Your Next Move
Inc. Magazine
Your Next Move features authentic and insightful conversations with some of today’s most innovative and exciting entrepreneurs and business leaders, and Capital One Business is proud to produce this series in partnership with Inc.
Your Next Move features authentic and insightful conversations with some of today’s most innovative and exciting entrepreneurs and business leaders, and Capital One Business is proud to produce this series in partnership with Inc.
How Cloverleaf Brings Personalized AI Coaching Into Everyday Work
Episode
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Inc. staff reporter Ben Sherry sits down with Darren Murriner, founder of AI coaching platform Cloverleaf, ranked No. 917 on the 2026 Inc. 5000. After spending 15 years in the corporate world, Darren launched Cloverleaf to help employees understand how they work best with others by delivering personalized coaching through familiar tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, email, and calendars. Darren explains how observing the dramatically different results produced by small creative teams inspired the company—and why Cloverleaf initially struggled to explain its technology to potential customers. He shares how the arrival of ChatGPT helped the company define its product as an AI coach and how Cloverleaf combines behavioral insights with multiple AI models to offer guidance tailored to individual employees and their workplace relationships. Plus, Darren discusses why successful AI pilots require measurable results, how Cloverleaf encourages adoption without forcing employees to use another workplace platform, and why word of mouth has helped the product spread from small teams throughout entire organizations. He also explains how the company hopes to make personalized coaching—which has traditionally been reserved for senior executives—accessible to frontline workers, new managers, and anyone preparing for a difficult conversation, promotion, or next career move.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Inc. staff reporter Chloe Aiello sits down with Boomer Anderson, founder of Smarter Not Harder Life Sciences and Technologies, ranked No. 895 overall and No. 99 in healthcare on the 2026 Inc. 5000. The company develops supplements and other technologies designed to optimize focus, sleep, stress management, and overall health. Boomer explains why the rapidly growing company is shifting its strategy toward healthcare practitioners—even though doing so means sacrificing short-term margins—and how a new distribution partnership could put its products in the hands of providers around the world. He also shares how Smarter Not Harder evaluates new initiatives, prepares its international supply chain for tariffs, and decides which marketing channels are worth its investment. Plus, Boomer discusses the company’s expansive approach to AI, including its work to automate the analysis of lab results so practitioners can spend more time with patients. He also explains why he hires adaptable generalists, how transparency helps preserve company culture, and why the supplement industry needs stronger standards. Looking ahead, Boomer shares his ambition to help move healthcare from treating disease to optimizing health—and why the number of people served matters more to him than growth alone.
Holly Thaggard founded Supergoop! to provide child-friendly sunscreen pumps for Texas public schools. Her focus on clean formulas transformed the sunscreen market and created a new category in health and beauty. Now she's shaking up the crowded bottled water category with her new company, WaterOuai!
In this episode of Your Next Move, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson sits down with Chris Schembri, founder of Alethia Marketing and Media, ranked No. 1,342 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. Alethia is a marketing solutions and media company that combines behavioral science, audience data, and AI to help brands understand what motivates their customers and create more effective campaigns. Chris explains how Alethia developed its values-driven marketing approach—and why moving beyond traditional demographic targeting can improve campaign performance by as much as 20 to 25 percent. He also shares how acquisitions, recurring data revenue, and thought leadership have helped the company distinguish itself in a crowded industry. The conversation also explores how Alethia is incorporating AI into data analysis, hiring, and everyday workflows; why founders must learn to trust their leadership teams as their companies grow; and how transparency guides difficult decisions around costs and staffing. Plus, Chris discusses the dangers of relying on a handful of large clients, the growing importance of visibility in AI-powered search, and why sustainable growth requires entrepreneurs to build a strategy beyond hope.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, former Inc. staff reporter Ben Sherry sits down with Luba Kaplan, founder of pediatric therapy provider Kidology, ranked No. 3,726 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. Based in the Philadelphia area, Kidology provides speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy to children and young adults from birth through age 21. Luba explains how her background as a Russian-speaking speech-language pathologist helped her recognize an unmet need, challenge cultural stigmas surrounding disabilities and developmental delays, and build a community-centered practice. She also shares how Kidology grew from a contractor-based operation without an office into two 5,500-square-foot clinics featuring sensory play gyms—and how embracing teletherapy helped the business adapt during the pandemic. Plus, Luba discusses the risks and rewards of accepting insurance, the importance of building trust with pediatricians and families, and her plans to expand through pop-up locations in Philadelphia. She also explores how virtual reality, AI-assisted documentation, and other emerging tools could make pediatric therapy more measurable, engaging, and accessible—without losing the human connection at the heart of the work.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Inc. senior editor Rebecca Deczynski sits down with Ebony Wilkins, president and CEO of Aalis Management Consulting, a government contracting firm ranked No. 369 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. The company provides acquisition support, financial management, and digital transformation services to more than 10 federal agencies. Wilkins explains how consistency, discipline, and regular self-assessment helped make Alice Management Consulting a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree. She also recounts how she rebuilt the company after losing every contract and watching its revenue fall to zero during the early days of the pandemic—and why persistent follow-up is the key to turning professional relationships into new business. Drawing on her experience as an Army veteran, Wilkins shares how a mission-driven mindset influences her leadership, hiring, and company culture. Plus, she discusses preparing employees to work with AI, helping government agencies navigate digital transformation, and finally transitioning from working in her business to focusing on its long-term strategy.
Leah Solivan of TaskRabbit and Joanna Strober of Midi Health discuss funding, infrastructure decisions, and AI opportunities that are rewriting the rules.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Inc. senior editor Tim Crino sits down with Yann Deredec, cofounder and chief growth officer of Yama Group, a San Diego–based pharmaceutical and biotech marketing agency making its second consecutive appearance on the Inc. 5000. Yan explains how a lack of creativity in healthcare communications inspired him to leave the corporate world and launch Yama Group during the 2009 financial crisis. He also shares how the company has remained profitable without outside investment, why developing strong leaders has been one of its greatest challenges, and how a “blue ocean” strategy helps the agency pursue distinctive opportunities rather than compete in crowded markets. The conversation explores Yama Group’s immersive patient-simulation platforms, which help doctors navigate complex treatment decisions and engage with lifelike virtual patients. Yan also discusses the need for responsible AI guardrails in healthcare, the risks surrounding sensitive patient data, and how reduced research funding could affect medical innovation.
Breaking into established markets requires strategic vision, passion, and relentless execution. This episode explores how to spot opportunities and think like a disruptor. It features insights from Olipop’s Ben Goodwin and Netic’s Melisa Tokmak, two founders who’ve scaled their businesses by challenging traditional industries and introducing consumers and clients to innovative alternatives.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Inc. staff reporter Brian Contreras sits down with Paul Goldman, founder and CEO of music copyright administration company Music, ranked No. 2,959 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. Based in Nashville, Music helps artists, publishers, and rights holders navigate the complex world of royalties, copyright, and intellectual property through a technology platform that manages more than 25 million copyrights worldwide. Paul shares how the company evolved from a scrappy startup into a growing industry player, why the next phase of growth requires a different approach to capital and asset management, and how founders must shift from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy as their businesses mature. He also discusses the challenges of scaling company culture, lessons learned from navigating sudden industry disruptions, and why resilience matters more than ever in today's business environment. Plus, Paul explains how Music's patented AI technology is helping untangle the massive data challenges behind music royalties and why he believes the future of the music industry depends on creating more balanced relationships between technology platforms, rights holders, and creators.
In this episode of Your Next Move, Inc., staff reporter Ali Donaldson sits down with Susan Sutherland, founder and CEO of Just Events Group, the parent company behind JustRight Destination Management and Just Marry, ranked No. 1,326 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. Susan reflects on leading an events company through the uncertainty of COVID, the explosive return of in-person experiences, and why human connection remains the foundation of her business. She shares lessons on building a people-first culture, maintaining transparency during difficult times, and creating career growth opportunities that keep employees engaged in a high-pressure industry. The conversation also explores the role of AI in event planning, the challenges of scaling a service-driven company, the realities of working alongside family members, and the trends shaping the future of events—from immersive experiences to changing food-and-beverage preferences among younger generations. Susan offers an honest look at leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and what it takes to sustain growth when success depends on both relationships and trust.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, recorded live at the Inc. 5000 Conference, Inc. staff reporter Chloe Aiello sits down with Ronica Cleary, founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, an award-winning public relations firm specializing in earned media. Cleary breaks down what “earned media” really means—and why credibility, not clicks, remains the most powerful currency for growing companies. Drawing on her background as a former journalist, she explains how brands can position themselves as truly newsworthy, navigate an increasingly complex media landscape, and measure ROI in a space where impact isn’t always easy to quantify. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping PR workflows and newsrooms, why SEO and generative search are becoming essential growth drivers, and how Cleary has evolved her go-to-market strategy beyond traditional networking. She shares candid insights on scaling a service business, building a strong remote culture, and adapting to the shift from traditional media toward podcasts and digital platforms. Looking ahead, Cleary outlines her vision for growth—doubling revenue while staying laser-focused on delivering high-impact earned media—and reflects on what it takes to remain indispensable in a rapidly changing communications industry.
Building a brand that lasts requires understanding consumer behavior. Consumer expectations are constantly evolving, and building trust requires more than simply following trends. This episode explores how to achieve sustainable success, featuring insights from two industry pioneers, Joy Mangano and Manish Chandra, who’ve built enduring brands by understanding their audiences while adapting to change.
In this episode of Your Next Move, recorded live at the Inc. 5000 Conference in Phoenix, Inc. senior writer Sam Blum sits down with Kimberly Furrh, founder of Furrh & Associates, a certified public accounting firm ranked No. 4454 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Furrh shares how she built her business from a side hustle in her living room into one of the largest accounting firms in Southwest Oklahoma—growing through strategic acquisitions, word-of-mouth referrals, and a bold expansion into business coaching. She explains why today’s entrepreneurs don’t just need tax preparation—they need education, guidance, and a “safe space” to ask the questions they’re often too embarrassed to raise. The conversation dives into the realities behind rapid growth, from managing thousands of clients with a lean team to hiring ahead of demand and reshaping company culture to prioritize learning and service. Furrh also breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make—from misunderstanding what’s tax deductible to improperly managing LLC structures—and why those missteps can have serious consequences. Plus, she offers a candid take on AI in accounting, the ongoing shortage of CPAs, and the lessons she learned the hard way after a devastating data loss nearly derailed her firm. For founders navigating growth—or just trying to get their financial footing—this episode offers practical insights on scaling smart, staying connected to your customers, and building a business that meets entrepreneurs where they are.
What does it really take to turn a deeply personal idea into a category-defining brand? In this episode of Your Next Move, award-winning actor, producer, and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross sits down to unpack the 11-year journey behind building Pattern Beauty—a company rooted in both lived experience and a clear market gap. What may look like an overnight success was, in reality, shaped by years of rejection, iteration, and conviction in an underserved customer base. Ross shares how she navigated early skepticism around the size and value of the textured hair market, why she chose to build custom formulations instead of licensing existing ones, and how a pivotal partnership with Ulta Beauty helped bring her vision to life. She also gets candid about scaling challenges—from selling out too quickly at launch to building the operational infrastructure needed to sustain rapid growth. Along the way, Ross breaks down what she looks for in business partners, how she balances creative instinct with operational rigor, and why understanding your customer at a granular level is the foundation of any lasting brand. She also reflects on the transition from artist to CEO—and how storytelling, trust, and team-building remain central to both. Plus, Ross explains why celebrity alone isn’t enough to build a business, how Pattern expanded beyond her personal brand, and what it means to “professionalize” a company without losing its mission.
In this episode of Your Next Move: Audio Edition, Lodestone People Consulting founder Dr. Sandy Fiaschetti joins Inc. senior editor Rebecca Deczynski to unpack how behavioral science can help businesses scale smarter. Ranked No. 872 on the 2025 Inc. 5000, Lodestone works with private equity firms and portfolio companies to strengthen leadership teams, improve people systems, and drive long-term value creation. Sandy shares how Lodestone grew through referrals, industry relationships, and a values-driven approach that emphasizes candor, trust, and measurable business outcomes. She reflects on the challenges of building a company from scratch, knowing when to turn down the wrong work, and learning to shift from working in the business to working on it. The conversation also explores how Lodestone measures success, why people issues remain central even in an AI-driven world, and how Sandy’s background in industrial-organizational psychology shapes her leadership style and company culture.
Ray Wolf, founder and CEO of Televero Behavioral Health, joins Inc. senior staff writer Jennifer Conrad. Ranked No. 54 on the 2025 Inc. 5000, Televero is expanding access to evidence-based mental healthcare through a model that combines licensed clinicians, insurance-based care, and a technology-forward operating system. Wolf explains how Televero is scaling quickly without compromising quality, why the company is using AI to reduce administrative burdens rather than replace therapists, and what it takes to build a high-growth company in a highly regulated, deeply human field. He also shares how Televero approaches hiring, culture, and clinician support as it works to make behavioral healthcare more accessible across the country.
Scaling a business is a complex goal that nearly every business aspires to. In this conversation, founder and creative brand officer Todd Snyder breaks down the principles behind his company’s growth: owning the customer experience through retail, building powerful partnerships, and maintaining creative integrity while scaling with intention.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ben Sherry interviews Jinhee Wilde, founder of WA Law Group, an immigration law firm based in Maryland that has built its reputation — and grown — on trust, empathy, and communication. Ranked number 1129 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, the firm reached this milestone after more than a decade of steady, people-first growth. Ben begins by asking Jinhee how she came to immigration law — and how her own experience as a first-generation immigrant shaped how she built her business.
From blogging about frequent flyer miles to leading a media empire with millions of loyal readers, Brian Kelly’s founder story is as unconventional as it is instructive. In this candid conversation, Inc.’s Your Next Move uncovers the mindset, milestones, and money moves behind the Points Guy brand, and what today’s entrepreneurs can take away from the journey.
In this season of Your Next Move, we’re bringing you conversations with founders from the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, recorded at our Your Next Move booth at the Inc. 5000 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where entrepreneurs share what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a growing business. In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson speaks with JD Hayes, co-founder of Legacy Retail Solutions, a Bentonville-based company that helps CPG brands land and scale inside the world’s largest retailers. Ranked number 899 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, Legacy has improved its ranking three years in a row — a rare feat in today’s retail landscape.
In today’s media landscape, mastering digital marketing and social media is essential for business growth. This episode explores building a brand in the current attention economy, what it means to be authentic, and how to nurture a loyal following. It features insights from two prolific founders who have turned social-first strategies into powerful brand-building engines that drive real results.
Old forecasting models can’t keep up. Discover how Kim Vaccarella of Bogg Bag and Rachel Liverman of Glowbar stay focused on their mission while planning smarter, faster, and with more flexibility.
In this episode, Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom sat down with Stephanie Liu, the founder of Levitate Foundry, which is ranked No. 1,407 on 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Liu discussed the brands Levitate works with – and how it built those connections.
In this episode, Inc. editor-at-large Christine Lagorio-Chafkin sat down with William Gaunitz, the founder and CEO of hair growth company Advanced Trichology. Advanced Trichology is ranked No. 4,192 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, which is the sixth time it has been an honoree. In addition to discussing how he got the company started and what inspired him, Gaunitz stresses the importance of creating a brand for your company, treating people as individuals, and leveraging your transferable skills.
Clarity, accountability, and trust aren’t easy to build, but they’re essential. Daniel Chait of Greenhouse and Christie Horvath of Wagmo share how they’re rethinking performance management to help their people grow and their companies thrive.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ben Sherry sits down with Ayeshia Quainoo-Tefera, the founder and CEO of the Springfield, Virginia-based Ultimate Care, a home health agency. Ultimate Care is ranked No. 2,345 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Ayeshia discusses how she navigated Covid, trying to minimize risk while maximizing impact for her clients, and how systemizing everything she does is critical. She also emphasizes developing an inclusive culture by showing employees that you care.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson sits down with Abel Horvath, the founder of Fulfillment Hub USA, which is ranked No. 2,880 on 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Fulfillment Hub USA is a fulfillment services provider offering warehousing solutions, transport services, and more. Abel discusses the biggest challenges facing the logistics industry and what he attributes the company’s growth to: truly meeting the client’s needs.
Invisible Technologies has quietly become one of the most influential players in artificial intelligence—training 80 percent of the world’s large language models, raising $100 million in funding, and earning the No. 152 spot on the Inc. 5000. In this session, founder and CEO shares the bold strategy behind the company’s rapid ascent and his perspective on what’s next for AI, automation, and the businesses poised to lead the next wave of innovation.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson sits down with Nadine Motaweh, the managing partner of Identified Talent Solutions, which ranked No. 3,138 on 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Identified Talent Solutions is a recruitment services and talent acquisition consulting firm spanning executive search, direct placement, and contract staffing. Nadine talks about the value of people in her organization, and how that relates to fast growth. She also stresses the importance of thinking on the fly, figuring things out as you go, staying productive, and embracing the chaos.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson chats with Ebony Wilkins, the president and CEO of Aalis Management Consulting. Aalis, which is ranked No. 369 on 2025 Inc. 5000, specializes in financial management and acquisition support for government agencies. Or, as Ebony puts it, “we manage the government’s checkbook.” Ebony talks about recognizing a culture shift, knowing what you don't know, and hiring young people to undertake the social media account.
From burn-rate management to fundraising timing, Ceremonia founder Babba Rivera and Atropos Health co-founder Brigham Hyde unpack today’s high-stakes financial decisions and what separates the resilient from the risky.
In this episode, Inc. recognition program manager Sarah Lynch chats with Mary Seats, the founder of the Bakery Cowork in Atlanta, a female-focused co-working space. The company ranked No. 628 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Mary talks about how her experience in marketing helped her home in on the power of community. Her advice to other entrepreneurs is that a slow ride to the top is better than a fast fall to the bottom.
In this episode, Inc. recognition program manager Sarah Lynch chats with Latrice Galloway-Crawford, the founder of Kidzville Learning Academy. The company is ranked No. 2, 714 on 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Kidzville Learning Academy is a child care center and preschool in Rosenberg, Texas, providing early-learning education for children six weeks to 12 years old. It has been in business for 17 years. Latrice shares stories of her experience and the company’s longevity, and offers tips to achieving fast growth.
In this episode, Inc. recognition program manager Sarah Lynch chats with Sharon Ramage, the founder of the Ramage Law Group, a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree that stands at No. 3,351 on this year’s list. The Ramage Law Group is a family law firm providing services for families navigating divorce, custody, and more, and supporting them during these stressful times. Ramage explains how she was able to stay on top of the firm’s growth over the past three years.
In this episode, Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman chats with Visit.org co-founder and CEO Michal Alter and Alicia, Yoon, founder and CEO of Peach and Lily about how the breakdown of fast growth reveals the most common pitfalls in growing a company and how smart leaders handle them. Then, you will also hear from Emmanuel Offiong, vice president, CTO Business Bank Engineering, Capital One, and Inc. Recognition Program Manager Sarah Lynch.
In this episode, Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman chats with Isa Watson, the founder and CEO of Squad, and Jacqueline Samira, the founder and CEO of Howdy.com. They discuss how they're running their tech companies in the age of AI. Then Emmanuel Offiong, Capital One VP and CTO of Business Bank Engineering, talks about how companies can use data to drive revenue growth. Offiong offers tips and reminders, like how companies need to regularly evaluate the quality of data they're using and ensure that their data ecosystems are well governed. And finally, Inc. recognition program manager Sarah Lynch explains the benefits of embracing the AI revolution by describing some successful use cases like Neptune Flood, Salesforce Einstein, and Tableau AI.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson interviews GXC founder and president Genaro Cavazos. GXC was ranked No. 188 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. It is a security company offering advanced metal-detection and protection services. Genaro explains how he leads with vulnerability, why it's best to be proactive when it comes to hiring a security firm, and how the company has a zero attrition rate.
In this episode, Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman chats with industry leaders Chieh Huang, co-founder of Boxed, and Brandon Peña, co-founder of 787 Coffee, as they share their biggest takeaways and proven methods for recruiting and retaining top talent. Next, Capital One VP & head of business cards and payments’ small business acquisitions Ami Vedak gives tips on why companies should be proactive about talent sourcing rather than waiting for open positions to arise. Then Inc. Recognition program manager Sarah Lynch explains how to update your hiring process to speak to the next generation.
In this episode, Inc. editor-at-large Christine Lagorio-Chafkin speaks to Fauxcades founder Kate Fishel. The Dallas-based event design and production company ranked No. 2,936 on the 2024 Inc. 5000. Including carpentry, welding, painting, lighting, graphic design, and signage, the company gets its hands dirty taking events from concept to creation. In addition to talking about how the company has managed its ongoing growth after the pandemic, Kate explains how it approaches work-life balance by supporting a culture that allows employees to fully unplug while on vacation.
In this episode, Inc. Executive Editor Diana Ransom interviewed Lerin Lockwood, the CEO of the Texas-based company Lion Latch. They were ranked No. 441 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. They offer easy-to-carry protective cases to hold jewelry and other valuables while traveling or playing sports or even washing your dishes. Lerin discussed her experience on the hit entrepreneurial TV show, Shark Tank, how she learned to create a good hook on TikTok videos, and what she did to defend her product from counterfeits.
The health care industry is full of challenges, from inefficiencies in data usage to gaps in patient care and accessibility. How are entrepreneurs tackling these pain points and driving meaningful change? At our recent Inc. Founders House in Philadelphia, Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman sat down with Brigham Hyde of Atropos Health, Anne Fulenwider of Alloy Health, and Amer Alnajar of Vytalize to discuss how they are identifying and addressing critical pain points in health care. They chatted about how they leverage innovative approaches, integrate patient insights, and transform challenges into opportunities to enhance the overall customer experience. They’re identifying critical industry needs while building smart, scalable solutions.
In this episode, Inc. staff reporter Ali Donaldson interviews Ashley Kirkwood, founder of Speak Your Way to Cash, which is No. 370 on the 2024 Inc. 5000. The company aims to help speakers, experts, and entrepreneurs land speaking contracts. Ashley talks about balancing her work life and her married life, her trick to staying productive, and how she's learned to incorporate self-care into her daily routine.
In this episode, Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom chats with Sheila Janakos, CEO of Healthy Horizons Breastfeeding Centers, which is ranked No. 1,698 on the 2024 Inc. 5000. Healthy Horizons focuses on workplace lactation programs for big and small companies— any organization that wants to support their working moms and parents. In this conversation, Shelia describes how she started setting up these centers, what the company did during the pandemic to pivot, which eventually helped it grow, and what it's like working so closely with her daughter.
In this episode, Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom chats with Anupam Satyasheel, the founder of Occams Advisory. Ranked No. 1,804 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, the company has made the list eight times in the past nine years. Occams is a financial advisory firm bringing Fortune 500-level expertise to smaller businesses and partnering with clients through their business life-cycle. Anupam tells Diana how the idea came to him to start the company, which included building deeper know-how in the tax credit space and starting a book club.
Keeping abreast of the latest technology and incorporating it into your company can be cumbersome and cost-prohibitive. In this episode, you'll hear from Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder and CEO of Ohai.ai and founder of Care.com, and Luan Cox, president and CEO of FinMkt, as Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman chats with them about how they strategically harnessed technology to develop unique business platforms and saw their businesses grow exponentially. Learn concrete tactics on how you can utilize the latest digital innovations, such as AI, to scale your business. You'll also hear from Sarah Lynch, recognition program manager at Inc., along with Capital One Business VP of brand and acquisitions marketing Caryn Bonner.
In this episode, Inc. recognition program manager Sarah Lynch talks to Lizeth Velez, the founder and CEO of the construction management company LJV Development. Last year was the company's first time on the Inc. 5000, and it landed at No. 115. It’s based in Boston and specializes in both exterior and interior renovation. Lizeth chatted about needing a good foundation as a business, investing in specific tools that will help your company perform, and that liftoff moment when you realize you're unlocking growth.
In 2024, startups with exclusively female founders received just 1.8 percent of all venture capital dollars, a decline from 2023, according to PitchBook. Add a male co-founder and that number shoots up to 21.7 percent. This despite the evidence suggesting that when women do get funded, they deliver higher returns. Is change likely? And if so, what should we expect? At our SXSW Inc. Founders House, Mansueto Ventures CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta sat down with Rebecca Minkoff, founder and chief creative officer, of Rebecca Minkoff, and Ali Wyatt, co-founder and CEO, of Female Founder Collective and The NORTH, to discuss the state of funding and the challenges facing female founders.
In this episode, Inc. Recognition Program Manager Sarah Lynch spoke to Maestro Media founder and CEO Javon Frazier. His company was ranked number 167 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Maestro Media focuses on building bespoke games for some of the biggest brands, such as Disney, Hello Kitty, and the Smurfs. It’s also worked with the popular independent video game, The Binding of Isaac, which was turned into an independent board game. We chatted about how Frazier cocreated games with fans and launched them on Kickstarter, also about Maestro Media’s growth journey.
Welcome back to Your Next Move. On this episode, we learn how to create a unique brand identity through experimentation and strategic feedback loops.
