Strap on your Boots

 In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Alternative Capital Architect Anthony DeBenedictis, Managing Partner at Avanza Capital Holdings, about how entrepreneurs can access and leverage private credit to fund and scale their businesses. Anthony explains how non-traditional capital sources can outperform traditional loans or equity funding, offering more flexibility, liquidity, and control. We discuss how to structure deals, manage risk, and build trust with private lenders, while avoiding the financial pitfalls that can cripple growing companies. If you’re ready to raise smart money and use it to grow sustainably, this episode will show you how. 

In this episode of Future Tech, I speak with former NASA Flight Director and Johnson Space Center Associate Director Milt Heflin about the real engine behind space exploration — the thousands of engineers, contractors, and problem-solvers working behind the scenes. From Apollo recovery missions to the historic Hubble Space Telescope repair, Milt shares what it was like leading teams responsible for some of NASA’s most complex missions. We discuss how teams prepare for the unknown, how mission control solves problems in real time, and why trust, preparation, and teamwork were the true secrets behind NASA’s greatest successes. This episode is a masterclass in leadership and execution from one of the people who helped guide humanity’s most ambitious missions. 

In this episode of Zero to CEO, business coach Edward Francis unpacks the deeper skills entrepreneurs need to lead with clarity, adapt under pressure, and grow sustainably. From cultivating authenticity and mindfulness to harnessing neuroplasticity and equanimity, Edward shares how founders can strengthen both mindset and execution. If you want to train your brain like a muscle and turn stress into strategy, this episode is your blueprint for resilient, purpose-driven leadership.

In this episode of Zero to CEO, entrepreneur and author Christopher Volk reveals why the key to wealth isn't just a high salary — it's ownership. Learn how becoming business rich by holding equity in the company you build or work for can dramatically increase your chances of becoming a multimillionaire. Christopher breaks down shareholder return hurdles, the five return components of wealth-building businesses, and the financial framework that sets high-growth companies apart. Whether you're a founder or an ambitious team member, this episode delivers a roadmap to financial freedom through ownership.

Dr. Lawrence Kuznetz was on console during Apollo 11, helped build Space Shuttle Columbia, managed human life sciences experiments aboard the International Space Station, and is now developing next generation spacesuit technology for Mars. In this episode of Future Tech, we explore what it was like inside Mission Control during the moon landing, the technical and cultural challenges of building the Space Shuttle, the hard lessons learned from NASA’s triumphs and tragedies, and what it will truly take for humans to survive on Mars. Dr. Kuznetz shares insights on risk tolerance, Cold War urgency, reusable spacecraft, human physiology in space, and why innovation in life support systems may determine humanity’s future beyond Earth.Dr. Kuznetz is also featured in the upcoming documentary Before the Moon.

In this powerful episode of Zero to CEO, Rahman Popal, founder of the Law Firm for Tenant Rights, dives deep into the journey of building a social justice-centered legal practice. Learn how Rahman champions tenant rights, serves underserved communities, and maintains profitability while leading with purpose. Discover the challenges of growing a mission-driven firm, strategies for community trust-building, and practical advice for entrepreneurs and advocates who want to lead with impact. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with real-world insights for change-makers.

In this episode of Future Tech, I sit down with Blue Origin space explorer Jason Stansell, crew member of Mission NS-37, to break down what spaceflight really teaches you about preparation, risk, teamwork, and perspective. Jason shares what it’s like training for space, flying above Earth, and returning with a completely different view of fear, execution, and community. We talk about why spaceflight is not about thrill-seeking, how extreme preparation mirrors entrepreneurship, and what founders can learn from operating in environments where mistakes are not an option. This conversation goes far beyond space — it’s about discipline, humility, and building something bigger than yourself.Jason is a featured speaker in the upcoming NASA documentary Before the Moon.

Rediscover the power of authentic connection in this episode of Zero to CEO with Tim Townsend. With 30+ years in leadership and wealth management, Tim shares how putting people first isn’t just the right thing — it’s a winning business strategy. Learn how to balance tech with human service, build standout client experiences, and lead with empathy in a world full of automation. If you’re tired of “your call is important to us,” this is your reset button.

Unlock real ROI with predictive AI in this episode of Future Tech featuring Pecan AI CEO Zohar Bronfman. While GenAI dominates headlines, Zohar breaks down how predictive models are quietly transforming decision-making and operations across industries. From data democratization to actionable use cases, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to use AI to solve real business problems — not just chase trends.

In this episode of Future Tech, NASA Astronaut Jerry Ross reflects on a lifetime spent inside America’s space program — from engineering classrooms to seven missions aboard the Space Shuttle. Ross shares what it really took to prepare humans for space: relentless training, systems thinking, and the quiet work of thousands of people who never wore flight suits. From EVA tool design and ISS assembly to ground teams solving problems in real time, this conversation reveals how human spaceflight has always depended on preparation, redundancy, and trust.Jerry is the narrator of the upcoming documentary Before the Moon, which tells the story of how we learned to survive flight before leaving Earth — and Jerry Ross reminds us that space was never conquered by individuals, but by teams.