The Pathfinders

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada. On this episode, host Dhani Jones is speaking with the Founding General Partner and Managing Director at Latimer Ventures, Luke Cooper! Latimer Ventures is a VC firm dedicated to helping Black and Hispanic Founders build and exit. Before Latimer, Luke founded and exited two companies, to Fortune 300 acquirers. Luke joins Dhani to discuss his life journey, the advice he gives to the founders he works with, and what defines his dealmaking mindset. Join us for this fascinating episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Latimer Ventures here, and you can follow Luke on LinkedIn here.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada. On this episode, host Dhani Jones is joined by Latif Peracha, Managing Partner of M13 where he is responsible for overall investing strategy and has led numerous deals across money and health verticals with a large focus on web3. He shares what he looks for in a potential new opportunity and how he approaches investing, as well as his past experiences working for Virgin Group and investing in Ring and Slack. Don't miss this fascinating episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about M13 on their website, and you can follow Latif on Twitter and LinkedIn.Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada. On this episode, host Dhani Jones is speaking with globally recognized negotiation expert, and author of “Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly,” Mori Taheripour! With more than 20 years of experience in negotiations, DE&I, and sports business, Mori offers her impressive roster of clients a radically different approach to bargaining that centers human connection. She sits down with Dhani to share her tips and tricks for negotiating, the most common pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of being curious and willing to take different paths to the same destination. You'll want to take notes on this insightful episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Mori's work on her website, and you can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada. On this episode, host Dhani Jones is speaking with Managing Partner at 1863 Ventures, Melissa Bradley! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship, investment and leadership experience, Melissa is on a mission to help as many diverse entrepreneurs achieve business success as she can. She joins Dhani to discuss working for two different Presidential administrations, the biggest challenges she has faced, her mother's influence, and advice on growing a deal-making mindset. Join us for this fascinating episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about 1863 Ventures here, and you can follow Melissa on LinkedIn here.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani is speaking with the Senior Director of the Center for Financial Markets at the Milken Institute, Blair Smith! With more than 20 years of financial services and capital markets experience, Blair leads the Center's Access to Capital and strategic innovative financing initiatives, to enhance economic and social impact. He joins Dhani to discuss Milken's recent report: “The Path to Inclusive Capitalism,” his work in the DEI space, how he helps diverse led asset management firms achieve their goals, and much more. Join us for this fascinating episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can read The Milken Institute's report, “The Path to Inclusive Capitalism” on their website and you can follow Blair on LinkedIn for more advice on enhancing social impact with financing initiatives.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani is speaking with Entrepreneur and Director, Investment Committee Member, and Philanthropy Lead at the Green Bear Group LLC, Vishnu Amble! A fellow  Michigan Wolverine, he can be described as an investor who is at the intersection of global technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. Vishnu has over 20+ years of international experience in private equity & VC investing and he is on a mission to make the world a better place. He joins Dhani to discuss the power that can be cultivated with sustainable investment, the importance of building a green future, and to share the story of his journey. Join us for this thought-provoking episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about The Green Bear Group on their website and you can follow Vishnu on LinkedIn for more advice on cultivating growth.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. For this episode, Dhani is joined by Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Riskalyze, Clifton Schaller! Before Riskalyze, Clifton spent five years at Morningstar, working his way up from a UX Designer to a Manager of Product Growth. Clifton joins Dhani to talk all about his journey, his passion for corporate development, and the keys to establishing successful business partnerships. Not to mention touching on his passion for growth as well. So push play and join us for this thoughtful episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Riskalyze on their website and you can follow Clifton on LinkedIn for more advice on cultivating growth.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani is speaking with the CEO of Aero Technologies, Uma Subramanian! Prior to joining Aero, Uma was a pioneer in the urban air mobility space, as the CEO of Voom.Flights, an airbus company, which built an urban air mobility network. Uma joins Dhani to talk all about the future of air mobility, her belief that society is on its way to unlocking the urban sky, and her journey building a premium aviation brand. So hit play and join us for this thrilling new episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Aero Technologies on their website and you can follow Uma on LinkedIn for more advice on investing for good.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for a new episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani is joined by Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Investing with Impact Director of the Conscious Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, Noel Pacarro Brown! Together, the duo speak about the work Noel does to help her clients advance the mission of their money and how impact-focused investing can give investors a sense of fulfillment by helping people, places, and the planet. Don't miss this insightful new episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about the Conscious Wealth Management Group on their website and you can follow Noel on LinkedIn for more advice on investing for good.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani chats with Michelle Gadsden-Williams, the Managing Director of & Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at BlackRock. She is responsible for further strengthening and accelerating the company's efforts to foster an inclusive culture and she is a thought leader around diversity and inclusion. She joins Dhani to talk about her amazing career, making the workplace more equitable, and the impact that social responsibility is having on the industry. So get ready to join us for this wonderful episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about BlackRock on their website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and you can follow Michelle on LinkedIn.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani talks with Akila Raman-Vaseghi, the COO of Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division where she runs an operational strategy focused on international expansion and growth in new products. Akila is a trailblazer in the truest sense of the word, who has prioritized using technology and automation to streamline workflow and relieve stress. She joins Dhani to talk about her deal-making philosophy and why mentoring women and people of color across the industry is so important to her. So get comfortable and join us for this insightful episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division on their website, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and you can follow Akila on LinkedIn too.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani speaks with the Chief Financial Officer of DraftKings, Jason Park, about how technology is revolutionizing the gaming industry. Hear the pair discuss Jason's experience with Bain Capital where he focused on technology investment, how he approaches major mergers and acquisitions, and more! Press play and this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about DraftKings on their website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and you can follow Jason on LinkedIn too.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for a new episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. On this episode, Dhani speaks with co-founder and partner at Assembly Ventures, Chris Thomas, about the importance of connected communities and the future of transportation innovation. The pair speak about why micro-mobility options and vertical aircrafts make sense for the future, and how these innovations will impact rural and urban areas differently. They also discuss Chris' advocacy for early childhood literacy, how “the doctrine of the strenuous life” impacts his dealmaking strategy, and much more! Don't miss this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Assembly Ventures on their website and LinkedIn, and you can follow Chris on LinkedIn too.Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another edition of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones.  On this episode Dhani is joined by the President of The Drone Racing League (DRL), Rachel Jacobson.  Rachel is a trailblazer in the world of professional sports league management and with Dhani she shares stories and insights from her 20 plus year career in the NBA and talks about what it's like to now run the first of its kind, professional high-speed Drone Racing League. You do not want to miss this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can also follow Rachel on LinkedIn and learn more about the exciting world of professional drone racing on the DRL's website or you can check them out on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.  Don't forget to follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us:LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another edition of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones.  On this episode Former NFL Player, Investor & Entrepreneur Dhani Jones speaks with the CEO of the Pharmaceutical Segment at Cardinal Health and member of the Board of Directors of The Hershey Company, Victor Crawford about fostering change and creating an everlasting impact on American business.  They also discuss the importance of diversity in the Boardroom, correcting inequality in healthcare, and so much more!  You do not want to miss this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about Cardinal Health on their website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and you can follow Victor on LinkedIn too.  Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another edition of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones.  On this episode Dhani is joined by the Founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, Sherrese Clarke Soares.  Sherrese brings over 20 years of experience leading across corporate finance, capital markets, investment banking, and private equity with a focus in the communications and media & entertainment sector, and joins Dhani to share some of her dealmaking stories, insights into the high-stakes world of music catalog sales, and reveal the secret to why content is queen! You do not want to miss this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can learn more about the incredible work that HarbourView Equity Partners is doing on their website, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  You can also follow Sherrese on LinkedIn and Instagram.Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow Us:LinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another edition of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones.  On this episode Dhani is joined by Capital Raiser and Board Director, Marcelia Freeman.  Marcelia works in Investor Relations & Product Management at Clearlake Capital Group and is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Florida A&M University Foundation.  Together they talk all about the importance of mentorship and post-university support-networks as well as the need for managers from diverse backgrounds in the financial services industry.  You'll also hear Marcelia's advice on how to break through barriers and overcome challenges.  You do not want to miss this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can check out the amazing work that Clearlake Capital Group is doing on their website, and LinkedIn.  For more information on The Florida A&M University Foundation and the work they are doing you can visit their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.  You can also follow Marcelia on LinkedIn.Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another edition of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host, former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones.  On this episode Dhani is joined by Executive Vice President and Global Real Estate Advisor at TTR Sotheby's International Realty and leader of the HEIDER team, the Washington, DC area's preeminent white glove residential real estate concierge, Daniel Heider.  Together they talk all about what it takes to close the biggest deals in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, the Washington D.C. metro area.  You'll also learn how Daniel is using social media to radically change the way real estate deals are made, earning him the nickname ‘the millennial king of DC manors'!  Plus, learn how Daniel became the youngest Executive Vice President in TTR Sotheby's International Realty's history and why he is so passionate about giving back to the city he loves.  You do not want to miss this episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.You can check out the amazing work the HEIDER team is doing on their website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and follow Daniel on LinkedIn.  You can also find out more about TTR Sotheby's International Realty on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.Don't forget you can also follow Dhani on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for the all-new second season of the Pathfinders podcast, a series dedicated to modern dealmakers and trailblazers. We are trying to uncover and tap into stories of dealmakers carving paths forward. A Pathfinder is a person who is a leader, a transformer, an innovator, a rainmaker – an M&A legend. A person illustrating the journey to success. They have accomplished the path from grit to greatness. We want to discover the career stories and business paths. Join former NFL player, investor, and entrepreneur Dhani Jones each episode as he unveils the challenges, the mess-ups and lessons learned, the big movers, big deals and celebration meals. At Ansarada it is our mission to empower people to carve their own paths and be always ready for what's next. Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansarada www.ansarada.com

This week, former NFL Player, Investor and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones is joined by Head of Growth Equity and general partner at ZX Ventures, Bert Navarrete. Bert has invested in over 100 private companies during his more than 20 years of venture and private equity experience. Hear about investor psychology, his deal-making strategies, what makes a good VC, and how his team of investors is empowering entrepreneurs.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It's time for another edition of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, with our host former NFL Player, Investor and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones and this week he talks with Richard Kerby, a General Partner at Equal Ventures. In 2012, Richard joined Venrock where his investments included 6Sense, Amino Apps, Beckon, Burner Luxe Valet and Salsify. He is here today to share some of his dealmaking stories, the importance of diversity in venture capital enterprises, and maybe even give us a few tips for identifying good investments too. Not to mention you will get to hear about where Richard is utilizing his talent for identifying and evaluating early stage investments. We get to learn a bit about his background starting his career in investment at Credit Suisse and how being an analyst put him on the track for success. The duo take a dive into his time at Venrock and get an understanding of why it's important to have a diverse portfolio. They also talk about how one can go about diversifying knowledge to spot investment opportunities across multiple industries. Hear from Richard himself some advice for anyone who is scared or intimidated to get into the VC world and what some of the benefits are to challenging yourself. You will also get some insight into Equal Ventures, the ideals it was founded on and how they are going about approaching so many different investment sectors in new and unique ways. And some of the amazing work Richard is doing to encourage diversity in investing with his exciting networks like ‘Stealth Mode'. Through his work at Equal Ventures, Richard is coming at investing and dealmaking from a whole new perspective. This is some essential listening, so you do not want to miss it! Press play and start listening to The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada.  Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome to another episode of The Pathfinders with former NFL Player, Investor and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones. This week we're joined by the “Fashion Banker” of New York, world traveler, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of BDA Partners, and all-around renaissance man, Euan Rellie. Euan has lived in Singapore, New York, and London as well as worked in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, India, and The Middle East. Today he has an extremely enlightening conversation with Dhani about how he got the nickname “Fashion Banker,” the importance of pursuing community and intellectual stimulation, how COVID affected his personal dealmaking style, the value of diversity, and the stories behind some of his biggest deals. Plus, hear his advice to young entrepreneurs, how he leaves a mark on people, and even “who” he's wearing. This is the Pathfinders, a series dedicated to Dealmaker Trailblazers, brought to you by Ansarada. Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

It is time for another episode of The Pathfinders with former NFL Player, Investor and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones and this week he speaks with General Partner of Intel Capital, Trina Van Pelt! For seventeen years, Trina has been helping Intel Capital expand and grow their diverse portfolio with her focus on late-stage equity investments across industries like intelligent edge, mobility, artificial intelligence, the internet and so much more. Also a Voting Member of Intel's Investment Committee and Chair of Intel's Impact Investing Initiative, she is here to discuss growth and illustrate how she is making late-stage equity deals with some of the biggest names in tech. Each episode we strive to discover the career stories and unveil the challenges, the mess-ups and the lessons learned along the journey to success. Together, Dhani and Trina touch on some of the key differences between a growth capital mindset and a venture capital mindset and a few of the surprising shifts in the world of capital investment. We get a little insight into learning about the motivation behind Intel Capital's stated focus of investing in diverse companies and how they are using data analytics to research and evaluate growth potential in prospective investments. Hear about a myriad of their recent investment ventures, including in the global mobility sector with the electric technology of ZEEKR as well as with new technologies like 5G and Intelligence Edge. Trina will also give us some first hand knowledge and understanding about what makes a successful deal and the things that have changed in the world of dealmaking throughout her stellar career. A seriously exciting episode awaits, so get ready to explore the future of late-stage equity investments and growth with Trina and Dhani! This is the Pathfinders, a series dedicated to Dealmaker Trailblazers, brought to you by Ansarada. Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Join former NFL Player, Investor and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones as he sits down to speak with the Founding Managing Partner at Plexo Capital, Lo Toney, on this episode of The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada. This is a show about uncovering stories of modern dealmakers and empowering people to carve their own path forwards. Plexo Capital is an institutional investment firm Lo incubated and spun out of Google Ventures. They invest in emerging seed-stage VC's led by diverse teams that invest directly into companies sourced from the portfolios of VC's where Plexo Capital has an investment. Lo is here to tell us a little bit about his career, the challenges he's had to overcome, and how he, as well as Plexo Capital, are trying to change the venture capital landscape. You'll get to listen as they discuss his days at LearnStreet and the motivation behind wanting to help aspiring computer scientists learn how to code online. Hear about his time working at Zynga, what it was like being the GM of Zynga Poker and how under his leadership they were able to increase web bookings by 150%. Also, learn about what the original idea was that led to Plexo Capital being spun out of Google Ventures and understand some of the values that it was founded on. Get some first-hand insight into a few of Lo's guiding philosophies for identifying exciting, new deals during their early stages, as well as how he is cultivating and encouraging diversity in the investment and venture capital landscape. Together, Dhani and Lo have a thoughtful discussion and touch on the importance of betting on yourself, being resilient and so much more.  It's about time to press that play button and get ready to enjoy another episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada! Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

On this week's episode of The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada, we have Pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and certified stockbroker, Ross Stripling. He sits down with former NFL Player, Investor, and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones to discuss how the high-stakes, intensive mindset of a pitcher is similar in many ways to the mindset of a dealmaker. This is a series all about Dealmaker trailblazers and our goal is to tap into stories of modern dealmakers that are carving paths forward. You'll hear the story of the road to recovery from Ross' 2014 Tommy John surgery and the strength needed to bounce back when life knocks you down. Plus, how he situates himself when negotiating and how his Baseball contracts have helped him develop his dealmaking. They also discuss the details and the journey to Ross becoming a FINRA-licensed stockbroker and to what extent he utilized it. Ross and Dhani even venture into the creative sphere as they discuss Ross' sports podcast and if there was any crossover in his athletic and creative skills. Today's episode ventures from the financial to the athletic to the creative and is one you won't want to miss. This is The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

On this week's episode of The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada, we are joined by the co-head of LionTree Growth, Alex Michael! He sits down with former NFL Player, Investor and Entrepreneur Dhani Jones to discuss how LionTree is working on deals to uncover tomorrow's creators, sports, media, audio, and tech companies, today. This is a series all about Dealmaker trailblazers and our goal is to tap into stories of modern dealmakers that are carving paths forward. We'll learn about the story behind LionTree Growth, some of the recent work they have been doing, and how they fit into the investment banking landscape in the world today. Alex will tell us a little bit about how they are able to work with companies within media, tech, or even sports industries while also forming great relationships with the organizations too. You'll also hear firsthand about Alex's work with mergers and acquisitions and how it differentiates within the sports industry versus others. On this show we get to dig deep and understand the challenges, the mess-ups, lessons learned, and big deals that go into becoming a pathfinder. Alex gives us some insight into some of the standout deals of his career and even tells us a little about what he thinks makes a successful deal! From his days as an investment banking analyst, to being at LionTree now, hear about how technology has evolved and changed the industry during Alex's time and affected the dynamics of dealmaking. You'll even get a little bit of advice from Alex for entrepreneurs who are seeking to raise capital for the first time. So what are you waiting for? Hit that play button and give it a listen. It is our mission to empower people to carve their own paths and be always ready for what's next! This is The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

On this, the third episode of The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, former NFL player, investor, and entrepreneur Dhani Jones sits down with the Founder of The Adara Group, Audette Exel. This is a show dedicated to dealmakers, rainmakers, and trailblazers, where we tap into the stories of modern dealmakers who are carving the path forward. This week Audette talks about how one gets into philanthropy, how she learned banking, how to be yourself, and the power of seeing everyone the same way we see ourselves.  Audette is a New Zealand-born businesswoman and entrepreneur. She's very highly decorated having been named Telstra NSW's “Business Woman of the Year” in 2012, awarded an honorary “Order of Australia” for her work in Nepal and Uganda in 2013, included in Forbes' list of “48 Heroes of Philanthropy” in 2014, and named Australia's “Leading Philanthropist” by Philanthropy Australia in 2016. Today's episode explores the “how” and the “why” behind much of her humanitarian work around the globe with The Adara Group and its divisions Adara Development and Adara Advisors. Listen to how she's studied law and banking in order to better understand power and help the poor. She traveled the world and found herself as chair of the Bermuda stock exchange and became one of the youngest women in the world to have run a publicly-traded bank.Come explore the exciting crossroads of dealmaking and humanitarian aid. As Audette recalls, it hasn't always been easy and philanthropy still exists within the world of business. Listen to the journey and the mistakes along the way to becoming a successful philanthropist. Get comfortable and don't miss out on an exciting new episode of The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada! These are the challenges, the mess-ups, and the lessons learned on the path to success.Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

On the second episode of the brand new podcast series The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada, join former NFL player, investor, and entrepreneur Dhani Jones as he speaks with Ryan Nece, Managing Partner of Next Play Capital, Board Member at Docusign, and Founder of The Ryan Nece Foundation!This is a show dedicated to dealmakers, rainmakers, and trailblazers, where we tap into the stories of modern dealmakers who are carving the path forward. This week Ryan talks about seizing opportunity, what it means to be a leader, and how to leverage success to give back to communities in need.As an NFL alumni, get a first-hand look into how his time in the league has prepared him for future leadership roles as well as establishing a career off the field. Find out what initially drove the idea behind building StraightCast Media, technology that gives athletes the ability to create, upload and share authentic video content in real-time with television networks in only a few seconds. Through StraightCast, fans are given greater behind-the-scenes access to their favorite teams and players than previously seen before - an idea so revolutionary at the time it was sought after by ESPN and soon acquired by Fox Sports!And that's not all, learn about how Ryan is actively giving back to the Tampa Bay community and what the story is behind creating The Ryan Nece Foundation.From there we also follow his path co-founding Next Play Capital and hear about how they are doing venture capital investment differently, helping athletes, team owners, and family offices alike.Get comfortable and don't miss out on an exciting new episode of The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada! These are the challenges, the mess-ups, and the lessons learned on the path to success. Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

Welcome to the first-ever episode of the brand new podcast series, The Pathfinders, brought to you by Ansarada! This is a show dedicated to dealmakers, rainmakers and trail blazers, where we tap into the stories of modern dealmakers who are carving paths forward.Join former NFL player, investor, and entrepreneur Dhani Jones as he speaks with different guests each week and unveils the challenges, the mess-ups and the lessons learned on the path to success.For our very first episode, Dhani speaks with Jennifer Deason, the Chairman and CEO of Belong Acquisition Corp and former Executive Vice President of Bain Capital. She is here today to discuss her insights into what makes a successful deal, what to do when a deal goes wrong, what the risks are and what you can do to mitigate them.Jennifer dives into the process of running a $150 million NASDAQ Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) for Belong Acquisition Corp and discusses the lessons learned while taking on the venture. She also explores how technology and economics have evolved and changed since her days working as a Deutsche Bank analyst, and how technology is disrupting dealmaking and legacy practices today.Hear first-hand some of Jennifer's career highlights and learn how she has built such a triumphant career while also being a mother. This is a first episode you do not want to miss! Sit back, relax, hit play, and enjoy the brand-new premier episode of The Pathfinders, presented by Ansarada!Follow UsLinkedIn @AnsaradaTwitter @ansaradaFacebook @AnsaradaPlatformInstagram @ansarada_Presented by Ansaradawww.ansarada.com

The Pathfinders series is dedicated to Dealmaker trail blazers. We want to uncover and tap into stories of modern dealmakers carving paths forward. A Pathfinder is a person who is a leader, a transformer, an innovator, a rainmaker – an M&A legend. A person illustrating the journey to success. They have accomplished the path from grit to greatness. We want to discover the career stories and business path. Unveiling the challenges, the mess-ups and lessons learned, the big movers, big deals and celebration meals. At Ansarada it is our mission to empower people to carve their own paths and be always ready for what's next. Hosted by former NFL player, investor, and entrepreneur Dhani Jones.