EP793 - Matthew Le Merle on how DeFi is reshaping banking, payments, and asset management

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Patricia Stepler.  Patricia talks to us about breaking free from the thinking that's holding you back. Patricia Stepler is the founder of Creating Top Producers, where she helps entrepreneurs and business leaders master their mindset, boost productivity, and gain both time and money freedom. Her journey began when her son manifested a full college scholarship—an experience that led her to study with Bob Proctor and dive deep into the Law of Attraction and universal success principles. Today, she combines decades of experience in education, leadership training, and personal development to help clients break limiting patterns, align with success, and build businesses that support the life they truly desire. You can connect with Patricia here: Workshop: https://patricia.creatingtopproducers.com/workshop 35K Checklist: https://patricia.creatingtopproducers.com/35kchecklist Strategy Session: https://patricia.creatingtopproducers.com/strategy Story Business: https://patricia.creatingtopproducers.com/story-business-page Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pattystepler Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/millionaireabundance/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciastepler/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattystepler/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpjtpWLs6msy7Kf6nr2wmuA

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Katie Hahn.  Katie talks to us about The End of Hustle Culture: How Founders Can Grow Without Burning Out or Going Broke. Katie Hahn is a business strategist, high-ticket sales expert, and founder of Katie Hahn Coaching — where she helps women entrepreneurs simplify their sales systems, stabilize operations, and scale without burnout. She is the creator of the CLIMB Framework, a proven growth method that takes businesses from chaos to clarity through sustainable systems, key metrics, and strategic infrastructure. With more than 16 years of leadership experience, Katie has served as CEO and Leader of multiple million-dollar companies across both traditional brick-and-mortar operations and digital coaching brands. She has built and led teams, overhauled operations, and scaled organizations from the top down. But what sets her apart is her approach: Katie leads with a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and building businesses that truly work for people — not just profit. After years of driving growth behind the scenes, Katie decided to step into her own coaching business. Starting from scratch while raising three kids, she walked the same unpredictable road her clients are on today. That journey — filled with lessons, setbacks, and resilience — shaped her passion for helping women entrepreneurs build businesses that give them freedom instead of overwhelm. She knows firsthand what it feels like to wear all the hats, doubt your next move, and crave structure that doesn’t lead to burnout. Katie’s mission is clear: to disrupt the coaching industry by ending gatekeeping and making business growth accessible. Through her Coaching Growth Lab, she flips the traditional high-ticket model on its head, offering a $497 lifetime membership that delivers the systems, tools, and community women need to scale. By combining proven frameworks with an affiliate program that pays women to help other women succeed, Katie is building not just a business, but a movement. Recognized as one of Toledo’s “20 Under 40” leaders for her values-driven impact, Katie continues to bring that same servant-hearted leadership to every client interaction. Whether she’s helping a solopreneur refine her first offer or guiding a seasoned coach to optimize for scale, she blends operational expertise with people-first strategy — always with the goal of empowering women to win on their own terms. Katie speaks openly about the messy middle of entrepreneurship and uses her CLIMB Framework not just as a tool for growth, but as a way to restore confidence, stability, and freedom. Whether on stage, in a workshop, or behind a podcast mic, she shares stories and strategies that inspire entrepreneurs to grow with structure and serve with heart. You can connect with Katie here: Website: https://katiehahncoach.com/ Chaos ScoreCard & 20 min Strategy Session: https://link.coachfoundation.com/widget/bookings/katiehahnstrategysession20min Join the Coaching Growth Lab: https://katiehahncoach.com/community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_katiehahn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hahn.katie29/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katierofkarhahn/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Paul Austin-Menear.  Paul talks to us about creating a "Scalable Feedback Engine". Paul Austin-Menear is the founder of Six Catalysts and the writer behind The Journey, a publication and podcast for entrepreneurs and builders who believe that business should serve people—not the other way around. Raised in a small town and now based in Toronto, Canada, Paul brings both a grassroots sensibility and global perspective to his work. He began his career in marketing and communications before spending a decade helping take a consumer electronics startup from a cocktail napkin to global distribution in over 100 countries through his work in building systems and teams that scale. Today, through Six Catalysts, Paul helps builders and founders create clarity, momentum, and operational excellence—without losing sight of their purpose. Whether advising clients, writing for The Journey, or offering tools and training, he champions entrepreneurship as a force for community-building, personal growth, and long-term impact. And, he has a reputation for rolling up his sleeves and diving into the work as a servant-leader alongside client teams. You can connect with Paul here: Website: https://6catalysts.ca Substack / Podcast : https://6catalysts.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwamenear/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/6catalysts The Scalable Feedback Engine: https://6catalysts.com/chasingtheinsights

