Podcast
Founders Future
Hosted by Closers.io · EN
Founders Future Podcast | Powered by Closers.io
Join us on a journey through the world of entrepreneurship and business growth with the Founders Future podcast, powered by Closers.io. Each episode features an in-depth, one-on-one interview with a visionary founder, exploring their unique path to success and strategies for future expansion.
What to Expect
In each 25-minute episode, we dive deep into two key areas:
1. The Founding Journey (10-12 minutes)
- Discover the inspiration behind groundbreaking companies
- Explore pivotal moments and challenges faced by founders
- Uncover valuable lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship
2. Future Growth Plans (10-12 minutes)
- Gain insights into winning business strategies
- Learn about innovative approaches to client acquisition and expansion
- Get a glimpse into the future of various industries from those shaping them
Why Listen?
- Hear firsthand accounts of entrepreneurial triumphs and tribulations
- Gain practical advice for overcoming common business challenges
- Stay ahead of industry trends and future market shifts
- Learn from diverse perspectives on work-life balance and leadership
- Get inspired by the visions and strategies of successful founders
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or simply curious about the world of business, the Founders Future podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to drive growth and innovation in their field.
Tune in to Founders Future, powered by Closers.io, and join us on a journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration from the brightest minds in the business world.
Available on all major podcasting platforms.
---
Brought to you by Closers.io - Revolutionizing revenue growth for B2B companies through innovative sales solutions and our groundbreaking STA (Sales Team Augmentation) program.
Learn more at www.closers.io
122episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Lead Gen Blueprint: Kevin Hayes on Scaling Agencies with High-Intent Systems
May 800:21:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Nick Cicciari, Kevin Hayes (a lead generation expert and founder) discusses the evolving landscape of digital marketing and the power of human-centric problem-solving. Based in British Columbia, Kevin shares his expertise in building high-performance sales teams and implementing "pay-per-lead" models that drive sustainable growth for modern agencies. The conversation explores the intersection of AI and localized operations, the importance of educational content marketing, and how to maintain high-intent lead flow in a competitive market. Nick and Kevin dive into the technical nuances of sales operations, the value of "sandbox" learning for new technologies, and a roadmap for founders to transition from manual outreach to scalable, automated systems that deliver consistent results and long-term business value.
Transcribe →The Traffic Salad Story: Ryan Cruz on the Power of YouTube for Business Growth
May 800:21:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Ryan Cruz (founder of Traffic Salad) discusses his strategic pivot from traditional agency models to a high-impact YouTube and digital content strategy. Ryan shares his expertise in helping businesses leverage organic traffic and video marketing to build authority and drive conversions without relying solely on paid advertising. The conversation explores the challenges of managing a growing brand as a solo founder, the importance of "doing it scared" when transitioning business models, and how Ryan is building a scalable team to handle fulfillment and sales. Olivia and Ryan dive into the technical nuances of YouTube growth, the power of authentic brand storytelling, and a roadmap for founders to achieve long-term business sustainability by aligning their marketing efforts with modern consumer behavior and high-intent platforms.
Transcribe →From Language School to Startup Coaching: Daria Tilikanova’s Journey
May 800:14:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Natalie Borovska, we’re joined by Daria Tilikanova, a customer acquisition coach, Venture Fellow at Winner Capital, and Co-Director of Startup Grind Toronto. Daria shares her journey from building and selling an offline English school in Russia to transitioning into online education and coaching, driven initially by financial necessity and later by a passion for entrepreneurship. Now based in Toronto, she works closely with service providers, agencies, and increasingly startup founders, helping them build scalable customer acquisition systems and sustainable businesses.Daria dives into her approach to lead generation through personal branding, LinkedIn, and in-person networking, emphasizing the importance of relationships in today’s digital-first world. She also reflects on her current transition into the startup ecosystem, her focus on learning and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and the challenges of keeping pace with constant change—especially in the age of AI. With a strong belief in continuous growth, Daria highlights how coaching allows her to both guide clients and deeply understand market dynamics while exploring future business opportunities.
