Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Invites

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Denise Silber sits down with Michaela Horvathova, co-founder of Beyond Education and alumna of Harvard's Graduate School of Education, to explore how building an innovative company demands more than a great product — it requires becoming a thought leader.  Michaela's journey is as global as it is inspiring. Despite not fitting into the traditional school system in Slovakia, Michaela earned a tennis scholarship to the U.S., graduated from Harvard, advised the Prime Minister of Slovakia, and co-founded a bold edtech startup helping schools adapt to the age of AI. Her company, Beyond Education, was selected for and completed the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Accelerator — a zero-equity, virtual program supporting high-potential, Harvard alumni-founded companies.  You'll hear how Michaela: Pivoted from policymaking to entrepreneurship for greater impact. Built a company focused on digital assessments and teacher development to help schools evolve with technology. Learned why even small startups must embrace thought leadership to shape their market and build demand. Turned her credibility and conviction into invitations to speak at global education events — and even organized her own summit. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or advisor, this episode unpacks why communication and positioning matter just as much as product — especially when your innovation is ahead of its time. Tune in to learn how a tennis champion turned edtech entrepreneur built a mission-driven company from the ground up — and how the HAE Accelerator helped refine their vision and strategy. GUEST BIO: Michaela Horvathova is the co-founder of Beyond Education, a fast-growing edtech startup now active in over 13 countries. She holds a Master's in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University and has over 12 years of experience in global education reform. Before launching Beyond Education, Michaela worked at the OECD, partnered with organizations like IB and UNICEF, and advised ministries of education across the Czech Republic, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Brazil. As an Advisor to the Prime Minister of Slovakia, she helped shape national education strategy, focusing on competency-based learning. A regular speaker at global conferences, Michaela is passionate about reimagining how schools prepare students for the age of AI. A former professional tennis player, she brings resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset to her work as an entrepreneur.

IN THIS EPISODE: Scaling a startup brings exciting opportunities—but also the challenge of increased complexity, slower decision-making, and the creeping risk of bureaucracy. In this episode, Artus de Longuemar joins host Philip Guarino to reveal how founders can delegate with confidence, maintain agility, and empower teams without losing control. They explore the psychological barriers to delegation, the shift from hands-on execution to strategic leadership, and how clear autonomy frameworks can drive success. Artus also highlights the power of inspiring content creation for platforms like LinkedIn and how founders can align delegation with company goals. Plus, they dive into strategies for decentralizing decision-making, fostering collective intelligence, and navigating the rise of AI in leadership. GUEST BIO: Artus de Longuemar helps startup founders scale their teams without losing speed, agility, or control. With experience across 180+ businesses—from startups to Fortune 500s—he specializes in agile, collaborative leadership. Great leadership, he believes, isn't about pushing harder but creating the right conditions for teams to thrive. After five years at Airbus, he shifted to entrepreneurship, advising startups on leadership and organizational design. He's also developing Proudly, an AI-powered virtual coach for managers. Beyond work, Artus enjoys surfing, skiing, and MMA—balancing discipline, agility, and flow.  

IN THIS EPISODE: In a change of pace, host Denise Silber delves into her professional field, digital health, as she  invites fellow Harvard alumna Dr. Ariel Dora Stern. Together they  explore Dr. Stern's extensive and unique, research-based findings on what drives successful business models in healthtech. Dr. Stern combines her Harvard PhD, insights from her decade on the HBS faculty, and her prestigious position as Alexander von Humboldt Professor at Germany's Hasso Plattner Institute to provide listeners with unparalleled expertise in the digital health business across the globe  Ariel Dora Stern provides  case learnings from Proximie, a company using augmented and virtual reality to improve surgical procedure, and shares more broadly  how startups can navigate the business challenges of healthcare. This episode brings valuable advice to entrepreneurs looking to scale their digital health solutions on both sides of the Atlantic. GUEST BIO: After completing her PhD at Harvard and spending ten years on the faculty of Harvard Business School, Ariel Dora Stern is currently the Alexander von Humboldt Professor for Digital Health, Economics and Policy at Germany's Hasso Plattner Institute. Ariel's research focuses on innovation and technology management in health care. Formerly, she served as the Director for International Health Care Economics at the Health Innovation Hub, an independent think tank of the German Ministry of Health. She is a member of several academic and industry advisory boards and advises numerous health care startups.

IN THIS EPISODE: Host Denise Silber sits down with Harvard alumna Dr. Merritt Moore, who is a quantum physicist, ballet dancer, educator and entrepreneur all at once! They explore her unique multi-disciplinary journey at the intersection of dance and robotics. Dr Moore reveals the challenges and triumphs of merging her two passions, and how her work offers deeper insights into human-machine interaction.  Dr. Moore shares how she is creating a new industry by coding robots and performing as a professional ballet dancer on global stages. Dr Moore's  innovative teaching approach in creative robotics at NYU Abu Dhabi offers entrepreneurs insights into embracing interdisciplinary approaches and combining diverse skills to forge unique career paths and inspire market-defining innovations. GUEST BIO: Dr. Merritt Moore graduated from Harvard College in physics and from the University of Oxford with a PhD in Quantum Optics. She danced professionally with the English National Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, and Zurich Ballet, and continues to perform with the Boston Ballet. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, teaching robotics. She was awarded Forbes 30 under 30, she was one of the 12 candidates on BBC "Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?". She has been invited to perform with robots at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Forbes Women's Summit, and around the world. This led to features in TIME, Financial Times (FT), Vogue, BBC.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs podcast, host Philip Guarino speaks with Bede Moore, an HBS alumnus and the Chief Commercial Officer at Antler, a global leader in pre-seed venture investment. Moore shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his successful e-commerce venture to his current role at Antler, where he leads a team operating in 27 cities worldwide. The conversation explores Antler's mission to empower aspiring founders at the earliest stages of company formation. Key topics include the challenges of scaling, the importance of community and mentorship for entrepreneurs, and the specific traits that Antler seeks in founders: spike, drive, and grit. GUEST BIO: Bede Moore is the Chief Commercial Officer at Antler, the most active early-stage investor globally. Present in 27 cities across most leading technology ecosystems across six continents, Antler has made over 1,300 investments into early-stage startups. Prior to Antler, Bede has been building and growing businesses across Australasia. He was the Executive Officer of TechSydney, the leading technology industry organization in Sydney. He also co-founded Lazada in Indonesia, the country's largest e-commerce platform, which was acquired by Alibaba. Bede earned a BA in History from Harvard College in 2006.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this unique episode taking us to Latin America, Denise Silber interviews HBS alumna Christine Kenna,  Partner at a leading early-stage VC fund in Mexico,  in order to explore and amplify the often overlooked opportunities for venture capital investment in the region. Drawing from her experience as a former Silicon Valley executive, operational manager in LatAm, and board member, Christine Kenna shares insights on identifying innovative business models and supporting entrepreneurs in this emerging market. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on the region's tech landscape, the importance of local partnerships, and the evolving role of women in venture capital. Christine Kenna also discusses her initiatives to empower women in VC, the necessary balance between personal values and profess GUEST BIO: Christine Kenna, an alumna of the Harvard Business School, is Partner at IGNIA, a leading venture capital fund investing in global technology companies reinventing the way to do business across Latin America. Christine, a trailblazer in the investor and entrepreneurial ecosystems, co-founded Mujeres Invirtiendo and MBA Mujeres de México to accelerate the careers of professional women in LatAm. With 15+ years of VC experience, she serves on IGNIA´s boards and is an independent Board Member of ALSEA and the Kauffman Fellows. Recognized as one of Latin America's top female investors, Christine's background includes leadership roles at Google, EF Education First, and EY Parthenon and The Guggenheim Foundation.  Christine did her undergraduate degree at Duke University and is a Kauffman Fellow.

IN THIS EPISODE: This exciting episode features Jon Down,  HBS MBA, professor at the University of Portland and AI entrepreneur who founded two AI companies.  He is interviewed by host Denise Silber about the top AI business use cases supported by  emerging research, best practices for implementing AI and the key ethical considerations raised by business's use of  AI. The conversation also covers how AI can improve productivity, how companies can navigate the challenges of AI adoption, why you might need to spend more time with AI, the need for responsible AI use, and the significance of ongoing education in AI. GUEST BIO: Jon Down, HBS MBA, is a recognized thought leader in the practical and ethical use of artificial intelligence. As a Professor at the University of Portland and founder of two AI-focused companies, he merges academic rigor with real-world application in his teaching, research, and in helping organizations implement the use of AI effectively and responsibly. He is acutely aware of AI's potential risks and the imperative for widespread understanding of AI to mitigate these risks. With a PhD in Strategy from the University of Washington, an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and a BSME from Oregon State he takes a multidisciplinary approach to problems.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this podcast episode, host Philip Guarino speaks with Andrew Lo, a distinguished professor at MIT and an entrepreneur with a focus on healthcare and deep tech ventures. Andrew shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing his transition from economics to founding a quantitative investment firm and later exploring the financial challenges of drug development. He discusses the fundraising challenges for deep tech entrepreneurs, how investors' risk calculation differs for more complex ventures and how this requires continuous investor communication and learning. Lo also highlights the vibrant innovation ecosystem in the Boston-Cambridge area and his passion for mentoring students in entrepreneurial projects. GUEST BIO: Andrew W. Lo is the Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, director of MIT's Laboratory for Financial Engineering, and principal investigator at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He is a co-founder and director of BridgeBio Pharma, a director of AbCellera, Atomwise, and Vesalius, a co-founder and chairman of QLS Advisors, and a member of the advisory board to the American Cancer Society's BrightEdge Impact Fund. Dr. Lo received his B.A. in economics from Yale University and his A.M. and Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host Denise Silber welcomes recent HBS MBA, Kai-Tai Chang, General Partner at a quantitative crypto fund.  Kai-Tai Chang explains, step by step, how cryptocurrency works and  presents the key components and stakeholders in a session sure to interest crypto beginners and enthusiasts alike. Specialized in Alpha research, or detecting opportunities that offer returns above the market average, Kai-Tai Chang shares his journey from engineering to the world of cryptocurrencies, highlighting  technology's potential to redefine financial systems. He addresses misconceptions about crypto currency, its uses, and the importance of regulation. He dives right into the environmental impact of crypto mining, describes his experience at Binance Labs, and explains how he managed to do his MBA at HBS while  simultaneously working  in crypto. The conversation also touches on the future of cryptocurrency and the importance of education and community engagement for those interested in entering the field. GUEST BIO: A newly-minted  Harvard MBA graduate, Kai-Tai Chang is a tech-driven serial entrepreneur and investor actively exploring opportunities in the blockchain and digital verticals. A French-born Chinese, he embraces diverse paths, prioritizing a life without regret. Transitioning from a data scientist role in Paris to entrepreneurship, and later serving as a PE manager in Beijing, he pivoted to a web3 VC investor position at Binance Labs. There, he invested in impactful ventures and steered strategic projects, leading growth initiatives and fostering collaborations for synergies. Currently, he serves as the General Partner at Emergence Capital, a quantitative crypto fund.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this podcast episode, Anthony Soohoo, an entrepreneur with experience in both startups and Fortune 100 companies, shares his insights on the value of corporate skills for entrepreneurs and vice versa. He discusses the differences between startup and corporate work environments, emphasizing the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in large organizations for innovation and nimbleness. Anthony also reflects on his board experiences and the role of entrepreneurs in governance. Anthony Soohoo discusses how corporate skills can benefit entrepreneurs, touching on empathy and understanding organizational dynamics. Anthony talks about his advisory roles, including his involvement with Spryker and AI Fund, and his upcoming participation in a case study discussion at his alma mater. GUEST BIO: Anthony Soohoo is an entrepreneurial leader who has led businesses from zero to billions. Over his career, Anthony has led some of the largest business and digital transformations across media, retail, and tech. As EVP at Walmart, he helped lead the company's omnichannel transformation as they merged their physical and digital businesses together. At CBS, Anthony launched the company's first over-the-top streaming service, catapulting CBS.com into the largest television network site in the industry in the late 2000s. He has served as a co-founder & CEO at Dotspotter, acquired by CBS and at Dot & Bo, now part of Alibaba. He is currently a board member at Spryker Systems, Venture Advisor with AI Fund, and an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Harvard Business School.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this inspiring episode, host Denise Silber sits down with HBS MBA  Pankaj Agarwal,  an EdTech entrepreneur who was born in an Indian village  and developed  a deep desire to pay it forward.  Today he and his team are  optimizing the education process in  thousands of Indian and Korean classrooms thanks to the  low-tech invention from Taghive,  his Samsung-backed startup headquartered in Seoul, Korea.  Because Panjak is a keen observer and deep thinker, you will learn as he shares his story, how simple technology can impact students and teachers  in a big way  and  create remarkable outcomes. Discover how his company, TagHive,  is bringing solutions to one of the  biggest problems for teachers: knowing which students have understood the lesson and are ready to move on. This episode is for any entrepreneur looking for inspiration and a new way of thinking about his or her life, goals, and hopes. GUEST BIO: Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, an alumnus of HBS is the Founder & CEO at TagHive, a Samsung funded education technology venture with operations in South Korea and in India. He is an inventor on over 75 international patents and was on the list of Fortune India 40 Under 40 in 2021. He was also one of the 10 winners of MIT TR35 India (Innovators Under 35) Award in 2017.  Prior to TagHive Mr. Agarwal was with Samsung Electronics for over a decade. Mr. Agarwal is the Founder and Chairman of the IIT Alumni Association of South Korea since 2015. He is also a board member of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea and an adjunct professor at the Ewha Woman's University.  Mr. Agarwal is a trained magician and is fluent in Korean. He has a Bachelor of Technology degree in EE from IIT Kanpur, an MS from Seoul National University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.  

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host Philip Guarino is joined by Dr. Eric Dawson, CEO of RIVET, a company which channels the economic power of young people to fund their work as social innovators. Representing over three trillion dollars in consumer spending, today's youth are a powerful economic force that is ever more committed to social causes. They don't lack ideas- they lack resources. Eric discusses the vast potential and creativity of today's young generation and how RIVET's innovative microfinancing program empowers them to effect change.  This inspiring conversation highlights the potential of today's young minds in shaping a better future. GUEST BIO: Dr. Eric Dawson has led organizations and research at the intersection of youth culture, social innovation, and brands. Currently, he serves as the CEO of RIVET, the world's first consumer-facing, social impact brand that leverages the collective consumer power of GenZ to fund young social innovators through a micro-financing platform. Dr. Dawson holds three degrees from Harvard University: a B.A in social studies; M.Ed in human development psychology; and an M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling. His doctorate is in Leadership and Innovation from New York University; his research focused on founder transitions and the relationship between founders and their successors

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Maik Taro Wehmeyer, Co-Founder & CEO at Taktile. Maik shares his journey from engineering and statistical optimization to pioneering machine learning in finance. In this segment, Maik explains the gap in decision infrastructure for platforms used in accounting, banking and other industries. This gap led to the creation of Taktile, a low-code/no-code platform which empowers credit and risk teams to generate highly accurate automated underwriting decisions more efficiently and at scale. Join us to learn how this innovative firm is using artificial intelligence to revolutionize decision-making technology for fintechs, banks and insurance companies alike.   GUEST BIO: A seasoned veteran of the financial services industry, Deborah Yang is the CEO of Daizy, a beneficial AI communications platform for advisors and wealth firms. Deborah Yang, a worldclass expert in  sustainable investing, has served as the Global Head of ESG Index for MSCI and led many high growth franchises including factor indexes and regions including EMEA index and Asia over her 18 years at MSCI. A Harvard Business School MBA, Deborah was named to Financial News 100 Most Influential Women in European finance for six consecutive years. She is also the Co-President of Women in ETFs EMEA. Finally, Deborah Yang is a frequent conference speaker and interviewee in the leading financial and tech media.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Maik Taro Wehmeyer, Co-Founder & CEO at Taktile. Maik shares his journey from engineering and statistical optimization to pioneering machine learning in finance. In this segment, Maik explains the gap in decision infrastructure for platforms used in accounting, banking and other industries. This gap led to the creation of Taktile, a low-code/no-code platform which empowers credit and risk teams to generate highly accurate automated underwriting decisions more efficiently and at scale. Join us to learn how this innovative firm is using artificial intelligence to revolutionize decision-making technology for fintechs, banks and insurance companies alike.   GUEST BIO: Maik Wehmeyer is the CEO and Co-Founder of Taktile, a leading decision engine software that is empowering fintechs and banks across the globe to make smarter, faster, and more accurate automated risk decisions. Taktile's low-code platform makes it simple for business teams to build, test, and optimize powerful automated decisions in a data-driven way. Prior to founding Taktile, Maik was an early member of QuantCo, McKinsey, and SAP. He has significant experience in the machine learning and financial services spaces, serving as a member of the EU Commission's AI Alliance and the German AI Alliance.  

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host Denise Silber sits down with Matheus Riolfi HBS MBA and YC alum,  the very grounded and yet visionary Co-founder and CEO of Tint. Matheus Riolfi  who hails from a small city in Brazil, has developed an ability to observe, analyze and put into practice which has enabled him to build a success story, step by step through the learnings from his past failures and victories. Catch the pearls he distills about what it takes to launch a first-in-class startup, through this captivating episode featuring a dynamic founder with a very human touch. Have you asked yourself how you could best define the clients, before you define your product or service? Or who might support your launch before you even define your company?  Join us as Matheus shares invaluable insights for founders and future founders, addressing the essential elements required to start a successful venture. GUEST BIO: Matheus Riolfi, a 2013 MBA graduate of the Harvard Business School,  has over 15 years experience at high-growth technology companies. A seasoned entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, he is the Co-founder and CEO of Tint. Before this, Matheus Riolfi was the Director of International Expansion at Turo and launched the company in Canada, the UK, and Germany. He pioneered the operations, including designing risk management in different stages of the company and sourcing insurance in various countries. He is a licensed insurance broker in all 50 US states.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Jahn Karsybaev, a Managing Partner at Big Sky Capital, a VC for B2B enterprises in emerging markets. Together they discuss Jahn's journey as an immigrant from entrepreneur to venture capitalist, his firm's unique focus on emerging markets and how founders can best navigate the challenging funding environment. In this installment, Jahn sheds light on what he looks for in founders and how the right venture capital firm, board and advisors can play a crucial role in accelerating growth. Jahn discusses the importance of a right product-market fit and go-to-market strategy, the value of networking and how entrepreneurs can best future-proof their operations to propel long-term success. GUEST BIO: Jahn Karsybaev is a Managing Partner at Big Sky Capital, an early-stage fund investing enterprise SaaS companies. He is a former Technology Executive for Fortune 100 companies and a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits. Jahn is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, University of Montana and NSU. He holds multiple Board positions at various companies like mgBasePay, Cerebra AI, HBS Alumni Angels, Tarlan Payments and many more. Jahn is also a founder and executive host on Ivy Podcast: Interviewing Top Global Executives. Jahn Is a published author and his most recent book “The PM Imperative: Guide for Leading and Managing Projects & Delivering Value” is on Top 50 Amazon's Global Business Books. He is originally from Kazakhstan and currently resides in South Florida with his wife and three children. 

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Jenny Woo, alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and founder/CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, a company that was born at the renowned Harvard Innovation Lab. Together they discuss how Jenny Woo designed and built her company to not only generate income but also, and amazingly so, to solve many of the pain points she identified in her own  life and in the business world. How did Jenny Woo achieve what seems to be impossible? What does it mean for you? Incredible as it sounds, Jenny Woo created her business and evergreen product line, while completing her PhD.  By identifying a major 21st century market need, and through an astute use of Kickstarter, she was able to simultaneously raise the necessary cash and get all the  market feedback she needed to launch.  And there's much more to learn from this episode,  whether you are seeking to rethink your current venture or  to come up with a new one. This  episode will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge to build a profitable business that aligns with your values and, most importantly, allows you to thrive.Tune in and embark on a transformative journey towards a more fulfilling business and life. GUEST BIO: Dr. Jenny Woo, the Founder/CEO of Mind Brain Emotion , is an alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the creator of award-winning card games and mental health tools to help children and adults build emotional intelligence and social mastery. Her bestselling games, 52 Essential Conversations and 52 Essential Coping Skills for families, schools, and workplaces, have been featured by The Harvard Gazette, Business Insider, and Forbes. She is passionate about helping people realize their potential from classroom to boardroom. She has worked as a School Director, Cognitive Science Researcher, MBA Career Coach, Management Consultant, and HR professional in Talent & Succession Planning.  

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Vanessa Westphal, the co-founder of Choosy. Together they talk about the trends in food consumption, sustainability and biodiversity, and how artificial intelligence can help us make better decisions for our health and that of the planet. Consumers are paying more attention to what they eat. Although this isn't a new trend, with the food industry responsible for over 1/3 of CO2 emissions, consumers are more conscious than ever of the environmental impact of what we eat. There is a shift towards consuming more plant-based, organic and sustainable foods. Yet making good decisions can still be complex, with opaque labeling and heavy industry marketing. Choosy is a novel solution, an AI-powered app that learns from our personal tastes and nudges us to eat better and sustainably. GUEST BIO: Vanessa  is an entrepreneur, innovator and thought leader. She studied electrical engineering and holds an MLA in Management with focus on Organizational Behavior from Harvard University. After nearly 10 years in the corporate environment, she has (co-)founded two companies and combines knowledge from the corporate & startup world. She has built an incubator, led an intrapreneurship program and coached founders. As co-founder of the German Tech Startup Choosy, Vanessa aims to make healthy, planet-friendly eating enjoyable for everyone. Choosy leverages AI to help individuals improve eating habits and tackling two of the most significant topics of our time with tech: planetary & human health.  

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by David Kusin, Harvard MBA, a man whose passions for art and capital markets, led him to found Kusin & Company, the first ever established art economics firm. Together they discuss how his company is  bringing liquidity and transparency to the art market, by painstakingly collecting millions of data points on valuable art assets and building a 21st century trading platform. The global art market is traditionally known for its opacity, innumeracy, and lack of data. And although they said it couldn't be done, David undertook, over a decade,  with the help of connoisseurs and quants, to make possible the sorting of some of the most valuable works of art in the world.  These unique art-price observations led to the identification of 150 art submarkets, a revolution for the art market. Learn how he did this, what it means for the world of art, and how you might use this model to identify other untapped opportunities.   GUEST BIO: David Kusin, Harvard MBA, former curator and investment banker, has devoted the past two decades to decoding the buying and selling of art. As David Kusin observes, “Stagnant since 2014 and barely profitable, the global sector of art as a financial asset can revive only with the adoption of IP and a newly envisioned definition of asset trading platforms that did not exist 20 years ago.” His business, the first art economics firm, Kusin & Company has developed unique datasets and competency that underpin his new book, Art as an Asset in the 21st Century. The centrality of art and the daily collaboration of art connoisseurs and mathematicians set his firm, and this book, apart.

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Juan Betancourt, the CEO of Humantelligence, an HR enterprise software solution. They discuss how the pandemic has greatly affected how employees think and behave amidst a significant rise in employee dissatisfaction with work. The rise of work from home and hybrid work and an increased reliance on technology has provided many opportunities but it also poses new challenges. How can leaders encourage engagement and improve productivity in an increasingly diverse and virtual workforce?  Humantelligence aims to bridge those gaps by using psychometric tools that sync to different organizational platforms. By acknowledging that there is no universal way of managing people and teams, Humantelligence helps team members gain a better understanding of their co-worker's personalities. This new technology is paving the way for leaders to drive inclusivity and productivity by knowing what motivates their people and how they prefer to engage with one another. GUEST BIO: Juan Betancourt is the CEO of Humantelligence, an HR enterprise software solution like Grammarly, but instead of writing tips, it surfaces tips for communicating and collaborating. This major innovation, impacting the way distributed knowledge workers collaborate, earned HRO Today's Top HR Tech for Collaboration and TalentCulture's Top HR Tech for Employee Collaboration awards. Juan also founded Gonza Executive Search and served as a client partner for both Korn Ferry International and Heidrick & Struggles. He was an executive at Procter & Gamble, Decathlon, Siebel Systems, Reebok, and Puma. Recently named a Top 30 HR Tech Influencer, Juan is an expert in helping organizations build high-performing teams, while operationalizing inclusion & belonging. 

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Harvard Law School alumna Heidi Messer, a serial entrepreneur who successively co-founded Linkshare and Collective [i]™, and made successes of them despite the critics who said it could not be done. Together they discuss the benefit of using AI-powered software to significantly reduce the time that sales people devote to data entry and forecasting and not actually selling. By re-allocating this valuable 70% of work-time previously spent on data entry and forecasting, Heidi's technology allows businesses and sales people to focus on revenue generation and automate tedious tasks. Tune in to hear why AI isn't going to take people's jobs… but companies who work with AI will replace those who don't. GUEST BIO: Heidi Messer is the co-Founder and Chairperson of Collective[i]™.  Prior to Collective[i], Ms. Messer co-founded and served as President of LinkShare, host to one of the world's largest online affiliate networks until its sale to Rakuten for USD $425m. She received her B.A. from Brown University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School.  Collective[i] uses AI to help businesses forecast, manage, and grow revenue. By leveraging data, human talent, and social connections, Collective[i] empowers sales and other revenue-generating functions, to optimize their activities and processes, driving global prosperity for companies and sales professionals alike.  

IN THIS EPISODE: There has been an increasing level of attention paid to the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry. And as consumers increasingly seek out brands that are environmentally conscious, change is in the making. In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Stephanie Sarka CEO & Co-Founder of 1 Atelier. Together they talk about these trends and how her innovative handbag company is addressing this increasing opportunity- and delighting customers. 1Atelier's is out to build a stronger connection with their market by extending the joy of creation. Their customers are able to design a one of a kind bag made from sustainable materials and methods. With the fight against global warming, consumers are now more conscious of how products are made and how they can decrease their carbon footprint. It's no wonder that business models and value chains are evolving to meet these demands. Tune in to hear from this retail expert and entrepreneur on the pathway to making your venture more sustainable — and how to attract customers while you do it! GUEST BIO: Stephanie Sarka is the Co-Founder & CEO of 1 Atelier, where they are leveraging technology to reinvent luxury.Graduating from Stanford, Stephanie started in M&A at Goldman Sachs. Realizing that she is a builder, not a banker, she spent a year running marketing for IFF in Paris before getting her MBA at HBS. She then worked at Coach for 7 years as Handbag Product Manager and GM of Mark Cross, the American luxury goods brand. Stephanie co-founded GoTo.com in 1998, where they invented the “Paid Search” business model. They took the company public in 1999 and grew it to ~$1 billion in revenue before selling it to Yahoo for $1.6 billion in 2003.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber is joined by Françoise Bouyer, a Harvard Business School Amp alumna,  a self-described gender-free entrepreneur, with expertise in the luxury industry and in HR. Together they discuss how gender inclusivity and understanding in the workplace has become crucial for the entrepreneur interested in  building a richer sense of self, engaging a more fulfilled and successful team, and  producing relevant goods and services for the customer of today   As CEO of BeThe1, an international consulting firm in human relations and recruitment of middle and senior managers, Françoise is an expert on all things diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity in the workplace. Françoise reminds us  that the binary gender identity is a cultural convention, that  sexual orientation and gender are distinct, and that a gender savvy leader will foster a richer company culture and brand following. With new generations becoming more engaged in the societal evolution regarding gender, value-driven, inclusive companies are being rewarded with more loyal customers. Tune in to find out how your business can join the global shift towards creating a more inclusive workplace and innovative products and services. GUEST BIO: Françoise Bouyer is CEO of BeThe1, an international consulting firm in human relations and recruitment of middle and senior managers. She has two complementary expertise: extensive managerial experience in the fashion, luxury, beauty and retail industries with brands including Celine, Christian Lacroix, Nina Ricci, and  as an HR consultant in recruitment, gender and gender identity, diversity, equity and inclusion. Freed from the binary feminine/masculine norm of gender identity, Françoise is engaged with the public and organizations to share her understanding of what gender is, and advocate for a more open and inclusive culture, attitude and behavior towards gender.”  HBS AMP 156 ('99), Françoise Bouyer leads the HBS Club of France Career Commission, supporting HBS alumni with career advice.

IN THIS EPISODE: With an evolving business and societal context more and more people are seeking to become independent professionals. One industry that has undergone significant changes is management consulting. In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Will Bachman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Umbrex. Together they share the trends, opportunities and challenges that come with being an independent consultant. Independent consultants are in ever higher demand. Will explains why it takes a global community to thrive as an independent professional, and the resources available to those looking to grow their brand. This episode provides advice for all entrepreneurs looking to build their network, find unique work opportunities, and connect with like minded professionals. With individuals placing more emphasis on autonomy and independence, there has never been a better time to make the leap and thrive as an independent consultant. GUEST BIO: Will Bachman was recently named one of 38 "Power Players of Consulting" by Business Insider.  A McKinsey alum, Bachman is a co-founder and the Managing Partner of Umbrex, the world's first global community connecting top-tier independent management consultants. He hosts the popular podcast Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional. Bachman created The Umbrex Guide to Setting Up Your Own Consulting Practice, which is based on over 1,000 discussions with independent management consultants and 300 episodes of his podcast.  Bachman is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Business School. Before becoming a management consultant, Bachman served as a nuclear-trained submarine officer in the U.S. Navy.

IN THIS EPISODE: As a founder, you can probably present your company pitch in your sleep by now, but did you know that  if you want to connect with your audience, it is essential to lead with your values? In this episode, leadership coach, speaker and writer, Beth Fukumoto, joins our host, Denise Silber, to peel back the curtain on why and how to lead with your core values. She shares the best ways to determine what your core values are, and how business leaders can make the jump to integrate personal values into a company. Beth pulls from her experiences in the Hawaiian House of Representatives, the Kennedy School, and her current career to provide advice for founders at any stage, interested in leading with values and mobilizing social change. So tune in, and learn why the best way to achieve new successes is by  ensuring that you express  your values regularly and set goals that align with them. This increased personal and professional satisfaction you and your team will experience will create a virtuous circle. GUEST BIO An experienced political leader and leadership coach, Beth Fukumoto, a Harvard Kennedy School alumna and teaching fellow,  works with civic-minded organizations and businesses to mobilize for social change. She is completing a book entitled Red Lines: Postcards from Partisan Purgatory that draws leadership lessons from her own political experiences. In 2017, Beth was the youngest woman in the U.S. to lead a major party in a U.S. legislature and the first elected Republican to switch parties after Trump's election. She served 3 terms in the Hawaii House of Representatives where she was recognized as one of Washington Post's “40 under 40″ rising stars and Apolitical's “Most Influential Young People in Government".

IN THIS EPISODE:  People are living longer. Almost half of those born today will live to 100. But what does this mean for our future economy? And how does this impact the way we approach our careers and relationships? Thought-leader, writer, and entrepreneur, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, joins our host, Philip Guarino, to answer these questions and more. Together, in this episode, they break down the new “Four Quarters” of life, and discuss the benefits of starting a new career at 50... and what to think about at 25! Avivah pulls from both her personal experience and her research findings to explain the opportunities brought to companies by the “longevity economy”: from untapped market potential in older demographics, to the growing pool of eligible hires. As an expert in the industry, Avivah is putting pressure on old norms and redefining what it means to be in your prime. Tune in, and find out how to rethink the framework of your career and beyond!   GUEST BIO: Avivah Wittenberg-Cox is CEO of 20-first, a global consulting firm working with companies interested in capturing the competitive advantage of gender, nationality and generational balance. Her thought leadership is accessible through books, regular contributions to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and TEDx talks. Her book, Why Women Mean Business, was awarded the Manpower Best Book of the Year Prize, and she has been recognized by ELLE Magazine as one of the Top 40 Women Leading Change. Recently she has been a Fellow at Harvard's Advanced Leadership Initiative, exploring the social and business impact of our ever longer lives.

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Rob Follows. Rob's passion for helping entrepreneurs and family run businesses maximize their venture's exit led him to found STS Capital Partners, where he has been involved with over 1000 venture deals. By pulling from his experience on both sides of a negotiation, Rob shares what he wishes he had known as an entrepreneur during his first exit, and the value of finding an advisor who aligns with your company values.  Philip and Rob discuss the key differences between financial and strategic buyers, and the perseverance needed to build a venture from the ground up. Tune in to this episode to learn how to successfully value your venture, and optimize your exit strategy. And keep an out for HAE's four-part series on exit strategy, featuring Rob Fellows and the STS Team.   GUEST BIO: Rob Follows', Founder and CEO of STS Capital Partners, passion is to help entrepreneurial business owners achieve successful Exits and support the creation of billions of dollars in philanthropic capital. STS = Success to Significance through Selling to Strategics™. He has been involved in or led over a thousand M&A transactions, with a total transaction value of over $100B.  He has held various roles with YPO, including Founding Chapter Chair; former Chair of the Global Deal Network; Founding Chair of the Executive Committee of the Social Enterprise Networks; and, as a YPO Best of the Best Premier Speaker: ‘Everyone has their own Everest, what is yours?'

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode our host, Denise Silber is joined by Cecilia Tham, a Harvard Design School alumna, who is an entrepreneur, prize-winning futurist, metaverse designer and hands-on person, all rolled into one!  Together they discuss how web 3.0 and phygital environments are revolutionizing product creation and re-inventing retail. This episode even answers the question: “Why would anyone buy a virtual product?”  An entrepreneur herself, Cecilia emphasizes the need to “Start small, think big, and move fast” to take your startup to the next level. From programming and selling a self-sustaining plant to creating a high-end shopping experience in an empty store with blank white walls, Cecilia leads us through new scenarios for sustainability and creativity across all industries and price points. Is it time to start piloting a metaverse for your business? Tune in and find out how!   GUEST BIO: Cecilia Tham, a Barcelona-based alumna  of the Harvard Graduate School of Design,  engineers futures, by working at the intersection of science, design, strategy and impact. With decades of experience in innovation, Cecilia Tham collaborates with companies and organizations to provide Futures-as-a-Service via her current role as the founder and director of Futurity Systems, with the goal of building better futures faster.  Previously a  Social Technologist at Alpha Telefonica, Europe's first moonshot factory, Cecilia Tham is a serial entrepreneur, having founded multiple companies including Makers of Barcelona, FabCafe and allWomen.tech.  She serves as advisor to UN World Food Program X, SXSW, National Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) as well as other private companies.  We are proud to note that Cecilia Tham has  has been named top 100 Women of the Future and Top 40 Futurists in Spain, among other accolades.

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, Nuno Godinho joins our host, Denise Silber, to share his perspective on why CEO's would benefit from gaining the CTO's ability to understand how to quickly test and revise new products and maneuver rapidly. As Founder and CEO of Diisruptance, a strategic business and technology consultancy, Nuno shares lessons for CEOs, CTOs, and everyone in between, that will help your venture keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in the technology landscape.  Tune in to learn  how to manage risk within a software company, how to approach crypto, and key strategies for keeping a balanced and sustainable work life in our stressful environment.   GUEST BIO:  An Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, Nuno Godinho is Founder & CEO of Diisruptance, a strategic business and technology consultancy. He's an accomplished Board Member and CxO with deep business & technology background, and expertise in areas such as governance, strategic growth, funding strategies and technology. Passionate, globally minded visionary and entrepreneur, he has a proven track record of more than 25 years delivering high quality results. He has worked with world leading organizations such as Microsoft, GE, SAGE and many others, varying in size and complexity, and stretching the globe in industries from healthcare, to pharma, to finance, and beyond.

IN THIS EPISODE:  Behavioral insights have the power to predict, shape, and propel the future of a business or even an entire industry. With them, companies can grow their sales, improve quality control, retain staff. But what are they and how do they work? In this episode, Denise Silber is joined by Darren Frey, founder of Ensemble Insight, whose consulting business integrates machine learning to help founders identify new, relevant data and make more informed decisions.   With his extensive professional experience at the intersection of behavioral and data sciences, Darren Frey  explains how business owners, when faced with a challenge that is not responding to usual methods, can find new solutions from either existing data or new data that is easy to acquire. In this episode, they cover everything from internal decision making to customer acquisition and retention, all through the lens of behavioral insights. Whether you're a new founder, or a long time entrepreneur, this episode promises to provide new perspectives to business strategies.   GUEST BIO: Darren Frey is the Director of Ensemble Insight, an applied decision science consultancy, as well as a lecturer at Science Po's School of Management and Innovation in Paris.  He works at the intersection of the behavioral and data sciences in order to help organizations make evidence supported and behaviorally informed decisions.   An American raised in Mexico City, Darren Frey has a Masters in Theological Studies from the Harvard Divinity School, a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh; a Masters in Economics and Psychology (Paris I & Paris V), and a PhD  in Cognitive Science from the University of Paris. After working at both UNESCO and  Sanofi, first as a Senior Data Scientist and then as Director of the Analytics and Data Science Engine,  Darren Frey created Ensemble Insight consultancy to provide tailored, behavioral and data scientific expertise to companies from early stage start-ups to the Fortune 500.

IN THIS EPISODE: Purpose. Why is it crucial not just to entrepreneurs but for humanity? Here to discuss his journey, why purpose is inextricably linked to success, and the transformative power of living purposefully is author, thought-leader and entrepreneur Ammar Charani.    Our host, Philip Guarino, sits down with Ammar as he recounts his near-death experience and how it led him to find purpose in all aspects of life. They discuss the purpose-to-productivity pipeline and the dangers of living by a “work-life balance” mentality. This episode provides perspective and advice for any busy entrepreneur working to build a meaningful and socially conscious venture. Tune in to learn how you can find and build purpose within yourself, family, work, community, and your environment.   GUEST BIO: Ammar sought fulfillment and spent ten years with Sufi masters and religious scholars, studying, teaching, and subsequently serving as a cleric. Later, he focused on entrepreneurship, starting and seed-investing in over thirty businesses with thousands of employees. After a near-death experience, today Ammar is focused on growing Purposehood® University, a non-profit that trains coaches, therapists, business leaders, and professionals to help others live their purpose and unleash their potentiality. Ammar teaches “Engineering Your Life” course based on his Amazon #1 new release: "Purposehood: Transform Your Life, Transform the World”. Ammar holds an engineering degree from the University of Central Florida, and he is a graduate of HBS' "The President's Program in Leadership."

In this exciting episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Rotem Shacham, Principal at Viola Ventures, Israel's leading tech investing group, as they explore unicorn hunting! Together they zero in on the challenges of identifying a future unicorn and what it takes to succeed for both a start-up and the investing group building its portfolio.  An experienced investor with an international perspective, Rotem digs deep into the key characteristics of a promising  start-up and explains why an outlier investment strategy can make the difference for an investment group. Rotem also provides an update on the competitive advantages Israel provides.

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Tom Sylvester, General Counsel for Hedera Hashgraph. As an expert in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Tom demystifies Hedera's DLT process and dives into the benefits of building a public ledger for the decentralized economy. From transparency to autonomy to security, the two discuss how the crypto landscape has been leading innovation in the global technology sector, from its transition from Blockchain to Hedera, and everything in between. Tom gives an honest account of the challenges and potential drawbacks to a crypto-forward future, and highlights the new opportunities that await in a world that puts the power of data back into the hands of individuals. Don't miss the chance to learn about the blockchain technology paving the path to a greener, more secure future.   GUEST BIO:  Tom Sylvester is the General Counsel for Hedera Hashgraph, a sustainable, enterprise-grade public ledger for the decentralized economy. He also serves as the Board chair for Braver Angels, a national nonprofit that brings liberals and conservatives together to reduce polarization. Before joining Hedera, Tom worked in Abu Dhabi as the Senior Director of Policy & Strategy for Tamkeen, the Abu Dhabi government partner to New York University Abu Dhabi, a highly selective liberal arts college with a globally diverse student body. He also worked in New York as an associate at the international law firm Cleary Gottlieb. Tom grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and received a BA in Social Studies from Harvard and a JD from Yale Law School.

In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Christophe Caïs, founder and CEO of CXG. Together they explore the sea of change sparked by COVID and the new customer experience expectations for retail brands that have both physical and digital channels. In a word, customer experience must be the same in person and online. After working with over 200 brands, Christophe Caïs explains how and why companies must reorganize their teams and re-invent their marketing, eliminating the traditional silos separating the in-store and on-line strategy and execution. This episode provides actionable recommendations for any entrepreneur seeking to improve their customers' experience and is not to be missed!

As the world becomes more virtual, the digital identity sector continues to grow rapidly. But what is digital identity, and how can it change the way we live our lives? In this episode of the HAE Invites podcast, our host, Philip Guarino, sits down with Jackie Shoback to answer these questions. As the Co-Founder of 1414 Ventures, Jackie is committed to investing in the digital identity industry in areas such as cybersecurity and blockchain. Tune in to hear how this impressive female founder is investing in the next generation of cutting edge technology, and overcoming obstacles along the way.

IN THIS EPISODE:  Join our host, Denise Silber, as she interviews Aisha Dozie, an ex-global capital markets executive who is turning the cosmetics industry on its head. Aisha's company, Bossy Cosmetics, is inventing products and a brand for a previously unacknowledged customer, the ambitious woman of any age. Learn how Aisha went from burnout in finance to stardom in marketing and social media, even landing her products on Oprah's Favorite Things list.  Together they discuss how Aisha used design thinking philosophy and listening to her future customers to identify  an unaddressed pain point in the beauty market.  This episode is a must-listen for managers targeting a crowded market. GUEST BIO:  Aisha Dozie is a global citizen who has worked/lived in New York, London, South Africa, Nigeria, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. While Aisha holds an MBA from HBS and is an experienced global finance and capital markets executive who has worked on over $130B in deals and led multi-jurisdictional businesses within large international corporations, her current entrepreneurial pursuit is Bossy Cosmetics. Bossy is a digitally-native beauty brand that designs exclusively for ambitious women. In the 3 years since its founding, Bossy Cosmetics has redefined the way beauty companies delight and inspire professional women. When Oprah Winfrey discovered this new brand, guess who was featured on her Favorite Things list!

IN THIS EPISODE:  The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change, and concerns around sustainability and the environment are growing among conscientious consumers. Join our host, Philip Guarino, as he interviews Andrea Baldo, the fashion CEO with a steadfast commitment to social and environmental responsibility. As the CEO of Ganni, Andrea and his team have cultivated a creative and innovative brand through transparent and authentic customer communication. The result? Ganni has built a cult following, a community which has driven its explosive growth. From its humble roots as a Danish company, it is now one of the hottest brands on the international stage. But just how did they do it? Listen and find out.   GUEST BIO: Andrea Baldo is CEO of GANNI, the Danish contemporary fashion brand which has developed exponentially over recent years with its Scandi 2.0 sense of style full of personality and contrasts. Andrea received his degree magna cum laude in Economics from the University of Verona and he is a graduate of Harvard Business School's General Management Program. He has over 20 years of experience in the Fashion and Luxury Goods industry: initially as strategic consultant at Bain & Company and then holding top Management positions at brands including Diesel, Marni, Maison Margiela. Since 2013 Andrea is also Executive Fellow of the Strategic Management Department at IESE Business School in Barcelona where he annually teaches in the MBA program and for which he writes business cases and technical notes on Fashion and Luxury Goods industry.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Jon Hu and Samantha Dale Strasser, PhD, co-founders of Pepper Bio, a Boston-based life sciences start-up expanding the potential for successful drug discovery. By combining their knowledge of industries from venture capital to electrical engineering, Jon and Samantha share lessons that are applicable to almost any start-up. Using transomics technologies, these founders are operating at the cutting edge of the intersection of technology and biology. Jon and Samantha share an honest account of how they have worked to de-risk the building blocks of their company: the product offering, the science behind it, their  management team, branding, and more. This episode is not to be missed by any entrepreneur looking to pave a smooth path to success. GUEST BIOS: Jon Hu, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pepper Bio. At Pepper, Jon leads recruitment, partnerships, and investor relations to build the company and achieve its mission to treat the untreatable. Hu is experienced in pharmaceutical research and development (Shire Pharmaceuticals), private equity (Bain & Company), and venture capital (Guild Capital). Jon earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Economics from Northwestern University. Samantha Dale Strasser, Ph.D., Co-founder of and Chief Science Officer of Pepper Bio. At Pepper, Strasser leads the science team and the advancement of transomics for drug development. Strasser developed the foundation of Pepper Bio's technology during her time as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at MIT, where she earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Strasser's  PhD co-advisor was Pr Kevin Haigis of Harvard Medical School and the research lab was at HMS Teaching Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Strasser  earned her M.Phil in Physics at the University of Cambridge, as a Churchill Scholar, and her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University.     

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Emmanuel Straschnov, HBS MBA and co-founder of Bubble.io, a pioneering no-code platform that is redefining  code-free technology. Bubble raised an impressive $100M in Series A and their clients have generated over a  billion dollars in revenue thanks to the businesses they've built on Bubble.  Tune in to learn fundraising, management, and founding advice from this successful  entrepreneur who created his business straight out of HBS. You may just change the way your company  approaches website and app building. Emmanuel Straschnov  shares how he and his partner identified a gap in the market and turned it into an opportunity for a new venture. He discusses the benefits of eliminating reliance on coding, how to make the jump from founder to operational manager, and the mistakes he made along the way. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to digitize their venture and grow their customer base. GUEST BIO:  Emmanuel Straschnov, the cofounder of Bubble, was born in Paris. He studied computer science and mathematics at the prestigious French engineering school, Ecole Polytechnique and received his MBA at Harvard Business School. Emmanuel is committed to breaking the economic limits of technology and devising solutions that enable innovation and product development without coding software. He has spoken extensively about visual programming and the democratization of technology and worked across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

IN THIS EPISODE:  What we eat impacts our health--and the health of our environment. As Co-Founder and CEO of Eat the Change, Co-Founder of PLNT Burger, and Chair of the Board at Beyond Meat, Seth Goldman is a leader in the climate-friendly food revolution. Join our host, Philip Guarino as he speaks with this inspiring entrepreneur and activist about his mission-based businesses that aim to nourish our bodies and the planet.  In this episode, Seth highlights the importance of maintaining a sustainable diet. As not only a CEO, but also an activist, he discusses his efforts to support non-profits through Eat the Change, and how his passions are what have driven him to the place he is now. Tune in to hear how Seth approaches sustainability with purpose, and created environmentally efficient food alternatives without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.   GUEST BIO: Seth Goldman is Co-Founder of Eat the Change™, a snack brand that offers chef-crafted, nutrient-dense planet-friendly foods. Eat the Change™ recently launched a line of organic mushroom jerky and will be launching a kid-friendly snack line in late 2021. Seth and his co-Founder, Celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn are also co-founders of PLNT Burger, a plant-based quick-serve restaurant that offers delicious burgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft-serve. Seth is also the Co-founder of Honest Tea and Chair of the board of Beyond Meat. He has been widely recognized for his entrepreneurial success and impact. He is a graduate of Harvard College (1987) and the Yale School of Management (1995) and is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by  Eric McNulty,  a lifelong student of confidence and Associate Director of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard. With concrete examples and practical tips, they discuss: how to spot the overconfident entrepreneur, why it is essential to cultivate the right balance of confidence and humility,  where to find confidence, and how to maintain it in times of turbulence. As an author, researcher, and entrepreneur himself, Eric provides not only unique insights but the confidence checklist for entrepreneurs and observes that a confident entrepreneur will wait for the investors that her start-up deserves. GUEST BIO: Eric McNulty is Associate Director of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard. His work centers on leading in high stakes, high pressure situations. He is the principal author of case studies on the Boston Marathon bombing response, super storm Sandy, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He is the co-author of the book, You're It: Crisis, Change, and How to Lead When it Matters Most and others. He is a contributing editor at strategy+business and has written many times for Harvard Business Review. Previously, he worked at Harvard Business Publishing (HBP). He was an intrapreneur at HBP and has worked with several startups.

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Stefania di Bartolomeo, Founder and CEO of Physis Investment. As a female founder in a male-dominated industry, Stefania joins us to discuss what it takes to be a woman in fintech, and how she grew her business from a passion to a fund that has inspired many.  As an impact investing platform, Physis is committed to leveraging data to track, measure, and promote sustainable investment. Stefania shares the motives that lead her to build the fund, and what she hopes to see in the future of sustainable fintech. With the business world moving toward a more socially conscious future, this episode is a must for any entrepreneur hoping to bring their mission to life.   GUEST BIO: Stefania founded Physis with the vision to bring greater transparency to the financial industry and empower investors to measure and track the impact of their investments. As CEO, Stefania has developed Physis from an idea to a comprehensive data-hub platform. She is a skilled portfolio manager with extensive global experience. She was the youngest impact investing fund manager in Europe and has published two e-books on sustainable finance. Stefania is a university lecturer and board member.

IN THIS EPISODE In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Sridevi Raghavan, an  entrepreneur from India who developed her business concept, a revolutionary idea in India at the time,  for a business plan contest at HBS.  They discuss her entrepreneurial journey from HBS student to building the real thing in India, and selling it to allow it to grow globally. Sridevi paved her own path as a trailblazer in India's childcare industry and successfully made the transition from an entrepreneur to a global manager. Tune in to hear this inspiring businesswoman detail how she overcame cultural and societal hurdles to build the business of her dreams, one that would allow Indian mothers to pursue a career. GUEST BIO Sridevi  Raghavan is today Senior Vice President – Education, Quality & Sustainability at Babilou Family, a global French company that is among the largest daycare and early education networks in the world. Babilou Family serves over 50,000 children across 12 countries.  An entrepreneur, Sridevi joined the company in 2018, when they acquired her own daycare chain in India and she became Country Manager of India operations. In 2020, Sridevi took on her current headquarters role, thus moving to Paris from India with her family.  Building a daycare chain in India, a revolutionary idea at the time, was Sridevi's business plan proposal at HBS. After completing her MBA, Sridevi Raghavan returned to India with that plan, to start the country's first corporate onsite daycares in 2008. She grew the operation through several rounds of funding, until the sale in 2018.  A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Sridevi has performed in India and abroad.  

IN THIS EPISODE:  What are boards and why are they a powerful tool for successful businesses? Mark Hamill joins host Philip Guarino to look at best practices for startups, post-pandemic board trends, and the skills required for top performing boards. Together they discuss the keys to landing board positions, the benefits of virtual board meetings, and the increased demand for board diversity. Whether you are a seasoned board member, looking for your first board spot, or an entrepreneur on the hunt for advisors, this episode is not to be missed! GUEST BIO:  Mark has 20 years experience in Global Executive Search, having built an EMEA Search firm which he sold to Private Equity in 2017. He has since then launched The Naked Headhunter which focuses on Succession Search and Executive Transition and the Virtual Advisory Board, a global talent pool of “Board Advisory” global executives who can help CEOs and Owners with any insight they might need on the above topics across all worldwide markets.   While also chairing Ackermann International, the largest European Executive Search firm in Latin America, Mark has dedicated the last 3 years since his exit to identifying and understanding the pain and lifecycle of executive career transition. He has created tools (Visibility Quotient) and know-how, and now he helps navigate Executives through this period.

In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Mark Chussil, Founder of Advanced Competitive Strategies Inc., and business wargaming expert. They discuss  the worrisome fact that the vast majority of entrepreneurs still execute on untested strategies, only to discover that the market did not react as predicted.  Mark then shares some of his most impactful experiences with companies across a range of industries who now identify major strategic  blindspots through testing and simulation.   So how can testing your strategy add billions to your bottom line? And how can you find blindspots in your plan before your competitors do? Mark Chussil recommends that you combine humans and computers and make strategy your business's super power. And he even invites you to try out his pricing tournament simulation game. Listen and find out how.

IN THIS EPISODE:  As a business grows, the opportunities - and challenges - are many. Finances, consistent product delivery, leadership and team-building, and pursuing a strategy while remaining nimble are just a few of the many things leaders must keep an eye on. To discuss some of these challenges and best practices for ensuring success during times of growth is Elizabeth Coleon, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at Qonto. In this episode, host Philip Guarino sits down with Elizabeth Coleon to break down what it takes to bring a company to the international stage. They discuss all things scaling from how to balance central and local operations, to how to manage constant change and integration. Tune in to learn how to successfully grow your next venture. GUEST BIO: Elizabeth Coleon is the Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at Qonto. She is responsible for leading the Growth team at Qonto composed of 70 talents driving Brand & Communications, Acquisition & Revenue Growth, Sales, Growth Engineering and International (Italy, Spain & Germany). Elizabeth holds degrees from Georgetown University, Sciences Po Paris and Harvard Business School. She began her career at Goldman Sachs in mergers & acquisitions advisory and then spent 10 years at the investment firm, Paul Capital Partners, ultimately serving as a Managing Director. Prior to Qonto, Elizabeth was at PayPal for five years, where she most recently served as Director, Global Consumer Growth.

IN THIS EPISODE:  In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Shirley Liu, Global Vice-President  at L'Oreal who is passionate about mentoring and psychology. Together, they discuss how building trusting relationships in business is facilitated by mentoring and being mentored and potentially curating a set of mentors. Shirley shares some of her most impactful experiences as a mentor, and the tools she uses to be an effective leader,  teammate, and global citizen. So why do mentors live longer? And how can you ensure that you are operating at the best version of yourself? Listen and find out how. GUEST BIO: Shirley Liu is a Global Vice President at L'Oréal. She's a member of the British Psychological Society and trains at King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). She advocates the astounding cause-and-effect of psychology and leadership in team environments; to find out more please see her TEDx talk “Why psychology (and neuroscience) will make you a better leader.” Shirley is an alumna of Harvard Business School GMP 2017. She serves as the co-president of Harvard Women France, board of ANHW France and a mentor of Harvard Kennedy School Women in Defense, Diplomacy and Development (W3D).

IN THIS EPISODE: Stress, anxiety, and uncertainty have all become part of daily life. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we find ways around these negative obstacles. In this episode, Professor Daniela Pittman, positive psychology expert, joins our host, Philip Guarino, to discuss some of the attitudes, practices, and habits we can all adopt to increase our well-being and overall happiness. Professor Pittman details her five healthiest habits, the psychological tools that helped her through COVID, and her tips for living in the moment. She also opens up about the struggles that lead her to rely on psychology, and how crises can often highlight the best in people. This crash course on happiness and well-being is sure to leave you with the tools and secrets you never knew you needed. So what does it really take to form new habits and protect your well-being in the face of uncertainty? Listen and find out. GUEST BIO: Professor Daniela Pittman is a University Associate Professor at IE University in Madrid. Daniela specializes in training executives and students  in Leadership Techniques, Team Building and Well-being at Work. Since 2013 she has been an associate professor at IE University imparting courses and seminars to Law, Business, Communication and Psychology students on positive leadership, effective communication and interpersonal skills and  public speaking as well as a pioneer program in Spain, “Happiness in Yourself and in the Workplace”. Daniela has a Master's Degree in Psychology from Harvard and received her undergraduate degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Diane Primo, CEO of Purpose Brands and Co-Founder of the Primo Center, a not for profit. Together, they take a deep dive into the critical importance of building a business ensuring that a business is built with purpose, the lessons Diane has learned in applying the fundamentals of business analysis to solving homelessness, and how entrepreneurs can help accelerate the cultural transition sparked by the killing of George Floyd.  Branding with purpose is essential  in today's social climate. Diane Primo shares the keys to aligning your business with your values, and how to turn a positive social impact into a positive financial one. She also details her experience as Co-Founder of the Primo Center, taking on the challenge of homelessness and working to create a business model that targets root causes rather than short-term solutions.  How can we as entrepreneurs channel these lessons and create businesses that allow us to live our purpose? Listen and find out.

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Professor David Ricketts joins host Philip Guarino to pull back the curtain on the Smart City movement. Now an Innovation Fellow at Harvard, David Ricketts has provided research and insights for the most innovative cities in the world. David examines the cities at the forefront of the movement, describes the importance of innovating across an entire organization and shares how to make the leap from digitizing to true innovation. Tune in to go behind the scenes on some of David’s favorite projects, and hear what it takes for a city to stay one step ahead, and best serve its citizens. GUEST BIO: Dr. David S. Ricketts is an award-winning innovator and global thought leader in the theory and practice of innovation. He has helped boost creative thinking and bring cutting-edge ideas to reality in top companies such as Mastercard, Disney, and General Motors. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he is an Innovation Fellow researching how organizations transform ideas into innovation. His breakthrough research and innovations have been featured in worldwide news outlets such as Popular Science, Smithsonian, NBC, CBS, and Fox News. His teaching and insights leverage his over 20 years of corporate R&D and academic research. Dr. Ricketts helps organizations drive success through innovation with his dynamic keynotes, executive consulting, and innovation masterclasses.

IN THIS EPISODE: Tune in to hear the intimate thoughts of an inspiring and articulate entrepreneur, as he examines a life spent building a multi-billion dollar real estate enterprise and creating social change. In this episode, our host, Denise Silber, takes a deep dive into Quintin E. Primo III’s life in business, from his success as a young HBS grad at Citibank to the collapse of his first entrepreneurial venture and finally to executing $14 billion in real estate transactions. Quintin Primo provides an honest account of what went wrong in his first venture, shares his secret to staying on the right path as a decision-maker, and discusses how his faith led him to build the business of his dreams. After three decades as CEO of Capri Capital, Quintin Primo credits creativity, service, and a sense of community as playing a large role in his greatest successes. But how exactly did he combine these different facets of his life in such a productive way? Listen and find out. GUEST BIO: Quintin E Primo III serves as Chairman and Chief Executive of Capri Investment Group, a real estate investment and development firm that he co-founded in 1992. Over his many years in the industry, Quintin has challenged conventional wisdom in developing new markets for investment. He was an early investor in underserved urban property markets among other groundbreaking strategies. He serves as co-chairman of the Primo Center for Women and Children and was a founding chairman of the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness. He received his M.B.A. from Harvard University and a B.S. in Finance with honors from Indiana University.