Episodes

  • Smart Capital: Why One-Size-Fits-All Fundraising Doesn’t Work
    Aug 13 2025

    In episode 84, we talk with Chris Van Dusen, Senior Partner at Solyco Capital, about smart capital, the world of entrepreneurship, taking products to market, and the famous conference, Hampton's Tech Week. I hope you enjoy the show!


    0:41 Maddie & Maureen Debrief

    3:39 Who is Chris Van Dusen?

    4:23 Accessing smart capital

    6:51 Pre-revenue and risk-adjusted returns

    8:41 Finding investors – Hamptons Tech Week Conference

    9:47 Scaling human potential mapping & AI.IO: Athlete scouting & player development

    15:00 Content creation that drives business through social media distribution channels

    18:01 Investor, business, customer ecosystem

    19:25 Humanizing product/market fit

    20:35 Do you have grit to grow? Romanticizing entrepreneurship

    22:20 Westgate’s Main Event

    27:00 Iteration as the next innovation

    29:47 Entrepreneurship is hard

    31:40 Wrap up, contact info, and favorite restaurant (Joey’s in Newport Beach; Nobu restaurants worldwide)


    Westgate Executive Branding

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    34 mins
  • Mastering game theory in the boardroom with Robin Dreeke
    Jul 18 2025

    Welcome to episode 83 of the Get Hired Up! podcast, Mastering Game Theory in the Boardroom with Robin Dreeke. Robin is a distinguished author and retired FBI agent, and he's widely recognized for his expertise in the field of counterintelligence and behavior analysis. With an illustrious career that includes serving as the chief of the counterintelligence division's behavioral analysis program, Robin has dedicated his life to understanding human behavior and its impact on security and intelligence operations. Drawn upon his extensive experience and deep understanding of human psychology, Robin has authored numerous groundbreaking works that have garnered critical acclaim.

    In addition to discussing his latest book, Unbreakable Alliances: A Spy Recruiter's Authoritative Guide to Cultivating Powerful and Lasting Connections, we'll also discuss how individuals and organizations can enhance their communication skills, build strong relationships and navigate complex social dynamics.


    9:03 Game Theory

    12:24 Stranger Relationship

    14:45 Feeling Safe in the Board

    17:53 No failure only feedback

    18:02 Organizational red flags

    20:46 Situational awareness

    25:11 Broken trust

    33:14 JV’s and Game Theory

    36:41 Mastering behavior

    45:29 Four pillars of trust

    48:15 Definition of a Spy

    49:14 Nancy Grace & True Crime


    Westgate Executive Branding

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Investment Banking 101: M&A in the Lower Mid-Market
    Jul 1 2025

    Mark Heil is a registered representative of Pickwick Capital Partners. With more than 30 years of experience, Mark has been involved in the alternative assets industry and marketing, capital raising, custody, and fund administration roles.

    In this episode, we explore the strategies, mindsets and leadership lessons behind today's most successful executives and investors. We also go beyond the deal sheet! We're exploring the leadership disciplines, personal brand strategies and trusted advisor mindsets that differentiate good bankers from great strategic partners, especially in the highly personal world of lower mid-market private equity. Whether you're an investor, an executive, an advisor or a service provider like me, you'll find valuable insights on how leadership, presence, reputation and resilience shape long-term success.

    Westgate Executive Branding

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    49 mins
  • How to raise capital for diverse tech founders
    Jun 1 2025

    This episode will be of interest to those in the venture capital world, founders, and investors, and anyone curious about that environment. We speak with Laurel Mintz, Founder of Fabric VC. We cover topics including starting a fund as a General Partner that provides capital to founders, the transition from CEO to General Partner, and how being a savvy business operator can prepare you for both a General Partner and a Founder seeking funding. We also talk about Hamptons Tech Week, a conference you never want to miss! I hope you enjoy the show.

    Westgate Executive Branding

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    29 mins
  • Quality-First AI: A Fortune 500 Perspective on AI Governance
    May 19 2025

    Neka Hickmon is a distinguished leader and consultant with over 21 years of experience in the technology sector, specializing in FinTech and operations process leadership. Based in Dallas, Texas, she has earned a global recognition for her expertise across five core industries, particularly in guiding financial institutions through transformation and restructuring endeavours. In this episode, Neka shares a powerful signature story regarding a bold, courageous networking strategy, AI governance, how DEI cuts will impact AI advancement, and more. Enjoy the show!

    Westgate Executive Branding

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    54 mins
  • Compliance Tools for Boards & Investors: Data Governance, Cybersecurity, & AI
    Apr 28 2025

    Episode 79 will be of specific interest to audit committees, investors, and companies, but also anyone in business today that would like to hear our guests' important work in the world of voluntary reporting on data governance, cybersecurity, and AI.

    Jordan Famularo is a strategist and researcher with a broad range of analytical and convening experience in the areas of sustainability, investing, AI ethics, corporate responsibility, human rights, data governance, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and other topics in responsible tech and serves as a consultant for corporate reporters and investors.

    Westgate Executive Branding

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    38 mins
  • Investor Psychology: A CEO’s Story of Gaining Investors’ Trust
    Mar 20 2025

    In episode 78 of the Get Hired Up podcast, I speak with Ben Gardier, founder and CEO of Linen Fresh Laundry. Over the past six years, he has acquired and operated multiple laundromats and commercial laundry facilities in the Arizona and Nevada area. We discuss raising capital and gaining the trust of investors through consistency and persistency. Ben shares his journey from CFO to independent sponsor, the challenges he faced and the lessons learned along the way. I hope you enjoy the show!

    Westgate Executive Branding

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    33 mins
  • A View from the C-Suite: M&A Due Diligence Optimization in JVs
    Jan 14 2025

    In episode 77 of the Get Hired Up podcast, Sunil and I discuss M&A due diligence and some of the more nuanced diligence considerations for a successful venture. We discuss M&A through both a sustainability and cross cultural perspective where relationships are the key factor in a successful joint venture. I hope you enjoy the show!

    Westgate Executive Branding

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    49 mins