The Truth About AI Companies No One Talks About

In this episode of the Grownlearn Podcast, Zorina Dimitrova sits down with Steve Walsh, investor, entrepreneur, and author of "Make the 10X Leap." Broadcasting from the insurance hub of Des Moines, Iowa, Steve shares his battle-tested strategies for scaling businesses, raising capital, and building a strong company culture—without losing your soul in the process. This conversation dives deep into startup growth strategies, the difference between venture capital and smart private equity, and why relationship-building and strategic alignment are at the core of truly sustainable businesses. Whether you're a founder aiming for your first million or a seasoned entrepreneur preparing for an exit, this episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurial mindset, team dynamics, and the real deal behind investor-readiness. Steve Walsh's website: https://www.bisonequitygroup.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📺 Explore our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unlock Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with GrowNLearn GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures across Europe and the U.S. We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit. 🎯 No random pitches. No wasted time. Just targeted growth and curated deal flow. 📌 Want Curated Investment Deals? 👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎧 Listen to the GrowNLearn Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/ 📲 Follow Us on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/ Success Mindset Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healnlearn ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📈 Tools for Investors & Founders Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors: https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/ FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85 💬 Ready to connect with investor-ready ventures or expert advisors? Schedule your 1:1 session → https://grownlearn.org/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:06:12–00:09:53: Opportunistic Investing & AI Skepticism 00:09:54–00:12:19: Insurance Industry & Global Perspectives 00:12:20–00:13:35: The "10X Leap" Mindset Explained 00:13:36–00:20:17: Visionaries vs Implementers: Why Both Matter 00:20:18–00:24:15: Entrepreneur Discipline: Meditation, Grit & Growth 00:24:16–00:28:45: Leadership Presence & Engaged Culture 00:28:46–00:37:17: Investor Readiness: It’s More Than a Pitch Deck 00:37:18–00:42:12: Aligning Capital with Company Culture 00:42:13–00:47:29: Strategic Deployment: Smart Money, Smart Moves 00:47:30–00:52:33: Exiting Gracefully: What the 10X Exit Looks Like 00:52:34–00:58:11: Coaching Entrepreneurs & Building Relationships 00:58:12–01:03:22: Future Trends: M&A Opportunities & Founder Transitions