School for Startups Radio

October 6, 2025 – No Try Carla Ondrasik and The Empathy Gap Daniel Murray

Carla Ondrasik – Former EMI Music Publishing VP, Now Motivational Speaker & Author
Stop building in the intention and the potential for failure before you even start. Change that word with ‘I’m going to do this,’ and you’re going to trigger a series of events that literally happen in your brain to more doing.
Carla Ondrasik is a former music publishing executive turned motivational speaker and author whose work is grounded in psychology, habit science, and clinical research. During her more than 20-year tenure in the music industry, she served as a vice president at EMI Music Publishing, where she worked with a number of artists and helped facilitate creative development. Drawing on that experience, Carla now speaks at colleges, high schools, retreats, and events, delivering her signature Stop Trying / Start Doing philosophy. Her upcoming book, Stop Trying!, presents a framework for creating lasting change by overcoming procrastination, silencing negative self-talk, reframing failure, and replacing passive attempts with decisive action. Carla’s approach is designed to help people stop feeling stuck and begin accomplishing goals in their personal, professional, and creative lives.Daniel Murray – Keynote Speaker, Empathy Strategist, Founder of Empathic Consulting and Author of The Empathy Gap: The Bridge to Real Connection and Lasting Influence
If you’re too busy or you don’t care, then you’re not a leader. Stop leading that person, because we need leaders around us who are willing to actually care.
Daniel Murray (BSc, MBA Executive) is the founder and CEO of Empathic Consulting and is widely recognised as Australia’s leading expert in Strategic Empathy – the practice of embedding empathy into organisational culture to drive performance. With over 18 years of experience in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Daniel blends a strong analytical background in mathematics and strategy with deep insights from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioural economics. Beginning his professional journey in roles such as internal management consultant for large financial services organisations, he transitioned to a purpose-driven mission: helping leaders and organisations develop empathy as a strategic capability. Daniel’s speaking, consulting, and training work focuses on guiding leaders to bridge the “empathy gap” – moving beyond purely measurable metrics to recognise how emotional intelligence, values, relationships, and culture impact performance.  He has delivered keynotes and workshops for organisations such as Commonwealth Bank, PwC, IAG, Macquarie Bank, Treasury departments, and more – focusing on themes such as “The Empathy Gap,” “Leading the Great Reconnection,” and embedding empathy into business models.  Daniel’s mission is to help people leaders unlock the full potential of their teams by combining curiosity, empathy, and strategy in a pragmatic, actionable way.

October 3, 2025 – Witch of Wall Street Patricia W Chadwick and Environmental Hero Wayne Elliott

Patricia Chadwick – Former Global Partner at Invesco and Author of Breaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street 
The world is just, you know, a huge basket of opportunity.
Patricia Chadwick was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1948. She received her BA in Economics from Boston University and had a successful 30-year career in the investment business, culminating as a Global Partner at Invesco. Today, she sits on a number of corporate boards and blogs on economic, social, and political issues. Her pro-bono activities include mentoring young women in high school and college and providing strategic planning advice to not-for-profit organizations. In 2016, she co-founded Anchor Health Initiative, a healthcare company devoted to the needs of the LGBTQ community in Connecticut, and serves as the firm’s pro-bono CEO. She is the author of a previous memoir, Little Sister. A mother to twins, a daughter and a son, she lives in Connecticut with her husband John.Wayne Elliott – Ship Recycling and Strauss Naturals Advocate
The goal has got to be winning all the games, and this goal should be100% recycling if we’re serious about it.
Wayne Elliott has been in the ship recycling business for 40 years. His company can take a 1000-foot-long ship and reduce it to a pile to reusable materials. He has grown into other areas such as battery recycling. He recounts his life-changing experience with SHD, a health supplement he stumbled upon after battling angina and its debilitating symptoms. Struggling with leg cramps, shortness of breath, night sweats, and chest pains, Wayne also grappled with anxiety and a lack of energy, resigning himself to the fate of heart-related issues that plagued his family. However, upon learning about SHD through a friend in Vancouver and being inspired by studies from renowned institutions like Harvard, Wayne decided to give it a try. Astonishingly, within two weeks of taking SHD, he noticed improvements in unexpected ways – his hearing returned, and his respiratory system cleared, leading to a significant boost in energy. Over the course of three months, Wayne transformed into a revitalized version of himself, feeling as energetic as he did decades ago. This transformation propelled him into a new phase of life where he actively engaged with others, becoming a spokesperson for Jim Strauss, the creator of SHD. Wayne’s involvement extended to radio shows and lectures, allowing him to share his incredible journey with thousands of people suffering from various health issues. His enthusiasm and dedication to natural health solutions led him to become a regular guest on radio networks in the USA and Canada, where he continued to spread the word about his positive experiences with SHD and its miraculous effects on individuals dealing with diabetes, heart disease, low energy, and clogged arteries. Wayne’s story highlights the power of painless, safe, and affordable health products, emphasizing the beauty of solutions that genuinely work. His gratitude towards Jim Strauss and the Strauss Heart Drops is profound, as he believes that without this intervention, he might not have been alive today, reinforcing the transformative impact of natural health remedies in the face of life-threatening conditions. Strauss Naturals is sponsoring the show with support for our radio-minute segments. Wayne says very simply that their products saved him. He became an advocate for the company and has been working with them for 29 years.

October 2, 2025 – Power of 3 Leadership Steven Mays & Insanely Profitable Douglas Squirrel

Steven Mays – Author of “The Power of 3: Lessons in Leadership” Authorhouse
Courage is overcoming fear to take actions that benefit somebody else, without regard to the consequences to yourself.
Steven was born in Charleston, West Virginia into an Air Force family and is proud to be called a military brat. He traveled the country and the world following his father during his career as an Air Force Sergeant. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy on June 5, 1974, having majored in math, and was selected for the Navy Nuclear Power program following a successful interview with Admiral Rickover. He earned his gold dolphins aboard the USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) which was the lead ship in the Navy’s fleet of attack submarines. He served on operational deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. His civilian career involved safety and risk evaluations of nuclear power plants for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the civilian nuclear power industry in the United States and Canada, and government service with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff. He obtained a master’s degree in electrical engineering via the GI Bill while working full time at the INL. He resides in Ashburn, Virginia with his wife Barbara who has managed to put up with him for over 30 years. He has six children (including a set of triplets), and five grandchildren. He is passionate about story-telling and the subject of leadership. Steve believes that leaders are made, not born and that teaching others how to lead is the most rewarding and vital occupation anyone can participate in.Douglas Squirrel – Founder of Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter douglassquirrel and squirrelsquardron. 
Far too few people start conversations being curious… I bet if yourlisteners sat down and wrote down the words they said in their lastdifficult conversation, almost none of the sentences would end witha question mark.
Douglas Squirrel has been coding for forty years and has led software teams for twenty. He uses the power of conversations to create dramatic productivity gains in technology organizations of all sizes. His experience includes growing software teams as a CTO in startups from fintech to biotech to music, and everything in between; consulting on product improvement at over 200 organizations in the UK, US, Australia, Africa, and Europe; and coaching a wide variety of leaders in improving their conversations, aligning to business goals, and creating productive conflict. He lives in Frogholt, England, in a timber-framed cottage built in the year 1450. He is the author of Squirrel’s Tech Radar, Decoding Tech Talk, and Agile Conversations: Transform Your Conversations, Transform Your Culture, co-authored with Jeffrey Fredrick.

October 1, 2025 – Climate Adaptation Robert Collin and The Sales Queen Vivian Weyll

Robert Collin – Expert in Climate Change Adaptation and Author of Mitigation Strategies and The Climate Adaptation Generation: A Blueprint for the Future
A thought and an idea is one of the most powerful things in the world.
I have taught, researched and published in law, social work and urban and environmental planning for over 40 years. I have also been appointed to advisory commissions by 3 state governors and 3 presidents. I have published many law reviews, 2 were the first on the topic in that genre. I have published 9 volumes of encyclopedias, some with my wife Robin Morris Collin. 2 were the first in that genre – the book on the EPA was mine. The 3 volume set on sustainability was ours. My book, Battleground Environment, 2 volumes, described the 100 most controversial environmental issues from the perspective of community, government and industry. I have also been certified as an expert witness in US federal court and in state Court. I have won 2 awards teaching decided by students. My book, The Climate Adaptation Generation: A Blueprint for the Future, was awarded the best climate change book in the US in 2025. Accepted for consideration for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize.Vivian Weyll D’Andrea – Co-Founder & CEO of AIRE Insurance Group
Sales is not pressure, it’s presence. Neuroscience shows with proven data that if you try pressuring people, it backfires.
Vivian Weyll D’Andrea is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AIRE Insurance Group, where she leads with a clear vision to transform the insurance industry through transparency, growth, and agent empowerment. With more than a decade of experience spanning operations, marketing, sales, and organizational development, she has built a reputation for driving innovation and developing scalable systems that help agents thrive. Her entrepreneurial journey, marked by resilience and purpose, has shaped her commitment to financial literacy, mentorship, and sustainable business practices. Alongside her team, she has positioned AIRE as an independent marketing organization that prioritizes agent ownership and long-term success. Vivian is also an active voice in leadership and finance conversations, frequently sharing insights on personal growth, mindset, and entrepreneurship across media, conferences, and her professional networks.

September 30, 2025 – Agile Transformations Crystal J Gibson and Great Human Rebrand Merry-Carole Powers

Crystal J. Gibson – Enterprise Transformation Partner and Author of Authentic Alliance: Empowering Sustainable Change in Complex Organizations
It was really to be able to provide that reminder for people who are in that space right now and then to help anybody who’s just starting out… that you do belong in certain spaces, especially when not everybody looked like me.
Crystal J Gibson is an Executive & Enterprise Coach, speaker, and author who helps leaders and teams understand the complexities of modern organizations. With years of experience in hospitality, technology, human capital management, and finance, she’s built a reputation for creating sustainable change by focusing on the people at the heart of the work. Crystal doesn’t just offer solutions—she helps individuals and groups discover their own. Whether coaching a team to streamline processes and cut costs or mentoring a leader through the challenges of driving cultural transformation, her approach is always grounded in building trust and fostering authentic connections. Her CHARM framework is more than a tool—it’s a philosophy that guides her work, helping people align their strengths, overcome barriers, and create lasting results. She’s helped teams tackle everything from breaking down silos that delay progress to introducing agile practices that improve efficiency and collaboration. Crystal also works one-on-one with leaders, guiding them to step into their roles and navigate complex cultural dynamics confidently. Her book captures these lessons, sharing stories, strategies, and insights from her journey. It’s a practical guide for Change Catalysts, Managers, Executives, and anyone ready to take bold steps toward creating meaningful change.Merry-Carole Powers – Founder of Unicorn Kreative, Author of The Great Human Rebrand: How to Step Out of the Labels That Divide Us and Into the Humanity That Unites Us
Be humble enough to know that you don’t know everything and let others lead in the moments when you’re unsure.
Merry Carole Powers is a recognized expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as a creative leader with over two decades of experience shaping global brands and corporate cultures. As Creative Director for Sustainability, Purpose, and DEI at Deloitte, she led initiatives that embed human-centered values and inclusive practices into the core of business strategy. Her professional journey includes senior creative and content strategy roles at leading organizations such as Deloitte, Vanguard, and Leo / Publicis Worldwide, where she has driven brand awareness and innovative campaigns while championing individuality and purposeful impact. Powers is deeply passionate about empowering people to transcend societal labels and embrace their unique strengths. Her book, The Great Human Rebrand, challenges conventional thinking about identity and advocates for a more authentic, inclusive approach to personal and professional development. The book challenges our traditional approach to careers and life and offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate the complex landscape of modern business while maintaining a focus on humanity and unity. She is also the founder of Unicorn Kreative, a Philadelphia-based company dedicated to unlocking human and business potential through strategic storytelling, culture building, and purpose-driven creativity.

September 29, 2025 - The Rising Leader Author Mark J Silverman and Nonprofit Fundraising Rhea Wong

Mark J. Silverman – Executive Coach, Speaker, Podcaster an Author of The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders
Most CEOs I know are actually lovely people, but many of them, becauseof the stress and the strain, either seem erratic or indecisive or changetheir mind or change direction or authoritarian in different situations…Leadership is so lonely and CEOs don’t have people to talk to.
Drawing on decades of leadership training, coaching expertise, and personal transformation, Mark works with CEOs, senior executives, and fast-rising leaders who are ready to expand their capacity without sacrificing what matters most. His unique approach blends business strategy with deep internal work – helping leaders operate with more clarity, presence, and impact in every room they walk into. As a former revenue leader responsible for driving over $90 million in growth for fast-moving startups, Mark understands the demands of high-stakes leadership. He is the author of three books – including the bestseller Only 10s 2.0 and The Rising Leader Handbook and co-author of two more. He also hosts The Rising Leader Podcast. “As your nervous system aligns, your leadership elevates naturally, powerfully, and without force.” Mark’s work is for those ready to trade force for true power and evolve into the kind of leader people follow naturally.
Rhea Wong – Podcaster, Fundraiser and the Author of Get That Money, Honey!: The No-Bullsh*t Guide to Raising More Money For Your Nonprofit 
Philanthropy is literally in its root form, love of humanity. And so howcan we help these folks who have been blessed with capacity andresources to really love on humanity in the way that feels right to them?
Rhea helps nonprofits raise more money. Though she has deep experience with institutional, corporate and event fund-raising, she is passionate about major individual donors and helping organizations to establish individual giving programs. She has raised millions of dollars in private philanthropy and is passionate about building the next generation of fundraising leaders. She has become a leader in the New York nonprofit community and is a frequent educational commentator in the media. She has been recognized with the SmartCEO Brava Award in 2015 and NY Nonprofit Media’s 40 under 40 in 2017. Rhea lives in Brooklyn with her husband and the World’s Most Spoiled Dog Stevie Wonderdog. When she is not raising money for causes she loves, she can be found hosting her podcast Nonprofit Lowdown or onstage as a newbie stand-up comedian in downtown Brooklyn.

September 26, 2025 - Cognitive Organizations Kenneth Correa and Gave Away $100 Millions Ali Horriyat

Kenneth Correa – Founder of DataNeural and Author Cognitive Organizations: Leveraging the Full Power of Generative AI and Intelligent Agents
So the cognitive organization is an organization that combines AI andhuman agents…..
Kenneth Correa is a technology thought leader, entrepreneur, and author of “Cognitive Organizations,” published by MIT in 2024. As the founder of DataNeural, an AI consulting firm, and Head of Strategy at 80 20 Marketing, Kenneth is dedicated to helping organizations harness the power of AI agent networks to achieve transformational results. With over 25 years of experience and a global presence spanning Brazil, the UK, the US, and beyond, Kenneth specializes in bridging cutting-edge AI innovations with practical business applications. His clients include Fortune 500 companies and leaders in healthcare, finance, and technology. Through his consulting, workshops, and international keynotes, Kenneth equips businesses with frameworks to drive productivity and stay ahead in the AI era. The rise of AI has been a boon to business, but like the proverbial double-edged sword, it’s also creating anxiety and confusion amongst businesses on how best to take advantage of this incredible tech.
Ali Horriyat – Environmental Entrepreneur and Founder of Compassiviste
Do we want to see a world that’s sustainable in 200 years, or does it only matter that I eat the steak now, and I don’t care what happens after I die in a few years?
Ali Horriyat is the Founder of Compassivate, left the lucrative, profit-driven world of finance in 2016 to devote himself to his vision of a society where compassion, empathy, and social impact are at the heart of our actions. In 2020, he launched Compassiviste to spread this vision and he develops and invents ways we can sustainably produce and consume, in order to make sustainable living a comfort and not a burden. Compassiviste believes that all change begins with creative expression so there is no better way than to amplify the voice of a new appeal and generation than to have dialogues with those inspiring social harmony. Compassiviste aims to expand its tribe and membership to be able to support more charitable causes and interact with our communities to influence global compassion and social harmony. The goal is to secure an activated following willing to engage and donate consistently to effectively promote necessary shifts. Born in Dubai, Ali attended schools in the UAE, France and Switzerland before pursuing his higher education in Canada. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, political science, philosophy, business, international relations and conflict resolution, and religion. Ali is the author of 13 books, including collections of essays and poetry, with themes ranging from racism and capitalism to spirituality, love and compassion. He believes that humans must “love always, and always love.”

September 25, 2025 – Give Hospitality Taylor Scott and Raising Entrepreneurs Margot Bisnow

Taylor Scott – Hospitality Expert and Author of Give Hospitality: A Hopeful Story of What Happens When We Live, Work, and Love from a Place of Generosity 
We are all wired to feel before we think – so whether you’re leading,selling, or influencing, it behooves all of us to connect with
Taylor Scott is a best-selling author, inspirational keynote speaker, and organizational development consultant. Through his books, workshops, keynotes, and licensed content, he inspires audiences at Fortune 500 companies, universities, and community organizations nationwide to become their best, deliver their best, and experience the best life possible. Taylor leverages his personal experiences and twenty years working in the hospitality industry for Disney Parks and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels and Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to connect with and inspire leaders at all levels. Taylor Scott, author of the popular Lead with Hospitality and the forthcoming Give Hospitality (July 8, 2025; Matt Holt Books)? The books are inspired by his 20-year leadership career in the hospitality and entertainment industries, working for Wynn Resorts, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Disney Parks and Resorts, and Gaylord Hotels and Resorts. Scott earned a Masters of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University.Margot Machol Bisnow – Former FTC Commissioner and Author of Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams – 99 Stories from Families Who Did
The one thing that every one of the entrepreneurs had in common is thatthey all had a passion outside of school, and their parents supported that passion.
Margot Machol Bisnow spent 20 years in government, including as an FTC Commissioner and staff director of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. For the last 10 years, she has spoken to parent groups about raising creative, confident, resilient children who achieve their dreams. She served as an Advisor to EQ Generation, an after-school program in New York City that gives children the skills to succeed; on the Advisory Board of the MUSE School in Malibu, that prepares young people to live consciously through passion-based learning; and on the Board of Spark the Journey in Washington DC, that mentors low-income high school students to achieve college and career success.

September 24, 2025 - Strategy Sprints Simon Severino and The Sales Closer Ben Gay III

