The Conscious Entrepreneur

EP 63: Why Happiness is Your Greatest Business Asset

“Happiness is a choice, but also happiness is a skill set. And if we do certain things on a consistent basis—not once or twice, but on a daily basis—then I promise you and I guarantee you that you will live a happy and fulfilled life,” says Dr. Elia Gourgouris, known as the Happiness Doctor. In this episode, he joins Alex Raymond to discuss how happiness is an essential foundation for both personal and professional success.
 
Dr. Gourgouris challenges the idea that happiness comes after success, pointing out that it’s something we build from the start. He shares simple, impactful strategies—like practicing self-care, gratitude, and forgiveness—to help listeners make happiness a daily habit. Self-forgiveness, Dr. Gourgouris explains, is a transformative act of self-compassion that quiets the inner critic and lightens the emotional burdens we carry.
 
The episode also covers happiness in the workplace. What happens when happiness becomes part of organizational culture? Dr. Gourgouris makes the case that happy employees are more engaged, creative, and loyal, which directly benefits business outcomes. He encourages leaders to model honesty, openness, and transparency, creating an environment where teams can thrive.
 
The takeaway? Don’t put off happiness. Dr. Gourgouris reminds us that by living joyfully today, we not only enrich our own lives but inspire others to do the same. So, how will you prioritize happiness in your journey?
 
Quotes
“Happiness is a choice, but also happiness is a skill set. And if we do certain things on a consistent basis—not once or twice, but on a daily basis—then I promise you and I guarantee you that you will live a happy and fulfilled life.” (05:01 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris)
“Happy leaders equal happy teams. If we want our business to grow and succeed, the benefits of having happy and engaged employees are so many.” (28:24 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris)
“Happy employees are the greatest marketing tool your company will ever have because they begin to recruit great talent simply by sharing their testimony of what a great culture the company has.” (30:01 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) 
“We live in a world right now—a post-pandemic world—where authenticity, with a capital ‘A,’ is a must for a leader.” (31:12 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) 
“Do not procrastinate your happiness… Forget all the ‘whens.’ There are no guarantees any of us will be alive tomorrow—none. We know that. People just go just like that. So live your best life now, and don’t procrastinate your happiness.” (39:45 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) 
 
Links
Connect with Elia Gourgouris:
Website: https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 62: Facing Mortality: Entrepreneurial Lessons from the Terminally Ill

“Live authentically, as much as possible, and as soon as possible.” This is the advice from entrepreneur Travis Luther, who joins Alex Raymond in this episode to explore the weighty themes of mortality, regret, and pursuing a life true to oneself. Having spent the past year interviewing terminally ill entrepreneurs, Travis brings forward the moving insights he’s gathered on what truly matters when life’s timeline suddenly feels finite. Reflecting on his own personal loss, he contrasts the difference between a life driven by passion and one on autopilot—a common struggle for entrepreneurs who often trade present joy for future security.
 
Travis and Alex dive into the regrets most commonly voiced by younger people unexpectedly confronted by mortality—health, personal fulfillment, and the need for real connections. What fears keep us from pursuing what we truly want? How much time are we willing to risk on things that don’t matter? Travis challenges listeners to live intentionally, guided by what truly drives them. By sharing a glimpse into his upcoming book, “What We Learn When We Learn We’re Dying,” he leaves us with a reminder: make choices today that you won’t regret tomorrow.
 
Quotes
“What is going on in your unlived life or on your unlived path? And if there’s something that you can take away that’s a universal truth that doesn’t have anything to do with personal regret, it’s this idea that the sooner we can bring our lived and unlived lives together, the sooner we can live as our authentic selves and in harmony, the happier we’re gonna be.” (23:56 | Travis Luther)
“When we disconnect ourselves from our mortality, we lose that sense of urgency that’s necessary to also do the things that are going to be personally fulfilling to us, and to avoid the regret or the time spent not living as our authentic selves.” (27:07 | Travis Luther)
“I think what people at the end of their lives realize is that the accomplishment itself is not the thing that releases that stress and anxiety and everything that’s boiling inside of you. It is the lack of trying.” (31:32 | Travis Luther)
“If I tried to consolidate all this information into one simple saying… it would be: live authentically, as much as possible, and as soon as possible.” (39:44 | Travis Luther)
 
Links
Connect with Travis Luther:
Website: https://travisluther.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 61: In Extremis Leadership: Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Effective leadership in times of uncertainty hinges on trust, especially when chaos is in play. Retired Brigadier General Tom Kolditz joins Alex Raymond to share leadership insights drawn from his military experience and his book, “In Extremis Leadership.” Tom explains how startup founders, like military leaders in crisis, often face overwhelming uncertainty. And for him, the key to guiding a team through it is trust.
 
Tom urges entrepreneurs to focus outward and shift their attention from their own anxieties to the needs of their teams. He talks about the importance of both mentorship and coaching in leadership, and expounds that mentors offer advice from experience, while coaches are skilled in guiding leaders to grow. 
 
Tom warns that excessive self-interest can undermine trust within teams, especially in high-pressure moments. He encourages leaders to engage their teams, rather than pulling back, when the going gets tough. Building a culture of shared risk and accountability fosters resilience and trust. Tune in to learn how great leadership, especially in times of crisis, relies on emotional intelligence, personal growth, and a solid support system.
 
Quotes
“What makes dangerous circumstances truly dangerous is living with uncertainty… The principles and lessons we learn from leaders in dangerous contexts apply almost perfectly to the uncertain, chaotic set of circumstances that most startup CEOs go through.” (04:03 | Tom Kolditz)
“If you’re living with uncertainty, you tend to not have the information that you might have in a more stabilized, older company. And what that means is that your influence as a leader is not through management. It’s through trust.” (05:46 | Tom Kolditz)
“It’s very important that leaders not pour their emotions into their people when those emotions are negative like fear, anger, frustration.” (10:40 | Tom Kolditz)
“It’s a very bad idea to think that crisis leadership is different from the leadership that you did the week before. You have to be in the same mode all the time because otherwise it’s too late. Crises come like that. And if you don’t have money in the bank, if you don’t have preparation for that, it’s going to be very difficult for you.” (46:09 | Tom Kolditz)
“If professional baseball players who are at the top of their game still need coaches, then certainly those of us in leadership roles can benefit from having a good coach as well.” (47:18 | Tom Kolditz)
 
Links
Connect with Tom Kolditz:
Website: https://tomkolditz.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 60: Investing to End Mental Illness

“Our fundamental belief is that what we currently understand as these conditions that are treatment-resistant or intractable, we will have ways to treat them such that people can not just get to their baseline, but actually ultimately flourish. And that’s really, I would say, a huge focus of ours,” says Greg Kubin, as he refers to conditions like depression and PTSD. He discusses the future of mental health solutions and the role PsyMed Ventures plays in driving this change.
 
In this episode, Alex Raymond is joined by Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky, partners at PsyMed Ventures, to talk about the intersection of psychedelics and venture capital. What does it take to invest in breakthrough therapies that could transform mental health care? Greg and Matias walk us through their mission to fund startups that tackle mental illness, from psychedelic medicine to neurotechnology, and explain why they believe healing, ethics, and profitability can align.
 
They also talk about the shifting landscape for psychedelics, especially with potential FDA approval for MDMA on the horizon, and how this could be a game-changer. How do these investors spot the right opportunities in such a complex and evolving field? And why is founder resilience so important in ventures like these? Tune in for an insightful discussion on how VC is driving real change in mental health.
 
Quotes
“For me, investing is a means to an end. It’s a vehicle through which we have a positive impact… How we think about it is that we don’t get to choose between great returns and great societal impact. Without great returns, there’s no chance to keep on doing this for many, many more decades. And without societal impact, it’s like, why are we even focusing on this? What’s the point?” (09:23 | Matias Serebrinsky) 
“Our fundamental belief is that what we currently understand as these conditions that are treatment-resistant or intractable, we will have ways to treat them such that people can not just get to their baseline, but actually ultimately flourish. And that’s really, I would say, a huge focus of ours.” (13:40 | Greg Kubin)
“Psychedelics definitely helped, and it helped scientists and researchers understand better how our brain works and what are the receptors that elicit certain behavioral changes and feelings and emotions.” (18:38 | Matias Serebrinsky)
“At the end of the day, I think if you're going to introduce a new technology or way of operating into the world, there’s just so much status quo that you need that larger-than-life individual.” (24:03 | Greg Kubin)
“In order to be supportive in that capacity, I think you first need to really establish a relationship that's based in trust and transparency and vulnerability.” (30:40 | Greg Kubin)
 
Links
Connect with Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky:
Website: https://psymed.ventures/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 59: Shifting on Purpose

“For me, every time I fasted, the goal was to gain clarity on a specific aspect of the entrepreneurial journey—like the calling, who I understood God needed me to be,” says Samella Watson, tech entrepreneur and founder of BLCK. She joins Alex Raymond in this episode to share how faith and spirituality have been key to her growth, both personally and in business. Fasting, in particular, has been her way of quieting the external noise to gain focus and reaffirm her purpose as an entrepreneur.
 
Samella opens up about how this practice helped guide her during pivotal moments, such as the decision to shift BLCK from a short-term rental model to a membership-based home exchange platform—an approach that reflects her belief in making travel more accessible. How can aligning a business with deeper values, grounded in faith, create lasting impact? Samella believes it’s essential and shares how building a community of like-minded entrepreneurs has been a core part of that journey. Her story encourages us to think about how our own spiritual practices can shape both personal and professional growth, connecting our work to a larger sense of purpose.
 
Quotes
“The reason I fast is to turn off the outside noise of the world because it’s loud—very loud. When you’re trying to do something that’s not physically in your face and you don’t know how to do it, it can be intimidating. For me, every time I fasted, the goal was to gain clarity on a specific aspect of the entrepreneurial journey—like the calling, who I understood God needed me to be. I needed clarity on that, and the best way to gain that clarity was to shut the world off as much as possible and be fully present, ready to receive insights.” (16:29 | Samella Watson)
“I believe that because we’re in a climate where people are becoming more aware of the ‘bleasure’ lifestyle, it’s something that BLCK really wants to focus on. We don’t have to work our fingers to the bone or stay on this hamster wheel to be great, add value, and do awesome things.” (29:17 | Samella Watson)
“Another area that I have focused on is mindset shifting. I had to dig through that with the spiritual part of it, but a lot of times, we don’t challenge our choices. We just assume we think a certain way for some reason. But once you start asking, ‘Why do I think that way? Where is this coming from?’ you can clarify things and become more authentically yourself. So, mindset shifting is huge.” (31:11 | Samella Watson)
 
Links
Connect with Samella Watson:
Website: https://samellawatson.com/
Website: https://theblck.io/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 58: Skills for Creating Mattering

“Mattering is our inherent need to feel significant and to feel significant to the people around us,” explains Zach Mercurio, an expert on mattering and its crucial role in creating meaningful and engaging workplaces. In his conversation with Alex Raymond, Zach stresses that mattering is more than just a feel-good concept—it’s a fundamental human need that can transform motivation, productivity, and overall well-being. When people feel like they don’t matter, it often leads to disengagement or even quiet quitting.
 
Zach explains how crucial it is for leaders to make their teams feel noticed, affirmed, and needed. Why? Because when employees believe their work contributes to a larger purpose, they find deeper meaning in their roles. By fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission, leaders can inspire greater engagement and long-term success.
 
Quotes
“Mattering is our inherent need to feel significant and to feel significant to the people around us. And it’s three primary things. It’s a fundamental human instinct. So, for everyone listening, the first thing you did when you opened your eyes was tilt your head upward. You looked for a caretaker, then reached out your hands and grasped for significance. And so, your very survival as a human, depended on you procuring mattering to someone else, enough to keep you alive. It’s a basic survival instinct. It’s a fundamental need for motivation. When we look at motivation in life and work, it is almost impossible for anything to matter to a human being who doesn’t believe that they matter.” (02:47 | Zach Mercurio) 
“It’s hard for anything to matter to someone who doesn’t believe that they and what they’re doing matters.” (03:47 | Zach Mercurio) 
“Meaningful work is doing what matters to us and what matters to the world. It’s mattering by default.” (05:47 | Zach Mercurio)
“Mattering is really at the core of these concepts: it’s I feel valued and I know how I add value.” (06:07 | Zach Mercurio)
“Feelings of not mattering either result in acts of withdrawal or acts of desperation. What’s an act of desperation? I matter more than you think. Complaining, blaming, protesting. A lot of difficult employees are, in my practice, the most difficult employees are employees who feel the most unseen, unheard, unacknowledged, and misunderstood.” (08:16 | Zach Mercurio)
 
Links
Connect with Zach Mercurio:
Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 57: Culture Hacking: Insights from Zappos and Beyond

“The main lesson I’ve learned is to distinguish what’s like the E=mc² of culture—simplifying something extremely complex. And what I see is that the simplification of culture rides on trust, but the currency of trust is really in agreements,” Robert Richman shares as he reflects on his research while writing his book The Culture Blueprint: A Guide to Building the High-Performance Workplace.
 
As a former employee of Zappos, Robert shares insights into the company’s renowned culture under Tony Hsieh, where trust was built through clear agreements and a commitment to values. He introduces the concept of “culture hacking,” which refers to small but powerful changes that can significantly transform a workplace. How can businesses adopt this mindset to make meaningful improvements? Drawing from Zappos’ success, Robert points out the importance of hiring for values rather than just skills, and how a thoughtful onboarding process creates accountability and commitment. Is culture really just a luxury in challenging times, or is it essential to long-term success? Robert argues that by building explicit agreements and continuously gathering employee feedback, companies can create cultures that stand the test of time.
 
Quotes
“The main lesson I’ve learned is to distinguish what’s like the E=mc² of culture—simplifying something extremely complex. And what I see is that the simplification of culture rides on trust, but the currency of trust is really in agreements.” (07:02 | Robert Richman)
“So how clear are our agreements and are agreements upheld? You don’t just say, ‘Yeah, I agree to uphold the values.’ You literally sign a contract and you swear an oath to uphold them. So that's a very, very clear agreement. Most companies' cultures suffer because they don’t articulate the agreements well, and don't get an opt in for those agreements, and then hold people accountable to those agreements. I think that, especially with corporate culture, that’s really the currency of a great culture.” (07:24 | Robert Richman) 
“I think what most companies need, and are missing, is some sort of Director of Communication, because that’s where culture lies. It’s all in the communication—how you’re relating these things, how you’re sharing them, and how you’re getting the message out. So I’m less about having a Head of Culture, because I believe the CEO really needs to own that role as the head of culture.” (21:28 | Robert Richman) 
“Engagement is how connected to the task somebody is, how much passion they have for it, how much energy they’re putting toward it, right? Whereas empowerment has to do with authority. What level of authority do I really have? That’s what people are actually talking about when they mean empower.” (25:03 | Robert Richman) 
 
Links
Connect with Robert Richman:
Website: https://robertrichman.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 56: Crowdfunding Wellness: Anna Gudmundson on Sensate, Stress Resilience, and Conscious Growth

“This is ancient knowledge and cutting-edge technology brought together into a product that is helping thousands of people all over the world,” says Anna Gudmundson, the CEO and co-founder of Sensate. She sits down with Alex Raymond in this episode to explore how Sensate is transforming stress management with its innovative technology. Sensate’s device combines sound and infrasonic therapy to help users regulate stress and anxiety, and Anna breaks down how it works on a physiological level, particularly its role in improving vagal nerve tone—a key factor in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
 
Anna also talks about her current fundraising strategy, highlighting Sensate’s crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. What makes crowdfunding such a powerful tool? It isn’t just about raising capital; it’s about building a community of engaged users and investors who are truly passionate about Sensate’s mission. By opening up investment opportunities to everyday people, Sensate is creating a supportive ecosystem that democratizes access to the company’s growth. Anna’s approach blends traditional venture capital with crowdfunding, showing how a diverse investor base can be built while driving the company forward.
 
Anna reflects on her personal journey as a leader and the unique challenges of running a wellness startup. How can stress management be woven into the fabric of a company’s culture? Anna shares her strategy of fostering mindfulness and resilience within her team, ensuring that Sensate’s core mission is reflected not only in their product but also in their workplace. 
 
Quotes
“I think stress is part of life, but many of us have a bit too much of it. So, it’s really important to have a way to self-regulate.” (04:56 | Anna Gudmundson) 
“The reason this is really helping so many people is that they are feeling calm and relieved. They actually enjoy the experience, which makes it accessible even when people are feeling quite wound up. I think that’s a really important part because then we begin to self-care, taking out our Sensate and using it when we need it. It’s so important in life to be able to self-regulate during stressful moments.” (05:58 | Anna Gudmundson)
“We are accepting money from VCs. We have several VCs that are already in, but we have also tried to allow our customers to invest as well. So our customers, practitioners, partners, and people who really care about the product are able to invest via the SPV on WeFunder under exactly the same terms. That’s important, and it is very much part of our ethos.” (14:32 | Anna Gudmundson) 
“The nice thing about adding crowdfunding is that it democratizes around. Typically, at this stage, when we’re at an $18 million valuation, it’s usually larger investors who are able to participate. But this allows smaller investors to come in and really diversifies the cap table.” (15:02 | Anna Gudmundson) 
 
Links
Connect with Anna Gudmundson:
Website: https://www.getsensate.com/
Website: https://wefunder.com/sensate
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://amplifyam.com/
 
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP55: The Entrepreneur's Inner Journey

“I love helping entrepreneurs shift into focusing on their ‘inner game,’ because then they get to both have a better experience—more joyful, less stressful, more enlivening, more playful—and more likely to succeed,” says Dave Kashen, a highly regarded leadership coach in Silicon Valley. He shares how embracing life as it unfolds, instead of clinging to rigid expectations, can help entrepreneurs tap into creativity and find peace, leading to more sustainable success.
 
In this episode, Dave talks with Alex Raymond about the “inner game” and conscious leadership. When entrepreneurs stop chasing external validation and focus on internal awareness, they can lead from a place of resilience and authenticity. Dave believes that by practicing presence, responsibility, and vulnerability, leaders can build stronger connections with their teams, which not only enhances personal fulfillment but also drives business success. Could this shift in perspective change the way you approach leadership?
 
Quotes
“There are two primary games that people tend to play in life. One is, ‘Can I get life to match my mind’s idea of how life should be?’ The other is, ‘Can I just be with life as it is and relax my mind’s idea of how life should be?’ Most people are playing the first game and it’s a really challenging game. Even when you win, the joy, peace, and contentment don’t last very long. Because life is dynamic and our mind tends to be a bit more rigid, it’s really hard to get them to match.” (02:47 | Dave Kashen)
“I realized at some point that the richer, more well-workable game—a game you could actually win—is the other game, where I can more and more relax my mind’s idea, or let go or disconnect from my mind’s idea of how things should be, so I can just be present with life as it is.” (03:31 | Dave Kashen) 
“The irony is that entrepreneurs are dreamers. So, we’re great at dreaming up some future, but then we collapse the desired future into the present, wishing we were already there, and just create suffering for ourselves and drain our energy.” (19:07 | Dave Kashen)
“I believe the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones with the most conviction.” (45:58 | Dave Kashen) 
“I think a leader’s primary function is to serve… Leadership is the art of discernment. There’s never like a one way and one rule, but can you discern moment to moment what best serves—what best serves our vision, what best serves people? And I find the more you’re present, above the line, the clearer you are about what best serves.” (47:53 | Dave Kashen) 
 
Links
Connect with Dave Kashen:
Website: https://www.davekashen.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP54: Fighting Loneliness

“A lot of people are lonely and they don’t even really know it until they find a connection, until they find that sense of community and involvement,” says Sadie Lincoln, co-founder of barre3, a fitness franchise that blends strength, cardio, and mindfulness. In this episode, she joins Alex Raymond to share her personal journey—from feeling isolated as a new parent to building a global community that empowers women entrepreneurs and fosters real connection.
 
Sadie delves into how barre3 challenges the fitness industry’s harmful messaging, which often promotes shame and an unhealthy relationship with exercise. By integrating mindfulness, barre3 encourages people to honor their bodies and stay present, transforming fitness into something life-affirming rather than just a means to an end. She explains how barre3’s inclusive community prioritizes relationships just as much as the workouts themselves. This sense of belonging became especially crucial during the pandemic when connection was needed more than ever.
 
Sadie also highlights barre3’s unique business model—194 studios, all owned and operated by women. What drives its success? She credits collective wisdom, local ownership, and core principles like enlightened hospitality and creating workplaces where people truly thrive.
 
As a leader, Sadie reflects on her growth and leadership style, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, maintaining high standards, and creating space for her team to learn and grow. 
 
Quotes
“There is nothing like starting your own business and scaling it to learn about yourself. This has been the most humbling journey of my life. It continues to humble me.” (32:21 | Sadie Lincoln) 
“I’m in an environment wherein, within closed doors or in a more public setting, I can share when I failed or when things didn’t go well and what I learned from it because that’s the culture. The culture is just like in a barre3 class. If you choose to do a move that doesn’t serve you and it’s giving you pain in your joints, maybe on all fours you’ve got a knee injury and you’re hurting your knee on all fours waiting on the floor, recognize, ‘Oh, this isn’t working for me. I’m going to modify it. I’m going to stand up and do this at the barre instead to honor that pain in my knee but still move my fitness forward.’ That’s a real metaphor for being a leader.” (41:46 | Sadie Lincoln) 
“I think even in a team setting, what’s even more powerful is to have respect and understanding for other people, where they are, and where their strengths are. That way, we’re not projecting onto other people and expecting everybody to operate the same way we do as individuals.” (44:20 | Sadie Lincoln) 
 
Links
Connect with Sadie Lincoln:
Website: https://barre3.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm