• #153 - Mary Elizabeth Sadd | How Great Leaders See Around Corners and Live a Generous Life
    Nov 3 2025
    What separates great leaders from good ones? 💡 In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Mary Elizabeth Sadd, leadership advisor, executive search expert, and author of Living a Generous Life: Learning, Earning, and Returning. With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and fast-growth organizations, Mary has spent her career helping CEOs and boards build world-class leadership teams, and uncover the human side of scaling a business. Mary shares timeless lessons on leadership, legacy, and generosity, including how the best leaders "see around corners," prepare for what's next, and stay optimistic in the face of uncertainty. She explains why mentorship alone isn't enough, how true sponsors open doors behind closed rooms, and why the most impactful executives are authentic, empathetic, and unafraid to lead with heart. Drawing from her book and her personal story, from founding her own firm to advising top leaders at Korn Ferry and Modern Executive Solutions, Mary also shares her philosophy of learning well, earning well, and returning well: using your success to create opportunity for others. 🎙️ Topics Covered: The difference between mentorship and sponsorship in leadership What makes world-class executives stand out How to manage your time and energy for maximum impact The importance of generosity in business and life Lessons from generations of leadership at the University of Georgia How great leaders see around corners and lead through uncertainty If you're interested in leadership development, executive mindset, and building a life and business with purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to lead and live more generously. 🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying. 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167 📌 Learn More About Mary Elizabeth Sadd: www.maryelizabethsadd.com www.linkedin.com/in/maryelizabethsadd https://www.instagram.com/maryelizabethsadd/ https://www.facebook.com/MESadd/ https://www.youtube.com/@MaryElizabethSadd https://www.modernexecutivesolutions.com/ 📘 Order Living a Generous Life Here
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    36 mins
  • #152 - Morgan Styler | Rethinking Capitalism with Circular Wealth
    Oct 30 2025

    What if capitalism could work for people instead of against them? 💡

    In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Morgan Styler, veteran entrepreneur and co-founder of Circular Wealth, to explore a bold new model he calls "capitalism with compassion."

    After decades in direct sales and network marketing, including co-founding companies with over $2 billion in revenue, Morgan became determined to build a system where everyone shares in the success they help create.

    Morgan explains how Circular Wealth uses regenerative economics to reward human connection over clicks, giving affiliates real ownership, profit sharing, and equity. He also reveals how his team is flipping the traditional sales pyramid on its head, creating a transparent, collaborative business model where money flows like energy through an ecosystem rather than pooling at the top.

    From lessons learned running billion-dollar organizations to his vision for a fairer, more sustainable economy, this conversation challenges what we think we know about wealth, equity, and entrepreneurship.

    🎙️ Topics Covered:

    • The flaws in traditional network marketing and sales models

    • How to design capitalism with compassion

    • Turning $5 trillion in customer acquisition costs into community wealth

    • Why transparency, incentives, and shared equity matter

    • Building trust and collaboration through profit sharing

    If you've ever wondered what a regenerative economy could look like, or how entrepreneurs can help fix what's broken in today's systems, this episode will expand your thinking.

    🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who've built businesses worth studying.

    📌 Connect With Us:
    Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

    📌 Find Out More About Morgan Styler & Circular Wealth:
    https://circularwealth.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-styler-5602095/
    https://www.facebook.com/morganstyler

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    34 mins
  • #151 - Thriving on Chaos: How Columbus Brewing Co. Built a Lasting Craft Beer Brand | Eric Bean
    Oct 27 2025

    What does it take to build and sustain one of Ohio’s most respected craft breweries?

    In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Eric Bean, co-owner and brewmaster of Columbus Brewing Company, to explore how craftsmanship, culture, and community come together to shape a lasting brand.

    Eric shares how he and his wife, Beth, have helped transform Columbus Brewing Company into a cornerstone of Ohio’s beer scene, staying true to their roots while pushing innovation and quality forward. From learning under a German brewmaster to growing a modern legacy brand, Eric reflects on leadership, scaling, and what it really means to build a business around passion.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How to balance creativity and consistency in a craft industry

    • The lessons Eric carried from traditional brewing into modern entrepreneurship

    • How Columbus Brewing Company has scaled without losing its soul

    • Why community and connection matter as much as the product itself

    Whether you’re a craft beer lover, a founder navigating growth, or someone inspired by the process of building something that lasts, this conversation offers timeless entrepreneurial takeaways.

    🎙️ The Necessary Entrepreneur, hosted by Mark Perkins, features authentic conversations with founders and leaders who’ve built businesses worth studying.

    📌 Connect With Us:
    Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

    📌 Find Out More About Columbus Brewing Company
    https://columbusbrewing.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/columbusbrewingcompany/
    https://www.facebook.com/columbusbrewing/

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    49 mins
  • #150 - Brewing Grit & Growth: Darrel Grumman, CEO of Bubbles Tea Company | Mark Perkins, The Necessary Entrepreneur
    Oct 20 2025

    In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Darrel Grumman, CEO and franchiser of Bubbles Tea & Juice Company. Since acquiring the brand in 2024, Darrel has transformed Bubbles from a small local favorite into a rapidly growing franchise with new locations, mobile units, and an updated, innovative menu.

    Darrel opens up about the realities of scaling a business, the grind of entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned while balancing risk, leadership, and vision. From overcoming setbacks to building culture through authenticity, this episode dives into what it takes to lead a brand from the ground up, one bubble tea at a time.

    Key Takeaways:

    • What it really takes to franchise and scale a retail brand
    • How to lead through long hours, pressure, and growth pains

    • Lessons in brand innovation and community building

    • The mindset behind sustainable entrepreneurship

    📌 Connect With Us:
    Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

    📌 Find Out More About Darrel Grumman and Bubbles Tea Company:
    https://bubblesteacompany.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/bubblesteacompany/
    https://www.facebook.com/BubblesTeaCompany/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrel-grumman-110a832/

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    2 hrs and 8 mins
  • #149 - Building Together: Kass & Mike Lazerow on Love, Leadership & “Shoveling $h!t” | The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins
    Oct 13 2025

    In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins, we sit down with powerhouse couple Kass and Mike Lazerow, entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of “Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story.” Together, they share honest insights on building businesses, navigating marriage, and leading with empathy through life’s inevitable messes.

    From founding multiple startups to investing through Salesforce Ventures, Mike and Kass reveal how vulnerability, partnership, and resilience have shaped both their personal and professional success. They discuss the importance of mindset, communication, and staying grounded while creating meaningful impact and long-term wealth.

    This inspiring conversation blends humor, candor, and hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to build, together.

    Key Takeaways:

    • How to build strong partnerships in business and marriage

    • Lessons in leadership, empathy, and emotional intelligence

    • Turning challenges into growth and opportunity

    • The mindset behind lasting success and fulfillment

    • Creating balance between ambition and authenticity

    📌 Connect With Us:
    Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

    📌 Find Out More About Kass and Mike:
    https://kassandmike.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike/
    https://www.facebook.com/kassandmike
    https://www.tiktok.com/@kassandmikeofficial
    www.youtube.com/@KassandMike

    📘 Order Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story Here

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    59 mins
  • #148 - Building Wealth, Legacy & Creativity: Denzel Whitaker, Maestro Harrell, Jesse Janari, Jack Cook & DJ Smooth on The Necessary Entrepreneur
    Oct 6 2025

    On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur with Mark Perkins, we welcome a dynamic group of creatives and entrepreneurs: actor and filmmaker Denzel Whitaker, musician and actor Maestro Harrell, and writer Jesse Janari discussing their new feature film Brand New; Jack Cook, founder of Illusion Islands Studio; and Jacob Gibbs (DJ Smooth), Cincinnati realtor and on-air personality for WIZF The WIZ, the city’s #1 Hip Hop and R&B station.

    Together, they dive into entrepreneurship, creativity, personal growth, and the path to building wealth and legacy. From filmmaking and music to real estate and broadcasting, this inspiring conversation explores how vision, accountability, and community support fuel success across industries.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Identity, validation, and self-awareness drive personal and professional growth.

    • Community and environment play critical roles in shaping success.

    • Healthy relationships and accountability accelerate progress.

    • Resilience and mindset are essential in navigating challenges.

    • Financial literacy and curiosity open doors to opportunity.

    • Building a legacy requires vision, planning, and responsibility.

    • True fulfillment comes from the journey, not just the outcome.


    📌 Connect With Us:
    Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

    📌 Find Out More:
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27659758/
    https://www.instagram.com/brandnew_film/
    https://www.instagram.com/denzelwhitaker/
    https://www.instagram.com/maestro/
    https://www.instagram.com/jessejanari/
    https://www.instagram.com/jackandrewcook/
    https://www.instagram.com/djsmooth513/

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    2 hrs and 10 mins
  • #147 - Geoffrey A. Moore | Crossing the Chasm & Scaling Businesses
    Sep 29 2025

    In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Geoffrey A. Moore, renowned author of Crossing the Chasm and a leading authority on technology adoption and market innovation. Geoffrey shares his insights on how entrepreneurs can identify the right problems to solve, scale disruptive innovations, and strategically navigate the “chasm” between early adopters and mainstream customers.

    Throughout the conversation, Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of problem-focused entrepreneurship, understanding customer needs, and leveraging talent to create real impact. He also discusses the role of innovation in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and shares actionable advice for founders and business leaders looking to grow sustainably in competitive markets.

    If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or business leader seeking guidance on scaling your business, this episode is packed with wisdom, strategies, and real-world examples from one of the most influential minds in technology marketing and entrepreneurship.

    Takeaways:
    The world is full of problems needing entrepreneurial solutions.
    Career pivots can lead to unexpected opportunities.
    Understanding market dynamics is crucial for success.
    A service mindset can drive meaningful change.
    Silicon Valley's ecosystem fosters unique growth.
    Leadership has shifted from competition to collaboration.
    AI presents both challenges and opportunities.
    Education must adapt to the age of AI.
    Finding purpose enhances personal impact.
    Effective management requires balancing innovation and performance.

    📌 Find Out More About Geoffrey A. Moore:
    www.geoffreyamoore.com
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreyamoore/
    https://www.youtube.com/@geoffreyamoore
    https://x.com/geoffreyamoore
    https://www.facebook.com/GeoffreyAMooreAuthor/

    Purchase Geoffrey's Books Here

    📌 Connect With Us:
    Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

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    57 mins
  • #146 - Tony Saldanha: Why 70% of Digital Transformations Fail (and How to Succeed)
    Sep 22 2025
    What does it take to lead digital transformation at a billion-dollar scale, and how can entrepreneurs apply those same principles to grow their own businesses? In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Tony Saldanha, former VP of IT and Global Business Services at Procter & Gamble, co-founder of Transformant, and bestselling author of Why Digital Transformations Fail and Revolutionizing Business Operations. Recognized as one of the world’s top digital transformation leaders, Tony shares hard-earned lessons from leading massive global change initiatives and helping Fortune 500 companies thrive in the age of disruption. From why 70% of digital transformations fail, to how small and mid-sized companies can future-proof with AI and automation, Tony reveals the playbook for building businesses that last. He also dives into leadership lessons, why being “necessary” and “distinctive” are critical for long-term success, and what entrepreneurs must do to scale without losing agility. If you want to understand how to combine strategy, technology, and culture to create a business that thrives in any environment, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom. 🔑 Takeaways from this Episode Work-life balance doesn’t exist, it’s all life. To be necessary in business, you must stay distinctive. Commoditization is the risk of not adapting. Digital transformation requires clear goals. Transformation success comes from a portfolio of projects. The 70-20-10 model is essential for innovation. Transformant was born from a need for disruptive change. Reimagining processes can unlock efficiency gains. Global business services drive operational efficiency. The future of work is defined by technology + agility. Lifelong learning fuels personal and professional growth. Risk-taking thrives in supportive environments. True balance is about prioritization, not just time. Staying in one lane can limit creativity and growth. Introspection leads to better decision-making. AI ethics will shape the future of business. Leadership must guide tech’s impact on society. Problem-solving is an entrepreneur’s greatest skill. Diverse conversations drive innovation. Knowledge-sharing creates lasting impact. 📌 Find Out More About Tony Saldanha: www.transformant.io https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-saldanha-200591123/ https://x.com/tony_saldanha Purchase Tony's Books Here 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167
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    1 hr and 30 mins