Awarepreneurs

Former attorney turned space advocate, Bryce Kennedy is the Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation and Space Connectivity Officer under the International Telecommunication Union and UN. He works with emerging economies to ensure that they have a place in space. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: SpaceValley Foundation site International Telecommunication UnionSunrun solar AI for Good initiative New Space Nexus Space Force Owen Barrett on LinkedIn White Sands Test Facility New Mexico Space Trail Q Station Atomic 66 Bryce Kennedy on Linkedin Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Owen, a former Global Energy Manager at a Fortune 500 company, implemented $60M in clean technology before founding lumeo, a niche ESCO that hit eight figures in three years. After a successful exit, he launched ZNE Capital to decarbonize commercial real estate, acquiring 654 units worth $75M. Frustrated by solar deployment challenges, he founded Shine—now a leading turnkey solar solution for multifamily properties. Shine is set to decarbonize 200,000 apartment units with onsite solar by 2030, accelerating clean energy adoption where it’s needed most. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ZNE Capital site Shine Multifamily Solar Sunrun solar Garmin Connect+ controversy Positive Energy Solar interview AI usage stats Owen Barrett on LinkedIn Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity, has worked with mission-driven organizations for over 15 years. As Chief Impact Officer, she is responsible for infusing impact into Benevity’s business and culture and overseeing the company’s own impact and inclusion initiatives. At the helm of Benevity Impact Labs, an incubator and resource hub, Sona and her team bring cutting-edge data, research, insights and best practices to help organizations and individuals maximize their impact and authentically live their purpose. As the host of Benevity's podcast, Speaking of Purpose, she interviews top ESG, impact, culture, DEI&B leaders who are focused on using business as a force for good. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Benevity site Speaking of Purpose podcast Positive Energy Solar interview Target boycott article Paul's Strategy S

Benjamin Gardner is the Chief Executive Officer of Dekker Designs and a working principal of the D/P/S commercial group, Benjamin is dedicated to improving the built environment using skills acquired from combined backgrounds in architecture, construction, and construction management. Benjamin has been with Dekker/Perich/Sabatini since 2001, and has led multiple project teams through all phases of planning, design, and construction administration. His years with D/P/S have given him a breadth of project experience that informs his unique understanding of the issues faced by developers, educators, and the communities in which the firm does business. Benjamin also has a long history of developing his family-owned properties, including hotels, a Montessori preschool and elementary academy that serves over 200 students, which he co-founded with his wife. They have recently developed a 78 bed senior living facility that is adjacent to the schools and it provides an intergenerational experiences for both seniors an

Once called a “unicorn” for her entrepreneurial approach, Vicki Apodaca is a seasoned marketer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Vicki has been a founding member of several tech startups (Phalanx, StellarFi, Joust, and Soply), and have also been through two exits (Joust acquired by ZenBusiness, Starship HSA acquired by Optum). Her passion in go-to-market and marketing strategy has led her to now be a Fractional CMO and Advisor across several startups worldwide. A native Burqueña, Vicki co-founded the New Mexico chapter of Techqueria – a Latinx in tech 501(3)(c) nonprofit – and NMClimate – a community for climate and energy-focused entrepreneurs. She lives in a cozy home with her partner and two Pekingese who run their house. Links NM Lottery Program FiatVentures Advisors site Phalanx site Techqueria New Mexic0 site Atomic 66 site Q Station site SpaceValley Foundation site CNM Ingenuity site nDigitize site Vicki on LinkedIn 

Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Market research episode NMClimate newsletter Four Corners Clean Tech Accelerator Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

  Manuela Guzmán is the Head of Network at Top Tier Impact (TTI), a global ecosystem of 600+ investors, founders, and corporates dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. She leads TTI’s network strategy, fostering high-impact connections that drive investments, deal flow, and partnerships across key hubs like London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Singapore, Bali, and Dubai. A systems thinker with a strategic and creative approach, she excels at simplifying complexity and enabling collaboration. Passionate about sustainability, regeneration, and conscious leadership, Manuela is committed to scaling solutions that create a more equitable and thriving world. Links Top Tier Impact site Nomads Giving Back site Alyssa Berg, Top Tier Impact Founder Top Tier Impact events Manuela Guzman on LinkedIn

David Reiling is the President and CEO of Sunrise Banks, a mission-driven, values-based bank with locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. David has worked in the community development banking industry for more than 25 years. He is a social entrepreneur and innovator who strives to forge meaningful partnerships, drive sustainable economic growth and create financial empowerment for all.   Sunrise Banks site Social Venture Network site Self Online Credit Builder Program David’s email Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

For four decades, Rebecca “Puck” Stair has built teams to tackle complex, high-profile, high-dollar projects. In 2023, she came to the New Mexico state energy office after two decades in the New Mexico film industry, where she worked as a producer and location manager on over a hundred films, television shows, commercials and other media projects, including podcasts and conferences for the Franciscan monk Father Richard Rohr. In 2020, she ran for NM Senate, and subsequently served as a policy analyst for our House of Representatives Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. For two years, Stair served as president of New Mexico’s largest film crew union, IATSE Local 480. Stair graduated Cum Laude from Amherst College with a BA in English Literature, and completed some graduate study in linguistics at Georgetown University. Between championing clean-energy projects for the state, she rides horses, skis, races triathlons, and other questionable activities that require helmets. This episode is sponsored by t

Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Bloomberg Law article Hiring Hub site Rose Velasquez interview Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Dana Koller is President and CEO of Kactus Brewery, a highly community active brewing company and the Executive Director of UN-17. UN-17 is on track to be the #1 resource within New Mexico to help guide businesses and governments to accomplishing the 17 goals of sustainable development set by the United Nations. With a proven track record of success and quality business management, Dana is turning his focus to encouraging the largest shift in making New Mexico's private sector the leader in the SDG's (sustainability development goals) within the United States.  This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: UN-17 site Kactus Brewery site Honeycomb Credit site UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Kristy Drutman interview Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Ben Shultz is a dedicated product/marketing manager at Aqua Membranes, where he combines his background in environmental planning and design with strong relationship-building and event-planning skills to drive innovative water treatment and provide clear messaging to customers and investors alike. Having started as a production technician, Ben quickly demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel, gaining hands-on experience in membrane technology and design that led him to his current role. Today, he collaborates closely with engineers, researchers, and customers to understand their needs and deliver products that meet high standards and expectations. Driven by a commitment to providing clean/sustainable water for all, Ben actively supports Aqua Membranes' mission to be a leader in the industry. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Aqua Membrane

Kristy Drutman, otherwise known as “Browngirl Green” is a speaker, consultant, media producer, and environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism. As a young entrepreneur, Kristy has educated hundreds of thousands of people across the globe about modern-day environmental issues through speeches and media content as well as facilitates workshops centered around environmental media and storytelling in cities across the United States. Kristy is also the Co-Founder of theGreen Jobs Board, a climate tech start-up bridging the equity and inclusion gap within the green economy through conversations, resources, and pathways to bring more diverse talent into the environmental field. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include:   Browngirl Green site Browngirl Green Podcast Browngirl Green

Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, one of the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcasts, and has been a Business Coach for social entrepreneurs and climate tech startups for over 17 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: NMClimate email signup Work on Climate My Climate Journey Carbon Collective Women of Color Collective in Sustainability Leaders for Climate Action Climesumer Green Tech Noir Paul’s consulting site Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

As CEO of Mango Automotive, Jesse’s vision is not just to lead but to revolutionize the automotive repair industry. They are ambitiously scaling towards a $100 million empire in the EV repair and maintenance domain, balancing this with their expertise in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This journey is fueled by a commitment to sustainable business practices and creating an inclusive environment for their workforce and clientele. Jesse likes to say they are not just fixing cars; they are setting new standards for service excellence, environmental responsibility, and workplace equality in the automotive industry. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Mango Automotive site Contact Jesse via email SBA THRIVE site Rose Velasquez episode Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Representative Andrea D. Romero is a daughter of New Mexico. After attending the Santa Fe Public Schools, Andrea graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Political Science and received her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law. She has dedicated herself to the growth of Northern New Mexico’s community, economic, and environmental vitality through her small business and volunteer service to various organizations throughout the region. In so doing, Andrea serves as a volunteer State Legislator for House District 46. Outside of work she enjoys lots of traipsing around outside and tinkering with eggs, with one patent issued on healthy probiotics eggs. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Andrea Romero’s campaign site Andrea Romero on LinkedIn New Mexico State Investment Council New Mexico Climate-Solutions Focused

Welcome to another episode of Awarepreneurs with your host, Paul Zelizer. In today's special solo episode, Paul dives into three critical topics that will shape the landscape for social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders as we head into 2025. We'll explore the game-changing $58 billion New Mexico Permanent Fund and its impact on the state's thriving start-up ecosystem, the anticipated headwinds and challenges for impact-driven businesses in the coming year, and the importance of embracing the season of winter to rest and resource ourselves. Tune in as Paul shares insights, strategies, and personal experiences to help you navigate these transformative times and prepare for a successful year ahead. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more people discover the path to positive impact through values-based business. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentio

Rose Velasquez is the CEO of Hiring Hub, an executive recruitment firm specializing in helping high-performing companies find top talent. With over a decade of experience, Rose is passionate about matching individuals with roles that align with their true strengths. She believes the right job can transform lives and drive organizational success. A native of Arizona, Rose relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2002 and built her career around empowering job seekers and employers. Her commitment to building passionate, productive teams has made her a trusted partner for Southwestern organizations, ensuring every hire strengthens a company's culture and long-term success. One of the things Hiring Hub is best known for is it’s Second Chances placements. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Hiring Hub site Hiring Hub Employees Testimonial

Tony Onwuchekwa aka Tony Doe is an Audio Content Strategist, with years of experience on-air, in production and management for multi-format radio stations, most recently at 93.7 FM, Onitsha, where he led a team of on-air talents as Programmes’ Manager to top 3 status in the region, growing the audience share by 75% in 3 months. He currently curates, produces and hosts the informative hybrid newsletter-podcast, ‘Into The Podverse’, which explores challenges and opportunities for podcasters from an African perspective. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Afripods site Tony on LinkedIn Africa Podcast Network site Association of African Podcasts & Voice Artists Era92 Group site Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Paul Zelizer is a business coach and consultant that has specialized in supporting social entrepreneurs for the past 17 years.  And, he's the host of the Awarepreneurs podcast - which is now one of the longest running social entrepreneur podcasts in the world. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Paul's coaching site Era92 Creative site Megan Bott Awarepreneurs interview  Carlos Perea Awarepreneurs interview ApiVera site Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode