Michael Zaytsev Michael Zaytsev

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 37: Laura Lagano, Holistic Cannabis Academy

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Laura Lagano, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, author of "The CBD Oil Miracle" and co-founder of the Holistic Cannabis Academy.

As one of a handful of RDNs who has completed the prestigious Institute of Functional Medicine program, Laura integrates her expertise in nutrition, functional medicine, and cannabis in her private practice, Laura Lagano Nutrition LLC.

We discuss misconceptions about Cannabis edibles, how to find quality products, writing a book, and how to combat Cannaphobia.

In the coaching portion, Mike helps Laura with the challenge of getting people to understand that quality education comes at a cost.

Recorded on 2/10/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

The CBD Oil Miracle: Manage Pain, Improve Your Mood, Boost Your Brain, Fight Inflammation, Clear Your Skin, Strengthen Your Heart, and Sleep Better with the Healing Power of CBD Oil

Promo Code: MIKEZ for a discount at https://holisticcannabisacademy.com/

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Michael Zaytsev Michael Zaytsev

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 36: Sam Ghods, Connected Cannabis

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews Sam Ghods, CEO of Connected Cannabis, one of California's highest premium and best selling Cannabis flower brands.

Prior to entering the Cannabis industry, Sam was the co-founder and systems architect at Box, a multi billion dollar technology company that revolutionized cloud computing.

On this episode, we discuss:

  • how Sam practically went from unpaid intern to CEO of Connected Cannabis

  • why Sam believes that "Cannabis TAM (total addressable market) feels overwhelmingly enormous"

  • how California's Cannabis market is most representative of where most markets will end up

  • lessons Sam took from Silicon Valley to Cannabis

  • the importance of being able to give and receive feedback effectively

  • and more

In the coaching portion, Mike Z asks Sam for advice on how to prioritize during periods of rapid growth.

Recorded on 2/3/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition

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Michael Zaytsev Michael Zaytsev

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 35: Michael McDonald, Ammonite Inc.

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Michael McDonald, President of Ammonite Inc, maker of the Dablicator oil applicator, a product that was created by the Jetty Extracts team.

Prior to entering the Cannabis industry by selling a real estate asset to the Jetty Extracts team, Mike had entrepreneurial experience in the furniture business, in product development, manufacturing, and as an operator launching the Giant bicycle brand as well as building and selling the Atlas Snowshoe Company to K2 Sports.

On this episode, we discuss bringing a new product to market, the importance of activism in Cannabis business and why the only way to get into the Cannabis business is to get into the Cannabis business.

In the coaching portion, Mike Z helps Mike McDonald with separating work life and home life during the pandemic when everyone is stuck at home.

Recorded on 1/27/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

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Michael Zaytsev Michael Zaytsev

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 34: Michael Krawitz, Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access

Michael-Krawitz.jpg

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews Michael Krawitz, Executive Director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access. For decades, Krawitz has been at the forefront of international Cannabis reform. On this episode, he provides a masterclass on the inner workings of international drug treaties, why they matter and how they're finally being renegotiated. He also offers great insight on a variety of other topics including:

  • the dangers of corporate Cannabis models

  • why creativity is so important for Cannabis leadership

  • the importance of taking a harm reduction approach to Cannabis policy

  • how to maintain focus and commitment to the movement for decades despite numerous setbacks

  • Hemp & the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

  • preserving the ancient plant and person relationship and protecting Cannabis genetics

In the coaching portion, Michael Zaytsev invites Michael Krawitz to play the role of coach and tell industry the uncomfortable truth that it may not want to hear.

Recorded on 1/20/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

The Emperor Wears No Clothes: A History of Cannabis/Hemp/Marijuana

Cannabis & Sustainable Development

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Michael Zaytsev Michael Zaytsev

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 33: Brenda Smith, CB Capital Concierge

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Brenda Smith, Founder and Managing Partner of CB Capital Concierge, a boutique capital advisory firm that helps investors and entrepreneurs succeed in Cannabis business.

Brenda Smith is a high power business leader. After working at top financial institutions (Merrill Lynch, PNC Securities, Bernstein Private Wealth Management) Brenda built and sold her own international coaching business. She also taught Enterprise Leadership at Carnegie Mellon where she helped to commercialize new technologies developed at the university. Brenda led the U.S.-Israel Economic Development initiative for the exchange of entrepreneurial ventures. She has advised Next Act Angel Fund on strategy, as well as the Financial Women’s Association on investment management. She serves on the Board of the American-Israel Cannabis Association (AICA) and chairs a group for Tiger 21.

On this episode, Brenda offers an array of insights into the Cannabis investment landscape including

  • how to raise and deploy capital for your Cannabis business

  • the future of the industry beyond federal legalization

  • the right way to evaluate Cannabis business growth

  • how Covid pulled the legal industry forward several years

  • what are the essential attributes of effective Cannabis leaders

  • and much more.

In the coaching portion, Mike Z helps Brenda with one of her clients who is in the midst of "the entrepreneurial dilemma" aka "what got you here won't get you there."

Recorded on 1/13/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful

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