Ventures & Visionaries Podcast with Mordy Hackel

In this episode of Ventures & Visionaries, host Mordy Hackel sits down with entrepreneur and technology strategist Drew Donaldson to discuss one of the biggest shifts in modern business: the collision of AI, automation, and human adaptability.
After nearly a decade running a successful marketing agency, Drew saw firsthand how rapidly advancing AI tools were reshaping his industry. Rather than resisting the change, he made a bold pivot—transforming his business around automation, systems integration, and custom development. In this conversation, Drew shares practical insights on AI adoption, systems architecture, job displacement, self-worth, entrepreneurship, and why the people who thrive in the next economy will be the ones willing to continuously reinvent themselves.
If you're wondering how AI will impact your career, your business, or your future opportunities, this episode is essential listening.
Guest Introduction:
Drew Donaldson is a technology strategist, entrepreneur, and systems integration expert who helps businesses leverage AI, automation, and custom software solutions to improve efficiency and scale operations. After building and operating a successful marketing agency for nearly a decade, Drew pivoted into helping organizations navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI-driven business transformation.
 
His expertise spans automation architecture, API integrations, operational systems, and helping leaders understand where technology creates leverage—and where human value remains irreplaceable.
Key Takeaways:
AI is not simply changing industries—it is fundamentally changing business models.
Companies that adapt early gain an enormous competitive advantage over those that wait.
The future belongs to people who continuously learn and reinvent themselves.
Custom systems and integrations often create more long-term value than disconnected software tools.
Self-worth and identity play a larger role in career transitions than most people realize.
The biggest risk isn't AI itself—it's refusing to adapt to a changing economy.
 
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to Ventures & Visionaries
0:30 Introducing Drew Donaldson
2:00 The Super Bowl commercial that changed everything
4:00 Why Drew pivoted away from traditional marketing services
7:00 Watching AI disrupt agency business models in real time
10:00 Reinventing a business while serving existing clients
13:00 From marketing agency to automation and systems integration
16:00 Proofs of concept and helping clients understand AI value
19:00 Build vs. buy: deciding between custom and off-the-shelf solutions
22:00 APIs, integrations, and eliminating system silos
28:00 The rise of AI-assisted development
31:00 What happens to jobs as automation expands
35:00 Self-worth, identity, and career reinvention
39:00 Why adaptability is the ultimate competitive advantage
42:00 Book recommendations and learning in the AI era
46:00 Career advice for the next generation
48:00 What business owners should stop doing today
51:00 How to connect with Drew
52:00 Closing thoughts
Keywords:
Ventures & Visionaries podcast, Mordy Hackel, Drew Donaldson, artificial intelligence, AI automation, systems integration, API development, digital transformation, AI consulting, future of work, entrepreneurship, automation strategy, custom software development, business innovation, creative destruction

In this episode of Ventures & Visionaries, host Mordy Hackel sits down with entrepreneur and technology strategist Drew Donaldson to discuss one of the biggest shifts in modern business: the collision of AI, automation, and human adaptability.
After nearly a decade running a successful marketing agency, Drew saw firsthand how rapidly advancing AI tools were reshaping his industry. Rather than resisting the change, he made a bold pivot—transforming his business around automation, systems integration, and custom development. In this conversation, Drew shares practical insights on AI adoption, systems architecture, job displacement, self-worth, entrepreneurship, and why the people who thrive in the next economy will be the ones willing to continuously reinvent themselves.
If you're wondering how AI will impact your career, your business, or your future opportunities, this episode is essential listening.
Guest Introduction:
Drew Donaldson is a technology strategist, entrepreneur, and systems integration expert who helps businesses leverage AI, automation, and custom software solutions to improve efficiency and scale operations. After building and operating a successful marketing agency for nearly a decade, Drew pivoted into helping organizations navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI-driven business transformation.
 
His expertise spans automation architecture, API integrations, operational systems, and helping leaders understand where technology creates leverage—and where human value remains irreplaceable.
Key Takeaways:
AI is not simply changing industries—it is fundamentally changing business models.
Companies that adapt early gain an enormous competitive advantage over those that wait.
The future belongs to people who continuously learn and reinvent themselves.
Custom systems and integrations often create more long-term value than disconnected software tools.
Self-worth and identity play a larger role in career transitions than most people realize.
The biggest risk isn't AI itself—it's refusing to adapt to a changing economy.
 
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to Ventures & Visionaries
0:30 Introducing Drew Donaldson
2:00 The Super Bowl commercial that changed everything
4:00 Why Drew pivoted away from traditional marketing services
7:00 Watching AI disrupt agency business models in real time
10:00 Reinventing a business while serving existing clients
13:00 From marketing agency to automation and systems integration
16:00 Proofs of concept and helping clients understand AI value
19:00 Build vs. buy: deciding between custom and off-the-shelf solutions
22:00 APIs, integrations, and eliminating system silos
28:00 The rise of AI-assisted development
31:00 What happens to jobs as automation expands
35:00 Self-worth, identity, and career reinvention
39:00 Why adaptability is the ultimate competitive advantage
42:00 Book recommendations and learning in the AI era
46:00 Career advice for the next generation
48:00 What business owners should stop doing today
51:00 How to connect with Drew
52:00 Closing thoughts
Keywords:
Ventures & Visionaries podcast, Mordy Hackel, Drew Donaldson, artificial intelligence, AI automation, systems integration, API development, digital transformation, AI consulting, future of work, entrepreneurship, automation strategy, custom software development, business innovation, creative destruction

In this episode of Ventures & Visionaries, host Mordy Hackel sits down with retired Air Force veteran, fractional COO, and Legacy Wealth Group CEO Tyrus Shivers for a powerful conversation about scaling businesses, building systems, and rewriting the narratives that hold entrepreneurs back.
 
Tyrus shares how military structure and mission-driven thinking shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and why so many founders get trapped in “doing” instead of designing scalable businesses. Together, they unpack leadership, delegation, capital raising, operational systems, Michelin-star-level standards, and the mindset shifts required to move from owner-operator to visionary CEO.
 
The conversation also dives into regulation crowdfunding, business continuity, abundance thinking, and why your business can only grow as far as your internal narrative allows.
 
If you’re a founder stuck at a growth ceiling—or trying to build something that lasts beyond you—this episode is packed with practical frameworks and hard-earned wisdom.
Guest Introduction:
Tyrus Shivers is a retired Air Force veteran, fractional COO, keynote speaker, and CEO of Legacy Wealth Group. He has helped businesses raise over $300 million in capital, built a seven-figure property management company in just 18 months, and developed the proprietary Legacy Business Operating System to help entrepreneurs build scalable, investable businesses designed for long-term wealth creation.
 
Drawing from military leadership, operational strategy, and capital formation expertise, Tyrus helps business owners transition from overwhelmed operators into strategic leaders capable of scaling sustainable companies.
Key Takeaways:
Most businesses plateau because founders stay stuck in “doing” instead of delegating and designing.
Systems already exist inside most businesses—the challenge is recognizing and refining them.
Your internal narrative often determines the ceiling of your business growth.
Business continuity and adaptability matter more than perfect conditions.
Raising capital requires clarity, transparency, and operational maturity.
Mission-driven leadership creates scalable businesses and stronger teams.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to Ventures & Visionaries
0:30 Introducing Tyrus Shivers
2:00 Sponsor message: KJ Technology
3:00 How the Air Force shaped Tyrus’ approach to systems and scaling
5:00 Recognizing systems inside your business
7:00 Taking ownership of your narrative
9:00 Why businesses plateau between $1M–$3M
11:00 Doing vs deciding vs delegating vs designing
14:00 Common leadership bottlenecks
16:00 The questions that uncover hidden growth barriers
19:00 Scaling a business to seven figures in 18 months
21:00 Business continuity and adapting during disruption
23:00 Regulation crowdfunding explained
27:00 How founders can raise capital differently
29:00 The Legacy Business Operating System
31:00 Michelin-star restaurants and operational excellence
34:00 Raising standards vs replacing people
38:00 Abundance mindset and financial ceilings
40:00 Healing destructive business narratives
42:00 Rapid-fire entrepreneur questions
45:00 Final thoughts and sponsor close
Keywords:
Ventures & Visionaries podcast, Mordy Hackel, Tyrus Shivers, business scaling, operational systems, fractional COO, business leadership, regulation crowdfunding, raising capital, entrepreneurial mindset, Legacy Wealth Group, business continuity, delegation leadership, abundance mindset

In this episode of Ventures & Visionaries, host Mordy Hackel sits down with retired Air Force veteran, fractional COO, and Legacy Wealth Group CEO Tyrus Shivers for a powerful conversation about scaling businesses, building systems, and rewriting the narratives that hold entrepreneurs back.
 
