Lane Kasselman is the President and Chief Business Officer at Blockchain.com, where he has transformed the startup unicorn into a fast-growing multinational business. Kasselman has spent over two decades consulting on business strategy, public policy, crisis management and communications, running communications and public affairs for Uber, AT&T, The Messina Group and his own firm, Greenbrier. He began his career in politics, working for two California Governors, and later in communications for then-Senator Hillary Clinton’s Exploratory Committee for President. An avid startup advisor and investor, Kasselman holds degrees from California State University, Sacramento and Golden Gate University School of Law.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
Troy W. Eckerd, Chairman of Eckerd Enterprises, shares his journey from humble beginnings to building over $1 billion in energy assets.With decades of experience in finance, oil & gas, and private capital, Troy explains how he navigates an industry riddled with obstacles, misrepresentation, and high failure rates to deliver real returns for investors.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
Brint shares how his firm produces more adjudicated data than anyone else and is changing the tax landscape forever.From leveraging AI and ChatGPT to optimize taxes in real-time, to navigating the ever-changing gray areas of the tax code, Brint dives into how innovation, leadership, and technology intersect in the world of business taxes. We also get a glimpse into Ryan’s unique work culture, remote-first strategy since 2008, and global expansion plans.Tune in to learn how the government can’t slow you down when you harness data, AI, and expertise the right way.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
In this episode of The Deal Table, we sat down with Dr. Alex Farahmand.Dr. Alex Farahmand MD, is the co-founder and president of Tidal Medical Technologies, a pioneering medical device company transforming respiratory care through smart technology. Tidal Medicals flagship innovation is InSee which is a connected, user-friendly incentive spirometer designed to boost patient compliance and improve outcomes in hospitals and at home. With a background in emergency medicine and a passion for healthcare innovation, Dr. Farahmand leads InSee’s mission to modernize pulmonary recovery tools. Under his leadership, the company has completed clinical trials and submitted for FDA clearance, paving the way for a new standard in respiratory monitoring and patient engagement.
In our latest episode of The Deal Table, we had the honor of hosting Tom Leppert- former Mayor of Dallas, CEO of Turner Construction, White House Fellow, and an all-around leadership powerhouse.What stood out most wasn’t just his impressive resume, it was how he got there.
Chris Gannett believes that business is the leverage point for global change- and he’s got the track record to back it up.He has raised millions in funding, contributed to over $500 million in M&A value, and invested in over 50 startups. As a CMO and GM with Sony, "American Idol," Elvis Presley Enterprises, TheBlaze and MediaMath, Chris' work helped achieve multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards, three Guinness Records, three turnarounds, three exits, and two Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader Awards.
As the founder of Gannett.Partners, Chris combines coaching science, capital, and company-building expertise to help leaders deliver sustainable progress and superior returns. Since launching the firm in 2022, he’s worked with founders, CEOs, investors, and public figures across 10 countries, impacting startups, Fortune 500s, nonprofits, and family offices alike.
Today’s guest, Jimmy Tran, blends business acumen with deep personal perspective. As the former VP of Corporate Strategy and M&A at CBRE, Jimmy led over $2 billion in acquisitions and played a key role in tripling earnings in just 8 years. He also spent time as a management consultant with Bain & Company, working in Dallas, Hong Kong, and Singapore, helping global leaders make smarter, faster decisions.
But Jimmy’s outlook is shaped by more than just boardrooms and spreadsheets. His parents came to the U.S. as refugees from Vietnam- a legacy that continues to inform his approach to leadership and opportunity.
Today on The Deal Table, we're joined by Scott Harper- Dallas-based entrepreneur and co- founder of Dialexa, the digital product engineering firm he launched in 2010 with just "$50, a domain name, and big dreams".Under his leadership, Dialexa grew into a powerhouse consultancy serving clients like Uber, Amazon, and Toyota before being acquired by IBM in 2022.Scott helped define "digital product engineering" as its own category, incubated ventures like Vinli and Robin Autopilot, and earned recognition as EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
This week on The Deal Table, we sit down with John Donovan, former CEO of AT&T Communications and current investor in some of the most disruptive technologies reshaping the world as we know it.In one of our most thought-provoking conversations yet, John pulls back the curtain on the frontier of innovation- from quantum computing and synthetic biology to AI, space tech, and hypersonics.
Today on The Deal Table, we’re joined by Leib Bolel, founder of Lioncrest Ventures, a firm focused on flexible, multi-product financing solutions for early growth-stage tech companies. He also serves as a Partner at Grayhawk Capital, where he’s spent nearly seven years investing in and supporting B2B software companies.Before that, Leib was the CEO and founder of the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance, where he built bridges between the U.S. and Israel through M&A, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. He’s been named to the National List of Influential Young Executives and honored in the Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.”
On this episode of The Deal Table, we sat down with Eric Bennett to talk about the next frontier in biotech: brain health.
Eric launched Brain Capital Partners and the Brain Superfund in 2025 to invest in brain science venture and growth capital. The Fund focuses on mental health, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, brain injuries, wellness, and longevity. It targets companies offering therapeutics, neuro tech, diagnostics, digital health, and clinical access. The goal: accelerate breakthrough treatments, improve lives, and deliver strong returns.In 2013, Eric became founding Executive Director of the Brain Performance Institute at UT Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth, scaling cognitive neuroscience programs. Under his leadership, BPI raised $105M+, built a new facility, and served 50,000+ people.
Reach out to Eric: eric@braincapitalpartners.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-w-bennett-54456336/
Follow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/Follow Ryan Harper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/Follow Lane Carrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Optima Mergers & Acquisitions: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Harper Belmont Media: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdThe Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media#Biotech #BrainHealth #VentureCapital #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #AI #HealthcareInnovation #StartupInvesting #TheDealTable
In this episode of The Deal Table, we sit down with Mara McNeill, a powerhouse in the world of finance, banking, and public service. From scaling Toyota Financial Savings Bank from $1B to $6B in just four years, to navigating complex regulatory waters during the 2008 financial crisis at the U.S. Treasury, Mara brings unmatched experience in strategic leadership, community banking, and transformative dealmaking.Tune in for a rich conversation on how bold decisions and disciplined execution can shape the future of finance.
This week on The Deal Table, we sat down with Victor Vescovo, a true modern-day explorer, decorated U.S. Navy Commander, deep-sea adventurer, Everest summiter, Blue Origin astronaut, and seasoned venture capitalist.From the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest, from space travel to investing in cutting-edge tech and de-extinction, Victor shares the mindset, discipline, and calculated risk-taking that drive both exploration and investment success.
On this episode of The Deal Table, we sit down with Suresh Narayanan, an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and visionary leader with deep roots in aviation. From aerospace engineering and military jet modifications at AQRD to driving innovation as COO of JSX, Suresh has been at the forefront of change in the industry.Now, as the founder of Jets MRO, he’s shaping the future of aviation with a people-first approach—revolutionizing how the industry operates and treats its workforce.
Connect with Suresh: Connect@jetsmro.com | 214.305.9247
https://www.instagram.com/jetsmrohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/jetsmro/
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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media
Guest Bio:
Meet Suresh Narayanan, an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and visionary leader with deep roots in aviation. With a passion for aviation and an unyielding commitment to people first, Suresh continues to raise the bar in how the industry treats its people.He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. A pilot himself, Suresh’s interest in aviation began at a young age in the repair station his parents opened after his father completed his career as a Concorde mechanic. Before incorporating Jets MRO, he worked alongside his brother Raj at Aerospace Quality Research & Development (AQRD), contributing significantly to the growth and success of the aerospace engineering, repair station, and military jet modification firm.Suresh brings invaluable experience as the former COO of JSX and boasts expertise in aviation mergers and acquisitions, steering ventures towards success. He is a proud member of the YPO-North Texas chapter and serves as a dedicated Board Member at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
Douglas Smith, former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and current Head of Global Affairs at Orchard Global, dives into the deep intersections of public policy, national security, innovation, and business. From stories behind the launch of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to cybersecurity risks in private equity and the role of government in advancing green tech, Smith underscores the necessity of collaboration across sectors. He reflects on the fading art of civil discourse, the dangers of institutional knowledge loss, and the enduring value of relationships over transactions in leadership, governance, and capital markets.
