The InNOLEvation® Mindset

45 - Innovation Mindset: Jay Revell's Journey in Entrepreneurship and Storytelling

In this episode of the Innovation Mindset, hosted by Mark McNees from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, special guest Jay Revell of Revell Media shares his extensive experience in the business community of Tallahassee. Jay, a seasoned leader and storyteller, dives into his career path, starting from his college days at Florida State University to founding his successful marketing company, Revell Media. They discuss Jay's notable accomplishments, approach to corporate storytelling, and political journey running for county commissioner. Additionally, Jay highlights his transformative experience with the Jim Moran Institute's Executive Program. Tune in to discover valuable insights on entrepreneurship, effective branding, and the power of storytelling.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:03 Jay Revell's Early Career and Community Involvement

02:27 Leadership Roles and Networking

06:54 Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority

09:23 Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

12:11 Advice for Young Professionals

18:03 The Power of Storytelling in Business

29:39 Starting a New Business Venture

30:46 The Importance of Being the Best

31:27 Identifying Ideal Clients

32:47 Consistency and Persistence in Storytelling

34:24 Diverse Industry Experience

35:40 The Jim Moran Institute Experience

43:33 Running for County Commissioner

45:07 Lessons from the Campaign Trail

55:00 Final Reflections and Advice

57:41 Conclusion and Farewell

#44 - Empowering Young Athletes: The Player Wallet Journey

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, student host Rose Walters interviews Bennett Spooner, co-founder of Player Wallet. Bennett shares the motivations behind starting Player Wallet, aiming to support overlooked student-athletes in their recruitment process. The company focuses on nurturing athletes' development in sports, academics, and community service from an early age to improve their recruitable prospects. Bennett highlights the difference between Player Wallet and their main competitor, NCSA, emphasizing their holistic approach to athlete development over mere recruitment. Discussing the challenges, future plans, and personal motivations, Bennett provides insight into the experiences that shape the mission of Player Wallet, including expanding beyond their current focus areas of Tampa, Atlanta, and Charleston. Through personalized plans and wearable technology, Player Wallet aims to guide young athletes towards successful athletic recruitment while fostering a team-oriented mindset highly valued by recruiters.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation®Mindset Podcast

00:21 The Genesis of Player Wallet: A Mission to Empower Student Athletes

02:20 The Heart of Player Wallet: Building Relationships and Fostering Development

05:14 Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Startup Landscape

06:45 Expanding Horizons: Growth and Partnerships

07:44 Vision for the Future: Scaling Impact and Innovation

12:18 Personal Insights: Staying Grounded and Motivated

14:43 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

#43 - Exploring Entrepreneurship: Insights from Dr. Susana Santos

In this episode of the inNOLEvation® Mindset podcast, host Gabriel Mustaciuolo interviews Dr. Susana Santos, a new faculty member with a rich background in teaching entrepreneurship. Dr. Santos shares her journey from Portugal to the U.S., her experiences in academia, and her passion for researching and teaching entrepreneurship, particularly in contexts of adversity and poverty. The conversation delves into the teachability of entrepreneurship, the importance of experiential learning, and Dr. Santos's current research interests. A central theme of the discussion is the transformative power of entrepreneurship education in various social and economic contexts, challenging the notion that successful entrepreneurship is limited to a few. Dr. Santos also reflects on her personal journey, highlighting the significance of open-mindedness, confidence, and the willingness to embrace change and opportunities. 00:00 Welcome to the inNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast 00:09 Meet Dr. Santos: From Portugal to Entrepreneurship Expert 03:32 The Spark of Entrepreneurship: A Personal Journey 09:07 Exploring Entrepreneurship in Adverse Conditions 18:39 The Impact of Teaching and Research on Entrepreneurship 20:38 Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught? Unpacking the Debate 22:59 Comparing Entrepreneurship Education: US vs Europe 25:28 Mentorship and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 29:49 Reflecting on a Journey of Growth and Opportunity

#42 - Navigating Changes in Education and Entrepreneurship with Christie Hand

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, student host Liana from Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship welcomes Christie Hand, a faculty member at FSU since 2016, initially part of the Human Sciences Department and now involved in developing a retail program. Christie shares her journey from working in retail with Banana Republic to becoming a passionate educator, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes in both retail and educational landscapes. She discusses the transition from teaching traditional subjects to integrating new technologies like AI into the curriculum, the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome as a new professor, and the value of both successes and failures in learning. The episode encapsulates the dynamic shifts in retail entrepreneurship education and Christie's personal growth and insights into teaching and the industry.

 

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:27 Meet Christie Hand: A Pioneer in Retail Entrepreneurship

00:57 Transforming Education: The Evolution of Retail Programs

04:20 Adapting to Change: The Shift Towards a More Flexible Curriculum

06:41 Staying Ahead: The Challenge of Keeping Up with Entrepreneurship Trends

08:28 Navigating the New: Incorporating AI into the Curriculum

13:05 Christie's Journey: From Retail to Academia

19:19 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Authenticity in Teaching

22:45 Advice for Jim Moran Students: Embrace Experimentation

24:31 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement to Engage

#41 Empowerment Through Hoodoo and Entrepreneurial Journey with Kimasia Ayers

In this episode of the InNOLEvation Mindset® podcast, host Totu Seitieva talks with entrepreneur Kimasia Ayers about her journey into entrepreneurship, her challenges, and how her Hoodoo practice influences her businesses, Soulfully Organic and The Ultimate Muse. Kimasia shares her personal experiences with Hoodoo, a religion of enslaved Africans, and discusses how it has shaped her ventures into creating products and services that blend spirituality, beauty, and wellness. She also touches on topics like finding one’s divine power, showing up for oneself, and fostering a community that supports and inspires creativity and spiritual growth. Throughout the conversation, Kimasia emphasizes the significance of using one’s talents to contribute positively to the community, creating a symbiotic relationship between her personal beliefs and her entrepreneurial endeavors.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:18 Kimasia's Entrepreneurial Journey and Hoodoo Practice

01:43 The Birth of Soulfully Organic and Entrepreneurial Spirit

02:48 From Skincare to Spiritual Work: The Evolution of a Business

03:25 Tarot Readings and Psychic Gifts: A Personal Revelation

05:05 Launching Soul Family Sessions and Embracing Community

10:15 The Ultimate Muse: Merging Creativity with Business

12:37 Creative Dysmorphia and Authenticity in Art

18:16 Challenges and Triumphs of a Creative Entrepreneur

19:37 Kim's Corner Podcast: Debunking Creative Dysmorphia

22:10 Exploring Business Boundaries and Societal Constructs

23:26 The Impact of Socioeconomics on Education

25:20 Creating Terminology and Theories for Social Awareness

26:01 Navigating Business with a Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

28:04 The Importance of Empathy and Community in Business

30:40 Empowering Creativity and Building Symbiotic Business Relationships

35:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Creatives

41:22 Closing Thoughts and Social Media Promotion

#40 - Building a Shoe Empire: Adam Hall's Journey with SoFloSteals

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

#39 - From Arcade Games to Global Impact: Dr. Mark McNees' Entrepreneurial Journey

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

#38 - Esperance Therapeutics: Tackling Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU) with Synthetic Biology

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

#37 - Navigating Career Paths and Embracing Entrepreneurship: An Interview with Tara Hackett

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

#36 - Innovation Through Entrepreneurship: The Gas Money Story with Robert Walker

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