We Live to Build

Every founder needs to hear this: A Bad Investor is Worse Than No Investor. Before you start chasing venture capital, you must understand the risks. In this interview, M&A expert Scott Kelly explains why bootstrapped founders of seven, eight, and even nine-figure brands often love their lives, while many VC-backed founders are miserably stressed. We break down the cautionary tale of FanDuel, whose founders got "little or nothing" after raising hundreds of millions, versus MailChimp, whose founders kept 98% of the proceeds from their exit after bootstrapping. This is a must-watch for any entrepreneur deciding how to fund their business. Check out the company: https://blackdogvp.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Art of Finding the Right Partner03:29 - The #1 Thing Founders Must Do Before Starting06:27 - The VC Trap: Chasing Fundraising vs. Building a Business08:13 - Quantity vs. Quality of Life: A Founder's Choice11:04 - The Warning: MailChimp (Bootstrap) vs. FanDuel (VC)13:40 - M&A is Sexy, But It's an Art16:48 - The Dirty Secret of VC Due Diligence21:49 - Why a Bad Investor is Worse Than No Investor25:12 - Why I Love Bootstrapped Founders28:01 - Start With The End in MindLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I took a sales ability test, and this sales test revealed my #1 weakness. The results showed that in a sales context, I have a tendency to believe that talking is more important than asking good questions. In this unique episode, sales expert Mike Irving, founder of Advanced Business Abilities, analyzes my live test results, breaking down my strengths (like being a "Hunter") and my opportunities for growth (like "Discernment" ). We explore why everyone is in sales, whether they know it or not, and how understanding your personal traits can make you a more effective communicator. Check out the company: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Taking a Sales Test on a Live Podcast01:00 - Why Everyone is in Sales (Even If You're Not a Salesperson)02:50 - My Overall Results: The Good News05:50 - A Surprising Weakness: "Knowing How to Deal With People"07:50 - My #1 Weakness: The "Questioner" Trait10:05 - Why I Subconsciously Talk More Than I Ask14:35 - The Key to Success: Understanding "Discernment"20:45 - My Unexpected Strength: The "Hunter" Trait24:00 - My Secret Weapon: A High "Not Nice" Score29:30 - Key Takeaways & How to Improve Your Own Sales SkillsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest obstacle to your company's growth isn't the problems you can't solve, but the ones you aren't creating? This counterintuitive idea is the key to radical business transformation. In this episode, Sean Weisbrot sits down with Ted Santos, President of Turnaround Investment Partners, to explore why leaders must stop solving problems and start creating them on purpose. We dive into how this strategy sparks true innovation, rewires the brain for change through neuroplasticity, and why self-mastery is the foundation of effective leadership. This conversation challenges everything you know about chaos, change management, and organizational success. Get ready to discover a new paradigm for growth. Check out the company: https://turnaroundip.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why CEOs Who Don't Create Problems Should Be Fired02:55 - The Steve Jobs Method: Inventing a Problem to Change the World05:58 - Sponsor: Brilliant.org08:03 - The Simple (But Radical) First Step: Question Everything13:00 - Why Your Need for the "Right Answer" is Killing Innovation17:58 - The Difference Between "Thinking" and "Having Thoughts"22:25 - How Tragedy Taught Me to Rewire Brains with Neuroplasticity27:01 - Why Giving The Solution Is The Worst Way to Lead30:14 - The Ultimate Leadership Skill: Self-Mastery Over ChaosLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most AI-generated content is easy to spot, and journalists are hitting 'delete' the second they see it. So, what are the tell-tale signs, and how do you avoid them? I sat down with Curtis Sparrer, a PR expert and founder of Bospar, to find out. He reveals The #1 Mistake in AI-Generated Content (And How to Fix It): using AI as your final draft instead of your first. We discuss why AI will reward human quirkiness, the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and why you need to create AI-friendly blogs and FAQs to stay discoverable. This is an essential guide for any marketer or creator using AI for their content. Check out the company: https://bospar.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Making Your Brand Discoverable to AI01:10 - What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?02:20 - Can You Buy Your Way into an AI's Favor?04:50 - Why AI Still Struggles with Video Content07:15 - How to Make Your Content More "AI-Friendly"09:45 - The Power of an AI-Friendly FAQ Page11:40 - The "Tells" of AI-Generated Content (And Why Journalists Hate It)12:40 - The #1 Rule: AI is Your First Draft, Not Your Final Draft14:30 - Why You Must Ditch the Fluff & Be Concise17:00 - The Future of AI: Personalized Memory21:20 - The "Race to the Bottom" in AI Content27:45 - Final Lesson: Never Believe You've Figured It All OutLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've all heard the phrase "The Customer Is Always Right," but what if following that advice is secretly burning out your team and killing your business? I sat down with Borja Cuan, CEO of Four15 Digital, who learned this lesson the hard way. He shares his powerful story of why he now believes "The Customer Is Always Right" is a Destructive Lie, and why he made the controversial decision to prioritize his employees over his clients. We also dive into the psychology of resilience, how to handle bad news like a CEO, and the cultural differences in business communication. This is a must-watch for any leader tired of sacrificing their team's well-being for unreasonable client demands. Check out the company: https://four15digital.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Hardest Part of Being a Business Owner02:57 - The Hard Truth: Is Resilience Innate?04:08 - How My Leadership Style Had to Evolve07:32 - Why I Put My Employees Before My Clients13:50 - Cultural Differences in Business Communication16:36 - My Personal Story with a "Sociopath" Boss23:22 - The #1 Job of a Leader: Employee Happiness26:45 - Setting Boundaries with Disrespectful ClientsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the AI toolkit that top e-commerce founders are using to scale their brands? It's a mix of proprietary and public tools that automate everything from product research to marketing. I sat down with Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings, who has built multiple seven and eight-figure e-commerce brands. He shares his 8-Figure E-commerce Founder's AI Toolkit, including specific tools for copywriting (Claude), video ads (HeyGen & Synd.io), and image generation (Sora). We also dive into his counter-intuitive business philosophy: successful brands don't sell products, they sell data to AI engines. This is a must-watch for any e-commerce entrepreneur looking for the right tools to grow. Check out the company: https://voltagedm.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Why AI is Essential for E-commerce00:37 - How We Use AI to Enhance Our Brands01:24 - The #1 Truth of E-commerce: Sell Data to the AI02:12 - Our 8-Figure E-commerce AI Toolkit03:25 - The AI Tools We Use for Copy, Images, and Video Ads06:35 - How We Use AI to Run Virtual Focus Groups11:11 - Why I Build Brands Instead of Selling Courses16:43 - My Mission: Hiring Veterans & My Fighter Pilot Story28:53 - Final Lesson: Fail Up, Don't Fail OutLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone talks about the risks of owning Bitcoin, but what if the real danger is not owning it at all? I sat down with Frank Hepworth, founder of the crypto consultancy Yieldschool, who helps high-net-worth individuals navigate the digital asset space. He makes a powerful case for Why Not Owning Bitcoin is Your Biggest Financial Risk, arguing that as the best-performing asset class on the planet, having zero exposure is a massive gamble against its long-term success. We also dive into the predictable nature of crypto cycles, a portfolio strategy to potentially 10x your money, and the pros and cons of Bitcoin ETFs versus self-custody. This conversation is a must-watch for any investor who is crypto-curious. Check out the company: https://yieldschool.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Crypto is The Best Performing Asset01:45 - Why You're "Risk On" By Having 0% Crypto02:30 - The Game Theory of Bitcoin's Finite Supply04:00 - "Intelligent Exposure": Beyond Just Bitcoin05:20 - Bitcoin ETFs vs. Self-Custody: The Pros & Cons08:55 - The #1 Issue That Worries New Crypto Investors11:00 - Are You Serious Enough to Succeed in Crypto?15:10 - The Crypto Cycles Are "Super Predictable"21:20 - Why "Don't Time The Market" is Bad Advice for Crypto23:20 - A Portfolio Strategy to 10x Your Money26:45 - Final Lesson: Don't Make AssumptionsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the real danger of AI? It's not that AI will become our overlords; it's that we will become so reliant on it that we lose control of ourselves. I sat down with William Welser IV, CEO of Lotic.ai, to discuss this critical issue. He argues that The Real Danger of AI: We're Losing Control of Ourselves comes from offloading our "cognitive responsibility" to sycophantic AIs that simply agree with us and stunt our growth. We explore why you must maintain cognitive responsibility, how to use AI as a tool for learning (not just getting answers), and the importance of modeling this behavior for your kids and your team. This is an essential conversation for anyone using AI to make decisions. Check out the company: https://lotic.ai----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: AI is Easy, But It's Also Dangerous02:15 - The Problem with "Sycophantic" AI03:20 - How "Artificial Relational Intelligence" is Different06:00 - The "Last Mile" of Human Interaction AI Can't Cross08:00 - My Tattoo's Advice: "Consider You Might Be Wrong"09:20 - Offloading Our "Cognitive Responsibility" to AI12:20 - How to Use AI to Teach, Not Just Get Answers15:20 - The Real Danger: Are We Becoming Too Dumb?18:15 - AI is Just a Tool, Like The First Rock20:45 - How to Educate Your Team and Kids on AI Use25:15 - Why We Built a "Bottom-Up" AI Company29:15 - The #1 Lesson from 5 Years in AI: Ride the Commodity WaveLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every business owner is asking how to build an AI moat, but most are going about it the wrong way. I sat down with Alberto Rizzoli, CEO of V7 Labs, who argues that hiring expensive AI consultants is a "recipe for disaster". He shares his framework for How to Build an AI Moat for Your Business (Without Consultants) by starting with small, internal experiments, finding your in-house "tinkerers," and hiring AI-enabled talent. We also discuss how AI agents are transforming workflows, the surprising AI adoption gap between the US and Europe, and why learning to manage AI is the #1 skill for future job security. This is an essential guide for any leader looking to future-proof their business. Check out the company: https://www.v7labs.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Your AI Moat is Your Only Defense01:00 - Stop Hiring AI Consultants. Do This Instead.02:30 - 3 Simple Steps to Start Building with AI03:40 - The Power of Hiring "AI-Enabled" Talent05:00 - How a QA Tester Used AI to 10x Her Productivity06:00 - Will AI Create More Jobs Than It Destroys?08:00 - From Manual Analyst to "Chief of Staff of AIs"09:15 - How to Overcome "Analysis Paralysis" with AI Agents12:30 - When to Build an AI Agent (The Revenue Litmus Test)16:00 - How My Brother's Travel Plan Proved AI's Power21:20 - Why Your "Thumbs Up" Doesn't Really Train the AI25:40 - The Surprising AI Adoption Gap Between the US & EuropeLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cold outreach is broken, but what if you could train an AI agent to replicate your most effective, human-sounding emails? I sat down with Jim Weldon, CEO of Prospect Desk, whose team is building a "digital twin org chart" where human sales reps manage teams of specialized AI agents. He breaks down his exact process for How I Trained an AI Agent to Do My Cold Outreach, feeding it hundreds of his "founder prescribed" emails to avoid the generic, robotic messages that everyone hates. We also discuss how AI can automate 80% of an SDR's repetitive tasks and why we're still in the "stumble fumble" phase of AI adoption. This is an essential guide for any founder or sales leader looking to scale their prospecting without losing the human touch. Check out the company: https://prospectdesk.ai----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: The End of Cold Outreach As We Know It00:45 - Why You Need to Automate 80% of Sales Tasks02:00 - The "Digital Twin Org Chart": Your SDR's New AI Team03:20 - The Future of AI Interaction is Voice, Not Slack05:20 - How an AI Manager Coordinates The Playbook07:25 - Can a Solopreneur Build Their Own AI Sales Team?09:50 - How Our AI Agents Work Across Different Channels14:05 - The #1 Challenge: Making AI an Expert Strategist17:00 - Why AI Voice Agents Still Struggle with Outbound Calls20:25 - My Process for Training an AI to Write "Founder Prescribed" Emails22:20 - The Surprising Power of a LinkedIn Voice Message28:20 - The "Stumble Fumble" Hype Cycle of AI30:20 - The Greatest Technological Change EverLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.