Louis Foreman is founder and Chief Executive of Enventys, an integrated product design and engineering firm based in Charlotte, NC. He is a serial entrepreneur and inventor holding many patents. Louis is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Entrepreneurship Program at Wake Forest University and has taught at The McColl School of Business and at Johnson & Wales University. He is a frequent lecturer and radio and TV guest and was the creator of the Emmy® Award winning PBS TV show, Everyday Edisons, which won 2 Emmys. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the James Dyson Foundation and is active in several other prestigious boards. Over the past 30 years, Louis has created twelve successful start-ups and has been directly responsible for the creation of over 20 others. A prolific inventor, Louis is the inventor on 12 registered US patents, while his firm is responsible for the development and filing of well over 700 more.

Carlos Salum is the founder of Salum International Resources, Inc., a Leadership Performance Strategy consultancy in Charlotte, NC. He advises senior leaders from multinational corporations and is the author of the book “The Glass is Full and a Half.” As a Peak Performance and Mental Training expert, he worked with Grand Slam tennis champions Gabriela Sabatini and Sergi Bruguera, ATP and WTA ranked players, FIA Formula Racing drivers (Pietro and Enzo Fittipaldi) and Olympians. He’s a mentor at LEAD Sports & Health Tech Partners, as well as the co-founder of Synergize Sports and the Tennis Innovation Conference. Salum is an international Keynote Speaker, TEDx Presenter, produced playwright and documentary film producer. As an events producer, he created TheSircle Executive Club in 2009, gathering business leaders and artists in Charlotte and European locations.

“Innovation is the idea plus execution. Ideas by themselves don't have value if you don't do anything with them.

Innovation is taking that new that novel idea and actually doing something with it, whether it's filing patents, whether it's monetizing it through commercialization, maybe it's through actually making a product and making money off that product.”

- Louis Foreman

“Breakthrough is intentionally declaring that the glass is full and a half.

Breakthrough is a choice…

It’s purposely going beyond a set point to realize possibilities, to accelerate the achievement of higher, more ambitious goals (at least 300% above your current level or perceived limitations).

It’s about new value design.”

- Carlos Salum

Summary of the fundamental ideas discussed in the Podcast’s Pilot

The podcast’s pilot highlights the importance of mindset, resilience, leadership, and innovation in entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, drawing parallels between different domains like sports and business.

1. Entrepreneurial Mindset and Innovation:

• Both Louis Foreman and Carlos Salum emphasize the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, characterized by curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to question the status quo. They discuss how this mindset is essential not only for entrepreneurs but also for intrapreneurs within existing companies.

• Innovation is highlighted as a key driver of success in both entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. Continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to improvement are seen as crucial components of fostering innovation.

2. Embracing Failure and Resilience:

The speakers stress the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Louis Foreman discusses the concept of "failing forward," where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success rather than a setback. Resilience and perseverance are highlighted as essential traits for overcoming challenges and setbacks in the entrepreneurial journey.

3. Leadership and Vision:

Effective leadership is discussed in terms of having a clear vision and surrounding oneself with the right team to execute that vision. Creating a positive and productive work environment, fostering creativity, and building strong relationships within the team are emphasized as important aspects of leadership.

4. Transferable Skills and Continuous Improvement:

The conversation touches upon the transferability of skills and strategies between different domains, such as sports and business. Both speakers highlight the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability, drawing parallels between the training of athletes and entrepreneurs.

5. Inspiration and Legacy:

The speakers discuss the importance of seeking inspiration from various sources and leaving a meaningful legacy. Carlos Salum emphasizes the satisfaction that comes from leaving a positive impact on others and living a full life with purpose and meaning.