Category: Dialogue with Entrepreneurs

Recently I spoke with Craig Mercure who co-founded and ultimately sold Virtix Health, a medical services company that provides healthcare technology solutions that help health plans streamline operations and improve efficiency. In this interview, Craig shares practical insights about starting and growing a business. He emphasizes the importance of staying authentic and surrounding yourself with people who support your values and mission and stresses the necessity of building a company to create real value for customers. We discuss the emerging role of AI in entrepreneurship and the exciting new trends in tertiary education. Above all, Craig encourages young entrepreneurs to take the leap, to remember that the biggest failure is not jumping in.

Recently I spoke with Grayson Omans, CEO and co-founder of Phoenix LiDAR Systems, a pioneering company that builds custom drone-based mapping solutions for industries like construction, mining, and utilities. With over a decade of experience navigating the challenges of a highly technical and evolving space, Grayson shares the story of how he turned a bold idea into a successful business. He speaks to the importance of relentless belief in your mission, the deep satisfaction that comes from serving customers well, the need to constantly adapt in the face of regulation and market shifts, and the value of building a tight-knit team that feels more like a family.

Jasmine Bhatti is a nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of Navi Nurses, a healthcare company that blends science with compassionate care. In this interview, she shares her journey building a business that prioritizes community, cultural connection, and patient-centered care. She emphasizes the power of authenticity in entrepreneurship, highlighting how staying true to your mission can drive meaningful impact. Jasmine also discusses the importance of resilience, the growing role of technology in healthcare, and why young entrepreneurs should act on their ideas. Her advice is simple but powerful—just start, stay connected to what matters, and use every opportunity to grow.

Recently I spoke with Mat Sherman, an entrepreneur and podcast host, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Mat’s journey includes launching and running SeedScout, a trail blazing startup that connected founders with a network of venture capitalists, and interviewing almost 1000 high potential early-stage startup pioneers on his podcast Forward Thinking Founders. Mat Sherman reflects on the lessons learned from SeedScout and explains pitfalls and potential positive changes in the VC space. He also emphasizes the value of building your own community if you can’t find one that embraces you, the importance of independent thought, and the beauty of the pay-it-forward mentorship dynamic to be found in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Recently I spoke with Keyonte Frager, a sports and entertainment industry brand manager based in Seattle. Overcoming the challenges of not having a four-year degree or entrepreneurial role models growing up, Keyonte truly embraces an entrepreneurial mindset in seeing opportunities where others see adversity. His inspiring story shows us that self-belief and boldness can lead to great things. Mr. Frager speaks of the importance of falling in love with your own story to find fulfillment, the value of having the courage to build yourself a seat at the table, and the joy to be found in helping the people you’re in community with.

Recently I spoke with Kate Sieker, a key figure in Phoenix’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. On a journey from the East Coast to Silicon Valley, and finally to Phoenix, Ms. Sieker has become a champion of fostering innovation and collaboration in the startup community. Kate’s work with Phoenix Startup Week and her role in shaping the local entrepreneurial environment through YesPHX and YesAZ highlight her deep personal commitment to positive growth and community. She speaks to the importance of connection and support and reminds us that the best work is work that’s service.

Recently I spoke with Majak Wenyin, Co-Director of the Republic of South Sudan (ROSS) Leaders, a national non-profit empowering youth in 5 states through mentorship, academic tutoring, and athletic training. Born in South Sudan, Majak Wenyin immigrated to the US as a refugee when he was a child. He played college basketball before founding So Elite Basketball and joining forces with Jacob Idra and ROSS Leaders. He regularly returns to South Sudan to mentor and host basketball camps for local youth. He has forged a path that intertwines his passion for athletics with a profound commitment to community service. He is truly using his entrepreneurial talents to better international communities.

Recently, I spoke with Chris Clark, a food futurist currently based in Dubai. A food industry entrepreneur and founder of The Healthy Ice Cream Company, Mr. Clark’s journey includes the publication of award-winning books in the food nutrition space, contributing to publications such as Men’s Health and The Huffington Post, and opening restaurants in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Mr. Clark speaks to the importance of impact and purpose in community building, the ongoing benefits of a college business education, and the value of on-the-job learning and networking.

Recently I spoke with Christie Kerner, whose 30-year entrepreneurial journey has spanned multiple successful start-ups, defining roles inside StartupAZ, and a tenure as the Executive Director of Student Entrepreneurship at Arizona State University. With a wealth of experience and a passion for community-building, Christie has focused much of her entrepreneurial journey on empowering others to find personal fulfillment. This is exemplified by her most recent venture as the founder of the Startup COO Club. Christie Kerner speaks to the importance of finding your tribe, the merits of emotional intelligence in entrepreneurship, and the invaluable role of hands-on experience.