The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence.com

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO of Infragistics, Dean Guida.

Dean Guida discussed the limitations and challenges of perseverance, leadership nuances, and the elements essential for a successful entrepreneurial career. Dean Guida, who is also the author of the book "When Grit is Not Enough," proposes a critical view on the traditional concept of grit as the sole key to success, suggesting significant limitations to this belief. He highlights the importance of recognizing the fine line where perseverance may turn into stubbornness.

As a company leader at the forefront of design and development tools, Dean brings extensive experience in navigating the dynamic tech landscape. He recounted how Infragistics has maintained its relevance and innovative edge by emphasizing adaptability and the readiness to make strategic shifts when necessary.

The conversation further delved into the importance of strategic thinking, understanding market dynamics, and leveraging a team's collective intelligence. Dean discussed the vital role of emotional intelligence in leadership, stressing the need for leaders to inspire and motivate, complementing personal determination with the capacity to engage and energize others.
Key Points from the Episode:

Challenging the Grit Myth
Infragistics as an Innovation Model
Identifying True Success Drivers
Practical Lessons for Entrepreneurs:
"When Grit is Not Enough" book by Dean Guida


About Dean Guida:
Dean Guida, an internationally recognized entrepreneur, stands out as a testament to the power of innovative thinking and strategic leadership in the tech industry. Before the internet became ubiquitous, Dean embarked on a journey that led to the creation of Infragistics, a global technology company. His transition from a coder on Wall Street to a pioneer in the software industry was marked by a significant early victory against Microsoft in 1992, securing a $300k deal for his then-small startup. This pivotal moment underscored the potential of his proprietary software and set the stage for the company's future successes.

Under Dean's stewardship, Infragistics evolved from a modest operation into a multinational corporation with a significant footprint in the tech landscape. The company's resilience through various economic downturns, including the dot-com bubble and the 2008 recession, is a testament to Dean’s leadership and the robust culture he fostered. Today, Infragistics serves a global client base, including the entirety of the S&P 500, without ever seeking external investment. Dean's journey from an early internet coder to a business visionary illustrates the importance of adapting to challenges and leveraging critical insights into a philosophy that guides leadership, innovation, and growth.
About Infragistics:
Infragistics stands at the forefront of the tech industry, revolutionizing how applications...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder of Abogados Now, Hugo Gomez.
Hugo's journey commenced with the launch of Abogados Now, a platform aimed at Spanish digital marketing for attorneys, designed to connect legal services with the growing Hispanic market in the United States. He then expanded his efforts to Hyundai Now, which serves various sectors, including travel, entertainment, medical, and hospitality. His objective is to connect US businesses with the Hispanic market, which comprises 20% of the country's population.
Hugo highlighted the rapidly expanding Hispanic population across the US, particularly in states not traditionally known for significant Hispanic communities. He stressed the importance of understanding this demographic evolution for businesses aiming to remain competitive. Hugo also noted the shift in Hispanic consumer behavior, with high engagement in mobile usage, video streaming, and social media, presenting a fertile ground for digital marketing.
In exploring avenues for market expansion, Hugo discussed the potential of partnerships, including white-label partnerships, open partnerships, super-affiliates, and referral and affiliate agreements. His team is proficient in navigating the complexities of the Hispanic market, a high-demand skill.
About Hugo Gomez:Hugo E. Gomez stands at the forefront of Abogados NOW, a pioneering national Spanish marketing agency dedicated to helping attorneys reach underrepresented communities. By initiating high-performing, cost-effective digital marketing campaigns in Spanish, Hugo and his team strive to elevate awareness within Spanish-speaking communities, enabling law firms to expand their clientele. This innovative approach bridges a significant gap within the legal industry. It empowers firms to connect with a broader audience that has yet to be largely overlooked.
Hugo was driven by a passion for empowering those lacking representation, recognizing a crucial void in the legal sector's approach to Spanish-speaking clients. By leveraging his extensive experience in digital marketing and his profound understanding of the Spanish-speaking demographic, he crafted bespoke marketing strategies tailored for legal professionals. 
Under his guidance, Abogados NOW transcends traditional marketing boundaries by embodying advocacy for justice and a commitment to cultural sensitivity. The agency's success under Hugo's leadership has established it as the go-to partner for law practices aiming to engage with Spanish-speaking communities, thus fostering accessibility to legal services for those in dire need.
Key Points from the Episode:Evolution of the Hispanic marketing worldServices provided by Abogados Now and Hyundai NowRapid growth of the Hispanic population in the USImportance of understanding the demographic shiftHispanic market's digital media consumptionPotential partnerships with other marketing agenciesTailoring marketing strategies to local Hispanic marketsFocus on medical and financial sectorsInfluence of historical country of origin on personal financeCompetitive edge in targeting Spanish-speaking clients
About Abogados Now:Abogados NOW empowers law firms to significantly increase their caseload by authentic marketing to Hispanic communities both locally and statewide. By leveraging deep cultural expertise and implementing bespoke strategies, they ensure that attorneys reach their target demographic more effectively and secure a strong and predictable return on investment (ROI). This focus on genuine engagement and understanding of Hispanic culture...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO of Simplero, Calvin Correli.
Simplero is a platform designed to streamline the use of multiple tools needed to operate a business. Calvin discussed how coaches, course creators, and members of the info business community often manage up to nine different platforms for their website, email marketing, shopping cart, funnels, and more. Simplero consolidates these services into a single, user-friendly platform, enabling users to focus on client engagement and impact.
Calvin emphasized that while other platforms might specialize in marketing or content and community separately, Simplero excels in both, offering marketing flexibility and strong content and community management in a simple interface.
He is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve self-awareness and purpose. He notes that business challenges often mirror personal issues. By confronting these personal challenges, entrepreneurs can grow and realize their potential.
Key Points from the Episode:How to achieve consistent and predictable sales activity without spam and adsOverview of Simplero and its services for coaches, course creators, and info business ownersDifferentiation of Simplero from other all-in-one platformsSimplero's suitability for higher ticket engagement and clientsCalvin Correli's vision for personal impact in the business owner communityResources available on Calvin Correli's personal website and InstagramGetting started process for investigating SimpleroCalvin Correli's book "Show Up and Serve" and its message
About Calvin Correli:Calvin Correli is the innovative mind behind Simplero, a comprehensive platform designed specifically for coaches to transform lives on a large scale effectively. As the founder and CEO, his unique journey began at the age of 5, when he first delved into coding, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Correli's ability to think in systems and his pursuit to simplify complex processes have been central to his success, enabling him to create a tool that integrates multiple aspects of online coaching business management into one seamless service.
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Correli is recognized for his contributions as a speaker, author, investor, and spiritual business coach, focusing on personal and spiritual growth. His expertise in these areas has positioned him as a future special advisor to the President of the United States on conscious nation-building. This role underscores his vision of leveraging technology and spirituality to create impactful societal changes, embodying his commitment to technological innovation and personal development.
About Simplero:Simplero addresses a common pain point for small business owners: the struggle of juggling multiple pieces of software to run an online business. This often leads to unnecessary complexity, high costs, and significant time investment, which are particularly challenging for small enterprises. By consolidating marketing, sales, and business management tools into a single, integrated platform, Simplero aims to eliminate these issues, allowing business owners to focus on growth rather than managing technology.
With Simplero, entrepreneurs can effortlessly create and manage their websites, email lists, and online products, including courses and memberships. Its all-in-one solution facilitates the automation of business processes, from marketing to sales and customer management. This simplifies the technological demands of running an online business and provides a more streamlined and efficient approach to business management. By offering a...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO of RELENTLESS Venture Studio LLC, Alex Minicucci.
Alex introduced the concept of Relentless Venture Studio as a partner that provides more than financial support. They offer a comprehensive package that includes financial management, sales process development, and technology oversight. This holistic approach helps entrepreneurs thrive, not just survive.
Alex's enthusiasm for SaaS businesses was evident, highlighting their scalability and long-term engagement. He emphasized that beyond the business model, Relentless Venture Studio is defined by the philosophy of building relationships and fostering community-oriented values. Their approach centers on investing in the success of others.
Alex also discussed their equity-sharing model, where Relentless Venture Studio takes a minority stake in the companies they support. This arrangement aligns their success with that of the entrepreneurs. Additionally, they utilize an extensive network of partners, service providers, and private equity connections to facilitate growth and potential exit strategies.
Key Points from the Episode:Relentless Venture Studio's specialization in buying and selling SaaS companiesAlex Cook's background in building and selling software companiesChallenges faced by entrepreneurs in building and scaling their businessesRelentless Venture Studio's support in finance management, sales process development, and technology oversightThe unique model of offering both capital and sweat equity to partner with entrepreneursTargeting companies with momentum in the market, typically at around a million in annual recurring revenue (ARR)Passion for SaaS businesses and the scalability and long-term engagement aspects of the modelEquity-sharing model and minority stake in the companies they partner with
About Alex Minicucci:Alex Minicucci is a notable figure in the tech entrepreneurship scene, originating from San Luis Obispo, California. His journey began with an ambitious leap, leaving his mechanical engineering studies at Cal Poly merely six months in to venture into the technological realm. This daring move proved fruitful as Alex sold his first business within 18 months, embarking on self-employment and successful ventures in the tech industry. His dedication and innovative spirit have not gone unnoticed, as he achieved a position on the INC5000 list, a remarkable feat he accomplished while managing the responsibilities of a full-time single father to two daughters.
Beyond his personal business triumphs, Alex has significantly contributed to the broader tech entrepreneurial community. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities in the startup landscape, he authored the SaaS Startup Playbook to guide growth-stage companies towards successful exits. His commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success led to the creation of RELENTLESS Venture Studio. This initiative serves as a centralized resource and advisory hub, offering partnership opportunities and expert advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses, further cementing his impact on the industry.
About RELENTLESS Venture Studio LLC:RELENTLESS Venture Studio, based in San Luis Obispo, California, stands out as a beacon for entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts within the Software as a Service (SaaS) sector. By adopting a hands-on approach, RELENTLESS offers more than just financial investment; it provides comprehensive mentorship and access to essential in-house resources. This support...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO of Criya, Deboshree Dutta.
Personal branding is essential for professional success. Deb explored this topic in-depth, focusing on the importance of a personal website. She discussed how Criya's AI-driven platform simplifies the creation of a compelling online persona.
Deb described Criya as being tailored to meet the specific needs of solopreneurs, consultants, coaches, and others striving to establish their presence in their fields. Criya offers more than just templates; it provides a personalized digital representation of one's professional journey.
The conversation also covered the vital role of first impressions in the digital world. Criya enables users to immediately engage potential employers, clients, or investors with a website that showcases their professional quality. Deb stressed that in a competitive market, distinguishing oneself goes beyond daily tasks and highlights the unique value one offers.
Key Points from the Episode:Importance of personal brandingSignificance of having a personal websiteHow Criya uses AI to create personal brand websitesDeb Dutta's personal journey and inspiration behind creating CriyaMaking personal branding accessible for othersChallenges faced by professionals transitioning to independent workDifferences between Criya and traditional website buildersThe need for a personal website in today's professional landscape
About Deboshree Dutta:Deboshree Dutta, commonly called Deb Dutta, stands at the helm of Criya, an AI tech startup receiving accolades and support from the esteemed Y Combinator and a cohort of top-tier venture capitalists. With over a decade of experience, her journey traverses through pivotal roles at global giants such as PayPal, Microsoft, and Hitachi, underpinned by a Master’s degree in computer science from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University. Her leadership at Criya is marked by a vision to revolutionize how professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs amplify their Professional Brand using AI technology, enabling the creation of a professional website in mere seconds.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Deb Dutta is recognized for her influential voice in technology and entrepreneurship, as evidenced by features in Forbes, TechCrunch, and the New York Times. A sought-after keynote speaker and a contributor for Forbes, she leads the Women in Product chapter, dedicating her efforts to mentoring women in product management, entrepreneurship, and fundraising. Her work exemplifies her commitment to innovation and leadership and her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment in the tech industry.
About Criya:Criya stands as a beacon in AI-driven innovation, proudly backed by Y Combinator and a coalition of venture capitalists. This cutting-edge startup champions the cause of industry experts, offering them a seamless pathway to sculpt their professional brands with a button click. Through its AI-powered capabilities, Criya enables the creation of dynamic, comprehensive websites that showcase an individual's professional journey in an engaging format and incorporate functionalities like scheduling, video course hosting, and more. This platform is crucial for senior leaders looking to encapsulate their expertise into a compelling, multifaceted online identity.
The vision of Criya transcends the conventional boundaries of brand building; it is a harbinger of a new era in professional distinction. With a commitment to fostering a future where every professional's voice is unique, their narrative is acknowledged, and their...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO of Jake Stahl Consulting, Jake Stahl.

Jake Stahl's role as a fractional chief learning officer provides a strategic advantage for companies that value employee development but lack the resources for a full-time CLO. His method offers access to high-level learning strategies without needing a full-time executive, providing essential flexibility for scaling and adapting in a rapidly changing business landscape.

He emphasizes the importance of thorough training and development to ensure a substantial return on workforce investment. Jake points out that inadequate training can result in higher turnover rates, which are costly and disruptive. By prioritizing quality training programs, companies can increase employee engagement, boost performance, and drive business success.

Jake highlights the importance of interactive learning experiences in response to the expectations of today's workforce. Employees seek active involvement in their learning beyond passive lectures. Using technology and innovative teaching techniques, he crafts immersive learning environments that engage employees and promote more profound understanding.
Key Points from the Episode:

Role of a fractional chief learning officer
Importance of effective onboarding and training for new employees
Investment in proper training and development for high return on investment and reduced turnover
Expertise in instructional design and psychology of learning
Understanding the learner's perspective and customizing training programs
Creating interactive and engaging learning experiences for employees
Approach to thought leadership in the learning and development industry
Practical advice for businesses to improve training and development processes


About Jake Stahl:
Jake Stahl stands at the forefront of conversational dynamics, earning widespread acclaim as a fractional Chief Learning Officer. His innovative 'Adaptive Conversational Blueprint' is transforming the landscape of sales, equipping sales professionals with the skills to become relational architects who build deep connections with their prospects. This groundbreaking approach is further enhanced by his development of the 2/10 Rule, which upends conventional views on the flow of conversation by prioritizing rhythm and cadence.

With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Jake has made significant contributions to the field of training and development, sharing his profound knowledge and expertise across six countries and positively impacting the lives of more than 10,000 individuals. Beyond his professional achievements, Jake is a master mason and a devoted father to four children, seamlessly integrating his vast practical experience with his deep insight into human connections.