Simon Severino – Strategy Sprints™ Method and Author of Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business
So probably my only skill is endurance, because 22 years ago, I decidedthat I am here to serve entrepreneurs and to help them solve salesproblems, and I have never given up since that day.
Simon Severino has created +2B in additional sales for his clients over the last 21 years. As an advisor who became CEO, he had to learn the importance of working ON the business more than IN it. Now, he shares his proven templates with high-ticket entrepreneurs. They reclaim 14 hours per week using the Strategy Sprints™ Method and enjoy sales that soar. Author of “Strategy Sprints”, Podcast Host Ranking Top 2,5%, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, Triathlete. Has appeared on over 1300 podcasts. When he is not supercharging sales, you’ll find him swimming, biking, running and tricking his 3 kids into outdoor activities so they can’t escape his annoying shrinky questions. Simon Severino helps business owners in SaaS and Services run their company more effectively which results in sales that soar. The  Method doubles revenue in 90 days by getting owners out of the weeds. He is also a Forbes Business Council Member, a contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, and a member of Duke Corporate Education.
Ben Gay III – Salesman, Speaker, and Sales Trainer at “The Closers”
85% of all the problems go away in selling if you sell a quality productor service, preferably the best available at a competitive price, and spendyour time talking to qualified prospects.
Ben Gay III has been called a living legend in the sales world. In his 40+ years of professional selling and sales training, he has been the #1 salesperson in every organization in which he has ever worked . . . and he’s a powerful speaker, trainer, and author to boot! Having started his first business at 14, by age 25 he was the president/CEO of what was then the world’s largest Direct Sales/MLM/Network Marketing company. And he was personally trained by fellow sales legends J. Douglas Edwards, Dr. Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, William Penn Patrick, Zig Ziglar, Merle Fraser, Fred Herman, James H. Rucker Jr., and many many other sales giants. Now one of the most famous, popular and powerful sales trainers in the world, Ben accepts and conducts just 24 live “The Closers Sales Training” seminars a year and writes/publishes/produces “The Closers” series of books, audios, videos, newsletters, and teletrainings . . . a series that is considered “The Foundation of Professional Selling.” He was the founder and is the current Executive Director of The National Association of Professional Salespeople.

September 23, 2025 - Obstacles to Opportunity Pat Alacqua and Go Giver Bob Burg

Pat Alacqua – CEO of Blue Magnet Partners and Author of Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs
Growth is not scale. Don’t mistake the two. Scale is capacity, not chaos,and start building scale early, because you run out of hustle at some point.
Pat Alacqua is a seasoned business growth strategist who has built his own successful businesses and helped others achieve exponential growth. He founded the Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program to share his wealth of experience and guide leaders on their journey. His new book is Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs – Stories and Strategies from Leaders Who’ve Mastered It.  A renowned business growth strategist, Pat founded the Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program and created the 3Cs Process to Faster Results. With expertise in anticipating development needs and overcoming challenges, Pat cultivates leadership skills and disciplined processes to help entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, and executives grow exponentially.Bob Burg – Keynote Speaker, Co-Founder and Coauthor of The Go-Giver Influencer: A Little Story About a Most Persuasive Idea
Shifting your focus from getting to giving – constantly and consistently providing value to others – is not only a nice way to live life, but a very financially profitable way as well.
Bob Burg shares how a subtle shift in focus is not only a more uplifting and fulfilling way of conducting business but the most financially profitable way, as well. For more than 30 years he has helped companies, sales leaders, and their teams to more effectively communicate their value, sell at higher prices with less resistance, and grow their businesses based on Endless Referrals. Bob has regularly addressed audiences ranging in size from 50 to 16,000 — sharing the platform with notables including today’s top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic athletes and political leaders including a former United States President. Although for years he was best known for his book Endless Referrals, it’s his business parable, The Go-Giver (coauthored with John David Mann) that captured the imagination of his readers. The Go-Giver, a Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek Bestseller, has sold well over a million copies. Since its release, it has consistently stayed in the Top 25 on Porchlight’s (formerly 800-CEO-READ) Business Book Bestsellers List. The book has been translated into 30 languages. It was rated #10 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the Most Motivational Books Ever Written, and was on HubSpot’s 20 Most Highly Rated Sales Books of All Time. Bob is the author of a number of books on sales, referrals, influence, persuasion, and people skills, with total book sales exceeding two million copies. Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender, of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve. He is also an unapologetic animal fanatic and serves as part of a South Florida rescue, foster, and adoption organization.