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Draye Redfern.  Draye talks to us about how to write a book. Draye Redfern is an internationally recognized expert in direct-response marketing, known for delivering high-impact results across multiple industries. With two successful company exits, one of which was acquired by a Berkshire-Hathaway company under Warren Buffett. Draye has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to some of the most influential entrepreneurs and brands in the world. His clients include New York Times best-selling authors, Sharks from ABC’s Shark Tank, and publicly traded companies looking to sharpen their competitive edge and accelerate growth. Draye is the founder of FractionalCMO.com, a financially accessible marketing solution for most businesses that need world-class marketing strategy without the cost or commitment of a full-time CMO. Through a proprietary front-end audit and the proven ANCHOR Marketing Framework, Fractional CMO equips companies with a clear, customized marketing roadmap and hands-on leadership to scale smarter, convert more leads, and dominate their category. He also leads Redfern Media, a marketing agency that has helped over 1,500 businesses—from Publically traded companies to Main Street mom-and-pop shops —transform outdated marketing tactics into streamlined, scalable systems that attract ideal clients and turn satisfied customers into lifelong brand advocates. You can connect with Draye here: Website: https://FractionalCMO.com Redfern Media: https://RedfernMedia.com Marketing Diagnostic: https://go.fractionalcmo.com/marketing-diagnostic Book: https://AnchorBook.com

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Matthew Le Merle.  Matthew talks to us about how DeFi is reshaping banking, payments, and asset management. Matthew Le Merle is a 30-year veteran of Silicon Valley, who is shaping the future of digital finance by driving investment in some of the most transformative fintech-blockchain ventures to exist today. As Co-Founder and CEO of Blockchain Coinvestors, he has established one of the most robust early-stage investment ecosystems in blockchain — backing a portfolio of 1,250+ startups (including 110+ unicorns like Coinbase, Kraken, Opensea) through partnerships with top VC funds worldwide — that ranks in the top decile on the Pitchbook and Preqin databases. Matthew's impact at the intersection of blockchain, VC, and wealth is evident in his leadership as Managing Partner at Keiretsu Capital — the most active early-stage venture investor backing 300+ companies a year — and as Chairman/Director of 15+ innovation-focused companies. He is also a bestselling author, with acclaimed titles like Corporate Innovation in the Fifth Era, Blockchain Competitive Advantage, and The Intelligent Investor: Silicon Valley under his belt. A well respected industry voice, Matthew frequently appears on CNBC and panels and summits as a keynote speaker, known for his ability to simplify the complexities of fintech and blockchain. You can connect with Matthew here: Website: https://www.matthewlemerle.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matthew-C-Le-Merle/author/B071DFH9ZM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlemerle/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Daryl Black.  Daryl talks to us about order to chaos. Daryl Black eliminates toxic leadership and micromanagement in high-growth organizations by empowering leaders of leaders to bring order to chaos in their professional and personal lives. With over 35 years of battle-tested leadership experience in high-stakes, uncertain, and rapidly changing environments and $100M+ IT project management, Daryl is a Top 5 LinkedIn Leadership Coach who has guided thousands of executives globally. His "Order to Chaos" framework helps Founders, Owners, Directors, and Senior Leaders navigate uncertainty at any scale. Daryl's leadership includes ongoing disaster response to wildfires, floods, and major emergencies where he builds high-performing teams under extreme pressure. His battle-tested experience translates into practical solutions for high-growth organizations. Through his OtC Leadership brand, Daryl delivers 20 core leadership principles that help leaders of leaders master corporate chaos, retain top talent, and scale teams effectively while maintaining innovation. You can connect with Daryl here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryldblack/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Vincent Villani.  Vincent talks to us about How to Build a 6-Figure Airbnb Business From Scratch—Without Buying Property. Vincent Villani is the co-founder of Airpreneur, a mentorship company helping 9–5 professionals build profitable Airbnb businesses—without owning a single property. In just 12 months, Adam and Vincent each scaled their own Airbnb portfolios from zero to 19 units, and now manage over 40 high-performing properties that generate $150K/month in revenue with 55% profit margins. Through their proven rental arbitrage system, they’ve helped over 350 paying clients escape the 9–5 grind and build passive income streams of $5–10K/month—without mortgages, real estate licenses, or prior experience. Their step-by-step method teaches students how to automate the entire Airbnb business, from sourcing and furnishing to operations and guest communication, all in just 3–5 hours a week. Vincent comes from a corporate background, which gives him a unique understanding of the time, energy, and mindset challenges professionals face. His approach is built for busy people who want real freedom—not just another hustle. Airpreneur has become one of the most sought-after mentorship programs for working professionals who want to build cash-flowing businesses and take control of their time. When he is not traveling for property visits or mentoring students, you’ll find him hiking, wakeboarding, or exploring new cities. You can connect with Vincent here: Website: https://www.airpreneur.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_airpreneur YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Airpreneur Apply to the Airpreneur mentorship at https://airpreneur.com, or DM Vincent directly on Instagram

