Founders' Forum

Today we're transforming our approach to motivation and goal-setting with insights from Mel Robbins and our special co-host, Michael Martin, author of "The Self-Fulfilling Formula." We're also joined by Kevin Connor of Swirling Silks and Modern Strategic Branding + Communications. We discuss how cultivating habits rather than just chasing after motivation can lead to sustainable success, both personally and professionally. Learn how to maintain steady progress by balancing the act of setting goals with developing the right habits.Ever wondered how family dynamics influence entrepreneurship? Kevin reflects on his journey from finance to a flourishing career in marketing and media, sharing how those formative family dinner discussions on sales strategies became his training ground. We explore the unique balance of working with family, where intuition and complementary skills play a vital role. We also highlight the challenges of entrepreneurship, such as the initial eagerness to seize every opportunity, and the wisdom gained from learning to ask critical questions and surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.Prepare to be captivated by tales of resilience and networking from Cadillac dealerships of the past to the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The essence of genuine connections and knowing when to say no are key themes, offering insights into forming meaningful relationships. As we touch on hiring practices, we delve into assessing character over skills, inspired by the Carnegie Triangle study and the timeless wisdom of John Wooden. Discover the significance of character in building a vibrant company culture where attitude can often outweigh aptitude.About Kevin Connor:Kevin Connor has worked at the same company since May 16, 1988 and for past 25 years, has been an owner with his sister as business partner. Managing digital, print and creative services for their clients has presented them as poised, professional and profitable in their space. They’ve acquired 10 companies adding their clients to the roster, aiming to add #11 soon.Connect:Website modernsbc.com swirlingsilks.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kevinrconnor linkedin.com/company/2131648 Instagram instagram.com/swirlingsilksinc This episode is brought to you by TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company; the forefront of electric utility innovation. Go to tescometering.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.

Explore the fascinating intersection of character and entrepreneurship with our guest, Sean Dawes, co-founder of Modded Euros. Sean, a third-generation entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience from his family's diverse business ventures. Discover how his unique educational background in zoology and work in zoos and aquariums shaped his perspective on passion-driven careers and the financial realities they often entail. Throughout our conversation, Sean emphasizes the pivotal role character plays in business decisions, from handshake deals to hiring practices, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of integrity in the professional world.Sean's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of a strong team culture. He shares personal stories of overcoming significant challenges, from medical emergencies to the broader trials of entrepreneurship. Uncover the strategies Sean employed to build a company culture rooted in open communication and personal connections, fostering a supportive environment that thrives even in remote settings. Through his experiences, Sean illustrates how perseverance and a cohesive team can turn adversity into opportunities for growth and innovation.Looking ahead, Sean unveils his vision for blending personal and professional aspirations over the next decade. He candidly discusses his goals, including an eventual business acquisition, while highlighting the importance of character development for future generations. Sean's passion for self-education shines through as he talks about the impactful books that have guided him, such as Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" and Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." This episode invites listeners to consider the intricacies of the entrepreneurial journey and the continual pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.About Sean Dawes:Co-Founder of ModdedEuros.com, an automotive ecommerce retailer specializing in performance and replacement parts for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen applications. Prior to founding Modded Euros, Sean worked in Search Engine Marketing for Turn 5 Inc, Inc Top 500 Automotive Online Retailer which specialized in Ford Mustang and Truck markets.Connect:seandawes.comx.com/SeanDaweslinkedin.com/in/seandawesThis episode is brought to you by TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company; the forefront of electric utility innovation. Go to tescometering.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.

Discover the hidden power of sleep and its role in problem-solving and recovery as we share personal anecdotes alongside our guest, Dale Keshishian, and special co-host, Jessica Hallahan. Dale, the visionary CEO of HealthWorks Academies, recounts her unexpected journey from managing a medical practice to spearheading a nonprofit that revolutionizes STEM and healthcare opportunities for high school students. Jessica, a dedicated stress management health educator, unveils her platform 'Journey to Yourself,' offering insights into managing stress in our hectic lives. Amidst the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dale shares how HealthWorks Academies turned obstacles into stepping stones. With the help of a supportive women's executive breakfast group and an advisory board, they pivoted to virtual programs, expanding their reach and impact. Dale's story exemplifies the power of communication and community support in overcoming adversity, inspiring listeners with the potential of expanding educational access to millions of students.We wrap up our episode by exploring strategies to cope with stress, highlighting the therapeutic nature of DIY projects. From painting rooms to organizing cluttered spaces, we discuss how these activities not only alleviate stress but also provide a sense of accomplishment. Join us as we express gratitude to our guests for their invaluable insights and reflect on personal growth, autonomy, and the importance of a supportive community in personal and professional journeys.About Dale Keshishian:Dale is the Founder & CEO of HealthWorks Academies, a talent development pipeline program linking high school students with health science careers. At HealthWorks Academies, we believe that Social Determinants of Health are inextricably linked to Social Determinants of Education. We are committed to fostering students of all backgrounds to learn and engage in health science careers to develop a national workforce that reflects the populations we serve.Connect:bizjournals.com/philadelphia/morning_roundup/2015/08/a-looming-crisis-why-we-desperately-need-to.htmlhealthworksacademies.orglinkedin.com/in/dalekeshishianThis episode is brought to you by HealthWorks Academies; Transforming Healthcare Through Education and Talent Development. Go to HealthWorksAcademies.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.

Discover the journey of Dr. Brandi Baldwin, a former Wharton lecturer and founder of Millennial Ventures Holdings, as we explore her transformative insights on mental conditioning for success. Dr. Brandi opens up about her personal battle with the fear of singing publicly and how she used a faith-based music project to conquer this challenge. Alongside Dennis Gehman, a musician considering new artistic directions in retirement, we ponder the powerful influence of our thoughts and how they shape our perceptions and experiences.Embark on an enlightening exploration of spirituality and mental wellness. We unravel the profound impact of spiritual practices, from prayer and affirmations to scripture reading, on both mental and physical healing. Dr. Brandi shares her techniques for crafting personalized affirmations that build mental resilience, offering insights grounded in her extensive experience. We also delve into the universal quest for spiritual solace, highlighting how various religious perspectives contribute to personal well-being and resilience.Dive into Dr. Brandi's entrepreneurial journey, where cultural heritage and a resilient upbringing paved the way for her remarkable success. With roots in Jamaican entrepreneurship and the challenges of adulthood during a recession, she founded Millennial Ventures, revolutionizing professional and leadership development. The episode concludes with a focus on the need for resets in life and work, spotlighting Dr. Brandi's expertise in guiding individuals and organizations toward transformative change. Join us as we glean invaluable lessons from Dr. Baldwin, with a promise of more captivating conversations in future episodes.About Dr. Brandi Baldwin, PhD:Former Wharton Business Lecturer, 15 year Startup Founder and Entrepreneur, her work surrounds transforming professionals into future-ready leaders for the next era of work.Connect:millennialventures.colinkedin.com/in/thedoctorbrandiinstagram.com/thedoctorbrandiThis episode is brought to you by Verify Protect, Fast, Accurate, and Secure Background Checks. Go to VerifyProtect.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.

Prepare to master resilience in life and business with insights from Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find and CEO of Astute Social Media LLC. Chris shares transformative habits like cold showers, and discusses the pillars of personal growth, financial independence, and health that arm you against life's unexpected challenges. Discover how Chris's experiences as a lifelong learner have shaped his positive mindset and adaptability, providing valuable lessons for tackling adversity with confidence.Chris's entrepreneurial journey from the financial services industry to founding Astute Social Media in 2012 is nothing short of inspiring. He recounts the pivotal moment that led him to focus on recruitment solutions with Technician Find, emphasizing the power of mindset and the ability to provide value. Listen as Chris unpacks the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for identifying and solving client problems, and learn about the strategies that foster team cohesion and drive business success.In an enlightening segment for budding entrepreneurs, Chris draws from Dan Martell's "Buy Back Your Time," imparting wisdom on strategic hiring and team building. Reflecting on personal lessons learned from his mastermind group experience, Chris shares key insights: the importance of authenticity over likability, leveraging personal strengths, and constructing a supportive team. These lessons are essential for anyone aiming to grow both personally and professionally, making this episode a must-listen for future leaders.About Chris Lawson:Chris Lawson is a lifelong voracious learner, entrepreneur, mentor. Passionate about personal growth, financial independence, and health. Founder, Co-founder. Daily cold shower enthusiast. Transforming lives through applied wisdom.technicianfind.comlinkedin.com/in/christophertlawsonskool.com/technicianfind/aboutThis episode is brought to you by Kershner Office Furniture, Workplace Furniture Solutions.  Go to kershneroffice.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 if you could harness the power of resilience to build a successful business? Join us as we explore this with co-host, Jess Hallahan, and guest, Joe Arcangelo, two remarkable entrepreneurs who share their unique perspectives on navigating change and managing stress. Jess, the insightful mind behind Journey to Yourself, offers her wisdom on personal accountability and stress management amidst the mixed emotions of a recent presidential election. Meanwhile, Joe, co-founder of inSeption Group, takes us on a journey through his life, from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the clinical outsourcing industry, all built on a foundation of integrity and excellence.As we continue, Joe unveils the secrets behind inSeption Group's success, highlighting the company's unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence and personal accountability. We delve into his ambitious vision for the future and his determination to uphold the values that define his business, even in the face of expansion challenges. Joe's leadership style, characterized by passion, perseverance, and a focus on stakeholder needs, is a testament to the power of maintaining a strong company culture. His insights into recruitment emphasize the importance of character, showing how inSeption Group nurtures both client satisfaction and employee engagement.We then touch on the personal strategies that keep Joe grounded and balanced in his demanding role. From his love for reading influential books to finding solace in music, Joe exemplifies the art of maintaining work-life harmony. We wrap up with a candid conversation on personal systems and routines, emphasizing how these practices contribute to sustained entrepreneurial success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights to help you thrive in today's ever-changing world.About Joe Arcangelo:Joe and his partner founded inSeption Group in September 2011 with a goal to restore and rebuild business trust by delivering high-quality clinical outsourcing in a consistent, efficient, and reliable manner. With more than 35 years in the outsourcing industry, Joe has sought first to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic needs of his stakeholders—employees, clients, patients—and then built a business designed to meet those needs.The inSeption values—integrity, trust, and passion—are a reflection of Joe’s personal accountability to his clients and teams, and have helped shape the culture of the company. Today, Joe is responsible for cultivating and articulating the vision of inSeption while driving continued growth and sound financial stewardship across all functions and regions. Joe has been the recipient of multiple industry and business awards, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2024.inseptiongroup.comlinkedin.com/in/joseph-arcangelo-4981202This episode is brought to you by inSeption Group, a full-service clinical outsourcing company. Go to inseptiongroup.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.

