Weekly Q&A: Impact of Trump Tariffs

Back by popular demand, Rick Segal—venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and trusted advisor to countless startups—returns to The Willpower Podcast for a deeper dive into the evolving role of VCs in a founder’s journey.In this candid and insightful conversation, Rick unpacks what founders often misunderstand about venture capital, how great VCs add real value beyond the check, and why alignment between investors and entrepreneurs is more critical than ever.We cover:What VCs really look for before investingThe red flags founders should watch for in investor relationshipsHow to navigate power dynamics and preserve your visionThe shift from transactional capital to strategic partnershipsWhether you're raising your first round or scaling toward exit, this episode is a must-listen for founders who want to build smarter, faster, and with the right people by their side.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shan Nair, the visionary founder of Nucleus, a company that’s revolutionized how businesses scale across borders. From helping Tesla navigate international expansion to supporting the growth of FaceTime globally, Dr. Nair shares his unmatched insights into global compliance, operational strategy, and the future of international business. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your business worldwide, this episode is your playbook.Tune in to discover:The biggest mistakes companies make when expanding internationallyHow startups and scale-ups can go global without breaking the bankWhat it takes to build a business that transcends bordersThis is a masterclass in global entrepreneurship from one of the best in the game.

In this powerhouse episode, I sit down with Doug Brown — CEO of CEO Sales Strategies and Vibitno — a sales legend who has generated over $1 billion in revenue and trained alongside icons like Tony Robbins. As the former Independent President of Training for Robbins, Doug has helped thousands of small to mid-sized businesses master the art of client acquisition and scale with precision.We dive deep into:Doug’s proven strategies to grow sales teams that actually performHow to build a repeatable and scalable client acquisition systemThe biggest mistakes founders make in sales (and how to fix them)Lessons from the front lines of billion-dollar sellingWhether you're a founder, sales leader, or entrepreneur looking to level up, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom you can put into action immediately.🎯 Listen in and get ready to scale like a CEO.

In this episode, we’re joined by Will Graylin — an innovator, technologist, and serial entrepreneur whose work has redefined the way we interact with payments, identity, and mobility.Will is the CEO and founder of OV Loop, a smart messaging and commerce platform built to give consumers a secure, frictionless way to connect with brands, make payments, and manage communications — all through a unified, privacy-first interface. We explore how OV Loop is building a new category of "Super Messaging" that merges voice, payments, and AI to empower both users and businesses.We also dive into indiGOtech, Will’s bold vision to reinvent transportation by building fully connected, software-defined electric vehicles from the ground up. indiGOtech is pioneering an open platform model for smart EVs, aiming to transform how vehicles interact with their drivers, each other, and the world around them — with AI, commerce, and secure identity at the core.Of course, Will is perhaps best known as the driving force behind Samsung Pay, where he led the global rollout of the mobile wallet after his company LoopPay was acquired by Samsung. We talk about the groundbreaking work his team did integrating MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technology, which brought mobile payments to millions of traditional payment terminals without the need for new hardware. It was a major leap toward mobile payment ubiquity — years ahead of its time.From founding multiple successful startups (including ROAM Data and WAY Systems) to advising Fortune 100 companies and shaping the next generation of fintech and mobility, Will’s career is a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and vision.

In this power-packed episode of The Willpower Podcast, we sit down with Pennsylvania-based real estate investor Michael Kearse, who has cracked the code on creative deal-making. Michael shares his unique strategy for finding off-market deals and how he’s leveraged seller financing to scale quickly—acquiring over 100 doors and raising more than $4 million in private capital along the way.Whether you’re a beginner trying to break into the market or a seasoned investor looking for innovative tactics, Michael’s approach to building wealth without relying on traditional bank loans will challenge and inspire you.Tune in to learn:How Michael sources deals that others overlookHis step-by-step process for structuring seller-financed dealsHow he builds trust and raises millions in private capitalThe mindset shifts that helped him scale rapidly🔥 This episode is a masterclass in creative financing and intentional hustle. Don’t miss it.

In this episode, we sit down with Luyen Chou, founder of DeweyLearn, a groundbreaking platform that’s reshaping education with AI. Luyen shares how his technology can analyze students’ facial expressions, voice tone, and speech patterns to gauge comprehension in real time—essentially giving educators superpowers to understand who’s getting it and who’s falling behind. We explore the promise, the privacy implications, and the future of learning in an AI-enhanced classroom. This is not just about smarter tech—it's about smarter teaching.

In this episode, I sit down with Maria Moore — a multi-award-winning author, first-generation American, and founder of Castleucci Napa Valley, a luxury wine and real estate brand rooted in excellence, legacy, and bold vision.Maria shares her inspiring journey of rising from humble beginnings to building a world-class brand that blends elegance, entrepreneurship, and impact. We talk about what it means to build generational wealth, create with intention, and stay grounded in purpose — even when breaking into high-end markets.🎙️ Highlights Include:How Maria turned her story into strengthThe vision behind Castleucci Napa ValleyNavigating the worlds of luxury branding and real estateWhy legacy and authenticity are her core valuesTips for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to break barriersThis is an empowering episode packed with vision, grit, and inspiration. Tune in now!#WomenInBusiness #LuxuryRealEstate #WineIndustry #WillPowerPodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Erik Weir — best-selling author of Who’s Eating Your Pie?, founder of WCM Global Wealth, and a powerhouse entrepreneur with investments in Topgolf, real estate, media, and film.We dive deep into Erik’s journey from a young investment broker battling a stutter to building a business empire. Erik shares his top strategies for goal-setting, strategic planning, and unlocking both personal and financial growth. If you’re serious about entrepreneurship, leadership, and living a life of purpose, you don’t want to miss this one!🎯 Topics We Cover:How to set goals that actually workStrategic planning secrets from a multi-industry entrepreneurBuilding wealth without losing your valuesOvercoming personal challenges and setbacksWhy faith and perseverance are non-negotiables👉 Tune in now and learn how to craft your own path to success!#Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #GoalSetting #WillPowerPodcast

In this week’s Q&A episode, we dive into one of the hottest topics shaking up the economy — Trump’s proposed tariffs and what they could mean for real estate, construction, and the broader financial markets.I break down:How tariffs on foreign goods could drive up real estate development costsThe ripple effects on housing affordability, investor strategy, and inflationWhy understanding economic policy is crucial for entrepreneurs and investorsWhether these tariffs open new doors or close them for small business ownersIf you're a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to stay ahead of the economic curve, this episode is for you. Let’s talk politics, policy, and how to profit smartly in the middle of it all.

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Segal, the visionary CEO of Capital Partners and author of The Heart of It: 10 Pillars of Impact Investing. Rick shares his incredible journey in the world of impact investing, shedding light on the principles that guide his work and how investors can make a meaningful difference in the world. From driving social change to generating financial returns, Rick dives into the core pillars that define successful impact investments. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how impact investing can transform industries, communities, and our collective future. Don't miss this inspiring episode with a leader who is paving the way for a more purposeful investment landscape.