Rejection, Sexism, and 100 Investor No’s: How She Still Raised $500K and Changed an Industry
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rajia Abdelaziz, Founder & CEO of invisaWear—a groundbreaking company creating discreet safety tech inside stylish jewelry. A Forbes 30 Under 30 cover honoree and a standout in the personal safety space, Rajia has built an eight-figure brand, raised over $3 million, and secured major partnerships with ADT and TELUS.Rajia shares how she turned down a job at Google to pursue a college project that would go on to save lives. She opens up about facing rejection, fundraising setbacks, and personal sacrifice, all while building a mission-driven brand from the ground up. From a 3D-printed prototype built by her 14-year-old brother to a product that’s now sold nationwide, this episode is a powerful look at purpose, perseverance, and building with impact. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!Chapters:02:11 – Rajia’s first taste of entrepreneurship at 8 years old.04:26 – Childhood hustle and early business ideas.06:18 – Dreaming of an ice cream empire at 16.07:57 – Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment and chasing the American Dream.09:58 – The pressure to be perfect and the cost of high expectations.11:32 – Choosing engineering and learning to build apps.13:25 – The incident that sparked the idea for invisaWear.16:02 – Launching invisaWear as a college project.19:29 – Turning down Google and betting on a mission.22:12 – Convincing her family to support her startup journey.25:05 – Building with her co-founder Ray.27:14 – A woman at demo day validates the mission.28:56 – Handwritten thank-you notes from survivors.30:42 – Sacrificing her 20s to build a mission-driven brand.34:08 – Facing sexism and ageism in early fundraising.35:30 – 14-year-old brother’s 3D print closes their first round.39:45 – National news story puts invisaWear on the map.43:00 – A health scare forces a mindset reset.48:10 – 10 years of co-founder chemistry with Ray.59:41 – What Rajia wants to be remembered for.1:02:37 – Advice to her 21-year-old self.1:04:52 – Rajia’s 5-year and 10-year vision.Guest Links:Website: https://invisawear.com/Instagram: @invisaWear@RajiaXoXoSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:Instagram @SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubInstagram @TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
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1:12:43
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1:12:43
Making 250k in 10 Days With No Product: How This Founder Figured "It" Out
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jason Wong, founder of Paking Duck, a packaging company trusted by leading DTC brands like Arrae, Quest Nutrition, and Madhappy. Jason shares his journey from a teenager running affiliate blogs and viral meme businesses, to building a powerhouse in the packaging space, blending creativity with operational excellence.Jason dives into how packaging became his passion, why it’s one of the highest-leverage parts of the customer journey, and how investing in people has helped him scale multiple businesses. He also opens up about building confidence through action, earning trust through execution, and how one key mentor changed his entire trajectory. Tune in to hear Jason’s powerful insights on brand-building, mentorship, and executing with speed. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.Chapters:01:36 – Meet Jason Wong02:53 – How Jason fell in love with packaging03:57 – What top CPG brands get right05:01 – Growing up: immigrant hustle and early ambition06:19 – Starting a blog and making $30K/month in high school08:04 – The viral launch of the Holy Meme Bible09:25 – Transitioning to a product business11:47 – Launching Doe Lashes with $50013:11 – Building with friends and early team culture14:17 – Growing up without parents and living in a garage15:35 – Why Jason never gave up16:36 – Raising your ceiling through community18:18 – Sacrifices and discipline in the early years20:16 – Entrepreneurship and relationships22:08 – Becoming secure in your identity24:49 – Creating your own luck through exposure26:36 – Meeting Michelle Phan and her mentorship29:42 – The power of sharing stories and giving back31:07 – Jason’s philosophy on packaging and unboxing34:09 – Most impressive packaging Jason has seen37:44 – 3 ways packaging makes money41:08 – Why packaging is part of the product42:14 – Defining success and freedom46:16 – Achieving milestones through material rewards47:21 – Building multiple businesses through people50:53 – Jason’s story of finding a superstar on Upwork53:48 – A masterclass in relationship-driven leadership56:46 – Advice to his 23-year-old self58:00 – Just go do it — the power of actionGuest Links:Website: www.pakingduck.comInstagram: @pugLinkedIn: Jason WongSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:Instagram @SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubInstagram @TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
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1:00:54
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1:00:54
Kevin O’Leary’s Advice on Mastering Focus and Scaling Faster
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Chris Meade sits down with Kevin O'Leary, a successful entrepreneur and investor also known as "Mr. Wonderful”, appearing on shows such as Dragons' Den and Shark Tank. Kevin dives into the current landscape of advertising, explaining why he's pivoting his portfolio companies towards television through his new platform, WonderAds. He breaks down how TV has become a powerful yet under-utilized channel for brands looking to scale cost-effectively, offering a competitive edge over rising social media costs.Kevin also discusses the critical components of successful brand scaling, the importance of mastering Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and why multi-channel strategies are essential for long-term growth. He closes with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, including how to prioritize signal over noise, the art of listening, and the necessity of knowing when to pivot. Join Chris and Kevin as they uncover the strategies behind building resilient brands, leveraging television for growth, and the key principles every entrepreneur should know. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Chapters:01:40 – Why TV Advertising is Making a Comeback02:48 – Introducing WonderAds: TV for Emerging Brands03:34 – Measuring Success on TV: CAC and ROAS04:02 – Why Brands Give Up on TV Too Early04:27 – Television’s Cost Efficiency vs. Social Media04:52 – Mastering Customer Acquisition Costs05:58 – The Importance of Personal Branding for Founders07:08 – Building for Both Retail and Direct-to-Consumer08:19 – Retail Rollouts: How to Secure and Succeed10:35 – Signal vs. Noise: How to Focus Your Time13:33 – The Art of Pivoting When Things Go Wrong14:06 – Planning Liquidity Events and Exits15:06 – Industries Ripe for Disruption: Healthy Snacks and Beverages15:52 – Kevin’s Background in Photography and Film16:52 – Embracing Discomfort: Why Founders Should Take Risks17:39 – Lessons from Kevin's Mother: Integrity and TrustGuest Links:Website: https://kevinoleary.comInstagram: @kevinolearytvSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:Instagram @SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubInstagram @TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
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20:22
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20:22
The Relentless Drive to Win: How IQBAR Was Built One Chapter at a Time
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Will Nitze, Founder & CEO of IQBAR, the leading brain-and-body nutrition startup in America. Will shares how his competitive spirit and obsession with winning drove him to build a thriving brand dedicated to brain food and cognitive nutrition. He reflects on his journey from playing competitive sports to attending Harvard, where he first realized that building something impactful was more important than just making money.Will also discusses launching IQBAR through a successful Kickstarter campaign, scaling with major retailers, and maintaining a lean, efficient team. He opens up about running the business alongside his wife, the importance of horizontal mentorship, and how he plans to build for acquisition and legacy.Chapters: 00:44 – The Opportunist Mindset: Learning from Sam Zell 03:06 – Building the Competitive Spirit Through Sports 08:26 – Harvard Experience and Finding Direction 12:25 – First Steps into Entrepreneurship14:02 – Negotiating Half-Time Work for Full-Time Hustle 15:21 – Starting IQBAR: Building Brain Food from Scratch 19:31 – Kickstarter Strategies: Guerrilla Tactics and Validation 22:01 – Manufacturing at Scale and Finding Co-Packers 24:38 – The Importance of Horizontal Mentorship 27:46 – Scaling the Business with a Lean Team 30:25 – Expanding into Major Retailers and Hitting Volume 33:43 – Navigating Trends and Pivoting the Brand 36:40 – Maintaining Control While Scaling Fast 38:29 – Hiring the Right People and the Hub-and-Spoke Model 41:06 – Working In the Business, Not Just On It 46:40 – Running a Business with His Wife 49:05 – Moving to Miami and the Evolution of IQBAR 52:13 – Building for Acquisition and Legacy 1:06:01 – Overcoming Challenges: Tariffs, COVID, and Market Shifts 1:07:50 - Building a Personal Brand1:11:04 - The ROI of Personal Branding1:25:10 - The Emotional Impact of Exiting a Business1:31:11 - The Role of Partnerships in Business Success1:34:46 - Advice for Younger EntrepreneursTune in to hear Will’s raw insights on scaling a consumer brand from the ground up, the sacrifices required, and the mindset needed to build something that lasts. Don't forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Guest Links:Website: www.eatiqbar.comInstagram: @iqbarLinkedIn: Will NitzeTwitter: @willnitzeSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:Instagram @SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubInstagram @TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
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1:43:00
Built in Her Memory: How Losing His Sister Redefined His Life, Business, and Legacy
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Josh Goldstein. Josh was a high-level college baseball player and MBA student when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear on reality TV changed everything. After the tragic and very public loss of his sister on national television, Josh turned unimaginable grief into powerful growth. Now, just a few years later, he’s built a seven-figure online fitness business empowering thousands of women, launched a supplement brand rooted in positivity, and created a personal brand focused on mindset, transformation, and authenticity. This episode dives deep into what it means to find clarity through pain, the strategy behind monetizing real impact, and how trusting your gut can outwork any perfect plan. Josh opens up about going all-in on business, his unique approach to brand building, and the deeper mission driving every decision. Whether you're dealing with pressure, looking to turn a setback into a launchpad, or want to build with real intention, this conversation delivers. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Chapters02:07 – Growing Up Around Sports and Early Lessons in Discipline09:08 – Self-Confidence Through Sports, COVID’s Impact, and Falling in Love with Sales12:30 – Saying Yes to Love Island17:07 – Tragedy: Losing His Sister During Filming20:22 – Returning Home and Navigating Grief25:10 – Starting a Business With Meaning and Honouring Her Legacy27:17 – Serving Women in Fitness and Emotional Connection to the Mission30:45 – The “Other 23 Hours” Philosophy in Fitness33:28 – Josh’s Fitness Program Structure and Growth35:46 – Personal Transformation and What He’s Still Working On41:26 – Public Figure Pressures and Dating After Reality TV48:05 – Business Future: Exit, Scale, or Legacy49:20 – Starting the Supplement Company Reevyv51:25 – Impact on Family Dynamics and Healing Through Growth56:22 – Motivation to Repay His Parents’ Sacrifices58:12 – Journaling, Morning Routine, and Structure1:04:21 – Mindset as the Foundation of Transformation1:06:13 – Avoiding Hard Conversations and Their Cost1:11:15 – The ROI of Investing in Yourself1:14:32 – Advice to Younger Josh: Don’t Let Others Define You1:16:27 – Environment, Loneliness, and Finding Your Circle1:22:38 – Final Message: Don’t Take Life Too SeriouslyGuest Links:Instagram: @_josh.goldy_ @jgoldy_fit @reevyv_stripsWebsite: https://reevyv.com https://www.joshgoldyfitness.com/quiz-lStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:Instagram @SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubInstagram @TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career—it’s a relentless, all-consuming way of life.Welcome to Founder2Founder a raw and unfiltered podcast where host Aaron Spivak pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build something from the ground up. No sugarcoating, no overnight success stories—just deep, honest conversations with some of the most driven, underrated, and game-changing founders of our time. From brutal setbacks to game-changing mindset shifts, Aaron goes beyond the polished success stories to uncover the unglamorous, deeply personal side of building a business.As a seasoned entrepreneur himself, Aaron goes beneath the surface and gets into the nitty-gritty of what it truly takes to succeed. He’ll dive into the habits, behaviors, and routines that set elite founders apart, the tactics and strategies that are working today, and the mindset shifts required to push through the hardest moments. Through raw personal stories, late-night struggles, and breakthrough moments, guests open up about what it really means to grow, not just as a founder, but as a person.Each week, Aaron sits down with visionary entrepreneurs from high-growth startup founders to seasoned CEOs, for real, unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're scaling a company, launching your first venture, or just looking for inspiration, this podcast will give you the insights, motivation, and real-world advice you won’t get just anywhere. If you're ready to strip away the illusion and get real about what it means to build, sacrifice, and thrive, this is the podcast for you. Join us every Wednesday!
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