Guest: Azgari Lipshi — entrepreneur, founder of Asgari.com, and serial business builder who has launched and sold companies across industries and continents.
Episode Summary: What does it really take to start a successful business — and how do you recover when passion projects fail? In this candid conversation, Ilze talks with Azgari Lipshi, a serial entrepreneur who launched her first supplement line in Bangladesh at 15 and went on to build multiple ventures. Currently, she owns a construction and remodeling business, LIV180, and a consulting company, Azgari.com, in the United States.
Azgari shares what she’s learned from early success, costly failures, and navigating a new business culture as an immigrant. She explains why she believes passion must meet market demand, why borrowing smartly can be better than self-funding, and why courage — not perfection — fuels entrepreneurship.
The episode also features a role-play segment in which I present three audience avatars (Ellen, Marta, and Nicole) — women in midlife considering entrepreneurship — and Azgari offers tailored advice for each. Whether you’re an analyst trapped in a corporate job, an immigrant dreaming of cultural entrepreneurship, or someone starting over with no formal business education, Azgari’s insights will help you see that it’s never too late to start smart. Watch the full episode on YouTube.
Key TakeawaysStart with validation, not emotion. A great idea still needs market demand.
Passion projects fail without profit planning — and that’s okay. Every loss teaches leverage.
Loans aren’t the enemy. Using financing strategically can protect your savings.
Entrepreneurship after 40+ is possible. Your transferable skills are your biggest asset.
Failure is a PhD in disguise. Every setback prepares you for sustainable growth.
Contact Azgari via: https://azgari.com/
To inquire about being a featured podcast guest, please email me at: https://ilzebe.com/
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