Reach out to Douglas: douglas.smith@orhardglobal.comFollow Douglas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-a-smith-5b82792/Learn more about Orchard Global: https://www.orchardglobal.com
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Guest Bio:The Honorable Douglas Smith has spent the last 30 years serving at the highest levels of government in national security and the private sector, and is a serial entrepreneur. Douglas currently leads Global Affairs for Orchard Global, where he leads the firm’s engagements with national security work, private equity, and international governments. Douglas is a recognized global expert in national security and its impact on business, and role in preventing and managing crises, frequently invited to speak in international conferences and regularly appearing in global media. Before joining Orchard, Douglas was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as the Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this role, Douglasadvised the Secretary on the impact of the Department's policies, regulations, and processes globally on millions of private sector companies, universities, and not-for-profits institutions. Douglas was responsible for coordinating seamless private sector engagement across all 22 of DHS’s divisions including the Secret Service, Coast Guard, Customs and Boarder Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.He served as the Department's representative on the President's Travel and Tourism Advisory and Export Promotion Boards, the White House Business Council, the President’s Job Council, and the World Economic Forum Risk Officers Community. Under his leadership, the office dramatically expanded its global footprint. As a result, Douglas led delegations throughout the United States and to over 40 countries in support of strengthening the global supply chain and promoting the Department’s position of “global security equaling economic security”. Key to this work was his extensive engagement with the travel and tourism industry including the launch of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and the APEC Business Travel Card. In the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Douglas headed an interagency team coordinating emergency response and supporting international commerce to keep the global supply chain moving. Douglas currently serves on the boards of Aether Technologies, as Chairman; Social Mobile; Energetico; Senseta; The United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force; Overseas Security Advisory Council and of FidoTV Channel, a TV station 100% dedicated to dogs.
In this episode of The Deal Table, we sit down with General Jim Williams, a two-star Marine Corps General with 38 years of service. From surviving helicopter crashes to negotiating with warlords, General Williams shares incredible stories of leadership, discipline, and risk-taking.We explore the parallels between battlefield strategy and business success, diving into financial literacy, wealth-building, and the future of AI-driven industries. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or leader, this conversation is packed with insights on how to navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and make smarter financial decisions.Key Topics:- Leadership lessons from combat- Why financial literacy is crucial for success- The future of business, AI, and automated manufacturing- What it takes to build a lasting legacyFollow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/Follow Ryan Harper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/Follow Lane Carrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Optima Mergers & Acquisitions: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Harper Belmont Media: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdThe Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media
Charlie Calise, a veteran marketing strategist and the Chairman Of Imaginuity, shares his insights into brand growth, competitive positioning, and the evolution of advertising in the digital age. With decades of experience working with major brands, he discusses what separates businesses that thrive from those that struggle, how to craft a compelling brand story, and the biggest mistakes companies make when scaling their marketing efforts.Key Topics Include: The shift from traditional to digital marketing and what it means for businessesStrategies for building a brand that stands out in a crowded marketCommon marketing pitfalls that cost companies millionsHow consumer psychology influences advertising effectivenessLessons from working with Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startupsBook Recommendations:📚 As a Man Thinketh: https://amzn.to/4i4Y1Gg📚 The Coddling of the American Mind: https://amzn.to/4hKgmsaFollow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/Follow Ryan Harper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/Follow Lane Carrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Optima Mergers & Acquisitions: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Harper Belmont Media: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdThe Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media#MarketingStrategy #Branding #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #MarketingTips #BrandBuilding #DigitalMarketing #BusinessSuccess #MarketingMistakes #CharlieCalise #BusinessPodcast #ScalingUp #Advertising #MarketingInsights
John Terry, co-founder of Churchill Terry and professor at SMU, shares deep insights into business growth, mergers and acquisitions, and financial strategy. With experience across entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and investment advisory, he discusses what separates entrepreneurs from business owners, the challenges of scaling a company, and how to maximize valuation before selling.
Key topics include:
Book Recommendations:
Half Luck and Half Brains:https://amzn.to/3Eyi1T7
The E-Myth: https://amzn.to/42Ora3R
Build a Business, Not a Job:https://amzn.to/4aSK5wB
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Jim Keyes: Author, Chairman, Philanthropist, Former CEO of 7-Eleven & BlockbusterJim shares invaluable leadership lessons learned from running two Fortune 500 companies, diving into topics like navigating corporate change, overcoming adversity, and the power of education. Discover the real story behind Blockbuster’s battle with Netflix, the strategies that fueled 7-Eleven’s growth, and how embracing change can create limitless opportunities in business and life.
Get the book, Education is Freedom: https://amzn.to/4hoKyZS
Contact Jim Keyes:
alexa.malevitis@jameswkeyes.com
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Building a business isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about execution, funding, and resilience. In this episode, Kevin Lavelle, founder of Mizzen+Main and Harbor, shares his raw, unfiltered journey of scaling a brand from the ground up, securing funding, and navigating the ever-changing venture capital landscape.
Follow Kevin:https://www.instagram.com/kevinslavellehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlavelle/https://x.com/kevinslavelle
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#bestbabymonitor #babymonitorThe Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media