EP 101: From DJ to Business Growth Expert - Reading Rooms in Boardrooms and Beyond
Episode Description
What happens when a DJ who started spinning tracks at 16 becomes a startup advisor, college professor, and business growth expert? He is building and developing, leveraging all of his diverse skills!. Corey Hart's journey through the "entrepreneurship spectrum" spans nightclub ownership, restaurant turnarounds, food tech innovation, and mental health scaling - all while learning to read business environments the same way he once read dance floors.
In this candid conversation, Corey shares how his naturally curious, entrepreneurial spirit has led him across industries, why he believes network building is the most underutilized career strategy, and how becoming a father fundamentally shifted his approach from people-pleasing to purpose-driven decision-making. From his 11-year college journey as a first-generation graduate to his current role scaling digital behavioral health solutions, Corey offers hard-won insights for anyone navigating career transitions or feeling stuck in their professional journey.
What You'll Learn
🎧 How DJ Skills Translate to Business Success
- Reading the room: from dance floors to boardrooms
- Building energy and community across different environments
- How he leverages his philosophy on bringing people together
📈 The Entrepreneurship Spectrum Approach
- How natural curiosity drives career evolution
- Navigating the blessing and curse of entrepreneurial blood
- When to embrace distraction vs. when to focus
🔗 Network Building That Actually Works
- Why most people confuse connections with relationships
- How he teaches college students from “the most important connection you haven't made yet" approach
- How to leverage your network authentically without feeling transactional
🎯 From Burnout to Purpose-Driven Growth
- Recognizing when success isn't fulfilling: "I felt very empty"
- Learning to say yes only to projects that serve others
- Setting boundaries as a reformed people-pleaser
🚀 Career Navigation Strategies
- Why your network probably knows what would make you happy better than you do
- Practical advice for people feeling stuck in corporate roles or considering entrepreneurial pivots
- The importance of giving yourself permission to want more, regardless of your current path
About Corey Hart
Corey Hart is a connector, builder, and educator working at the intersection of growth, wellness, and innovation. He serves as Senior Director of Business Growth at Mentavi Health, scaling digital behavioral health solutions, and as a business professor at Grand Valley State University, teaching real-world skills like executive functioning, emotional intelligence, and values-driven leadership.
As Chapter Director of Startup Grind Grand Rapids (part of a global organization with 5.5 million members), Corey advises startups globally and designs experiences that spark genuine connection. His calendar is open for anyone feeling stuck in their career or entrepreneurial journey.
When he's not building businesses or teaching, you can find him DJing, chasing tennis matches around the globe, or learning executive functioning skills from his daughter.
Connect with Corey
- LinkedIn: [Connect for career and entrepreneurship conversations]
- Startup Grind Grand Rapids: A Global startup community actively educating, inspiring, and connecting more than 4,500,000 entrepreneurs in over 700 chapters
About the Host
Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.
Want to Get Involved?
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