What happens when a cybersecurity veteran automates the work his competitors still struggle to deliver? He builds the future—and lets them use it.
Michael Peters is a rare kind of founder: one who leads both with technical depth and creative clarity. In this episode, we dive into the frameworks behind his companies Lazarus Alliance and Continuum GRC, the origin of the HORSE Project, and how he balances operational intensity with deep personal discipline.
If you're building more than one thing—and trying to stay grounded while doing it—this conversation is for you.
🔍 In this episode:
• How Michael turned spreadsheet pain into an AI-driven compliance platform
• His decision to turn down a major buyout
• What it means to lead a “family-responsible” company
• How he manages time, noise, and multiple companies with intention
• His upcoming leap from cybersecurity to sci-fi storytelling
🛠 Show Notes:
Connect with Michael Peters - LinkedIn – Michael Peters
Continuum GRC - continuumgrc.com
Lazarus Alliance - lazarusalliance.com
To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth about Moving Others by Daniel Pink - https://www.danpink.com/books/to-sell-is-human/
The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind by Gustave Le Bon - https://www.amazon.com/Crowd-Study-Popular-Mind/dp/1636000169
Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau - https://www.timeanxiety.com/
Securing the C Level: Getting, Keeping, or Reclaiming that Executive Title by Michael Peters - https://www.amazon.com/Securing-Level-Getting-Reclaiming-Executive/dp/146796882X
The Holistic Operational Readiness Security Evaluation: HORSE Project Series: Governance Documentation and Information Technology Security Policies Demystified by Michael Peters - https://www.amazon.com/Holistic-Operational-Readiness-Security-Evaluation/dp/1468063871
👉 Join the Parallel Entrepreneur Network: https://www.parallelentrepreneur.com/#about-me
👉 Subscribe for more stories from entrepreneurs who thrive across multiple ventures—and live aligned lives.
👍 Like this episode? Leave a comment or share it with someone who leads across lanes.
In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, Mark Cleveland welcomes Carla Bailo—an industry visionary who’s helped shape the future of mobility, from General Motors and Nissan to leading the Center for Automotive Research and winning the USDOT Smart City Challenge for Columbus, Ohio. Carla shares stories of innovation, mentorship, boardroom leadership, and the importance of building systems that serve every citizen.
Carla's bold curiosity and relentless learning has had great impact on transportation, public policy, and corporate governance. From deploying bus rapid transit in underserved neighborhoods to baking the perfect baguette, this episode celebrates the human side of engineering and entrepreneurship.
Show Notes:
Enjoy this episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow entrepreneurs! For more insights and to join our community, visit parallelentrepreneur.com.
Welcome back to The Parallel Entrepreneur for part 2 with British-American polymath Matthew Joynes. In this fast-paced sequel we dive into:
• How Matthew rescued a bankrupt currency-trading firm and scaled it to $1 B+ in volume.
• Why he calls Bitcoin “a collectible—like Beanie Babies” and predicts its slide back to reality.
• Dollar dominance, tariffs as modern-day tribute, and the hidden mechanics of fiat liquidity.
• AI-driven disruption—from accountants to animation studios—and the rise of “one-person unicorns.”
• Freedom as America’s true currency, and how Gen-Z parallel entrepreneurs can seize the moment.
Stick around to the end for Matthew’s no-BS advice on patents, cap tables, and turning unused assets into new revenue with AI.
Show Notes:
Matthew Joynes – LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjoynes
Gamevice - https://gamevice.com
LifeMed AI - https://lifemed.ai/
Pulley - https://pulley.com/
CompaniesHouse.gov (free UK company filings)
👉 Subscribe for more conversations that unleash potential everywhere.
🎧 Listen to the audio pod & get extras: https://theparallelentrepreneur.transistor.fm/
🚀 Join the Parallel Entrepreneur Network: https://www.parallelentrepreneur.com/
What happens when super-AI makes lawyers, accountants—and even capitalism—obsolete?
British-American “apex” parallel entrepreneur Matthew Joynes (PGA producer, GameVice inventor, LifeMed AI founder) joins host Mark Cleveland to smash the china shop of old-school business.
In this high-voltage conversation you’ll learn:
▸ Why Joynes says the real product of your company is its share price
▸ How LifeMed AI replaces 90,000 manual billing jobs with 120 staff and a neural network
▸ The fatal cap-table mistakes that make a start-up “un-investable”
▸ Post-capitalist realities: one-person, billion-dollar AI companies, robot labor, 7-day weeks disappearing
▸ Practical first steps for founders—tokenization, options, warrants, “buying your own time,” and more
Show Notes:
Matthew Joynes – LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjoynes
Gamevice - https://gamevice.com
Stolen (2012) - http://www.stolen-movie.com/
Bullet (2014) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdF9Vcv4cCo
I Am Soldier (2014) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LIqnkUl0zA
Marmadue (2022) - https://scfilmsinternational.com/current-films-animation-titles/marmaduke-3d/
Dragonkeeper (2024) - https://dragonkeepermovie.com/
LifeMed AI - https://lifemed.ai/
Pulley - https://pulley.com/
Brendan Iribe - https://brendaniribe.com/
Backbone One - https://playbackbone.com/
🚀 Join the Parallel Entrepreneur Network: https://www.parallelentrepreneur.com/
If you enjoyed the episode, hit that 👍, subscribe, and share it with another builder.
Stop juggling. Start PARALLELING.
Entrepreneur, community‑builder and podcast host Mark Cleveland takes the Creative Mornings stage to share why the future belongs to parallel thinkers—people who let multiple passions run side‑by‑side so each fuels the next.
Whether you’re a founder with five side projects, an artist‑parent, or a multipotentialite who refuses to “pick a lane,” this 15‑minute talk will give you:
• A new definition of success (alignment, not hustle)
• Real‑life examples from the Parallel Entrepreneur Network
• A 60‑second guided reflection you can do right now
• Practical prompts to weave business, art, family and growth into one powerful tapestry
Join the community:
https://ParallelEntrepreneur.com/
Subscribe for more talks & founder stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@ParallelEntrepreneur?sub_confirmation=1
Key Quotes
“Success isn’t in speeding up; it’s in letting every lane of your life feed the others.”
“When who you are shows up in everything you do, stress becomes spaciousness.”
Connect with Mark
• Twitter – https://twitter.com/MarkCleveland
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark‑cleveland/
• Podcast – https://parallelentrepreneur.com/podcast
Connect with Creative Mornings
https://creativemornings.com/
Looking for inspiration on juggling multiple business passions? Tim Ozgener might just be your blueprint. He helped take CAO Cigars from a basement startup to a global best-seller and then founded OZ Arts, a cutting-edge contemporary arts hub in Nashville. Now launching Oz Family Cigars, Tim blends art, science, and storytelling into every venture. In this episode, he and Mark Cleveland explore:
Parallel Entrepreneurs, subscribe now and tell us in the comments which Oz insight struck your fancy—was it engineering meets art, or harnessing improv in daily business?
Show Notes:
Chapters List:
00:00:00 Meet Tim Ozgener: Nashville’s Multi-Passionate Unicorn
00:01:14 Why Follow Your Passions?
00:02:23 The Art & Science of Cigars
00:05:09 Improv Skills in Business
00:07:14 Launching OZ Arts: A Different Kind of Startup
00:09:22 The Power of Authentic Connection
00:12:13 Lessons from Dad: Engineering Meets Entrepreneurship
00:15:18 Time Management & Team Trust
00:19:00 Nonprofit vs. For-Profit: Contrasting Cultures
00:22:00 Building Global Distribution
00:29:08 The CAO Exit Story
00:37:14 Yoga, Flow & Mindful Entrepreneurship
00:42:00 Embracing Failure & Authenticity
AI and security compliance could make or break your next venture. In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, Mark Cleveland sits down with Justin Beals, co-founder of Strike Graph, to dive into frameworks, data risk, and that special systems-thinking spark that turns small wins into scalable success. Leveraging his EdTech expertise to tackle security compliance for billion-dollar enterprises, Justin’s story is a masterclass in spotting trends and executing effectively.
Key Highlights:
• Opportunity Filtering – The three questions Justin always asks before launching a new product.
• AI as Internal Auditor – How Strike Graph deploys large language models to verify compliance automagically.
• Co-Founder vs. Solo Act – Winning arguments for teamwork, board partnerships, and the joys of not going it alone.
• Music & Mental Health – Surprising ways that daily creative outlets (and old-school Ashtanga yoga) keep Justin’s energy fresh.
Ready to sharpen your parallel potential? Subscribe now and share which insight resonated most—AI? Mentoring? Or making that “hundredth monkey” leap?
Show Notes:
• Secure Talk podcast - https://www.strikegraph.com/secure-talk-podcast
• StrikeGraph – https://www.strikegraph.com/
• Roundbox Global - https://roundbox.com/
• Koru - https://www.koru.global/
• Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Crash
• Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan - https://www.amazon.com/ZEALOT-Life-Times-Jesus-Nazareth/dp/140006922X
• Europe Between the Oceans: 9000 BC – AD 1000 by Barry Cunliffe - https://www.amazon.com/Europe-Between-Oceans-9000-BC-AD/dp/0300170866
• The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three-Body_Problem_(novel)
• Hundredth Monkey Effect - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_monkey_effect
In this powerful episode of Parallel Entrepreneur, Robert Hartline shares how he scaled a wireless business to nearly $100M - then reinvented himself through breathwork, AI, and core values forged in the fire of adversity. From industry upheaval to personal transformation, Robert reveals how embracing vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and mindful leadership can help entrepreneurs thrive in chaos and build with purpose.
How do you launch a thriving medical practice, then pivot to a fast-scaling software startup—all while staying laser-focused on patient care, personal growth, and 24 years in recovery? In this episode, Mark Cleveland welcomes Dr. Michael Sprintz, an anesthesiologist-turned-tech-entrepreneur tackling chronic pain, addiction, and complicated billing structures in healthcare. Dr. Sprintz shares how resiliency, authentic leadership, and “flow” guide his parallel ventures.
Highlights:
• From OR to Revenue Tech – Why Michael traded the surgical suite for software code.
• 24 Years Sober – How recovery principles shape his resilience in business.
• Nail Compliance, Stop Revenue Bleed – The healthcare billing problem Michael solves.
• Mindset Hacks – Handling stress, negativity, and “the shadow self” with unshakable resolve.
• Chasing Flow – Moving from “hustle 24/7” to deeper creativity and real presence.
Chapters List:
00:00:00 The Journey of Dr. Michael Sprintz
00:01:45 Resilience and Tenacity in Recovery
00:04:27 The Intersection of Pain and Addiction
00:06:40 Lessons from Entrepreneurship
00:09:00 Aligning Vision and Values
00:10:39 The Birth of Solarian
00:13:21 Navigating the Software Landscape
00:14:08 The Role of AI in Healthcare
00:16:13 Market Response and Growth Strategies
00:18:14 The Art of Adaptation
00:20:07 Authenticity in Business
00:22:08 Future Aspirations and Innovations
00:24:48 Best Advice Received: What you sell your company is not what you created at first
00:28:52 Helping Others See Beyond Their Current Reality
00:29:53 Understanding the Opioid Crisis and Healthcare Misalignment
00:32:45 Balancing Stress and Personal Life as a CEO
00:34:13 Time Management and Effective Communication
00:35:56 Lessons from Life and Death Experiences
00:37:43 Finding Meaning and Making Ethical Decisions
00:39:37 Embracing Technology and Uncertainty in Healthcare
00:41:27 Reflecting on Past Accomplishments and Future Risks
00:42:55 Living Life with No Regrets
00:43:55 The Impact of Literature on Personal Growth
00:45:14 The Connection Between Humanity and Business
00:52:44 Art, Music, and the Flow of Life
00:57:13 Trusting the Process and Letting Go
Show Notes:
Are you balancing multiple ventures and looking for strategies to scale effectively? In this episode, John Farkas shares hard-earned lessons from leading two companies—Ratio and Candor—while navigating the challenges of mergers, acquisitions, and rapid industry shifts. We dive into the importance of directional alignment, overcoming fear in leadership, and why AI is reshaping the way businesses think about value. If you’re an entrepreneur or leader looking to future-proof your business and sharpen your decision-making, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Welcome to today’s episode of Parallel Entrepreneur, where your host, Mark Cleveland, dives into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship with a guest who exemplifies grit and determination - Silas Deane. As an accomplished Parallel Entrepreneur, Silas has successfully navigated the complex landscape of startups, ultimately selling his company, VendEngine, in a landmark $90 million deal recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as the largest technology transaction in Nashville's history at the time. Today, Silas shares his captivating journey, exploring themes of resilience, innovation, and what it truly means to be a Parallel Entrepreneur.
In this episode, host Mark Cleveland speaks with John Cerasuolo, CEO of Leap Partners, about acquiring 21 successful HVAC and plumbing businesses since 2022. John highlights lessons from his Naval Academy days on integrity and teamwork, emphasizing a culture of collaboration and growth at Leap Partners. He reflects on his experiences at ADS Security and shares insights on talent attraction and leadership development in the trades. Tune in for key leadership lessons and the vibrant culture at Leap Partners!
In this episode of the Parallel Entrepreneur Podcast, host Mark Cleveland sits down with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, to explore how her company is transforming hiring by prioritizing potential over experience. Caitlin shares her journey from building businesses for others to launching Plum, the dynamics of co-founding with her husband, and the challenges of raising $15M in funding. She dives into the evolving role of AI in hiring, the importance of diversity, and the balance between scaling a business and personal growth.
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Tune in for a conversation packed with insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of work!
Get ready for a masterclass in multi-venture entrepreneurship from Christian Paro, founder of Center 615, Studio 615, Five Points Alley Shops—three of the most dynamic co-working and creative spaces in Nashville—and a new 49-acre trail-oriented development, featuring artist lofts. Hosted by Mark Cleveland, this episode of Parallel Entrepreneur explores how Christian turned a park-management background into a cutting-edge real estate empire that thrives on community, collaboration, and creativity.
In this episode of the Parallel Entrepreneur podcast, host Mark Cleveland interviews Craig Fuller, founder of FreightWaves, a pioneering company in the logistics and transportation sector. They discuss Craig's entrepreneurial journey, the innovative business model of FreightWaves, and the importance of real-time data in the freight industry.
The conversation also touches on the role of AI in media and logistics, the significance of shared experiences in entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from failures.
All this and more in this episode of Parallel Entrepreneur.
How do you juggle multiple ventures and keep your cool under pressure? Meet Nitin Rai — seasoned founder, investor in 70+ startups, and champion of underrepresented talent. In this eye-opening episode, host Mark Cleveland uncovers Nitin’s secrets to mastering delegation, cultivating mindful leadership, and building “small” ideas into life-changing success stories. Discover why he believes failure is not an option, why women-led startups excel, and how a single headstand (yes, you read that right!) can sharpen entrepreneurial intuition.
If you’re a Parallel Entrepreneur hungry for both impact and inner balance, this conversation is your roadmap to thriving in the fast-paced world of multi-venture leadership.
How do you scale, sell, and still come back for more? Meet Roger Brown — a serial founder who’s built (and exited) four different ventures, from physician services to cannabis testing labs. In this power-packed interview, Roger reveals how to create genuine value in a business (not just revenue), the art of spotting the right time to sell, and why trusting your team is your ultimate superpower. He also dishes on where AI fits in modern marketing, the pitfalls of overvaluing your own company, and how a simple dose of salt water therapy can recharge an overworked mind.
Whether you’re juggling multiple startups or dreaming of your first exit, Roger’s candid insights are a must-watch for any Parallel Entrepreneur.
Jason Putnam is an accomplished executive and transformation leader, known for his work as the Chief Revenue Officer at Plum, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the hiring process through psychometric data. In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, host Mark Cleveland sits down with Jason to explore the intricacies of scaling businesses, fostering inclusive workplaces, and the profound role of self-awareness in the entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, host Mark Cleveland welcomes Francisco Gonzalez, a dynamic leader dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in others. As the founder and CEO of Fearless Journeys, Francisco has created a flourishing community designed to empower aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
Throughout their conversation, the power of narrative emerges as a central theme. Francisco’s storytelling, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm for learning and personal growth, serves as a reminder that every entrepreneur possesses a unique journey filled with challenges and triumphs. In closing, Mark and Francisco emphasize the notion that success is as much about the connections we make and the lessons we learn as it is about the goals we achieve.
This episode promises to inspire and equip any aspiring entrepreneur to navigate the complexities of their journeys with a supportive network and a growth mindset. Join Mark Cleveland and Francisco Gonzalez for a captivating discussion that highlights the undeniable importance of relationship-building and resilience in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success.
How do you build a company that buyers can’t wait to acquire—and still keep your entrepreneurial spark alive? In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, we sit down with John McDonald, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Kensington Park Capital, who’s closed 300+ M&A transactions. John shares:
✅ The biggest mistakes founders make when selling
✅ How to spot the perfect buyer (it’s not just about price!)
✅ The HVAC & Home Services roll-up wave: Who’s buying and why
✅ Tactical exit-prep moves that boost your valuation
✅ The “buy side” strategy—growing your biz by acquiring rivals
Whether you’re a serial founder eyeing your next sale or a trailblazer itching to acquire, John’s insights will help you maximize value, protect your team, and maintain the creativity that powers your parallel ventures. Don’t miss these real-world lessons from one of the industry’s most seasoned M&A advisors!