Episodes

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Vijay Rajendran, startup advisor, entrepreneur, and author, to explore the art of fundraising, mentorship, and building resilient startups. Vijay shares his journey across entrepreneurship and investing, breaking down how founders can leverage storytelling, resilience, and strong relationships to raise capital and scale effectively. We dive into his perspective on fundraising as a learned skill, the role of mentors and networks, and why honest feedback and finding the right investors are critical to long-term startup success. Vijay also shares insights on the future of AI investment and why adaptability is the most valuable trait for founders navigating today’s startup ecosystem.

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Colin Weatherwax, former CEO of Cars for Kids, to share an incredible story of resilience, hard work, and community-driven leadership. Colin takes us on his journey from humble beginnings in Dallas to leading one of the most impactful nonprofits in the country. From his first jobs at a water park to stepping into executive leadership, Colin reflects on how grit, humility, and education shaped his career path. He opens up about the pivotal transition into Cars for Kids, how the organization adapted during COVID-19, and the lessons he’s carrying into his new role in financial planning. Colin’s story reminds us that leadership is rooted in service, community, and believing in others.

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Steven “Mac” McKeon — founder of MacGyver Tech, ethical hacker, musician, and AI innovator. Mac shares his journey from dismantling a Commodore 64 as a kid to leading a software company focused on AI implementations, automation, and AI agent control towers. Together, we explore: 🤖 Why 95% of AI projects fail and how businesses can avoid common pitfalls 🔒 Cybersecurity in the age of AI, ethical hacking, and FBI InfraGard insights 🌌 The mysteries of quantum computing, fractals, and ancient mathematics 🎶 How music, math, and vibration connect creativity and computation 🧘 The role of meditation, sound healing, and flow states in innovation This episode blends AI, cybersecurity, quantum theory, and music into a conversation about curiosity, resilience, and unlocking truth in both business and life.

Dustin Sutton sits down with Garry Ridge, the legendary former CEO of WD-40, to explore what it truly takes to build great leadership and thriving company culture. From servant leadership to psychological safety, Garry shares powerful lessons from decades at the helm of one of the most recognizable global brands. He reveals how leaders can become coaches instead of managers, why values and behaviors must stay aligned, and how creating a culture of belonging drives innovation and long-term business success.

Finance, economic policy, and corporate culture - explained simply. Former professional investor Paul Musson breaks down flaws he saw in the financial system, why transparency matters in advising, and how economic understanding leads to better decisions (and less frustration). 🚀 What You’ll Learn How to read the economy behind the markets (in plain language) Why financial advisors must set realistic expectations Aligning investment strategy with values and risk tolerance How corporate culture drives outcomes for customers & teams Holding policymakers accountable for real-world impacts Writing & blogging as tools for clarity and better decisions

How do founders become great CEOs—and keep teams thriving as stakes rise? Executive coach Arielle Lechner (founder of NewPo) shares the critical levers leaders can pull to unlock outsized results: accelerating growth, strengthening teams, and making high-stakes decisions with clarity. Her path spans politics → SaaS/Web3 startups → executive coaching. Known for being “extremely demanding and extremely supportive,” Arielle believes discomfort is the compass and experimentation is the engine. We dig into the founder-to-CEO transition, culture as a mirror of the leader, and why scheduled recovery is a performance strategy—not a luxury. What You’ll Learn Founder → CEO: letting go to empower leaders Culture design: why your org reflects your habits (good and bad) Coaching vs. therapy: where they overlap—and where they don’t Leadership experiments: rapid tests to unlock stuck teams Breaks, pace, perspective: sustainable high performance Navigating fundraising, scaling, acquisition…

How do you pivot from structural engineering into business development—and thrive? In this episode, Michael Daneshvar (Business Development Manager at Turner Construction) shares how he leveraged technical roots, BIM and technology, and relationship-building to win work and grow his career. We cover networking that actually works, sales as both art and science, and why mentorship, persistence, and a positive attitude are difference-makers in construction. 🚀 What You’ll Learn How engineers can transition into business development in the AEC industry Why BIM and digital tools have transformed project planning & client communication Networking strategies (and professional orgs) that open doors in construction Sales fundamentals for technical professionals: listen, map pain points, solve Mentorship, mindset, and staying consistent—“Your network is your net worth.”

ow can busy attorneys save 10+ hours a month and stay ahead in a tech-driven industry? Meet Jennifer Case—lawyer, serial entrepreneur, and founder of LawTech AI—whose mission is to empower law firms with hands-on AI education, MCLE courses, and a weekly mastermind community. From Silicon Valley’s dot-com boom to an 18-year run in renewable energy, Jennifer’s journey shows how resilience, curiosity, and strategic pivoting fuel success. Now she’s helping legal professionals harness generative AI ...

How can busy attorneys save 10+ hours a month and stay ahead in a tech-driven industry? Meet Jennifer Case—lawyer, serial entrepreneur, and founder of LawTech AI—whose mission is to empower law firms with hands-on AI education, MCLE courses, and a weekly mastermind community. From Silicon Valley’s dot-com boom to an 18-year run in renewable energy, Jennifer’s journey shows how resilience, curiosity, and strategic pivoting fuel success. Now she’s helping legal professionals harness generative AI for research, drafting, and client service—while keeping balance and well-being front and center. 🚀 What You’ll Learn • Why AI adoption is no longer optional for modern law firms • How Jennifer transitioned from litigation to leading a biodiesel company—then back to legal tech • Stress-management and team-building lessons from the C-suite • Practical ways attorneys can automate research, drafting, and admin tasks • Overcoming imposter syndrome and redefining personal success • The…

How can founders and small businesses use artificial intelligence to work smarter, not harder? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Eric Goldman—veteran consultant, former Disney / ESPN exec, and founder of Goldman Coaching—to unpack 15+ years of helping small companies scale through the perfect blend of creativity, analytics, and AI-driven efficiency. 🚀 What You’ll Learn • Why AI is the single biggest lever for productivity & customer engagement • The difference between a visionary and an operator—and why you need both • Lessons from Disney, ESPN, Esprit & Levi Strauss on culture and excellence • How to map customer needs before building any solution • The business-book framework Eric is writing (and how he organizes information) • Practical ways AI can automate routine tasks so teams focus on high-value work • Consulting tips for companies stuck at a growth plateau • Why company culture still beats any tech stack in the long run

What if the secret to better leadership, stronger relationships, and lasting success isn't just strategy—but soft skills? In this inspiring episode, Dustin sits down with Jeffrey Klubeck, motivational speaker, communication professor, and founder of Get A Klu, Inc., to unpack the transformative power of soft skills in business and life. From self-awareness and accountability to leadership and coaching, Jeff shares how mastering communication and “The Integrity Game” can unlock growth in your career, relationships, and personal development journey.

What really is artificial intelligence—and where is it taking us next? Dexter Pratt, a leading AI researcher at UC San Diego and Director of the NDEx Project, explores the history, evolution, and revolutionary potential of AI across sectors from healthcare to real estate. From his early fascination with robotics to working on biological network data and predictive models, Dexter unpacks the journey of AI from expert systems to generative intelligence. If you’re curious about machine learning, AI’s role in scientific discovery, or how automation will change the workforce, this conversation is packed with insight.

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Wolf Bielas, Managing Partner at Wolfpack Ventures, to explore his remarkable journey from computer engineering in Mexico City to multi-sector entrepreneurship across manufacturing, RFID technology, and real estate investment. Wolf shares the pivotal lessons learned from early failures, the growth of his manufacturing empire, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in both tech and traditional industries. Whether you're a founder, investor, or simply interested in how ideas become lasting ventures, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Alex Cordeiro, CEO and lead designer at DIP Studio, to explore the intersection of industrial design, entrepreneurship, and innovation. From his early days in Brazil to becoming a sought-after product designer in Silicon Valley, Alex shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring ideas to life—from napkin sketch to polished prototype.

In this powerful episode, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Bobby Bryant, visionary entrepreneur, CEO of DOSS Group, Inc., and trailblazer in the real estate industry. Bobby’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and relentless curiosity. From his early career in education to leading the creation of DOSS, a peer-to-peer real estate operating system powered by AI, Bobby shares lessons that every entrepreneur, real estate professional, and innovator should hear. Bobby discusses how the 2008 recession became a turning point, teaching him the importance of financial discipline and inspiring his mission to bring transparency, efficiency, and consumer empowerment to the real estate industry. He reveals how a chance encounter with IBM Watson on Jeopardy! sparked his vision to apply AI to real estate and how collaborations with IBM and Google have accelerated his journey.

🎙️ Tools, Talents & Techniques | Hosted by Dustin Sutton In this episode, Dustin welcomes Bob Babbitt — endurance sports pioneer, media entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Challenge Athletes Foundation (CAF). From racing Ironman events in the early days of triathlon to building a movement that empowers athletes with physical challenges, Bob’s journey is rooted in purpose, passion, and people. Bob shares how growing up in Chicago shaped his values, what led him to California and triathlon, ...

In this episode, Dustin sits down with Peter Roisman, founder and CEO of REV, a multifamily leasing company changing the game through the REV Leasing Score and REV Leasing University. Peter’s journey spans sports law, healthcare development, and real estate innovation. From negotiating contracts for top-tier athletes to building and exiting a profitable surgery center business, Peter shares the pivotal lessons that helped him pivot industries and uncover new market opportunities. Now, through ...

Today, Dustin sits down with Jim Young, CEO of Realcomm and IBcon, to discuss how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping commercial real estate. From his tech roots to becoming a leader in real estate innovation, Jim shares powerful insights on PropTech, digital disruption, and what the future holds for CRE professionals. ✨ In This Episode: 🔹 Why CRE has lagged in tech adoption — and how to close the gap 🔹 The story behind Realcomm and centralized CRE data 🔹 How AI i...

🎙️ Welcome to Tools, Talents & Techniques, hosted by Dustin Sutton — where we explore real stories of grit, innovation, and growth across entrepreneurship, sports, tech, real estate, and leadership. In this episode, Dustin sits down with Nick Esayian — race car driver, entrepreneur, and CEO of LIGHT Helmets — to unpack how a tough upbringing, military discipline, and relentless execution turned a bold idea into the #1-rated tackle football helmet ever tested. From the track to the boardroom, N...

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton sits down with Jonah Mitro, co-founder of Precision Pro Golf, to unpack what it really takes to build a successful golf tech company. From humble beginnings to becoming a major player in the golf rangefinder space, Jonah shares the ups, downs, and pivotal lessons learned along the way. The conversation covers everything from navigating supply chain headaches and rising tariffs to battling knockoff products from overseas—and why being ...

In this episode, Mark Murphy—NYT bestselling author and founder of Leadership IQ—unpacks what separates great leaders from the rest. He shares insights on coaching vs. managing, the real reason promoting top performers can fail, and why your intention as a leader matters just as much as your action. Mark emphasizes that leadership is about inspiring others to reach for more—not just getting tasks done. He breaks down the core differences between leadership and management, highlights the risks o...

In this episode, Dustin Sutton interviews Jan, the founder and CEO of Virtuix, who shares his journey of creating the Omni, an omnidirectional treadmill for virtual reality. Jan discusses his early inspirations, the challenges of designing the Omni, and the importance of problem-solving in entrepreneurship. He reflects on his background in engineering and investment banking, the lessons learned, and the pivotal moment when a demo video of the Omni went viral, leading to a successful Kickstarter ...

In this conversation, Liz Powers, co-founder and CEO of ArtLifting, shares her journey of creating a platform that champions artists with disabilities. She discusses the genesis of ArtLifting, the importance of art therapy, and the impact of their business model on artists' lives. Liz emphasizes the significance of community support, the lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey, and the broader societal impact of their work. Takeaways Liz Powers is the co-founder and CEO of ArtLi...

In this episode, Dustin Sutton interviews Matthew E. Drane, a successful commercial real estate advisor and founder of Revolt CRE. Matthew shares his journey from a traditional upbringing in Cincinnati, Ohio, to becoming a prominent figure in the real estate industry. He discusses the influence of his family, early career experiences, and the importance of mentorship and networking. Matthew emphasizes the significance of defining success in various aspects of life and the lessons learned through...