School for Startups Radio

March 5, 2025 – Rapid Business Growth Strategist Marquel Russell and 25 years of e-Prescribing Randy Boldyga

Marquel Russell – Founder of Strategic Scale Institute
Marquel is the creator and founder of Strategic Scale Institute™, a cutting-edge marketing consultancy renowned for building and consulting on hundreds of automated client attraction systems across dozens of industries. His team has helped clients generate billions of ad impressions, millions of leads, thousands of clients, and over $1 Billion in revenue—a number that continues to grow by the minute. Top marketers and business owners, including those already making 7, 8, and 9-figures, have sought Marquel’s expertise. He’s internationally known for delivering some of the highest returns on investment in the industry, with success stories that stretch as long as the line at a Jay-Z and Beyoncé concert. The mission of Strategic Scale Institute is ambitious yet simple: to help 1,000,000 service-based business owners add an extra $1 million to their annual revenue. This mission, dubbed “The Trillion Dollar March,” aims to contribute $1 trillion to the global economy. Arguably one of the best when it comes to revenue growth for experts, Marquel Russell is a multimillion-dollar revenue generator, best-selling author, Inc. 5000 CEO, Rapid Business Growth Strategist, and Advisor who has been called one of the greatest business growth geniuses of our time. His genius lies in his innate talent for creating simple systems to strategically grow companies that are more profitable, scalable, sustainable, enjoyable, and sellable. His sharp-shooting, holistic approach to scaling companies has helped CEOs and Founders pull in more than $1 Billion in client success stories, billions of ad impressions, millions of high-quality leads, and 10’s of thousands of clients. From high school dropout and former drug dealer to multimillion-dollar Rapid Business Growth Strategist and Advisor, Marquel is a walking billboard for the lyrics “started from the bottom now I’m here.”Randy Boldyga – CEO of RXNT
Randy Boldyga founded RXNT in May of 1999 with a vision to create a safer and more efficient method for prescribing medications in the United States—better known today as e-prescribing. Mr. Boldyga helped transform an industry by working with key stakeholders to forge industry standards, which are now used by all participants involved in the electronic medication process, including physicians, pharmacies, payers, pharmacy benefit managers, and more. Previously, Mr. Boldyga led IT Operations at The Columbia Bank in Maryland and managed a team of 70 in the Clinical Health Information Systems Department at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he learned first-hand the technology challenges faced by medical teams at the point-of-care. Prior to UAMS, he was an information technology consultant for various government agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Mr. Boldyga graduated from Annapolis High in 1984. He attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he received a degree in Mathematics in 1988. Outside of the office, Mr. Boldyga is an active supporter of his community. He and his wife, Claudia, are the Founding Chairs and Annual Co-chairs of the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation (AAMC) Denim and Diamonds events. He also held a seat on the Anne Arundel Economic Development Board of Directors from 2014 to 2016.

March 3, 2025 – Boundless Founder Mohamed Ahmed and Renowned Storm Chaser Josh iCyclone Morgerman

Mohamed Ahmed – Founder & President of Boundless Founder and the Author of The Inside-Out Entrepreneur: Become the entrepreneur you were born to be
Mohamed (Mo) Ahmed is a serial entrepreneur, product visionary, and innovator who has devoted his career to transforming ambitious ideas into groundbreaking realities. With over two decades of experience spanning artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and entrepreneurship, Mo has consistently demonstrated that no goal is out of reach with the right mindset and approach. As the co-founder and CEO of several startups, Mo orchestrated a remarkable journey from concept to acquisition. He built a multi-million dollar business with a successful 7x markup exits, validating his philosophy that extraordinary results come from daring to think differently. Mo’s expertise is battle-tested across Silicon Valley’s most demanding environments, including Microsoft, Amazon, and several startups. His double degree in business and computer science and his PhD in computer science from the University of Connecticut laid the foundation for his unique ability to bridge complex technical challenges with practical business solutions. Mo’s true passion lies in empowering others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Through his work as a startup advisor with prestigious accelerators, including 500 Startups and TechStars, he has helped founders raise over 30 million dollars in funding. His entrepreneurial conditioning framework has become a beacon for diverse founders, helping them develop the resilience and decision-making capabilities essential for startup success. Through his Boundless Founder book series, Mo shares the insights and strategies that have powered his success, offering readers a roadmap to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. His message is clear: with the right mindset, methodology, and perseverance, anyone can transform their entrepreneurial dreams into tangible success.Josh “iCyclone” Morgerman – Renowned Storm Chaser
Morgerman is the star of the TV series, Mission: Hurricane, on WeatherSpy. Before that, he starred in the UKTV/BBC international hit TV series, Hurricane Man—broadcast in every major TV market around the world and now available on Amazon Prime. He’s a popular guest speaker and brand ambassador, and he’s a frequent on-air personality, appearing regularly on Fox News, The Weather Channel, CBS News, CNN, ABC News in Australia, Sky News in the UK, and many other media outlets. He’s currently on contract as an anchor personality and field correspondent for the TV network WeatherNation.

February 28, 2025 – Avestix Group Susan Lindeque and Prosper mE Victoria Rader

Susan Lindeque – CEO of Avestix Group
Susan Lindeque, is the dynamic CEO of Avestix Group, a woman-led investment firm specializing in alternative assets like cryptocurrency, AI, blockchain, and quantum computing. Susan’s unique blend of entrepreneurial leadership and deep expertise in emerging technologies positions her as an ideal subject for a profile piece that could offer your readers valuable insights into the future of tech investment and innovation. Susan’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and trailblazing leadership. With over three decades of experience across multiple continents, she has built Avestix into a respected firm focused on disrupting traditional investment models by capitalizing on the immense potential of cutting-edge technologies. As an entrepreneur and investor, Susan has been an advocate for the integration of AI, blockchain, and other advanced technologies across industries, helping to shape the future of sectors like fintech, healthcare, and real estate. Some of the key aspects of Susan’s background and expertise that would be compelling for a profile include: • A Global Career in Business and Investment: With decades of experience leading organizations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Susan has a rare global perspective that informs her investment strategies, which are highly regarded in the tech and startup communities. • Championing Women in Tech: As a woman leading a tech-focused investment firm, Susan is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to break into the male-dominated tech and venture capital sectors. • Pioneering the Future of Tech Investments: Avestix is one of the few firms to focus on alternative assets like cryptocurrency and quantum computing, sectors that are often overlooked by traditional investors. Susan’s ability to spot trends and lead investment strategies in emerging technologies makes her an expert in navigating the evolving tech landscape. • Adapting to Market Shifts: Susan’s insights into how economic and technological shifts impact the investment landscape are invaluable, especially as she tracks the growing intersection between traditional markets and digital assets. Susan can also speak on: • Women Entrepreneurs in Tech: Susan can speak about her experience as a woman in the tech and investment world and share her thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. • Building a Successful Tech Investment Firm: Susan can share the challenges and strategies behind founding and growing a tech-focused investment firm in a rapidly changing market, as well as her approach to identifying high-potential startups.Victoria Rader, PhD – Possibility Coach, Founder of YU2SHINE and Author of Prosper mE: The 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You
Victoria Rader, PhD in Metaphysics, is the Possibility Coach™ and founder of YU2SHINE. She has helped thousands of clients break free from limiting beliefs and step into lives of infinite possibilities through her unique success formula of healing the heart, freeing the mind, and expanding skills to see, create, and live a life of abundance. As the author of “Prosper mE: The 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You,” “Until You Win, Until You Shine,” and “Manifest mE journal,” Victoria is a sought-after expert in the field of personal development. She is also the host of the “All About the Voice” podcast and the creator of the Empower-mE and Master-mE apps. Victoria’s mission is to awaken and empower readers to lives of limitless possibilities.

February 27, 2025 – Launching Consumer Brands Dr. James Richardson and Kindr Jody R. Weiss

Dr. James Richardson – Founder of Premium Growth Solutions and Author of Ramping Your Brand: How to Ride the Killer CPG Growth Curve
Dr. James Richardson  is  founder  of  Premium  Growth  Solutions,  a  strategic planning  consultancy  for  early-stage  consumer-packaged goods brands. As a professionally trained cultural anthropologist turned business strategist, he has helped more than 75 CPG brands with their strategic planning, including brands owned by Coca-Cola  Venturing  and  Emerging  Brands,  The  Hershey  Company, General Mills, Kraft Foods, ConAgra Brands, and Frito-Lay as well as emerging brands such as Once Upon a Farm, Mother Kombucha, Bobby Sue’s Nuts, Rebel Creamery, zaca recovery, and others. He also hosts his own podcast—Startup Confidential. His thoughts appear regularly in industry publications such as Foodnavigator.Jody R. Weiss – Director of Development at the Kindr Foundation
Jody R. Weiss is a social activist and serial social entrepreneur with a special focus on the transformation of consciousness through the lens of human rights. In her early career, Jody was a sports agent at International Management Group (IMG), representing 45 elite athletes such as Bill Rogers, Rob de Castella, Zola Budd, and Greta Waitz. For Mazda Motors, she signed Jackie Joyner, Flo Jo, Ben Johnson, Evelyn Ashford, Willie Banks, Ingrid Kristensen and other international stars to a multi-national track and field team with 213 athletes from 16 countries competing. At IMG, she learned how to package an “intellectual property” for greater global impact. In 2002, Jody launched PeaceKeeper™ Cause-Metics™ and served as the company’s CEO. PeaceKeeper was one of the first cosmetics companies to offer 75%+ organic ingredients and to give donations to urgent human rights issues globally. PeaceKeeper was sold in 500+ stores, including Henri Bendel, Nordstrom, Fred Segal, ABC Planet & Home, Whole Foods, Wegmans, Sprouts, and many other retailers around the globe. Jody sourced organic ingredients from a biodynamic farm in Satara, India for her brand and gave the farmers a second source of income. Jody is an Operating Partner to Chloe Capital, a fund and accelerator designed to deploy capital to diverse female entrepreneurs. The fund has had four M&A’s and the accelerator is so effective that women on average raise $2m. Jody is also the Founder of Women Funding the World, which is designed to galvanize women and men to increase the amount of funding going to diverse women founders from under 3% to 10% by 2035. Jody has studied meditation since 1974 to gain a deeper understanding of techniques in non-duality and consciousness. She teaches these techniques, which are at the intersection of business, personal well-being and the transformation of consciousness, to people interested in experiencing themselves more deeply… and to see that we are profoundly interdependent.

February 21, 2025 – Seal Leadership Andrew Pence and Becoming More Dianna Kokoszka

Andrew Pence – Founding Partner of TRIDIS Leadership and the Co-Author of Bullets, Basketballs, and Boardrooms: Supercharge Your Leadership: Triangulating the Best Leadership Strategies from the US Navy Seals, Professional Sports, and Executive Business
Andrew Pence, co-author of Bullets, Basketballs, and Boardrooms: Triangulating the Best Leadership Strategies from the U.S. Navy Seals, Professional Sports, and Executive Business, is a co-founder of the consulting firm TRIDIS Leadership. Andrew Pence is a decorated retired U.S. Navy SEAL Captain with over 30 years of military service. During his time in the military, Andrew developed a keen ability to build high performance teams, solve complex problems, and deliver superior results under pressure in rapidly changing environments. Today, Andrew combines these esteemed skills with a reputation for achieving results, developing leaders, and improving organizational effectiveness. For the last four years, he served as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for the Naval Special Warfare community, the world’s premier maritime special operations force comprising over ten thousand persons. Andrew has served as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for multiple organizations as well as the Chief Executive Officer (Commanding Officer) of a Navy SEAL team. An ICF (International Coaching Federation) accredited leadership coach, Andrew holds three master’s degrees, and is a fourth year PhD candidate in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. Martial arts are Andrew’s personal passion; he holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and tae kwon do, and travels nationally supporting his son’s jiu jitsu competition career. Inspired and most centered in nature, Andrew and his family reside in Montana.Dianna Kokoszka – Be Hero of Your Own Life and Author of Becoming More – You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different
Dianna Kokoszka is an Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, Investor, and Mentor. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the business world, developing many leaders during her longevity. Recognized as one of the top 25 business coaches in the U.S. as well as Entrepreneur of the year 4 times and businesswoman of the year 3 times plus nominated as best business Podcast through Women in Podcasting is living proof she loves to add value to people. Dedicating over 14 years as CEO of Keller Williams Realty International MAPS Coaching and Training, she played a pivotal role in propelling the company to becoming the largest and most profitable coaching enterprise in the real estate industry. Growing gross revenues from losing money to over 500 Million dollars. In addition, she helped take the company to the number one training company in the world 5 years straight placing them in the Hall of Fame for Training by T125. She authored the program BOLD: Business Objective a Life by Design in 2009, when the economy and real estate industry were plummeting. Over 175,000 salespeople, mortgage lenders, and leaders attended stating the course saved their careers. Kokoszka is an NLP practitioner, certified John Maxwell Coach, certified E-Myth consultant, a member of Strategic Coach, a board member of John C. Maxwell Leadership Foundation, and owner of Dk Businesses, and Dynamic Growth Collective. Kokoszka has been mentored by Dr. John C. Maxwell for over 28 years and travels alongside John and his team to numerous countries, engaging directly with Presidents and Prime Ministers incorporating value-based training into their educational system. Kokoszka’s bestselling book “Becoming More – You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different” gives the reader a model to train their brain to a new way of thinking, doing having and giving, taking them from the current story of their life to living a new story. A story of success in business, relationships, and life allowing them to leave a legacy they are proud of.

February 19, 2025 – Kasheesh Fin Tech App Samuel Miller and Hal Elrod Miracle Morning

Samuel Miller – CEO and Co Founder of Kasheesh
Samuel Miller is an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a passion for building companies that drive social impact. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Kasheesh, a cutting-edge fintech platform, Sam is revolutionizing how people manage their finances, combining payments innovation with the desire to give consumers better purchasing options using the credit and cash they already have. Kasheesh was born in COVID out of a need for smarter payment options during the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) boom in 2021.  While BNPL offered convenience, it often came with a cost – credit hits and more difficulty budgeting for the future. Sam’s career has spanned multiple sectors, including FinTech, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Real Estate Technology (RE Tech), and Lifestyle Brands, where he has been instrumental in scaling some of the world’s most successful startups.Hal Elrod – Founder & CEO of The Miracle Morning and Author of the The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
Hal Elrod is on a mission to Elevate the Consciousness of Humanity, One Person at a Time. As the author of one of the highest rated books on Amazon, “The Miracle Morning” (which has been translated into 37 languages, has over 3,000 five-star reviews and has impacted the lives of over 2,000,000 people in more than 70 countries)… he is doing exactly that. What’s incredible is that Hal literally died at age 20. His car was hit head-on by a drunk driver at 70 miles per hour, his heart stopped beating for 6 minutes, he broke 11 bones and woke up after being in a coma for 6 days to be told by his doctors that he would probably never walk again. Not only did Hal walk, he ran a 52-mile ultra-marathon and went on to became a hall of fame business achiever, international keynote speaker, author, and grateful husband & father-all before he turned 30. Then, in November of 2016, Hal nearly died again – his kidneys, lungs, and heart were failing, and he was diagnosed with a rare, and very aggressive form of cancer and given a 30% chance of living. After enduring the most difficult year of his life, Hal is now cancer-free and furthering his mission as the founder of The Miracle Morning book series, host of the “Achieve Your Goals” podcast, creator of the Best Year Ever [Blueprint] LIVE event, and Executive Producer of The Miracle Morning MOVIE – a documentary that reveals the morning rituals of some of the world’s most successful people. Hal is grateful to be alive and living his mission alongside his wife and their two young children in Austin, TX.

February 17, 2025 – Membership.io Stu McLaren and Bempathy Jill Robin Payne

Stu McLaren – Co-Founder of Membership.io
Stu McLaren is the go-to expert for turning passion into profit through membership businesses. As the founder of The Membership Experience and co-founder of Membership.io, Stu has helped thousands of entrepreneurs create recurring revenue and thriving communities by leveraging his proven membership strategies. With over a decade of experience, he’s helped thousands scale their membership programs and grow their impact across the globe. Stu’s insights have empowered countless creators, coaches, and business owners to shift from unpredictable income streams to stable, scalable, and sustainable revenue models. Through his popular program The Membership Experience, Stu has taught actionable frameworks that consistently deliver results for entrepreneurs across industries. Stu brings a wealth of knowledge, engaging storytelling, and actionable advice to the Membership space. He’s passionate about empowering individuals to work smarter, not harder and loves to dive deep into topics like audience engagement, retention strategies, and creating value-driven communities that keep members coming back. Beyond business, Stu is a dedicated philanthropist, co-founding Village Impact, a nonprofit that builds schools and provides education for children in rural Kenya. His mission-driven approach inspires others to build businesses that not only thrive financially but also create meaningful social impact.Jill Robin Payne – Author of Bempathy® Simplifying Communication by Looking at the Third Side of the Coin
Jill was the first student from her college to intern at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She interned at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston for her master’s degree. While working at Bellaire Hospital in Houston she authored a guide for positive rehabilitative activities for the emotionally and physically challenged. During her over 40 years of work experience in the mental health field, she has given numerous lectures, taught college-level Behavior Modification as an adjunct professor, is an author who continues managing a diverse practice. She is heard on all social media outlets plus local and national radio and television stations commenting on the intersection of current events and social psychology. Jill is a member of the American Counseling Association, Houston Alumnae Chapter of ZTA, Texas State Society and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy from Longwood University and a master’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology with honors from Houston Christian University. Jill’s practice is devoted to advancing the notion that seeking advice for mental health is as important as seeking advice for physical health. With a background in Pilates certification, reiki mastery, an undergraduate degree in recreation therapy, and a master’s in psychology, she developed a concept that she copyrighted and trademarked as Bempathy® – a term she herself coined. Bempathy® represents a unique approach to communication and social skills, combining banter with empathy to build and maintain harmonious reciprocal relationships. All of Jill’s work and efforts stem directly from the heart. Her passion is to ‘Spread the Goodness’ using the synergy of mind, body, and Bempathy®.

February 14, 2025 – Leading for Wellness Patricia Grabarek and Career Passion Pattie Dale Tye

Patricia Grabarek – Co-Founder of Workr Beeing and Author of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives
Patricia Grabarek, PhD, is the co-founder of Workr Beeing, co-author of “Leading for Wellness,” and a seasoned Industrial/Organizational Psychologist specializing in workplace wellness, organizational culture, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. With a background in both consulting and internal roles, Dr. Grabarek has led people analytics and talent management initiatives for more than 60 organizations across various industries. Her work focuses on research-based strategies to improve well-being, retention, performance, and diversity efforts. Named one of Culture Amp’s Top 25 Emerging Culture Creators for 2024, Dr. Grabarek’s insights have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, CBS News, and CBC Radio. She holds a PhD and MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Penn State and a BA in Psychology from UCLA.Pattie Dale Tye – Author of Ordinary to Extraordinary: Achieving Remarkable Career Success through Passion, Purpose, and Preparation
Pattie Dale is a C-suite veteran with almost 4 decades of experience leading companies to new heights and course-correcting businesses in need. Pattie Dale has an extensive track record of success with some of the most recognized brands in the world. She spent over a decade with AT&T, leading sales and operations for the company’s largest accounts. In her time with Humana, Pattie Dale was instrumental in the company’s multibillion-dollar Large Employer Segment. Embracing innovations in telemedicine and Humana’s digital wellness platform, Pattie Dale is credited with returning profitability to this portion of the organization’s business. Working in tandem with the CDC, Pattie Dale spearheaded regulatory advancements in Medicare and Medicaid for Humana Members.

February 12, 2025 – AI Museums Next Decentrum Hussein Hallak and Business Ghost Emily Crookston

Hussein Hallak- Founder and CEO of Next Decentrum
Hussein Hallak is a serial entrepreneur and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in emerging branding, tech, gamification, and education. As the Founder and CEO of Next Decentrum, he is leading a world-class team that is revolutionizing how businesses and cultural institutions harness the power of AI innovation and immersive technology. At Next Decentrum, we’re proud to bring projects like Momentable, a platform designed to democratize art and culture through immersive, interactive experiences. Gamifai, our AI-powered gamification solution drives deeper engagement with audiences through rewards and challenges.Emily Crookston – Owner of The Pocket PhD and the Author of Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book
Emily Crookston is a best-selling business book ghostwriter, author, and developmental editor. She specializes in helping founders, experts, and business owners write a book that sells. As the Owner of The Pocket PhD, she creates and implements content strategies for self-published business book authors who are ready to find their best angle, align their current content, and prime their audience for the book. Her first book, Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book, is out now. Emily is also a former philosophy professor, speaker, and podcast guest. When she’s not writing intensely, she’s most likely practicing yoga intensely. She lives for desserts topped with *real* whipped cream.

February 10, 2025 – FinTech Entrepreneur Kevin White and Reducing Uncertainty Dr. Amar Bhide

Kevin White – Founder & Managing Director of Exbo Group
Kevin White co-founded Exbo Group in 2017. He has been the acting chief financial officer of over 20 growth stage companies including Whiteboard Advisors and Pinhook Bourbon. Kevin brings 15+ years of experience in M&A advisory, venture capital, and growth stage operations. He specializes in software, education technology, business services, and consumer products. Prior to Exbo, he worked as a Strategy Consultant at Ernst & Young where he supported large, multinational companies in M&A; most recently he worked on the merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont. During his tenure at EY he advised C-Suite executives, including the CFO of Morgan Stanley and the CEO of Bank of New York Mellon Markets, in areas of growth, restructuring, and analytics. Kevin also worked at Rethink Education, a Venture Capital firm, where he advised their portfolio companies during Series A fundraising. Kevin earned his MBA from Columbia Business School, an MS in Financial Analysis from Lehigh University, and a BS in Finance and Accounting from Lehigh University. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.Amar Bhide – Author of Uncertainty and Enterprise: Venturing Beyond the Known
Amar Bhidé is a Professor of Health Policy at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Professor of Business Emeritus at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He has researched and taught about innovation, entrepreneurship, and finance for over three decades. Bhidé is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a founding member of the Center on Capitalism and Society at Columbia, and a founding editor of Capitalism and Society. He is the author of A Call for Judgment: Sensible Finance for a Dynamic Economy; The Venturesome Economy: How Innovation Sustains Prosperity in a More Connected World; The Origin and Evolution of New Businesses; and Of Politics and Economic Reality. He has written numerous articles for the Harvard Business Review; The Wall Street Journal; The New York Times; the Financial Times; and Project Syndicate.