The Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan

✅ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → http://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial ✅ Prefer 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application → Already selling and want to scale? https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this episode, Aimee Smale, founder of Odd Muse, shares how she went from designing £10 logos to building a £24M self-funded fashion brand. She reveals: ✅ How she launched Odd Muse with just £12,000 and no investors ✅ The pre-order strategy she used to scale profitably ✅ How she handled copycats like PrettyLittleThing ✅ The power of organic influencer marketing ✅ Her approach to community-driven brand building If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build a high-growth eCommerce brand, this interview is packed with insights on organic marketing, brand positioning, and scaling without outside funding. 📩 How We Can Help You Scale Your Business Faster 🔥 Want to learn directly from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders inside Foundr+? Start your $1 trial today → http://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial 💡 Prefer a custom roadmap and 1-on-1 coaching? → Starting from scratch? Apply here → https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application → Already have a store? Apply here → https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application 🔗 Connect With Nathan Chan 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nathanchan 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhchan/ 🔗 Connect With Aimee Smale & Odd Muse 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aimeesmalex 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-smale-330565134/ 🎯 Follow Foundr for More Business Growth Strategies 📺 YouTube → http://bit.ly/2uyvzdt 🌍 Website → http://www.foundr.com 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/foundr/ 📘 Facebook → http://www.facebook.com/foundr 🐦 Twitter → http://www.twitter.com/foundr 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundr/ 🎙️ Podcast → http://www.foundr.com/podcast

In this episode, Mike Smith, founder of Zero Co, shares how a backpacking trip around the world turned into a mission to solve the plastic waste crisis. Mike walks us through the early days of bootstrapping the business with his last $100K, moving back in with his parents, and how he raised over $750K through Australia's most successful Kickstarter campaign. He dives deep into the challenges of supply chain innovation, the power of radical transparency, and the tough decision to completely overhaul Zero Co’s business model after discovering flaws in its sustainability approach. Entrepreneurs will learn firsthand how to balance purpose with profitability, navigate manufacturing setbacks, and use community-driven marketing to build a loyal customer base. Listen to Nathan and Mike discuss: - The journey from an 18-month backpacking trip to launching Zero Co - Bootstrapping with $100K and leveraging crowdfunding to raise $750K - The importance of radical transparency in customer communication - Scaling a product-based business while staying sustainable - The challenges of manufacturing sustainable packaging and evolving the business model - How Zero Co is expanding internationally and into retail - And much more business and personal growth advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Cassey Ho, founder of POPFLEX and Blogilates, shares her journey from rock bottom to building two eight-figure brands. Discover how Cassey combined her passion for fitness and design to create unique products that solve real problems. She opens up about overcoming toxic environments, handling copycats, and the challenges of scaling while maintaining authenticity. Listen to how Taylor Swift’s unexpected endorsement of her signature skort skyrocketed demand and why community trust remains her greatest asset. Entrepreneurs will gain actionable insights on building brands, creating viral content, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Listen to Nathan and Cassey discuss: - How Cassey started Blogilates with a single YouTube video in 2009 and turned it into a fitness empire - The pivotal moment when Taylor Swift wore a POPFLEX skort, leading to 20,000 preorders - Cassey’s transparency about reaching rock bottom and how her husband’s encouragement led to a business turnaround - The importance of maintaining trust and authenticity with a loyal community - Practical advice on creating short-form viral videos that drive sales And much more business advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Caleb Marshall, founder of Tropeaka, opens up about his journey from battling chronic fatigue to building a global health brand. After discovering the life-changing benefits of quality nutrition, Caleb and his co-founder launched Tropeaka to make healthy living accessible and appealing. Caleb shares his insights on scaling a brand with no initial marketing budget, leveraging influencer marketing, and competing in a saturated wellness market. Listen to Nathan & Caleb discuss: - Caleb’s personal health journey and how it inspired Tropeaka - Leveraging influencer marketing in the early days to grow on a budget - Insights into product development and creating high-quality superfoods - Lessons in competing in a saturated health market with a unique brand identity - Strategies for customer retention and building a loyal community And much more entrepreneurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In 2014, Erin Deering gifted Triangl swimwear to relatively unknown legacy celebrities Hailey Bieber (Baldwin) and Bella Hadid. Their friend, Kendall Jenner, loved the products and reached out to Erin directly to get Triangl samples. Then Jenner posted on Instagram and tagged Triangl–that’s when everything went mad. But the success of Triangl didn’t come from just celebrity endorsements. It came from developing a product that looked and felt like nothing else before. In 2018, Erin exited the business, but that’s when she stepped back and learned more about who she is as an entrepreneur and person outside of the multi-million dollar brand she built. Listen to Nathan and Erin discuss: How Triangl started on a second date at the beach When their manufacturer stole their idea Why businesses undervalue word of mouth Their “one bikini sale a day” mindset Connecting with Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and the Kardashians Dealing with copycats and competitors How they stayed lean amongst extreme growth Her mental health challenges in coping with success Coaching and mentoring women in business And much more business and personal growth advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

We're diving back into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit my interview with Mitch Harper, founder of BigCommerce - as well as a long-time mentor and coach of mine who has been driving force behind Foundr’s success. In this episode, Mitch Harper takes us behind the scenes of his incredible entrepreneurial journey. From building software at the age of 12 to co-founding one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, Mitch shares the strategies and lessons that helped him scale BigCommerce from a bootstrapped startup to a billion-dollar company. He discusses the importance of mitigating risk in business, why he avoided venture capital for as long as possible, and how he cultivated a leadership style that allowed his team to thrive. Listeners will learn actionable insights into scaling a SaaS business, mastering e-commerce, and building a strong company culture. In this interview you will learn: - The journey of bootstrapping BigCommerce and raising $250 million - The importance of mitigating risk as an entrepreneur - Cultivating leadership skills and building a strong team - Navigating the challenges of scaling a SaaS business - The power of customer feedback in product development - Strategies for raising venture capital and working with investors Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Kendra Scott started her self-titled billion-dollar jewelry business out of failure. Her first business failed after 5 years, and she started selling handmade jewelry door-to-door as a side hustle. Now, Kendra Scott Jewelry is a billion-dollar business with 100 retail locations across the US. But success didn't come quickly. Through personal struggles, recessions, and rejections, Scott built a fashion business driven by an unforgettable customer experience. Listen to Nathan and Kendra discuss: - What she learned from her failed business - Fundraising and dealing with rejection - The best piece of business advice she still follows - Shifting her business model from wholesale to retail - The nightclub atmosphere of Kendra Scott stores - How philanthropy creates customer loyalty - How to weather the storm as a founder - Her new entrepreneurial memoir Born to Shine And much more founder advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In 2024, we had our most raw, insightful and relevant conversations with founders to date. To cap off the year, we've compiled their most impactful lessons, stories, and business advice into a final episode for 2024. In this exclusive episode, you'll gain valuable insights from: Eric pulls back the curtain on his wild partnership with Kanye West, from creative genius to unpredictable challenges at Adidas. Allison bets big on a last-minute Super Bowl ad for Poppy, skyrocketing brand recognition with a bold move that paid off​. Noah breaks down how taking action and validating ideas early separates successful entrepreneurs from those stuck in limbo​. Shay brings her brand to life through bold, immersive pop-up experiences, blurring the lines between retail and entertainment​. Alicia turns a trademark lawsuit into a blessing, rebranding her company as Range Beauty and making inclusivity her secret weapon​. Guy recounts a high-stakes encounter with Steve Jobs, revealing how brutal honesty and tough leadership shaped his career. Raquel and Adam uncover a shocking deception by a supplier, leading them to find the true mastermind behind their fragrance success. Ezra reveals the hard truth about entrepreneurship: failure is inevitable, but resilience and consistency are the keys to long-term success​. Will shares a lightbulb moment of serving hot dogs in a Michelin-star restaurant, redefining customer service with "unreasonable hospitality. And much more... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Codie Sanchez, founder of Contrarian Thinking, reveals how she built a media company that inspires millions to think differently about wealth. Codie shares her journey from journalist to investment executive and now entrepreneur, owning over 25 cash-flowing businesses. She dives into the strategies behind her acquisitions, the importance of owning "boring businesses," and how she turned Contrarian Thinking into a thriving community. Entrepreneurs will learn actionable insights about identifying opportunities, scaling unconventional business ideas, and creating wealth through innovative approaches. Listen to Nathan and Codie discuss: - Codie’s transition from corporate finance to entrepreneurship - The strategy of buying "boring businesses" and turning them into cash cows - How Contrarian Thinking became a platform for alternative financial education - Tips on identifying undervalued businesses and scaling them for profitability - The role of mindset and resilience in building financial freedom And much more business advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

By now, the story is legend. When Drew Houston boarded a bus from Boston to New York and discovered that he had—yet again—forgotten to bring his thumb drive, he was frustrated. So frustrated that he sat down and began writing the first lines of code of what would eventually become Dropbox. After over a decade of changing the way files are stored, synced, and shared, Houston is changing the way people work, once again. This time, to solve a problem that likely plagues every single knowledge worker today: our fragmented, overcomplicated workspaces. In this episode, you’ll learn more about Houston’s journey—from ideation to launch—with Dropbox Spaces, as well as the most important lessons he’s collected while building a multibillion-dollar company. Listen to Nathan and Drew discuss: The relatable experience that inspired Houston to come up with the idea for Dropbox Why Houston doesn’t believe there’s any “magic” involved in building a multibillion-dollar company The importance of decision making and learning continuously on the job How a conversation with a SpaceX engineer sparked the vision behind Dropbox Spaces Houston’s advice on “harvesting” versus “planting” when it comes to your business Why Houston is such a huge believer in intentionally designing your environment—at work and with your personal relationships Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Join us as we dive into the world of craft gin with Matt Jones, co-founder of Four Pillars Gin. Matt shares the origins of the brand, born from a passion for storytelling and a commitment to craft. Discover how Four Pillars has grown from a small distillery in the Yarra Valley to a globally recognized name in spirits. Learn about the early challenges, the decision to focus solely on gin, and the strategic moves that set the company apart, including their innovative crowdfunding approach and partnerships. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into building a brand with purpose, scaling without losing authenticity, and leveraging community to drive success. Listen to Nathan and Matt discuss: - The decision to focus exclusively on gin and its impact on branding - Leveraging crowdfunding to build a passionate community of early adopters - Strategies for maintaining authenticity while scaling a craft brand - Insights into brand storytelling and creating emotional connections with customers - The role of partnerships in scaling and navigating growth challenges Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In just nine years, Nik Mirkovic and Alex Tomic built their smile care brand into a category disruptor on track to earn over a billion in annual revenue by next year. Mirkovic and Tomic don’t want shortcuts, so they’ve remained bootstrapped since they started Hismile at ages 19 and 20. Hismile’s teeth-whitening kit has become an internet sensation, making the brand a favorite among influencers and celebrities. But the co-founders aren’t resting on success. They want to make Hismile a category champion and take on businesses with an extra century of experience. Listen to Nathan, Nik, and Alex discuss: Why living on the Gold Coast keeps them focused Growing up together and having a passion for competition Narrowing in on teeth whitening as a problem to solve Formulating their first product and its overnight success Bringing R&D in-house and shifting their business model Why character matters more than experience Taking on category giants like Colgate and Crest Why they have no plans to sell And much more product development advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Alicia Scott, founder of Range Beauty, shares her journey from fashion professional to beauty entrepreneur. Alicia reveals how her own skin struggles led to the creation of a brand focused on inclusivity and clean beauty. Discover how Alicia bootstrapped her business with just $150, overcame challenges like a cease-and-desist, and navigated pivotal moments such as appearing on Shark Tank and landing a deal with Emma Grede. Listen to Nathan and Alicia discuss: - Starting Range Beauty with minimal capital and scaling to a multi million-dollar brand - Alicia’s strategy for developing inclusive and clean beauty products - Navigating setbacks like trademark issues and rebranding - The impact of social media and influencer marketing in driving early sales - Insights into retail partnerships with Target and Sephora and the importance of accelerators And much more beauty brand advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Carl Daikeler, founder of Bodi, shares his journey from creating fitness infomercials to building a brand synonymous with home workouts. Carl reveals his path to success, from collaborating with fitness experts like Tony Horton to launching iconic programs like P90X and Insanity. He discusses the power of understanding consumer psychology, evolving with the digital age, and fostering a community of fitness enthusiasts. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into Carl’s approach to creating and marketing products that truly resonate, and the importance of resilience and adapting business models for long-term growth.. Listen to Nathan & Carl discuss: - How Carl’s initial struggles with fitness shaped his understanding of customer needs - The story behind the creation of P90X and its groundbreaking “muscle confusion” technique - Navigating challenges in a crowded fitness market and making bold business decisions - Insights on shifting from traditional media to digital platforms and subscription models - Carl’s take on the role of community in building long-term brand loyalty Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, takes us through his journey from a collegiate athlete struggling with overtraining to building one of the most advanced wearable brands in the world. Will shares how he identified gaps in health monitoring, developed early prototypes of WHOOP, and secured partnerships with sports icons like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. Listen to Nathan & Will discuss: - Will’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur and the origins of WHOOP - How WHOOP evolved from a research project to a leading wearable brand - The role of data and physiological metrics in enhancing health and performance - Insights into raising capital and securing partnerships with top athletes - Lessons on resilience, stress management, and maintaining founder well-being And much more entreprenurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Ruslan Kogan, founder and CEO of Kogan.com, dives into his journey from selling electronics out of his parents’ garage to building one of Australia’s most successful e-commerce brands. Ruslan shares key insights on identifying market gaps, the importance of customer focus, and how he scaled Kogan.com by challenging traditional retail norms. He also discusses the power of data-driven decision-making, his early struggles with capital, and the lessons learned from rapidly scaling a business. Listen to Nathan & Ruslan discuss: - The early days of Kogan.com and starting a business from scratch - Identifying market gaps and leveraging customer insights - The role of data in guiding business decisions and scaling - Strategies for building a customer-first brand in e-commerce - Lessons on resilience and navigating challenges as an entrepreneur - Strategic growth and Kogan.com’s approach to expanding product offerings And much more entreprenurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Adam Schwab, founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to creating one of the leading travel brands in the world. Adam reflects on the strategic decisions that helped him scale the business, including early challenges, pivotal business shifts, and successful acquisitions. He provides insights into how he built Luxury Escapes into a trusted brand known for premium travel experiences and shares advice on maintaining long-term growth in a competitive industry. Listen to Nathan and Adam discuss: - Adam’s journey from lawyer to entrepreneur - Critical pivots that led to Luxury Escapes’ success - Strategic acquisitions that helped scale the business - Navigating the travel industry during the Covid-19 crisis - Building a brand and maintaining customer loyalty in a competitive market - Key lessons on resilience and adapting to changes as an entrepreneur And much more business advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

We're diving back into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit my interview with Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix. It’s every entrepreneur’s dream: create a product that is so disruptive to an industry, that it forces a shift in how we do business. Be so good, that they can’t ignore you, and they have to completely reimagine the way they do things in order to compete with you. That’s what Netflix did. Randolph has been an entrepreneur for over 40 years before the word “entrepreneur” was even a thing. With an insight into the business game like no other, Randolph knows the importance of action and acceleration colliding with ideas. Listen in as Randolph reveals his journey, from failed business ideas and last-minute pivots, to being laughed at during a $50m pitch with Blockbuster. Find out why he believes that the most important step in having an idea is to start. Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Anthony Katz, founder of Hyperice, shares his incredible journey from being a high school teacher with a passion for sports to building a global recovery brand used by some of the world’s top athletes. Anthony talks about the inspiration behind Hyperice, his early struggles in product development, and the pivotal moment when Kobe Bryant agreed to test his product. He reveals how he leveraged athlete partnerships to build credibility for Hyperice and how the company’s innovations in recovery technology have set them apart in the industry. Listeners will gain insights into the power of networking, the importance of resilience, and the strategies Anthony used to build a nine-figure company from scratch. In this episode, listen to Anthony & Nathan discuss: - The inspiration and initial development of Hyperice products - Working with top athletes like Kobe Bryant and leveraging partnerships for growth - The challenges of building a hardware startup from scratch - The role of innovation in creating market-leading products - Strategies for building credibility and brand recognition in a competitive market - The importance of storytelling in building a successful brand - Many more valuable insights for entrepreneurs Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Matteo Franceschetti, founder and CEO of Eight Sleep, shares his incredible journey of transforming sleep into a science-backed, performance-enhancing tool. Matteo, a former athlete, speaks about the inspiration behind Eight Sleep and the importance of optimizing sleep for peak performance. He takes us through the product development journey, from the first iterations to the game-changing Pod, and discusses how the company achieved product-market fit by listening to customers. Matteo also dives into the challenges of building a hardware startup, the importance of team dynamics, and how Eight Sleep is expanding globally. Listen to Nathan and Matteo discuss: - The journey from athlete to sleep tech pioneer - The development of Eight Sleep’s Pod and its unique features - How customer feedback shaped product innovation - The challenges and rewards of scaling a hardware startup - Navigating the sleep tech industry and global expansion - The future of sleep technology and its impact on wellness and performance - Many more valuable insights for entrepreneurs Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

We're diving into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit our interview John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods. In this episode, John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods, shares the story of building one of the most recognized brands in the organic and natural food industry. From humble beginnings to being acquired by Amazon, John discusses the evolution of Whole Foods, the principles of conscious leadership that shaped its growth, and the challenges of leading a company through the COVID-19 crisis. He provides insights into how businesses can create value for all stakeholders, the importance of leading with purpose, and why love and integrity are essential in business. This episode is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs on how to build a brand that resonates with both customers and employees. In this interview you will learn: - The founding of Whole Foods and its rise in the natural foods industry - The principles of conscious capitalism and leadership - Leading during challenging times like the COVID-19 crisis - The importance of creating value for all stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers) - Integrating a company culture based on purpose and integrity - How Whole Foods thrived after its acquisition by Amazon Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Lindsay Shearer, founder of BrandRanx Media, takes us through her journey from running a holistic medical clinic to becoming an SEO powerhouse in the e-commerce world. Lindsay shares the story of how a chance encounter led her to help build the marketing strategy for Manscaped, sparking her passion for SEO. She discusses the importance of validating your product before diving into SEO, the best practices for on-page and off-page SEO, and how to maximize your SEO budget for long-term growth. Lindsay also reveals her approach to finding high-value keywords, the impact of AI on SEO, and the essential tools every e-commerce brand should be using. This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies for anyone looking to scale their e-commerce business through SEO. In this interview you will learn: - Lindsay’s journey from running a holistic medical clinic to leading an SEO agency - How she helped develop the marketing strategy for Manscaped - Best practices for on-page and off-page SEO, including specific tools and tactics - The importance of building credibility through link building and press releases - Insights into the future of SEO, including the role of AI and long-term strategies for e-commerce success - And many more SEO tips for Entrepreneurs Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Allison Ellsworth, founder of Poppi, takes us through her incredible journey from humble beginnings at farmers markets to achieving national recognition with her modern soda brand. Allison shares the challenges she faced in the early days, including the pivotal decision to appear on Shark Tank, where she secured a deal that helped propel Poppi to success. She discusses the strategic rebranding that transformed her business, the impact of her Super Bowl commercial, and how she’s built a brand that resonates deeply with consumers through authentic, community-first marketing. In this episode, you'll learn: - Allison’s journey from kitchen experiments to a successful Shark Tank pitch - The rebranding process that led to Poppi’s breakthrough - How a last-minute Super Bowl ad tripled Poppi's brand awareness overnight - Leveraging TikTok and social media to build a strong, engaged community - Key strategies for scaling a beverage brand in a competitive market - Allison’s advice for founders on navigating rapid growth and maintaining brand integrity - Many more valuable insights for entrepreneurs Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Sheena Zadeh-Daly, founder of Kosas, shares her journey from selling lipsticks from her home to building a clean beauty brand that’s taken the industry by storm. Sheena discusses the early challenges of launching Kosas, including her hands-on approach to everything from product development to shipping orders in the early days. She reveals the moment when Kosas was first recognized by Sephora and the strategy behind positioning her brand as a prestige color line. Sheena also talks about the importance of brand DNA, the power of obsession in business, and how she balances creativity with the demands of scaling a successful company. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a brand that resonates with consumers, the role of innovation in product development, and the importance of staying true to your vision. Listen to Nathan and Sheena discuss: - Starting and scaling a clean beauty brand from scratch - The importance of brand DNA in building a successful brand - Leveraging personal passion and creativity in product development - Navigating the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship - Strategies for positioning a brand in a competitive market - The role of strategic partnerships, including landing Kosas in Sephora - And much more beauty brand advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Hudson Leogrande, the founder of Purely White Deluxe and Comfrt, shares his remarkable journey from packing products in his mother's basement to building two multimillion-dollar brands. Hudson discusses the early struggles of launching Purely White Deluxe, including the challenges of marketing a teeth whitening product with no prior experience and the breakthrough moment when he discovered the untapped potential of Snapchat. He also dives into the creation of Comfrt, a brand born from his personal struggles with anxiety, and how he used the same influencer-driven strategy to scale the business rapidly. - Hudson’s journey from a basement startup to a global brand - The challenges and successes of launching Purely White Deluxe - How he leveraged Snapchat to build a strong customer base - The creation of Comfrt and its unique approach to alleviating anxiety through clothing - Hudson’s approach to influencer marketing and how it drove massive growth - Insights into scaling an e-commerce brand in today’s digital landscape - Many more valuable insights for entrepreneurs Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Today, we're diving into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit our interview with marketing guru and multiple New York Times bestselling author Seth Godin, who explains why you should focus less on doing what you're told and more on doing work that's worth doing. In order to take advantage of the unique opportunities afforded by our times, some rules just have to be broken. Some people just get it. They grasp the spirit of the times in ways that ordinary people don't. They understand the patterns and progression of history, and can interpret current events and trends with rare wisdom and insight. Seth Godin is one such person. You might say his knowledge about the world of business borders on the prophetic. You could also safely say Seth Goden is a man who sees the world not for what it is, but for what it could be. He's in the business of change: predicting it, implementing it, and watching it unfold. You've probably seen his TED talks, his books, his blog, his podcast; he's the one of those characters who are grounded, yet somehow still larger than life. For those late to the Godin party, he's a marketing guru, founder of Squidoo.com and world-renowned author of 17 business bestsellers including Linchpin, Unleashing the Ideavirus, Tribes, and Purple Cow. For a man who understands tribes, he has proved time and again that he can walk the talk, building, in the process, a legion of raving fans-people who thrive on his entertaining blend of business and sociology. In this interview you will learn: - How to know when to ship a project and when its ready to be released into the world - Why perfect doesn't exist - The best analogy we have ever heard for good marketing - Seth's failures - Why it's YOUR turn! - The importance of blogging every day - & So MUCH MORE! Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this interview, Rina Gocaj and Floriye Elmazi, the co-founders of SISTERWOULD, share their inspiring journey of creating a beauty brand that prioritizes inclusivity and purpose. From struggling with postpartum hair loss to discovering the need for better hair care solutions, Rina and Floriye explain how their personal experiences led to the creation of SISTERWOULD. They dive into the challenges of developing their innovative products, including the decision not to patent their tactile imprinting system to encourage industry-wide inclusivity. The duo also discusses their strategic pre-launch efforts, which included building a community and leveraging their backgrounds as influencers. In this episode, learn learn: - How to leverage personal experiences to create innovative products - The importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry - How to build a brand with purpose with a focus on community - Strategic pre-launch marketing and influencer collaborations - Overcoming challenges in product development and manufacturing - Tactics for building customer loyalty and driving repeat sales - And much more beauty brand advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Today, we're diving back into the Foundr Podcast archive to bring back a true highlight of an interview with Airbnb co-founder, Joe Gebbia. How do you raise capital for your startup? Well, if you ask the co-founder of Airbnb Joe Gebbia, he’ll tell you what worked for him: Cereal. That’s right, the company that started with a single air mattress and grew to a $100 billion empire was kept afloat by selling custom cereal boxes. It was bizarre but it worked. Gebbia muses in this episode of the Foundr podcast: “We made $20,000 in breakfast cereal, and we're able to basically pay off our credit card debt...The cereal, funnily enough, was how we were able to help keep the options open for us until eventually, the invitation came for Y Combinator.” In undoubtedly one of our most riveting episodes, Gebbia recounts his incredible journey from struggling to pay rent, to Airbnb’s first angel investor, to one of the biggest brands in the world and Gebbia’s incredible charity work. Gebbia is candid about how he overcame countless rejections and problems. Listen in as he shares specific advice for entrepreneurs looking to create the next industry disrupter: “You can see what’s hot. You can go after an emerging industry... Or you can solve a problem. Your own problem. Airbnb was our own problem. We had a rent check that we couldn’t pay. And it forced us to come up with a new way of making ends meet.” Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

In this episode, Cesar Carvalho, founder and CEO of Wellhub (formerly, Gympass), a corporate wellness platform that connects companies and their employees to top partners in fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness. Cesar shares his journey from consulting at McKinsey to founding a global corporate wellness platform. Cesar discusses the personal struggles that led him to prioritize well-being and the pivotal moment when he decided to create Wellhub. He reveals the challenges of building the business, including his decision to drop out of his MBA program to focus on the startup. Cesar also talks about the innovative strategies that helped Wellhub secure its first major client and scale to 15,000 corporate clients across 11 countries. In this episode, you'll learn: Leveraging personal challenges to fuel entrepreneurial success The importance of employee well-being and its impact on productivity Innovative strategies for securing major clients Building a scalable business model in a new market Practical advice for entrepreneurs on resilience and perseverance Creating a brand that resonates emotionally with customers And many more valuable entrepreneurial insights... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Alex Neist is the founder of Hostage Tape, a revolutionary product designed to improve sleep quality by promoting nasal breathing. A serial entrepreneur with a background in sports video analytics, Alex's journey includes overcoming personal and professional challenges to create a life-changing product. In this interview, Alex shares his compelling journey from the depths of personal and professional struggles to creating a product that has revolutionized sleep health. Alex opens up about his darkest moments, including the impact of his divorce and poor sleep on his life. He recounts the transformative experience of discovering nasal breathing through James Nestor's book "Breath," which led to the inception of Hostage Tape. Alex describes the early challenges of developing the product, the innovative marketing strategies that set Hostage Tape apart, and the crucial partnerships that helped propel the brand to success. He also shares an emotional story about how Hostage Tape played a key role in reconnecting with his wife and improving their relationship. In this episode, you'll learn: How to leverage personal challenges to fuel entrepreneurial success The science behind nasal breathing and its practical benefits Innovative marketing strategies that create a lasting impression Building strong influencer partnerships to enhance brand visibility Tactics for creating an emotionally resonant brand Practical steps for overcoming business setbacks and scaling growth And many more valuable entrepreneurial insights... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Raquel and Adam Bouris are the co-founders of Who Is Elijah, an independently owned fragrance house known for its unique scents and innovative marketing strategies. Starting from humble beginnings, they have built a successful business that has made a significant impact in the fragrance industry. In this interview, you’ll learn: How a chance encounter at Coachella inspired a $20M Perfume Brand Breaking into the fragrance industry - from their garage Overcoming significant challenges and setbacks Innovative marketing and influencer partnerships Importance of customer feedback and product development Their marketing strategies and the role of social media Advice and motivational insights for aspiring entrepreneurs And many more valuable entrepreneurial insights... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

DTC brands have had it hard. But AllBirds co-founder Tim Brown doesn’t care. For him, his business isn’t about labels, trends, or headlines—it’s about striving toward a mission that took seven years to develop. In this episode, Nathan Chan chats to Brown about what gave him the confidence to take on the uber-competitive shoe industry and how the brand plans to bounce back after a challenging year. In this interview, you’ll learn: How Brown’s sporting career helped him bring AllBirds to life The slow seven years burn of AllBirds as a side hustle How doubt can be an advantage in business Why Kiwi culture keeps Brown grounded The benefits of criticism Tackling the competitive shoewear industry Why celebrating the little wins leads to long-term success How Brown’s reacted to recent setbacks at AllBirds Why “DTC” doesn’t matter The best parts of entrepreneurship Why founders need to refresh their vision over time And much more founder and brand advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Today, we're going deep into the Foundr Podcast archive to bring back possibly one of my most memorable interviews with Tony Robbins, featured way back in episode 60 of the Foundr Podcast. Tony Robbins talks fast. Conversing with him is like riding Space Mountain: You get in, you hang on, and before you know it, it’s over and you’re left feeling bewildered, slightly euphoric, and wanting to smooth your hair. Robbins has become a household name as the man who popularized life coaching. Imagine your client list including Oprah, Princess Diana, and Bill Clinton—all before you hit your mid- 30s. He’s spoken to more than 50 million people in 100 countries. To call Tony Robbins just a self-help guru would be like calling Muhammad Ali just a boxer. It doesn’t quite cut it. He is a force of nature, an industry, and a global brand. His advice is still sought by the likes of professional athletes, CEOs, movie stars, rappers and world leaders. When Foundr interrupted Robbins’ schedule for an interview, he was 40 miles from the Arctic Circle, racing Lamborghinis across a frozen ice lake. As you do. “I was eaten up by my crazy schedule, going to 15 countries a year, so I decided, ‘I’m going to find a little time to play,’ and this was on my list. So it’s nice to be able to experience it.” It’s a fitting vacation. Robbins is best known for his high-intensity seminars. To say he’s bursting with enthusiasm is an understatement. It seems as though he’s sitting atop an erupting volcano of energy and optimism. His voice is booming, with its trademark rasp. He makes each point with the force of an artillery bombardment. In this interview you will learn: How to deduce your market to the metrics that matter The steps you need to take in order to be financially free Turning past pain into pure motivation and a hunger for success Tony's ethos in living for impact, and how the money will follow How to serve your client in the best possible way & more more! Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

I love a crazy story, and if you’re building a business, these stories will happen all the time. I’ve had a few myself, and it always makes me feel better when I hear from fellow founders who go through a wild experience and end up learning something. That’s why before we record every episode of the podcast, I always ask our guests to share crazy stories from their journeys. Today, you’re going to hear some of those stories. In this episode, you’ll learn from: Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist at Canva Daniel Winer, CEO and co-founder of Hexclad Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop! Suneera Madhani, founder and CEO of Stax Payments Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder, president, and COO of Cloudflare Jessica Rolph, co-founder of Lovevery and Happy Family Organics Cody Ko and Noel Miller, founders of TMG Studios Alight, it’s time to get crazy… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Ava Chandler-Matthews and Bec Jefferd spent their entire careers building an unfair advantage before starting Ultra Violette. The former product development colleagues at Mecca spent two and a half years creating their “skinscreen” formula before launching. In 2019, when they launched, the market was ready. In the first six months, they sold 40,000 units and disrupted the medicinal sunscreen category with their sexy and fun branding. Ultra Violette now sells its skincare-infused SPF products in 28 countries, and it recently raised $15M. In this episode, Nathan Chan chats with Chandler-Matthews and Jefferd about developing a regulated beauty product, standout branding advice, and knowing what good looks like. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why they spent two and a half years in the ideation phase How they accidentally overordered their first product batch The origins of their fictional marketing character “Vi” The marketing challenges around a regulated product Why having a global mindset is critical for beauty brands The pros and cons of owning your formula What you need to pitch mass retailers like Sephora or Mecca How to test formulations with real people Product development and formulation timing tips And much more beauty brand advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Listener favorite Gretta van Riel returns to the podcast to share the influencer strategies that helped her scale three million-dollar ecommerce brands. Van Riel chats with Nathan Chan about her early days with SkinnyMeTea and ecommerce milestones, including being featured on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” and winning Shopify’s “Build a Business” contest. Then, she reveals the strategies behind her influencer marketing agency, Hey Influencers, and offers practical advice for early-stage founders on using influencer marketing to scale effectively on a lean budget. In this episode, you’ll learn: What happened during the first 60 days of SkinnyMeTea To conduct a product-for-post campaign How to negotiate with influencers The tiered micro influencer approach To track conversions through personalized codes and cost-per-click How to do a return for gifting through Instagram Stories Van Riel’s definition of creator vs. influencer Why working with an influencer co-founder is the fastest way to grow The “3 Rs” of finding quality influencers Why Twitch is an influencer gold mine The importance of direct-to-camera selling Why post-purchase surveys help track influencer impact And more influencer marketing tips… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

When Kanye calls you on a Sunday night, you pick up. That was Eric Liedtke’s life for years as the head of global brands at Adidas, where he was instrumental in building the Yeezy brand and scaling the Adidas ecommerce platform to a multi-billion dollar business. After a 26-year corporate career, Liedtke gave it up and started from scratch as the CEO and co-founder of UNLESS Collective, a plant-based streetwear brand designed to leave zero plastic waste. Nathan Chan and Liedtke go deep into his war stories from Adidas, working with celebrity talent like Kanye, and why starting UNLESS was a humbling experience. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Liedtke climbed from a sweeper to a board member at Adidas The origins of Yeezy, its growth, and what went wrong That Adidas built Kanye a sample room in Calabasas What Kanye taught him about branding Why UNLESS partnered with skate, surf, and snow influencers The different skills between a corporate leader and an entrepreneur Why he thought starting a business would be easier Why Kanye almost bought UNLESS Why you always need to have a Plan B Supplying t-shirts for Robert Downey Jr. And much more product branding advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Nick Shackelford wants to get soccer moms buzzed. His brand, BRĒZ, targets consumers who want to relax without a hangover in the morning. The challenge is getting BRĒZ sold online to soccer moms when selling the product isn’t fully legal. Shackelford is a managing partner at Structured Social and is Foundr’s How to Run Facebook Ads course instructor. But in this episode, Nathan Chan talks to a different Nick–a partner of the THC beverage brand BRĒZ. He started the business in 2023 to show his clients that Facebook ads work. What happened next is truly extraordinary. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Shackelford started over with a THC beverage product How BRĒZ earned $2.8M in sales in the first 10 months Why BRĒZ came at the highest price point in the market Why did they target soccer moms trying to get a buzz About Shackelford’s sympathy for his advertising clients Competing against the massive alcohol market How Shackelford structures his ad campaigns The grey area around THC product advertising Why they spend $25K on ad per day And much more CBD and THC product advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

