Barack Kaufman is a founder, investor, and mentor. He built Intelli, a SaaS company acquired by SailPoint, and now serves as a partner at Vine Ventures, where he helps founders navigate growth, scale, and impact. He also founded Post Exit Founders, a community of thousands of entrepreneurs dedicated to mentorship and shared learning.
Our next guest is an INNOVATOR. A founder who is using AI to change how students learn and study.
He built Nurovant AI, a platform that transforms lectures into instant study tools, flashcards, and quizzes. What started as an idea for freedom from endless note taking has turned into a movement for smarter, more accessible education.
I have known him and his family for years, and I have always admired their kindness, intelligence, and drive. I am proud to be an investor and an even bigger fan.
Our next guest is a TRAILBLAZER. She is a founder, a leader, and a true dog lover who is redefining what modern pet care looks like.
From marketing to innovation, she has built something special for people who see their dogs as family. Her company, Dog Drop, is changing how urban pet parents care for their pups with flexibility, love, and community at its core.
Our next guest is a strategist with VISION. He has built firms, led capital markets, and overseen billions in investments. He has founded companies, guided leaders, and shaped strategies that drive real GROWTH. From accounting to venture investing, he has turned financial challenges into opportunities and helped others do the same. He is a numbers expert, a people expert, and a trusted voice in Dallas business. Through family, community, and shared ventures, I have seen the kind of wisdom he brings. Creative. Grounded. Always looking forward.
Our next guest is a fearless leader with HEART. She left the corporate world to chase IMPACT, and today she is making dreams come true as CEO of Make A Wish North Texas.
From bold career pivots to stepping into purpose, she is proof that sometimes the unorthodox path is the right one. Through YPO and beyond, I have seen her energy firsthand. Grateful. Driven. Fully committed to changing lives.
Her leadership is shaping a future where kids, families, and communities are reminded of the power of HOPE.
Today’s guest is a founder with a BOLD vision. He built one of the most recognizable brands in menswear with Mizzen+Main and now, he’s changing how parents protect their kids. After years of frustration with baby monitoring tech, he created something smarter. Safer. A device that delivers real PEACE of mind, real SECURITY, and a better night’s sleep for parents everywhere.
We’ve shared boardrooms, brainstorms, and more than a few laughs over the years and trust me, his ability to build game-changing solutions is unmatched. With his latest venture, Harbor, that drive is on full display.
As a young adult, I started to learn about giving back differently, especially because my dad, who is a previous guest (Episode 34), has a background in social work, which is how I connected with today’s guest, Ashley Brundage. Ashley, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Dallas, is a servant leader in every sense. We’ve become great friends through YPO DFW, and the work Ashley does is truly to a different scale. As a fierce advocate for ending homelessness, Ashley has led incredible initiatives for housing access. Her impactful mission is building stronger communities through collaboration and innovation, and the real estate guy in me is excited to dive in, learn more, and share her story and work with you all.
Our next guest is one of my best friends and a phenomenal restaurateur. Jon Alexis is a Highland Park alum like me, but while we met in high school, we reconnected more recently through YPO and business. He’s the genius behind one of my favorite places ever, Ramble Room, and Dallas hot spots like TJ's Seafood Market & Grill, Birdie's Eastside, and Escondido Tex Mex Patio. Jon is passionate about bringing genuine hospitality to communities that need them, and whether you’re a fan like I am or have yet to experience the greatness, you’re in for an incredible story. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my friend to the Rogers That podcast, Jon Alexis!
In this episode of the Rogers That podcast, Tyler Muse shares his journey from growing up in Dallas to becoming a successful entrepreneur with ventures like Lingo Live and Nobi. He discusses the impact of his early experiences in London, the challenges he faced while building Lingo Live, and the decision to exit the company. Tyler also delves into the exciting world of AI and how it has influenced his latest venture, Nobi, an AI-powered shopping assistant. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of personal growth, adaptability, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
In this episode of 'Rogers That', host Rogers Healy interviews Dylan Jones, the founder and CEO of LYX Hydration, a company dedicated to providing the ultimate hydration solution for dogs. The conversation explores Dylan's journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the challenges he faced in developing his product, and the importance of customer feedback in shaping his business. Dylan shares insights on maintaining balance as a founder, the significance of just getting started, and his vision for the future of LYX Hydration. The episode highlights the impact of military dogs and the mission behind LYX to improve pet wellness.
In this episode of 'Rogers That', host Rogers Healy interviews Brad Wilson, the global head of channel sales at LinkedIn. They discuss Brad's journey from a small town in Missouri to a successful career in consulting and sales. The conversation delves into the importance of building relationships, problem-solving, and the transition from in-person networking to leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn. Brad shares insights on how to effectively use LinkedIn for professional growth and the cultural differences between consulting and working at a tech company. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the effective use of LinkedIn for sales and networking, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in online profiles. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on sales processes and the necessity of adapting to technological advancements while maintaining genuine relationships. The dialogue also touches on personal growth, wisdom for future generations, and the significance of curiosity in professional development.
Our next guest is Collin West, the founder and Managing Partner of Ensemble VC. His previous experience includes the Kauffman Fellows program, the founding fund team at the pioneering data-driven VC firm, Correlation Ventures, and investor in companies like Zoom Video, Carta, Groww, ICON, Tally, Sidecar Health, and many others.
He CASUALLY spends his free time training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mountain biking, and climbing mountains. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! He is also the Guinness World Record holder for leading the first-ever crossing of the Arctic Ocean. His team of four rowed non-stop and unsupported for 41 days through the biggest storm season in Arctic history.
He is an entrepreneur, competitor, and all-around incredible guy. Let’s welcome my friend of 20 years, Collin West!
Our next guest is Pocket Sun, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through her organization, SoGal Ventures. She discusses the challenges women face in securing venture capital, the impact of SoGal on underrepresented founders, and the importance of finding balance as a founder. Pocket shares her journey, insights on investing, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for a supportive community and the potential for positive change in the business landscape. Pocket was recently featured in the film Show Her The Money. Check it out if you haven’t already!
In this interview, we discuss:
00:00 Introduction to Pocket Sun and Her Mission
02:56 The Journey of SoGal and Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
06:14 Challenges and Changes in Venture Capital Funding
09:05 The Impact of SoGal on Underrepresented Founders
11:51 Finding Balance as a Founder
14:56 Investing in the Future: Insights and Experiences
18:02 Advice for Aspiring Founders and Investors
21:06 Legacy and the Future of Business
23:56 Closing Thoughts and How to Support the Mission
Episode Resources:
@rogersthatpodcast
https://www.rogersthatpodcast.com/
#PocketSun #venturecapital #womenentrepreneurs #SoGal #funding #empowerment #underrepresentedfounders #investmentstrategies #business #legacy #globalcitizen #personalwellness #ShowHerTheMoney
Our next guest is Kevin Kirksey, President at ALM First Analytics and a true finance wizard specializing in ALM, CPST, and ERM. In this episode, Kevin shares his journey of personal and professional growth—touching on everything from his idyllic childhood to his leadership style rooted in servant leadership and intentional living.
Kevin opens up about the importance of financial strategy for credit unions, the creation of a family constitution to guide his family’s values, and how he balances being a husband, father, investor, and executive. His approach to time management, legacy building, and purpose-driven leadership offers practical insight for anyone navigating a high-performance career while staying grounded in what matters most.
In this interview, we discuss:
00:00 Celebrating Kevin Kirksey: A Life of Impact
02:54 The Journey to 40: Kevin's Early Life and Influences
05:48 The Art of Time Management: Balancing Life and Work
09:03 Leadership and Servant Leadership: The Kevin Kirksey Approach
11:52 The Family Constitution: Crafting a Legacy
15:10 Professional Life: Finance and Social Impact
17:57 The Importance of Genuine Connections
20:48 Legacy and Future Aspirations
24:11 Advice and Reflections: Lessons Learned
27:05 The Future: What Lies Ahead for Kevin Kirksey
Episode Resources:
@rogersthatpodcast
https://www.rogersthatpodcast.com/
#FinancePodcast #Leadership #AssetLiabilityManagement #ServantLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife #FamilyValues #FinancialStrategy #KevinKirksey #LeadershipJourney