Scrappy to Scalable: Human centered AI that drives growth!

About Scrappy to Scalable: Human centered AI that drives growth!

Small firms aren’t supposed to beat the giants. But they can—if they harness AI the right way. From Scrappy to Scalable, powered by Caldor Dynamics, is the contrarian podcast for consultants and boutique firms who want to grow smarter, not just bigger. We cut through AI hype with practical insights, real-world case studies, and human-centered strategies that build predictable pipelines, turn expertise into authority, and scale operations without bloated headcount. Caldor Dynamics helps consulting firms move beyond word-of-mouth with a proven AI-powered Growth Engine—then bridges into the future of Virtual Operations, building compliance-ready, AI-driven backbones for sustainable growth. Subscribe if you want to compete with giants, level the playing field, and prepare your firm for the era of Virtual Ops.

Publisher

Felipe Crook

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Sept 2025

Latest episode

25 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Feb 2026

   Stop Guessing, Start Tracking: How a 21-Year-Old Turned Debt Into $75K in 30 Days

   Want to make money online in 2025? This entrepreneur mindset conversation will change how you think about business growth forever. 21-year-old Jaryd Visser shares the exact sales strategy and digital marketing 2025 playbook that took a business from debt to $75K in 30 days. If you're building an online business, struggling with lead generation, or trying to figure out your sales funnel — this is the episode you need. In this episode of the Caldor Dynamics Podcast, we break down how to scale a business using content marketing, social media marketing, and AI for business — without burning money on ads that don't convert. Whether you're a startup, consultant, content creator, or digital marketer, these business tips 2025 will give you a real edge. 🔑 Topics Covered:Sales funnel optimizationDigital marketing 2025 strategiesAI for business growthLead generation that actually convertsPersonal branding & content creation 2025Social media marketing for entrepreneursHow to make money online with digital productsBusiness growth through data trackingHow to scale a business beyond yourselfEntrepreneur mindset & startup tips 📩 Work with Jaryd: SedonaStrategy.io 🔗 Connect with Jaryd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaryd-visser-39b5b3229/

2. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Build a Business That Runs Without You | Scaling, Exit Strategy & Leadership Maturity

   What if your business stopped depending on you to survive? In this episode, Victoria Peterson, CEO and Co-Founder of Productive Dentist Academy, shares what it really takes to build a business that can scale, create long-term value, and eventually run without the founder. From starting as a dental hygienist to leading a $5–6M fully virtual company recognized on the Inc. 5000 list multiple times, Victoria explains why most founders accidentally build high-paying jobs instead of transferable assets. We dive into leadership maturity, company culture as daily behavior, exit readiness, scarcity vs abundance challenges, revenue per employee, and the costly mistake of scaling systems too early. Victoria also shares a real-world failure involving private equity, what she learned from it, and how founders can protect profit, energy, and legacy. This conversation is not just for dentists. It applies to any founder navigating growth, burnout, transitions, and long-term freedom. ⭐ Guest: Victoria Peterson CEO & Co-Founder, Productive Dentist Academy 🌐 Website: https://productivedentist.com

3. 

   4 Feb 2026

   From Software Founder to Buying Businesses: The Fastest Way to Scale

   In this episode, Felipe Crook sits down with Jaime Manzanera, founder of Amicus Infinitum, to break down a powerful journey from building and selling a software company to becoming a fractional M&A team helping business owners scale through acquisitions. Jaime shares how NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) shaped his decision-making, why he uses contrast as feedback, and how the Waze/GPS analogy helps founders navigate uncertainty without forcing outcomes. He also explains how Amicus Infinitum supports buyers through the full acquisition process, including deal sourcing, valuation, funding, and post-acquisition growth. If you are a founder, operator, or entrepreneur looking to scale faster, build cash-flow assets, and stay congruent with your values, this episode is for you. Topics include: NLP in business, decision-making, contrast vs conflict, scaling by acquisition, fractional M&A, buying profitable businesses, leadership, culture, and processes. Email: Jaime@amicusinfinitum.com Website: amicusinfinitum.com

4. 

   15 Jan 2026

   Selling on Amazon in 2026 Is a Different Game

   If you’re thinking about starting — or scaling — an e-commerce business, this episode will save you years of costly mistakes. Felipe Crook sits down with Shawn Khorrami, serial entrepreneur and founder of ePlaybooks, to break down what it really takes to build and grow consumer brands across Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, TikTok, and other major sales channels. Shawn shares how his entrepreneurial journey began by helping his immigrant father run a business, how he accidentally built his first software company, and why most founders misunderstand sales channels, logistics, and marketing budgets when entering e-commerce. This conversation dives deep into: • How to choose the right sales channel for your product • Why organic growth is far harder than most founders expect • How shifting platforms, algorithms, and regulations change strategy • Amazon compliance, product flags, and “threading the needle” to stay live • Why logistics and supply chains are the hidden killers of e-commerce businesses • Why founders should think in catalogs, not single products • How lifestyle marketing builds trust and reduces returns • Why customers buy solutions, not products • How AI is reshaping commerce — and how founders can adapt If you’re launching a product, growing a brand, or trying to scale revenue across digital marketplaces, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights from someone who has built and scaled more than a dozen businesses. Guest Shawn Khorrami Founder, ePlaybooks 🌐 https://eplaybooks.com

5. 

   5 Jan 2026

   The Operating Model That Guarantees Revenue Scaling

   Sales systems are breaking — not because teams aren’t working hard, but because they’re built without alignment, focus, or humanity. In this episode, Dionne Mejer, Founder & CEO of Revenue by Design, joins Felipe Crook to break down how founders and sales leaders can build scalable sales organizations using a people + process + technology approach — without burning out teams or losing trust with buyers. With over 25 years in sales and technology, Dionne shares how frameworks like Sales with Soul and Lead with Soul help organizations: Reduce ramp time Increase close rates Create clarity around KPIs vs metrics Use AI without losing the human element Build sales systems that actually scale This conversation is essential for founders, CROs, and sales leaders navigating growth, complexity, and modern sales transformation. Guest: Dionne Mejer Founder & CEO, Revenue by Design 🌐 https://www.revenue-bydesign.com

6. 

   12 Dec 2025

   Why Only 2.7% of Women-Owned Businesses Hit $1M — And How to Beat It

   In this episode of From Scrappy to Scalable, we dive deep into what holds women business owners back from breaking past the $1M revenue mark—and what it really takes to scale a small business into a high-performing, sustainable company. We explore why only 2.7% of women-owned businesses reach seven figures, the hidden cost of underpricing your services, how to identify your ideal client, and the essential systems every business needs to grow. You’ll learn how successful founders step out of the day-to-day grind, build an exit-ready business, and use AI and automation to increase productivity without losing the human touch. If you’re a woman entrepreneur, small business owner, or partnership-led founder looking to scale, this conversation delivers mindset shifts, growth frameworks, pricing clarity, leadership insights, and practical strategies to help you grow like a CEO—not just a service provider. ⭐ Guests: Athena Advisory Collective 🌐 Website: https://athenaac.com 🔗 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-advisory-collective/

7. 

   2 Dec 2025

   6 Non-Negotiables to Grow Your Business & Culture | Randy Pennington

   If you’re trying to figure out how to scale your business without destroying your culture, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Felipe Crook (co-founder of Caldor Dynamics) sits down with Randy Pennington, a Dallas-based author, speaker, and advisor who has spent decades helping organizations navigate change, build accountability, and create cultures that actually win. Randy breaks down: --Why you must go from scrappy → sustainable → scalable --The 6 non-negotiables every business needs to grow --Why culture always wins (and why most founders abandon it first) --How to use habits, systems, and metrics to shape your culture --The real reasons people and companies actually change --What “the whole package” leader looks like—and how rare they are --If you’re a founder, CEO, or leader who wants to scale and leave a lasting impact, this episode is basically a playbook. 🎯 What You’ll Learn --How to know if your business is truly sustainable before you try to scale --The difference between activity, results, and perceptions (and what to measure) --Why crisis pushes change and opportunity pulls change --How to get stubborn leaders to care about culture and people --The three traits Randy’s research found in exceptional leaders --How to become the kind of leader who still influences people when you’re not in the room 🌐 Website: https://www.penningtongroup.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randygpennington/ 📄 Download the “Whole Package” leadership research & whitepaper: Visit PenningtonGroup.com and click “Learn more about The Whole Package.” #BusinessLeadership #CompanyCulture #ScalingBusiness #OrganizationalChange #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #TeamPerformance #WorkplaceCulture #HighPerformanceLeadership #ChangeManagement #BusinessStrategy #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipSkills #BusinessSuccess #GrowYourBusiness #SustainableGrowth #FounderTips #CultureWins #leadershipmatters

8. 

   26 Nov 2025

   The 3Cs Every Nonprofit Needs to Survive and Scale (Compliance, Culture, Consistency)

   You started a nonprofit to change lives, not to stay up at night worrying about payroll, the IRS, and HR fires. 😅 In this episode of Scrappy to Scalable, host Felipe Crook sits down with Janneh Wright, Founder & CEO of Primus Business Management, who has spent over 23 years helping nonprofits and community-driven organizations build real businesses that last. Janneh shares how 9/11 unexpectedly pushed him into entrepreneurship, why he chose to serve nonprofits and BIPOC communities, and how his 3C Framework — Compliance, Culture, Consistency — keeps organizations alive well past the typical 3–5 year “curse.” If you’re a nonprofit leader, founder, or community-driven small business owner, this conversation will help you think differently about money, people, structure, and even how to use AI without losing your mission. Janneh Wright is the Founder & CEO of Primus Business Management, a firm that delivers full-service accounting, HR, and operations support to nonprofits and small businesses. For decades, he’s been focused on economic empowerment in Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, helping mission-driven organizations survive, stabilize, and scale using his 3C Framework: Compliance, Culture & Consistency. 🌐 Website: primusco.com 📧 Email: jwright@primusco.com

9. 

   21 Nov 2025

   The REAL Reason Businesses Fail (And How to Fix It) — Russell Disberger Tells All!

   In this episode, Felipe Crook sits down with Russell Disberger — CEO of Aspen Business Group and a consultant who has helped over 4,000 executives, founders, and organizations across 30+ years. If you’ve ever wondered why companies really fail, how to scale without chaos, or how to build teams that don’t fall apart, this conversation is a goldmine. Russell reveals: *Why people—not technology—determine whether your business grows or dies *The behavioral assessment tool that’s 96% accurate *How leaders self-sabotage (and don’t even know it) *Why AI is a skill multiplier, not a job killer *The exact moment companies should pivot *What founders MUST understand to survive changing markets Whether you're a founder, leader, or consultant, this is a masterclass in scaling, leadership psychology, team building, and strategic thinking. ⭐ Guest: Russell Disberger, CEO, Aspen Business Group 🌐 Website: aspenbusiness.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelldisberger/

10. 

    14 Nov 2025

    From Netflix to Docker: The Secret to Leading High-Performing Teams

    “In this episode, Felipe Crook talks with Jeffrey Strauss, Director of IT and Workplace Operations at Docker, the world’s #1 developer platform used by millions of engineers. Jeff shares leadership lessons from his time at Netflix, Twitter, Snapchat, and Tinder, and how he bridges the gap between technology and humanity in the workplace. They dive deep into the future of AI, change management, and what it takes to build psychologically safe, high-performing teams in today’s fast-changing world. 🌐 Website: www.jeffstrauss.net/ 📧 Connect with Jeff: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffstrauss/

11. 

    14 Nov 2025

    The Secret Way Small Businesses Compete With Giants

    What really drives scale? Serial entrepreneur Robert Manasier shares why growth isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about people, systems, and brutal honesty. In this episode, we explore how Robert has built companies across industries and continents by leading with purpose, testing assumptions against the market, and building systems from day one. You’ll learn the key difference between growth and scale, why “training is R&D,” how to align sales and marketing, and where AI helps—or hurts—execution. If you’re a founder or SMB leader ready to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks, and create a people-first culture that scales, this conversation is your playbook. Caldor Dynamics helps small and midsize businesses grow through lead generation, content marketing, and human-centered AI. Learn more at www.CaldorDynamics.com

12. 

    30 Oct 2025

    The Truth About Why Startups Fail (and How to Fix It)

    What can small and midsize business leaders learn from Silicon Valley’s greatest success stories? In this episode, Caldor Dynamics co-founder Felipe Crook talks with Jennifer Selby Long, founder of Selby Group, who has coached executive teams at Cisco, LinkedIn, Airbnb, Mozilla, and Ciena. Jennifer shares how founders can shift from “doers” to “leaders,” build sales confidence, and navigate the growing pains that every scaling business faces. She also reveals why culture breaks every time your company triples—and how to rebuild stronger each time. If you’re a founder or leader looking to scale sustainably, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways you can use today. Caldor Dynamics helps small and midsize businesses grow by combining lead generation, content marketing, and human-centered AI solutions that scale with them. 👉 Learn more at www.CaldorDynamics.com

13. 

    23 Oct 2025

    What Is AI Governance and Why Does It Matter?

    What happens if we fail to govern AI responsibly in the next 24 months? Will it be profits, people, or public trust that collapse first? In this powerful episode, Felipe Crook sits down with Nikki Mehrpoo, a globally recognized leader in AI governance and responsible AI. From her career as a litigator, judge, and educator to creating the EEE AI Governance Protocol, Nikki has dedicated her work to protecting professionals, their licenses, and the people they serve. She explains why “govern before you automate” must be every leader’s mantra, how hidden AI is already in your workflow, and why human intelligence (HI) must always stay in the driver’s seat. If your organization is using AI—or even thinking about it—this conversation is a must-listen. Caldor Dynamics helps SMBs grow by combining lead generation, content marketing, and human-centered AI solutions that scale. 👉 Learn more: www.CaldorDynamics.com

14. 

    16 Oct 2025

    Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: Conquering Imposter Syndrome with Michelle Delgado

    How do you move past self-doubt and imposter syndrome to unlock your true potential? In this episode, Felipe Crook speaks with Michele Delgado, founder of Hartmetrics, who coaches leaders, solopreneurs, and professionals through the roadblocks that hold them back. Michele shares how she transitioned from a long career in travel and hospitality to building her own coaching business during the pandemic. She dives into her coaching philosophy—listening between the lines, uncovering limiting beliefs, and guiding clients toward clarity and growth. From the importance of “mourning change” to reframing imposter syndrome as a manageable behavior, Michele delivers actionable insights that every entrepreneur and leader can apply today. Caldor Dynamics helps SMBs grow by combining lead generation, content marketing, and human-centered AI solutions that scale with them. 👉 Learn more: www.CaldorDynamics.com

15. 

    8 Oct 2025

    Automating Success: Archer Lawrence on Event Industry Growth

    What if you could save 15+ hours a week with automation? In this episode, Felipe Crook interviews Archer Lawrence, CEO of Loophole Automation, a company that helps event businesses and SMBs streamline operations by tackling repetitive, boring tasks. Archer shares how his background in the events industry inspired Loophole Automation’s mission: eliminate bottlenecks, speed up proposals, and free business owners to focus on what they love. From onboarding workflows to AI-assisted tools, Archer explains how automation can unlock time, reduce stress, and drive scalable growth. You’ll also hear why client experience matters more than “on time and on budget”, and how Loophole builds long-term partnerships that evolve with clients’ needs. Caldor Dynamics helps SMBs grow by combining lead generation, content marketing, and human-centered AI solutions that scale with them. 👉 Learn more: www.CaldorDynamics.com

16. 

    24 Sept 2025

    From Toys to Compliance: Product Safety Secrets Revealed with Rachael Shagott

    What does it take to launch safe, compliant products in today’s market? In this episode, Felipe Crook sits down with Rachael Shagott, founder of Best Practice Quality, who brings over 40 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and product safety. Rachael shares how she helps startups and global brands navigate complex regulations, manage recalls, and design safer products from day one. From risk assessments on cocktail napkins to preparing for the coming CPSC e-filing deadline, she explains why early compliance planning saves time, money, and reputation. Caldor Dynamics helps small and midsize businesses grow by combining lead generation, content marketing, and human-centered AI solutions that scale with them. 👉 Learn more: www.CaldorDynamics.com

17. 

    10 Sept 2025

    Fractional Leadership & AI: How 5FT View Helps Businesses Scale Smarter with Stephanie Warlick

    Stephanie Warlick of 5FT View shares how fractional leadership & AI help businesses scale smarter | Scrappy to Scalable

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