• The Future of Small Business Sourcing with Ricky Ho
    Feb 18 2026

    In this conversation, Ricky Ho (CEO of SourceReady) shares his journey as a tech entrepreneur and the insights he has gained in the realm of product sourcing for small businesses.

    Ricky has spent seven years building in supply chain tech. He previously founded Treelab and now leads SourceReady, backed by $4.5M from investors including the former CTO of Alibaba, the former COO of Flexport, and Peter Diamandis. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Kohl’s, and Lidl, along with emerging D2C brands, already use SourceReady to scale their product sourcing with confidence and speed.


    Ho discusses the challenges faced by small business owners, the role of AI in simplifying sourcing processes, and the emerging product categories that present opportunities for entrepreneurs. Ricky also delves into the intricacies of fundraising and the importance of leveraging attention in the creative economy.


    Keywords


    AI, product sourcing, small business, entrepreneurship, supply chain, creative economy, fundraising, e-commerce, trends, market insights





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    30 Min.
  • Nearshoring in Latin America with Brian Samson, Founder of Plugg Technologies
    Feb 11 2026

    n this episode, Brian Sampson shares insights into nearshoring — what it is, why it’s becoming a game-changer for US businesses, and how Latin America offers an underrated talent pool. Whether you're considering outsourcing or offshoring, understand how nearshoring can reduce costs, increase collaboration, and tap into adaptive, resourceful talent.


    • Nearshore Cafe Podcast
    • Plug - Nearshore Automation Tools
    • Book: The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowit
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Email: plug.tech


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    24 Min.
  • Navigating the Influencer Landscape with Monique Sar
    Feb 3 2026

    Ella Catherine speaks with talent agent Monique Saar about the evolving landscape of influence and talent management. Monique shares her journey from finance to the marketing world, emphasizing the importance of consistency in content creation and the strategies for monetizing influence. They discuss the power of YouTube, the challenges of self-promotion, and the role of AI in content creation. Monique also highlights the significance of offline activations and community building in the influencer space, providing insights into networking and standing out in the industry.


    Key Takeaways


    • Monique Saar transitioned from finance to talent management.
    • Consistency is key in content creation.
    • YouTube is essential for building a personal brand.
    • Monetizing influence requires understanding audience demographics.
    • Self-promotion can be challenging, especially for women.
    • AI can enhance content creation and organization.
    • Offline activations foster community and connection.
    • Networking is crucial for success in the influencer industry.
    • Positioning oneself effectively can lead to greater opportunities.
    • Every creator should explore different content formats.


    https://moniquesar.com






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    30 Min.
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Christine Blosdale
    Jan 28 2026

    In this episode, Ella Kidd interviews Christine Blosdale, Expert Authority coach, who shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the impact of childhood experiences on personal branding, and the importance of authenticity in business.


    Christine emphasizes the need for individuals to understand their unique value and the significance of being seen and heard in order to succeed. The conversation also touches on strategies for brand development and future goals in the realm of expert authority.


    After listening to the episode and falling in love with Christine's insights, all LLC listeners can go to www.freeexportauthoritycall.com to get started on leveling up your social media presence.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Expert Authority Coaching

    01:46 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    08:12 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact

    11:49 Building Authentic Brands

    20:04 Strategies for Brand Development

    24:40 Future Goals and Expert Authority

    28:14 Final Thoughts and Resources


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    31 Min.
  • Success Takes Center Stage: Mark Steiner's Journey with GigSalad
    Jan 21 2026

    In this engaging episode, Ella interviews Mark Steiner, the co-founder and CEO of GigSalad, a platform that connects entertainers with event planners. Mark shares his lifelong passion for the entertainment industry, recounting his journey from aspiring actor to successful entrepreneur. He discusses the inception of GigSalad, which began as a simple directory for entertainers and evolved into a leading marketplace for event services. Mark emphasizes the importance of connecting artists with opportunities, highlighting the diverse categories available on the platform, from musicians to magicians and everything in between.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to GigSalad and Mark Steiner

    06:28 The Evolution of GigSalad

    12:23 Balancing Technology and Real Life

    18:42 Navigating Social Media and News Consumption

    24:13 Personal Growth and Sobriety Journey

    26:22 The Illusion of Political Knowledge

    29:46 Finding Peace in a Chaotic World

    30:55 Navigating the AI Landscape

    38:24 The Entrepreneurial Journey

    45:12 Embracing Creativity and Analytical Thinking

    50:13 Pursuing Passion and Lifelong Learning




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    53 Min.
  • Breaking Barriers of AI with Nikki Barua, CEO/Co-Founder of FlipWork
    Jan 14 2026


    In this episode, Nikki Barua, a successful entrepreneur and author, discusses the transformative power of AI in entrepreneurship and the importance of lifelong learning. She emphasizes the need for individuals to adapt to the changing job landscape, the concept of agentic AI, and the significance of setting specific goals. Nikki shares insights from her book, 'Beyond Barriers,' and encourages listeners to embrace the journey of personal and professional growth.

    -----------

    00:00 Introduction to Lifelong Learning and AI

    02:45 The Entrepreneurial Landscape and AI

    04:46 Navigating Job Displacement and Opportunities with AI

    06:56 Understanding Agentic AI and Human Collaboration

    10:18 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Society

    12:15 Applying AI as Infrastructure for Innovation

    12:28 Insights from 'Beyond Barriers' and Personal Growth

    19:28 The Journey of Growth and Overcoming Stuckness

    21:46 The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Unlearning


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    27 Min.
  • Elevating Your Brand with Joshua Altman, CCO of Beltway Media
    Jan 7 2026

    In this episode of the Lifelong Learners Collective, host Ella Kidd interviews Joshua Altman, managing director of Beltway Media, about the evolving landscape of legal marketing and communications. Joshua discusses the role of fractional chief communications officers, the importance of strategic communication, and how companies can effectively engage with their stakeholders. He emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to changes in the market and the significance of integrating behavioral science into public relations strategies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of legal marketing, the importance of repurposing content, and advice for entrepreneurs looking to establish their own communication strategies.



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    22 Min.
  • The Evolution of Wealth Management with Richard McWhorter
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode of the Lifelong Learners Collective, host Ella Kidd speaks with Richard McWhorter, a seasoned wealth management advisor, about navigating the complexities of financial management in today's rapidly changing world. They discuss the impact of technological advancements, generational differences in financial perspectives, and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in wealth management. Richard shares insights on cryptocurrency investing, building multiple income streams, and understanding market dynamics amidst economic uncertainties.

    Richard is the Managing Partner at SRM Private Wealth and was recently named to the Forbes 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List. With over 30 years in the industry, including executive roles at Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch, and $1.8 billion managed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, athletes, and entertainers, he is a seasoned guide for those facing life’s big transitions. Richard is not just about numbers; he’s passionate about building lasting partnerships, having tough conversations, and helping families align their wealth with their core values.

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    39 Min.