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Aaron Helton.  Aaron talks to us about Stress Management. Aaron Helton is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and author of The Path to Permission. Through his work, Aaron partners with mid-sized companies to develop strong, resilient leadership teams and transform workplace cultures. Drawing on years of experience helping businesses improve communication, accountability, and employee development, he equips leaders to navigate growth, reduce turnover, and create environments where people and profits thrive. His approach blends strategic insight with a heart-first perspective, making him a sought-after advisor for organizations looking to scale sustainably. You can connect with Aaron here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-helton-b128b8181/ Book: https://a.co/d/0n8AgVz

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to James Donovan.  James talks to us about Local Market Domination using Google. James Donovan is the founder of Nine Two Media, author of Booked Solid: Marketing Strategies for Accounting Firms, and host of the podcast CFO Chronicles: The Secrets Behind Success. He helps accounting firms and service-based businesses stop chasing leads—and start converting them. No fluff. No vanity metrics. Just real strategies that turn attention into revenue. Through his agency and live coaching sprints, James shows experts how to dominate their local market, build sales systems that actually work, and get paid what they’re worth. His clients don’t rely on referrals—they create demand on demand. If you want practical, proven marketing that drives cash—not just clicks—you’re in the right place. You can connect with James here: Website: https://ninetwomedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbdonovan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesdonovanntm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdonovanmarketing/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Donald Barclay.  Donald talks to us about how digital technology has changed the way people obtain and understand information. Donald Barclay worked as an academic librarian from 1990 until his retirement in 2022, holding positions at New Mexico State University, the University of Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and the University of California, Merced. He devoted much of his career to teaching students how to think critically about the information they encountered in their academic, professional, personal, and civic lives. Working in academic libraries during a time when digital technology was expanding into every aspect of human life allowed Donald to both closely observe and actively participate in the biggest technological changes to humanity’s relationship with information since the advent of printing from moveable type. Donald has authored articles and books on topics ranging from the literature of the American West to children’s literature to library and information science. His book, Fake News, Propaganda, and Plain Old Lies: How to Find Trustworthy Information in the Digital Age, was published by Rowman and Littlefield in June 2018, while his follow-up book, Disinformation: The Nature of Facts and Lies in the Post-Truth Era, came out in 2022. His book The Reinvention of the U.S. Academic Library: 1990 to 2025 is forthcoming from Bloomsbury Publishing and he is currently working on a book about his father's experience as a soldier in the Second World War. Donald earned a bachelor’s degree from Boise State University and masters’ degrees in both English and Library and Information Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to working as a librarian, he spent four years teaching college writing and, before that, ten seasons working as a wildland fire fighter, mostly as a member of a U.S. Forest Service Hotshot Crew. You can connect with Donald here: Website: https://donaldbarclay.com Books: https://donaldbarclay.com/books LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-barclay-4b12713/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barclayfakenews/