Relational Deal-Making: How to Read People & Win Long-Term

In this episode of The WillPower Podcast, Will sits down with Pater Maher, CEO of Flote, the fast-rising fintech company redefining how money moves in the modern world.Pater is leading Flote’s bold expansion across the U.S. — building what many insiders are calling the next generation of payment processing. We dive into how Flote is simplifying the way businesses get paid, why legacy payment rails are ripe for disruption, and what the future looks like when fintech is built for entrepreneurs, creators, and high-growth companies.You’ll hear:The real problems with today’s payment systems (and how Flote fixes them)How Pater thinks about innovation, risk, and scaling a fintech startupWhy U.S. expansion represents the biggest opportunity in digital paymentsThe mindset required to lead at the highest level in financial technologyHow entrepreneurs should prepare for massive shifts in the payments landscapeIf you’re a founder, operator, or investor wanting a front-row seat to the future of money, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in and discover how Flote is reshaping payments from the ground up — and why Pater Maher believes we’re just getting started.

In this episode of the WillPower Podcast, Will sits down again with cohost Rick Segal to unpack one of the most underrated skills in business: the ability to read people and close deals through authentic relationship building — not pressure or tactics.Rick breaks down:How elite dealmakers read emotional cues, motivations, and unspoken fearsWhy deals are rarely won on spreadsheets — they’re won in conversationsHow to identify who you’re really negotiating with (the “person behind the position”)The difference between trust-based influence vs. transactional persuasionThe subtle signals that reveal if someone is serious, stalling, or hiding somethingHow relational intelligence can outperform traditional negotiation strategiesStories from Rick’s career working with top founders, CEOs, and high-stakes dealsWhether you’re raising capital, buying real estate, selling your product, or building partnerships, this episode will change the way you approach every conversation.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 and co-host Rick Siegel dive deep into the true meaning of legacy — not just the wealth you leave behind, but the mindset, values, and systems you build along the way.Will and Rick explore how founders can build businesses that stay in their control as they scale, avoid the traps that cause entrepreneurs to give ownership away too early, and create companies designed to outlive the founder. They share personal stories, practical frameworks, and hard-earned lessons on generational stewardship, succession, and keeping a business rooted in family and purpose.If you’re building something meant to last, this is an episode you can’t miss.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, we sit down with Patrick Henry to unpack a journey that spans early engineering roles, launching and leading multiple companies, culminating in taking one public with a $1.2 billion valuation and raising over $200 million in equity financing. Patrick shares:How he made the leap from senior executive roles at firms like AMD and C‑Cube Microsystems to CEO of risk-heavy startups. EvoNexusThe playbook behind his critically acclaimed book “PLAN COMMIT WIN: 90 Days to Creating a Fundable Startup” — a must-read for emerging founders. Honest insights into taking a company from pre-product to IPO — what he got right, what he’d change, and how growth challenges demanded both strategy and grit.Lessons in raising capital, managing M&A activity (over $2 billion + of transactions), and transitioning leadership as a company matures. The role of faith, values and resilience in his leadership journey — and how you can align your business with your higher purpose.Actionable tips for you — whether you’re building your first venture or scaling your empire — to plan smarter, commit boldly, and win sustainably.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 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