In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Jordan Peace, CEO and Co-founder of Fringe, a platform transforming how companies design and deliver employee benefits. Jordan shares how Fringe helps employers create personalized, meaningful, and easy-to-manage benefit programs that boost engagement and retention. The conversation explores the rise of lifestyle benefits, the limitations of traditional programs, and why personalization and simplicity are key to supporting today’s workforce.

Jordan explains that traditional benefits—like health insurance and retirement plans—only help employees in moments of crisis, leaving a gap in daily well-being. Modern workers expect more personalized, relevant benefits that support their everyday lives and families. That’s where Fringe comes in: a lifestyle benefits platform that consolidates hundreds of perks—from streaming subscriptions and meal delivery to childcare and wellness services—into one intuitive system.

The platform empowers employees to choose benefits that matter most to them using company-funded “Fringe Points.” This personalization drives engagement and makes employees feel genuinely valued, while employers gain insight into benefit usage and preferences. Jordan also highlights Fringe’s Four-Filter Approach—focusing on offerings that save time, reduce stress, impact families, and spark joy—ensuring that every benefit delivers real value.

Instead of offering generic cash bonuses or one-size-fits-all perks, Jordan emphasizes the emotional and cultural impact of personalized benefits. They foster connection, increase retention, and create what he calls a “flywheel of engagement.” With Fringe, companies of any size—from startups to global enterprises—can offer world-class benefits that elevate employee experience while simplifying HR management.

Jordan Peace is the CEO and Co-founder of Fringe, an innovative benefits platform that helps companies offer personalized, lifestyle-based perks to their employees. With a background in financial planning and a passion for people-first culture, Jordan is redefining how organizations think about employee engagement, recognition, and well-being in the modern workplace.

Fringe is an employee benefits platform that consolidates rewards, recognition, wellness programs, and lifestyle perks into one seamless experience. Through the use of customizable “Fringe Points,” employees choose benefits that fit their individual needs—ranging from mental health apps to travel experiences. By simplifying benefit management and emphasizing personalization, Fringe helps companies of all sizes attract, retain, and support happier, more engaged teams. Visit https://www.fringe.us/ to learn more.

• Jordan Peace LinkedIn Profile
• Fringe Website

• Traditional benefits often miss the mark—employees want support that improves daily life.
• Fringe’s platform personalizes perks using “Fringe Points,” empowering employee choice.
• The Four Filters—time savings, stress reduction, family impact, and joy creation—guide benefit selection.
• Personalized benefits boost engagement and retention far more effectively than cash...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Claudio Gambin, CEO and Founder of GFG Solutions, about transforming the way business owners approach financial planning. Claudio shares how his flat-fee, strategy-first model helps entrepreneurs—especially in construction and trades—optimize taxes, protect assets, and plan for the future with transparency and confidence. The discussion focuses on actionable strategies for smarter business finances and building companies with long-term value in mind.

Claudio explains how his frustration with the traditional commission-based financial model led him to launch GFG Solutions—a firm that provides conflict-free, strategy-only advising. By removing product sales incentives, Claudio’s team delivers truly unbiased, actionable guidance focused on measurable results rather than commissions. His client base primarily includes construction and trade business owners, where GFG’s deep industry knowledge allows for highly tailored tax and financial strategies.

A cornerstone of GFG’s process is proactive tax planning, which goes beyond end-of-year accounting. Claudio emphasizes meeting with advisors early to forecast income, identify credits like R&D, and maximize depreciation and deductions. He also highlights the power of long-term exit planning, helping business owners build companies that run smoothly without them—boosting enterprise value whether they plan to sell or not.

What truly sets GFG apart is its boutique approach—serving only about 30 clients at a time to ensure a deep, personalized partnership. The firm collaborates directly with each client’s CPA, attorney, and internal team to execute strategies and deliver results. For Claudio, financial advising isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating clarity, security, and flexibility for business owners who want to grow with purpose.

Claudio Gambin is the CEO and Founder of GFG Solutions, based in Orlando, Florida. With a background in wealth management and a passion for helping entrepreneurs, Claudio specializes in strategy-first financial planning for business owners in construction and trades. His mission is to empower clients with transparent, conflict-free advice that drives profitability, reduces tax burdens, and prepares businesses for sustainable, long-term success.

GFG Solutions is a financial strategy firm providing flat-fee, strategy-only services for business owners. The company focuses on proactive tax planning, asset protection, growth strategy, and exit planning—helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more valuable businesses. By working collaboratively with clients’ existing advisors, GFG ensures every financial decision aligns with long-term goals. Learn more at https://gfgsolutions.com/.

• GFG Solutions Website
• Claudio Gambin LinkedIn Profile

• Claudio shares how transparency and specialization can redefine trust in financial advising.
• He breaks down proactive tax strategies, including early income projections, tax credits, and accelerated depreciation.
• Discussion on why construction and trade...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Yuliia Solovyeva, CEO of CSV Group, about how companies can accelerate growth through smarter strategy, psychology, and AI integration. Yuliia shares her expertise in helping startups and global brands enter new markets, win public tenders, and scale operations sustainably. The discussion offers actionable advice for business leaders looking to combine human insight with data-driven systems for measurable results.

Yuliia explains that sustainable business growth starts with understanding people—whether clients, partners, or teams. She introduces transactional analysis, a psychological framework that helps leaders recognize communication patterns and tailor their approach for better outcomes. By identifying whether someone is operating from a directive, logical, or emotional mindset, entrepreneurs can improve negotiations, build stronger relationships, and resolve conflicts effectively.

She also highlights CSV Group’s hands-on approach to business development, embedding its experts directly into client operations to deliver real, measurable results. From crafting go-to-market strategies to managing public and commercial tenders, the firm supports clients through every step of the process. Their blend of strategic execution, legal expertise, and AI-driven automation helps businesses streamline operations and open new revenue channels globally.

AI, Yuliia explains, is not a replacement for human connection—it’s a tool to amplify efficiency and insight. By automating repetitive processes and analyzing customer data, companies can free up teams to focus on creativity, strategy, and relationship-building. With the right balance of human intelligence and AI capability, businesses can scale faster and compete more effectively across markets.

Yuliia Solovyeva is the CEO of CSV Group, a business development leader helping companies expand internationally through psychology-based strategy, market entry expertise, and AI-powered optimization. With deep experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, Yuliia focuses on practical execution—turning insights into measurable outcomes that drive sustainable growth.

CSV Group is a global business development firm specializing in helping startups and enterprises scale across new markets. The company provides go-to-market strategy, tender support, CRM automation, and AI-driven process optimization. By integrating legal, compliance, and strategic expertise, CSV Group ensures its clients achieve tangible, lasting growth. Learn more at thecsvgroup.com.

• Yuliia Solovyeva on LinkedIn
• CSV Group Website

• Yuliia shares how understanding psychology through transactional analysis helps leaders communicate and negotiate more effectively.
• She explains CSV Group’s unique hands-on approach, embedding business development experts directly into client teams.
• Discussion on leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and free up teams for strategic work.
• Yuliia details how public and commercial tenders can accelerate growth and...

In an era where AI and digital media are rewriting the rules of communication, modern PR demands more strategy, agility, and authenticity than ever. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Amy Rosenberg, Founder and President of Veracity, to explore how small businesses and PR professionals can adapt to today’s fast-changing media landscape. Amy shares actionable tactics for building credibility, leveraging AI, and crafting stories that truly resonate with audiences.

Amy explains that public relations has shifted from focusing solely on press releases and media placements to building holistic brand visibility across multiple platforms. In today’s fast-changing world, credibility and consistency are the new currencies of PR success. She introduces the emerging concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—the process of optimizing your brand’s presence not only for Google but also for AI-driven search tools like ChatGPT. By creating high-value, trustworthy content, brands can ensure they show up in AI-generated responses that influence decision-making.

For small businesses, Amy offers practical ways to take control of their own PR efforts. She encourages using editorial calendars to time pitches with industry trends, focusing on earned media rather than paid placements, and telling authentic, human-centered stories. Even without a large budget, entrepreneurs can make an impact by consistently sharing relevant insights and staying connected to their audience’s needs.

Amy emphasizes that while technology like AI is transforming PR, the human element remains irreplaceable. Storytelling, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building still drive meaningful visibility and trust. By blending smart digital strategies with authentic communication, brands can thrive in an AI-powered, content-saturated world.

Amy Rosenberg is the Founder and President of Veracity, a Portland-based public relations and digital marketing agency. With over two decades of experience, Amy helps organizations and PR professionals navigate modern media through strategic communication, training, and her acclaimed book A Practical Guide to Public Relations for Businesses, Nonprofits, and PR Leaders.

Veracity is a PR and digital marketing agency specializing in strategic communications, media relations, and reputation management. The firm empowers businesses and marketing leaders to build credibility, enhance visibility, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. Learn more and access free resources at www.veracityagency.com/.

• Amy Rosenberg on LinkedIn
• Veracity Website

• PR success in 2024 depends on credibility, consistency, and digital visibility.
• Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the next evolution of PR and SEO strategy.
• Small businesses can leverage editorial calendars and strong storytelling to earn coverage.
• Earned media delivers more long-term value than paid placements.
• AI tools are powerful, but authentic...

In today’s fast-paced business world, balancing growth, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency is more challenging than ever. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Adam O’Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Gear Inc., to explore how outsourcing and AI can help businesses scale without sacrificing quality. Adam shares how Gear Inc. combines global expertise and advanced technology to deliver customer support solutions that strengthen operations and empower internal teams.

Adam explains that outsourcing is no longer a cost-cutting tactic but a strategic enabler for companies of all sizes. By partnering with experienced business process outsourcing (BPO) providers, companies can access global talent, improve service quality, and focus on high-value initiatives. Gear Inc. operates across 24 countries, offering multilingual support in over 75 languages, and tailors its services to align seamlessly with each client’s workflow.

While AI continues to revolutionize customer support, Adam emphasizes that technology alone can’t replace human connection. Gear Inc. integrates AI tools to automate repetitive tasks and analyze customer data, but its focus remains on empathy-driven communication and personalized service. “AI enhances efficiency, but it’s the people behind it who make customer experiences meaningful,” Adam says.

For leaders considering outsourcing, preparation and partnership are key. Adam advises documenting clear processes, defining expectations, and viewing outsourcing as a collaboration—not just a transaction. Businesses that approach BPO strategically can unlock scalability, consistency, and the flexibility needed to thrive in a competitive market.

Adam O’Connor is the Chief Commercial Officer at Gear Inc., a global business process outsourcing company helping organizations streamline operations through AI integration and human-centric customer support. With extensive experience in scaling multinational teams, Adam specializes in helping brands achieve operational excellence and build customer loyalty worldwide.

Gear Inc. is a global BPO leader offering outsourcing solutions for customer support, trust and safety, social media management, and software development. With a presence in 24 countries and support for over 75 languages, Gear Inc. helps businesses optimize performance, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at www.gearinc.com.

• Adam O’Connor on LinkedIn
• Gear Inc. Website

• Outsourcing is a strategic growth driver, not just a cost-saving measure.
• AI enhances efficiency but human empathy remains essential in customer experience.
• Gear Inc. operates in 24 countries with multilingual support for global scalability.
• Success in outsourcing requires clear documentation, defined goals, and partnership.
• Combining AI insights with human expertise helps businesses scale sustainably.

This conversation highlights how outsourcing and AI can transform the way companies scale, communicate, and deliver...

As AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of work, many professionals are asking the same question: what makes us truly irreplaceable? In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Steff Vanhaverbeke, AI Adoption Coach, lecturer, and author of Being Replaced: The Five Human Skills AI Cannot Automate. Steff explains how humans can thrive alongside AI by developing key meta-skills—flexible thinking, emotional intelligence, collaboration, intuition, and innovation—that machines simply can’t replicate.

Steff shares her belief that AI isn’t replacing humans—it’s reshaping how we work and what we value. Rather than resisting automation, she encourages professionals to see it as an opportunity to elevate their uniquely human strengths. She dives into the “five meta-skills” that keep us relevant and adaptable: thinking creatively under pressure, empathizing deeply with others, collaborating effectively across diverse teams, trusting intuition in complex decisions, and driving innovation through curiosity and risk-taking.

The conversation also explores how organizations can cultivate these qualities in their teams. Steff emphasizes the need for leaders to balance technology adoption with emotional awareness and to create cultures where both people and AI can contribute meaningfully. Her insights offer a roadmap for future-proofing careers and companies in an AI-driven economy.

Steff Vanhaverbeke is an AI Adoption Coach, business lecturer, and author of Being Replaced: The Five Human Skills AI Cannot Automate. She helps organizations and professionals embrace AI responsibly while developing the human-centered skills that drive creativity, collaboration, and purpose in the modern workplace.

Coach Steff, founded by Steff Vanhaverbeke, helps individuals and organizations thrive in the era of AI through coaching, workshops, and thought leadership. Her programs focus on balancing human potential with technological progress—empowering professionals to cultivate emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creativity while integrating AI responsibly. Learn more at coachsteff.live.

• Steff Vanhaverbeke on LinkedIn
• Coach Steff Website

• Why AI is a catalyst for human reinvention, not replacement.
• The five meta-skills that set humans apart from AI.
• How to build emotional intelligence and flexible thinking in the workplace.
• The importance of collaboration and intuition in decision-making.
• Actionable ways to integrate AI while strengthening human creativity.

Steff Vanhaverbeke reminds us that the future of work isn’t about competing with AI—it’s about collaborating with it. By mastering the skills that machines can’t automate, professionals can unlock deeper purpose, creativity, and connection in their work. As AI continues to evolve, those who focus on human-centered growth will lead the way into a more balanced and inspired future.

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping the modern workplace faster than any technology before it. But as companies rush to integrate AI, many leaders struggle with how to adopt it responsibly—balancing innovation, security, and ethics. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Lexi Reese, Co-Founder and CEO of Lanai, an AI-native observability and security platform. Lexi shares practical insights on how organizations can safely manage, monitor, and scale AI adoption without compromising data integrity or trust.

Lexi explains that the most successful companies treat AI not just as a set of tools, but as part of their workforce—a powerful digital team member that requires oversight, structure, and accountability. She emphasizes that AI must be “hired” into an organization with defined roles, clear expectations, and measurable outcomes. Just as leaders track employee performance, they must also monitor how AI performs, adapts, and impacts real-world results.

Visibility, Lexi notes, is essential for responsible AI use. Many organizations don’t know which departments are using AI, how data is being handled, or where security risks exist. Lanai’s technology helps leaders map and monitor AI usage across their companies—identifying risks, preventing data leaks, and ensuring compliance with privacy laws. This proactive approach transforms uncertainty into insight, allowing innovation to flourish safely.

Beyond technology, Lexi encourages leaders to consider the human element of AI integration. By prioritizing education, ethical standards, and collaboration between business and compliance teams, organizations can create a culture of trust and accountability. Responsible AI adoption isn’t about slowing progress—it’s about making innovation sustainable, secure, and beneficial for everyone.

Lexi Reese is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lanai, an AI-native observability and security platform helping organizations safely adopt and manage AI. With a background that spans leadership roles at Google, Gusto, and public service, Lexi is known for her expertise in building ethical technology systems that empower teams and protect businesses.

Lanai is an AI observability and security platform designed to help organizations monitor, govern, and scale AI adoption responsibly. Built for visibility and control, Lanai enables companies to detect risks, enforce compliance, and ensure ethical AI use across all departments. Learn more at lanai.com.

• Lexi Reese on LinkedIn
• Lanai Website

• Why organizations must treat AI like a workforce, not just a tool.
• The importance of visibility and observability in AI adoption.
• Common AI risks—from data exposure to compliance violations—and how to prevent them.
• How Lanai helps companies balance innovation with ethical and secure AI use.
• Actionable steps for leaders to define, measure, and improve AI’s role in their operations.

Lexi Reese’s insights remind us that AI’s potential is only as powerful as the systems and ethics guiding it. By combining strategic visibility, thoughtful oversight, and a culture of accountability, leaders can ensure AI strengthens—rather than compromises—their...

Payroll is one of the most complex and error-prone functions in any business, yet it’s critical to get it right every time. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Yuval Brot, Co-Founder and CEO of Celery, to explore how automation is reshaping payroll management. Yuval discusses how Celery helps organizations detect payroll errors before they happen, improving accuracy, compliance, and financial efficiency for teams of all sizes.

Yuval explains that manual payroll review processes are highly inefficient and often lead to costly mistakes. As businesses grow, the sheer volume of data—from hourly time entries to overtime calculations—makes manual review nearly impossible to manage effectively. Payroll errors not only drain revenue but also damage employee trust and morale, making accuracy a critical part of organizational health.

Celery’s automation technology scans payroll data in seconds, flagging potential issues such as duplicate payments, incorrect tax calculations, or inconsistencies in hours worked. Instead of reviewing every entry, HR and finance teams can focus on the exceptions that matter most. This dramatically reduces time spent on reviews while improving compliance and peace of mind.

Beyond efficiency, Yuval highlights the human side of payroll automation. When payroll runs smoothly, employees get paid correctly and on time, and leaders can focus on strategic growth rather than damage control. Automation isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating trust, stability, and long-term financial sustainability across the organization.

Yuval Brot is the Co-Founder and CEO of Celery, a financial technology company dedicated to transforming how businesses manage payroll review and compliance. With years of experience in finance and data analytics, Yuval helps companies automate error detection, reduce payroll risk, and build smarter, more efficient operations.

Celery is an AI-powered platform that automates payroll review, helping organizations prevent costly errors before payments are processed. Designed to work with existing payroll systems, Celery identifies anomalies, detects potential fraud, and streamlines financial controls for growing businesses. Learn more at www.celeryway.com.

• Yuval Brot on LinkedIn
• Celery Website

• The biggest risks in payroll come from manual data entry and time tracking errors.
• Why automation is essential for scaling accurate and compliant payroll systems.
• How Celery flags anomalies in seconds, saving finance teams hours of review time.
• The financial and cultural impact of preventing payroll mistakes before they happen.
• The future of AI in finance and how Celery plans to expand automation into broader financial controls.

Yuval Brot’s insights reveal that payroll accuracy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about trust, culture, and financial stewardship. By leveraging automation, businesses can eliminate costly errors, safeguard employee confidence, and free up resources to focus on growth. Whether you manage payroll in-house or through a provider, automation tools like Celery make it possible to review with precision and...