C-Suite Secrets

Inside Unicorn Startups: Lessons in Chaos, Growth, and Value with Michael "Canz" Canzoneri

Show Notes:
In this episode, Michael "Canz" Canzoneri shares his unique career path, beginning as a Java developer and evolving into the co-founder of DataSQRL, a neural symbolic data platform. He reflects on his time at Gartner, the complexities of ERP implementations, and the valuable lessons learned from working with unicorn companies.
The conversation explores the importance of truly understanding customer needs, the growing role of AI in modern business, and how collaboration contributes to long-term success. Canz also dives into his experiences with startup life, describing its chaotic pace and the critical role that systems and processes play in scaling a company.
He talks about the challenges involved in preparing for an IPO, the need to deliver value quickly to customers, and the importance of clearly quantifying the benefits of new technologies, especially in the AI space. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the entrepreneurial journey, the impact of decision fatigue, and the value of building a strong and supportive advisory network.
 
To connect with our guest, click on the links below:
LinkedIn:  Michael Canzoneri | LinkedIn
 
Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/
 
Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Building a Culture of Ownership and Collaboration with Brendan Lopes

Show Notes:
 
In this episode, Heather Parsons and Brendan Lopes dive into a wide-ranging conversation about blending family life and the entrepreneurial journey. They share insights on building businesses that honor personal values while achieving professional goals, and the importance of strategic hiring through contractors to scale with flexibility.
Brendan offers actionable advice on creating win-win relationships between contractors and clients by setting clear expectations, promoting ownership, and rewarding performance transparently. Heather and Brendan also discuss the rise of fractional finance models, the power of effective communication tools like Slack, and how transparency in performance evaluations fosters stronger, more motivated teams.
This conversation is packed with valuable strategies on leveraging technology, building strategic partnerships, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset focused on collaboration, flexibility, and trust.
Brendan’s Bio:
 
Brendan Lopes is the founder and CEO of Multipli Tech, a full-service technology development agency based in Greenville, SC. With a career journey that spans finance, accounting, consulting, and tech sales, Brendan brings a unique blend of strategic insight and entrepreneurial drive to the table.
 
Growing up in a competitive household as one of three brothers including his twin and younger brother, Brendan developed a strong work ethic and winning mindset. His upbringing in a sports-focused family, alongside parents who encouraged him to pursue big goals, shaped his drive for leadership. He has carried that competitive spirit throughout all of his professional career and entrepreneurial journey, always hustling to make an impact.
 
Today, business executives engage Multipli Tech to build custom software, mobile apps, web platforms, and AI solutions that drive revenue growth, reduce costs, and streamline operations. Brendan is passionate about helping leaders unlock massive ROI while buying back their time through smarter technology solutions.
 
 Above all, Brendan’s greatest pride is being a devoted husband to his wife, Marissa, and a father to their three children; two little girls and a baby boy. Whether leading his company, investing in his family, or coaching others to succeed, he is passionate about empowering people to achieve their full potential.
 
To connect with our guest, click on the links below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanlopes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/multipli-tech/
https://www.instagram.com/brendan.lopes
https://www.instagram.com/multiplitech
 
Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/
 
Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

Pitch, Pivot, Play: How POGR’s CEO is Winning the Startup Game

Show Notes:
In this episode, I’m joined by Connor Ellison, a serial Entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of POGR, for an honest and inspiring chat about what it really takes to build a business in the gaming world. Connor opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from his early college days and self-taught lessons to the big wins and tough moments of launching a startup.
We dive into the power of curiosity, the importance of always learning, and what it’s like to lead a global team. Connor also shares the behind-the-scenes of getting investor-ready, navigating the venture capital world, and the key metrics that actually move the needle when you're growing a business.
Connor gets real about the challenges of the startup grind in such a competitive industry and offers plenty of gold nuggets on everything from securing your first customer to building a rock-solid team. If you’re curious about startup life, the gaming industry, or how to prepare for fundraising like a pro, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
To connect with our guest, click on the links below:
https://www.instagram.com/pogr/
https://www.instagram.com/connorellison/
https://x.com/ConnorEllison
https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorellison/
https://pogr.io/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZU598lqlmA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEOSd0UZ5e8&ref=podcast.justgogrind.com
 
Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/
 
Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist
 

From Argentina to AI: Lessons in Smart Scaling with Dennis Bruce

Show Notes:
In this episode, Heather Parsons and Dennis Bruce dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, exploring the common challenges small businesses face with cash flow, team development, and scaling. They talk about the importance of cultural adaptability, the growing role of AI in software development, and why strong change management practices are essential.
Dennis shares lessons from his time in Argentina, underscoring the value of growing a business slowly and intentionally. He also highlights how AI tools can drive efficiency and support smarter operations.
Together, Heather and Dennis discuss how the software development landscape is shifting, especially with AI boosting team productivity. They touch on the advantages of using nearshore resources for stronger communication and cultural alignment, and they stress the importance of tracking key metrics to support sound decision-making and long-term growth.
Dennis is an internationally experienced technology executive with a proven history assisting technology and tech-enabled companies undergoing transformations such as start-ups, privatizations, turn-arounds, mergers and acquisitions, and international expansion. Dennis has extensive international experience having lived for nearly 20 years Europe and South America, and continues to be very active in the global technology sector. He has been a trusted business and technology advisor to senior executives for International companies in transportation, information technology, information management, retail, and telecommunications.  
Dennis takes a lead role in defining and implementing new strategies in IT and in the development, retraining, and reorganization of the workforce to meet the post-transformation realities in the Tangonet’s client companies and organizations who have undergone lengthy and disruptive transformation efforts.  Dennis has led efforts to acquire and implement over $100 million in technology infrastructure and services throughout his career. 
Currently, Dennis is CEO of Tangonet Solutions, a company based in the US and Argentina that builds and allocates highly experienced technology teams based in Argentina to their North American based clients. Since 2007, Tangonet has been providing innovative, flexible, and scalable technology teams which allows clients to build solutions and scale rapidly to effectively address organizational growth goals and objectives.
 
To connect with our guest, click on the links below:
http://www.tangonetsolutions.com/
https://tangonetsolutions.com/nearshore-tech-team-blog/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisbrucetechgrowth/
 
Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/
 
Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist
 

Welcome to C-Suite Secrets

Show Notes:
Welcome to the very first episode of C-Suite Secrets where Host, Heather Parsons, gets real about the often-overlooked struggles entrepreneurs face behind the scenes. She dives into why conventional business advice doesn’t always cut it for founders in the thick of it and why community and connection matter more than ever.
Heather shares eye-opening stats about business failure rates and explains her mission: to deliver C-suite level insights without the corporate red tape. Her goal? To equip business owners with the community, strategy, and mindset they need to stay inspired and build sustainable success on their own terms.
Welcome to C-Suite Secrets!
 
Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/
 
Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist