In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi  Anyemedu sits down with Steve Seidel, CEO and Founder of The Seidel Agency, to explore his entrepreneurial journey, leadership lessons, and the power of human connection in business. 

 With over 25 years of experience in marketing, media, and PR, Steve shares the highs and lows of building a people-first agency, the setbacks that shaped his leadership, and the pivotal moments that confirmed he was on the right path. He unpacks his powerful philosophy of “Connection as Currency,” explaining why authentic relationships, storytelling, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable even in the age of AI.  This conversation also dives into:  

 * Turning disadvantages into strengths  
 * Building resilient, purpose-driven leadership  
 * Creating strong organizational culture  
 * The role of grit, rejection, and reinvention in entrepreneurship 
 * The future of leadership in AI-driven workplaces  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, creative, or founder navigating growth and change, this episode offers practical insights, inspiration, and real-world lessons you can apply immediately.  

🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired.  

🔔 Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast for regular conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and change-makers from around the world.

Steve Seidel on Entrepreneurship, Connection as Currency & Leadership Lessons

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, I sit down with Jimi Gibson , Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, TEDx speaker, professional magician, and a respected voice in the world of digital marketing.  Thrive Agency has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years, and under Jimi’s leadership, the company continues to transform websites into powerful, client-growing machines. 

In this conversation, Jimi shares his entrepreneurial journey : the highs, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the lessons that shaped his career.  We dive into: 

✨ How Thrive Agency’s results-driven approach fuels sustainable business growth 

✨ Why websites must constantly evolve to remain relevant 

✨ The 215-point digital health analysis that sets Thrive apart 

✨ How to build a people-centered company culture 

✨ The surprising connection between magic, leadership, and marketing 

✨ Jimi’s biggest lessons from decades in the digital marketing space  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, small business owner, or someone curious about digital strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.  

📌 About Jimi Gibson  

Jimi Gibson is the VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, a Forbes Agency Council member, digital marketing expert, author, and TEDx speaker. He specializes in results-driven digital strategies, website transformation, and people-centered leadership. 

 👍 If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to:  

✔️ Like 

✔️ Subscribe 

✔️ Comment your biggest takeaway 

✔️ Share with someone building a business or brand

Marketing , Magic , Mindset - Insights from Jimi Gibson

Why do some press releases make headlines while others go completely unnoticed? Is public relations only for big brands, or can small businesses use PR to build credibility, land media coverage, and drive real results?  

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, I sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and a PR expert with over 25 years of experience helping small businesses get featured in top media outlets. Mickie has mastered the art of writing and distributing press releases that journalists actually pay attention to without the need for a massive PR budget.   

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

 *  Mickie’s entrepreneurial journey and the origin story of eReleases 
 * Why most press releases fail and how to fix them 
 * Common mistakes businesses make when trying to get media coverage 
 * Insider strategies to boost credibility, conversions, and visibility through PR 
 * How to leverage press releases in the AI era without getting lost in the noise 
 * Real-world success stories of small businesses that used PR to scale 
 * Mickie’s advice for entrepreneurs new to press releases  

Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or marketing professional, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you get noticed, build trust, and grow your brand with PR.  

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more entrepreneurial insights and strategies that can help your business thrive.

PR that pays - A conversation on the eReleases journey 

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, I sit down with Kenneth Correa , technology thought leader, entrepreneur, and author of the groundbreaking 2024 book Cognitive Organizations. As the founder of DataNeural, an AI consulting firm, and Head of Strategy at 80 20 Marketing, Kenneth has dedicated his career to helping organizations harness the power of AI agent networks to achieve transformational business results.

With over 25 years of global experience spanning Brazil, the UK, and the US, Kenneth brings a unique perspective on bridging cutting-edge AI innovation with practical business applications. His clients include Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders in healthcare, finance, and technology. Through his consulting, workshops, and international keynotes, he equips businesses with actionable frameworks to drive productivity, scale innovation, and stay competitive in the AI era.

In our conversation, Kenneth shares:

 * His entrepreneurial journey and pivotal lessons from building companies and advising global leaders.
 * Insights from Cognitive Organizations and why AI agent networks represent the next frontier in digital transformation.
 * How businesses can move from being AI-curious to AI-fluent with confidence.
 * What human-AI collaboration really looks like and why it’s about empowerment, not replacement.
 * The ethical and strategic considerations companies must weigh as AI reshapes decision-making.
 * Practical advice for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to thrive in this new cognitive era.

If you’re curious about how AI is redefining productivity, decision-making, and the future of work, this episode is packed with powerful insights and real-world examples from a global leader in the field.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to build a cognitive organization and unlock the full potential of AI in your business.

How businesses can transition from AI curious to AI fluent

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with Robin Nathaniel, seasoned social media strategist and author of Social Media SYNC to explore why human connection matters more than ever in the age of AI.  

Robin has spent years at the intersection of social media strategy, human behavior, and digital transformation. Drawing from his professional journey and his new book, he shares powerful insights on how entrepreneurs can move beyond algorithms and automation to create authentic, lasting relationships with their audiences.  

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

✅ Why human connection not technology still drives the most impactful business results 

✅ The SYNC model from Robin’s book and how it helps entrepreneurs reconnect both online and offline 

✅ How to shift from “broadcasting” to “relating” in your brand communication 

✅ Real-life stories where intentional connections led to breakthroughs 

✅ Practical tools to balance AI with authenticity and strengthen client, colleague, and community relationships.

  Whether you’re a startup founder, business owner, or creative professional, this conversation will give you the frameworks, stories, and strategies you need to thrive in a world where connection is the true competitive edge.  

Tune in to discover how to blend heart, strategy, and technology to build a brand and relationships that truly last. 

 #SocialMediaSYNC [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/socialmediasync] #HumanConnection [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/humanconnection] #RobinNathaniel [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/robinnathaniel] #Entrepreneurship [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/entrepreneurship] #AIandHumanity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aiandhumanity] #TheEntrepreneurSpeaks [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/theentrepreneurspeaks] #SocialMediaStrategy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/socialmediastrategy] #DigitalAuthenticity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitalauthenticity]

Beyond Algorithms : Leading with Intention

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, I’m joined by Jacob Hicks , a dynamic coach, keynote speaker, and sales strategist with over a decade of experience transforming lives and businesses. Known for his mindset-driven coaching, powerful follow-up systems, and authentic storytelling approach, Jacob has empowered countless entrepreneurs and professionals to break through barriers, close more deals, and build lasting success.

From his own entrepreneurial journey to his proven strategies, Jacob shares:
✅ Why storytelling in sales is the ultimate trust-builder and how to craft stories that truly resonate
✅ The secrets to building a follow-up system that converts without being pushy
✅ How to shift your mindset around sales from fear to confidence
✅ Practical tips you can apply today to sell yourself, your ideas, and your business with ease

Jacob’s blend of practical insights, engaging storytelling, and no-nonsense coaching will inspire you to rethink how you approach sales, relationships, and growth. Whether you’re a founder, creative, coach, or business professional, this episode will leave you with actionable tools and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to succeed.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how mindset, storytelling, and follow-up can transform not just your business, but your life.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss an inspiring episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks!

#Entrepreneurship #SalesStrategy #JacobHicks #BusinessGrowth #MindsetMatters #StorytellingInSales #FollowUpSuccess #TheEntrepreneurSpeaks

Sales Success Unlocked : Jacob Hicks on Mindset, Storytelling & Follow -up

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks, we sit down with James Hilovsky, the visionary founder of Frandream, a platform dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs into the world of franchising. With years of experience in business growth, franchising strategies, and entrepreneurial development, James has helped countless individuals turn their dreams of business ownership into reality.

Together, we explore James’ entrepreneurial journey—from the spark that inspired Frandream to the challenges and opportunities within the franchising space. He shares practical advice on identifying the right franchise opportunities, overcoming common misconceptions, and building sustainable, profitable businesses. James also opens up about the setbacks he’s faced, how he overcame them, and the mindset shifts that have fueled his growth as an entrepreneur.

Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or considering franchising as your next big step, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.

Tune in and discover what it takes to succeed in franchising and beyond, through the story and lessons of James Hilovsky.

Crafting your Franchise Future : Conversation with James Hilovsky

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with Amber Gaige, founder and CEO of Far Beyond Marketing, seasoned marketing strategist, author, and proud third-generation entrepreneur.

Amber shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, the lessons she’s carried forward from her family’s business legacy, and the unique challenges of carving her own path. She also dives deep into her groundbreaking framework The Four C’s of Effective Marketing, a proven approach that has helped countless small businesses grow and thrive.

From demystifying common marketing misconceptions to offering practical strategies that every business owner can apply, Amber brings clarity, wisdom, and fresh perspective to the ever-evolving world of marketing. She also discusses insights from her book, The Far Beyond Marketing Guidebook, which serves as a roadmap for building sustainable and impactful marketing strategies.

Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or simply passionate about entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with actionable advice and powerful inspiration.

Tune in to discover how to take your marketing and your business far beyond the ordinary.

Redefining Marketing for Small Businesses

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with Robert Levin, seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of CIS Ventures. With a diverse background that spans serving as a Navy veteran, studying at Harvard Business School, and leading multiple successful ventures, Robert brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and investments.

Together, we explore his entrepreneurial journey, the highs and lows of building businesses, and his expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate buyouts. Robert breaks down what makes a company truly investable, the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when preparing for acquisition, and the leadership principles that have guided his success.

Whether you’re a startup founder seeking growth, an established business owner considering acquisition, or simply looking for timeless lessons in entrepreneurship and leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Tune in as Robert Levin shares his wisdom on scaling businesses, mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and building ventures that stand the test of time.

Navigating Growth and Leadership : Insights from Robert Levin

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast, host Kofi Anyemedu sits down with Darryl Bumpass Sr., Self-Investment Speaker, Certified Life Coach, and Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author. With over 30 years of experience in leadership and entrepreneurship, Darryl has dedicated his life to helping people master themselves first because when you lead yourself well, you lead your business even better.

From his groundbreaking book You Need an Income, Not a Job! to his work coaching entrepreneurs worldwide, Darryl shares practical wisdom on building wealth with intention, creating multiple income streams, and cultivating the mindset needed to thrive even in times of uncertainty.

Listeners will discover:
✅ Why self-leadership is the foundation of lasting success
✅ How to break free from limiting beliefs and the “job mindset”
✅ Daily practices that fuel consistency, motivation, and growth
✅ Lessons Darryl has learned over three decades of entrepreneurship

This conversation is equal parts inspiration and action. If you’re ready to challenge your thinking, invest in yourself, and unlock new levels of success, this episode is for you.

Mindset, Motivation and Mastery - Darryl Bumpass Sr. on Entrepreneurial Success

The Entrepreneur Speaks Podcast brings you honest, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders who share the real stories :-  wins, failures, tough decisions, and lessons learned the hard way. 

Hosted by Kofi Anyemedu, each episode delivers practical insights and inspiration for builders and leaders.

Learn to live a life of PASSION and PURPOSE.