Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint is on a mission to showcase exceptional leaders navigating the exciting challenges of scaling businesses, driving innovation, and fostering resilient teams. If you are an entrepreneur or C-suite executive who has mastered the balance of growth, grit, and the power of play, we want to hear from you!
If you think you'd be a great guest on the show, apply at https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest.
19 - Dare to Build: Transforming Product Management with Passion and Purpose with Alex Blinov
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, host Elizabeth Bieniek interviews Alex Blinov, Chief Product Officer at Zendrop, about his 16-year journey in product management.
Alex shares insights on leadership, the evolving role of product managers, and the importance of communication and discovery in building successful products. He discusses fostering team autonomy, the impact of AI, and his guiding mantra, “Dare to build.” The conversation highlights the value of empowering teams, celebrating achievements, and continuously learning to drive innovation and create products that make a meaningful difference.
Check out Alex's work at Zendrop HERE (https://www.zendrop.com/).
Connect with Alex on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/blinovalex/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
15 Sept 2025TRANSCRIPT
18 - Crossing the Road to Better Business Credit: An Entrepreneur’s Journey with Nav Technologies' Levi King
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the CEO and Chairman at Nav Technologies, Levi King. Levi shares his journey from small business owner to fintech entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of business credit and financial management for small businesses.
He discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face, Nav Technologies’ mission to simplify business financing, and the company’s focus on trade credit and supplier relationships. Levi also reflects on company culture, the role of luck in success, and his evolving definition of achievement.
Check out Levi's work HERE (https://www.nav.com/).
Connect with Levi on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leviking/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
9 Sept 2025
17 - Hacking the System: Making Cybersecurity Work for Small Businesses with DarkHorse Security's Grant McCracken
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Founder at DarkHorse Security, Grant McCracken. Grant shares his journey from cybersecurity expert to entrepreneur, discusses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of simplifying security for smaller businesses.
He explains how DarkHorse leverages crowdsourced expertise and explores future trends like AI-driven penetration testing. Grant also offers practical advice for founders on how to avoid burnout and challenge assumptions.
Check out Grant's work HERE (https://darkhorse.sh/).
Connect with Grant on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmccracken/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
2 Sept 2025
16 - From Overwhelmed to Empowered: The Entrepreneur's Journey to Freedom with Ral West Livin’ The Dream's Ral West
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Owner at Ral West Livin’ The Dream, Ral West. Ral shares her journey from hands-on business owner to successful mentor. Drawing on four decades of experience, Ral discusses building and selling businesses—including a major sale to Alaska Airlines—and the mindset shifts needed to transition from operator to owner.
She emphasizes freedom as the ultimate measure of success and now guides entrepreneurs through her "Ral West Livin’ The Dream" Mastermind, helping them create scalable businesses and fulfilling lives.
Check out Ral's work HERE (https://www.ralwest.com/).
Connect with Ral on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralwest/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
26 Aug 2025
15 - The Emotional Journey of Founders: Success, Failure, and the Impact of AI with Mozilla's Raj Singh
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the VP of Product at Mozilla, Raj Singh. Raj shares insights on navigating startup and corporate cultures, the impact of generative AI on productivity, and the evolving definition of success.
He discusses the emotional challenges founders face post-acquisition, leadership communication in fast-paced environments, and creative growth strategies—like his cooking app’s global holiday recipe campaign. Raj also reflects on balancing professional ambition with family life, offering valuable advice for founders and tech professionals adapting to today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Check out Raj's work HERE (https://soloist.ai/).
Connect with Raj on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajansingh/details/experience/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
19 Aug 2025
14 - How to Turn Your Dreams into Reality: Insights from a Culinary Trip Leader with Phineas Wright House's Wendy Harrop
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Owner of the Phineas Wright House, Wendy Harrop. Wendy shares her journey from wedding planner to creating curated experiences on her New England flower farm, including workshops, retreats, and culinary trips for solo female travelers.
She discusses her meticulous “Wedding Wendy precision,” the evolution of her definition of success, and the importance of crafting memorable, welcoming events. Wendy also reveals her plans to restore a historic barn to expand her offerings and encourages listeners to embrace new experiences with a positive mindset.
Check out Wendy's work HERE (https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/).
Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-harrop-a17412/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
12 Aug 2025
13 - Transforming Wealth: How to Plan Your Exit Strategy for Maximum Impact with Capital Gains Tax Solutions' Brett Swarts
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Founder at Capital Gains Tax Solutions, Brett Swarts. Brett shares his expertise in capital gains tax exit planning, focusing on strategies like deferred sales trusts to help clients achieve truly passive income and financial freedom.
He discusses his faith-driven approach to stewardship, the importance of purposeful living, and the upcoming generational wealth transfer. Brett also offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and invites listeners to learn more through his book and website, emphasizing collaboration and personalized solutions for complex financial needs.
Check out Brett's work HERE (https://capitalgainstaxsolutions.com/).
Connect with Brett on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-swarts/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
5 Aug 2025
12 - Building a Culture of Support: Nurturing Team Members for Greater Impact with Executive Help Now's Renee Hastings
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the President and CEO at Executive Help Now, Renee Hastings. Renee shares her journey from corporate executive assistant to entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of meaningful work, strong company culture, and value-driven hiring.
She explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of delegation, and the necessity of open communication in virtual assistant partnerships. Renee recounts client success stories, discusses supporting her team’s growth, and introduces new services like podcast production.
Check out Renee's work HERE (https://executivehelpnow.org/).
Connect with Renee on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneehastings17/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
29 Jul 2025
11 - Marketing Magic: Turning Relationships into Revenue with Intentionally Inspirational's Jason Wright
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Founder and CEO of Intentionally Inspirational, Jason Wright. Jason shares his philosophy of simplifying marketing by focusing on relationships, the importance of taking action over perfection, and fostering innovation within his team.
He discusses lessons from his book, "The Backwards Route to Forward Progress," and reflects on mindset, resilience, and redefining success.
Check out Jason's work HERE (https://intentionallyinspirational.com/).
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasonwright/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
22 Jul 2025
10 - The Three-Tier Franchise Model: A Game Changer for Aspiring Entrepreneurs with Anago Cleaning Systems' Adam Povlitz
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems, Adam Povlitz. Adam shares his journey from the family business to leading innovation in the industry, emphasizing Anago’s unique three-tier franchise model and commitment to technology.
He discusses building a culture of innovation, the importance of clear communication, and lessons learned about leadership and hiring. He also covers industry misconceptions, the value of empathy, and practical advice for aspiring CEOs.
Check out Adam's work HERE (https://anagocleaning.com/).
Connect with Adam on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/apovlitz/).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
15 Jul 2025
9 - Small Wins, Big Impact: A Journey to Empower Children with Disabilities Through Design with Wish Wear Accessories' Ashley Hamic
In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Founder of Wish Wear Accessories, Ashley Hamic. Ashley shares her journey from a high-tech career to creating accessible, fun clothing and accessories for children with disabilities, inspired by her experiences as a rare disease mom.
She highlights the importance of innovation, community support, and celebrating small wins. Ashley discusses her design process, the value of real-world feedback, and the power of connection among families facing similar challenges, offering inspiration and practical advice to listeners.
Check out Ashley's work HERE (https://www.wishwearaccessories.com/).
Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/wishwearaccessories/?viewAsMember=true).
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE (https://podcast.cakeontuesday.com/podcast-guest).
8 Jul 2025
8 - Celebrating Small Wins: The Importance of Recognition in a High-Performance Culture with Fiscal Advocate's Jon Morris
Elizabeth Bieniek interviews Jon Morris, Fiscal Advocate CEO, who highlights the importance of celebrating small wins and fostering recognition to cultivate a high-performance culture.
1 Jul 2025
7 - From Pinball to Productivity: Revolutionizing Communication in Business with Costa Rica's Call Center's Richard Blank
Richard Blank, President of Costa Rica's Call Center, discusses innovative telemarketing strategies with Elizabeth Bieniek, highlighting authentic communication and workplace gamification to foster positive company culture; this is an interview.
24 Jun 2025
6 - Navigating the Chaos: Mastering Strategic Backlog for Business Success with Chris Botting
Chris Botting shares his expertise in strategic backlog management with Elizabeth Bieniek, emphasizing customer needs, transparency, and adaptability for emerging leaders in this interview.
17 Jun 2025
5 - Bridging Generations: Using Media to Connect Elders and Their Families with Meema Stories' Stephen Quatrano
Elizabeth Bieniek interviews Stephen Quatrano, Founder of Meema Stories, about using media and storytelling to bridge generational gaps and combat social isolation among elders, fostering deeper connections with their families.
10 Jun 2025
4 - How AI and Data Analytics are Revolutionizing Player Performance and Fan Experience with SumerSports Jono Luk
Jono Luk, Chief Product Officer at SumerSports, discusses applying AI and data analytics to revolutionize player performance and fan experience in sports, interviewed by Elizabeth Bieniek.
3 Jun 2025
3 - Embracing Diversity: Why Different Perspectives Matter in Leadership with Executive Connect's Melissa Aarskaug
Founder of Executive Connect Melissa Aarskaug explores embracing diversity and different perspectives in leadership with host Elizabeth Bieniek in an interview.
27 May 2025
2 - Truth Works: Unlocking a Healthier, Happier Company Culture with Amplifier's Macon Stokes
Macon Stokes, CEO of Amplifier, explores how truth and positive company culture fosters a healthier and happier work environment, in an interview with Elizabeth Bieniek.
20 May 2025
1 - Play, Grit, and Innovation: A Recipe for Workplace Happiness with Elizabeth Bieniek
Host Elizabeth Bieniek discusses balancing growth, grit, and play in professional life with Josh Elledge, emphasizing the importance of incorporating play to foster workplace creativity and innovation in this interview.
Inside a recent episode
19 - Dare to Build: Transforming Product Management with Passion and Purpose with Alex Blinov
Published 23 Sept 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Question about this current landscape. There's so much going on in the technology space. There's AI, AI everywhere. From your perspective, how is the introduction of AI in everyday business impacting the product management role going forward? We're seeing more and more this concept of super ICs and super individual contributors and people having the ability to do so much more because of the advent of adding AI to their positions. How do you see that changing your role going forward? Yeah, that's actually a great question. I see that today with this maturity of AI technologies, it actually helps product managers and other roles as well to manage their day-to-day routine tasks, to write tests, to write texts, to decompose some problems and so on. […]
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