Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Watch the full episode here: inspiredinsider.com/alimirza-stacieporterbilger-geordiewardman-richardhurley-interview
Stacie Porter Bilger is the Founder and President of Proof Digital, a business growth-marketing agency that blends modern marketing tools with traditional sales funnel processes.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Ali Mirza, Stacie Porter Bilger, Geordie Wardman, and Richard Hurley to discuss the essential tools today’s leaders rely on. They cover AI-powered development platforms, project management systems, and analytics-driven marketing tools. They also explore automation and robotics, shaping the future of operations. The guests also share practical advice for choosing tools that actually move the needle.
Watch the full episode here: inspiredinsider.com/alimirza-stacieporterbilger-geordiewardman-richardhurley-interview
Stacie Porter Bilger is the Founder and President of Proof Digital, a business growth-marketing agency that blends modern marketing tools with traditional sales funnel processes.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Ali Mirza, Stacie Porter Bilger, Geordie Wardman, and Richard Hurley to discuss the essential tools today’s leaders rely on. They cover AI-powered development platforms, project management systems, and analytics-driven marketing tools. They also explore automation and robotics, shaping the future of operations. The guests also share practical advice for choosing tools that actually move the needle.
![[SaaS & eCommerce Series] Reality of Buying a Founder-Led Business With Brian Nolan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j7XqWfpPPeA/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & eCommerce Series] Reality of Buying a Founder-Led Business With Brian Nolan
Brian Nolan is the Co-owner of Darren & Phillip, a purpose-driven lifestyle brand creating premium matching apparel and accessories for dog lovers and their dogs. He leads the brand’s American growth, strategy, and e-commerce expansion while advancing its mission to support dog rescue organizations worldwide. Before acquiring the company, Brian co-founded and led Sellbrite and BookOutdoors, which were acquired by GoDaddy and Hipcamp, respectively. A USC Marshall School of Business alumnus, he draws on extensive experience in entrepreneurship, product development, marketing, and e-commerce to build customer-focused brands that combine commercial growth with meaningful social impact.
In this episode… Building a successful software company and buying an established consumer brand require very different operating skills. When a founder moves from SaaS exits into e-commerce ownership, how can past experience create an advantage without obscuring the realities of inventory, brand identity, and customer behavior?
According to Brian Nolan, the transition from startup exits to brand ownership requires proven growth instincts and a willingness to relearn the fundamentals. He emphasizes evaluating repeat purchases, unit economics, and audience engagement before an acquisition. After taking over Darren & Phillip, he improved systems, expanded sales channels, refined the product line, and repositioned the brand as a premium, human-first lifestyle company. The experience also showed him the impact of founder visibility and the value of longer transitions, performance-based incentives, disciplined inventory planning, authentic storytelling, and a clear brand identity.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Brian Nolan, Co-owner of Darren & Phillip, to discuss moving from SaaS exits to building a stronger e-commerce brand. Brian explains how he evaluated and acquired Darren & Phillip, repositioned its products and identity, and managed complex inventory challenges. He also shares lessons on seller transitions, acquisition incentives, and using Shopify and AI to guide decisions.")
![[SaaS & AI Series] Why AI Still Needs a Human Sherpa With Gil Makleff](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j_5L55LHwnE/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & AI Series] Why AI Still Needs a Human Sherpa With Gil Makleff
Gil Makleff is the CEO and Co-founder of Sembly AI, a platform that helps teams turn meetings and conversations into actionable insights and work-ready outcomes. Under his leadership, Sembly AI has advanced tools for AI-assisted collaboration, workflow automation, and human-AI interaction. Before founding Sembly AI, Gil achieved two successful exits to Microsoft and Ernst & Young, where he later served as a Partner. With decades of experience building and scaling technology companies, he is known for championing human-centered AI that empowers people rather than replaces them.
In this episode… Technology is advancing rapidly, but as AI becomes more capable, how can businesses embrace automation without losing the human judgment that drives meaningful work? What does it take to keep people at the center of innovation?
In Gil Makleff’s view, successful AI is not about removing humans from work but helping them create better outcomes. He highlights the importance of designing AI systems that collaborate with humans, allowing professionals to maintain control while automating repetitive tasks. By transforming conversations into actionable business deliverables, AI can improve productivity without sacrificing critical thinking or decision-making. Gil also shares how his entrepreneurial journey shaped his approach to leadership, from navigating company acquisitions to building empowered, high-performing teams. He explains why values-driven decisions and a culture of trust are essential for long-term success in both business and technology.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Gil Makleff, CEO and Co-founder of Sembly AI, to discuss building human-centered AI that empowers professionals instead of replacing them. They explore the vision behind Sembly AI, the role of AI agents in transforming workplace productivity, and lessons from scaling and exiting technology companies. Gil also shares his leadership philosophy for building loyal, high-performing teams.")
![[Top Author & Direct Response Series] How Real Experience Becomes a Bestseller With Travis Cody](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lXLsZ1GrnYA/mqdefault.jpg "[Top Author & Direct Response Series] How Real Experience Becomes a Bestseller With Travis Cody
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Travis Cody is the Founder of Bestseller By Design, where he helps founders, consultants, and experts turn their knowledge and experience into bestselling books. With a background in Hollywood screenwriting, copywriting, and journalism, he is the author of 19+ books and has worked with leading marketers, including Russell Brunson and Brian Kurtz. He has helped clients achieve #1 Amazon rankings and raise millions in funding through strategic storytelling and publishing. Travis is also known for his creative approach to relationship-building, direct response marketing, and his perspective on the ethical use of AI in writing and publishing.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [2:08] Travis Cody shares how Russell Brunson’s trilogy serves as a blueprint for building a successful business
• [4:35] Doberman Dan’s $1,000 direct response book experiment and pricing psychology
• [5:34] Why Perry Marshall’s 80/20 Principle continues to shape modern marketing strategy
• [9:19] Travis on authoring over 20 books while managing multiple creative and publishing projects
• [13:22] The hero’s journey framework transforms copywriting and storytelling
• [22:49] The impact of Gary Halbert’s legendary letter and its lasting influence on marketing
• [27:12] Strategies for building meaningful connections with top industry figures
• [47:50] Travis breaks down the ethical use of AI in writing and publishing for greater creativity
In this episode…
Breaking into a new industry is often a mix of strategy, persistence, and relationships. While skills and credentials matter, real opportunities usually come through trust and connections built over time. How do entrepreneurs and creators establish credibility and grow meaningful relationships from the ground up?
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