Tyrus shares how military structure and mission-driven thinking shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and why so many founders get trapped in “doing” instead of designing scalable businesses. Together, they unpack leadership, delegation, capital raising, operational systems, Michelin-star-level standards, and the mindset shifts required to move from owner-operator to visionary CEO.
 
The conversation also dives into regulation crowdfunding, business continuity, abundance thinking, and why your business can only grow as far as your internal narrative allows.
 
If you’re a founder stuck at a growth ceiling—or trying to build something that lasts beyond you—this episode is packed with practical frameworks and hard-earned wisdom.
Guest Introduction:
Tyrus Shivers is a retired Air Force veteran, fractional COO, keynote speaker, and CEO of Legacy Wealth Group. He has helped businesses raise over $300 million in capital, built a seven-figure property management company in just 18 months, and developed the proprietary Legacy Business Operating System to help entrepreneurs build scalable, investable businesses designed for long-term wealth creation.
 
Drawing from military leadership, operational strategy, and capital formation expertise, Tyrus helps business owners transition from overwhelmed operators into strategic leaders capable of scaling sustainable companies.
Key Takeaways:
Most businesses plateau because founders stay stuck in “doing” instead of delegating and designing.
Systems already exist inside most businesses—the challenge is recognizing and refining them.
Your internal narrative often determines the ceiling of your business growth.
Business continuity and adaptability matter more than perfect conditions.
Raising capital requires clarity, transparency, and operational maturity.
Mission-driven leadership creates scalable businesses and stronger teams.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to Ventures & Visionaries
0:30 Introducing Tyrus Shivers
2:00 Sponsor message: KJ Technology
3:00 How the Air Force shaped Tyrus’ approach to systems and scaling
5:00 Recognizing systems inside your business
7:00 Taking ownership of your narrative
9:00 Why businesses plateau between $1M–$3M
11:00 Doing vs deciding vs delegating vs designing
14:00 Common leadership bottlenecks
16:00 The questions that uncover hidden growth barriers
19:00 Scaling a business to seven figures in 18 months
21:00 Business continuity and adapting during disruption
23:00 Regulation crowdfunding explained
27:00 How founders can raise capital differently
29:00 The Legacy Business Operating System
31:00 Michelin-star restaurants and operational excellence
34:00 Raising standards vs replacing people
38:00 Abundance mindset and financial ceilings
40:00 Healing destructive business narratives
42:00 Rapid-fire entrepreneur questions
45:00 Final thoughts and sponsor close
Keywords:
Ventures & Visionaries podcast, Mordy Hackel, Tyrus Shivers, business scaling, operational systems, fractional COO, business leadership, regulation crowdfunding, raising capital, entrepreneurial mindset, Legacy Wealth Group, business continuity, delegation leadership, abundance mindset

Episode Description:
In this episode of Ventures & Visionaries, host Mordy Hackel sits down with Dr. Stephanie Hills—former Fortune 500 technology executive turned leadership strategist and executive coach—for a powerful conversation about career growth, visibility, and thriving in the AI era.
 
Stephanie shares why so many high performers get overlooked despite strong results, and why performance alone is no longer enough to advance. She breaks down her framework of Performance + Image + Exposure, explains how leaders can balance humility with visibility, and offers practical advice for professionals who feel stuck or undervalued.
 
The conversation also dives into AI as a career multiplier, leadership in uncertain times, building influential networks, and why respectful disagreement creates innovation. If you’re ready to stop being overlooked and start accelerating your growth, this episode is for you.
Guest Introduction:
Dr. Stephanie Hills is a former Fortune 500 technology executive, leadership strategist, and executive coach with experience at organizations including NCR, Cisco Systems, and Scientific Atlanta. With a PhD in applied mathematics and software engineering, Stephanie now helps mid-to-senior level leaders increase visibility, accelerate promotions, and pivot into higher-impact roles through her Career Freedom Accelerator framework.
Key Takeaways:
High performance without visibility often leads to being overlooked.
Career growth requires managing performance, image, and exposure together.
Humility and visibility can coexist when rooted in service and team wins.
AI should be seen as an amplifier, not a threat.
Strong networks and relationships remain one of the biggest career advantages.
Respectful disagreement creates better ideas, innovation, and stronger teams.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to Ventures & Visionaries
0:40 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Hills
2:00 From NASA researcher to executive coach
6:00 Why top performers get passed over
8:00 Performance + Image + Exposure framework
10:30 Humility vs visibility in leadership
12:00 Women and leadership perception challenges
14:00 Why relationships drive career success
16:30 AI as a career accelerator
19:30 Human in the loop: judgment still matters
22:00 Leading teams through AI transformation
26:00 Guardrails, governance, and failed AI pilots
30:00 Education, college ROI, and future careers
34:00 Why disagreement drives innovation
38:00 What to do when you feel stuck
42:00 Atomic Habits and momentum strategies
48:00 How to connect with Stephanie
50:00 Closing remarks
Keywords:
Ventures & Visionaries podcast, Mordy Hackel, Stephanie Hills, career growth, executive coaching, leadership visibility, getting promoted, women in leadership, AI careers, future of work, personal branding, professional development, networking strategy, leadership podcast
Pull Quotes:
“Performance gets you noticed once. Visibility gets you remembered.”
“You’re not stuck — you’re invisible, and that can be changed.”

Episode Description:
In this episode of Ventures & Visionaries, host Mordy Hackel sits down with Dr. Stephanie Hills—former Fortune 500 technology executive turned leadership strategist and executive coach—for a powerful conversation about career growth, visibility, and thriving in the AI era.
 
Stephanie shares why so many high performers get overlooked despite strong results, and why performance alone is no longer enough to advance. She breaks down her framework of Performance + Image + Exposure, explains how leaders can balance humility with visibility, and offers practical advice for professionals who feel stuck or undervalued.
 
The conversation also dives into AI as a career multiplier, leadership in uncertain times, building influential networks, and why respectful disagreement creates innovation. If you’re ready to stop being overlooked and start accelerating your growth, this episode is for you.
Guest Introduction:
Dr. Stephanie Hills is a former Fortune 500 technology executive, leadership strategist, and executive coach with experience at organizations including NCR, Cisco Systems, and Scientific Atlanta. With a PhD in applied mathematics and software engineering, Stephanie now helps mid-to-senior level leaders increase visibility, accelerate promotions, and pivot into higher-impact roles through her Career Freedom Accelerator framework.
Key Takeaways:
High performance without visibility often leads to being overlooked.
Career growth requires managing performance, image, and exposure together.
Humility and visibility can coexist when rooted in service and team wins.
AI should be seen as an amplifier, not a threat.
Strong networks and relationships remain one of the biggest career advantages.
Respectful disagreement creates better ideas, innovation, and stronger teams.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to Ventures & Visionaries
0:40 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Hills
2:00 From NASA researcher to executive coach
6:00 Why top performers get passed over
8:00 Performance + Image + Exposure framework
10:30 Humility vs visibility in leadership
12:00 Women and leadership perception challenges
14:00 Why relationships drive career success
16:30 AI as a career accelerator
19:30 Human in the loop: judgment still matters
22:00 Leading teams through AI transformation
26:00 Guardrails, governance, and failed AI pilots
30:00 Education, college ROI, and future careers
34:00 Why disagreement drives innovation
38:00 What to do when you feel stuck
42:00 Atomic Habits and momentum strategies
48:00 How to connect with Stephanie
50:00 Closing remarks
Keywords:
Ventures & Visionaries podcast, Mordy Hackel, Stephanie Hills, career growth, executive coaching, leadership visibility, getting promoted, women in leadership, AI careers, future of work, personal branding, professional development, networking strategy, leadership podcast
Pull Quotes:
“Performance gets you noticed once. Visibility gets you remembered.”
“You’re not stuck — you’re invisible, and that can be changed.”