The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 44: Milan Patel, PathogenDx

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Milan Patel, Co-Founder and CEO of PathogenDx, a biotechnology company that has reinvented DNA-based testing to identify pathogens more quickly and easily than ever before. Their diagnostic solutions are helping to detect and address viral, bacterial and fungal infection and contamination in the agriculture, food, Cannabis, and healthcare industries.

On this episode we discuss the challenges of bringing innovative technologies to market in highly regulated industries, why money doesn't determine whether or not you achieve your goals, the importance of doing the right thing, for the right reasons, with the right resources, and more!

In the business coaching portion, Mike helps Milan with the challenge of remaining organized and efficient while scaling rapidly and servicing clients across very different industries.

Recorded on 4/21/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 43: Rich Gonzalez, Chill

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Rich Gonzalez, inventor of the Chill, a revolutionary smoking apparatus. With nearly 30 years of experience in both the CPG and Home Goods verticals, Rich has a deep knowledge of the "concept-to-shelf" process, and hundreds of millions of people around the world own at least one item he’s helped create. But none of them are quite like the Chill.

On this episode we discuss the challenges of manufacturing and distributing Cannabis related products, the importance of having a great legal team and supportive partners, how brining a Cannabis accessory to market is different from traditional markets, and how to succeed in Cannabis even if you come from a non-traditional background.

In the coaching portion, Mike and Rich discuss one of the biggest buzzkills to the Cannabis industry, government.

Recorded on 4/14/2021

Additional Resources:

Get a Chill for yourself or your loved ones

The Cannabis Business Book

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 42: Justin Fischer, RiskScout

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Justin Fischer, CEO and Founder of RiskScout, a tech company that helps compliance officers and financial institutions manage clients in high risk businesses, like Cannabis.

On this episode we discuss the importance of understanding the customers you are serving, the nuances and future of Cannabis banking, the Cannabis landscape in Texas and much more.

In the coaching portion, Mike helps Justin create a new marketing initiative to educate his prospects and save time while scaling his business and advancing the Cannabis industry ecosystem.

Recorded on 4/7/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

VeriLeaf - helping Cannabis and Hemp businesses get access to banking and other financial services.

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 41: Kevin O'Brien, Marsh & McLennan

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Kevin O'Brien, Vice President at Marsh & McLennan, the world's largest insurance broker. Kevin is an intrapreneur of sorts, spearheading Marsh's Cannabis business.

On this episode we discuss common misconceptions about Cannabis business insurance, the challenges of evaluating Cannabis business risk, why Kevin believes there will be many more insurance claims in the Cannabis industry over the next 5 years, and more.

In the coaching portion, Mike helps Kevin with the challenges of standing out in the a highly competitive marketplace and convincing old timers that Cannabis isn't the devil's lettuce.

Recorded on 3/31/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book

The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 40: Shellise Rogers, Sistah Rogers

The Cannabis Business Coach Michael Zaytsev interviews and coaches Shellise Rogers. Sistah Rogers is a human rights activist at the intersection of cannabis, sustainability, and mental health.

Her other ventures include: Mindful Toking, an educational experience with a conscious lens exploring psychedelics’ effect on emotional and intellectual mechanisms, encouraging a shift in mindset towards holistic growth and wholeness; the Finance Auntie, a boutique financial accounting + planning agency; and Synergy Sesh, a Learning and Development company facilitating professional and business development initiatives for cannabis entrepreneurs.

On this episode we discuss going from corporate to Cannabis, Cannabis and self care, and how to find good people to work with

In the coaching portion, Mike Z helps Sistah Rogers with the challenge of finding good people to hire.

Recorded on 3/24/2021

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Business Book