Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha: Entrepreneurship and Self-Improvement Podcast

When Jacqueline Samira started her business, she recognized a massive market inefficiency: U.S. tech companies were struggling to source and retain experienced talent, while skilled professionals across Latin America were being overlooked. She built Howdy to bridge that gap and help companies build dedicated international teams. In this episode, Jacqueline shares how she built Howdy into a $50 million recurring-revenue business, survived a near-collapse during COVID, and scaled the company through strong retention, smart funding, and a simple staffing model.

In this episode, Hala and Jacqueline will discuss:

(01:36) Howdy’s Core Financial Model

(05:20) Revenue, Payroll, and Cash Flow

(10:25) Starting Howdy and Surviving COVID

(21:15) Raising Capital After $3 Million ARR

(31:10) Ideal Customers and High-Touch Marketing

(40:08) Retention, Referrals, and Customer Expansion

(43:24) Why Psychologists Recruit Howdy Talent

(50:57) Expanding Howdy Across Latin America

(54:33) How AI Is Reshaping Hiring

(57:34) How to Copy This Business Model

Jacqueline Samira is the founder and CEO of Howdy.com, an Austin-based company that helps U.S. tech companies hire and manage teams across Latin America. Before founding Howdy in 2018, she built her career in sales and operations, including leadership roles at Y Combinator-backed technology companies. Howdy joined Y Combinator’s Winter 2021 batch and has appeared on the Inc. 5000 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Jacqueline was also named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500 for leading Howdy’s expansion into Mexico and Peru and establishing a branded office in Guadalajara.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off.

AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com.

HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod

Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started.

Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap.

AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned

Jacqueline’s Company, Howdy: howdy.com/experts/jacqueline-samira

Jacqueline’s Website: jacquelinesamira.com

Jacqueline’s Instagram: instagram.com/jac_samira

Jacqueline’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacquelinesamira

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

Ron Johnson built one of the most successful businesses in retail history, the Apple Store, at a time when many believed the internet would make brick-and-mortar obsolete. Alongside Steve Jobs, he pioneered a customer-centric retail experience built on service, trust, and bold ideas. However, after decades of groundbreaking success at Target and Apple, Ron's attempt to transform JCPenney ended in failure, forcing him to rethink how innovation must be paced and executed. In this episode, Ron shares how entrepreneurs can innovate, earn customer trust, and know when to change course.

In this episode, Hala and Ron will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:00) The Bold Bet Behind Apple Stores

(06:12) The Principles Behind Apple Store Design

(15:31) How the Genius Bar Was Born

(21:10) True Innovation vs. Simple Improvement

(22:52) How Target Used Design to Win

(39:11) Why Ron Took on JCPenney

(52:34) Lessons From Ron’s Biggest Failure

(55:35) Leadership Lessons From Ron’s Favorite Quotes

(1:03:28) How AI Will Transform Retail

Ron Johnson is a seasoned retail executive, entrepreneur, and former CEO of JCPenney, best known for transforming the global retail landscape. As Apple’s former Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, he led the creation and rollout of the iconic Apple Store and Genius Bar concepts alongside Steve Jobs. Prior to Apple, Johnson served as Vice President of Merchandising at Target. He is also the author of Shop Different, which captures his decades of experience in retail innovation and executive leadership.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off.

AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com.

HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod

Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started.

Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap.

AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Ron’s Book, Shop Different: bit.ly/-ShopDifferent

Ron’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shopdifferent

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

Building her business while working a full-time job forced Kelly Roach to become intentional with every hour. Then, just as her company began taking off, becoming a mother presented an even greater challenge: how to scale rapidly without sacrificing the family life and freedom she set out to create. That pivotal transition changed how she runs her companies, delegates, and protects what matters most. In this episode, Kelly shares how entrepreneurs can design a successful business around their life priorities, build stronger customer trust, and scale sustainably without sacrificing their family, freedom, or values.

In this episode, Hala and Kelly will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:19) Turning Hardship Into Financial Freedom

(06:51) Selling Through Listening and Service

(09:44) Scaling a Side Hustle to 8-Figures

(13:34) Designing a Family-First Business

(26:30) Keeping Marriage Separate From Business

(30:30) Building Customer Trust in a Shifting Market

(35:12) Human-Centered Business in the AI Era

(38:46) How the Live Launch Method Works

(44:30) How Pricing and Branding Drive Growth

Kelly Roach is a top business strategist, bestselling author, and host of The Kelly Roach Show. Before launching her own company, she rose through a Fortune 500 firm to become its youngest senior vice president. She then built her side hustle to seven figures while still working full time and later scaled her first company to eight figures. Today, she runs six companies and leads The Business Advisory, her coaching and consulting firm.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off.

AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com.

HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod

Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started.

Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap.

AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Kelly’s Website: kellyroachcoaching.com

Kelly’s Instagram: instagram.com/kellyroachofficial

Kelly’s Facebook: facebook.com/kellyroachofficial

Kelly’s Podcast, The Kelly Roach Show: bit.ly/TKRS-apple

Kelly’s Book, Conviction Marketing: bit.ly/ConvictionMktng

Kelly’s Book, The Live Launch Method: bit.ly/LiveLaunchMthd

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

After taking his business public at a $1.2 billion valuation, Payam Zamani learned that chasing rapid growth can weaken a company when profitability gets ignored. That lesson shaped his holding company, One Planet, which he built around profit, discipline, and purpose. Today, One Planet owns, operates, and invests in companies with a focus on improving margins, cutting unnecessary costs, and building businesses that can stand on their own. In this episode, Payam shares how entrepreneurs can turn around struggling companies, protect profit margins, and grow while embracing his philosophy of spiritual capitalism.

In this episode, Hala and Payam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:00) What Is Private Equity Exactly?

(02:00) From Refugee to Billion-Dollar Founder

(13:48) Inside One Planet’s Profit Model

(21:17) How One Planet Turns Companies Around

(29:06) Payam’s Approach to People and Leadership

(39:42) Customer Acquisition and Unit Economics

(45:51) Cutting Hidden Business Costs and Overhead

(47:35) How Payam Builds and Buys Businesses

(51:26) The Principles of Spiritual Capitalism

(1:00:07) Building for Profit From Day One

Payam Zamani is the founder, chairman, and CEO of One Planet Group, a closely held private equity firm that owns technology and media businesses and invests in early-stage companies. He co-founded AutoWeb in 1994 and helped take the company public in 1999, reaching a $1.2 billion valuation. Since then, he has built and owned multiple companies and invested in more than 50 businesses. He is also the author of the USA Today bestseller Crossing the Desert and an advocate for his philosophy of spiritual capitalism.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off.

AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com.

HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod

Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started.

Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap.

AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Payam's Website: oneplanetgroup.com/meetpayam

Payam's Book, Crossing the Desert: bit.ly/CrosingDesert

Payam's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payamzamani

Payam's X: x.com/PayamZamani

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

AI is reshaping business fast, but GaryVee believes true adoption will happen more slowly than most people expect because he has seen this pattern before. He pushed e-commerce in 1996 and personal branding in 2008, only to watch both take years to become mainstream. Now, he sees the same resistance around artificial intelligence. Instead of fearing disruption, he is using AI to make his team more effective, multiply content output, and catch new opportunities early. In this episode, GaryVee shares how entrepreneurs can adapt faster, compete smarter, and stay ahead as AI changes how businesses work, create, and grow.

In this episode, Hala and GaryVee will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:00) Why AI Adoption Is Still Early

(03:29) The Real Reason People Fear AI

(08:11) The Barbell Theory of 2060 and 1960

(09:44) Weaponizing Employees Instead of Cutting Them

(12:13) Architects, Masons, and Future-Proof Skills

(15:44) GaryVee’s AI Predictions for Work and Life

(23:32) Family Patterns, Self-Worth, and Forgiveness

(30:53) Scaling Social Media Content with AI

(38:49) GaryVee’s Hard Lines for Entrepreneurs

(46:56) Why Kindness Will Rule The Future

(50:26) Live Selling, the Next Big Opportunity

Gary Vaynerchuk, popularly known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, marketer, and prominent internet personality. He is the chairman of VaynerX and CEO of VaynerMedia, a global creative and media agency. GaryVee is a six-time New York Times bestselling author and an early investor in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, and Uber. He also hosts The GaryVee Audio Experience.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

Mindstone - Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off.

AT&T Business - Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com.

HoneyLove - Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/PROFITING! #honeylovepod

Freshbooks - Manage all your business finances in one place. Right now, my listeners can get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that's 90% off. Head to FreshBooks.com/podcast to get started.

Walmart Marketplace - Reach millions of active online shoppers and get ready for holiday demand. Apply to sell today at marketplace.walmart.com/yap.

AG1 - Get a daily health drink that helps maintain energy, support gut health, and support immune health, all in one simple scoop. And for a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at DRINKAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Gary's Book, Crush It!: bit.ly/-CrushIt

Gary's Website: garyvaynerchuk.com

Gary’s Podcast,The GaryVee Audio Experience: bit.ly/TGVAE-apple

YAP E291 with GaryVee: youngandprofiting.co/E291

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, ChatGPT, AI Marketing, Prompt, AI in Action, AI in Business, Generative AI, AI for Entrepreneurs, AI Podcast