Future Factory
The Future Factory Podcast is your go-to business podcast for seeing the future in real time. Hosted by founder of CDO Group, Anthony Amunategui, where he is joined by some of the most influential and respected guests in the business world. From young entrepreneurs changing the world via startups, to leaders of established big name brands across the world.
The Future Factory Podcast is your go-to business podcast for seeing the future in real time. Hosted by founder of CDO Group, Anthony Amunategui, where he is joined by some of the most influential and respected guests in the business world. From young entrepreneurs changing the world via startups, to leaders of established big name brands across the world.
Episodes
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with growth expert Gilad Bechar to break down how companies can use Agentic AI, data, and modern marketing systems to unlock massive growth. Gilad shares the strategies his team uses to help some of the largest companies in the world - including Google, Uber, Samsung, and Reddit - find product-market fit, optimize messaging, and scale faster. From testing marketing funnels and analyzing competitors with AI to creating hyper-targeted campaigns that convert, this conversation dives deep into how founders and entrepreneurs can compete - even with small budgets. If you want to understand how AI is reshaping marketing, customer acquisition, and business growth, this episode is packed with practical insights.
Special GuestGilad Bechar is a growth strategist and entrepreneur who helps companies unlock scalable growth through data, AI, and advanced marketing systems. Over the past decade, he and his team have worked with more than 1,000 brands, including global platforms like Google, Uber, Samsung, and Reddit, helping them refine messaging, optimize funnels, and reach the right customers at the right time. Gilad specializes in helping both startups and established companies identify product-market fit, run rapid experimentation, and use AI-driven insights to accelerate growth.
Chapters:00:00 - Introducing Gilad and Agentic AI for Growth03:20 - From Working With Google and Uber to Helping Startups06:10 - Shoestring Budgets and Finding Product–Market Fit Fast09:10 - Using Competitor Data and AI to Reverse Engineer Winning Ads12:30 - Learning From How Giants Like Tinder, Facebook, and Amazon Grew15:20 - Pricing Models, LTV, and Different Growth Levers by Business Type18:05 - Funnels That Work for Any Business: From Pain Point to Aha Moment21:10 - Reducing Friction and Matching Messages to Different User Intents24:20 - Local Services Example: Landscaping, Neighborhood Targeting, and FOMO28:10 - Hyper-Personalization by Audience, Location, and Use Case32:30 - Multi-Funnel Websites, Career Pages, and Why Entrepreneurs Don’t Implement
GILAD'S INFO:Website: https://moburst.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/begilad/
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdr...Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207... FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram: / futurefactorypodcast Twitter: / futurefactoryff Facebook: / futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: / futurefactorypodcast TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactory...
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: / anthonyamunategui Facebook: / anthony.amunategui.3
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4 days ago
4 days ago
SummaryIn this episode, Anthony sits down with investor and financial educator Robert Rolih to break down the truth about investing, financial advisors, and long-term wealth building. Robert explains why most investors overcomplicate the market, how small management fees can quietly destroy your long-term returns, and why simple strategies like low-cost ETFs and consistent investing often outperform professional fund managers. The conversation explores the psychology of investing, the dangers of short-term trading, and how everyday investors can take control of their financial future using disciplined long-term strategies. This episode is a powerful guide for anyone who wants to build wealth without falling into the traps of Wall Street complexity.
Special GuestRobert Rolih is a financial educator, investor, and creator of the Millionaire Money Making Machine investing program. After experiencing major losses early in his financial journey by trusting traditional financial advisors, Robert dedicated himself to mastering long-term investing strategies focused on low fees, diversification, and disciplined market behavior. Since 2012, he has helped thousands of investors across more than 70 countries learn how to build wealth through simple, evidence-based investing principles.
Chapters:00:00 - Intro, Robert’s background and why investing feels confusing01:53 - Global ETFs explained and avoiding stock-picking stress04:08 - Young investor strategy: risk, crypto, and avoiding penny stocks05:49 - Power of compounding and long-term mindset06:32 - Why short-term trading is a losing game07:54 - What to actually buy: ETFs, tech, and Bitcoin as “digital gold”08:48 - How to choose ETFs and the danger of high fees11:28 - The true long-term cost of a 1% management fee13:07 - Robert’s wake-up call and taking control of personal finance14:29 - Using AI (Zoe/ChatGPT) and filtering out financial “noise”18:04 - Market panics, optimism, and Robert’s long-term investing group
ROBERT'S INFO:Website: https://robertrolih.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-ro...Book: The Million Dollar Decision - available on Amazon
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdr...Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207... FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram: / futurefactorypodcast Twitter: / futurefactoryff Facebook: / futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: / futurefactorypodcast TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactory...
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: / anthonyamunategui Facebook: / anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefa...
Friday Mar 06, 2026
The Inner Game That Makes Entrepreneurs Unstoppable | Rajesh Nagjee
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
SummaryIn this episode, Anthony sits down with Rajesh Nagjee to explore the inner game of entrepreneurship and why so many founders struggle to scale their businesses. Rajesh challenges the belief that failure means incompetence and explains how growth often requires stepping into temporary “incompetence” as leaders evolve to the next level. Together, they dive into the psychology of leadership, the importance of clear mental space, and the hidden distractions that prevent entrepreneurs from performing at their best. Rajesh also breaks down practical frameworks around integrity, alignment, and necessary conditions for business success, offering a powerful perspective on how leaders can simplify complexity and unlock sustainable growth.
Special GuestRajesh Nagjee is a business coach, speaker, and founder of Last Resort Coaching. He works with entrepreneurs and leadership teams to overcome internal bottlenecks that prevent businesses from scaling. Through his coaching, Rajesh helps founders shift their mindset, strengthen their inner game, and build organizations that operate with clarity, alignment, and purpose. Drawing from decades of experience and lessons learned through the “school of hard knocks,” he equips leaders with simple yet powerful frameworks to improve performance, decision-making, and long-term business growth.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and welcoming Rajesh to the podcast02:06 – Promotion = new incompetence: inner vs. outer game05:05 – Deep work, distraction-free focus, and beginner’s mind08:05 – Clear space as the #1 goal in life and business10:14 – Overwhelmed founder story and the power of naming “betrayal”14:29 – Escaping the past-present trap and living at the present-future intersection18:24 – Morality vs. workability: integrity, alignment, and necessary & sufficient24:10 – Values on the wall vs. values in action and universal business principles30:22 – Long arrow, small arrows, and chunking complex processes38:44 – Fixed process vs. fixed outcome, and minimizing time & risk46:28 – What great coaching really is and how to work with Rajesh
RAJESH'S INFO:Website: https://rajeshnagjee.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rajeshnagjee/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeshnagjee/
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Stop Burning Out Your Team - The Optimal Performer Method | Matt Granados
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Matt Granados to challenge the grind culture most entrepreneurs wear as a badge of honor. Matt introduces the concept of moving from high performer to optimal performer — maintaining elite output without burning out yourself or your team. Together, they debate hustle vs sustainability, discipline vs distraction, and how leaders can create intentional margin without sacrificing results. From the “20 Mile March” principle to truth-based transformation, this conversation dives deep into awareness, leadership, and building businesses that scale without destroying the people inside them.
Special GuestMatt Granados is a performance coach, speaker, and founder of LifePulse, where he helps executives, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams move from burnout-driven success to sustainable, optimal performance. Through workshops, executive coaching, and organizational overhauls, Matt equips leaders with practical frameworks to improve focus, accountability, discipline, and fulfillment — both in business and at home. His work centers on truth-based transformation, intentional growth, and helping teams close performance gaps without sacrificing long-term health.
Chapters:00:00 – Can grind culture really be sustainable?01:14 – The 20-Mile March and Southwest’s disciplined growth03:05 – High performers vs. optimal performers04:09 – Whole-person performance and the “inefficiency epidemic”07:26 – “I can’t” vs. responsibility and calling10:14 – Boundaries, overwork, and the difference between nice and kind leadership16:33 – Discipline, parenting, and the difference between managing and babysitting20:29 – Analysis paralysis, distraction, and deep work24:43 – Spiritual perspective, purpose, and “go slow to go fast”32:27 – Addiction, phones, sugar, and building helpful friction45:25 – Hitting rock bottom, self-awareness, and how Matt works with teams
MATT’S INFO:Website: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/Podcast: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgranados
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Your Rock Bottom Is the Foundation You Build On | Hilary Momberger Powers
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Summary In this episode, Hilary Momberger Powers shares her powerful journey from trauma, addiction, and self-destructive patterns to becoming a sobriety and recovery coach who helps others rebuild their lives from the inside out. She and Anthony dive into the psychology of the mind, the illusion of external validation, and why “rock bottom” can actually be the greatest turning point a person experiences. Hilary breaks down practical steps for interrupting negative thought loops, rewiring self-sabotage, and surrendering control to create lasting transformation. This conversation is a raw, honest exploration of resilience, healing, and what it really means to rebuild yourself after life shatters you.
Special GuestHilary Momberger Powers is a recovery and life coach dedicated to helping people overcome addiction, trauma, and destructive mental patterns. Drawing from decades of lived experience, she guides clients through deep inner work, helping them quiet the mind, confront limiting beliefs, and step into a life of purpose and stability. Her coaching focuses on practical transformation, emotional resilience, and learning how to live fully in the present moment.
Chapters:00:00 - Kintsugi, brokenness, and introducing sober coach Hilary00:48 - Seasons of life: from “more, more, more” to “How can I serve?”02:38 - Chasing external validation vs. discovering happiness within04:55 - Hollywood childhood, Charlie Brown, and a narcissistic mother08:19 - Trauma responses: people-pleasing, isolating, and controlling11:51 - Mind‑power disease, warped thinking, and early recovery19:05 - Hitting bottom, grand mal seizure, and learning to surrender25:33 - Message to struggling women: your bottom as a gift and purpose30:37 - Rewiring the brain: inventory, stories, and character defects35:16 - Getting into action despite feelings: prayer and next steps42:07 - Hillary’s coaching, dumpster diving, and podcast wrap‑up
HILARY’S INFO:Website: https://hilarymombergerpowers.comCoaching: https://meetwithhilary.coach/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-momberger-powers-078a604/
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Why Leaders Fail Without Storytelling | Gabrielle Dolan
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
SummaryIn this episode, Anthony sits down with Gabrielle Dolan to explore why storytelling is one of the most underrated leadership and communication skills in business today. Gabrielle breaks down the science and psychology behind why stories are remembered while data is forgotten, how leaders can use simple personal stories to build trust and influence, and why most professionals struggle to communicate clearly because of the “curse of knowledge.” They dive into practical frameworks for crafting impactful stories, common mistakes leaders make when trying to communicate ideas, and how storytelling can transform the way you connect with teams, clients, and audiences. This conversation is a practical masterclass for anyone who wants to communicate with clarity, build credibility, and make their message stick.
Special GuestGabrielle Dolan is a global keynote speaker, storytelling expert, and author who helps leaders and organizations communicate with impact through authentic storytelling. With over two decades of experience working with executives, teams, and major companies, she specializes in teaching professionals how to turn everyday experiences into powerful stories that build trust, drive engagement, and inspire action. Gabrielle is the author of Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling and is widely recognized for helping leaders become more human, relatable, and effective communicators.
Chapters:00:00 - Introducing Gabrielle Dolan and the power of storytelling01:00 - The illusion of communication and the “curse of knowledge”03:40 - Why stories work better than data in change and transformation06:30 - The risk manager “Copperhead snake” story and its impact09:40 - Stories as sticky communication: understand, remember, retell11:30 - Oversharing, vulnerability, and avoiding the “too much story” trap13:20 - Story length, pacing, and why leaders must “get to the point”15:50 - Simple story structure: one message, beginning–middle–end18:40 - Naming characters, showing feelings, and landing the message20:40 - Authentic vs manipulative storytelling and why truth matters24:40 - Storytelling as a critical leadership skill + Gabrielle’s book plug and podcast wrap-up
GABRIELLE’S INFO:Website: https://www.gabrielledolan.comBook: Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling – Available on Amazon & major retailersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Friday Feb 20, 2026
Why Podcasting Is The New Marketing Advantage | Dennis Meador
Friday Feb 20, 2026
Friday Feb 20, 2026
SummaryIn this episode, Anthony sits down with Dennis Meador to unpack why podcasting is no longer just for creators — it’s becoming one of the most powerful business tools for professionals. Dennis breaks down the real ways podcasts generate revenue beyond ads and sponsorships, how authority positioning attracts high-value clients, and why connection beats content volume every time. They explore the shift from mass marketing to relationship-driven influence, the psychology behind audience trust, and how business owners can use podcasting to build credibility, referrals, and long-term growth. This conversation is a practical playbook for anyone who wants to turn their voice into a strategic advantage.
Special GuestDennis Meador is a podcast strategist, consultant, and founder of a podcast network that helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and firms build authority-driven shows that generate clients, referrals, and market influence. He specializes in positioning leaders as trusted voices in their industries through strategic content, scalable systems, and targeted audience connection. Dennis works with professionals across industries to transform podcasting into a serious growth and relationship-building engine.
Chapters:00:00 - From hobby podcasters to professional podcasts02:08 - Why podcasting is now a primary channel for authentic connection06:45 - Forget millions of views: the power of small, core audiences07:58 - Five ways to monetize a podcast beyond ads and sponsors11:43 - Becoming a 3D expert: turning professionals into trusted personalities13:35 - Hernia surgeon story: how niche expertise builds instant demand17:31 - Authority podcasts for lawyers and professionals with “non-sexy” topics18:25 - Using podcasts to build powerful referral relationships25:33 - Overselling vs serving: when your content turns people off31:05 - Digital languages and being platform-agnostic40:58 - New platforms (Threads, BlueSky, Pinterest) and balancing value vs self-promotion
DENNIS’ INFO:Website: https://www.dmondemand.expert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennismeador/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelegalpodcastnetwork_
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Stop Competing on Price or Your Business Dies | Harrison Tash
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
SummaryIn this episode, Harrison Tash joins Anthony to break down why most businesses struggle to scale — and how the ones that win create unstoppable momentum. They explore the concept of “core promises,” why competing on price is a losing strategy, and how companies can become so valuable that customers willingly pay more and employees stay longer. From leadership honesty and culture building to systems, communication, and future-proofing against AI disruption, this conversation delivers practical frameworks entrepreneurs can apply immediately to strengthen trust, sharpen strategy, and build companies that last.
Special GuestHarrison Tash is a business consultant, speaker, and founder of Living Water Consulting, where he helps organizations develop high-performing teams, stronger leadership culture, and scalable operational systems. He specializes in working with trades-based and growth-stage companies, guiding leaders to clarify vision, implement measurable value for customers, and build organizations that thrive through change. Harrison is also the author of Exit Without Leaving, a book focused on leadership, legacy, and building businesses that run effectively without depending on the owner.
Chapters:00:00 - Setting the stage: Harrison’s background & podcast kickoff03:16 - What are “core promises”? Chick-fil-A vs. Wendy’s09:54 - Turning strengths into measurable promises (gyms & cleanliness)12:28 - Roofing & lawn care: escaping the race to the bottom on price18:51 - Human connection vs. AI customer service26:13 - Core promises for employees: Chick-fil-A’s culture & Sundays off31:22 - Competing with “sharks”: price wars, risk, and reinvention42:02 - Vision of the future: “dirt to dishes in four weeks” & AI in construction47:43 - Healthy leaders, clarity, and rigorous honesty55:59 - GROW, INVEST, GUIDE: the GIG framework for leadership1:21:13 - Systems, vulnerability, and multiplying leaders (wrap-up & Harrison’s offer)
HARRISON’S INFO:Website: https://consultlivingwater.comEmail: connect@consultlivingwater.comBook: Exit Without Leaving — Available on Amazon & major retailersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-tash/
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Friday Feb 13, 2026
The Business of Healthcare Is Failing Patients | Dr. Jessica Edwards
Friday Feb 13, 2026
Friday Feb 13, 2026
SummaryIn this episode, Anthony sits down with Dr. Jessica Edwards to explore what’s broken in modern healthcare — and how a more human, preventative, and personalized approach can radically improve long-term health. Dr. Edwards explains why rushed appointments, insurance-driven incentives, and symptom-focused care are failing patients, and why true longevity comes from addressing root causes like nutrition, sleep, mental health, and lifestyle. Together, they unpack concierge medicine, generational health habits, accountability in care, and what it really means to extend health span, not just lifespan. This conversation challenges how we think about medicine and empowers listeners to take ownership of their health.
Special GuestDr. Jessica Edwards is a physician, entrepreneur, and healthcare innovator focused on longevity, preventative medicine, and whole-person care. With an MBA and years of clinical experience, she blends medical expertise with operational discipline to create patient-centered healthcare models that prioritize time, trust, and outcomes. She is the founder of Zara Medical and the COO of Serene Space AI, expanding access to personalized care and mental health support across the U.S.
Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Edwards & the broken incentives of medicine02:44 - Medicaid rates, insurance profits & access challenges in Texas04:28 - Investing early in “extreme health”: labs, sleep, diet & lifestyle08:09 - Generational health habits and meeting patients where they are10:18 - Using data, diagnostics & stepwise goals to drive behavior change12:57 - Tough love vs compassion: addiction, denial & food as coping18:06 - Social determinants, unsafe neighborhoods & creative health workarounds21:27 - Perimenopause, midlife weight gain & the mental health connection24:20 - The “Four Horsemen” (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s) & prevention27:37 - Dr. Edwards’ top 5 longevity habits for patients to focus on29:10 - How to work with Dr. Edwards, SereneSpace AI & podcast outro
DR. EDWARDS’ INFO:Website: https://zaramedical.com/Serene Space AI: https://serenespace.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-edwards-shepherd-411905152/
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
How Investors Decide If Your Company Is Ready to Scale | Isabelle Tashima
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
SummaryIn this episode, Anthony sits down with Isabelle Tashima to break down what it really takes to raise growth capital — and when founders shouldn’t raise at all. Isabelle pulls back the curtain on how investors evaluate companies post product-market fit, why capital should accelerate what’s already working (not fix what’s broken), and what separates scalable businesses from those that stall out. They explore sustainable growth, capital efficiency, AI’s impact on company building, and the brutal mistakes founders make when chasing funding too early. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating the jump from startup traction to real, durable scale.
Special GuestIsabelle Tashima is a growth equity investor at Volition Capital, where she partners with founders scaling capital-efficient, category-defining businesses. Prior to Volition, she worked in middle-market M&A at Goldman Sachs before earning her MBA and transitioning into growth investing. Isabelle focuses on companies post product-market fit, helping founders accelerate sustainable growth while avoiding the common traps of premature scaling and misaligned capital partners.
Chapters:00:00 - From startup to scale: introducing Isabelle and today’s topic01:07 - Should you raise capital? Sustainable, repeatable growth03:04 - Post–product-market fit: signals investors want to see05:19 - Capital efficiency, cash discipline, and organic traction07:39 - Big markets, niches, and competing in crowded spaces08:27 - AI’s impact on company building and investing10:23 - Fast-changing markets and why team agility matters12:33 - Capital for “good to great”: partnering with efficient founders13:40 - Value beyond the check: hiring, marketing, and portfolio support16:35 - Lessons from deals, contrarian bets, and the Chewy example19:06 - Isabelle’s path from Goldman to growth equity and hard truths on fundraising
ISABELLE’S INFO:Website: https://www.volitioncapital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-tashima-780065135/
PODCAST INFO:Website:https://FutureFactory.liveSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/Twitter:https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFFFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcastTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatchhttps://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

Your Host: Anthony Amunategui
Anthony Amunategui is the Founder of CDO Group, a National Commercial Construction firm he started 25 years ago with a small group in his basement. Today CDO group has worked with some of the world’s largest brands to build an estimated one million square feet of retail space per year. Anthony has a true passion for finding out what makes people successful in business and in life. He loves diving into conversations about what the future holds for us personally and professionally, and the adventures that shape that journey.



