"Small Business & Entrepreneurship Thought Leader" with Rieva Lesonsky

Orange County Power Players

Orange County Power Players

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

about a year ago 35:59

MP3•Episode home

This week on the Orange County Power Players Podcast, we welcome the remarkable Rieva Lesonsky, a pioneer in the world of small business and entrepreneurship. With decades of experience, from her groundbreaking tenure at Entrepreneur Magazine to founding SmallBusinessCurrents.com, Rieva has dedicated her career to empowering entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we dive into:

The evolution of small business and the challenges entrepreneurs face today.
How generational shifts and technology are transforming marketing strategies.
The secrets to thriving as a small business owner in a digital-first world.

Rieva also shares her unique journey, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, and how it shaped her perspective on business. Plus, she offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into staying ahead of trends in 2025 and beyond.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

39 episodes

#Business #Danny Flores

"Small Business & Entrepreneurship Thought Leader" with Rieva Lesonsky

Orange County Power Players

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, we dive into:

The evolution of small business and the challenges entrepreneurs face today.
How generational shifts and technology are transforming marketing strategies.
The secrets to thriving as a small business owner in a digital-first world.

39 episodes

#Business #Danny Flores

All episodes

Orange County Power Players

1
"Designing Award-Winning Indie Games" with John Szeder 23:36

1 day ago23:36

23:36

In this episode of Orange County Power Players Podcast with Danny Flores, we dive deep with John Szeder, who shares his journey from a childhood passion for gaming to designing acclaimed indie games and consulting for Fortune 500 companies like Samsung and Clorox. John discusses the secrets behind staying competitive in the rapidly evolving game industry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns and leveraging emerging technologies like AI and AR. John gives valuable advice for aspiring game developers, including why "build something" should be their guiding principle and how new tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing the way games are made. He also shares insights on how businesses should approach shifts in consumer behavior, drawing parallels to historic industry changes such as the transition from Blockbuster to Netflix. Listeners will learn: How pattern recognition is key to success in tech and gaming. The impact and potential of generative AI. Why understanding your specific audience is crucial for product success. Tips for young people interested in entering the game development field. John's predictions about future tech developments, including the end of smartphones as we know them. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Helping Fortune 1000 Companies Leverage Technology" with Andy Lin 22:23

2 days ago22:23

22:23

Technology is constantly evolving, and businesses that fail to innovate risk falling behind. In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast , host Danny Flores sits down with Andy Lin, CEO of Provoke Solutions and co-founder of Nova AI. With nearly 30 years of experience in technology and management consulting, Andy has helped Fortune 1000 companies leverage cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of the curve. In this insightful conversation, Andy breaks down how AI is revolutionizing industries, why businesses must embrace technology to differentiate themselves, and how generative AI is transforming productivity. He also shares his own career journey—from a 10-year-old coder to a CEO—and the pivotal moments that led him to shift from engineering to leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Fortune 1000 companies are using AI to drive innovation ✅ Why AI has been around for decades but is now more accessible than ever ✅ Practical ways for anyone to start learning and leveraging AI today ✅ The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to grow professionally ✅ Andy’s take on passive income, work-life balance, and setting up for long-term success ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Transformative Growth with a Fractional COO" with Tullio Siragusa 26:43

3 days ago26:43

26:43

What does it take to transform an organization into a self-managed, high-performing team? In this episode of Orange County Power Players , host Danny Flores sits down with Tullio Siragusa, an experienced Fractional COO and advocate for self-management principles in business. Tullio shares his incredible journey—from growing up in Switzerland and immigrating to the U.S. to becoming a C-suite executive and mentor dedicated to human-centric leadership. He breaks down how leaders can shift from traditional top-down control to collaborative leadership, creating radically transparent, innovative, and people-driven organizations. Tune in to learn: ✔️ The power of self-managed teams and how they drive business success ✔️ Why empathy and collaboration are the future of leadership ✔️ How to transition from a W-2 job to becoming a Fractional COO ✔️ The key principles of self-management that empower teams ✔️ The mindset shifts business owners must make to step back and scale up Tullio also teases his upcoming book on emotional intelligence for children and shares insights on building long-term passive income. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Crafting Life Insurance Solutions" with John Ortiz 36:00

15 days ago36:00

36:00

On this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast , host Danny Flores sits down with John Ortiz, a financial strategist and licensed life insurance agent who’s changing the way people think about financial security. John specializes in helping families and small business owners build wealth through strategic life insurance planning—without taking unnecessary risks. John shares his unique approach to life insurance, explaining why he considers himself in the "people business" rather than just the insurance business. He reveals how the right strategies can help people pay off their mortgage in half the time, reduce tax burdens, and create financial security for generations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between "good debt" and "bad debt" How to use life insurance as a tool for financial growth The power of strategy stacking and why most insurance agents don’t do it Why wealthy families use life insurance differently than the average person How John helps clients build wealth using their existing budgets John also shares his thoughts on passive income, real estate, and why so many people ask him, "Is this even legal?" Tune in to learn how life insurance could be the financial game-changer you’ve been missing! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Raising Capital Infrastructure" with Lauren Brychell 22:56

16 days ago22:56

22:56

In this episode of Orange County Power Players , host Danny Flores sits down with Lauren Brychell, an expert in capital raising and investor relations. With over $55 million raised for real estate ventures, Lauren has mastered the art of building investor trust and creating solid infrastructure for successful capital raising. Lauren shares her strategies for raising capital, the importance of building relationships with investors, and how transparency can set you apart in a competitive market. She also discusses the different investor types, from high-net-worth individuals to family offices, and how businesses can position themselves to attract the right funding. 🔹 The key to standing out in capital raising 🔹 How to structure investor relations for long-term success 🔹 The challenges of securing leads and how to overcome them 🔹 Why building trust with investors is the foundation of a successful raise ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
Interior Design Maximizing ROI with Cara Tas 23:29

17 days ago23:29

23:29

In this episode of Orange County Power Players , Danny Flores sits down with Cara Tas, a highly experienced interior designer who specializes in maximizing ROI for real estate developers. With over 10 years in the industry, Cara knows how to balance luxury, functionality, and budget-conscious decisions to help developers get the most out of their investments. From boutique hotels and creative office spaces to multifamily residences and student housing, Cara shares her strategic approach to designing spaces that not only look incredible but also increase property value. She explains how she brings high-end design concepts down to budget-friendly solutions while keeping the wow factor intact. Tune in as we discuss: ✔️ How Cara approaches design with the developer's ROI in mind ✔️ The importance of value engineering in interior design ✔️ The role of space planning in maximizing functionality ✔️ How she balances quality and cost-effectiveness ✔️ The future of hospitality and commercial design trends Cara also shares her personal journey in the industry, the challenges of running a business, and her future plans—including potential ownership stakes in real estate projects. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
Selling Employee Benefits with Mike Sigal 33:27

21 days ago33:27

33:27

In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast , host Danny Flores sits down with Mike Sigal, a seasoned sales leader in the employee benefits industry. With over 20 years of experience, Mike has worked with large national carriers, regional players, and startups, building relationships with over 2,000 brokers across California, Arizona, and Nevada. Mike shares how employee benefits can be life-changing, why health insurance is an investment, and the importance of strong relationships in sales. He also dives into old-school sales techniques that still work today and how personal connections drive business success. Key Topics: Why employee benefits are essential, even if they seem expensive The cost of not having insurance – and how it can impact your future How Mike built a thriving career in insurance sales through relationships and trust The power of making calls, following up, and building rapport with brokers Challenges in the industry, including rising healthcare costs and the shift to digital interactions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Building and Growing Worldwide in the Beauty Space" with Stephen Durham 19:41

23 days ago19:41

19:41

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Stephen Durham, CEO and founder of Bardot Vegan Beauty. With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Stephen shares his incredible journey—from running salons in London to launching international beauty brands in the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Stephen discusses how he scaled his businesses from local salons to major retailers like Walgreens and why clean, vegan beauty is the future. He also reveals the secrets behind his unique distribution strategy, how he leverages hairstylists as key brand ambassadors, and what makes Bardot Vegan Beauty stand out in an ultra-competitive market. What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ The journey from salon ownership to building a global beauty brand ✔️ How to position a product in a competitive industry ✔️ The role of hairstylists in product marketing and distribution ✔️ Why defining your audience is crucial for success ✔️ Stephen’s approach to business growth, passive income, and entrepreneurship ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Private Equity Firm Focused on Passive Investment Opportunities" with Zach Winner 22:02

25 days ago22:02

22:02

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast , host Danny Flores sits down with Zach Winner, CEO and founding partner of Prosperity CRE, a private equity firm specializing in passive investment opportunities in multifamily apartment complexes. Zach shares insights into their "Value-Add Plus" strategy, which goes beyond traditional real estate investing by identifying additional revenue streams and optimizing property performance. He also discusses market trends, how Prosperity CRE selects investment locations, and the importance of underwriting in real estate acquisitions. Key topics in this episode: ✔️ The "Value-Add Plus" investment strategy and how it boosts cash flow ✔️ Why the Midwest and Southeast are prime real estate markets ✔️ How to evaluate a multifamily property’s potential ✔️ The impact of interest rates on the real estate market ✔️ Tips for aspiring syndicators and investors looking to enter the field If you're an accredited investor or looking for a way to generate passive income through real estate, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Providing High-Quality Flooring Solutions" with Brandon Cutler 27:52

28 days ago27:52

27:52

Brandon Cutler joins The Orange County Power Players Podcast with Danny Flores to share insights into the world of flooring manufacturing and installation. As the National Sales Manager at Urban Surfaces, Brandon has over 20 years of experience in the industry, helping contractors and property managers get high-quality flooring solutions for multifamily housing. In this episode, Brandon discusses how Urban Surfaces has built its reputation by prioritizing reliability, service, and inventory control. He shares how the company weathered supply chain challenges during COVID-19, the importance of keeping color options available for long-term projects, and why staying out of big-box stores has been a game-changer for their business. Brandon also talks about the evolution of flooring, from carpet-dominated apartments to the now-popular luxury vinyl plank. He explains how manufacturers like Urban Surfaces support flooring installers by providing training, expert guidance, and a commitment to service that goes beyond just selling products. If you're in the construction, property management, or contracting space, this episode is packed with valuable insights! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Specializing in Neuropsychiatric Investigations" with Dr. Alva 28:17

4 weeks ago28:17

28:17

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast , host Danny Flores sits down with Dr. Gus Alva, a leading expert in neuropsychiatric clinical research. Dr. Alva is the Medical Director of ATP Clinical Research, an Associate Professor at UC Irvine, and a forensic psychiatric consultant for the Orange County Superior Court. With over 30 years of experience, he has been deeply involved in investigational research for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Alva shares: ✅ His journey into neuropsychiatric research and what sparked his passion ✅ The process behind FDA-approved medications and clinical trials ✅ The Center of Excellence launching in Orange County to provide cutting-edge treatments ✅ How people can access free investigational studies for mental health conditions ✅ The importance of delayed gratification, gratitude, and perseverance in achieving success ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"CMO Growing Revenue by 10x and 7 Successful Exits" with Grant Johnson 22:12

5 weeks ago22:12

22:12

Welcome to the Orange County Power Players Podcast ! In this episode, host Danny Flores sits down with Grant Johnson, a results-driven fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a true powerhouse in the marketing world. With a remarkable track record of scaling companies to 10x revenue growth and achieving seven successful exits, Grant shares his insights into what it takes to drive transformative change. Grant discusses his experience working with startups and billion-dollar companies, his role as part of the esteemed Chief Outsiders firm, and how their innovative approach has helped over 2,000 companies thrive. Discover the secrets behind aligning strategy, sales, and marketing for sustained growth and the importance of keeping up with game-changing innovations like AI. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice on growth strategies, building high-performance teams, and adapting to market trends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Small Business & Entrepreneurship Thought Leader" with Rieva Lesonsky 35:59

5 weeks ago35:59

35:59

This week on the Orange County Power Players Podcast , we welcome the remarkable Rieva Lesonsky, a pioneer in the world of small business and entrepreneurship. With decades of experience, from her groundbreaking tenure at Entrepreneur Magazine to founding SmallBusinessCurrents.com, Rieva has dedicated her career to empowering entrepreneurs. In this episode, we dive into: The evolution of small business and the challenges entrepreneurs face today. How generational shifts and technology are transforming marketing strategies. The secrets to thriving as a small business owner in a digital-first world. Rieva also shares her unique journey, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, and how it shaped her perspective on business. Plus, she offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into staying ahead of trends in 2025 and beyond. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Fusing Customer Success with Digital Strategy" with Chris Hood 24:54

5 weeks ago24:54

24:54

In this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast , host Danny Flores welcomes Chris Hood, a distinguished leader in customer experience and digital strategy. With an impressive career spanning contributions to over 500 companies and $26 billion in growth, Chris has worked with iconic brands such as Universal, Reebok, NBC, and Domino's, earning him recognition as one of the top 30 customer experience gurus by Global Gurus in 2024. Chris shares his journey from working at Google to launching ventures in AI, gaming, and education. He provides actionable insights into staying competitive in crowded markets, harnessing customer-centric problem-solving, and building businesses that adapt to disruption. Chris also introduces his latest book, Infallible: The Artificial Intelligence Ideology Reshaping Consumer Behavior , exploring the intersection of AI and customer success. Listen in to discover: How Chris balances multiple ventures with clear vision and organization. The role of AI in shaping customer experience and solving real-world problems. Why having a backup plan can safeguard entrepreneurial success. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest…

Orange County Power Players

1
"Making an Impact in the Hospitality Industry" with Kenzie Vath 24:40

5 weeks ago24:40