Phil Fornaro

Episode 185: From Franchise Risk-Taking to AI-Powered Customer Growth with Daniel O’Donohue

Technology, AI & Innovation /

Daniel O’Donohue is an entrepreneur and technology founder based in Chicago. He is the founder of TaskByte.ai, a platform helping brands build stronger customer relationships through interactive messaging, data-driven insights, and AI-powered engagement. Before launching TaskByte, Daniel spent years building and operating multiple businesses, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges companies face as they try […]

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Episode 184: LBM Flash Moments: Building Momentum with the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship & Startups /

I discuss the organic growth of a young person’s event, which brought together local entrepreneurs and professionals. The event, attended by 30 people, featured networking and discussions. I emphasize the importance of young people reaching out and connecting, highlighting the positive feedback and enthusiasm from attendees. Future plans include a May event with panel discussions

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Episode 183: Adapting Constantly and Learning from Every Moment with Jon Tavsanoglu

Careers & Professional Growth /

Can (Jon) Tavsanoglu is the Founder and CIO of Caldera Real Estate Ventures, where he leverages over 15 years of principal-side real estate investment and development experience. He has executed more than $2.5 billion in transactions, developments, and financings, building a reputation for delivering disciplined, data-driven strategies for family offices and alternative investors. Jon holds

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Episode 182: LBM Flash Moments: Balancing AI, Productivity, and Well-Being

Health, Energy & Performance /

I discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on my personal and professional life, highlighting its role in enhancing productivity and providing new insights. I mentioned the “will be” conference, where I was advised to learn something new about AI daily. I introduced the “Sparkline” feature on his website, encouraging community engagement. I share my

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Episode 181: Why People Matter More Than the Deal with Jeff Egan

Relationships & Communication /

Jeffrey Egan is a business leader, strategic advisor, and entrepreneurial executive. Jeff grew up in New York City and started working in capital markets, trading short-term bonds and other credit investments. He did this at Kidder, Peabody, and then Chase Manhattan, navigating through two notable transactions that still live today in what became UBS and

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Episode 180: LBM Flash Moments: Building Value Through Genuine Professional Relationships

Relationships & Communication /

I discuss the importance of having proactive professional relationships, emphasizing that professionals should go beyond their job roles to add value and interact with clients in a non-transactional way. I share a personal anecdote about signing up for a gym’s senior option, highlighting the benefits of aging. I advise clients to demand more from their

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Episode 178: LBM Flash Moments: Balancing Innovation and Reality in Energy

Technology, AI & Innovation /

I discuss the importance of maintaining perspective despite passion, using examples from my personal experiences and the show “Landman.” I highlight the challenges of transitioning from oil to sustainable energy, noting the reliance on oil and gas due to historical choices. I emphasize the need for balanced discussions on energy sources, including the environmental impact

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Episode 177: Mastering Growth, Genius, And Freedom In Entrepreneurship with Mark Rampolla

Entrepreneurship & Startups /

Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and writer known for inspiring mission-driven leaders to build businesses that matter—and lives of real freedom. As Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, he helps bold founders scale purpose-driven companies that generate massive impact, including Liquid Death, Bobbie Baby Formula, Beyond Meat, Thrive Market, Vive Organics,

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Episode 176: LBM Flash Moments: Building Trust One Honest Conversation at a Time

Relationships & Communication /

I discuss the importance of community and the value of local establishments. I emphasize the significance of honesty in conversations, sharing a personal story about advising a friend, Jason, who appreciated the different perspective. I highlight the need for trust in giving and receiving advice, noting that small changes can lead to significant long-term impacts,

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