In a recent TL Partners Fireside Chat, "Day One Readiness: Laying the Groundwork for Successful M&As in Due Diligence," we explore the pivotal first steps in mergers and acquisitions. Expert panelists Thomas Igeme, Nikoleta Vlamis, Theresa Roswell, and Warren Ragoonanan share their insights on building trust early, integrating differing company cultures, and adapting leadership styles during the crucial initial phases of M&A. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to understand the complexities of M&A groundwork and learn practical strategies for ensuring a smooth transition and successful integration from day one. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a newcomer to the field of M&A, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on making the most of your mergers from the very beginning.

On this episode of Venture Visionaries, host Thomas Igeme sits down with Marshall Lebovits—a lending expert with over 35 years of experience helping fast-growing companies unlock the working capital they need to scale. Marshall’s specialty? Turning receivables, inventory, and even equipment into the fuel that founders need to grow—without giving up equity too soon.

Together, Thomas and Marshall pull back the curtain on the real-world messiness of startup finance: the traps and pitfalls, the critical role of cash flow, and the capital strategies that separate survival from scale. Marshall shares stories of founders who faced down cash crunches, survived near-crises, and built strong companies by mastering the game of non-dilutive funding.

If you’re a founder, operator, or finance lead ready to rethink what’s possible for your company’s growth, this episode delivers both practical advice and cautionary tales.

In this episode of Venture Visionaries, we spotlight Marcelo Calbucci—author, technologist, and founder—who brings over 25 years of experience across Microsoft, Amazon, and six startups on two continents. Marcelo joins Thomas Igeme to unravel the Amazon-born PRFAQ framework: a powerful writing tool that helps founders pressure-test bold ideas, align teams, and avoid costly mistakes before building anything.

Thomas and Marcelo dive deep into how the discipline of writing can sharpen decision-making, foster critical thinking, and reveal hidden gaps—whether you’re scaling a five-person team or navigating the chaos of rapid growth. Marcelo shares stories from his own entrepreneurial journey, lessons from publishing his book, and tactical advice for founders eager to move fast while staying smart.

If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or business leader ready to take your next big swing, this episode is packed with frameworks and wisdom to help you ask—and answer—the questions that matter most.

On this episode of Venture Visionaries, Thomas Igeme sits down with David Hirschfeld—35-year tech veteran, serial entrepreneur, and the creator of the Launch 1st Method. David’s journey spans from early engineering and national sales to launching a logistics software company that served 800 customers in 22 countries and building Tekyz Inc., a firm specializing in AI-driven workflow transformation.

Thomas and David dive deep into the realities of software startups, what it really takes to scale, and why founders should validate their ideas with customers before they even start building. David shares hard-won lessons on process documentation, playbooks, and leveraging AI for better project management. The conversation unpacks the practical side of entrepreneurship—building teams, serving customers, and the importance of clarity and usability.

Whether you’re launching your first product, scaling a tech business, or just looking for a smarter way to work, this episode is a masterclass in building what matters, faster.

In this episode of Venture Visionaries, Thomas Igeme welcomes Claudia Fulga—executive coach, former tech executive, and the creative force behind immersive leadership retreats around the globe. Claudia’s story is one of bold reinvention: after leading people strategy in fast-growth tech startups and navigating two successful exits, she pivoted to a mission of helping leaders build grounded confidence from the inside out.

Thomas and Claudia explore the mindset strategies that empower high achievers to thrive in uncertainty, the hidden value of travel for personal growth, and what it means to truly practice authenticity and resilience. From racing teams to the C-suite, Claudia brings practical tools for hacking your mindset, finding clarity, and leading with unwavering confidence.

If you’ve ever faced a career crossroads—or wondered how to lead with both ambition and presence—this episode is packed with wisdom, story, and actionable insight.

In this episode of Venture Visionaries, Thomas Igeme sits down with Nellie Wartoft to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the founding of Tigerhall, and her innovative approach to change management. Nellie offers a deep dive into her experiences as a national champion in skeet shooting, the inspiration behind Tigerhall, and her perspective on industry trends like mega acquisitions.

Listeners will gain actionable advice on leading with empathy, implementing change effectively, and fostering personal and professional growth.

Legal disputes are often synonymous with stress, time, and expense. But Rich Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of New Era ADR, envisions a better way. Drawing from his unique journey through bioengineering, law, and technology, Rich is on a mission to transform how we approach dispute resolution—making it faster, fairer, and more accessible.

In this episode of Venture Visionaries, host Thomas Igeme sits down with Rich to discuss how empathetic leadership, innovative thinking, and calculated risk-taking can reshape industries, build trust, and drive sustainable growth.

Join us for a compelling discussion with Fred Schonenberg, founder of VentureFuel, as we explore how his company bridges the gap between startups and corporations to foster innovation. Fred shares insights into navigating the complexities of large organizations, supporting underrepresented founders, and using storytelling to evaluate startups. Learn how VentureFuel has accelerated growth for over 50 organizations and how Fred is shaping the future of innovation.