Max Kantelia is Shaping the Future of Web3 with Zilliqa Group: A Journey from Engineer to Blockchain Pioneer | S2 Ep. 147

In this episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins welcomes Tim Shea and Ez Blaine, the visionary co-founders of Super Vision Studio. Together, they explore the transformative role of AI in reimagining brand creation and innovation, with a focus on luxury streetwear and beyond.Key Highlights:Super Vision Studio’s Mission: Tim and Ez discuss how their AI-driven venture studio is co-creating brands that push the boundaries of what was once possible, delivering new consumer experiences that redefine industries.Luxury Streetwear Meets AI: The duo shares the story behind their groundbreaking product—AI co-created sunglasses under the brand NeuThrone. These sunglasses feature "deepfake camouflage," designed to protect wearers from facial recognition systems, showcasing how AI intersects with fashion and privacy.AI as a Creative Partner: Ez reflects on AI as a tool for amplifying creativity, challenging traditional notions of art and design, and empowering creators to think and work in entirely new ways.The Power of Venture Studios: Tim explains their approach to using AI-driven insights to incubate and launch brands, creating a model that is agile, scalable, and future-focused.Expanding Horizons: From retail to technology, Tim and Ez reveal their plans to disrupt multiple industries, leveraging AI to create products and brands that stand out in a crowded market.Takeaways:AI is not a replacement for creativity—it’s a catalyst for innovation.Personalization and customization will shape the future of consumer products, with AI enabling unique, tailored experiences.The possibilities for AI-driven brand creation are endless, opening doors for creators around the world to innovate with fewer barriers.Connect with Super Vision Studio:Website: supervision.studioExplore their AI-powered sunglasses: NeuThrone.comAbout the Guests:Tim Shea and Ez Blaine, the co-founders of Super Vision Studio, bring years of entrepreneurial and creative expertise to their mission of redefining branding and consumer experiences through the power of AI.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on the future of creativity, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Charley Pavlosky dives into his extraordinary journey into the world of rare spirits, sharing how a chance experience in Jalisco, Mexico, inspired the creation of Aguadios Tequila. From exploring tequila's rich history to crafting some of the rarest and most exquisite spirits, Charley delivers a compelling story of passion and innovation.Key Topics Discussed:The Origins of Tequila: Charley’s discovery of a family-run Jalisco operation featuring rare organic blue Weber agave with exceptional sugar content.Crafting Perfection: How Aguadios Tequila is aged in 200-year-old Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, creating a spirit that blends tradition and rarity.Tequila as a Collector's Item: The growing trend of tequila as an appreciating asset, with limited-edition bottles becoming highly sought-after investments.Overcoming Industry Challenges: The hurdles of navigating legal and logistical processes across Mexico, the U.S., and Japan to bring a premium product to market.The Celebrity Influence: The role of high-profile celebrity tequilas in popularizing the spirit, while Aguadios focuses on authenticity and exclusivity.The Role of Humor: Charley’s background in comedy, working with legends like Robin Williams and Richard Pryor, and how humor has been a guiding force in overcoming challenges.Takeaways:Tequila is not just a drink; it’s a vessel for storytelling, tradition, and shared human experiences.Scarcity and authenticity make rare spirits like Aguadios Tequila truly remarkable.Perseverance, humor, and passion are essential to navigating challenges and achieving success.Connect with Charley Pavlosky:Trending Spirits Inc.AguadiosVisit these websites to explore Charley’s story, purchase limited-edition bottles, and inquire about private tastings or events.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Chris Cunningham, one of the original founding members of ClickUp—a powerhouse in project management software. Chris shares his insights on building engaging social media strategies for B2B SaaS companies, overcoming challenges, and crafting content that connects with audiences across platforms.Highlights:Chris’s Introduction to Social Media Marketing: Chris discusses the importance of focusing on creating content that resonates with people emotionally rather than simply pushing a product.The Rule of Three: Chris breaks down his golden rules for content: make people feel something, teach them something, and deliver clear and concise messaging.Testing and Iterating Content: Chris emphasizes the importance of testing content, analyzing results, and iterating based on performance.B2B on TikTok: Learn why Chris prioritizes TikTok and LinkedIn for ClickUp’s social media strategy and how he leverages short-form content for maximum reach.Overcoming Challenges: Chris shares his journey of pivoting from a failed app launch to building ClickUp and the perseverance it took to thrive in a competitive market.Key Takeaways:Avoid overproduced content; raw, authentic videos often outperform high-budget ones.Focus on hiring the right creators or hosts to drive your brand’s voice and engagement.Know your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) to ensure your content aligns with your target audience.Connect with Chris Cunningham:Email: [email protected] & TikTok: @CunninghamLinkedIn: Chris ClickUpJoin us for this inspiring and informative episode as Chris dives deep into the strategies that propelled ClickUp into the spotlight and shares actionable advice to help your business succeed in the ever-evolving world of social media.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this thought-provoking episode, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Kasim Aslam, founder of the world-renowned outsourcing agency Pareto Talent. Kasim shares his unconventional path in digital marketing, exploring the nuances of talent acquisition, the impact of AI, and the future of humanity in a tech-driven world. This episode uncovers the power of failure, the importance of luck in entrepreneurship, and Kasim's insights on data, digital transformation, and the value of relationships.Key Segments:Entry into Digital Marketing and the Power of FailureKasim describes his winding journey as a “multi-time failed entrepreneur” across various industries. After numerous attempts, he found his calling in digital marketing, a realm where he could build infrastructure without the pressure of business fulfillment. He candidly calls himself the “world’s greatest failure,” attributing his ultimate success to persistence and learning from each setback.The Impact of Luck and Perfect TimingKasim recounts his exit strategy from the Google Ads agency, where he received 50 unsolicited offers in one year, ultimately selling for a low eight-figure sum. He stresses that timing and luck played major roles in his success, a sentiment echoed by other successful entrepreneurs.Transition After the Exit: Reflecting and RechargingKasim shares advice for post-exit entrepreneurs: prioritize “cash at close” and avoid long-term commitments immediately. He spent a year traveling, reconnecting with family, and focusing on his health before deciding his next venture.Building Pareto Talent: The Art of People and PlacementKasim discusses his passion for people, crediting his agency's success to his ability to find and nurture talented individuals. At Pareto Talent, he helps high-end entrepreneurs by connecting them with skilled executive assistants from emerging nations, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties.The Simplicity of Data Analysis and Decision-MakingKnown for his talent in simplifying data trends, Kasim explains how observing macro trends instead of micro details allowed him to time his exit and avoid the pitfalls of the agency model as the industry shifted. He encourages entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and focus on clear, visible patterns in data.Navigating the Age of AI and Human CapitalWith AI advancing rapidly, Kasim emphasizes the importance of focusing on tasks AI cannot replace. He notes that as AI amplifies efficiency, it also amplifies mediocrity. Therefore, businesses need skilled, insightful people to harness AI effectively, making human capital even more crucial.Vision of the Future: Relationships with AI and Decline of Human InteractionKasim and Daniel discuss the potential future of human relationships, especially as AI becomes more integrated into daily life. Kasim shares his thoughts on emotional connections with AI, questioning whether relationships will remain interpersonal or shift to intrapersonal, with individuals projecting their own beliefs onto AI.Returning to Simplicity and Human ConnectionThey explore a hypothetical future where technology fulfills all utilitarian needs, allowing people to return to simpler forms of human connection. Kasim suggests that instead of increasing digital dependency, the advancement of AI might encourage humans to unplug and reconnect with each other on a more primal level.The Decline of the Need for Traditional Search and WorkKasim predicts that as work and job-related searches decline in relevance due to AI, we may see a societal shift away from technology dependency toward simpler lifestyles. He relates this to the evolving human desire for purpose and fulfillment beyond just work and productivity.Final Takeaway:"AI and automation aren’t the enemy; they’re the next frontier. Success in this new era will come from those who embrace both technology and the unparalleled value of human insight and creativity."Closing Remarks:Daniel and Kasim wrap up the episode with a promise to delve deeper into existential topics in future conversations. Kasim shares his website, ParetoTalent.com, for listeners interested in learning more about his current projects or contacting him directly. He also invites listeners to subscribe to his newsletter for updates on his upcoming book.Notable Quotes:“Every failure is a step forward if you’re willing to keep going.”“People aren’t just employees; they’re the core of any great company.”“The future of work isn’t just AI; it’s the balance of AI with human intuition and insight.”Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins welcomes Cecile George, co-founder of InCentre, a center dedicated to ancient mystery teachings and holistic healing. Cecile and her husband, Kodo, established InCentre to guide individuals seeking deep, lasting transformation. Cecile shares insights into these teachings and how they impact modern life.Topics Covered:Cecile explains how she and Kodo founded InCentre to share transformative teachings from the Hermetic lineage of King Solomon, combining ancient wisdom with modern self-growth practices. She discusses sacred geometry as a foundational blueprint of life, offering alignment and clarity for those seeking personal growth.Cecile describes the common transformations her clients experience, including greater life clarity, emotional release, enhanced vitality, and a deeper connection to their purpose. Emphasizing self-responsibility, Cecile encourages listeners to take ownership of their healing journey, empowering them to live in alignment with their beliefs and values.Quotes:“Sacred geometry is the fabric of life, helping us realign with our true selves.”“If you seek change and take responsibility, there is so much you can achieve.”Connect with InCenter:To learn more about InCentre and its offerings, visit incentrelondon.com for resources, contact forms, and more.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this insightful episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Marilyn Nagel, a seasoned leader in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and Co-Founder of Risequity. Marilyn shares her journey, the importance of diverse and inclusive workplaces, and her advocacy for effective communication in today’s rapidly evolving work environments.Key Discussion Points:Why Risequity?Marilyn explains the inspiration behind Risequity, which was founded to help companies foster diverse and inclusive work environments. She emphasizes that diversity goes beyond demographics—it includes varied ways of thinking and problem-solving, which leads to better decision-making.The Value of a Diverse WorkforceMarilyn and Daniel discuss how diverse teams outperform non-diverse ones due to their range of perspectives. Marilyn illustrates this with a compelling example: "If Lehman Brothers had been Lehman Brothers and Sisters, it might still be around." She advocates for diverse leadership as a pathway to more thoughtful and resilient companies.Addressing the Needs of a Multigenerational WorkforceMarilyn discusses how different generations view work-life balance and job satisfaction. As more younger employees seek fulfilling and flexible work environments, Risequity helps companies create workplaces where employees can thrive and grow in their roles without feeling the need to leave.Leveraging Employee StrengthsMarilyn emphasizes focusing on employees' strengths rather than weaknesses. She shares a powerful example from her time as Chief Diversity Officer at Cisco, where shifting an employee to a role better suited to their strengths transformed them into a top performer. She advocates using tools like StrengthsFinder to align roles with individual capabilities.The Rise of the Four-Day WorkweekMarilyn shares her support for the four-day workweek, stressing the need to eliminate unproductive meetings and unnecessary tasks. She argues that reducing work hours without overloading schedules can lead to a healthier work environment and promote innovation.Upcoming Webinar on Civility in the WorkplaceMarilyn highlights an upcoming webinar on "Civility in the Workplace in Turbulent Times," featuring communication expert Sherry Browning. Set for November 12th at noon PST, the webinar will cover strategies for navigating challenging conversations and building respectful workplaces—timely advice for an increasingly polarized world.Noteworthy Quotes:"Diversity is about more than demographics; it’s about embracing different ways of thinking to make better decisions.""Focus on what employees are good at, and let them shine. That’s how teams succeed.""If we want creativity and innovation, we need to avoid burnout and give people the space to recharge."Connect with Risequity and Register for the Webinar:Website: RisequityWebinar: "Civility in the Workplace in Turbulent Times" on November 12th at noon PST. Email or visit the Risequity website to register.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, host Daniel Robbins chats with Max Kantelia, the visionary founder of Zilliqa group, a pioneering force in blockchain, Web3, and emerging technologies. Max shares his journey from an engineer working on radar systems to a serial entrepreneur at the forefront of tech innovation.Key Topics Covered:The Spark of Entrepreneurship:Max's background is in engineering, and his early work was in radar technology.His desire to be his own boss and the early days of entrepreneurship when it wasn’t a popular path.Supportive Family:Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Max talks about how his father and grandfather influenced his path by pursuing pioneering ventures.The Rise of Blockchain and Web3:Max’s early passion for blockchain technology in 2014 and his foresight of Web3, before it was widely recognized.The discovery of scalability research at the National University of Singapore, inspired the foundation of Zilliqa as a Layer 1 blockchain.Building the Zilliqa group:Zilliqa group is composed of multiple entities: Zilliqa (the core blockchain layer), MetaMinds (a metaverse/spatial web business focused on luxury environments), and a gaming studio.Max discusses how these companies work synergistically