Monica Pina and Esa Oittinen discussed how to create meaningful change through investment with Zach Freeman, a visionary committed to supporting startups through the non-profit Innosphere Ventures. Zach emphasized the importance of local investments in transforming communities and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Innosphere provides comprehensive support to startups, including financial assistance, guidance, and mentorship, which strengthens the local economy. Innosphere’s philosophy extends beyond financial gains, using investment as a tool for social good, aligning with the podcast’s mission to enrich listeners’ lives. As a non-profit, Innosphere prioritizes startups, aiming for long-term regional economic impact. The discussion highlighted the importance of small actions in contributing to community growth, with an example of Tim Wong, who helped save a butterfly species through local efforts. The conversation concluded with a call to action for local engagement, urging individuals to use their resources to foster community development and social equity.

listen to Let’s get clear Now!

How to Create Meaningful Change Through Investment

Recently, on Let’s Get CLEAR, Monica Pina and Esa Oittinen discussed how to create meaningful change through investment with Zach Freeman, a visionary committed to supporting startups through the non-profit Innosphere Ventures.

The Profound Impact of Local Investments

Zach shares his journey and the philosophy behind Innosphere Ventures, emphasizing the significance of nurturing startups and small businesses. He stresses the importance of local investments, which, unlike broader market investments, can potentially transform communities directly. By investing locally, individuals can witness the growth and success of their endeavors firsthand, fostering a deeper connection to their community and a tangible sense of accomplishment.

The Ripple Effects of Supporting Startups

Through Innosphere, Zach and his team provide more than just financial support; they offer guidance, mentorship, and resources crucial for young companies to thrive in the unpredictable business world. This holistic support system helps startups navigate their initial phases and strengthens the local community’s economic foundation.

Investment as a Tool for Social Good

Innosphere’s approach extends beyond financial gains; it’s about using investment for social good. This philosophy resonates deeply with the ethos of Let’s Get CLEAR, which aims to provide its listeners with insights that enrich their quality of life. It’s about creating balance, where financial success, personal growth, and social responsibility coexist.

The Kinder, Gentler Venture Capital

Venture capital firms often get a negative reputation due to their hyper-focus on financial returns, lack of transparency, and favoring investors over the entrepreneurial spirit. Innosphere Ventures is a non-profit 501(c)(3) with a solid mission to create jobs and grow the entrepreneurship ecosystem. As a non-profit, they can put startups first and create long-term, regional economic impact.

Be the Change

When the world’s situation feels overwhelming, it’s essential to focus on the parts of one’s life that one can control and identify one small action to improve the immediate situation. Something as simple as connecting with a person in your community, checking in with a friend, or smiling at strangers can make a difference. It doesn’t take extreme measures to help each other grow.

Esa gave an excellent example of Tim Wong, the aquatic biologist in California who single-handedly brought a butterfly species back from the brink of extinction simply by planting the insects’ food source in his backyard.

 A Call to Action for Local Engagement

It’s time to consider how we might use our resources—time, knowledge, or capital—to foster community growth. We must rethink investment not just as a means for personal gain but as a potent tool for community development and social equity.

 Engage and Enrich

Whether supporting a local startup, engaging with community-led projects, or simply sharing expertise, every small action contributes to significant change. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions that bridge the gap between personal well-being and community development on Let’s Get CLEAR.

Follow Cliintel Capital 

Podcast: Let’s Get CLEAR 

Instagram: @Cliintel 

Facebook: /Cliintel 

LinkedIn: /Cliintel 

X (Twitter): LetsGetClear_VC 

Website: CliintelCapital.com 

Threads: /@clearly_different_VC 

Guest Name: Zach Freeman 

Email:   Zach@innosphereventures.org 

LinkedIn:  /zachary-zach-freeman-8b9616273/ 

Website:  https://innosphereventures.org/ 

The importance of self-care and caring for others: Discover why quality of life, finding purpose, and self-care are essential for overall well-being. Learn how self-care prevents burnout, enhances emotional and physical health, and strengthens self-esteem, enabling you to care for others effectively. Explore insights from Sasha Kalcheff-Korn of Realm of Caring on integrating non-traditional therapies like cannabis for better health outcomes. Embrace a fulfilling life by prioritizing self-care and balancing your personal and professional goals.

Listen to Let’s Get CLEAR Now!

The Essence of Living Well

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities and forget the importance of self-care for yourself and caring for others. However, the quality of our lives profoundly impacts our happiness, productivity, and overall fulfillment. Let’s delve into the essential role of self-care in maintaining a balanced and enriched life.

Self-care can also be understood as “quality of life, ” a broad concept encompassing various aspects of living, including physical health, mental well-being, emotional stability, social relationships, and personal achievements. When these elements are in harmony, we experience a heightened sense of satisfaction and joy.

Maintaining Balance

Self-care is taking deliberate actions to maintain and improve physical, mental, and emotional health. It involves recognizing and addressing our needs, ensuring we nurture our overall well-being. Self-care can take many forms, such as:

Physical Self-Care: Regularly exercise, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and schedule regular medical check-ups.

Emotional Self-Care: Allowing yourself to express emotions, seeking therapy when needed, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Mental Self-Care: Challenging your mind through learning new skills, reading, and engaging in creative activities.

Social Self-Care: Maintaining healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and spending time with loved ones.

Why is Self-Care Important?

Some of the benefits of self-care include:
1. Enhanced Well-being: A good quality of life promotes physical and mental health. When we prioritize our health, we are less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, leading to a longer, happier life.

2. Productivity: When we feel good about our lives, we are more motivated and productive. This positive outlook enables us to perform better at work and in our personal endeavors, driving success and fulfillment.

3. Improved Relationships: Our quality of life is closely linked to our interactions. We are better equipped to form and maintain healthy, meaningful relationships when we are content and balanced.

4. Resilience: A high quality of life equips us with the tools to handle stress and adversity. It builds resilience, allowing us to navigate challenges with grace and strength.

Disease: The Dis-Ease of the Body

Disease can be understood as the disease or imbalance within the body. When our bodies are not functioning optimally, whether due to physical, mental, or emotional stress, we are more susceptible to illness. This imbalance can stem from various sources, such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, chronic stress, or unresolved emotional issues. We can restore balance and promote overall well-being by addressing these underlying causes through self-care and healthy lifestyle choices.

1. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: To support physical health, embrace regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest. Define what quality of life means to you and set realistic goals to achieve it.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule regular time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and enhance mental clarity. Strive to balance work, personal life, and leisure.

4. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who encourage your well-being.

5. Personal Growth: This journey of self-care and growth enriches our lives and helps us become the best versions of ourselves. Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust as needed.

How Far Would You Go to Help Your Child?

When it comes to our children, we often go to great lengths to ensure their health and happiness. This commitment highlights the importance of self-care, as taking care of ourselves enables us to be better caregivers. By prioritizing our well-being, we set a positive example for our children and create a nurturing environment for them to thrive.

Insights from Sasha Kalcheff-Korn

During our latest episodes of “Let’s Get CLEAR,” we had the privilege of hosting Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, the executive director of Realm of Caring. Sasha’s journey from New York City to Colorado and her work with human rights and non-profits has been remarkable. Her story underscores the importance of advocating for equitable access to health treatments and the impact of non-traditional therapies like cannabis on improving quality of life.

Sasha shared her experiences of witnessing the transformative effects of cannabis on a child with epilepsy, which significantly changed her perspective on non-traditional medical treatments. This encounter highlighted the need for comprehensive education and open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that alternative therapies are considered and integrated into treatment plans where appropriate.

The Role of Realm of Caring

Under Sasha’s leadership, Realm of Caring is redefining the way we think about cannabis through education, research, and global community connections. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals through innovative plant-powered therapies and extensive research collaborations, including a partnership with Johns Hopkins University. Sasha emphasized the importance of honest, open conversations with healthcare providers about cannabis use and the need for more education in the medical field to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safe and effective treatment plans.

Quality of life, purpose, and self-care are intertwined aspects of a fulfilling existence. By prioritizing these elements and learning from pioneers like Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, we can create a life that is not only successful but also deeply satisfying and meaningful. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Embrace the journey of enhancing your quality of life, discovering your purpose, and practicing self-care. Your future self will thank you.
—
At “Let’s Get CLEAR,” we believe in enriching lives through thoughtful discourse on holistic living. Join us as we explore these themes, bringing comfort, joy, and inspiration to your everyday life. Join us next time, when we dive deeper into wellness and self-discovery.

Follow Cliintel Capital 

Podcast: Let’s Get CLEAR 

Instagram: @Cliintel 

Facebook: /Cliintel 

LinkedIn: /Cliintel 

X (Twitter): LetsGetClear_VC 

Website: CliintelCapital.com 

Threads: /@clearly_different_VC 

Follow Realm of Caring and Sasha Kalcheff-Korn

Realm of Caring

LinkedIn: Sasha Kalcheff-Korn

FaceBook: Realm of Caring

Instagram: Realm of Caring

In our latest episode of Let’s Get CLEAR, we had an enlightening conversation with Dan Wilkewitz about overcoming challenges and achieving greatness through passion, suffering, and sacrifice. Dan is a multifaceted professional passionate about simplifying complex processes for clients across industries. Today, we’ll delve deeper into Dan’s insights about the true nature of passion and the roles suffering and sacrifice play in achieving great things.

Listent to Let’s Get CLEAR podcast now!

In our latest episode of Let’s Get CLEAR, we had an enlightening conversation with Dan Wilkewitz about achieving greatness through passion, suffering, and sacrifice. Dan is a multifaceted professional passionate about simplifying complex processes for clients across industries. Today, we’ll delve deeper into Dan’s insights about the true nature of passion and the roles suffering and sacrifice play in achieving great things.

Achieving greatness is often romanticized as a journey filled with enthusiasm and triumph. However, the path to true accomplishment is rarely straightforward. It involves passion, which includes a willingness to suffer and make sacrifices. Here are five steps to overcoming challenges on this arduous but rewarding journey.

The journey to greatness is intertwined with passion, suffering, and sacrifice. By embracing the true meaning of passion, recognizing the importance of sacrifice, developing consistent habits, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate challenges and stay on the path to success. Remember, greatness is not achieved overnight but through persistent effort and dedication.

By following these five steps, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and move closer to your goals. Stay committed, keep your eyes on the prize, and remember that the sacrifices you make today will lead to the accomplishments of tomorrow. Embrace the journey, and let your passion drive you toward achieving greatness.

1. Embrace the True Meaning of Passion

Understanding Passion: Passion is more than a strong, positive feeling. The word’s roots in ancient Greek and Latin translate to suffering and enduring. To truly embrace passion, recognize that it involves perseverance and resilience in the face of hardships. Passion isn’t merely about what excites us but what we are willing to endure and sacrifice for.

(Check out Episodes 18 and 19 with Lynsey Lee for a closer look at perseverance and resilience.)

Passion isn’t limited to monumental goals. It can be found in any task or activity that excites you and makes you want to do more. It’s about what occupies your thoughts and what you’re willing to prioritize, even if it seems irrational to others. Passions can evolve, and it’s essential to reassess and realign your efforts to ensure they continue to energize you.

Practical Application: Identify what you are deeply committed to, even if it requires enduring challenges. Reflect on what excites you and makes you willing to make sacrifices. This could be a career, a hobby, or a personal goal you are passionate about despite the difficulties involved.

Let us know what you are passionate about – share your story on X!

2. Recognize the Importance of Sacrifice

Understanding Sacrifice: Sacrifice is about making specific trades. Even the unwillingness to suffer at some level to attain a goal is the sacrifice of achievement. It involves giving up short-term comforts for long-term gains: 

Practical Application: Evaluate your habits and identify areas where sacrifices are needed. If you aim to lose weight, forgo unhealthy foods and allocate time for exercise. In relationships, compromise personal desires to nurture and maintain a healthy connection. Remember the bigger picture and ensure your sacrifices align with your long-term objectives.

What are you willing to make sacrifices for? Share your story on LinkedIn! 

Example: Olympic athletes sacrifice their comfort and leisure to achieve sports excellence. Similarly, in professional endeavors, individuals might give up other pursuits to focus on their careers. For instance, someone in the real estate industry might prioritize developing marketing and educational communication to improve client experiences, even if it means sacrificing time and effort in other areas

3. Develop Consistent Habits

Building Excellence: Excellence is not a one-time act but a habit formed through repeated actions. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Dan emphasizes the importance of continuous effort and making the right sacrifices. Excellence is built through habitual actions that align with our long-term goals.

Practical Application: Create a routine that supports your goals. For example, dedicate daily time to writing to become a better writer. If fitness is your goal, establish a consistent workout schedule. Small, consistent actions accumulate over time, leading to significant improvements and achievements.

What routine works best for you? Share your findings with us on Threads!

Example: Real estate professionals develop consistent habits to improve clients’ home-buying experiences. By breaking down complex information and creating clear, step-by-step communication, they help clients navigate the often overwhelming process of buying a home. This consistency builds trust and excellence in their field.

4. Set Realistic and Incremental Goals

Bite-Sized Goals: Large, overwhelming goals can lead to procrastination and anxiety. Breaking down your objectives into smaller tasks can make the journey more manageable.

Practical Application: Instead of aiming to lose 50 pounds, focus on losing the first five. Celebrate these small victories and use them as motivation to continue. Micro actions, such as drinking more water or choosing a healthy meal today, are more manageable and contribute to long-term success.

Example: Focus on immediate, actionable steps when tackling large projects or goals. For instance, someone looking to improve their fitness might start by committing to a short daily workout rather than an overwhelming long-term plan. This approach helps build confidence and establishes a foundation for more significant achievements.

5. Practice Self-Compassion and Adjust Expectations

Grace and Self-Compassion: Recognize that the journey to greatness is filled with setbacks and failures. Negative self-talk can be detrimental, so treating yourself with kindness and understanding is essential.

Practical Application: If you encounter a setback, such as missing a workout or indulging in unhealthy food, don’t be overly harsh on yourself. Acknowledge the slip-up and refocus on your goals. Maintaining a positive mindset and adjusting expectations can help you stay motivated and resilient.

Example: Long-distance runners often come from families where running is a passion. However, suppose someone in such a family realizes that running isn’t for them. In that case, they should focus on other activities that bring joy and fulfillment. This self-compassion allows them to pursue their true passions without guilt. Similarly, individuals should give themselves grace when facing setbacks and continue to focus on their long-term goals.

The journey to greatness is intertwined with passion, suffering, and sacrifice. By embracing the true meaning of passion, recognizing the importance of sacrifice, developing consistent habits, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate challenges and stay on the path to success. Remember, greatness is not achieved overnight but through persistent effort and dedication.

By following these five steps, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and move closer to your goals. Stay committed, keep your eyes on the prize, and remember that the sacrifices you make today will lead to the accomplishments of tomorrow. Embrace the journey, and let your passion drive you toward achieving greatness.

Q&A with Dan Wikewitz

Describe what you do and why you are so passionate about this topic. 

I design and produce educational and marketing communication for the real estate and mortgage industries to improve process and end-user experience. I’m passionate about this work because I believe in making complex information accessible and enhancing people’s understanding and interactions within these industries.

What did you do before? 

My first career was as a radio disc jockey at KBCO. I have also been, and in some ways still am, a teacher, a graphic designer, and a filmmaker.

Discuss the challenges and benefits of working in your industry. Challenges include distilling complicated information into packages that people can understand. The benefits are the satisfaction of simplifying these complexities and improving others’ experiences.

What are some of the most challenging obstacles this industry needs to overcome? 

The industry’s most challenging obstacles include the complexity of transactions and the numerous choices that individuals must make.

What is one tip or advice you would like to pass on to listeners/readers? Everyone has their own story, a mix of non-fiction and fiction. Always remember that

Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram:/Cliintel/ Facebook:/Cliintel LinkedIn:/company/cliintel X (Twitter):/cliintel Threads: /@clearly_different_VC 

This article explores how focus groups are pivotal in developing new products at The CLEAR. The company is launching a low-dose tablet designed for both new and infrequent users, aiming to provide a tailored experience for various lifestyles. The unique focus group, conducted as a house party, enables direct consumer feedback in a real setting, which helps refine the product and tailor marketing strategies. Positive feedback from a diverse group of participants indicates the product’s potential for enhancing well-being without strong intoxication. This approach highlights the importance of adapting to market needs and understanding consumer preferences in product development. Listen to “Let’s Get CLEAR” podcast for more insights into innovative product development in the industry.

Listen to Lets get clear now!

Discover a New Way to Party: Must be 21+ in a legal Market to enter

Product development is a critical and intricate process in the fast-paced Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Companies are continually striving to innovate and enhance their offerings to meet consumers’ ever-evolving demands. The focus group is one of the most effective tools in the CPG toolkit, ensuring that products resonate with their target market.

In this discussion, we explore the significance of focus groups in CPG product development and their role in shaping successful products. We join Esa Oittinen, the Director of Products at Clear Cannabis Inc., at a focus group/house party to gauge real consumers’ views on a new low-dose tablet set to hit the market in Q3 2024. In the latest episode of “Let’s Get Clear,” hosted by Monica Pina, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how these innovative tablets are poised to revolutionize the industry.

Understanding Consumer Needs

CPG product development involves creating products used daily, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products. This cyclical and dynamic process requires constant adaptation to trends, technological advances, and consumer preferences.

As cannabis legalization expands, the consumer profile diversifies. Esa Oittinen is tasked with developing products catering to new and infrequent users. A significant shift has occurred: new consumers are not necessarily seeking the most potent effects but rather products that complement their lifestyles, whether to enhance workouts, relax over the weekend or assist with daily activities. The CLEAR is introducing low-potency products to meet all consumers’ needs, from mild to wild and everything in between.

The Rise of a Different Demographic

The new product line is designed to attract those new to the market and those skeptical of cannabis. The CLEAR promises a simple, consistent experience that is perfect for any situation. During the particular focus group session featured in the podcast, consumers shared their firsthand experiences and the impactful benefits they observed. These tablets are not just another product; they represent a step toward normalizing use, improving accessibility to new markets, and making it hassle-free for everyone.

A focus group is a research method where a small, diverse group provides feedback on a product. This qualitative technique allows companies to gain deeper insights than what might be possible through surveys or other quantitative methods.

Focus Group Fiesta

In the context of The CLEAR’s product development, focus groups fulfill multiple critical functions:

1. Consumer Insights: Focus groups in a house party setting provide a direct avenue for understanding how potential customers feel about a product by allowing them to try it in a realistic environment. Whether participants decide to try the product or abstain, this feedback is invaluable as it provides firsthand information about the product’s appeal, usability, and potential improvements.

2. Testing Product Concepts: Gathering feedback on various aspects of a product helps CLEAR better align the product with consumer expectations.

3. Benchmarking Against Competitors: The social environment allows the team at The CLEAR to pinpoint what makes their product unique, what could be improved, and how customers perceive the brand.

4. Risk Reduction: Engaging with potential users early in the development process ensures the company targets the correct demographic when entering the market.

5. Marketing Strategies: Insights from focus groups often extend beyond the product, influencing marketing strategies. Understanding how consumers perceive a product guides the development of effective advertising campaigns tailored to highlight the product’s strengths as perceived by potential buyers.

Consumer Insights and Feedback

During the podcast, Monica engaged with participants ranging from first-time users to those returning after years of avoidance. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the tablet’s subtle yet effective impact on their daily social interactions and overall well-being. Such insights are crucial, as they help potential users understand the product and guide The CLEAR in refining it to meet consumer needs better.

The Importance of Market Adaptation

The episode highlighted the importance of adapting to market needs and understanding consumer hesitations. By focusing on a broad approach, The CLEAR sets a new standard for product introduction in new markets. It’s about creating an enjoyable product that aligns with potential users’ real, everyday needs.

Why This Matters

Introducing these tablets is more than just market expansion—it’s about transforming perceptions of the industry. With an approach emphasizing ease of use, effectiveness, and consumer-centric development, these tablets are poised to become a staple in many people’s routines.

Let the Party Continue (at your house)

As we continue to navigate the complexities of innovation, it’s essential to acknowledge the power of consumer feedback and thoughtful product development. “Let’s Get Clear” provides a platform for discussing these advancements and understanding their broader impact on our lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or considering your first foray into these products, the insights from this episode of “Let’s Get Clear” are invaluable. Tune in to explore how these innovative tablets are setting new trends in the industry and what they could mean for the future of all consumers.

If you want to host a “Focus Group Fiesta,” please get in touch with Monica Pina at monica@cliintel.com. To hear more about these groundbreaking developments, listen to the full episode of “Let’s Get Clear” and discuss how we can all benefit from more imaginative, consumer-friendly product development.

Follow Let’s Get CLEAR

Podcast: Let’s Get CLEAR 

Instagram: @Cliintel 

Facebook: /Cliintel 

LinkedIn: /Cliintel 

X (Twitter): LetsGetClear_VC 

Website: CliintelCapital.com 

Follow Clear Cannabis Inc.   

Podcast: Let’s Get CLEAR  

Instagram: @theclearbrands  

Facebook: /TheClearBrand  

LinkedIn: /TheClearBrands  

X (Twitter): TheClearBrands  

Website: Clear Cannabis Inc.