Conversations at the Breaking Point of Innovation

Max Q is a podcast where we talk to founders, builders, and leaders navigating the high-stakes moment when bold ideas either launch—or stall.
Named for the point of maximum dynamic pressure during rocket flight, Max Q explores what it really takes to get through that pressure—whether you’re raising capital, launching to market, or pushing the edge of what's possible in tech, science, or systems change.
Each episode features honest conversations with innovators across sectors—startups, defense, aerospace, AI, public sector, climate, and more—sharing the lessons that don’t show up on pitch decks or LinkedIn.

What You’ll Hear:

- Real stories from venture-backed and mission-driven founders

- Insight from investors, ecosystem leaders, and public sector experts

- Candid takes on failure, funding, pivots, and persistence

- Strategies for raising capital, building trust, and scaling what works

For Founders, Doers, and the Curious
If you’re building something new—and need to know how others have done it, broken it, and built it again—this podcast is for you.

19:49

Startup Stories - Rob Hodges

In this episode of MaxQ, host Mollie Jahner interviews Rob Hodges, founder of Proficio Ventures, who shares his extensive experience in the semiconductor and medical technology industries. Rob discusses the concept of venture building, the importance of clinical validation, and the challenges faced by MedTech startups in securing funding and navigating regulatory processes. He emphasizes the need for adaptability and perseverance in the current market, as well as the significance of mission-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare. Connect with Rob and see what he is working on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/proficioventures/ https://proficioventures.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rob Hodges and His Journey 03:44 Understanding Venture Building 06:15 Defining Investability in MedTech 10:40 Navigating the MedTech Journey 13:02 Engaging with Capital as a Founder 17:38 Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship

32:29

Startup Stories - Ryan McCreadie

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner interviews Ryan McCreadie, CEO and founder of L'Enfant Capital Partners. They discuss Ryan's journey in finance, the importance of bootstrapping, building a strong team, and the principles of decision-making. Ryan shares insights on networking, the balance sheet of life, and the distinction between selling and relationship building. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding your market and ensuring that what you build is valuable to potential clients. Connect with Ryan and see what his is working on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmccreadie/ https://lenfantcapital.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan McCreadie and Font Capital Partners 02:56 The Journey of Building a Quantitative Investment Firm 05:50 Bootstrapping and the Importance of Reputation 08:41 Navigating the Alternative Finance Landscape 11:47 Building a Team and Leveraging University Resources 14:50 The Role of Military Experience in Networking and Growth 16:46 The Balance Sheet of Life 19:25 Inputs and Outputs: Shaping Your Future 22:22 Building a Valuable Network 23:41 The Art of Relationship Building vs. Selling 25:54 Entrepreneurship and Sales: A Necessary Connection 28:28 Validating Your Business Idea 30:41 Current Reads and Closing Thoughts

29:46

Startup Stories - Danielle Patterson

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner speaks with Danielle Patterson, CEO of Family Office Access. They discuss Danielle's journey in entrepreneurship, the importance of understanding family offices, and how to connect with them effectively. Danielle shares insights on the challenges founders face, the significance of building relationships, and the resources available for both founders and family offices. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust, the impact of gratitude, and the future plans for Family Office Access. Connect with Danielle and see what she is working on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-patterson-/ https://familyofficeaccess.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Danielle Patterson and Family Office Access 01:17 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Family Office Access 09:05 Understanding Family Offices and Their Mindset 17:12 The Role of Founders in Fundraising 22:26 Resources for Founders and Family Offices 25:08 Future Plans and Manifesting Success 26:38 Closing Thoughts and Personal Reflections

23:59

Startup Stories - Myrthe Doedens

In this conversation, Mollie Jahner interviews Myrthe Doedens, a principal strategist with a diverse background in tech, government, and military. They discuss the importance of effective communication for founders, the value of feedback, building a strong PR strategy, and the keys to startup success. Myrthe emphasizes the need for founders to engage with their networks, seek constructive criticism, and develop a clear brand identity to resonate with their audience. Connect with Myrthe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myrthewdoedens/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Myrta Dodin and Her Journey 02:09 The Importance of Communication for Founders 06:11 Navigating Feedback: Good vs. Bad 09:55 Building a Strong PR Strategy 13:12 What Makes Startups Successful? 17:05 Learning from Mistakes and Gathering Insights 21:02 The Power of Networking and Seeking Feedback