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Big Hitters

Big Hitters

Written by: Andrew Hathaway
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The Big Hitters Podcast brings you in-depth conversations with top performers, industry leaders, and influential figures. Hosted by Virtual Assist founder, Andrew Hathaway, each episode uncovers success strategies, mindset shifts, and actionable insights to help entrepreneurs, business professionals, and high achievers level up. Tune in for expert advice, powerful stories, and key takeaways that drive real results. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform!2025 Economics Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Exercising Opportunity: Scott Chou on Venture Capital, Stock Options and Smart Investment Strategies
    Aug 29 2025

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway interviews Scott Chou, founder of the ESO Fund, a unique venture capital firm focused on helping employees exercise their stock options. Scott shares insights from his 27 years in venture capital, discussing the challenges employees face with stock options, the innovative investment strategy of the ESO Fund, and the importance of tax implications in financial advisory. The conversation also explores the use of AI in enhancing productivity and the future growth of the fund.

    Takeaways:

    • Scott Chou has over 27 years of experience in venture capital.
    • Many employees do not exercise their stock options due to lack of awareness.
    • The ESO Fund helps employees who can't afford to exercise their options.
    • The fund takes on financial risk and splits profits with employees.
    • Navigating regulations is a challenge in the investment process.
    • Tax implications are a significant concern for employees with stock options.
    • AI is leveraged to improve efficiency and productivity in operations.
    • The health of the IPO market directly impacts the fund's success.
    • The ESO Fund is focused on expanding its services to help clients further.
    • Building awareness and competition in the market is crucial for growth.

    Connect with Andrew:

    • Subscribe on YouTube
    • Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
    • Subscribe on Spotify
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on TikTok
    • Virtual Assist Website
    • Freedom AI Website

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    26 mins
  • Transforming Beliefs for Growth: Michael D. Craycraft on Home Inspections, AI, and Client Education
    Aug 27 2025

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Michael D. Craycraft shares his journey from construction to becoming a leading figure in the home inspection industry. He discusses the beauty of Crested Butte, Colorado, and how it serves as a personal escape. Michael elaborates on the importance of client service in home inspections, emphasizing the need for transparency and education in the process. He also highlights the challenges of scaling his business, the significance of core values, and the integration of AI to enhance operations and training. In this conversation, Michael D Craycraft discusses the importance of transforming belief systems to achieve business growth, particularly in the home inspection industry. He emphasizes the role of education in enhancing customer satisfaction and the potential of AI to streamline operations and increase efficiency. The dialogue also touches on personal growth, emotional freedom, and the collaborative potential of AI solutions in business.

    Takeaways:

    • Crested Butte is a beautiful escape from Texas heat.
    • Michael transitioned from construction to home inspections.
    • The inspection industry is heavily regulated in Texas.
    • Client education is crucial in the home buying process.
    • Home inspectors play a vital role in protecting clients.
    • Building a large team requires effective systems and processes.
    • The flow of water is key in home inspection methodology.
    • Communication of findings is as important as the inspection itself.
    • AI can enhance training and operational efficiency.
    • Selling the value of inspections over price is a challenge. Transforming belief systems is crucial for growth.
    • Education enhances customer satisfaction in home inspections.
    • AI can significantly improve efficiency in business operations.
    • Personal growth is intertwined with professional success.
    • Emotional freedom can lead to better decision-making.
    • Collaboration can lead to innovative AI solutions.
    • Understanding customer needs is key to service improvement.
    • AI tools can create more time for inspectors.
    • Personal experiences can lead to deeper insights.
    • Being open to emotional experiences can foster growth.

    Connect with Andrew:

    • Subscribe on YouTube
    • Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
    • Subscribe on Spotify
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on TikTok
    • Virtual Assist Website
    • Freedom AI Website

    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Disrupting with Data: Benjamin Johnson on RAG, AI Innovation, and the Future of Business
    Aug 25 2025

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway interviews Benjamin Johnson, a seasoned entrepreneur and developer with a focus on AI and automation. They discuss Benjamin's journey from early entrepreneurial ventures to his current work with Particle 41, emphasizing the importance of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) in business. The conversation explores the evolution of AI in various industries, the significance of building relationships in business, and insights from the DEFCON 33 hacking conference. Benjamin shares his thoughts on the future of AI tools and the necessity for businesses to disrupt themselves for growth.

    Takeaways:

    • Benjamin's entrepreneurial journey began with a paper route.
    • He sold a tool for product registration forms to Experian.
    • RAG stands for Retrieval Augmented Generation, enhancing data interaction.
    • Businesses need to establish workflows for AI integration.
    • AI can streamline processes like resume screening.
    • The goal is to create agentic solutions for customer support.
    • Entry-level roles may diminish due to AI advancements.
    • Building relationships is crucial for business success.
    • DEFCON 33 showcased innovative problem-solving in hacking.
    • Choosing the right AI tools is essential for business growth.

    Connect with Andrew:

    • Subscribe on YouTube
    • Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
    • Subscribe on Spotify
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on TikTok
    • Virtual Assist Website
    • Freedom AI Website
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
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