Founders' Forum

What can the world of acting teach us about running a business? Keith Scandone, co-founder and CEO of O3 World, never expected that his background in acting would shape his approach to entrepreneurship. In this episode, Keith shares how vulnerability, creativity, and resilience—skills honed in the performing arts—became the foundation for his success in the competitive digital consultancy space.We explore the challenges of standing out in a saturated market, the evolving role of AI in business strategy, and the importance of strong partnerships. Keith also discusses how company culture is shifting in a hybrid work environment and why fostering collaboration between businesses and clients is more critical than ever.Key Takeaways:The unexpected ways acting prepares you for leadership and business successHow to differentiate your company in a highly competitive industryThe impact of AI on business strategy and decision-makingWhy the right business partnerships can make or break your successStrategies for adapting company culture to a hybrid workforceKeith’s journey offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating growth, change, and the future of business. Whether you’re scaling your company, exploring AI innovations, or redefining your leadership approach, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.About Keith Scandone:Keith is the Co Founder and CEO of O3 World, a digital experience consultancy. O3 provides AI strategy + digital consulting, experience design and software development for enterprise organizations. In addition to overseeing O3's vision and strategy for the last 20 years, Keith also plays an active role in the community. He and his team have hosted several industry leading events, most notably, the 1682 Conference, which is an AI and Innovation Conference going on it's 3rd year this Fall in Philadelphia. Keith also serves as mentor for several owners and sits on the Compass Pro Bono non profit board in DC.Connect:Website o3world.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/keith-scandonelinkedin.com/company/o3-worldInstagram instagram.com/o3worldThis episode is brought to you by Join Talent; elevate your hiring capability. Go to jointalent.net to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can creativity change the future of a city? In this episode, we dive into the power of storytelling, branding, and resilience with Deborah Brandt, founder of Fig Industries. As a leader in creative marketing and a champion for small businesses, Deb shares how Fig has helped revitalize local economies by connecting communities, supporting entrepreneurs, and fostering meaningful collaboration.We explore how Fig Industries, a certified B Corporation, has navigated economic downturns and the pandemic while staying true to its mission. Deb also shares her vision for expanding Fig’s impact to cities nationwide and how creative leadership can transform businesses and communities alike.Key Takeaways:The role of creativity in problem-solving and business success.How Fig Industries fosters local economic growth and community engagement.The challenges and rewards of leading a mission-driven creative business.Why resilience and collaboration are essential for long-term impact.How ethical business practices and storytelling drive meaningful change.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone passionate about community impact, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about leadership, branding, and the future of small businesses.About Deborah Brandt:Deborah Brandt, owner of Fig Industries, has a passion for creative communication and an unwavering determination to help small businesses, which she considers the heartbeat of any community. A certified B Corporation, Fig Industries is a design and marketing studio specializing in branding and communications. Deborah also founded Fig magazine—a champion for small businesses and impactful organizations—currently franchised in 3 locations and poised to help many more cities grow and thrive. Connect:Website figindustries.comfigmagazine.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/company/fig-industriesInstagram instagram.com/figindustriesFacebook facebook.com/figindustriesThis episode is brought to you by Fig Industries; meaningful and strategic brand development. Go to figindustries.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What does it take to build a successful company in a competitive industry? In this episode, Daniel Dimitri, CEO of PharmaForce, shares his journey from Silicon Valley startups to leading a pioneering software company in the healthcare space. With experience at McKesson and Kaiser Permanente, Dan has navigated IPOs, corporate leadership, and the challenges of entrepreneurship—offering invaluable insights along the way.We discuss the realities of scaling a business, the lessons learned from startup culture versus corporate environments, and how to make strategic decisions in high-pressure situations. Dan also shares his perspective on leadership, the importance of company culture, and how Stoic philosophy has shaped his approach to business and life.Key Takeaways:The truth about startup IPOs—why success is built on adaptability, not a perfect plan.How Daniel transitioned from Silicon Valley to founding PharmaForce in the 340B pharmacy niche.The critical role of leadership and decision-making in scaling a business.How corporate politics differ from startup agility—and the lessons each can offer.The impact of workplace culture on long-term business success.Applying Stoic philosophy to leadership, decision-making, and personal growth.Daniel’s story is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders looking to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity. Tune in now for an insightful conversation on innovation, strategy, and leadership.About Daniel Dimitri:Daniel Dimitri is the Co-Founder and CEO of PharmaForce, bringing over 25 years of experience in the Healthcare IT industry. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in two startup IPOs in Silicon Valley and has held executive leadership positions at major corporations, including Kaiser Permanente and McKesson. With a deep understanding of both the startup landscape and large-scale healthcare enterprises, Daniel is dedicated to driving innovation and efficiency in the industry.Connect:Website thepharmaforce.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/company/pharmaforcellcInstagram instagram.com/thepharmaforceFacebook facebook.com/thepharmaforceX x.com/ThePharmaForceThis episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What happens when everything you’ve carefully planned falls apart? In this episode, co-hosts Marc Bernstein and Ang Onorato turn an unexpected guest cancellation into a powerful conversation on resilience, adaptability, and the lessons that emerge from life’s disruptions. Drawing from personal experiences—including a business lost to fire, navigating health challenges while running a business, and overcoming financial hardship—they explore how setbacks often pave the way for growth and transformation.In this episode, Marc and Ang discuss:The peaks and plummets of entrepreneurship and how to navigate themThe power of vulnerability in leadership and client relationshipsLessons from personal crises and how they shape business decisionsWhy you don’t need to be perfect—just 1% ahead to make an impactHow to embrace uncertainty and turn setbacks into stepping stonesWhether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or navigating personal challenges, this conversation is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about evolving.Tune in and join the conversation. And if you found this episode valuable, share it with someone who might need to hear it!This episode is brought to you by Heart + Paw, your pet’s wellness goes beyond veterinary care. Go to heartandpaw.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

How can design shape a more equitable and regenerative future? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dery, founder of Allelo Design, to explore the power of design research in tackling complex challenges. With a background in anthropology and a passion for understanding the interactions between people and their environment, Nicole has spent her career applying research-driven design to create meaningful change.We dive into the role of design research in policy, technology, and climate impact, as well as how Allelo’s collaborative approach prioritizes partnerships over competition. Nicole shares how her company builds a strong, people-first culture by actively involving team members in decision-making, evaluating impact, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.Key Takeaways:The connection between anthropology, design, and driving real-world changeHow design research informs problem-solving and innovation across industriesWhy partnership and collaboration are essential in the climate tech spaceHow Allelo Design fosters a strong, engaged company cultureThe role of intuition and self-awareness in leadership and decision-makingAt Allelo, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating tools that empower other businesses to make a lasting impact. Whether you're in design, entrepreneurship, or climate tech, this episode offers valuable insights into how thoughtful research and collaboration can shape the future.Tune in now to learn how design can be a catalyst for meaningful change.About Nicole Dery, MAA, PMP:Nicole Dery is a design strategist and founder of Allelo Design, a user experience and interaction design studio helping climate tech companies create digital products that drive positive impact. With over 17 years of experience leading human-centered research and design initiatives across Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and startups, she combines her training as an applied anthropologist with her passion for using design to tackle complex challenges like climate change.Connect:Website allelodesign.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nicole-derylinkedin.com/company/allelo-designInstagram instagram.com/shiftmakersclimateTikTok tiktok.com/@shiftmakersYouTube youtube.com/@ShiftMakersClimateThis episode is brought to you by Allelo Design; digital product design for ClimateTech. Go to allelodesign.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can what you eat impact the way you lead and grow a business? In this episode, we sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder of Soom Foods, to explore how mindful eating and strategic entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Amy shares her journey of bringing tahini—a nutrient-dense superfood—to the U.S. market and how it has become a kitchen staple for top chefs and health-conscious consumers alike.Beyond food, Amy dives into the challenges and triumphs of running a family business, balancing work-life dynamics, and scaling Soom Foods with inventory mastery, third-party logistics, and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How mindful eating can reduce inflammation and improve overall well-beingThe entrepreneurial journey behind Soom Foods and the rise of tahini in the U.S.Tips for managing a family-run business while maintaining healthy boundariesHow EOS fosters accountability and sustainable growth for small businessesThe key strategies behind Soom Foods’ expansion and inventory managementAmy also reflects on the power of a strong support system, sharing how she balances motherhood, leadership, and personal wellness. Whether you're a food lover, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Tune in now to discover how intentional choices—both in food and business—can lead to long-term success!About Amy Zitelman:Amy started Soom Foods with her two older sisters in 2013, with a mission to make tahini a more popular ingredient in the US Market. Soom has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, The New York Times and other media as they are the preferred tahini of top chefs like Michael Solomonov of Zahav Restaurant. Amy is the author of The Tahini Table cookbook and lives in Penn Valley with her husband and three sons.Connect:Website soomfoods.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/amy-zitelman-07973b2blinkedin.com/company/soom-foodsInstagram instagram.com/soomfoodsFacebook facebook.com/SoomFoodsThis episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What if setbacks weren’t roadblocks—but the key to innovation?In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of Chris Patino, the forward-thinking CEO of Powered by PMC. From overcoming challenges to pioneering a new approach in property care, Chris shares how resilience, adaptability, and technology are reshaping the industry. We also explore the mindset shift that allows entrepreneurs to turn obstacles into opportunities and build sustainable, community-driven businesses.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to embrace a ‘reset mindset’ and transform challenges into stepping stonesThe evolution of property care—and how Chris is revolutionizing the industryLessons from Chris’s entrepreneurial journey, from family values to industry disruptionWhy adaptability and perseverance are key to long-term business successHow to build a business with integrity, transparency, and purposeChris also reflects on his family’s legacy of resilience, sharing how his grandfather’s bold move from Mexico to the U.S. shaped his entrepreneurial drive. Plus, we discuss the importance of long-term vision, the strengths needed to sustain success, and why cherishing time with loved ones is essential.🎧 Tune in now for a powerful conversation on overcoming setbacks, embracing innovation, and building a values-driven business.About Chris Patino:Chris Patino is an innovative disruptor, CEO and visionary behind PoweredbyPMC, a platform that redefines the connection between homeowners and service providers. With a commitment to enhancing marketplace efficiency, Chris is dedicated to creating streamlined solutions that empower clients and providers alike through technology and exceptional service. His work reflects a deep passion for transforming the property care industry with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and community impact.Connect:Website poweredbypmc.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/christopher-patino-435075277Instagram instagram.com/poweredbypmcFacebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091424411055 TikTok tiktok.com/@primemgmtcontractingThis episode is brought to you by PoweredbyPMC; simplify your office maintenance and repairs. Go to poweredbypmc.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

💡 What does it really mean to be a disruptor in business? It’s not just about breaking the rules—it’s about strategic innovation that transforms an industry. In this episode, we sit down with Katrina Hutchinson O’Neill, CEO and founder of Join Talent, to uncover how she’s revolutionizing talent acquisition and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.From being named Startup Entrepreneur of the Year to scaling one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies, Katrina’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and innovation. Along the way, we explore the power of mentorship, the role of financial risk in entrepreneurship, and why values-driven businesses thrive.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to disrupt an industry without just rebelling for the sake of it ✔️ Lessons from launching a business at 40—without an entrepreneurial background ✔️ The financial sacrifices and challenges of self-funding a startup ✔️ Why mentorship and unexpected inspiration are game-changers for growth ✔️ The importance of gender diversity, leadership culture, and values-driven decisionsKatrina also shares how staying privately owned has given her the freedom to build a company that aligns with her values—plus, we geek out over our shared love for dystopian fiction.🎧 Tune in now for an inspiring conversation on disrupting the status quo and thriving as an entrepreneur!About Katrina Hutchinson-O’Neill:I always say that I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was 40 – and that’s when I left the corporate rat race behind and started my business.Today, I am guided by three core driving goals: to secure long term financial stability for my family, to empower my team to achieve their own success, and to build a respected and valued international brand.Join Talent's success is a testament to the dedication of the exceptional team who surround me and those same goals and associated values we all share.Connect:Website jointalent.netLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/recruit2linkedin.com/company/jointalentukInstagram instagram.com/jointalent_This episode is brought to you by Join Talent; elevate your hiring capability. Go to jointalent.net to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What if failure was just a stepping stone to success? In this episode, we explore how setbacks can fuel growth with real estate veteran Jim Remley and co-host Chris Patino. Jim shares his inspiring journey from college dropout to leading one of Oregon’s largest real estate firms—revealing how mentorship, resilience, and strategic focus accelerated his success.We dive into the power of niching down and how defining a unique value proposition can give you a competitive edge in real estate and financial services. Jim also breaks down relationship-based business strategies, the importance of leveraging your sphere of influence, and why focusing on long-term client value outperforms short-term wins.Beyond sales tactics, Jim shares his evolution from hands-on real estate management to scalable coaching models—showing how entrepreneurs can transition from trading time for money to building sustainable, passion-aligned businesses. Whether you're a real estate professional or an entrepreneur looking to scale, this episode delivers actionable insights to fast-track your growth.About Jim Remley ALHS, ABR:Jim is a 35 year real estate veteran, who has been listed in the top 1% of REALTORS nationwide. In addition he has led one of the largest real estate firms in Oregon, closing an impressive 3000 transactions annually, with a sales volume exceeding 1.4 billion dollars.Connect:Website erealestatecoach.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jim-remleyInstagram instagram.com/erealestatecoachFacebook facebook.com/eRealEstateCoachTikTok tiktok.com/@erealestatecoachYouTube youtube.com/@eRealEstateCoachThis episode is brought to you by Heart + Paw, your pet’s wellness goes beyond veterinary care. Go to heartandpaw.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can you truly balance the chaos of entrepreneurship with the joyful madness of the holiday season? Join us as we unpack this challenge with our guests Jess Hallahan and Janet Bernstein, who share their ingenious tips for maintaining sanity during the festive rush. From strategic advice on pacing tasks to the delightful suggestion of dancing stress away to holiday tunes, you'll find yourself equipped with new tools for juggling multiple roles. Adding depth to our conversation, Janet, a stellar professional organizer from England, takes us on her inspiring journey from Scarborough to leading Philadelphia's largest organizing team. Her story of transitioning from a dreamer inspired by her father's toy store to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to growth, grit, and holiday cheer.Dive into the heart of entrepreneurship as we explore building a business from the ground up, highlighted by Janet's transformative shift from hands-on organizing to scaling her operations through delegation and systems. Learn how embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and focusing on personal strengths can catapult a solo endeavor into a thriving team effort. Our discussion underscores the importance of strategic planning and nurturing talent, illustrating how even the most daunting tasks can become manageable with the right approach and vision.Finally, let's wander into the world of goal setting and global living. Janet enlightens us with her philosophy of tackling one major goal per year, making the overwhelming feel achievable. We share personal anecdotes of planning to escape the February blues by working remotely from different countries, starting with Lisbon. The conversation wraps up with insights on enriching company culture, emphasizing compassion and creativity.About Janet Bernstein, CPO(R):British born Janet Bernstein is the owner of The Organizing Professionals, greater Philadelphia's largest team of professional organizers and move managers. They are three time winners of Philadelphia Magazine's 'Best of Philly' and have been voted 'Best Professionals Organizers' for the last six years by Main Line Today magazine. Bernstein (not Marc!) graduated from The University of Pennsylvania, has lived in five countries on three continents and speaks English, French and rusty Russian!Connect:theorganizingprofessionals.com instagram.com/theorganizingprofessionals linkedin.com/in/janet-bernstein-cpo®-5269a518youtube.com/@theorganizingprofessionals816This episode is brought to you by The Organizing Professionals; your life transformed through our passion for organization. Go to theorganizingprofessionals.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.