Dave Benton, founder of Metajive, shares his journey from an accidental entrepreneur to leading a top-tier digital agency working with brands like Nike, Red Bull, and Google. He discusses the challenges of scaling a creative business, the importance of relationships in securing major clients, and the mindset shifts required to sustain long-term success. Through personal setbacks, industry changes, and pivotal moments of reinvention, Dave emphasizes adaptability, accountability, and the willingness to keep moving forward—even when things get tough.

1️⃣ Accidental Beginnings → Intentional Growth

• Dave never intended to start a company; Metajive was initially just a placeholder website for his portfolio.
• He moved to San Francisco intending to find a job but kept landing contract work, which organically evolved into a business.

2️⃣ Overcoming Challenges & Pivotal Moments

• Made every mistake in the book but kept pushing forward with the mindset of making “the next right decision.”
• 2008 & 2015 were tough years with major setbacks, including losing Metajive’s largest client, which forced him to rebuild the business.
• 2020 was another major test, losing 75% of revenue in three weeks, but he worked 100-hour weeks to turn things around.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Every major transformation in my business started as a crisis. The key was deciding to rebuild, not retreat."

3️⃣ The Turning Point: Building Long-Term Relationships

• The real shift happened when Metajive secured its first long-term retainer client—moving from project-to-project work to sustainable business relationships.
• Most of Metajive’s biggest clients, including HP, Bank of America, and T-Mobile, came from relationships built years earlier.
• Lesson: Good work and strong relationships create future opportunities, often when you least expect them.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"The best clients aren’t found—they’re earned through years of great work and trust."

4️⃣ Landing Major Clients: Relationships Over Cold Outreach

• Two main paths to working with big brands:

1. Direct networking and outreach (not the route Dave took).
2. Long-term relationship building—working with great people early in your career who later bring you opportunities.

• Every major deal Metajive has landed came from past relationships rather than cold calls.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Big brands don’t just hire agencies—they hire people they trust."

5️⃣ Scaling While Maintaining Creativity

• Balancing business growth with creative integrity is difficult but essential.
• Key to success: Having a team deeply committed to the craft and strong project management to keep things running smoothly.
• AI and digital transformation are forcing businesses to rethink how they add value—Metajive constantly adapts to stay ahead.

📌 Memorable Quote:

"Innovation isn’t about keeping up—it’s about leading the way."

6️⃣ Surviving Hard Times & Rebuilding from the Ground Up

• 2015 setback: Lost over 50% of business, down to just Dave, his wife (COO), and one project manager. Considered mergers and job opportunities but ultimately rebuilt from scratch.
• 2020 crash: Lost 75% of revenue, but hard work and persistence led to new opportunities, including a major project for New York Fashion Week, which helped Metajive bounce...

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Brian Samson, founder and CEO of Plugg Technologies, to discuss how nearshore staffing is transforming the hiring landscape. Brian shares his journey from leading talent acquisition at top Silicon Valley startups to relocating to Argentina to build a nearshore team, and ultimately founding multiple companies specializing in Latin American talent.

They explore why more U.S. companies are hiring beyond borders, how remote work has reshaped talent acquisition, and what business owners should know about cost, efficiency, and cultural differences when building remote teams. Whether you're a business owner looking to scale or a leader navigating the new world of hiring, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Brian’s Journey into Nearshore Staffing

• From the Midwest to leading recruitment for Silicon Valley’s top startups
• What inspired Brian to start Plugg Technologies
• Moving to Argentina to build a nearshore business
• Scaling a company from 0 to 80 employees abroad

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, but I was surrounded by brilliant founders in Silicon Valley and thought, ‘I think I can do this.’ So I jumped in and figured it out along the way."

What is Nearshore Staffing?

• The difference between onshore, offshore, and nearshore hiring
• Why Latin America is a rising hub for highly skilled talent
• Common misconceptions about hiring internationally

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"Nearshore isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about finding the right talent, in the right time zones, with the right cultural fit for your business."

Cost vs. Quality: The Real Hiring Trade-offs

• How nearshore hiring compares to U.S. hiring in cost, quality, and efficiency
• Why businesses should think beyond just cost savings when hiring globally
• Cultural and time-zone advantages of working with Latin American talent

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"You can find great talent anywhere, but the real question is: do they fit your business needs, your work culture, and your expectations for collaboration?"

The Hiring & Onboarding Process

• Best practices for integrating remote employees into company culture
• Why companies should treat nearshore hires as core team members
• The adaptability and resilience of professionals in Latin America
• Setting clear expectations to drive success in remote teams

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"If you treat your nearshore hires as ‘outsourced resources,’ you’re doing it wrong. They are part of your team, and the success of your business depends on how well you integrate them."

What It Takes to Succeed as a Business Owner

• Advice for business owners hesitant about hiring internationally
• The importance of starting small and learning from hiring mistakes
• The entrepreneurial mindset: Resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning
• Why success in business requires taking calculated risks

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"As an entrepreneur, you’re going to get punched in the face—often. The key is to get back up, learn from it, and keep going."

Where to Find Brian Samson

• Visit Plugg Technologies at

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with James Leinhardt, the CEO and Chief Sleep Posture Expert at Levitex. James has built a business around improving sleep posture, working with elite athletes, healthcare professionals, and everyday consumers to optimize their rest. He shares how he turned sleep science into a thriving company, the challenges he faced in educating the market, and why sleep posture is critical for performance and well-being.

They also dive into James’ entrepreneurial journey, from developing a patented sleep surface to supporting Team GB’s Paralympians and British Cycling. If you're an entrepreneur looking to build a business with impact, this episode is for you!

Guest: James Leinhardt, CEO & Chief Sleep Posture Expert at Levitex

Episode Title: Sleep Smarter, Lead Stronger: The Science Behind Success

Topics Covered:

✅ How James turned sleep science into a successful business

✅ The biggest misconceptions about sleep posture

✅ Working with elite athletes and hospitals to improve recovery

✅ Challenges of educating the market about a new concept

✅ The business of sleep – how to innovate in a niche industry

✅ Lessons from growing a business and overcoming obstacles

✅ What it really takes to be a successful entrepreneur

📌 Connect with James Leinhardt & Levitex:

🔗 Website: Levitex

🔗 Instagram: @levitexsleep

🔗 LinkedIn: James Leinhardt

💡 "Most people think sleep is just about getting enough hours, but how you sleep is just as important as how long you sleep."

💡 "I never set out to sell pillows—I set out to educate people on sleep posture, and the business followed."

💡 "Elite athletes don’t leave their performance to chance. They optimize everything—including how they sleep."

💡 "Entrepreneurship is about solving a problem, not just selling a product. If you focus on impact, the business will come."

💡 "If you want to change an industry, you have to educate before you can sell."

On this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Ive Haugeland, founder and principal of Shades of Green Landscape Architecture. Her journey is a powerful story of taking risks, following a passion, and staying true to her values while building a thriving business.

Originally from Norway, Ive started her career designing environmentally sensitive landscapes before making the leap to California in 2000. With no roadmap, she built Shades of Green in 2004, blending Scandinavian design principles with modern sustainability.

But what does it take to turn a creative vision into a successful business? How do you balance artistry with business strategy while staying authentic? In this episode, Ive shares the challenges, lessons, and defining moments that shaped her entrepreneurial journey.

• Welcome & Introduction
• Introduction to the episode and guest
• Ive’s background: From Norway’s landscapes to California’s gardens
• How her love for landscape architecture began
• Early Inspirations & Taking the Leap
• What drew her to environmental design
• Lessons from designing landscapes in Norway
• The bold decision to move to California and start fresh
• Founding Shades of Green: The Reality of Entrepreneurship
• The challenges of launching a business with no roadmap
• How she built a name for herself in the industry
• The balance between creative passion and business management
• Sustainability & Staying True to Her Values
• How Scandinavian design principles influence her work
• Why sustainability is more than just a business strategy—it’s a responsibility
• Navigating the challenges of implementing sustainable practices
• Business Growth: Lessons, Challenges & Wins
• The biggest hurdles she faced in growing her company
• How she learned to scale a creative business
• The proudest moments and projects that define her success
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• The hardest lesson she learned in business
• What she wishes she knew before starting her firm
• Her advice for landscape architects and creatives looking to build their own company
• Signature Question: What It Takes to Succeed
• In your experience, what does it take to be a successful business owner?
• Outro & Where to Connect with Ive
• Final thoughts and key takeaways
• Where to find Shades of Green and Ive’s work
• Call to action: Subscribe, review, and share!

1️⃣ On Taking the Leap:

"I moved across the world with no guarantees—just a passion for design and a belief that I could make it work."

2️⃣ On Entrepreneurship:

"I didn’t start a business because I wanted to run a business. I started it because I wanted to create something meaningful."

3️⃣ On Sustainability:

"Sustainability isn’t a feature—it’s a mindset. Every project we take on considers how we can work with nature, not against it."

4️⃣ On Challenges:

"The hardest part of running a business isn’t finding work—it’s learning how to trust yourself as a leader."

5️⃣ On What It Takes to Succeed:

"It takes vision, patience, and the ability to adapt. Business isn’t just about talent—it’s about learning and evolving every step of the way."

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Robert Ancill, CEO of The Next Idea Group, to discuss his journey of reinvention from a culinary professional to a global business leader in hospitality and design.

Robert shares how he pivoted industries, scaled a business to 24 countries, and oversaw 89+ brand launches and 800+ restaurant openings worldwide. He dives into the challenges of growing a business internationally, the key ingredients for success, and what he’s learned from working with top hospitality brands.

Memorable Quotes from Robert Ancill:

💡 "Success isn’t just about a great idea—it’s about how well you execute it."

💡 "Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about taking what you’ve learned and applying it in new, meaningful ways."

💡 "Scaling a business globally means understanding cultures, not just markets."

💡 "In business, you either evolve or become irrelevant. There’s no in-between."

If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on reinvention, scaling, and long-term success.

• CEO & Chairman, The Next Idea Group
• Expert in restaurant consulting, branding, and interior design
• Over 89 brands launched and 800 restaurant openings in 24 countries
• Former executive with Aroma Café Group, Planet Hollywood, Panera Bread, and HMS Host
• Provides executive coaching to hospitality and design industry leaders

✅ Robert’s journey from culinary arts to global business leadership

✅ The moment that led him to pivot from hospitality operations to consulting & design

✅ How he built The Next Idea Group and scaled internationally

✅ The biggest challenges of growing a business across multiple markets

✅ The lessons he’s learned from 800+ restaurant openings

✅ Trends shaping the future of restaurant & hospitality design

✅ Advice for entrepreneurs looking to pivot industries or scale globally

✔️ Reinvention is possible—but requires adaptability, vision, and persistence

✔️ Scaling a business internationally demands an understanding of cultural differences and market trends

✔️ Execution matters just as much as a great idea

✔️ Success in business comes down to strategic planning, relationships, and continuous innovation

📌 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

📌 Connect with Robert Ancill:

🔗 Website: https://thenextideagroup.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robertancill

📌 Follow What It Takes for more inspiring business stories:

🔗 Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with James Bates, the Founder & CEO of AdviNow Medical, a company leveraging AI and augmented reality to transform healthcare. James shares his incredible journey—from leading billion-dollar tech businesses to raising $20 million to build his own game-changing startup.

We dive into the realities of scaling a business, the challenges of raising capital, and how James navigated industry pushback to bring innovation to healthcare. He also shares lessons in resilience, leadership, and team-building, giving founders and entrepreneurs a firsthand look at what it really takes to disrupt an industry.

💡 Memorable Quotes from James Bates:

🔹 “AdviNow allows doctors to be doctors once again.”

🔹 “I thought I was resilient before I founded this company—I had no idea what resilience meant.”

🔹 “If all you're saying is, ‘this is too hard, it’s taking too long,’ then you just have to ignore it.”

🔹 “Technology adoption in healthcare is seen as a risk, not a benefit—and that’s a big problem.”

🔹 “If you can tell me why my vision isn’t valid, I want that conversation. But if you’re just telling me to give up, I won’t.”

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to scale, a tech enthusiast interested in AI’s role in healthcare, or someone who loves real startup stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🚀 Episode Title:

👉 From Startup to Scale: James Bates on Raising $20M & Revolutionizing Healthcare

🎧 In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What inspired James to launch AdviNow Medical

✔️ The challenges of raising $20M and convincing investors

✔️ How AI and AR are transforming healthcare

✔️ The biggest obstacles he faced in scaling his business

✔️ The importance of building the right team

✔️ Key lessons in resilience, leadership, and overcoming setbacks

💡 Memorable Quotes:

🔹 “70% of the cost of a medical encounter is the doctor, but 66% of their time is spent on things that have nothing to do with their medical licensure.”

🔹 “Healthcare is 20% of the GDP, yet most medical practices don’t make money. That’s a major red flag.”

🔹 “If you want to build something big, you need an unwavering vision and relentless pursuit of it.”

🔹 “Technology is supposed to make things easier, but in healthcare, outdated systems are holding us back.”

🔹 “The biggest challenge isn’t the technology—it’s changing the mindset of an industry stuck in its ways.”

🔗 Connect with James & AdviNow Medical:

🌐 Website: www.advinow.com

📧 Email James: james.bates@advinow.com

📧 General inquiries: info@advinow.com

🔗 LinkedIn:

Anne also discusses her additional ventures—Left Brain Solutions, an operations consulting company, and Lupine Floral Design, a boutique floral business—highlighting her passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. This episode dives into leadership lessons, the challenges and rewards of running multiple businesses, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy in the culinary world.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into balancing growth with quality, fostering a strong team culture, and staying motivated in a competitive industry.

1. Key Themes to Highlight:

• Sustainability as a core value in business.
• The balance between innovation and maintaining quality.
• Leadership lessons from managing operations, HR, marketing, and finances.
• Scaling a business into new ventures, such as catering and food trucks.
• Personal motivation behind launching additional businesses.

1. Guest Background Highlights:

• Co-owner of Mayan Cafe since 2007, known for its sustainability and Mayan-inspired cuisine.
• Expanded into catering and Mayan Street Food, a food truck concept.
• Awarded NAWBO's thriving business award (2019) and Business First Family Business Award (2020).
• Business consultant at Louisville’s Small Business Development Center (2020–2022).
• Founder of Left Brain Solutions and Lupine Floral Design.

1. Potential Questions for Follow-Up:

• How did Anne identify the opportunity to expand into catering and food trucks?
• What advice does she have for maintaining brand consistency during growth?
• How does Anne approach time management across multiple ventures?

1. Engagement Tips for Anne’s Audience:

• Share stories that highlight her connection to Louisville and the local community.
• Dive into lessons from her leadership journey, including any specific challenges.
• End on a positive, motivational note about the future of Mayan Cafe and her entrepreneurial vision.

In this inspiring episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Puran Bair, an electrical engineer-turned-entrepreneur and meditation expert, to explore his incredible journey. Puran shares how he transitioned from corporate leadership roles to co-founding iamHeart, a business rooted in Heart Rhythm Meditation. We dive into the challenges of merging spirituality with entrepreneurship, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how leading with heart can transform not just businesses but lives.

Listeners will gain insight into the intersection of science and spirituality, the practical applications of heart-centered leadership, and actionable advice for creating purpose-driven businesses.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation and Courage: Puran’s bold leap from corporate life to creating a spiritually-focused business showcases the power of following one’s passion.
2. Practical Meditation: Heart Rhythm Meditation isn’t just for personal growth—it’s a powerful tool for leaders to enhance performance and decision-making.
3. Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Puran emphasizes the importance of staying aligned with your mission, even when facing doubts or challenges.
4. Balancing Science and Mysticism: By validating spiritual practices through scientific research, Puran bridges the gap between the mystical and the practical.
5. Heart-Centered Leadership: Entrepreneurs can lead with empathy, purpose, and intentionality for long-term impact and success.

Episode Notes:

• Guest Background: Puran’s story includes:
• A robust academic foundation in electrical engineering and computer science.
• Years of corporate experience in technology and finance before founding iamHeart.
• Groundbreaking work in meditation research, including physiological studies on Heart Rhythm Meditation.
• Themes Explored:
• The intersection of spirituality and business.
• Overcoming obstacles as a heart-centered entrepreneur.
• The impact of meditation on leadership and team performance.
• Advice for balancing purpose and profitability in entrepreneurship.
• Links Mentioned:
• iamHeart Website: iamHeart.org
• Puran’s Instagram: @iheartmeditation

Notes for Editing:

• Ensure a smooth transition between Puran’s technical background and spiritual journey.
• Highlight actionable insights for listeners, especially entrepreneurs.
• Emphasize Puran’s personal anecdotes to create a relatable and engaging narrative.