to drive innovation and provide immersive experiences for users and brands.Transforming Industries with Blockchain:How the luxury industry and social gaming leverage Web3 technology for asset ownership and enhanced user experiences.The transition from Web1 (read), to Web2 (read and write), and now Web3 (read, write, own) and its implications for asset ownership.Interoperability and the Future of Blockchain:Max’s excitement about interoperability between blockchain platforms, including a partnership with the Cardano ecosystem.Predictions for blockchain’s future, where applications run on blockchain without users needing to know.Entrepreneurial Insights:Max shares the roller-coaster journey of introducing new technologies before they’re widely understood and how entrepreneurs jump on underutilized opportunities, such as increasing wallet usability in blockchain.Looking Forward:Max’s vision of a future where people of all ages use blockchain-driven applications seamlessly.The potential for blockchain costs to decrease significantly, promoting accessibility and scalability.How to Connect with Max:Reach out to Max via email at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn for more insights into Zilliqa group and its groundbreaking ventures.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this inspiring episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins interviews Peter Khoury, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Give Kindly. Peter shares his journey from a young dreamer at 13 to the head of R2B Group, valued at over $60 million. This episode delves into Peter's mission-driven approach to business and how Give Kindly aims to revolutionize charitable giving by empowering consumers to give back through everyday purchases.Key Discussion Points:Founding GiveKindly: Peter reflects on his long-standing desire to impact, which began in his teens. After years of building a successful business, he returned to Give Kindly with a renewed focus on purpose-driven work.The Founder’s Dilemma & Finding Purpose Beyond Profit: Daniel and Peter discuss many entrepreneurs' challenges—finding fulfillment beyond financial success. Peter highlights the importance of purpose and how service to others drives his happiness.Give Kindly's Mission: Give Kindly is designed to let charities focus on their mission while consumers support causes through purchases. By focusing on women’s clothing and accessories, Give Kindly allows customers to choose charities they want to support with a portion of each sale.Globalization and Expansion: Peter explains how the digital age enables companies to expand globally. With Give Kindly’s US launch set for November, Peter chose the US market for its strong community spirit and desire for impact.Entrepreneurial Challenges & Lessons Learned: Peter shares insights on overcoming hurdles in his journey with R2B Group and why persistence is crucial. His candid discussion highlights the ongoing challenges in business growth and maintaining focus on impact.Navigating the Nonprofit Sector: Peter discusses charities' complexities in generating revenue and how Give Kindly seeks to alleviate this burden. By leveraging profitable, revenue-generating businesses, he believes entrepreneurs can better support causes without the financial strain typical in nonprofit models.Noteworthy Quotes:"Success isn't just about money; it's about what we do beyond ourselves.""I believe it's a founder’s duty to create impact with the resources they’ve been given.""Entrepreneurship is like building the plane as you fly—it’s challenging, but worth every lesson."Launch Announcement:Give Kindly will officially launch in the US on November 4th, with an introductory offer of 40% off all items, allowing users to experience the platform fully. Customers can find GiveKindly at givekindly.com and on the Give Kindly app, available on Android and iOS.Connect with GiveKindly:Website: givekindly.comApp: Available on Android and iOS (search for "GiveKindly")Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special episode of Founder's Story, we celebrate the magic of music, heritage, and cinematic storytelling with three extraordinary guests: the legendary Andrea Bocelli, his talented son Matteo Bocelli, and the Grammy and Emmy-nominated director Sam Wrench. Guest host Nadja Atwal takes us behind the scenes of Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration. This breathtaking concert film honors Andrea’s 30-year career with an unforgettable three-day performance in the iconic Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany.Key Highlights:Andrea Bocelli’s Legacy: Andrea shares his reflections on his three-decade-long journey in music, his Italian heritage, and the inspirations that have shaped his career.Matteo Bocelli’s Perspective: Matteo, an emerging star and musician, talks about the honor and responsibility of carrying forward his family’s musical legacy while carving out his path.Sam Wrench on Filmmaking: Sam Wrench offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was crafted to capture the magic of Andrea’s music and the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany.Star-Studded Performances: The film features unforgettable duets with global stars such as Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, and Jon Batiste, and we discuss the impact of these collaborations.The episode also dives into the powerful emotions and stories that shaped this unique cinematic event, inviting fans to experience Bocelli's incredible legacy on the big screen. Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration premieres November 8 and promises to be a moving tribute to the universal language of music.Additional Resources:For more information on the film and how to experience this spectacular event, visit here.Don’t miss this must-listen episode for music lovers and fans of cinematic storytelling!Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this insightful episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Roei Samuel, the founder and CEO of Connectd, a platform transforming the startup and investor ecosystem by streamlining transparency, accountability, and access to expert networks. Roei shares his journey from the founding and successful exit of his first startup, RealSport, to launching Connected, which empowers startups and investors with real-time data insights and expert access to fuel growth. With a vision to build a frictionless experience for entrepreneurs, investors, and talent, Roei reveals his commitment to reshaping how startups navigate funding and growth in today’s fast-paced world.Key Discussion Points:The Genesis of Connected:After his previous company, RealSport, was acquired in 2018, Roei began advising and investing in startups. Observing recurring challenges around investor reporting and accessing talent networks, he noticed these two behaviors were strong indicators of a startup’s success.Connected was born to address these needs, using integrated technology to enable seamless investor reporting and talent discovery, allowing startups to build trust and accountability with investors while accessing the talent they need for growth.Connected’s Approach to Investor Reporting and Talent Discovery:Connected integrates directly with startups' financial and commerce systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Stripe) to gather real-time, transaction-level data, which then populates comprehensive investor reports.The platform uses this data to identify specific needs within the company (e.g., expertise in marketing for a scaling fintech), making it easy to connect with the right talent at the right time, thus creating a supportive ecosystem for startups.Why Transparency and Accountability Matter:Roei emphasizes that transparency is critical but sees accountability as the true driver of success for startups. By ensuring that investors receive regular updates, founders stay focused on key metrics and essential growth drivers, helping them avoid distractions and stay on track.This approach builds investor confidence and keeps startups consistently focused on performance.Expanding into the U.S. Market:Connected recently launched in Miami and plans to expand into New York City. Roei shares how the U.S. market, with its entrepreneurial mindset and openness to innovation, has been incredibly receptive to Connected’s mission. The platform has grown six to seven times faster in the U.S. than in the UK.Connected is building partnerships with local accelerators and incubators, offering startups in the U.S. a free year of platform access to establish a strong footing in the market.Roei’s Post-Exit Experience and Path to Connected:After selling RealSport, Roei went through a period of introspection, exploring different avenues like investing in startups and advising. The experience of letting go of his first company felt like an "identity death," a common post-exit challenge for many founders.This reflection led to the organic development of Connected, where Roei saw an opportunity to address fundamental needs in the startup ecosystem.Overcoming Challenges in Today’s Funding Climate:In the current UK market, funding has decreased significantly, with many businesses pivoting to launch in the U.S. for more reliable funding opportunities.Connected helps these companies navigate new markets, providing data and insights that guide startups to approach growth, funding, and talent acquisition more effectively, even amidst economic uncertainty.Leveraging Data for Customer Success:Connected is launching a new AI-driven feature that uses startup data to provide actionable recommendations tailored to each business’s needs and goals, such as reducing customer acquisition costs or enhancing customer lifespan.Roei shares how Connected is focused on leveraging data to improve customer outcomes, building a platform that evolves to meet the real-time needs of startups, investors, and talent.Key Takeaways:Focus on Accountability: Transparency is important, but accountability drives growth. Connected’s platform enables startups to build accountability with investors, improving their focus and performance.Partnerships for Expansion: Partnering with local ecosystems like accelerators and incubators has been crucial for Connected’s successful expansion into new markets.Leveraging Data for Precision: Using real-time data for investor reports and talent matching allows startups to identify growth areas and connect with experts to meet those specific needs.Connect with Roei Samuel and Connected:LinkedIn: Roei SamuelWebsite: Connectd.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Vanta: https://vanta.com/FOUNDERSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy