Mission Matters Business Podcast with Adam Torres

As part of our official DealFlow Discovery Conference Interview Series, produced by Mission Matters, along with our partner DealFlow Events, we’re showcasing the innovative companies presenting at the upcoming DealFlow Discovery Conference (January 28-29, at the Borgata in Atlantic City) and the executives behind them. In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Kevin Lee, CEO of VariousVentures.com, about building businesses by solving real problems, the evolution from early SEO to today’s generative search era, and Kevin’s mission to deliver value through entrepreneurship and Giving Forward. About Kevin Lee Kevin Lee is a visionary marketer who merges creativity with strategic expertise. Kevin serves as the CEO of the eMarketing Association. He also spearheads Truth Nutrition, a customized fitness supplement brand that serves as a testing ground for novel marketing ideas, strategies, and technologies, particularly for ideas Kevin can’t get tested at Didit, a leading digital marketing firm Kevin founded. Kevin has helped hundreds of brands thrive through a comprehensive approach encompassing SEM, SEO, social media, advertising, PR, and tech-enhanced direct mail (increased response rates). This interview is part of our effort to help investors discover compelling companies ahead of the event — and to help CEOs introduce their story to the 1500+ conference attendees. Learn more about the event and presenting companies:https://dealflowdiscoveryconference.com/ Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ and ⁠Jeff Panik⁠, Managing Director at Balance Wealth Partners, about building a Financial Life Inventory Plan (FLIP), avoiding one-size-fits-all retirement advice, and preparing for risks like debt, healthcare costs, and sequence of returns risk before retiring. About ⁠Jeff Panik⁠ After 25 years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeff knows his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. In fact, Jeff founded Balance Wealth Partners with a simple goal in mind: to create tailored plans for intentional living. During his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets and work towards achieving their dreams. About ⁠Balance Wealth Partners⁠ Balance Wealth Partners offers wealth management designed to make life easier and more rewarding. The firm breaks retirement down step-by-step and helps clients take the uncertainty out of planning for the future. Now more than ever, Balance Wealth Partners believes individuals need experienced professionals who act in their best interest and help plan for both short-term and long-term goals. While many practices focus primarily on investments, insurance, and banking requirements, Balance Wealth Partners takes a broader, more comprehensive view of finances. The process begins with a personalized conversation covering retirement needs, essential expenses, lifestyle considerations, preparation for the unexpected, and legacy planning. Founded by Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CLTC, Balance Wealth Partners strives to empower successful people to envision their dreams, define their goals, and live intentionally toward their financial future. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Tracy Christopherson and Michelle Troseth, Co-Founders of MissingLogic, about polarity intelligence as a critical leadership capability. They discuss how leaders and teams can move beyond “either/or” thinking to manage ongoing tensions, strengthen culture, and drive sustainable results. About MissingLogic MissingLogic® is an innovative coaching and consulting company, bringing a unique blend of psychology and strategy aimed at transforming leadership. Led by Dr. Tracy Christopherson and Michelle Troseth, the company’s mission is to create healthy work cultures and reshape the very fabric of organizational behavior with their Polarity Intelligence™ model. Through their signature programs, they guide leaders and their teams towards a more engaged, conflict resilient workplace. Their insights have been featured on The TRU Leader Podcast which they host as well as CNBC, WGVU NPR PBS radio and numerous podcasts. They are the authors of Polarity Intelligence: The Missing Logic in Leadership (© 2024 by Morgan James Publishing). Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Andrew Frank, Founder and President of KARV, about strategic communications and stakeholder engagement across the Middle East and global markets. Andrew discusses how companies and governments can navigate geopolitical shifts, policy changes, and international expansion through clear, credible communication strategies. About Andrew Frank Andrew Frank is a seasoned expert in communications strategy, specializing in high-stakes situations including crisis management, public affairs, product recalls, and complex litigation. He is a sought after advisor to CEO’s and officials in foreign countries.  He founded KARV thirteen years ago, following a distinguished career as Managing Partner at Strategy XXI Group and Kreab. A political appointee in the Clinton Administration, Andrew served in key roles, including Communications Director for the US Information Agency, Deputy Spokesman for the UN World Conference on Human Rights, and media representative for the National Security Council during the Haiti crisis. He also played a pivotal role in media coordination during the 1994 GATT signing in Morocco and worked on numerous overseas presidential and vice-presidential trips. About KARV KARV, a global advisory & communications firm, was founded in 2012 to solve complex, daunting reputational challenges confronting companies and individuals. They specialize in communications campaigns and advisory services for CEOs and corporations, crisis communications, reputation management, litigation support, public affairs, and brand strategy. They work seamlessly across time zones and their clients trust us to provide forward-thinking holistic strategies. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Torres and Ibrahim Sagna, Executive Chairman at Silverbacks Holdings, about investing in high-growth African companies across tech, sports, entertainment, and media. Ibrahim shares Silverbacks’ founder-focused strategy, why global revenue and cross-border scale matter, and how diaspora demand is reshaping opportunity for African-led businesses worldwide. About Ibrahim Sagna Ibrahim Sagna is the Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm focused on tech, entertainment, and sports, with nine profitable exits since 2019.  Silverbacks' landmark investments include Uber backed Moove, Stripe backed Wave Mobile Money, Netflix movies producer Forever7 Entertainment, DAZN and Warner Bros Music Africa sponsored African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC), as well as the NBA Africa tournament participating basketball team, Cape Town Tigers.  He serves on several boards and hosts the "IN THE VALLEY" business podcast. His 30 year career includes high finance roles at IMF, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Rwanda Capital Markets Authority, Millennium and ECP.  He holds degrees from Boston College, INSEAD, LBS, and HBS. About Silverbacks Holdings Silverbacks Holdings backs dominant platform builders in underserved markets, primarily across Africa and its vicinity. The firm supports founders after product-market fit to sustain industry leadership, strengthen governance, and expand internationally. As a data-driven capital allocator, Silverbacks Holdings seeks alpha by investing in tech-enabled, export-oriented businesses across high-growth sectors including technology, entertainment, sports, and the creative economy—industries seen as key drivers of job creation and regional advancement. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Hayfa Sdiri, Chief Impact Officer at RIVET, about funding youth-led innovation through microgrants. Hayfa shares how RIVET partners with global brands to empower young people as co-architects of solutions across education, sustainability, health, inclusion, and poverty reduction. About Hayfa Sdiri Hayfa is an activist, entrepreneur, and community builder. She has served as a Youth & Innovation Programme Analyst to the United Nations for over four years, and founded Entr@crush, a platform for new entrepreneurs. A strong advocate for youth-led innovation in her home country of Tunisia, Hayfa was named as one of BBC’s 100 women of the year in 2019. About RIVET RIVET channels the collective economic power of young people to fund their work as social innovators. RIVET collaborates with brands on products and experiences that reach young people where they are. When consumers choose to shop, share, or join a RIVET-branded program, they trigger corporate donations from our brand partners that help fund their own generation's social impact ideas. Shop good, Do good. It’s that simple. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ and ⁠George Essex⁠, Senior Vice President at BRANDED, talk about building strong company culture while scaling U.S. operations. George shares lessons on leadership under pressure, hiring with values, and why consistent, human-led branding is essential for long-term success. About ⁠BRANDED⁠ BRANDED is a brand creation and implementation agency. The company invents and grows brands through bright ideas that are brilliantly executed, driving tangible efficiencies and meaningful change for its clients. Offering services across Brand Creation (Innovation / Strategy / Visual Identity), Brand Implementation (Packaging Design / Imagery / Artwork Production), and Brand Management (Technology / Brand Compliance / Sustainability), BRANDED provides an end-to-end offering that is truly connected. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As part of our official DealFlow Discovery Conference Interview Series, produced by Mission Matters, along with our partner DealFlow Events, we’re showcasing the innovative companies presenting at the upcoming DealFlow Discovery Conference (January 28-29, at the Borgata in Atlantic City) and the executives behind them. In this episode, Adam Torres interviews William Koppelmann, CEO of SPFX (Standard Premium Finance) about the mission behind insurance premium finance—helping policyholders access coverage they otherwise couldn’t afford—plus SPFX’s growth plans, the role premium finance plays during rising disaster-driven premiums, and what the company is looking to accomplish at the Deal Flow Discovery Conference. This interview is part of our effort to help investors discover compelling companies ahead of the event — and to help CEOs introduce their story to the 1500+ conference attendees. Learn more about the event and presenting companies:https://dealflowdiscoveryconference.com/ About William Koppelmann William Koppelmann is the Chairman and President of Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc., and is a co-founder and has been the president of Standard Premium Finance Management Corporation, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, since its inception in 1997. An entrepreneur with more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance premium finance industry, he is proficient in receivables management, capital-raising and debt restructuring. He currently oversees all aspects of the Company's operations in nine states throughout the Southeast, as well as in Texas, Ohio, Illinois and Arizona. About SPFX (Standard Premium Finance) Standard Premium Finance Management Corporation provides premium financing solutions for businesses and individuals. With over 200 years of combined industry experience, the team is uniquely positioned to support and advise partners, agents, and clients on all aspects of premium financing. As an industry leader, the company facilitates over $140 million in annual loan originations, offering loan options ranging from $500 to more than $500,000. Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: SPFX) is an industry-specific holding company pursuing merger and acquisition opportunities of synergistic businesses to take advantage of economies of scale within the specialty finance sector. To date, SPFX companies have provided financing solutions totaling approximately $1.5 billion to businesses and individuals to secure coverage for their property and casualty insurance policies. SPFX companies currently operate in more than thirty states across the United States. The organization continuously seeks roll-up opportunities in a historically consolidating industry while providing maximum value for its shareholders. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Jared Brewer⁠, Writer at ⁠FYM Films⁠, about their AFM experience and the upcoming film Fuck You Money. Jared explains how the story—based on real-world fixer experiences—evolved into a dark comedy satire with a unique perspective on wealth, power, and the people who keep that world running. This interview is part of our AFM 2025 Series. Big thank you to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠American Film Market⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ! Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ and ⁠John Gronen⁠, CFO at Yooz, about the evolving CFO role and how AP automation supports lean finance operations. John explains how Yooz streamlines invoice intake, approvals, and payments while improving visibility and helping teams reduce manual errors and fraud risk. About ⁠Yooz⁠ Yooz provides the smartest AI-powered AP automation solution for the most ambitious companies on the planet. It powers a unique, lean model of financial operations that delivers end-to-end transparency over all your processes. This helps eliminate waste, realize total control, and achieve unmatched savings, speed, and security for more than 7,000 customers and 600,000 users worldwide – and all with affordable zero-risk subscriptions. Yooz’s unique solution leverages industry-leading proprietary AI and RPA technologies to deliver unmatched AP automation, fraud protection, traceability, and end-to-end customizable features. It integrates seamlessly with more than 250 financial systems, exceeding any other solution on the market. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices