Our Pathways

Join hosts Benoy and Ike as they kick off this adventure-filled series by sharing the story behind Fearless Founders and their infectious passion for all things entrepreneurial. With a blend of humor, wisdom, and practical advice, they’ll take you on a journey of discovery, offering insights and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial dreams.

In this episode, Benoy and Ike invite businessman Shaun Sorensen to share his insights on entrepreneurship, from the early stages of starting a business to navigating the inevitable embarrassing moments. Tune in to learn valuable tips for startup founders from someone who’s been there, done that, and come out on top.

Join us as we delve into the impact of AI on new founders’ opportunities with special guest John Newton, Founder of Documentum and Alfresco, in a two-part series uncovering the transformative potential of technology for entrepreneurial ventures.

Join us as we delve into the impact of AI on new founders’ opportunities with special guest John Newton, Founder of Documentum and Alfresco, in a two-part series uncovering the transformative potential of technology for entrepreneurial ventures.

Join hosts Benoy and Ike as they welcome renowned leadership guru Nate Spears on a journey through his transformation from a founder to an influential leadership expert. Dive deep into Nate’s insights, experiences, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.

Join Ike and Benoy as they open up about their own struggles with startup stress. In this episode, they share personal stories, from sleepless nights to overwhelming to-do lists, and how they overcame them. Get ready for a heartfelt chat filled with real-life experiences and practical tips to help you tackle stress head-on and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, Ike and Benoy finally revealed the inspiration behind the name Fearless Founders. They share personal stories and insights into the courage and resilience required to be first-time entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn what it truly means to be a Fearless Founder.

In this episode, CEO Coach and podcast host Benoy reunites with his coach Kimberly Giles. With Ike, the three discuss their insights on behavior for founders to succeed. They explore the different principles that drive successful leadership. Learn how to leverage these insights to overcome challenges and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey.

Get ready for a candid discussion with finance guru Dave Chidester, who’s steered multiple tech companies to success. Join us as we explore his bold views on startup CEOs, including his blunt label of them as ‘CRAZY!’ Tune in for insights that could reshape your perspective on navigating the startup world.

In this episode of Fearless Founders, hosts Ike and Benoy chat with Carey Ransom, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and operator. Carey shares his invaluable insights from running an incubation studio, launching ventures, and managing a VC firm. Tune in for tips on spotting good investors, recognizing red flags, managing debt, and building a supportive network.

Join us as Greg Butterfield, a seasoned business coach, shares essential steps for startup success. Featuring Carson Matthews, the owner of a young business, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. Tune in to learn from Greg’s expertise and Carson’s experiences!

In this episode of Fearless Founders, guest Ken Button shares why growing wealth slowly is the smartest strategy. Learn practical tips and gain insights on how patience and a long-term perspective can lead to lasting financial success. Tune in for a fresh approach to building wealth the right way.

In this 14th episode of the Fearless Founders podcast, Ike and Benoy sit down with Scott Frazier, one of the most prolific angel investors in the startup world. Scott shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience in investing, offering sage advice on what it takes to succeed as a founder and how to navigate the complex world of angel investing. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Scott’s wisdom and practical tips are not to be missed. Dive into this episode for a masterclass on startup success from a true industry veteran.

In the 15th episode of Fearless Founders, hosts Ike and Benoy sit down with Josh Freeman, founder of the law firm Freeman-Lovell, to discuss the critical legal considerations that entrepreneurs often overlook. With his extensive experience helping startups from launch to exit, Josh offers actionable advice on legal structures, equity management, and the importance of getting things right from the beginning.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, few journeys are as inspiring as those of women founders who defy the odds to achieve remarkable success. In this insightful episode of Fearless Founders, hosts Ike and Benoy welcome guest speaker Eva Helen, a CEO of EQ Inspiration, to share her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the business world. Through a candid conversation, they explore the realities of perfectionism, emotional resilience, and the unique dynamics faced by women in leadership.

In this episode, Evan Teshima joins us to share essential strategies for business growth, from recognizing your customers as invaluable investors to mastering the art of acquisitions. Evan highlights the importance of smart hiring, emphasizing the risks of skipping background checks and the reality that impressive interviews don’t always translate to strong performance. We also explore how the right mentor can provide crucial guidance through key business decisions, ensuring you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the path to success.

In Episode 18, we’re thrilled to feature Joe Kaiser from Mercato Partners—a Salt Lake City local and an accomplished investor with over eight years at the firm. Known as a leader and friend, Joe combines deep analytical expertise with a genuine, heart-centered approach. Having been involved in three startups himself and as a Northwestern University graduate, he brings invaluable insights into what it takes for founders to succeed. Joe shares his belief that a truly founder-friendly VC is someone who becomes the founder’s first call in times of need. His advice is the best we can share!
Tune in for inspiring advice and insights for what to become a successful founders.

In Episode 19, we’re excited to spotlight Talal Kaakani, a dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of a thriving bootstrap business, Bella Boo Bear which is recognized as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Talal shares his remarkable journey of scaling his company 300% year-over-year while balancing the challenges of managing operations, delegating to experts, and leading with vision. With lessons learned from taking control of in-house operations to embracing external expertise, Talal’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of calculated growth.

In Episode 20 of Fearless Founders, Daniel Mueller, a distinguished executive coach and mentor to entrepreneurs, unpacks the transformative power of asking questions, embracing mentorship, and overcoming fear-based leadership. This episode dives into real-life lessons, including the struggles and triumphs of founders who learned to ask for help and lean on their teams for strategic growth.