Business Leaders of America Podcast

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Evan Shy, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO whose journey spans wellness, education, and technology. As the CEO of Coding Temple, HTD Talent, and App Academy, Evan is leading three powerhouse organizations shaping the future of tech education and workforce development.

Evan’s story is one of continual evolution, from launching wellness startups to now driving large-scale innovation in how people learn, train, and transition into high-growth tech careers. In our conversation, he shares how his early entrepreneurial experiences shaped his leadership today, how his teams are using “digital twin” learning environments to mirror real-world work experience, and why integrating AI into education is critical to preparing the next generation of technical talent.

We also explore what it truly takes for a company to move from growth to scale, and the hard truths leaders must face to build organizations that endure.

If you’re interested in the intersection of innovation, workforce development, and technology and want to hear how one leader is building the bridge between education and employability, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO of Coding Temple, HTD Talent, and App Academy, leading three high-growth organizations shaping the future of workforce development and technical education

• Served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at P33 Chicago where he launched the “Speed Round” initiative — helping early-stage founders raise over $35 M in its first nine months.

• Operating Partner at Vitamin Capital, supporting growth-stage companies across EdTech, digital health, software, and AI/data sectors

• Founder of multiple ventures including ShyTown Inc. and hiitide, with focus on wellness, technology and experiential learning.

How to connect with Evan Shy

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanshy25/

• https://www.instagram.com/evanshy/

• https://www.htdtalent.com/

• https://www.codingtemple.com/

• https://www.appacademy.io/

Show Notes

[1:36] Evan reflects on the early influences and experiences that sparked his entrepreneurial journey and shaped his path across wellness, education, and technology.

[4:44] The motivation behind transitioning from founding startups to leading scaling organizations like Coding Temple, HTD Talent, and App Academy and how that shift has influenced his perspective on growth and impact.

[9:23] How his team builds “digital twin” or real-work simulation environments within Coding Temple’s programs, and how this approach bridges the gap between education and real-world work experience.

[14:49] Integrating AI into its curriculum and the steps being taken to future-proof training programs in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

[16:57] The challenges faced while reducing ramp-up time for students and ensuring consistent value delivery during that process.

[19:06] How Evan views competition from traditional staffing agencies, outsourcing firms, and internal training programs as the demand for technical talent continues to rise.

[22:17] What he believes are the key indicators that a business is truly ready to scale, beyond just growing, based on his experience as both an operator and investor.

[25:56] How listeners can connect, learn more about Coding Temple and HTD Talent, and stay updated on his work shaping the future of tech education and workforce development.

[26:35] Evan’s toughest advice for those looking to start or scale an edtech, workforce, or impact-driven company.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Alakh Verma, a global AI and digital transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations innovate, scale, and compete in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Alakh has held senior roles at companies including Microsoft and Oracle, and today he leads Bcentriqe.ai while also serving as a strategic advisor at PwC, guiding enterprises through meaningful AI adoption.

With a career spanning Fortune 500 environments, high-growth ventures, and advanced emerging-tech strategy, Alakh brings a rare blend of technical depth and business vision. In our conversation, he shares his perspective on what truly drives competitive advantage in the age of intelligent automation, where leaders should begin when integrating AI into their organizations, and why execution speed has become a defining factor for business success.

We also touch on his journey across the global tech ecosystem and the mission behind Bcentriqe.ai, helping organizations move from exploration to real, measurable impact.

If you’re looking to understand AI not just as a tool but as a strategic catalyst for growth, culture, and leadership, this episode offers clarity and insight you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO of Bcentriqe.ai, enabling enterprises with AI, intelligent automation, and actionable business insights

• Strategic Advisor for AI and Digital Transformation at PwC, guiding organizations on emerging technology adoption

• Spent 20+ years at Oracle, including roles as Director, Cloud Services, Big Data & MSP Leader and Senior Manager, Platform Technology Solutions, leading global AI and cloud initiatives

• Previously Business Solution Manager at Microsoft, supporting strategy and partner engagements in telecom and media

• Adjunct Faculty at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension and Northeastern University, teaching emerging technologies

• Invited Global Speaker at the United Nations in Vienna for AI and digital transformation thought leadership

• Multiple-time recipient of Oracle’s “Excellence Achievers Award”

How to connect with Alakh Verma

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alakh-verma-2351005/

• https://bcentriqe.ai/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcentriqe-inc/

• Email: Alakh.verma@pwc.com

• Email: Alakh.verma@bcentriqe.ai

Show Notes

[1:45] Alakh shares his journey from leading global AI and cloud initiatives at Oracle to founding Bcentriqe.ai and serving as a strategic advisor at PwC, and why he chose to move deeper into emerging technology.

[3:39] Why rapid adoption has become a critical advantage for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s accelerating technology landscape.

[5:38] Where organizations should truly begin with AI and which priorities drive real, measurable business impact

[13:32] What Bcentriqe.ai does in the AI and intelligent automation space and the types of organizations the company typically partners with.

[14:59] How AI can support PwC’s mission of building trust and solving important problems, particularly in industries where automation risks overshadowing the human element.

[18:27] Alakh shares how he helps organizations balance rapid AI innovation with strong governance, ethical frameworks, and accountability.

[23:01] The best ways for listeners to connect with him and learn more about his work at Bcentriqe.ai, PwC, and through his speaking engagements.

[23:59] Alakh shares advice for business leaders who fear being left behind in the digital transformation era, offering guidance on how to begin building an AI advantage today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Jack Jackson, a seasoned tech executive and transformative leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, scaling companies, and leading successful exits. Jack has built a career on turning vision into execution—taking multiple organizations from under $1 million to over $100 million in revenue and raising more than $170 million in funding along the way.

Jack is also the author of The Reaction to Inaction, a powerful book that explores how empowering employees and fostering organizational trust can unlock a company’s full potential.

In our conversation, we discuss the mindset that’s fueled Jack’s success across industries, the evolving definition of great leadership in the age of AI, and the critical concept of “reaction to inaction” — and why understanding it is key to sustained business growth. We also dive into practical strategies for empowering teams, building trust, and scaling a business that performs at the highest level.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, accountability, and what it truly takes to move from intention to action.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Author of The Reaction to Inaction, a leadership book focused on organizational health, empowerment, and performance.

• Scaled multiple companies from under $1 million to over $100 million in annual revenue.

• Raised more than $170 million in venture funding across multiple rounds.

• Successfully led several company exits and M&A transactions.

• Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing at ShelterZoom, a blockchain-based cybersecurity and document control platform.

• Former CRO/SVP of Global Sales and Marketing at Aratum, where he oversaw international market expansion and channel development.

• Held senior sales leadership roles at Mindjet, Kofax, and Eastman Kodak, developing international markets and partner ecosystems.

• Expert in global sales enablement, performance management, and strategic growth planning.

How to connect with Jack Jackson

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-jackson-4137894/

• www.theconsultingcompany.co

• https://thereactiontoinactionbook.com/

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ328GWD?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6FVHZE5JQG6TJHDK8940&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6FVHZE5JQG6TJHDK8940&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6FVHZE5JQG6TJHDK8940&bestFormat=true

• Email: pr@theconsultingcompany.co

Show Notes

[1:24] Jack shares the mindset and approach that have consistently enabled him to scale companies from under $1M to over $100M in revenue and lead several successful exits.

[8:03] Some insight into Jack’s new book “The Reaction to Inaction”

[12:04] How AI is reshaping what great leadership looks like in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

[17:20] The concept of “reaction to inaction” and why understanding it is critical for achieving sustained business success.

[20:23] Practical ways leaders can begin empowering their employees and fostering a culture of trust within their organizations.

[30:40] How listeners can connect, learn more about his work, and stay updated on his upcoming book The Reaction to Inaction.

[31:32] Jack shares advice for entrepreneurs on scaling their business, attracting investors, and building strong, high-performing teams based on his experience leading multiple successful exits.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Ranjith Ravula, Founder and CEO of Raks Group LLC, one of the fastest-growing staffing and recruiting firms in the U.S., recently recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.

Ranjith’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless belief. Originally starting his career as an accountant in India, he eventually found his true calling in people—not numbers. After immigrating to the U.S. and working multiple jobs to make ends meet, Ranjith took a leap of faith and founded Raks Group in 2016, determined to build something of his own.

Under his leadership, Raks Group has partnered with companies like Vonage, ConvTec, and Express Scripts, helping them hire top talent with precision, clarity, and long-term success. Beyond staffing, Ranjith has also launched a suite of tech platforms, SociaM8, ChatM8.ai, and Roar.ai, each designed to make hiring smarter, faster, and more human.

In our conversation, we discuss Ranjith’s transformation from accountant to entrepreneur, the early challenges of building Raks Group, how he turned networking from a weakness into a superpower, and the powerful lessons he’s learned about persistence, people, and purpose along the way.

This episode is a masterclass in grit, growth, and building a business that truly makes an impact.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and CEO of Raks Group LLC, a nationally recognized IT staffing and recruiting firm established in 2016.

• Ranked #1,136 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and #14 in the Mid-Atlantic region on the Inc. Regionals list.

• Developed innovative tech platforms including SociaM8 (social media management), ChatM8.ai (AI chatbots and voice agents), and Roar.ai (AI-driven screening and hiring automation).

• Known for transforming networking and brand-building into a scalable business growth strategy.

• Partnered with major organizations such as Vonage, ConvTec, and Express Scripts to deliver high-quality talent solutions.

How to connect with Ranjith Ravula

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranjithravula/

• https://ranjithravula.com/

• https://www.sociam8.com/

• https://chatm8.ai/

Show Notes

[1:32] Ranjith shares the turning point when he realized he was more drawn to people than numbers, and how that realization shaped the trajectory of his career.

[6:25] What motivated him to launch Raks Group in 2016 despite skepticism and why he believed in his vision when others didn’t.

[9:22] What differentiates Raks Group from other staffing firms and the unique approach that has led to successful partnerships with major companies like Vonage and Express Scripts.

[13:47] How the recruiting landscape has evolved in recent years with the rise of AI tools and automation, and how those changes are shaping the future of staffing.

[16:52] The inspiration behind the creation of tech platforms like SociaM8, ChatM8.ai, and Roar.ai, and how each one supports his broader mission of helping founders, recruiters, and teams grow.

[23:00] How he turned networking from a challenge into a strength, along with the key strategies he used to build his personal brand and grow his professional network.

[30:39] Ranjith shares how listeners can connect with him and learn more about Raks Group.

[31:18] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on the mindset shift needed to move from hustling for survival to building something that truly thrives.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Brodie Sutherland, CEO and Director of Patriot Critical Minerals. Brodie is a professional geologist with over a decade of experience leading exploration projects in more than 20 countries, and today he’s leading one of the most exciting critical mineral companies in the U.S.

During our conversation, Brodie shares his journey from working in the field to stepping into the role of CEO and the challenges of balancing technical priorities with business and regulatory responsibilities. We also dive into Patriot’s MEGA Tungsten Project in Elko, Nevada, exploring what makes it unique, the key challenges the team is navigating, and what it will take to move from concept to first production.

This episode offers insights into leadership in high-stakes industries, innovation in critical mineral development, and the opportunities ahead for companies driving the future of U.S. resources.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO & Director of Patriot Critical Minerals, leading the MEGA Tungsten Project in Nevada

• Previous President of Tocvan Ventures Corp., a gold and silver producer in Sonora, Mexico.

• Professional Geologist with over a decade of experience developing remote mineral exploration projects in over 20 countries

• Independent Consultant, providing geological services and managing exploration projects worldwide

• Previous Project Manager, NxGold Ltd., coordinating exploration programs and technical reporting

• Volunteer, Earth Science for Society, supporting programs to increase science literacy and engagement

How to connect with Brodie Sutherland

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brodiesutherland/

• https://invest.patriotcritical.com/

• https://x.com/SutherlandPGeo

Show Notes

[1:36] Brodie shares what inspired the transition from leading exploration teams to stepping into the role of CEO & Director at Patriot Critical Minerals.

[2:57] The balance between managing technical and geological priorities and navigating the business, regulatory, and investor-side demands that come with being CEO compared to his past roles leading exploration drilling projects.

[4:33] An overview of the MEGA Tungsten Project, its location, geological setting, size and scale, current stage of development, and what makes it stand out among other tungsten projects in the U.S.

[10:06] The key challenges the MEGA Tungsten Project is facing.

[13:42] Expected timelines for MEGA and when first production could realistically begin.

[15:40] The potential scale at full capacity, including expected job creation and overall growth impact.

[17:09] Estimated capital investment needed to advance from its current stage to full commercial production.

[23:06] How listeners can connect, learn more about Patriot Critical Minerals and the MEGA Tungsten Project, and discover recommended resources for further information.

