Flex Forward

In this conversation, Shauna explains why data isn’t just charts and graphs—it’s storytelling with a human at the center. She walks us through finding co-occurring diagnoses (like diabetes and bipolar disorder), the impact of meds that interact, and how a whole-person view helps care teams treat people, not symptoms. We dig into her “Member 360” initiative, how AI speeds clinical context, and the mindset shift from reporting numbers to driving action. We also cover her backstory as a teenage mom who taught herself to code, her leadership style for developing analysts, and how to turn datasets into decisions that change real lives. Along the way, Shauna talks about challenges partnering with clinical stakeholders, setting agile data goals (“tell me where to go; I’ll map the route”), and what’s next—including finishing her book and exploring creator income streams.
 
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Nick walks us through his journey from Southern California to the University of Tennessee, UTEP, and a stint playing in Germany. He explains how corporate operations gave him “business 101,” then how he shifted to entrepreneurship—launching Lamaison Holdings and The Lamaison Group in real estate, and now the “Victory Lap” podcast.We dig into mindset: building a healthy relationship with pain, keeping morale high, moving fast with ideas (ship at 80%, improve the last 20% with feedback), and leading teams with high standards plus real compassion. Nick also shares his approach to passive income: go all-in to create value first, then diversify into simple, proven vehicles.
 
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Nic Espanet welcomes Joseph Lopez, an experienced real estate investor and founder of Texas Growth Advisors, to talk about the strategic mindset required to grow in today’s shifting real estate market. Joseph shares how he transitioned from military and law enforcement into multifamily syndication, new construction, and commercial real estate. He discusses how investor mindsets must evolve with market conditions, why passive income isn't completely passive, and how bulk buying and in-house construction teams have been game changers for his business.
 
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Scott Hollrah, founder of VENN Technology, joins Nic to talk about building an integration-first consultancy that started in his home office and now operates from Grapevine, Texas. Scott explains why VENN leads with integration projects before CRM work, and how “delighted partners” became their core value and referral engine (featuring their unforgettable mascot, Bjorn the Yeti).
They dig into the human side of technical projects—extracting real requirements by asking precise questions, “peeling the onion,” and translating vague goals into actionable data flows. Scott shares a mentor’s advice that shaped his career: the best consultants don’t have the best answers—they ask the best questions.
 
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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with Amanda Larson, founder of AMAX Equity and an experienced commercial real estate investor with a background in engineering and construction. Amanda shares her transition from corporate to full-time investing, highlighting how she helps people diversify out of the stock market and into passive real estate investments—especially those in the oil and gas industry.
They dive into Amanda’s approach to underwriting, the role of math and data in her investment decisions, and the value of leaning into your strengths. She also talks about the power of passive income, the importance of investor due diligence, and how she’s preparing for more deal flow in a shifting market.
Amanda brings a grounded, insightful perspective to investing, shaped by her family roots in real estate and her love for solving problems. Plus, you’ll get a peek into her personal world—like how a pandemic gym closure led to her becoming an avid runner! 
 
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Nic and Chihiro dive into the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and how “owning your outcomes” brings both freedom and stress. Chihiro explains ZT Corporate’s lower-middle-market focus, why they operate as a fundless sponsor, and what makes them different as direct operators.They unpack hold periods (from 9 months to 12 years), what real relationship-based business looks like, and why monthly, transparent investor updates matter most when a deal goes sideways. Chihiro also makes the case for becoming a well-diversified LP across operators and asset classes, plus a quick nod to his show, Beyond Stocks, and an upcoming trip to Australia for his wife’s triathlon.
 
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Mel Stewart went from Olympic podiums to TV analyst to successful screenwriter—then built SwimSwam into a 24/7 global operation with 100+ contributors and a powerful data business trusted by major networks. He explains the lucky break that rocketed them to #1 in seven weeks, why relentless work ethic matters, and how a painful Olympic loss shaped his decision-making in business. Mel also opens up about building “passive” revenue (like an automated global jobs board), his mentor network, and what’s ahead as LA 2028 approaches—including longer-form conversations with entrepreneurs and club owners across aquatics.
 
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In this conversation, Darren Skinner, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Easy Fiber, unpacks how his team supports rapid growth across multiple markets (Houston, TX; Albuquerque & Santa Fe, NM; Kent, WA—with a fourth market in the Midwest on the way). He explains how door-to-door sales sharpened his ability to connect with candidates, why “time kills all deals” in recruiting, and how longer, human pre-screens lead to better culture fits.
Darren also talks through lessons from the pandemic-era hiring swings, staying resilient amid mass TA layoffs, and setting goals you can actually measure. He closes with thoughts on side hustles, building family-centered passive income, and a peek at his animated YouTube project.
 
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Nic and Ruben go deep on what really sets a contractor apart: proactive communication, transparency, and doing exactly what you said you’d do. Ruben opens up about his path—from working with his dad in construction to launching his own firm in 2014—plus the detours, doubts, and breakthroughs along the way. They cover networking that turns into real partnerships, habits for self-improvement, and why he continues to invest in multifamily for the long game. These notes prioritize clear takeaways and searchable keywords to help new listeners find this episode.
 
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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with Cody Payne, Senior VP at Colliers, to talk about his journey in commercial real estate and his expertise in the growing small bay industrial sector. With over 18 years in the business, Cody shares what sets his team apart, the challenges he’s faced, and why persistence is key in a fully commissioned sales career.
Cody also opens up about managing anxiety, the importance of health and routine, and how books like The 10X Rule have shaped his approach to sales. The conversation dives into the benefits of passive investing in real estate, Cody’s upcoming projects and conferences, and how his team continues to educate and lead the way in small bay industrial investment across the U.S.
 
 
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