C2 Biz Growth
C2 Biz Growth features insightful information and lessons learned from entrepreneurs and CEOs who are growing and scaling their companies. The podcast aims to inform, inspire, and drive listeners onward and upward through conversations with men and women on the entrepreneurial battlefield. It is hosted by John Hale III, Founder and CEO of The Cornerstone Group, a business advisory and strategy consulting firm.
Episodes
From 6 Months to 8 Weeks: How AI Is Transforming Business with Matt Davis - Episode 30
AI is changing how businesses build, operate, and grow, but is your organization actually ready for what comes next?In Episode 30 of C2 Biz Growth, John Hale III sits down with Matt Davis, Co-Founder of Critical Propulsion, to explore how AI-native software development and AI agents are transforming the future of work.Matt shares how companies can use AI to automate repetitive work, increase produ
When Succession Destroys What Generations Built with Victoria Sassine - Episode 29
What happens when the people who built a successful family business are no longer the ones running it?In Episode 29 of C2 Biz Growth, John Hale III sits down with Victoria Sassine, Co-Founder and CEO of Scale Smarter Partners, public company board director, business advisor, investor, and SEC financial expert, for a powerful conversation about one of the most important challenges facing family-own
How to Raise Venture Capital in 2026 | What VCs Really Want with Nasir Qadree - Episode 28
How do you raise venture capital in today’s market, and what are investors really looking for? In Episode 28 of C² Biz Growth: Iron Sharpens Iron, John Hale III sits down with Nasir Qadree, Founder and Managing Partner of Zeal Capital Partners, to break down what it takes to build, fund, and scale high-growth companies in sectors shaping the future, including healthcare, fintech, workforce develop
The Science of Business Development and Business Growth with Tony Gray - Episode 27
In Episode 27 of C² Biz Growth: Iron Sharpens Iron, John Hale III sits down with Tony Gray, founder of the Global Business Development Association and author of the Business Development Body of Knowledge (BD-BOK).Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in business development, operations, entrepreneurship, and growth strategy, Tony shares why trust is the foundation of successful business deve
Harley Flack’s $200M Growth Formula — Leadership, Safety & Scaling Strategy with Harley Flack - Episode 26
How do you scale from $12M to $200M without breaking your team, your culture, or your operations?In Episode 26 of C2 Biz Growth, Harley Flack shares how he built a high-growth business while maintaining strong culture, elite safety standards, and a deep commitment to people.In this episode, we cover:· How Harley Flack scaled a company from $12M to $200M· The role of culture and safet
How a 24-Year-Old Built Access to $72B in Capital | Family Offices Explained with Anmol Goel - Episode 25
How do you go from $650 to working with over $72 billion in capital?In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, Anmol Goel, Founder & CEO of Gax Multi-Family Office, breaks down how he built trust with elite investors, scaled 40+ startups, and created a global network of family offices.Anmol shares the real story behind his rise, from humble beginnings to advising ultra-high net worth investors. He expl
From $15K Failure to $175M CEO | Leadership, AI & Scaling Businesses with Travis Mack - Episode 24
How do you go from losing your last $15,000 to building multiple companies and leading a $175M business?In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, John Hale III sits down with Travis Mack, Chairman and CEO of Salex Corporation, to break down the real journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and scaling across industries.Travis shares how growing up with humble beginnings shaped his mindset, why failure is
From Intern to CEO, Leadership Lessons with Tom Linebarger - Episode 23
How do you go from intern to CEO of a global powerhouse? In this episode, former Cummins Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger shares hard-earned leadership lessons on building high-performing teams, making bold strategic decisions, working effectively with boards, and raising capital the right way. He opens up about mentorship, humility in leadership, talent development, and why caring deeply about you
Leadership, Funding, and Exit Strategy with Maria Thompson - Episode 22
Episode 22 of C2 Biz Growth, hosted by John Hale III, features an inspiring and deeply practical conversation with entrepreneur and venture partner Maria Thompson.Maria shares her remarkable journey from a fine arts and industrial design background to building and scaling TJ Technologies into a nationally recognized alternative energy company, ultimately acquired by A123 Systems. She opens up abou
From Toxic to Thriving: Leadership Lessons with Anton Gunn - Episode 21
In Episode 21 of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and CEO of 937 Strategy Group, Anton Gunn, for a powerful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, and employee engagement.Anton shares how his family background, college football, healthcare leadership, and even hip-hop culture have shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why great le
From $35K to $90 Million: Business Blueprint Revealed with Austin Okere - Episode 20
In this powerful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, host John Hale III sits down with Austin Okere, Founder of CWG Plc and the Ausso Leadership Academy. Austin shares how he grew CWG from a modest startup with thirty-five thousand dollars in capital to a ninety-million-dollar valuation, and reflects on the mindset that fueled that journey.The conversation explores the evolution of CWG, the impo
Leadership that Listens: People, Power, and Purpose with Cllr. Biyi Oloko FCA - Episode 19
In this insightful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, host John Hale III sits down with Biyi Oloko, Executive Vice Chairman of Stephen Simeon Limited, Co-Founder of the Reading Tech Cluster, and a Council Member of the West Berkshire Council in the United Kingdom. Biyi shares his journey from his early life in Nigeria to building a global career in finance, investment, government, and leadershi
The Mindset of Growth: Risk, Resilience, and Innovation with Dr. Mathew Knowles - Episode 18
In this powerful episode of the C2 Biz Growth podcast, host John Hale III sits down with the legendary Dr. Mathew Knowles, a global authority in sales, marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Known for generating more than five billion for organizations, shaping iconic careers like Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, and leading historic campaigns with brands
Faith, Family, and the Future of Beauty with Ursula Dudley Oglesby - Episode 17
In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III talks with Ursula Dudley Oglesby, President and CEO of Dudley Beauty Corporation, about transforming a $10 kitchen startup into a global multicultural beauty brand.Ursula shares powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and family legacy, revealing how Dudley Beauty continues to empower communities through purpose-driven grow
Generative AI, Leadership, and the Future of Work with Sophia Velastegui - Episode 16
In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III welcomes Sophia Velastegui, a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, technology strategy, and corporate innovation. With senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Aptiv, Sophia brings unmatched expertise in integrating AI into organizations of all sizes.She shares her journey from a mechanical engineering backgroun
The AI Gold Rush, Silicon Valley Investments, and the Future of VC with Michael Downing - Episode 15
In Episode 15 of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with Michael Downing, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of MDSV Capital. With over 25 years of experience founding five software companies and investing in more than 65 early-stage startups, Michael offers an insider’s perspective on the evolving world of venture capital and business growth.He unpacks the rise of emerging
Innovating Cancer Treatment: Biotech, Bold Moves, and Business Success with Eric C. Broyles - Episode 14
In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III welcomes Eric Broyles, serial entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Nanocann Therapeutics, for a powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and leadership in business.Eric takes us back to his roots in a working-class neighborhood in Ohio, where discipline, education, and hard work shaped his early path. From there, he shares how his caree
Building Dreams, Partnerships, and Community with C. David Moody Jr. - Episode 13
In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III speaks with C. David Moody Jr., founder of C.D. Moody Construction, one of the largest African-American-owned construction companies in the United States. David shares his journey from being a reluctant entrepreneur to leading a firm that has built more than $3 billion worth of projects, including the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta, Disney World, an
The Happy CEO: From Segregation to Success & Giving Back with Byron Boston - Episode 12
Join host John Hale III for a powerful conversation with Byron L. Boston, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Dynex Capital, Inc, in episode 12 of the C2 Biz Growth podcast. In this illuminating discussion, Byron shares his remarkable journey from a segregated St. Louis to becoming a well-respected business leader with a deep background in U.S. real estate finance, asset management, and fix
Leading with Purpose: Automotive, Diversity & Community Impact with Ronald Hall - Episode 11
Join your host John Hale III for an insightful conversation with Ronald Hall, President & CEO of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC. As the head of one of the country's largest Minority Business Enterprise certified firms, employing over 2,200 people across four US facilities, Ron brings a wealth of experience from the automotive interiors manufacturing sector. A West Point graduate, Persian Gulf
The Money Maker's Mindset: Venture Capital, AI, & Social Change with Eric D. Collins - Episode 10
Join your host John Hale III for an incredibly insightful and compelling conversation with Eric D. Collins, a true force in the worlds of entrepreneurship, investment, and technology. As a serial entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and co-founder of the groundbreaking Impact X Capital Partners, Eric brings a wealth of experience, not to mention being the host of Channel 4's award-winning busines
Human First, Employee Second: Transforming Your Workplace with April Lewis - Episode 9
Join your host John Hale III for an inspiring conversation with nationally recognized leadership and workplace wellness expert, April Lewis, President and CEO of the A. Lewis Academy. In this insightful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, April unpacks her powerful mantra, "Human first, Employee second," challenging leaders to prioritize well-being as a cornerstone of performance.Named
The Optimal Path: Funding, Federal & Future AI Tech with Tracye C. Turner - Episode 8
In this insightful eighth episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with Tracye C. Turner, President & Co-Founder of Revelo Software, LLC, and Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Optimal Solutions Group, LLC. Tracye brings 25 years of unparalleled experience in federal government contracting, IT, and small business entrepreneurship.Discover how Tracye&apos
Funding & Flourishing: Decoding Capital Acquisition, Customer Loyalty, and Fintech 2.0 with Glenn Noble - Episode 7
In this illuminating seventh episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with the visionary Glenn Noble, founder of Proudly Give and Aspen Hill Partners Ltd. This is a must-listen for C-suite executives, founders, and entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of growth and funding.Glenn dives deep into how recognition dramatically boosts customer loyalty and referrals, even exploring in
From Spare Bedroom to $1.7 Billion: Scaling Real Estate with Ivan Barratt - Episode 6
Ready to uncover the strategies behind building a real estate empire from the ground up? Join host John Hale III on C2 Biz Growth for a compelling conversation with Ivan Barratt, Founder & CEO of The BAM Companies. A 25-year real estate veteran, Ivan has transformed a spare bedroom venture into a firm boasting over $1.73 Billion in transaction volume and nearly $500 million in equity raised si
The Authentic CEO: Honesty, Kindness, and Bipartisan Success with Jessica Beeson Tocco - Episode 5
Join host John Hale III in a compelling conversation with Jessica Beeson Tocco, the dynamic CEO and founder of A10 Associates LLC, the nation's largest woman-owned bipartisan lobbying firm. In this insightful episode, Jessica shares her powerful perspectives on prioritizing dignity over dollars in business, the crucial role of honesty and kindness as a CEO, and the strategic advantage of focu
Investment Unveiled: Stories from the Funding Landscape with Brett Sharenow - Episode 4
Ready to unlock the secrets to securing the funding your company needs to thrive? Join host John Hale III on C2 Biz Growth for an insightful conversation with Brett Sharenow, a leading fundraising consultant and Founder & CEO of Broadscope Consulting Inc., who has guided companies from their earliest stages all the way to IPO. With an astounding $920 million in capital raised over a remarkable
Level Up: Engineer to Tech Leader with Norman Ireland - Episode 3
Ready to learn from a tech leader who navigated the early internet boom and now scales global organizations? Join host John Hale III on C2 Biz Growth as he sits down with Norman Ireland, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in launching and growing technology companies.This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Norman shares his compelling story o
An Immigrant's Journey to Success with Solomon Luke - Episode 2
In this powerful episode, John Hale III sits down with Solomon Luke, the visionary CEO and Founder of Strategia Solutions. Solo's story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of the American dream.Join us as Solo shares his incredible journey from his humble beginnings as an immigrant to becoming a successful CEO. We delve into the challenges he faced, the lessons he
Insider Threat & National Security with Joe Ruffini - Episode 1
Join host John Hale III as he sits down with Joe Ruffini, a distinguished military veteran and a leading expert in anti-terrorism and corporate security. In this eye-opening episode, Joe pulls back the curtain on the hidden threats facing businesses and nations today.We delve into the complex world of security, covering crucial topics such as:- Corporate espionage: Uncovering the tactics used to s