Transcribe →The Transition Blueprint: Maurice Thibodeau on Navigating Life’s Next Chapter
May 800:18:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Maurice Thibodeau (a high-performance coach and transformation specialist) discusses his mission to guide high achievers through the "pain of transition" in mid-to-late life. Based on an 80-acre property north of Winnipeg, Canada, Maurice shares his expertise in helping retired or transitioning professionals find clarity and purpose as they embark on their next chapters. The conversation explores the behavioral patterns of high achievers, the importance of creating a safe space for personal growth, and how to navigate the mental and emotional shifts that accompany major life pivots. Olivia and Maurice dive into the power of authentic storytelling, the value of resilience in the face of uncertainty, and a roadmap for founders to transform their professional success into long-term personal fulfillment and a lasting legacy.
Transcribe →Angela Heath on Getting Fired and Turning It Into a Thriving Consulting Empire
May 800:15:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Angela Heath shares how an unexpected setback—being fired early in her career—became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey. From navigating uncertainty to building her second company, TKC Incorporated, Angela discusses how she leveraged her visibility, expertise, and network to establish herself as a consultant, speaker, and business strategist. She also dives into how she now helps professionals turn their knowledge into scalable, revenue-generating opportunities in the modern knowledge economy.
Transcribe →Fired, Burned Out, and Reborn: How Jeff Rothenberg Reinvented His Career
May 800:22:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Jeff Rothenberg shares his journey from leading high-growth fintech companies to launching his own coaching business, A Path That Calls. Drawing from both major successes and personal setbacks—including being fired before a major life event—Jeff discusses how failure, burnout, and career uncertainty can become catalysts for meaningful career transitions, and how he now helps professionals rediscover purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Transcribe →How Hayley Bendzik Built a Flexible Marketing Collective That Actually Works
May 800:24:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Hayley Bendzik shares how she built YYC3 from a solo freelance venture into a thriving digital marketing collective. Starting her career in traditional marketing, Hayley recognized early the shift toward digital and carved her own path by blending strategy, storytelling, and systems. She discusses how evolving her business model—from hiring employees to building a flexible network of specialists—allowed her to scale sustainably while empowering women and working professionals. Hayley also highlights the power of referrals, the importance of processes, and her vision to expand into education, mentorship, and strategic leadership roles.
Transcribe →Vanessa Sotomayor on Getting Fired, Burning Out, and Rebuilding a Life on Her Own Terms
May 800:20:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Vanessa Sotomayor shares her powerful transition from a 20-year high-pressure career in the construction industry to becoming a life and leadership coach. After experiencing burnout and being unexpectedly fired, Vanessa reflects on how she rediscovered her identity, rebuilt self-trust, and chose a more intentional path. She now helps high-achieving women and leaders break free from burnout, reconnect with their inner voice, and make aligned, sustainable career and life decisions through coaching, speaking, and workshops.
Transcribe →The Passive Profit Blueprint: Lynn Noppen on Scaling with Digital Courses
May 600:21:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, Lynn Noppen (founder of She Talks Business and Designpreneur) discusses her journey of building a successful digital education brand while balancing life as a part-time entrepreneur and mother. Based in the Netherlands, Lynn shares her expertise in creating high-impact, self-paced courses like Passive Profit and C-School, which help aspiring business owners automate their income and streamline their operations. The conversation explores the power of "working part-time with a full-time income," the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in modern marketing, and the importance of building a supportive community for long-term growth. Olivia and Lynn dive into the strategic side of Instagram marketing, the challenges of finding the right advertising partners, and a roadmap for founders to transition from manual labor to a scalable, six-figure business that provides both financial freedom and personal fulfillment.
Transcribe →Healing Stress from Within with Nilgun Onal
May 600:12:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Natalie Borovska, registered nurse and integrative health practitioner Nilgun Onal discusses her transition from traditional healthcare to founding her own business. After over a decade in clinical settings, including serving as an assistant nurse manager on a stroke unit, she was motivated by her own unresolved health challenges and those of her son to explore functional medicine. Her business focuses on addressing root causes of stress-driven gut and hormone issues rather than just managing symptoms, specifically for high-achieving women.The conversation explores Onal's six-month health reset program, which utilizes functional labs and personalized coaching to restore energy and balance to the nervous system. She shares her reliance on organic social media marketing and word-of-mouth referrals to grow her clientele. Looking ahead, Onal aims to double her impact by reaching more women and is considering expanding her reach through targeted marketing strategies while maintaining the deeply personal feedback loops that fuel her work.
Transcribe →