Send us a Text Message.

Guest: Alexander Blum, Founder of Applied Bioplastics

In this episode of Decentralized Opportunity, Wyatt and Tanner sit down with Alexander Blum, the innovative mind behind Applied Bioplastics. Alexander's journey from adversity to making a significant environmental impact is truly inspiring.

What's in This Episode?

The Magic of Bioplastics:
Alexander kicks off by explaining what bioplastics are and how his company uses agricultural waste to create strong, affordable alternatives to traditional plastics. He introduces us to their unique products, BioFi and Better Board, and shares how they are changing the game in the plastics industry.

Breaking Down Barriers:
Ale speaks about the challenges his company faced, from industry skepticism to technical hurdles. He shares how his team overcame these obstacles, making biocomposites that are not only stronger but also cheaper than conventional plastics.

From Homelessness to Innovation:
Alexander’s story is one of resilience. From his early struggles, including a stint of homelessness, to founding a company that aims to make a global impact, his journey is a testament to determination and vision.

Making a Difference:
Learn about Alexander’s philanthropic efforts, such as running for city council to improve local infrastructure and donating a substantial sum to charity. His work in refugee camps, where he helped create durable shelters from biocomposites, highlights his commitment to positive change.

Personal Hardships:
Alexander opens up about his diagnosis with psoriatic arthritis and how it has fueled his drive to leave a lasting legacy. His story is a powerful reminder of how personal challenges can inspire broader impacts.

Future Vision:
Looking ahead, Alexander shares his vision for the bioplastics industry and Applied Bioplastics. He talks about ambitious plans for community-driven production facilities and innovative waste management systems.

A Unique Business Philosophy:
Discover Alexander’s approach to business, which focuses on treating employees with respect and flexibility. His insights into creating a supportive and mission-driven work environment are both innovative and thought-provoking.

Connect with Alexander Blum:

• LinkedIn: Alexander Blum
• Company Website: Applied Bioplastics
• Personal Story: Consequential

Join us for this engaging conversation that blends entrepreneurship, sustainability, and human resilience. Alexander Blum’s story is a powerful example of how one person’s vision and determination can lead to meaningful change.

Tune in next week for another inspiring episode!

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

Summary
Maria Flynn, author of 'Make Opportunity Happen,' shares her insights on starting a business and the importance of finding examples and mentors. She discusses her background as an entrepreneur and the motivation behind writing her book. Maria also talks about the challenges she faced in writing the book and how they parallel the challenges of starting a company. She emphasizes the importance of goal setting, building a strong team, and having a positive mindset. Maria encourages entrepreneurs to seek mentors and build a supportive community.

Takeaways

• Find examples of others who have started businesses and learn from them.
• Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive community.
• Set clear goals and have a disciplined approach to achieving them.
• Build a strong team and focus on hiring people with the right attitudes and skills.
• Develop a positive mindset and be aware of your self-talk.
• Seek mentors who can provide guidance and ask the right questions.
• Create a support system of advisors, consultants, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Start taking action and avoid overthinking or marinating on ideas for too long.

Memorable Quotes

• "Find examples of others that are a little bit farther ahead of you and learn from them and start to follow their path."
• "The perseverance that you need is very similar to an entrepreneur's journey."
• "Long in the tooth syndrome is when you're really tired and you're wondering, is this business going to make it?"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Exploring Business Ideas

02:01
Motivation for Writing a Book and Overcoming Challenges

07:35
Making the Decision to Start an Entrepreneurial Journey

13:15
The Importance of Having Clear Goals

19:02
Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

21:03
Developing a Positive Mindset and Valuable Voice

23:08
Role Models and Mentors in Maria's Journey

25:19
Finding a Mentor and Building a Support System

27:36
Building a Community of Supportive Individuals

29:27
Developing Self-Confidence and Overcoming Self-Doubt

32:50
Future Plans and Projects

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

Today we learn about the unique world of veteran career transitions with Tim den Hoed, the visionary behind Major Talent. Tim's journey is not just about building a company; it's a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering fellow veterans to excel in their post-military lives.

Unveiling Veteran Career Challenges: Tim's dedication to helping veterans is evident as he uncovers the obstacles they encounter when shifting to civilian careers. From managing unrealistic expectations to effectively communicating their skill sets, Tim provides practical solutions that can make a real difference.

Charting New Career Paths: With a heartfelt understanding of veteran aspirations, Tim explores common career goals and the adjustments needed for success in civilian roles. He's on a mission to bridge the gap between military experience and corporate expectations, one career at a time.

Major Talent's Transformative Mission: Explore the transformative journey of Major Talent, Tim's brainchild, which aims to redefine veteran employment. Through cutting-edge tech solutions, Tim and his team translate military jargon into employer-friendly terms, empowering veterans and military spouses to effectively demonstrate their skills and change their lives.

Don't miss out—share this episode with veterans, military spouses, and organizations committed to supporting our heroes' transition to civilian life.

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

Join us in Episode 72 for a compelling conversation with Dr. Deepak Khazanchi, an esteemed professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha and an authority on ethics and human rights in the realm of AI. Explore the ethical considerations, the impact of AI on human rights, and the necessary guardrails for the responsible use of technology in various sectors.

Featured Guest: Dr. Deepak Khazanchi, Professor and Keynote Speaker on Ethics and Human Rights with AI

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Importance of AI Ethics: Understanding how AI technologies, including machine learning and robotics, can inadvertently perpetuate biases and the steps needed to mitigate these risks.
Bias in AI and Its Implications: Real-world examples of how AI bias can manifest in various industries, from law enforcement to HR, and its societal repercussions.
Building Ethical AI Models: Insights into the process of creating more equitable and transparent AI systems and the role of diverse development teams in achieving this goal.
Human Rights and AI: Discussion on the intersection of AI and human rights, focusing on accessibility, the digital divide, and the need for inclusive technology policies.
Future Challenges and Opportunities: The dual-edged nature of AI advancements and the critical need for informed public dialogue and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure AI serves the common good.
Resources:

University of Nebraska Omaha - Explore more about Dr. Khazanchi's work and research.
https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-information-science-and-technology/about/faculty-staff/deepak-khazanchi.php

Connect with Dr. Deepak Khazanchi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkhazanchi/

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

Join us in Episode 71 as we delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence with Hunter Dorhout, a seasoned software developer and tech entrepreneur. Explore the practical applications and common misconceptions of AI in the tech industry, the balance between enhancing productivity and preserving creativity, and the evolving role of software developers in the age of AI advancements.

Featured Guest: Hunter Dorhout, Technical Developer and Founder of a Software Company

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

1. Real-World Applications of AI: Insights from Hunter on how AI tools are shaping the software development landscape, saving time, and when they may hinder creativity.
2. The Human-AI Partnership: Discussion on how AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are used in coding and their impact on productivity and creativity.
3. AI Misconceptions and Reality Checks: Addressing the hype and fears surrounding AI capabilities, with a focus on its actual functionalities and limitations.
4. The Future of Software Development: Exploring how AI might change the profession of software developers and the potential of AI to democratize software creation.

Timestamps:

• [00:03:854] - Hunter’s introduction and the role of AI in business
• [02:00:816] - The balance between using AI and maintaining creative control
• [15:33:858] - Misconceptions about AI's capabilities
• [25:01:853] - Discussion on AI replacing traditional software development roles
• [38:07:352] - How AI fosters creativity and new opportunities in various industries
• [47:16:638] - Closing thoughts and where to find Hunter online

Resources:

• CodeBuddy - Enhance your coding skills with AI-assisted tools.

Connect with Hunter Dorhout:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-dorhout/

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

Starting a podcast can seem daunting, but it's actually easy and simple to get started.

In this conversation, Wyatt and Tanner discuss the process of creating and publishing a podcast. They cover topics such as recording equipment, editing software, and publishing platforms. They emphasize the importance of learning and iterating, as well as building a network and engaging with the audience. They also highlight the intangible benefits of podcasting, such as personal development and opportunities for collaboration. Overall, they encourage aspiring podcasters to keep going and stay consistent.

Takeaways:
• Starting a podcast is easy and simple, but making it successful is hard.
• Come up with a good idea that resonates with people and find your niche.
• Invest in a decent microphone, but you don't need expensive equipment.
• Use free recording software like GarageBand, Audacity, or Zoom.
• Post-process your recordings with software like Audacity or Adobe Creative Suite. • Invest in high-quality recording equipment for better audio and video
• Use editing software like Premiere Pro or Audacity to enhance the production quality
• Learn from tutorials on YouTube to improve your editing skills
• Utilize AI technology and automation tools to streamline the editing process
• Publish your podcast on various platforms using an RSS feed
• Engage with your network and community to promote your podcast
• Focus on the quality of your content rather than the number of downloads
• Iterate and make improvements based on feedback and analytics
• Embrace the intangible benefits of podcasting, such as personal growth and networking opportunities
• Stay consistent and committed to your podcasting journey

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

In this enlightening episode of "Decentralized Opportunity," host Tanner dives deep into the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship with Cody Jung, an insightful voice in the startup community. They explore the nuanced world of building a business in the age of AI and how technology reshapes the entrepreneurial journey.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Ease of Starting a Business: Tanner and Cody discuss how technology has simplified the process of starting a business but emphasize the complexities of achieving sustained success in today's saturated market.
• Impact of Market Saturation: Cody highlights the challenges that come with market oversaturation and the critical role of targeted marketing and distribution in achieving business growth.
• Evolution of Competition: The conversation touches on the increasing competition not just from human entrepreneurs but also from AI-driven entities.
• The Role of Passion in Entrepreneurship: Cody reflects on the intrinsic motivation behind starting a business, underlining the importance of passion and problem-solving in entrepreneurial success.
• AI's Double-Edged Sword: They delve into how AI technology provides both opportunities and challenges for startups, with large companies often holding the upper hand due to their resources and data access.
• Navigating Through Acquisitions and Market Dynamics: Cody discusses recent trends in mergers and acquisitions, especially in the tech sector, and the regulatory environment affecting these business decisions.
• Strategies for Startup Success in the AI Era: The dialogue explores strategic approaches for startups to leverage AI, focusing on personalization, scalability, and unique data utilization to create defensible market positions.
• Vision for the Future: Cody shares his thoughts on the potential of single-person startups achieving unicorn status with the aid of AI and the broader implications for the definition of success and fulfillment in business.

Where to Find Cody Jung:

• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codysjung/
• Website: https://www.founderway.ai/

Cody invites listeners to explore his platform, Founder Way, and offers to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the startup ecosystem.

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode, hosts Wyatt and Tanner sit down with the insightful Craig Oliver to tackle the concept of maintenance during rocky periods in business and life. Craig breaks down the idea of transformational fatigue and why it's crucial to shift focus to maintenance during uncertain times. He shares valuable insights on how individuals and businesses can thrive by doubling down on core processes, operations, and relationships.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing the Maintenance Mindset: Craig emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting transformational fatigue. He explains how shifting focus to maintenance allows us to stabilize our core processes and prepare for future growth.
2. Finding Balance Amidst Turbulence: The hosts discuss the challenge of balancing growth and stability during market instability. Craig encourages maintaining consistency and avoiding drastic reactions to market conditions.
3. Seizing Opportunities in Adversity: Craig highlights the potential for growth and reinvention during times of upheaval. He encourages individuals and businesses to explore new opportunities, adapt to change, and prioritize relationships.
4. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: The conversation underscores the significance of maintaining a growth mindset, even when facing adversity. Craig emphasizes the need to embrace change, seek continuous improvement, and focus on long-term goals.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Decentralized Opportunity! Remember, tough times can be opportunities for growth and learning. Keep embracing change, nurturing relationships, and staying resilient. We'll catch you in the next episode!

Into music by dreamscape369
https://www.youtube.com/@dreamscape369/featured
https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape369/

Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow the Decentralized Opportunity podcast on Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and of course, your favorite podcast provider.

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3bc72vb9
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decentralizedopportunity/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decentralizedopportunity/
Website: www.deop.ai