AI Is Here: How Smart Founders Are Leveraging AI Right Now

In this episode of The WillPower Podcast, Will Holdren sits down with Albert Howard, co-founder of MiniBranch, a cutting-edge digital solutions company helping community banks and credit unions modernize through AI and automation.Albert shares how MiniBranch is transforming traditional banking by integrating smart tools like AI-powered chatbots, digital onboarding, and personalized customer experiences. With over a decade of experience in both sales and banking, Albert offers a rare insider’s perspective on where the financial industry is headed — and how innovation and technology are reshaping the way institutions connect with customers.Tune in to hear how AI is revolutionizing banking, what challenges smaller institutions face in the digital shift, and how entrepreneurs can ride this wave of transformation to build scalable, tech-forward businesses.Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this episode of The WillPower Podcast, Will Holdren and Rick Segal dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence and how it’s transforming business as we know it. They explore how forward-thinking founders are already integrating AI into their companies — not just to save time, but to make better decisions, scale faster, and create new competitive advantages.From practical use cases to mindset shifts, Will and Rick break down what it takes to stay ahead in this new AI-driven era and how to use these tools effectively without losing the human element that drives real innovation.📖 Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this episode, Will and Rick Segal unpack the patterns, principles, and mindset that set the world’s best founders apart from the rest.Drawing on Rick’s decades of experience as a venture capitalist, mentor, and faith-driven entrepreneur, the two dive deep into the lessons learned from working with hundreds of startups — from billion-dollar exits to failed ventures — and the defining traits that consistently lead to lasting success.They discuss:The key habits and decision-making patterns top founders shareWhy clarity of mission often matters more than capital raisedHow great leaders turn failure into feedback — and never lose momentumThe spiritual and emotional disciplines that sustain high-performing entrepreneursIf you’re an aspiring founder or seasoned business leader, this episode is a masterclass in how to think, act, and lead like the best.📖 Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this episode, Will sits down with Johnnie Garmon, founder of The Perissos Group, a mission-based consulting and investment firm helping leaders align purpose with performance. Johnny shares powerful lessons from his new book, Failure Disrupted: Clear Milestones for Entrepreneur and Business Leader Success, unpacking how true growth often comes through our greatest setbacks.Together, they dive into:Why failure is often the most important step toward breakthrough successThe difference between worldly achievement and kingdom impactHow to build organizations that balance mission, excellence, and profitabilityThe mindset shifts every faith-driven leader must make to lead through uncertaintyThis episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to turn obstacles into opportunities and build businesses that matter.📖 Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this powerful three-way conversation, Will sits down with venture capitalist Rick Segal and Mary Ellen Beliveau, former CEO of Knowledge to Practice, a health-tech startup that raised millions in funding before ultimately going bankrupt.Mary Ellen opens up about the highs and lows of leading a fast-growing company, the pressure that comes with raising significant capital, and the tough realities of managing growth, investors, and team expectations. She shares the hard-won lessons she learned from the collapse—and how failure can become a foundation for future success.Alongside Rick Segal’s investor perspective and Will’s entrepreneurial insights, this episode offers an unfiltered look into what it really takes to build—and sometimes lose—a company. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or dreamer, you’ll walk away with wisdom on resilience, leadership, and the hidden truths of the startup world.📖 Get your copy of The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Talmage Erickson—a faith-based entrepreneur, published speaking coach, and the CEO of Speak Powerfully. Even while finishing his college degree, Talmage has built a mission-driven business that helps leaders and aspiring speakers communicate with confidence and impact.We talk about his journey of combining faith with entrepreneurship, the lessons he’s learned while coaching others to share their stories, and the mindset shifts that help people overcome fear on stage and in life. If you’ve ever wanted to strengthen your voice, grow your influence, and lead with conviction, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.📖 Get your copy of The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this episode of The Willpower Podcast, I’m joined by Corey Corpodian, CEO of Unleash Success, host of a top podcast, and a leader who has interviewed hundreds of successful entrepreneurs. With over 100,000 YouTube subscribers, Corey is on a mission to help leaders develop mental toughness and powerful communication skills that inspire action.We dive into:How entrepreneurs can strengthen their mental resilience in high-pressure environments.The secrets behind compelling communication that connects and converts.Corey's biggest lessons from interviewing some of the world’s top performers.Why podcasting and speaking are powerful tools for influence and growth.If you want to level up your mindset, sharpen your communication, and learn from someone who has built a thriving platform empowering leaders, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.📖 Get your copy of The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this episode of The Willpower Podcast, I sit down once again with investor and entrepreneur Rick Segal to unpack two of the most common documents founders encounter when raising capital: the term sheet and the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).Rick breaks down what each document means, how they work in practice, and the key differences that every founder and investor should understand. We talk about:Why a term sheet sets the foundation for negotiations and long-term investor relationships.How a SAFE can speed up early-stage fundraising but also create future complexities.The trade-offs between flexibility, valuation, and control when choosing one over the other.Whether you’re a founder preparing to raise money, or an investor looking to back early-stage ventures, this episode will give you a clear, practical understanding of which path makes the most sense for your situation.📖 Get your copy of The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Stephen Scoggins — a faith-driven, 9-figure entrepreneur who has gone from homelessness to building a global platform of influence. Stephen is a world-renowned speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Unstoppable Solutions, where he helps entrepreneurs transform ideas into thriving, profitable companies.Featured in USA Today, The Wall Street Times, Forbes, and more, Stephen also hosts the popular podcast Build, which has garnered over 48 million views and continues to grow daily. We talk about the mindset shifts, faith-driven principles, and practical strategies that helped Stephen turn adversity into an unstoppable mission.📖 Get your copy of The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role

In this episode of the WillPower Podcast, I sit down with Joe Shalaby, CEO of eMortgage Capital, one of the largest independent mortgage platforms in the country. Joe has built an eight-figure company, leads a team of over 900 loan officers, and has grown a massive following with millions of fans across multiple platforms.We dive into Joe’s journey of entrepreneurship, how he scaled his business to dominate the mortgage industry, and the strategies he uses to build and lead high-performing teams. Joe also shares insights from his own podcast, Coffee’s Foreclosures, and breaks down what it really takes to stand out in today’s competitive real estate and mortgage space.If you’re an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or just someone looking to learn from a proven leader in scaling and team building, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.📖 Get your copy of The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/📝 Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog/f/fathers-role