TeaPod Show

TeaPod: Episode 6 "As It Should..." Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/eJzU-VEQ In this Episode: Introduction and Check-in: Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey kick off the episode with a humorous exchange about discovering misplaced product amidst an unexpected order, leading to a light-hearted reflection on organizational mishaps and the reactive nature of addressing customer needs in the moment. Today’s Tea Choices: Martika indulges in a tropical coconut blend, playfully challenging the stereotype associated with her island heritage, while Brian opts for a vanilla mint chai, savoring its unique flavor profile. The discussion then shifts to the traditional “bush tea” from the Caribbean, with a special focus on its cultural significance and the wide array of health benefits it’s believed to offer, sparking curiosity and amusement about the natural remedies available in one’s backyard. The Hustle Culture Debate: The conversation takes a deeper turn as the hosts delve into the topic of “hustle porn” and the glorification of overworking in the entrepreneurial world. They candidly discuss the thin line between dedication and the unhealthy compulsion to work incessantly, emphasizing the importance of finding balance and the potential dangers of romanticizing the grind. The Power of the Right Circle: Martika and Brian explore the impact of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share a similar work ethic. They reflect on how their own dynamic trio, including guest Chris Morancie, fosters a culture of mutual respect, support, and inspiration, driving each other to achieve greater heights without succumbing to competitive pressures. Redefining Workforce Development: Special guest Chris S. Morancie, MBA shares his vision of blending entrepreneurship with workforce development to create more equitable opportunities. He discusses the initiatives of the Idea and Innovation Factory and LT3 Academy, aiming to empower both startups and individuals seeking to enter the tech field, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between nurturing talent and supporting emerging businesses. Closing Thoughts: The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussions, underscoring the recurring theme of “As It Should” – the idea that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, the outcomes, learnings, and connections formed along the way align with the natural course of personal and professional growth. The hosts leave listeners with thoughts on persistence, adaptability, and the invaluable nature of a supportive community in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Shout Outs: LT3 Group, Soaring City Innovation Partnership, The University of Tampa Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, Bert Seither, Rebecca J. White, PhD, BUP, Allison (Fintech) #podcast #startups #tech

TeaPod: Episode 5 "Opps or Nah" Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/eG-huBvj Welcome to TeaPod…where the worlds of entrepreneurship and tea culture blend into a unique podcast experience. Co-hosted by dynamic entrepreneurs and CEOs, Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, TeaPod is your weekly invitation to join us at the intersection of business innovation and casual conversation. In this Episode: Introduction and Check-in: Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey set the stage with a dynamic conversation about Slack’s pricing model and the nuances of managing active users, sparking a light-hearted debate about the platform’s billing practices. Today’s Tea Choices: Both hosts enjoy a classic Earl Grey Lavender, symbolizing their shared appreciation for traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. Navigating the Funding Maze: The duo delves into the complexities of securing funding for startups, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies that have shaped their journeys. The discussion covers the spectrum from exhilarating successes to the sobering realities of investor rejections. The Art of Saying No: A candid conversation about the importance of boundary-setting in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting how saying no can be a pivotal decision for a business’s trajectory. Pivoting Strategies: The hosts explore the concept of pivoting in the startup world, sharing stories of strategic shifts that led to new opportunities and growth, underscoring the adaptability required in the entrepreneurial landscape. Closing Thoughts: Reflecting on the episode’s discussions, Martika and Brian emphasize the value of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and the supportive community within the startup ecosystem, leaving listeners with insights to ponder and apply to their own entrepreneurial endeavors. Shout Outs: Slack, Monica Roca-Quesada, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Eric Larson, Jerome Dishman, Chris S. Morancie, MBA, Andres Barreto, Soaring City Innovation Partnership, BUP, Allison (Fintech) #podcast #startups #tech

TeaPod: Episode 4 "Pugs" Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/dDATzHyc Welcome to TeaPod…where the worlds of entrepreneurship and tea culture blend into a unique podcast experience. Co-hosted by dynamic entrepreneurs and CEOs, Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, TeaPod is your weekly invitation to join us at the intersection of business innovation and casual conversation. In this Episode: Introduction and Tea Mishap: A lively start with hosts Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, reflecting on the loss of Brian's tea. Special Guest: Welcoming Fatin Kwasny, CEO of Fractio; Stephanie Philpot, Founder of The Eczema Sample Store, for a candid and insightful discussion. Today's Tea Choices: Fatin's Choice: Ginger Stephanie's Choice: N/A Martika's Choice: Earl Grey Brian's Choice: Christmas blend Journey of Fractio: Fatin shares the inception and mission of Fractio, a platform designed to support early-stage startups by providing fractional skills on a usage-based model, aiming to reduce the common pitfalls startups face. The Eczema Sample Store: Stephanie discusses her personal journey with eczema and how it led her to create a subscription box service aimed at helping those with sensitive skin discover products that work for them without the financial burden. Entrepreneurial Insights: Both guests share valuable insights on navigating the startup landscape, the importance of adaptability, and the art of leveraging feedback for business growth. Cultural and Personal Reflections: The hosts and guests engage in a candid discussion about personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and the unexpected paths life can take us on. Closing Thoughts: The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of finding balance, both in personal life and in entrepreneurship, and the ongoing quest for innovation and solving real-world problems. Shout Outs: Soaring City Innovation Partnership, BUP, Allison (Fintech) #podcast #startups #tech

TeaPod: Episode 3 "Chicken Fries" Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/eg4zFgfk Welcome to TeaPod…where the worlds of entrepreneurship and tea culture blend into a unique podcast experience. Co-hosted by dynamic entrepreneurs and CEOs, Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, TeaPod is your weekly invitation to join us at the intersection of business innovation and casual conversation. In this Episode: Introduction and Check-in: A lively start with hosts Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, reflecting on their journey to the third episode. Special Guest: Welcoming April Caldwell, the CEO of fayVen, for a candid and insightful discussion. Today’s Tea Choices: April Caldwell’s Choice: Peach Apricot Tea. Martika’s Choice: Tropical Coco, with hints of mango. Brian’s Choice: THEY DIDN’T GET TO MINE!!!! Journey to Entrepreneurship: April shares her transition from a dental laboratory technician in the Air Force to starting a company. The Birth of fayVen: Discovering how April’s personal experiences led to creating a unique marketplace for retail space. Challenges and Triumphs in Pitching: April and Martika discuss their experiences in pitch competitions and overcoming public speaking nerves. The Importance of Team Building: Insights into the challenges of finding passionate team members for a startup. Coping with Performance Anxiety: Martika opens up about her background as a musician and dealing with performance anxiety. Entrepreneurial Growth and Learning: Reflections on growth, adapting to change, and becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. April’s Advice on Feedback and Decision Making: How to discern and utilize feedback effectively for business development. Trademark Triumphs: April shares her success story of acquiring the ‘fayVen’ handle on Instagram. Closing Thoughts: A discussion on the importance of good legal representation for startups and final words from the hosts. Shout Outs: Richard Munassi MD MBA, Tampa Bay Wave, Lakshmi Shenoy, Embarc Collective, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship, eMerge Americas, Florida Polytechnic University, Soaring City Innovation Partnership, BUP, Allison (Fintech) #podcast #startups #tech

TeaPod: Episode 2 "Tumeric" Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/e79f4NTn Welcome to TeaPod…where the worlds of entrepreneurship and tea culture blend into a unique podcast experience. Co-hosted by dynamic entrepreneurs and CEOs, Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, TeaPod is your weekly invitation to join us at the intersection of business innovation and casual conversation. In this Episode: Special Mention: Big shout out to John from Tampa Bay Community Network for joining us and helping with the podcast. A Week into 2024: Reflecting on the first week of the new year and discussing lessons learned. Today’s Tea Choices: Martika’s Choice: Blueberry Rubois (or Rubra, or Ruboys – the jury’s still out on the pronunciation). Brian’s Choice: Turmeric/Tumeric Ginger Business and Personal Growth: Embracing new strategies for time management and productivity. Exploring the use of ChatGPT for business efficiency and personal development. The importance of intentional environment design, as explained through examples from “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Interpersonal Dynamics in Business: The unique challenges and rewards of working with a spouse or close partner in business. The evolution of collaboration when co-founders work remotely. Content Strategies: Innovative approaches to re-engaging with customers and creating community-centric content. Mental Health and Entrepreneurship: Discussing the use of technology and other tools for mental health support. Community Shoutout: A big thank you to TBCN and their contribution to the community. Wrapping Up: Our thoughts on this week’s episode and looking forward to the next. Shout Outs: Rebecca J. White, PhD, The University of Tampa Lowth Entrepreneurship Center

TeaPod: Episode 1 "Macron" Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/egdZ3KTf Welcome to TeaPod…where the worlds of entrepreneurship and tea culture blend into a unique podcast experience. Co-hosted by dynamic entrepreneurs and CEOs, Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, TeaPod is your weekly invitation to join us at the intersection of business innovation and casual conversation. What’s Brewing Today on TeaPod: Introducing the Hosts: Get to know Martika Brianne Jones and Brian Alvarez-Bailey, the entrepreneurs behind the mics. Our Startup Stories: Dive into the origins and visions of BUP and Allison (Fintech). Today’s Tea Choices: Discover what teas we’re sipping on in this episode and the stories behind them. Reflecting on 2023: Sharing our key takeaways, successes, and learning experiences from the past year. Looking Ahead to 2024: Discussing our goals, expectations, and what’s brewing for the year ahead. Debunking “Thought Leadership”: A candid conversation about the buzzwords and jargon in the business world. Shoutout to Tampa: Why we think Tampa is an incredible place for entrepreneurs and innovators. Brian’s Move to Birmingham: Exploring the impact and benefits of relocating to Birmingham. Shout Outs: Tampa Bay Community Network, Soaring City Innovation Partnership, Embarc Collective, The University of Tampa Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, Birmingham Bound , Maria Underwood, Alabama Futures Fund, Matt Hottle, Chris S. Morancie, MBA, Techstars Miami