What does it take to walk away from a secure, successful career in commercial banking to pursue something entirely new?

In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Blake Balsamo, Executive Director, Americas at i2i Logic. Blake shares how he transitioned from being one of New Jersey’s most well-known commercial bankers to helping transform the way bankers and clients interact through data-driven insights.

From the challenges of leaving behind stability to embrace uncertainty, to his vision for the future of commercial banking in an AI-driven world, Blake offers an insightful look at risk-taking, reinvention, and why being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” is the key to growth.

Hear why Blake believes generative AI will reshape the future of banking and how to prepare for it today. If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why Blake chose to leave a successful career in commercial banking to join i2i Logic
• The role of mentors and trusted advisors in making career-defining decisions
• Why every banker should start in risk management
• The frustrations clients face with repetitive banking pitches, and how to break that cycle
• How i2i Logic helps bankers create deeper, more meaningful conversations with clients
• The impact of generative AI on the future of banking and client relationships
• Why mentors, habits, and hobbies are essential to avoiding burnout and staying effective
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Blake Balsamo is the Executive Director, Americas at i2i Logic, a fintech company transforming how bankers engage clients through data and insights. A former top commercial banker in New Jersey, Blake built his career at institutions like Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase before taking the leap into fintech.

Resources:

Connect with Blake on LinkedIn

i2i Logic

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Book Mentioned:

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to...

How do you build a brand in the digital age without falling for hype, gimmicks, or empty metrics?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, host J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Abe Kasbo, marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Irresponsibly Digital, to unpack what’s really working in marketing today. With over two decades of experience leading successful campaigns and advising top-tier brands, Abe brings a rare blend of insight, candor, and hard-earned wisdom.

From his immigrant roots to leading a business built on clarity and strategy, Abe’s journey is rich with lessons in resilience, authenticity, and disciplined thinking. He shares how relying on instinct has often served him better than overthinking, why the American brand still holds unmatched global influence, and how marketers can stop “dropping bombs” and start asking smarter questions.

Whether you're a business owner, marketing leader, or someone who simply wants to make better decisions in a noisy world, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable perspective.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why strategic prioritization beats scattered, unfocused marketing efforts
• How Abe uses instinct and experience to guide high-stakes decisions
• What makes the American brand so globally powerful
• Why some marketing works—and some simply doesn’t
• The problem with “marketing bombs” and one-size-fits-all tactics
• How to be more self-critical without being self-destructive
• Why getting into the weeds is essential to truly serving your clients
• How Abe’s immigrant experience shaped his grit and perspective
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Abe Kasbo is the Founder and CEO of Verasoni, a marketing communications advisory and agency serving Fortune 500, middle-market, and startup clients worldwide. He advises C-Suite executives on branding, communications, and public relations, and has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, and PBS. Abe is also the producer and director of the acclaimed PBS documentary The Arab Americans and the author of the upcoming book Irresponsibly Digital.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Irresponsibly Digital

Verasoni

Connect with Abe on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a...

What if financing your business didn’t feel like being capped by traditional bank constraints or compromising majority control and equity? In this insightful episode of Going Beyond the Deal, J. Michael Fischer sits down with George Alifragis to explore how private credit is reshaping the world of business financing.

George opens up about his personal entrepreneurial journey and how that experience shaped his view on capital, optionality, and work-life integration. He explains why certain private credit partners offer more than just funding—it provides flexibility, operational support, and relationship-driven growth partnerships. Whether you’re a founder preparing for expansion or simply rethinking your financing strategy, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire new perspectives.

If your 2025 strategy includes growth, optionality, and smart partnerships, don’t miss what’s coming next. Also, if you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why private credit is gaining ground as the future of financing
• The difference between traditional lending and relationship-driven private credit
• When private credit is most impactful, particularly as true growth capital
• How to create optionality for your business and protect your equity
• Why entrepreneurs should plan to "make plan"—not just hope for outcomes
• How George views work-life integration instead of balance
• The mindset shift needed to enjoy and grow through your work hours
• Why authenticity and fulfillment are critical to personal and professional success
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

George Alifragis is the Senior Vice President at Metropolitan Partners Group, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a trilingual revenue leader, GTM operator, and award-winning partnerships strategist. Throughout his career, he has consistently exceeded growth objectives, delivering transformative results across industries. George is known for his data-driven approach to strategic planning, scaling and his expertise in business development, brand building, ecosystem growth, and cross-functional collaboration. With a passion for helping founders grow, build optionality, preserve equity, and thrive both professionally and personally, George stands out as a top-tier communication, thought leader and innovation driver in the world of private credit and beyond.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Resources:

Connect with J. Michael Fischer Jr. on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with George on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a...