In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andy Steuer sits down with Isabelle Tashima, Investor at Volition Capital, for a behind-the-scenes look at growth equity investing. Isabelle walks through her path into private equity, what a day in the life of an investor actually looks like, and how Volition partners with founder-led companies that are ready to scale. Together, they unpack what investors look for beyond revenue numbers—team dynamics, capital efficiency, and long-term vision—and how founders can better prepare for growth-stage funding conversations.

💡 Backing Proven Founders with Patient Growth Capital
Volition Capital specializes in growth equity investments in capital-efficient, founder-owned technology and tech-enabled services companies. Rather than pushing premature exits, Volition takes a long-term, flexible approach—helping founders accelerate growth while maintaining control. Isabelle explains how the firm evaluates opportunities, supports portfolio companies post-investment, and differentiates itself by aligning incentives with founders. With a focus on sustainable scaling, disciplined execution, and partnership-driven investing, Volition Capital has become a trusted name for entrepreneurs looking to grow without losing autonomy.

🔗 Learn more about Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com/

💼 Connect with Volition Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volition-capital/

👤 Connect with Isabelle Tashima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-tashima-780065135/

Want to be featured on our Business Ninjas podcast? Go to WeLevel.net and schedule a time with us and we'll make it happen.

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What does it take to transform a 50-year-old lighting supplier into a modern infrastructure intelligence partner? In this episode, WLS Lighting & Electrical CEO, Brandon Scogins, shares how the company evolved from bucket-truck service calls to leading the industry in connected lighting, analytics, and sustainability reporting.

We talk about the LED boom, the rise of total cost of ownership thinking, the push toward unified platforms, and why commercial property owners need better visibility into their assets. Brandon also opens up about navigating the pandemic, rebranding a legacy company, and building an AI-powered future for portfolio insights.

Tune in for a grounded and forward-looking conversation about energy savings, smart infrastructure, and what it means to run a “new 50-year-old company.”

🔗 Learn more about WLS Lighting & Electrical: https://wlslighting.com/

💼 Connect with WLS Lighting & Electrical on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wls-lighting-systems-inc/

👤 Connect with Brandon Scogins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-scogins-46a15853/

Want to be featured on our Business Ninjas podcast? Go to WeLevel.net and schedule a time with us and we'll make it happen.

See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman sits down with Kristin McLane, President of CIMx Software, to talk about three decades of transforming how manufacturers build, track, and deliver products. Since 1996, CIMx has been helping manufacturers modernize production processes, eliminate paper-based workflows, and gain visibility across the shop floor with their advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions.

Kristin shares how CIMx empowers manufacturers to gain full control of production data, reduce waste, and boost throughput through real-time insights. By focusing on adaptability and customer support, CIMx has become the trusted partner for complex manufacturing operations—from aerospace and defense to medical devices and electronics. The company’s flagship platform, Quantum, bridges the gap between production and performance, helping teams make better decisions faster.

If your business is ready to streamline operations, enhance traceability, and future-proof your manufacturing, this conversation is a must-listen.

🔗 Learn more about CIMx Software: https://www.cimx.com/
💼 Connect with CIMx Software on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cimx/
👤 Connect with Kristin McLane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmclane/


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Want to be featured on our Business Ninjas podcast? Go to WeLevel.net and schedule a time with us and we'll make it happen.

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