Picture this: your business is suddenly thrown into chaos by an unexpected global event. What would you do? This episode presents an invaluable toolkit for navigating such unpredictable challenges with resilience and foresight. Ang leads us into the world of contingency planning with a poignant story about her sister's struggles, while our guest, Sathya Elumalai, an accomplished engineer and technology CEO, brings deep insights from the healthcare sector. Together, we unpack the essentials of documentation, cybersecurity, and flexible funding strategies, all vital components for business survival in tumultuous times.We dive into Sathya's remarkable journey of innovation in healthcare technology. Inspired by his mother's chronic health battles, Sathya founded Aidar Health and developed MouthLab, a groundbreaking device that leverages AI to measure ten health parameters in under a minute. His story is one of passion and perseverance, overcoming entrepreneurial hurdles to make healthcare more accessible and proactive. The discussion reveals how personal experiences can drive technological advancements that transform patient care, especially in home settings.As we wrap up, we shift focus to building a purpose-driven company. Sathya shares the importance of aligning personal and organizational values to attract top talent and foster a culture of innovation. With an ambitious goal to impact a billion people in a decade, the integral role of data science in revolutionizing healthcare delivery is highlighted.About Sathya Elumalai:Sathya Elumalai, Founder and CEO of Aidar Health, is a visionary in healthcare innovation. He has received several prestigious awards for his groundbreaking work, including the development of the FDA-cleared MouthLab device, which measures over 10 vital health parameters in under 60 seconds. A passionate advocate for delivering high-quality care remotely, Sathya is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with chronic conditions and their caregivers.Connect:aidar.comlinkedin.com/company/aidarinstagram.com/Aidar.Healthinstagram.com/sathya.elumalaifacebook.com/AidarHealthfacebook.com/selumalai30x.com/AidarHealthx.com/SathyaElumalaiyoutube.com/c/AidarHealthThis episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum 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 you could maintain a positive outlook even when life throws its toughest challenges at you? Join us for a compelling episode where Craig Lerch, our guest co-host, and the insightful Dr. Nicole Lipkin, an internationally recognized psychologist, share their strategies for staying optimistic amid the chaos. Craig opens up about his three key life funnels—changing lives, making money, and having fun—as a means of finding purpose and staying present, even through personal setbacks like natural disasters. His approach sets the perfect stage for Dr. Lipkin's expert insights on fostering resilience and positivity in a turbulent world.Nicole takes us on a journey through her fascinating life, from her upbringing in a supportive household that prioritized emotional well-being to her dual career in psychology and entrepreneurship. Raised by educators in the South Bronx, Nicole's parents taught her the importance of emotional intelligence and open communication, crucial values that have shaped her mission today. She also shares the evolution of her career, emphasizing the unique skills psychologists contribute to leadership and entrepreneurship. Through her ventures, Nicole aims to involve caregivers in mental health education, fostering better communication within families.About Nicole Lipkin, Psy.D., MBA:Dr. Nicole Lipkin is an internationally recognized clinical & organizational psychologist, executive coach, keynote speaker and CEO of Equilibria Leadership Consulting, a leadership and organizational development firm and Founder of HeyKiddo, a company dedicated to building leadership, social and emotional skills in children and their grownups. Nicole is a regular contributor to the broadcast community, including a column about the psychology of the workplace and leadership at forbes.com. She is the author of two popular business books “What Keeps Leaders Up At Night” and “Y in the Workplace: Managing the “Me First” Generation.” Her mission in life is to help leaders, no matter what age, lead from the inside out.equilibrialeadership.comhey-kiddo.comnicolelipkin.comlinkedin.com/in/nicolelipkininstagram.com/drnicolelipkinx.com/DrNicoleLipkinyoutube.com/@drnicolelipkinfacebook.com/DrNicoleLipkinThis episode is brought to you by Verify Protect, Fast, Accurate, and Secure Background Checks. Go to VerifyProtect.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 if the power of courageous conversations could transform both your personal and professional life? Join us as we uncover the bravery behind these honest discussions with insights from our guest, project management expert Dawn Mahan. Known for her transparency and spiritual preparation, Ang shares her personal journey towards clarity, while Marc Brookland emphasizes empathy and the importance of being ready for anything. Dawn opens up about her own vulnerability journey, recounting her experiences of sharing her entrepreneurial story and the strength that comes from being open.Dawn's career journey is a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding paths life can take. Inspired by her father's work ethic, she initially pursued mathematics but found herself diving into the world of IT during the Y2K era. An unforeseen opportunity in project management paved her way to success, illustrating the importance of adaptability, learning, and growth. Listen in as she reveals how combining known skills with new challenges led to her impactful career in project management.From managing large-scale projects in a Fortune 500 company to launching her own successful consulting business, Dawn's story is filled with entrepreneurial challenges and triumphs. She shares her insights on the crucial role of selecting the right people for project roles and the benefits of an apprenticeship model amid evolving technology trends. Looking to the future, Dawn envisions scaling her business while emphasizing the value of self-awareness and therapy for personal and professional success.About Dawn Mahan, PMP:Dawn Mahan, PMP is Founder of PMOtraining.com, a C-suite advisor, award-winning consultant, international speaker, inventor or ProjectFlo®, author of the new bestselling book “Meet the Players in Projectland: Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People on Board” and has trained thousands of professionals around the world.PMOtraining.comlinkedin.com/company/pmotraininglinkedin.com/in/dawnmahanlinkedin.com/showcase/projectguruacademyinstagram.com/dawnjmahantwitter.com/pmotigerfacebook.com/PMOtigeryoutube.com/@PMOtrainingThis 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.

Discover how passion and innovation are the ultimate remedies for burnout as we sit down with Darrrell Jennings, co-founder and CEO of American Music Furniture Company. Darrell takes us on a journey from his days as a garage band guitarist to becoming a business leader with a mission to protect the instruments musicians hold dear. His personal battle with instrument damage sparked a venture that now crafts high-quality, handcrafted furniture designed to preserve and display valuable musical instruments. Darrell's story exemplifies the transformative power of reinvention and how staying engaged with one's passions can drive business success and maintain enthusiasm.We also explore the impressive strides made by American Music Furniture in addressing the unique challenges of instrument preservation. Listen as we share how they overcame early obstacles like door warping with patented innovations, allowing them to serve a global clientele from Singapore to Australia. Their collaborations with high-profile clients, including wealthy investors and Hard Rock Cafe, hint at the company's promising future. With plans to expand production capabilities without compromising quality, Darrell's vision for the company is as bold as it is exciting. Join us to learn how passion-driven innovation can fuel growth and create enduring success in the business world.About Darrell Jennings:Following a career in IT and telecommunications Darrell Jennings co-founded American Music Furniture Company, LLC along with his brother in law Roger Horneff. Additional partners John Farrell and Matt Warner joined the company as it grew to become the premiere solution to preserve and display collectable guitars and classical stringed instruments.Connect with Darrell:Website americanmusicfurniture.comInstagram instagram.com/americanmusicfurnitureFacebook facebook.com/AmericanMusicFurnitureThis episode is brought to you by American Music Furniture; Experiential spaces reserved for musicians. Go to americanmusicfurniture.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.