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WHAT NOT TO DO
Episode 7: Gregory Brown, Co-founder of UpCup Koffee
Season 1, Ep. 7
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In this episode, we’re honored to host the inspiring GC Brown again - this time as a co- founder of @UpCup Koffee—a brand revolutionizing the coffee market by merging the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms with premium brews.
🌟 Key Highlights of This Episode:
- GC's incredible comeback story: from spending 16 years in federal prison to becoming an entrepreneur driven by wellness and reinvention.
- The birth of Up Cup Coffee: how GC's health-focused experiments turned into a thriving business with a mission to support vitality and cognitive function.
- Insights into the functional coffee market and how Up Cup plans to stand out with its unique blend of Shilajit, Lion’s Mane, and NAD+, all wrapped in a deliciously brewed cup.
-Personal reflections on resilience, overcoming adversity, and building partnerships rooted in shared vision and trust.
🎧 Join us as GC shares how he’s turned challenges into opportunities, launching a business, writing award-winning books like Sniff, and balancing life as a new father of twins—all while inspiring others to never give up.
👉 Explore More:
Visit Up Cup Koffee: https://upcupkoffee.com/
Discover GC Brown’s books: www.gcbrownbooks.com
💡 Lessons You’ll Take Away:
- What not to do when launching a business.
- The power of self-belief, adaptability, and persistence in the face of challenges.
- How to transform setbacks into setups for success.
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6. Episode 6: Manisha Arora, Associate Director, LTIMindtree
11:32||Season 1, Ep. 6In this insightful #episode of the What Not to Do podcast, Manisha Arora from LTIMindtree sheds light on #AIhype cycle and the crucial balance businesses need to strike.She raises an important question- "Are companies getting lost in the hype?"Key Highlights:1. The AI Hype CycleManisha explains the importance of pacing with AI adoption—many companies over-invest without strategy, while others hesitate due to uncertainty. Waiting for clarity can often prevent costly missteps.2. People First in TransformationSuccessful digital transformation, according to Manisha, centers on people. Without stakeholder alignment across all levels, even the best tech investments can fall short.3. Culture Over TechManisha highlights the need for a digital-first mindset over simply implementing new tools, warning that without cultural buy-in, tech changes may not be fully effective.4. Essentials for TransformationManisha’s top advice: establish a clear roadmap, engage knowledgeable people, and secure alignment from all stakeholders to ensure lasting impact.
5. Episode 5: GC Brown, Author, GC Brown Books
19:10||Season 1, Ep. 5In this compelling fifth episode of the What Not to Do series, we welcome GC Brown, a man whose extraordinary journey offers profound insights into resilience and transformation. After spending 16 years in federal prison for tax-related offenses, GC emerged with a new perspective on life, declaring that his time in prison was, paradoxically, the best thing that ever happened to him.In our conversation, GC shares how writing became his lifeline during incarceration, leading to the creation of two upcoming book series. He reflects on the mistakes that landed him behind bars, the lessons learned through hardship, and how those experiences fueled his passion for storytelling.GC's motto- "from the worst of the places to the best of intentions." It resonates deeply as he discusses his transition from a chaotic life of business ventures to a focused career as an author and entrepreneur. He opens up about the challenges of prison life, the importance of mentorship, and the steps he took to rebuild his life post-release, including the joy of becoming a father to twin boys.Join us for an inspiring dialogue filled with raw honesty and powerful advice for anyone feeling they’ve hit rock bottom. GC’s story is a testament to the power of transformation and the importance of perseverance. Tune in to discover what not to do and how to turn missteps into meaningful beginnings.
4. Episode 4: Robert Feldman, Co-founder, President & CEO, WOWs Insurance Services
37:54||Season 1, Ep. 4In this enlightening fourth episode, we sit down with Robert Feldman, co-founder of Wows Insurance Services. With 25 years in the insurance industry, Robert is dedicated to helping homeowners in California navigate the complexities of fire insurance amidst a backdrop of increasing natural disasters. He reveals the intricate challenges he faced while addressing a market in crisis, the innovative solutions he and his team are pioneering, and the importance of learning from past mistakes."When you're an entrepreneur, when you're a business owner, you're constantly testing. I think people are always measured on their successes. And a lot of times, you see entrepreneurs in different fields where they had 10 failures prior to the home run swing success," says Robert.Tune in to explore Robert’s journey, his unique insights into the insurance landscape, and his passionate mission to change the narrative for homeowners and brokers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode will equip you with valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the importance of accurate information in an ever-evolving market.
3. Episode 3: Devon Blaine, President & CEO of The Blaine Group
24:57||Season 1, Ep. 3In this episode, Devon Blaine, the President, CEO and Founder of The Blaine Group, discusses her journey from actress and model to founder of a communications agency. She shares insights about challenges she faced during this transition, including the importance of a spontaneous attitude and learning from failures, especially related to cash flow and client management."The biggest reason I've seen entrepreneurs fail is that they got greedy", says Devon.The conversation covers specific obstacles in her career, including handling a significant crisis involving a pet food recall. Devon emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the pitfalls of the "no comment" stance during crises.She reflects on critical mistakes made during her company's growth phase, highlighting the importance of oversight and reviewing all communications before they go out. Additionally, she offers advice on adaptability in campaign strategies and the necessity of fast responses in business.As the conversation wraps up, Devon shares her experiences advocating for women entrepreneurs and outlines key lessons on what not to do, such as avoiding greed and ensuring proper follow-up when delegating tasks.
2. Episode 2: Gordon Dimech, Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports of Malta
10:00||Season 1, Ep. 2In this episode, a key player in Malta's digital education transformation, Gordon Dimech discusses the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics into educational frameworks. He reflects on the evolution of digital education, the importance of preparing students for future job markets, and the common mistakes leaders make when implementing new technologies. "Don't be afraid to navigate through new technologies," says Gordon.With candid insights on overcoming resistance to change, the necessity of thorough market research, and the importance of balancing courage with caution, Gordon's expertise sheds light on what not to do in the digital education space. Whether you’re an educator, a technology leader, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode offers invaluable lessons to guide your journey.Tune in for a compelling exploration of how to successfully navigate digital transformation while avoiding the missteps that can hinder progress!
1. Episode 1: Ingmar Hogoy, Founder & CEO of Greentech Innovators
09:28||Season 1, Ep. 1In this episode of "What Not to Do," Guest Ingmar Høgøy, Founder and CEO of Green Tech Innovators, talks about the real-world challenges of leadership. "When you don't do mistakes, you do too little," says Ingmar.With over 31 years of experience, Ingmar shares invaluable insights on navigating fear of failure, balancing instinct with strategy, and the importance of innovation in business. He emphasizes that mistakes are crucial for growth and discusses the significance of humility and service in leadership roles. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and practical advice for current and aspiring leaders alike!