana Adesanmi “AI should be a partner in your business, not a replacement for your authenticity.” – Christiana Adesanmi💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Audit your online presence—start with your website, Google Business profile, and SEO ✅ Don’t just market—listen. Build strategy around your business’s current stage✅ Pick 2–3 channels, repurpose content, and scale when systems are in place🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit COA Enterprises’ WebsiteFollow COA Enterprises on InstagramConnect with Christiana on LinkedIn

What happens when deep leadership experience, a marketing mindset, and cutting-edge AI collide? You get EverFriends.ai—a tech platform with heart. In this episode, Dan Hungerford shares how he built a revolutionary AI-powered companion app designed to support older adults experiencing loneliness or cognitive decline. But this isn't just a tech story—it's a mission-driven journey rooted in family, legacy, and solving real human problems.Dan opens up about his evolution as a serial entrepreneur, his personal inspiration for EverFriends, and the profound impact it's having on users and caregivers alike. Whether you're tech-savvy or just mission-curious, this conversation will spark ideas, challenge your thinking, and show you the power of building with purpose.💡 What You’ll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to turn personal family experiences into a scalable tech solution🤖 What it takes to build human-first AI that simulates connection, not just conversation💰 The challenges (and benefits!) of launching in a market that doesn’t yet exist🧠 Why entrepreneurial maturity means letting go of control to grow🧩 How Dan approached product-market fit in an untested niche📲 Why user simplicity and realism were non-negotiables for this AI product🧘 How to build for both the end user AND the silent buyer (aka the caregiver)📝 About the GuestDan Hungerford is a consultant and entrepreneur based in Grand Rapids, MI. With years of experience training under the legendary John Maxwell, Dan has developed a distinct vision for harnessing the transformative power of AI. His journey has taken him from unraveling the complexities of human behavior to pioneering cutting-edge AI solutions that reshape industries.🎯 Dan’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Once you decide, see it through.”Key Takeaways from Dan’s Advice: ✔️ Your idea is only as strong as your persistence ✔️ Being “weird” or different is often your biggest advantage ✔️ Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you—fight for your dream📢 Memorable Quotes“We prepare today for the opportunities of tomorrow.” – Dan Hungerford“If you're going to build something sustainable, you have to become the kind of person who can lead it.” – Dan Hungerford“We’re not trying to replace human connection—we’re trying to simulate it in a way that’s meaningful.” – Dan Hungerford💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Build your business from a real human need, not just a market trend ✅ Validate your idea with real user stories and emotional proof ✅ Embrace focus groups and early user testing—even with non-tech-savvy audiences ✅ If you’re building something brand new, be prepared to create the market yourself ✅ Let your why fuel your resilience on the hard days🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit EverFriends.aiDownload EverFriends.ai on the App StoreGet EverFriends.ai on Google PlayConnect with Dan on LinkedIn

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the back-end of your business—or unsure how to make your operations more efficient—this episode is your blueprint. Victoria Petersen, founder of Medi-Consult Solutions, joins the show to unpack how she helps healthcare practices streamline operations, improve internal communication, and empower teams for sustainable growth. With over a decade of experience in nearly every area of healthcare, Victoria shares how her operational audits, internal marketing, and problem-solving strategies apply far beyond the medical world—straight into your business.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business📋 Why operational audits should be part of your quarterly growth routine🧠 How to uncover the real problems in your business (not just the symptoms)💬 Why communication breakdowns are often your #1 hidden efficiency killer🧩 How to structure your business around clarity in roles, responsibilities, and priorities🔄 The value of building systems that support change—not fight it📚 What internal marketing is (and why it’s more important than you think)🛠️ How to serve more people without burning out by leveraging checklists & templates📝 About the Guest Victoria Petersen is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Medi-Consult Solutions, where she helps healthcare practices improve operations and internal marketing. With deep industry experience, she develops custom strategies that reduce operational strain, strengthen team cohesion, and enhance patient care. Victoria works closely with practice leaders to align business models with core values, streamline workflows, and improve communication. Through operational audits and focused marketing efforts, she drives sustainable growth and organizational efficiency. Known for transforming challenges into strategic opportunities, Victoria is committed to building supportive, high-performing environments in the evolving healthcare landscape.🎯 Victoria’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Give yourself grace. You’re human—and change is inevitable.”3 Key Takeaways from Victoria’s Advice: ✔ Don’t expect perfection—focus on prioritizing and progress ✔ Audit your workflows and realign as you grow ✔ Embrace change as part of building a better business📢 Memorable Quotes “Health care is a business. And just like any business, it needs structure and strategy to serve people well.” – Victoria Petersen “You don’t know what you don’t know. But when you do know, do better.” – Victoria Petersen “Internal marketing is everything your team needs to operate clearly and confidently—it’s what keeps things moving behind the scenes.” – Victoria Petersen💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Run an operations audit every 90 days to uncover hidden inefficiencies ✅ Create simple internal documents like FAQs and role guides to improve team clarity ✅ Reevaluate task ownership—if something’s falling through the cracks, it may need to be reassigned ✅ Don’t rely on memory—use checklists for repeatable processes ✅ Structure your offers (like Victoria did) to serve both low-budget and premium clients🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Medi-Consult Solutions’ WebsiteFollow Medi-Consult Solutions on LinkedInFind Medi-Consult Solutions on FacebookConnect with Victoria on LinkedIn

Mitchell Schuckman spent nearly four decades at a global accounting and consulting firm, but his story is anything but typical. In this episode, we celebrate the launch of his new business—and his book—that showcase his passion for coaching, leadership, and the art of storytelling. From redefining sales through empathy to making career pivots that align with purpose, Mitchell’s journey is packed with lessons for any entrepreneur who wants to lead authentically and connect meaningfully.Whether you're an executive, a coach, or a creative entrepreneur, this episode will challenge you to think about business not just as numbers—but as people, stories, and moments that matter.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧠 Why sales isn't about "selling"—it's about relating through empathy and curiosity🗣️ How to use personal storytelling to win more business and deepen relationships🛠️ Mitchell’s formula for turning everyday experiences into client-converting stories🪞 How to help clients untangle personal and professional challenges with clarity🎯 The mindset shift from “winning vs. losing” to “learning and growing”🧩 What triggers meaningful change in business—and how to identify them in yourself📚 The behind-the-scenes process of launching a book using stories + AI📝 About the Guest Mitchell Schuckman is the founder of The Schuckman Group, an executive coaching and leadership development firm launched after a successful career as a partner at a global consulting firm. He’s a professional certified coach, sales strategist, and now author of I'll Tell You a Great Story: Building Closer Relationships and Winning in Business Through Storytelling. Mitchell brings a uniquely human approach to business – blending empathy, storytelling, and decades of leadership experience to help others succeed with clarity and confidence.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Be your authentic self. Approach others in business with empathy and curiosity.”🔑 Key Takeaways from His Advice: ✔ Authenticity builds trust—and trust builds business ✔ Empathy and curiosity are the new power skills in sales and leadership ✔ You’ll succeed faster by embracing who you truly are instead of trying to “perform” business📢 Memorable Quotes “Selling is relating. If you care about people, you can be great at sales.” – Mitchell Schuckman “Our whole lives are stories—your job is to find the ones others can see themselves in.” – Mitchell Schuckman “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” – Mitchell Schuckman💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Reframe sales as relationship-building—ask better questions, listen deeper ✅ Start collecting your own stories—every experience can become a teaching moment ✅ When facing business stress, zoom out and separate personal vs. professional challenges ✅ Don’t wait for January 1st—use today as your fresh start to reach the next level🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit The Schuckman Group’s WebsiteConnect with Mitchell on LinkedInFollow The Schuckman Group on Instagram

In this episode, we’re diving into the mind of a three-time CIO and CTO who’s taken his decades of experience leading top 100 firms and brought it straight to small business owners like you. Azunna Anyanwu is the founder of The Agile CIO, where he helps entrepreneurs strategically and tactically harness tech to scale smarter—not just faster.Azunna doesn’t just understand tech—he understands how to align it with business growth. From streamlining operations to embracing AI with intention, this episode is a masterclass in thinking big while staying lean. Whether you’re tech-savvy or tech-averse, Azunna will change how you view your systems, workflows, and scalability.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🔌 The difference between a CTO and CIO—and why it matters for your business🛠️ How to map your tech stack and identify overlapping tools that are wasting time and money🧩 Why every small business should conduct a systems + workflow audit🤖 How to approach AI with a “fast follower” mindset (and avoid bleeding-edge distractions)🧱 The power of aligning technology decisions with long-term business goals💼 How Azunna built his own business tech stack using the same framework he uses for clients⏳ Why “just-in-time planning” is the agile secret weapon for sustainable growth📝 About the Guest Azunna Anyanwu is the Founder of The Agile CIO and an award-winning technology executive with over 20 years of experience in IT operations, cybersecurity, and technology strategy. A trusted advisor and servant leader, he helps organizations strengthen their tech operations and close critical cybersecurity and IT gaps.Azunna has held CIO and CTO roles at three Top 100 accounting firms and previously served as Director of IT for a federal government contractor. He began his career in Big 4 consulting, delivering solutions for state and federal agencies.His broad expertise spans business process reengineering, strategic planning, and technical leadership across both public and private sectors.Azunna holds degrees in Computer Science from Harvard University and The Johns Hopkins University, along with an MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Embrace the journey. The ups and downs will grow you, and you’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had.”💡 Key takeaways from Azunna's advice:✅ Entrepreneurship isn’t linear—success comes from staying committed through the highs and lows✅ You don’t need all the answers to start—just a willingness to learn and iterate✅ If you’re solving a real business problem, there’s always someone who needs your help📢 Memorable Quotes“Technology is just a means to an end. It has to make sense for your business goals.” – Azunna Anyanwu“Don’t fall for the shiny object—start with the problem and build your tech around that.” – Azunna Anyanwu💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Conduct a tech + systems audit to identify inefficiencies and overlaps ✅ Create a roadmap before chasing new tools—prioritize what actually moves the needle ✅ Define your “just-in-time” systems list: what you’ll need next quarter, not next year ✅ Approach AI with purpose—identify a business challenge first, then see if AI solves it🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit The Agile CIO’s WebsiteConnect with Azunna on LinkedIn