[24:03] Brodie offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and future leaders in the critical minerals sector on how to make a meaningful impact in this rapidly evolving industry.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Brodkey, a mining engineer, attorney, and seasoned corporate leader with over 30 years of experience in the mining industry. Andrew has held senior leadership roles with major mining companies, founded a boutique mining M&A practice, and led multiple publicly traded junior exploration companies.

Currently, Andrew serves as the CEO of Idaho Copper Corporation, advancing one of the largest untapped copper projects in the United States. His work blends technical, legal, and business expertise to drive sustainable development, manage complex transactions, and create long-term value in the mining sector.

We dive into his journey into the mining industry and how his combined background in engineering and law has shaped his approach to leadership and strategy. Andrew also shares the vision for the Idaho Copper project, insights on building strong community and government relationships, and lessons on managing risk while guiding a multi-decade mining endeavor from concept to development.

If you’re curious about the future of mining, leading complex projects, or how to balance technical, financial, and regulatory challenges while creating value, this episode with Andrew Brodkey is one you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO of Idaho Copper Corporation, leading one of the largest untapped copper projects in the United States

• Former Vice President and General Counsel at Magma Copper Company, growing the company from $200 million to over $3 billion in market capitalization

• Founder of the International Mining and Metals Group at CB Richard Ellis, a boutique M&A advisory firm serving major mining clients

• Former Vice President of Business Development for BHP Copper, managing major international mining transactions and joint ventures

• CEO of multiple publicly traded junior mining companies, overseeing acquisitions, financings, and corporate growth initiatives

How to connect with Andrew Brodkey

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbrodkey/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/idahocopper/

• https://www.idaho-copper.com/

• https://x.com/idahocoppercorp

• OTCM: COPR

Show Notes

[1:34] Andrew shares what first drew him to the mining industry and how his combined background in engineering and law has influenced his approach to strategy and leadership.

[4:03] As CEO of Idaho Copper Corporation, he discusses what makes this project one of the most exciting in the U.S. and the vision for taking it from PEA to full development.

[19:11] How his team is building strong community and government relationships in Idaho and the lessons learned about fostering trust with key stakeholders.

[26:06] Why insights on the projected workforce size and potential mine life for the Idaho Copper project.

[29:00] How to balance risk management and long-term value creation when leading a large-scale, multi-decade mining project like CuMo.

[35:10] How to connect with Andrew and learn more about Idaho Copper Corporation and the ongoing work being done there.

[36:28] Andrew gives advice for young professionals interested in the mining industry on how to build a career that combines technical expertise with leadership and strategic vision.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Murray Sabrin, emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, founder of the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise, and a leading voice in advocating for financial independence, free markets, and limited government. Dr. Sabrin’s journey began as a child of Holocaust survivors, and his remarkable life and career have been guided by the values of freedom, self-reliance, and civic responsibility.

We dive into his vision for Making Americans Financially Independent, exploring what true financial independence looks like and the steps everyday Americans can take to achieve it. Dr. Sabrin also shares why he founded the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise, why promoting free-market education is so important today, and his bold blueprint for a tax-free America.

If you’re curious about how to take control of your financial future, rethink the role of government in our economy, or simply want to be inspired by a lifetime of courage and insight, this episode with Dr. Murray Sabrin is not one to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise at Ramapo College

• Emeritus Professor of Finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey after 35 years of teaching

• Author of six books on taxes, healthcare, the Federal Reserve, and a memoir

• Recognized as a public intellectual through essays in The Record, Star Ledger, Trenton Times, Asbury Park Press, Commerce Magazine, Mid-Atlantic Journal of Business, and Privatization Review

• New Jersey Libertarian Party nominee for governor in 1997, participated in three debates with major party candidates

• Contributor of libertarian solutions and commentary on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, national debt, and foreign policy

• Frequent guest on radio, cable, and podcasts providing free market solutions to healthcare, education, and social services

How to connect with Murray Sabrin

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/murray-sabrin-46190439/

• https://x.com/msabrin

• https://www.instagram.com/murray_sabrin/

• https://www.murraysabrin.com/

• https://murraysabrin.substack.com/

Show Notes

[1:41] Dr. Sabrin shares how his upbringing as the child of Holocaust survivors shaped his core values, fueling his lifelong passion for freedom, self-reliance, and limited government.

[9:44] His vision for Making Americans Financially Independent (MAFI), what true financial independence means for everyday Americans and the key steps people can take to achieve it.

[13:23] Some of the most common financial misconceptions that prevents Americans from achieving real financial independence and what mindset shift is needed to overcome it.

[17:28] Why he founded the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise and why promoting free-market education is more vital than ever in today’s academic climate.

[23:07] Dr. Sabrin outlines his blueprint for a tax-free society, explaining how such a system could realistically function in America and addressing common misconceptions and skepticism around the idea.

[42:55] How to connect with Dr. Sabrin, explore his books, and follow his ongoing work.

[43:39] Advice for business leaders, policymakers, and young entrepreneurs on driving meaningful change in America today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Henry Yoshida, CEO and co-founder of Rocket Dollar, a platform that empowers people to invest their retirement savings in alternative assets like real estate, startups, and private equity, using tax-advantaged accounts. Henry has built and sold multiple companies, including Honest Dollar, acquired by Goldman Sachs, and MY Group, acquired by Captrust. He’s also a Certified Financial Planner with a deep passion for helping individuals take control of their financial futures.

We talk about what first sparked Henry’s interest in the financial and retirement industry, how Rocket Dollar is changing the way people think about investing for retirement, and some of the most overlooked ways to use IRAs and Solo 401(k)s to minimize taxes and build long-term wealth. Henry also shares insights into his role as Senior VP at Retired.com and how its mission to help Americans achieve financial freedom complements the work he’s doing at Rocket Dollar.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your retirement money work harder or how technology is democratizing access to alternative investments, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, a platform enabling investors to use tax-advantaged retirement accounts for alternative assets

• Senior Vice President at Retired.com, helping Americans achieve financial freedom through innovative tools and strategies

• Founder of Honest Dollar (acquired by Goldman Sachs) and MY Group LLC, an SEC-registered RIA with $2.5 billion AUM (acquired by Captrust)

• Former Vice President at Merrill Lynch with 10 years of experience in financial services

• White House Intern under President Clinton, contributing to policy and administrative experience

How to connect with Henry Yoshida

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryyoshida/

• https://www.instagram.com/fitfinancehenry/

• https://www.retired.com/

• https://www.rocketdollar.com/

• Rocket Dollar: (855) 762-5383

Show Notes

[1:45] Henry shares what first sparked his interest in the financial and retirement investing industry and what motivated him to start building companies that simplify how people invest for their future.

[8:17] What alternative investments are and why giving people access to them through Rocket Dollar can be a game-changer for building a stronger, more diversified retirement portfolio.

[13:43] Some of the most overlooked strategies for using IRAs and Solo 401(k)s to minimize taxes and build long-term wealth more effectively.

[22:00] The key differences between self-directed IRAs and traditional IRAs, explaining the advantages and flexibility each option offers to investors.

[26:09] The simple process for getting started with Rocket Dollar and how investors can begin exploring alternative assets within their retirement accounts.

[35:35] Insights on his role as Senior VP at Retired.com, explaining how its mission to help Americans achieve financial freedom complements Rocket Dollar’s focus on alternative investing,

[41:41] How listeners can connect with him directly and find more information about Rocket Dollar and Retired.com

[43:50] Henry offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the investment or retirement industry, sharing key insights on what they should understand before taking the leap.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Kline, the COO and Co-Founder of BitcoinIRA, the world’s first and largest cryptocurrency IRA platform with over $14 billion in digital assets under custody.

Chris shares his journey from finance and operations into the world of digital assets, and the vision that led to launching BitcoinIRA back in 2015, when the idea of investing in crypto for retirement was almost unheard of. We discuss how his team overcame early skepticism, built trust with regulators and investors, and grew into the leader of an entirely new asset class.

We also dive into how BitcoinIRA balances crypto’s high-growth potential with the responsibility of protecting retirement assets, the long-term outlook for digital currencies in retirement planning, and what the future of crypto investing could mean for traditional finance.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• COO and Co-Founder of BitcoinIRA, the world’s first cryptocurrency IRA platform

• Over $14 billion in assets under custody, making BitcoinIRA the largest crypto retirement platform in the U.S.

• Featured in major media outlets including CNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Reuters for leadership in crypto and fintech innovation

• Former COO and Co-Founder of Digital Gold

• Expanded the platform from solely Bitcoin to over 85 cryptocurrencies available for retirement investing.

• Played a key role in building BitcoinIRA’s secure, compliant, and fully self-directed retirement platform, enabling investors to buy, sell, and hold digital assets in tax-advantaged accounts

How to connect with Chris Kline

• https://bitcoinira.com/blamerica/?AID=1413

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/klinec/

• https://x.com/senatorkline

• https://x.com/Bitcoin_IRA

• https://www.instagram.com/bitcoin_ira/

• BitcoinIRA: (877) 936-7175

Show Notes

[1:41] Chris shares his early career journey in finance and operations and how those foundational experiences ultimately led him to launch BitcoinIRA and enter the crypto retirement space.

[4:47] The early reactions from investors, regulators, and peers when he and his cofounders first introduced the idea of a crypto IRA in 2015–2016, and how they navigated skepticism and pushback to bring the vision to life.

[7:01] How BitcoinIRA balances crypto’s high-growth potential with the responsibility of protecting retirement assets, outlining the company’s guiding philosophy for managing risk and opportunity in a volatile market.

[8:53] The long-term potential of BitcoinIRAs compared to traditional retirement accounts and shares how education and perspective help investors understand the value of crypto despite its volatility.

[12:31] How investors can take advantage of short-term opportunities during altcoin seasons, highlighting BitcoinIRA’s access to over 85 different cryptocurrencies for diversified investing.

[16:00] The most common misconceptions about including cryptocurrency in retirement portfolios and how education and transparency are helping shift public perception.

[26:01] How simple steps for getting started with BitcoinIRA, including account setup, minimum investment requirements, and how new investors can begin building a crypto-backed retirement portfolio.

[31:25] How listeners can connect with Chris, learn more about BitcoinIRA, and stay updated on the company’s latest innovations and insights in the crypto retirement space.

[32:11] Chris offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, drawing on lessons from building BitcoinIRA and navigating the crypto and fintech landscape.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out LiveGood, where top-tier wellness products meet unbeatable prices: https://www.livegood.com/Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Pandolfino, a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and plant biotechnology expert whose career has spanned more than two decades of innovation in the tobacco and life sciences industries.

Joseph began his entrepreneurial journey with 22nd Century Group, taking the company from just two employees to a publicly traded business on the New York Stock Exchange, achieving a market capitalization of $373 million. During his time there, he built a world-class patent portfolio and led pioneering research in very-low-nicotine tobacco products.

Today, Joseph is the founder and CEO of Cabbacis LLC, a federally-licensed tobacco product manufacturer and plant biotechnology company developing iBlend™ very-low-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods. His work focuses on harm reduction and improving public health by helping smokers transition to less harmful products.

In this conversation, we discuss Joseph’s early influences, the journey of growing 22nd Century Group, the vision behind Cabbacis, the innovation of iBlend™, and the challenges of navigating highly regulated industries.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded Cabbacis LLC, a federally-licensed tobacco product manufacturer and plant biotechnology company

• Founder and first CEO of 22nd Century Group, Inc., growing the company from two employees to a publicly traded NYSE company with a market capitalization of $373 million and a portfolio of over 200 patents

• Inventor on dozens of worldwide patents and patent applications for very-low-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods

• Recognized authority in plant biotechnology, nicotine and cannabinoid biosynthesis, and tobacco harm reduction

• Oversaw the creation of the lowest-nicotine-content tobacco variety ever commercialized

How to connect with Joseph Pandolfino

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-pandolfino-76237736/

• https://www.cabbacis.com/

Show Notes

[1:36] Joseph shares insights from his early life and the experiences that drew him to the tobacco and plant biotechnology industries, shaping his entrepreneurial mindset and long-term vision.

[3:37] The journey of growing 22nd Century Group from just two employees to a publicly traded company on the NYSE, highlighting the major challenges faced along the way and the strategies that helped him overcome them.

[4:51] What inspired the creation of Cabbacis and how its mission and business model differs from his earlier work at 22nd Century Group.

[6:30] The vision behind developing very-low-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods, and how these innovations are designed to support harm reduction and improve public health.

[9:50] The major scientific and regulatory challenges behind developing iBlend™ and how his team worked through them to bring the innovation to market.

[12:41] How upcoming FDA nicotine regulations may reshape the tobacco market and influence consumer behavior in the years ahead.

[15:32] How listeners can learn more about Cabbacis and stay updated on the company’s latest product developments and innovations.

[16:02] Joseph offers his advice for entrepreneurs entering highly regulated or technical industries, emphasizing the importance of persistence, compliance, and long-term vision.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices