Founded in FoCo Podcast

Founded in FoCo Podcast

Discussions with some of the best and brightest business minds in Fort Collins, around Northern Colorado, and beyond, hosted by Nick Armstong of WTF Marketing. Find more resources for your biz at: FoundedInFoCo.com. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Dayle Wickizer - Intentional Results - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Mar 4 2024
Dayle Wickizer - Intentional Results - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Dayle Wickizer is the CEO and founder of Intentional Results Consulting. With a rich background in executive operations management, she plays the vital role of a fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO), providing part-time executive support to businesses. Her expertise lies in helping leaders execute their strategies, optimize operations, and scale their businesses effectively. Wickizer's experience encompasses corporate-level operations, general management of smaller companies, and running her own solo operations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical tips to visionaries and business leaders. In this insightful episode of the "Founded in FoCo" podcast, host Nick Armstrong is joined by Dayle Wickizer, who shares her expertise as a fractional COO. The engaging conversation delves into the nuances of assisting small to medium-sized businesses in achieving operational excellence and navigating the challenges unique to smaller ventures. Wickizer advocates for a hands-on approach to helping leaders turn their visionary ideas into successful executions through customized strategies, policies, procedures, and automation. The episode further explores how Wickizer's corporate expertise translates into strong fractional COO work, aiding businesses without the budget for a full-time operations manager. She emphasizes the importance of aligning leadership philosophies, communication styles, and business goals to ensure a fruitful collaboration. The discussion pivots to the potential of AI technology integration in daily operations and the literacy skills necessary for entrepreneurs to stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. Learn more about Dayle's work at: https://www.intentionalresultsco.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Diana Rogers Jaeger - Leadership and Confidence Coach - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Mar 1 2024
Diana Rogers Jaeger - Leadership and Confidence Coach - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Diana Rogers Jaeger is a seasoned consultant adept at propelling organizations and individuals toward their maximum potential. She lends her expertise through her company, Love to Appreciate Consulting, with a focal point on leadership development as well as employee engagement and retention. Diana crafts strategic solutions that honor the symbiotic relationship between businesses and their workforce. Her modus operandi is crafting win-win scenarios that fuel both the thriving business environment and the satisfaction of employees. In addition to her consulting work, Diana is a published author with a passion for instilling confidence and building a culture of appreciation within the workplace. In this episode, we dive into the intersecting worlds of effective leadership, business culture, and employee growth with special guest Diana Rogers Jaeger. Diana, with her rich background in organizational consulting, voices her insights on how to cultivate an environment conducive to employee retention and mutual success. Diana discusses the nuanced approach necessary for fostering a robust company culture – one that is adeptly tailored to the size of the business, be it a nine-person team or sprawling corporate entity. She emphasizes the need for leaders at all levels to exemplify values that create a palpable sense of belonging and purpose. Furthermore, Diana sheds light on the transformational power of cross-training and peer-to-peer appreciation, pivotal for nurturing employee relationships and collaboration. The conversation also takes an inspiring detour into the realms of personal growth and development, where Diana introduces her book, strategically crafted to enable individuals to create unlimited confidence. Learn more about Diana's work here: https://lovetoappreciate.com/ and https://createunlimitedconfidence.com The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Abby Veliquette - Sequoia Leadership Group - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Mar 1 2024
Abby Veliquette - Sequoia Leadership Group - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Abby Veliquette is a seasoned coach and consultant based in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is the founder of Sequoia Leadership, where she specializes in helping organizations, teams, and individuals focus on both the "how" and "what" of work. With a lifetime interest in leadership, Abby holds a background in nonprofit leadership, organizational communication, and a PhD in organizational learning, performance, and change. For over a decade, she has dedicated herself to supporting leaders in their personal growth, with a recent focus on emotional and mental intelligence development. Nick Armstrong converses with Abby Veliquette, an expert in leadership development, about the transformative power of emotional intelligence and self-regulation. The discussion navigates through Abby's approach to cultivating conscious leadership and her passion for guiding individuals towards better conflict management and enhanced team dynamics through Sequoia Leadership. Abby's journey from an inherent interest in rallying people towards a goal, to studying nonprofit leadership and organizational development, sets the backdrop for her philosophy that how leaders do things is as crucial as what they do. She emphasizes the trend of leaders seeking growth in emotional and mental intelligence – a trend underpinning the need for personal and professional evolution amidst challenging times. The conversation further delves into the practices of self-awareness and mindfulness, the physiological dimensions of stress responses, and strategies for fostering a more grounded and intentional presence in both personal and professional realms. Abby frames her work around building 'mental muscles' and, throughout the episode, offers a wealth of insights into how leaders can develop habits to navigate and mitigate self-sabotaging behaviors effectively. Learn more about Abby's work at: https://www.sequoialeadership.co/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
LeAndra Foster - Profitability and Entrepreneurship Coach - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 29 2024
LeAndra Foster - Profitability and Entrepreneurship Coach - Founded in FoCo Podcast
LeAndra Foster is an esteemed expert in the field of profitability coaching and entrepreneurship. Her experience includes guiding fellow entrepreneurs in recognizing and correcting profitability issues within their businesses. She is known for her strategic approach to addressing business needs from the ground up, akin to Maslow's hierarchy of needs but applied to business processes. LeAndra has recently taken on the role of a track captain for the Founded Infoco Podcast, expanding her influence within the entrepreneur community by shaping educational content that resonates with solopreneurs and freelancers. LeAndra returns to discuss innovative strategies for entrepreneurs, drawing from her expertise in profitability and business coaching. With host Nick Armstrong, she delves into the common misconception that marketing is the ultimate solution for business growth, emphasizing the importance of rectifying profitability before seeking revenue expansion. LeAndra Foster shares her journey from guest speaker to track captain, highlighting how she leverages her expertise to shape the Freelance Solopreneur track at the Founded Infoco event. She advocates for a practical approach to addressing business needs by focusing on one area at a time, drawing parallels with the hierarchy of needs concept. This episode is rich with discussions around profitability secrets, trends for freelancers and solopreneurs, and the importance of investing in educational resources. SEO keywords such as entrepreneurship, business coaching, profitability, solopreneur track, and marketing mistakes are woven into the episode's fabric, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their own business endeavors. Learn more about LeAndra's work at: https://www.elanlyfe.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Stefanie Merrell and Nick Peterson - Work-Based Learning - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 28 2024
Stefanie Merrell and Nick Peterson - Work-Based Learning - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Stefanie Merrill is the K-12 Work Based Learning Business Liaison for the region, whose role involves substantial interaction with businesses every day. With an extensive background in education and business partnerships, Stefanie is dedicated to enhancing the relationship between high school students and the business community by facilitating work-based learning opportunities. Nick Peterson serves as the Community and Business Development Coordinator for the Poudre School District. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between educational institutions and businesses, ensuring that students gain real-world experience and the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce. His role is pivotal in making the school systems more accessible and beneficial for students and the business community alike. In this episode of the Founded in Foco podcast, host Nick Armstrong sits down with Stefanie Merrill and Nick Peterson to delve into the concept of work-based learning and its impact on students and the business community. The discussion offers an intriguing glance at how local businesses can integrate high school interns into their operations during the school day, disproving common misconceptions and exploring the plethora of benefits this collaboration provides. Stefanie and Nick shed light on their work in forging partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, presenting their NoCo collaborative as a beacon in the community for connecting talented high schoolers with real-world business experiences. They discuss the benefits of internships for both businesses and students, the flexibility and potential of work-based learning, and provide insightful strategies for businesses to set up successful internship programs. Learn more about the work-based learning program at: https://www.psdfutureready.org/ and https://www.psdschools.org/CTE The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Amanda Fuel - Next Level Fuel - Founded in FoCo
Feb 28 2024
Amanda Fuel - Next Level Fuel - Founded in FoCo
Amanda Fuel is a keynote speaker and coach for public speakers, known for her work encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to share their unique stories on stage. With a passion for advocating for uncommon voices, Amanda has experience in public speaking, marketing, leading meetup groups such as Conscious Business Connection, and operating a sticker company called Dolphin Feet. She has also been involved with TEDx events as a speaker and organizer. In this insightful episode of the Founded in FoCo Podcast, host Nick Armstrong welcomes the dynamic Amanda Fuel, a seasoned keynote speaker and coach who specializes in empowering individuals with extraordinary stories to take the stage confidently. With an engaging conversational style, Amanda unpacks her journey from running a sticker business to finding her true calling in speaker coaching and mentoring. Amanda dives into the transformative power of public speaking, particularly how it can establish credibility, build trust, and attract clients—beyond the scope of social media. She discusses the importance of authenticity on stage, sharing personal stories with vivid imagery, and embracing vulnerabilities as part of a speaker's journey. Learn more about Amanda at: https://amandafuel.com The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Julia Semple - Therapeutic Massage of NoCo - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 28 2024
Julia Semple - Therapeutic Massage of NoCo - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Julia Semple is a seasoned massage therapist with over 17 years of experience in the industry. She is the proud owner of Therapeutic Massage of Noco, where she specializes in providing relief for chronic pain and stress. By integrating her intuitive touch and in-depth knowledge of the human body, Julia is committed to improving the well-being and performance of her clients. Julia is passionate about educating people on body maintenance and has diversified her skill set by offering couples massage classes and providing insight on exercises that complement her therapeutic massages. With a keen interest in assisting high-achieving, driven individuals, Julia aims to bridge the gap between self-care and peak professional performance. In this focused and informative episode of the Founded in FoCo podcast, Julia Semple joins Nick Armstrong to explore the underappreciated importance of massage therapy in our daily lives. Julia delves deeply into the concept that self-care through massage isn't an indulgence but an essential practice for maintaining the body's function, much like we routinely service a car. Julia's pragmatic approach and extensive experience come alive as she addresses the common misconceptions and habits that lead to chronic stress and pain among professionals. From the detrimental effects of poor laptop posture to the compounding benefits of regular massage, she emphasizes the need for better self-care regimes that match the care we give to our pets and the essential maintenance we perform on other valuable assets. Learn more about Julia and Therapeutic Massage of NoCo at https://therapeuticmassageofnoco.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Adam Eggleston - Oaked Coffee Co - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 28 2024
Adam Eggleston - Oaked Coffee Co - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Adam Eggleston, a coffee aficionado turned entrepreneur, is the passionate owner of Oak Coffee Co., based in Fort Collins. His unique business model involves aging coffee with various spirits like whiskey, bourbon, and rum to enhance the flavor profile of the beloved beverage. With a Master's in Business Administration from a state university and an extensive background in community engagement, Adam has seamlessly integrated his business plans with a mission to give back to his community, evidencing his commitment by donating a portion of his company's sales to local nonprofits. With two years into his coffee roasting venture, Adam's innovative approach to coffee and dedicated community work make him a standout figure in both the business and nonprofit sectors. Adam joins Nick to discuss his journey in the coffee industry, his unique spirit-aging process, and the intersection of entrepreneurship and community contribution. Listeners are given an intimate look into the origins, challenges, and future aspirations of a local coffee roaster who's making waves in the world of specialty coffee. Learn more about Adam and Oaked Coffee Co at https://oakedcoffeecompany.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Dr. Erika Michalski - Strategically Authentic - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 27 2024
Dr. Erika Michalski - Strategically Authentic - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Dr. Erika Michalski is a beacon of authenticity in the consulting world, known colloquially as "Consultant Barbie". Holding a doctoral degree, she has made her mark as an internationally recognized master performance consultant specializing in talent development and employee engagement. Erika has an extensive background in academic and corporate environments, assisting organizations through periods of growth, change, and mergers. A passionate keynoter, she values emotional intelligence and human evolution, infusing these concepts into her work to foster environments where individuals can thrive by being their true selves. In this introspective episode of the Founded in FoCo podcast, Dr. Erika Michalski, the vivacious and recognized master performance consultant best known as Consultant Barbie, sits down with host Nick Armstrong to discuss the nuances of authenticity in personal and professional spaces. Erika's infectious energy and depth of knowledge create an engaging conversation that digs deep into what makes authentic leadership and engagement so vital in today's world. The discussion opens with Erika's take on authenticity and its importance in feeling valued within professional environments. She emphasizes the difference between being invited to a space and being expected to show up as one's authentic self. The dialogue progresses to explore the implications of this distinction on employee engagement and the strategies leaders can employ to optimize team performance, avoiding the pitfalls of the "hard effort" versus "hard work" paradigm. Learn more about Erika's work at https://stratauth.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Gus Vieweg - Founder & Facilitator, Improvisational Thinking - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 24 2024
Gus Vieweg - Founder & Facilitator, Improvisational Thinking - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Dive into the world of improvisation as Nick is joined by Gus Vieweg, an expert in applying improv principles to enhance business skills. Gus sheds light on the misconception that improv is solely about comedy, instead emphasizing its role in fostering adaptability, active listening, and organic communication. The conversation explores how improvisational techniques can be instrumental in negotiations, team building, and fostering creativity in business environments. Gus proposes that improv's 'PR problem'—the tendency to conflate it with stand-up comedy—overlooks its value in other fields, such as business leadership and team management. He explains how practicing improv principles in a no-stakes environment empowers individuals to think on their feet, articulate ideas confidently, and perform better in high-pressure scenarios. Vieweg also discusses the importance of nurturing spaces in organizations where employees can experiment with ideas without fear of repercussion. The session with Gus promises valuable insights into the world of improv, demonstrating its practical applications in business settings beyond entertainment. For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business leaders alike, this episode serves as a doorway to developing soft skills that make a significant difference in professional growth and success. Learn more about Gus and his work at: https://www.gusvieweg.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Wen Zhang - Founder and CEO for INNW Institute - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 23 2024
Wen Zhang - Founder and CEO for INNW Institute - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Strategist and innovator Wen Zhang joins Nick to discuss how entrepreneurs and founders can hone their pitches to secure investments and customer buy-in. She unveils her vision of empowering technical entrepreneurs with the art of storytelling, to bring their innovations from the lab to the marketplace effectively. The discussion centers around the founders' journey and their need to bridge the "knowledge trap" that separates their deep technical understanding from the awareness level of customers and investors. Wen emphasizes the importance of crafting a narrative that resonates with human motivators to drive engagement and investment. Wen shares her personal story, from her origins in a Chinese village to becoming a visionary thought leader in strategic marketing for startups. Key themes include the psychology behind getting ‘yes’ from investors, the importance of narrating an entrepreneurial journey, and the power of aligning product stories with human desires for health, wealth, community, and contribution. Wen also stresses the significant potential of technical entrepreneurs who solve real-world problems with their creativity and drive. Learn more and visit links in the show notes on the blog. Learn more about Wen's work at: https://www.ifnotnowwen.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com
Brittany Dawson - Certified Life, Leadership, and Career Coach - Founded in FoCo Podcast
Feb 20 2024
Brittany Dawson - Certified Life, Leadership, and Career Coach - Founded in FoCo Podcast
In this episode of the Founded in FoCo Podcast, founder and CEO of Brittany Dawson Coaching, Brittany Dawson and Nick Armstrong delve deep into the realm of effective workplace learning. The conversation revolves around the importance of bite-sized, actionable training and strategic learning processes within organizations. Brittany begins by emphasizing the critical connection between quality training and enhanced workplace performance. Her discussion outlines the frequency and nature of workplace learning initiatives that employees crave, detailing flexible schedules that favor impactful, monthly engagements.The dialogue extends into the vital role of aligning learning with the organization's goals. Brittany provides insights on cross-domain learning, advocating for personalized learning plans that empower employees to progress in their roles. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on leveraging AI tools for productivity, which will be the focus of Brittany's upcoming session at Founded in FoCo. More about Brittany on the blog here. You're invited! Founded in FoCo: March 4 - 8, 2024 Spark new ideas. Learn from peers. Build relationships. Explore the schedule and get tickets here: https://foundedinfoco.com/schedule/ Learn more about Brittany at: https://www.brittanydawsoncoaching.com/ The Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (⁠⁠https://wtfmarketing.com⁠⁠). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: ⁠⁠https://foundedinfoco.com