Read Time: 7 minutes

As we continue our conversation with Jason Sherman, Founder and CEO of Vengo AI and Author of “The AI Gold Guide”, we shift our focus to the practical wisdom he has gained through years of entrepreneurship. In this second part of the interview, Jason shares his strategies for financial stability, maintaining balance, and ensuring long-term growth. His journey, marked by innovation and adaptability, offers valuable lessons for business owners navigating an ever-evolving landscape. Whether it’s wealth management, work-life balance, or the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Jason provides insights that aspiring entrepreneurs can apply to their own paths toward success.

Thanks again for being here, Jason. It’s always valuable to hear insights from leaders like you. To get started, let’s talk about financial security, a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs about protecting their wealth and planning for future growth?

Set aside a portion of your revenue for savings and investments to ensure stability during slower periods. Diversify your income streams and avoid putting all your resources into one project. Consult with financial advisors to create a growth plan that includes scaling strategies and risk management. Most importantly, reinvest in your business wisely to fuel growth, but always maintain a safety net for unexpected challenges.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance as a business owner, and what practices do you recommend to others?

I maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing time for personal activities. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb after work and schedule walks, violin, piano, or theremin practice, and time with friends and family just like I would a business meeting. I also do yoga, meditate, exercise in my gym, and unplug at night by watching movies or documentaries. Disconnecting from work in the evenings and on weekends helps recharge my creativity. I recommend others create a routine that includes exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business because you can’t give your best if you’re burned out.

That’s a great perspective, Jason. Now, shifting gears a bit, beyond personal success, many entrepreneurs think about the lasting mark they’ll leave. What legacy do you hope to leave through your business, and how do you envision your impact on future generations?

I hope to leave a legacy of innovation and problem-solving through my business. With Vengo AI, I want to show that technology can simplify complex processes, empower businesses, and create meaningful connections. Beyond that, I hope to inspire future generations to embrace creativity, take risks, and pursue solutions that make a real difference. If my work encourages others to think outside the box and contribute to positive change, then I’ll feel like I’ve made an impact.

What common mistakes do you see aspiring entrepreneurs make, and how can they avoid them?

One common mistake aspiring entrepreneurs make is skipping proper research and jumping straight into building a product. Without understanding the market, target audience, or competition, they risk wasting time and resources on something no one wants. Another mistake is focusing too much on fundraising before proving their idea. Instead, they should validate the idea with a minimum viable product and gather feedback from real users.

Many entrepreneurs also try to do everything themselves, which leads to burnout. It’s important to delegate and build a team with complementary skills. Finally, they often fail to track their metrics or adapt based on data. Avoid these mistakes by starting small, staying flexible, and using a data-driven approach to guide decisions.

That’s a great insight! Avoiding these common pitfalls can make a huge difference for new entrepreneurs. Learning from past experiences is key to growth. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting out?

If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to focus less on building consumer apps and start creating B2B SaaS apps earlier. They offer more stability and scalability, and I’ve found them to be more rewarding. I’d also encourage myself to explore new industries sooner instead of staying in my comfort zone. Trying different sectors earlier would have opened up opportunities and insights that took longer to discover.

What resources (books, courses, mentors) have been most valuable to you in your entrepreneurial journey?

Books like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, Zero to One by Peter Thiel, and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie have been invaluable for understanding business strategies, innovation, and building strong connections. Most importantly, having mentors with real-world experience to guide me through challenges and provide advice has been key to my growth. Continuously learning and surrounding myself with the right people has made all the difference.

How do you envision your business evolving over the next five years, and what steps are you taking to prepare for that future?

Over the next five years, I see Vengo AI evolving into a leading platform for automating customer interactions and sales processes across various industries. We plan to expand our AI capabilities to handle more complex workflows and integrate with more business tools to provide seamless experiences. To prepare, we’re investing in research and development, listening closely to customer feedback, and building a strong team to support our growth. Our focus is on staying adaptable and ensuring our technology continues to solve real-world problems efficiently.

It’s inspiring to see how your business is leveraging AI to create meaningful change, Jason. With innovation at its core, Vengo AI is set to shape the future of AI-driven automation. What final thoughts or key takeaways would you like to share with our readers who aspire to be successful entrepreneurs?

Success as an entrepreneur comes from solving real problems, staying adaptable, and being persistent. Focus on building something valuable rather than chasing trends. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and complement your skills. Most importantly, take care of yourself along the way—your health and relationships matter as much as your business. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and a clear goal, you can achieve it.

Jason, thank you for taking the time to share your journey and insights with us. Your experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, and your dedication to innovation and resilience is truly inspiring. We wish you continued success with Vengo AI and look forward to seeing how your work continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship!

Marc J. Bernstein JD, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®

Financial Planner and Consultant, Bestselling Author, and Creator of the Forward Focus Forums

Marc helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and assists them in following through on their intentions.  Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management.  He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0.  Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and to help them realize their vision of true financial independence. The forum includes;

• the Founders’ Forward Focus Forum: a series of articles focused on entrepreneurship
• the Founders’ Forum Radio Show and Podcast: featuring interviews with some of the area’s top founders and their experiences in business
• the Manufacturers’ Forward Focus Forum: a specialized resource group for owners/founders of manufacturing companies, including a private Facebook group; a private discussion group for high performing leaders of manufacturing companies to share resources, news, network with each other, and collaborate