When Alex Elias started Qloo, “artificial intelligence” was a dirty word. A decade later, Qloo is a pioneer in AI. Qloo is an AI decision-making platform that helps corporate clients predict audience tastes and preferences. Elias says that we’re still in “the Napster era of AI” and that the hype will eventually become a subtle integration into our lives. In this episode, Elias shares about being an early adopter of AI and how he’s endured the hype to build a trusted business that Twitter once rejected. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why AI brings more problems for entrepreneurs to solve The advantages and disadvantages of being an early adopter When Qloo landed and lost Twitter as a client How not to lose your identity in your business How to develop long-term stamina as a founder Why Elias biked commuted in NYC for years How to use AI for your business beyond generative tools Why AI will become more subtle in the future And much more AI and founder mindset advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Shay Mitchell loves it when people approach her in public and ask about her luggage instead of a selfie. The multi-hyphenate founder never wanted her brand to be BÉIS by Shay Mitchell; she wanted her business to stand alone as a solution for customers. Mitchell is an actress, producer, entrepreneur, activist, mother, and author. She’s best known for her work on the hit show "Pretty Little Liars,” but has transitioned the Hollywood glitz for the boardroom blitz. Since 2017, she’s founded three companies: Amore & Vita Productions, BÉIS travel wear, and Onda canned sparkling tequila. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the name play a huge part in BÉIS development Mitchell’s philosophy of learning Why she’s still a consumer first About the lengthy sampling and design process for BÉIS How BÉIS turned negative publicity into a viral pop-up event Four ways to partner with talent for your business. How Drake became Onda’s first and best customer About Mitchell’s new upcoming travel show Thirst If she’s ever returning to YouTube And much more brand, business, and founder advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

Ezra Firestone’s businesses generated $70M in revenue last year, but he says he’s just “some guy.” He started his first ecommerce store in 2006, selling Marge Simpson wigs. Despite being a high school dropout with no experience or education, he was determined to make his business work. Two decades later, he’s invested and co-founded five successful businesses, including Smart Marketer, an ecom education platform that helps entrepreneurs run stores that generate over $20 million in yearly revenue. In this episode, Firestone leans on his decades of experience to outline the fundamentals of a revenue-generating ecom business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you don’t have to be “book smart” to be successful Firestone’s step-by-step sales funnel Why you need a basket-building product at the beginning The benefit of a merchandising strategy The three core aspects of business What conversion-based commerce means A TikTok Shop secret How he almost went broke selling 8,000 Marge Simpson wigs Why having fun helps you win in business And much more ecom strategies and advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

At 67, Guy Kawasaki is still evangelizing about products. After building a tech career at Apple under Steve Jobs, Kawasaki set out on a winding career path, including founding startups, giving viral Ted Talks, investing in unicorns like Canva, and writing 16 books. Eight years after his last podcast appearance, Nathan Chan catches up with Kawasaki to distill his decades of wisdom down to the essential functions of creating a painkiller product that people love. In this interview you’ll learn: The two key functions of entrepreneurs Why remarkable people have a growth mindset When Steve Jobs tricked Guy while working at Apple Getting mistaken for Jackie Chan What makes a mission-led a**hole worth working for How to create painkiller products for customers To build confidence in small successes Why failure is okay, but you should try and prevent it What is evangelism marketing and how to use it for business And much more founder advice and stories… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

A year after filming, Alicia Scott anxiously watched her appearance on Shark Tank surrounded by friends and family. Her pitch was first on the episode, and she nailed it by securing a deal from Emma Grede, the business mind behind Kardashian brands like SKIMS and Good American. Scott then pulled up her Shopify store. The numbers were shocking. In one weekend, she made six months' worth of revenue. Two years after the air date, Scott's built Range Beauty into a million-dollar ecommerce beauty brand that’s inclusive of all skin shades and types. In this episode, you'll learn: To start your business by social listening How Range Beauty 10x sales after Scott quit her job Why you should date your manufacturers What Shark Tank is like for an indie brand What it's like to have Emma Grede as a mentor and investor Why losing her first brand name was a blessing in disguise How to differentiate your brand in the beauty industry You need to love sharing your pitch Challenges as a Black founder in the beauty space To treat your audience like investors And much more beauty brand advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

When Gordon Ramsay follows your Instagram account, you take notice. That’s how Daniel Winer, co-founder of Hexclad, started his business relationship with the superstar TV chef, which has become a full-fledged partnership. Winer launched Hexclad in 2016 by maxing out credit cards and emptying his savings. Today, the $400 million business is a DTC darling in the cookware industry, endorsed by celebrities and Michelin star chefs. In this interview, you’ll learn: How Winer lost hundreds of thousands in his first business The hostile reaction he got from investors while pitching Hexclad Risking everything he had for Hexclad’s breakthrough How to deliver the right message for your business Why Costco was a cheat code for Hexclad How to make a compelling value proposition The steps to develop a unique product How he got Gordon Ramsay as a partner Advice on monetized relationships with celebrities And much more DTC business advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

If you want to build a website for your business that stands out, Avishai Abrahami believes that you need to care about what your customers are trying to do. Avishai is the CEO and co-founder of the website platform Wix. Founded in 2006, under Abrahami's leadership, Wix has grown to 254M users in 191 countries and 22 languages and went public in 2013 with a $800M valuation. In this episode, Chan and Abrahami break down the fundamentals of business websites and how AI speeds up development for founders with limited resources. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to bring your personal story into your website Why great products focus on what the customer wants Why Abrahami doesn’t think a 12-hour working day is difficult His takes on AI and what it looks like in five years Why he only makes four decisions a quarter How AI makes a first version website better Why founders need to be obsessed What makes a great website for founders And much more founder and web design advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

An investor told Joe Thomas and his co-founders that they could exit to Salesforce for millions if they made their video recording software for sales teams. Thomas and his co-founder said no. Instead, they built Loom into a globally used tool with five million users in 230+ countries. In November of 2023, Atlassian acquired Loom for $975 million. Learn how Thomas trusted his gut and made Loom a must-have for the digital workforce. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 8-year overnight success story of building Loom Loom’s key differentiator in the market How to not bury the lede of your product market fit Why early-stage founders need to maximize their learnings The value of a weekly Sunday dinner About making a product customers will like and pay for The product-led growth trap Why every 90 days are different as an entrepreneur How Thomas monetization Loom To create a max diff survey for product upselling Choosing the uncertain path And much more product development advice… Who do you want to see next on the podcast? Comment and let us know! And don't forget to leave us a 5-star review if you loved this episode. If you’re looking to start your own business, download our FREE 500 Winning Product Ideas Guide to kickstart your entrepreneurship dream. Speak with our friendly course experts to get clarity on the next steps for your idea, business or career. You will get tailored insights from results achieved by our proven practitioners as well as thousands of students. Book a call now... For more Foundr content, follow us on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine

How do you go from dead last to the No. 1 restaurant in the world? By channeling your anger. Listen to Nathan Chan and restaurateur-founder Will Guidara discuss the strategy behind making Eleven Madison Park into an icon and the stories that inspired the hit television show The Bear. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Guidara went from restaurateur to consultant founder Why he gamified everything for his team About the fueling power of anger Why coming in last changed everything for Guidara To invest in unscalable things The story that inspired an iconic TV scene Off-brand ideas will bring your customers joy Why hospitality is competition-proof About an online business with impeccable hospitality The value of spending time with your customers About the “one push-up” mentality And much more customer service advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. Who do you want to see next on the podcast? Comment and let us know! And don't forget to leave us a 5-star review if you loved this episode. Wait, there's more… If you enjoy the Foundr Podcast, check out our free trainings. Get exclusive, actionable advice from some of the world's best entrepreneurs. Speak with our friendly course experts to get clarity on the next steps for your idea, business or career. You will get tailored insights from results achieved by our proven practitioners as well as thousands of students. Book a call now... For more Foundr content, follow us on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Magazine

Email is still the highest converting and cheapest marketing channel for ecommerce. But how can you scale your program, protect against unsubs, and stay engaged with your audience? Ecommerce email marketer Chase Dimond returns to the podcast for a state of email marketing in 2024, including what AI tools are helping brands reach their audience efficiently. Dimond is an ecommerce email marketer and partner at Structured. Since launching in June 2018, Structured has helped clients send over a billion emails, resulting in over $150 million in email-attributable revenue. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why email accounts for up to half of ecommerce revenue 7 steps to set up your email marketing program Why email only converts if you have good leads coming through How frequently you should send emails Why a preference page will save unsubscribes Frequency vs variety Why you should allow people to self-select About AI email tools Dimond’s AI hacks for scaling content What is predictive analytics And more email marketing advice… Who do you want to see next on the podcast? Comment and let us know! And don't forget to leave us a 5-star review if you loved this episode. Wait, there's more… If you enjoy the Foundr podcast, check out our free trainings. Get exclusive, actionable advice from some of the world's best entrepreneurs. Speak with our friendly course experts to get clarity on the next steps for your idea, business or career. You will get tailored insights from results achieved by our proven practitioners as well as thousands of students. Book a call now... For more Foundr content, follow us on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Magazine

From the age of two, Justin Flom has performed magic tricks. But the trick he never expected to do was turn a performance career into a social entertainment empire. In 2020, the pandemic forced Flom to go all-in on the internet, and within three months, he hit six figures in revenue. In this episode, Flom reveals how he approaches his content creation, which has amassed 30 billion views on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Surprisingly, his success started by making himself disappear. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why Flom’s real job is a data analyst How to make swipe-feed algorithm content Why everything is about the opening shot What does “barrier to exit” mean for social Why Flom is the #2 creator on YouTube behind Mr. Beast Why anonymity is Flom’s strategy Views vs. reach TikTok’s secret creator test The importance of watch time percentage How he lost his TikTok account twice And much more short-form content strategy… Who do you want to see next on the podcast? Comment and let us know! And don't forget to leave us a 5-star review if you loved this episode. Wait, there's more… If you enjoy the Foundr podcast, check out our free trainings. Get exclusive, actionable advice from some of the world's best entrepreneurs. Speak with our friendly course experts to get clarity on the next steps for your idea, business or career. You will get tailored insights from results achieved by our proven practitioners as well as thousands of students. Book a call now... For more Foundr content, follow us on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Magazine

Including thank you cards in your packaging could hurt your business. Find out why from Hero Packaging’s Anaita Sarkar as she discusses the myths around sustainable and eco-friendly packaging with Nathan Chan. Plus, she’ll share advice from starting two companies from scratch, covering TikTok marketing, packaging, demand generation, and more. Sarkar is the CEO and co-founder of Hero Packaging, author of Sell Anything Online, and ecommerce advisor. In this episode, you’ll learn: Anaita’s backstory from accountant to eBay seller to founder About her book, Sell Anything Online Anaita’s sales formula Why TikTok is the best way to get brand awareness Her 15-minute TikTok creation strategy Why your bio link needs multiple pathways That you don’t need to show your face in content Why sustainable packaging is easier than it seems About the thank you card debate The importance of demand and cash flow How to not get overwhelmed with AI tools And much more small business advice… Who do you want to see next on the podcast? Comment and let us know! And don't forget to leave us a 5-star review if you loved this episode. Wait, there's more… If you enjoy the Foundr podcast, check out our free trainings. Get exclusive, actionable advice from some of the world's best entrepreneurs. Speak with our friendly course experts to get clarity on the next steps for your idea, business or career. You will get tailored insights from results achieved by our proven practitioners as well as thousands of students. Book a call now... For more Foundr content, follow us on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Magazine