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The official Florida State University podcast featuring FSU students and alumni doing amazing things in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Episodes
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
In this episode of the Innovation Mindset Podcast, Mark McNees hosts Adam Hall, founder of So Flo Steals, a booming shoe-flipping business. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his high school days, navigating COVID challenges, to growing his venture into a six-figure business. He discusses his business model, marketing strategies, and plans post-graduation from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Adam also talks about his family's pool company, his future expansion plans, and valuable insights about balancing studies and entrepreneurship. Please tune in to learn from Adam's experiences and gain inspiration from his story.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Adam Hall's Background and Business Ventures
01:28 The Origin of SoFlo Steals
02:28 Understanding the Sneaker Resale Market
05:12 Marketing and Sales Strategies
10:08 Challenges and Lessons Learned
11:42 Reflections on College and Future Plans
12:56 Family Influence and Entrepreneurial Spirit
17:28 Final Thoughts and Advice
19:45 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-off
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, student host Rosella Cruz turns the tables on the usual host, Dr. Mark McNees, to shed light on his entrepreneurial journey beginning from his childhood. Dr. McNees shares his first business experience at the age of 10, renting out video games to friends, and discusses various ventures leading up to and including his impactful venture, RedEye Coffee, which focuses on sustainability and ethical business practices. Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. McNees reflects on his extensive educational background, touching upon the importance of education for entrepreneurs and the role of mentorship and coaching in fostering entrepreneurial success. The conversation delves into the challenges and learnings from failures, the significance of local entrepreneurs in enriching communities, and Dr. McNees' advice for upcoming entrepreneurs, emphasizing the diverse paths in entrepreneurship and the importance of ethical considerations in business operations.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:19 A Unique Faculty Spotlight Dr. Mark McNees Entrepreneurial Journey 00:35 The Early Days: From Video Games Rentals to Entrepreneurship 02:40 Transitioning from Gaming to Diverse Ventures
04:43 Founding Red Eye Coffee: A Journey Towards Sustainability 09:34 From Heavy Equipment to Coffee: A Varied Entrepreneurial Path 13:48 The Value of Education in Entrepreneurship
18:14 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Embrace Failure and Drive 28:04 Concluding Thoughts and Outro
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees and powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, we explore the groundbreaking work of Zachary Asarnow and Ava Polly from the FSU iGEM team, Esperance. Discover how this team is developing a cell-based therapeutic to address Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU), a rare genetic disorder. Learn about the impact of TMAU on patients' lives, the team's innovative approach using FDA-approved E. coli bacteria, and their journey through the iGEM international synthetic biology competition. The episode also highlights the support from their advisors, the hurdles they face, and their ambitious goals for the future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Understanding iGEM and Esperance
01:09 Exploring Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU)
02:50 Personal Experience with TMAU
04:16 Challenges Faced by TMAU Patients
05:07 Therapeutic Treatment Development
07:02 iGEM Team Structure and Roles
11:46 InNOLEvation® Challenge Experience
14:42 Student Journeys and Future Goals
17:53 Preparing for the iGEM Competition
21:07 Overcoming Obstacles and Defining Success
24:05 Support and Acknowledgements
27:41 Conclusion and Farewell
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset podcast, hosted by spotlight student host Totu Seitieva from the podcast class at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Tara Hackett, a seasoned faculty member with a rich background in retail and children's wear, shares her journey. Mrs. Hackett discusses transitioning from corporate retail to academia, the impact of having an entrepreneurial mindset, and the importance of connections and experiences in shaping one's career. She provides insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning, effective communication, and the importance of trying new things despite fearing failure. Hackett also touches on the unique opportunities and trends for young entrepreneurs, urging students to take advantage of college resources to confidently navigate their paths.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:48 Getting to Know Tara Hackett: Career Journey and Teaching Entrepreneurship
02:05 The Spark of Entrepreneurship and Transition to Teaching
03:52 From Retail to Entrepreneurship: A Professional Journey
17:25 Reflecting on Failures and Learning from Them
21:45 The Importance of Transparency and Seeking Help
23:01 Transitioning into Teaching: Expectations vs. Reality
28:00 The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education
36:28 Mentoring Young Entrepreneurs: A Personal Approach
40:30 Opportunities and Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
43:59 Continuing to Impact Students and Personal Growth
47:07 Final Thoughts: Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Fear
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees sits down with Robert Walker, co-founder of the app Gas Money, discussing his entrepreneurial journey and the development of Gas Money. Walker explains how Gas Money, a freelance platform for high school and college students to perform simple tasks for homeowners, was conceived during high school and grown into a business with over 2,500 jobs. The podcast covers Walker's background, the challenges of starting and scaling a tech startup, marketing strategies, and quality control methods. It also delves into the importance of mindset in innovation and entrepreneurship, with Walker sharing his personal and business philosophy. Walker's journey from moving to Florida for college, changing his major after engaging with entrepreneurship, to Gas Money's current success and future aspirations illustrates a real-world example of developing a business idea from a simple concept to a functional model providing value to communities.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:15 Introducing Robert Walker and Gas Money
00:29 The Origins of Gas Money
01:06 From High School Idea to College Entrepreneurship
02:36 Expanding Gas Money: Growth and Challenges
05:49 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition
10:06 Ensuring Quality and Building Trust
12:52 Future Aspirations and Expanding Horizons
15:33 Reflecting on the FSU Experience and InNOLEvation® Challenge
22:04 The Power of an Innovation Mindset
30:58 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
33:06 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, student host Kailee Gordon talks with three staff members from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship: Lisha Stafford, the mapping coordinator; Erin Jones, an academic advisor for freshmen and sophomores; and Wil Joiner, the advisor for juniors and seniors. They discuss their roles in guiding students through their academic journeys, from selecting the right courses and majors to graduate certification. The guests also shared their paths to working at the College of Entrepreneurship. They advised students to make the most of their college experience, emphasizing the importance of research, engagement, and not fearing to miss out.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:23 Meet the Team: Roles and Responsibilities
02:29 Journeys to Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
04:51 The Advisor Experience: Challenges and Rewards
08:57 Mentoring Future Entrepreneurs: Strategies and Stories
15:28 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Students
19:01 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees speaks with Dr. Meredith McQuerry, Carol E. Avery associate professor at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, about her groundbreaking research in textile science, particularly focusing on enhancing the design, comfort, and safety of personal protective equipment (PPE) for female firefighters. McQuerry discusses her journey in academia and research, detailing her contributions to developing market-ready prototypes for women in the fire service, addressing the unique challenges female firefighters face with current PPE, and her work with the dynamic sweating thermal manikin named ANDI. As someone passionate about improving firefighter safety through better gear design, Dr. McQuerry shares insights into the challenges and successes of her research, including securing federal grants for her projects and the impact of her work on industry standards and practices.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:14 Meet Dr. Meredith McQuerry: Textile Science and Firefighting Gear Expert
01:16 The Evolution of Female Firefighting Gear: Challenges and Innovations
04:52 The Importance of Anthropometrics in Designing PPE
09:56 From Research to Real-World Impact: Meredith's Journey in Textile Science
15:10 Funding the Future of Firefighting Gear: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
21:44 Meredith's Personal Journey: From Kentucky Farms to Textile Science
27:50 Entrepreneurship and Education: Shaping the Future of Textile Science
30:15 Advice to Younger Self and Closing Thoughts
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast by Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, host Jamie Cantone interviews Totu Sativa, a finalist in the InNOLEvation® Challenge. Totu discusses her startup, Highlighter Cosmetics, emphasizing its focus on high-quality neon makeup for niche markets like the rave and music festival communities. She shares her journey through the InNOLEvation® Challenge, from initial application spurred by a friend’s encouragement to becoming a finalist and winning funding. Despite initial doubts and the challenge of presenting her business to judges, Totu emphasizes the growth in confidence she experienced throughout the competition. She plans to use the prize money to work with a chemist on her product formulas, aiming to eventually reach a wider market through strategic partnerships and influencer marketing. Totu’s story is a testament to the power of confidence, passion, and persistence in turning an innovative idea into a potential business success.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:28 Introducing Totu Sativa: A Journey from Makeup Artist to Entrepreneur
00:42 The Birth of Highlighter Cosmetics: Filling a Gap in the Neon Makeup Market
01:53 Targeting Niche Markets: From Rave Enthusiasts to Art Museums
03:29 Navigating the InNOLE®vation Challenge: A Surprise Journey to the Finals
05:10 The Pitch: Presenting Highlighter Cosmetics to the Judges
09:51 Future Plans: From Formula Development to Market Expansion
14:01 Empowering Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
16:59 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees welcomed Dr. Eric Liguori, Associate Dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at FSU, to discuss entrepreneurship education, research, and practical experiences. Eric shared his academic journey, his role in enhancing entrepreneurship education through his previous position as the president of USASBE, and his research focus on entrepreneurship pedagogy, ecosystems, and public policy. He also talked about the unique structure and opportunities at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, his entrepreneurial experiences, and best practices in teaching entrepreneurship. Eric's perspective on the importance of community support, policy-friendly environments for entrepreneurship, and the advantages of interdisciplinary collaboration in entrepreneurship education were highlighted. The conversation also covered personal motivations and advice for students interested in entrepreneurship.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:30 Meet Eric Liguori: The Journey to Jim Moran College
01:39 Exploring the World of Entrepreneurship Education
03:05 Diving Deep into Entrepreneurship Research
04:42 The Impact of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
11:54 Eric's Entrepreneurial Ventures and Insights
18:01 Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught? Insights from FSU
20:20 The Future of Entrepreneurship Education at FSU
21:51 Getting Personal: Life Beyond Academia
23:23 Advice for Students and Future Entrepreneurs
25:09 Parting Wisdom: A Message to Younger Self
26:37 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Tease
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur Jeannie Castro shares the story behind her business, Wild Hippie Cosmetics. Founded in March 2023, Wild Hippie Cosmetics offers a range of all-organic, locally-made beauty products, including candles, bath salts, soaps, and a popular stretch mark oil. Jeannie discusses the origins of her business name, her business model, her experience selling in various markets and online platforms, and the challenges and successes she has faced. She also delves into her journey as a senior in commercial entrepreneurship at the Jim Moran College, highlighting the significant support from faculty members and valuable resources such as microgrants that have helped her business grow. Furthermore, Jeannie shares her plans for the future and offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast
00:17 Introducing Jeannie Castro and Wild Hippie Cosmetics
00:30 The Origins and Products of Wild Hippie Cosmetics
01:48 Business Model and Customer Engagement
03:48 Popular Products and Customer Favorites
06:30 Jeannie's Journey: Student, Mom, and Entrepreneur
07:17 Leveraging Jim Moran College Resources
14:52 Exploring Future Plans and New Ventures
17:08 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up