Unconventional Genius

It is quite common these days to hear people talking about the creative process. Anyone from graphic designers to app designers legitimately use the phrase to describe what it takes to be successful at what they do. But a long-time area of fascination for me has been the creative process that goes into making timeless music. And when that process is done in the context of a group of people - a band - it’s nothing short of amazing. I’m immensely honored to be able to present you with this conversation I recorded with Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. formerly of the bands Jellyfish and Imperial Drag. He’s been one of the songwriters I’ve respected the most and I was thrilled to have this chat with him. You’ll hear Roger describe what’s going on under the surface of the creative process for most artists as well as his description of the path he’s walked to become an in-demand musician who’s requested to play on albums for well-known artists and unknown hopefuls alike.  Topics Featured In This Episode [2:31] The first instrument Roger learned to play - from pots and pans to today [5:18] Hearing all kinds of music and expanding his musical horizons [9:10] Roger’s first jazz lessons and instruction [11:51] Trying to write a song and the drive to become a better songwriter [16:35] Roger’s self-education in experimenting with musical palettes (arranging) [24:40] Did Roger know he was creating something special on past albums? [36:40] The pain behind the creative process for many artists, including him [46:55] Artists Roger would love to play with Writing songs that endure: The goal of every songwriter When Roger speaks about songwriting, his eyes instantly light up. You can tell that it’s a topic that still captivates him 30 years after the formation of his first band, Jellyfish. As he recounts the first time he tried to write an original song of his own, he admits that it was amateur and awful. He was embarrassed even to ask for constructive criticism. But that didn’t deter him from trying again. Something inside told him that he’d have to fail a lot to find success, and he was willing to put in his reps. Fast forward to today and the music he created with his Jellyfish bandmates are some of the most timeless songs I know. The heart and soul of the music and the way it connects with the human condition are testaments to the benefit of all those years of hard work. In this conversation, Roger shares openly about his journey into music across the years, and to a deeper knowledge of himself as an artist and a human being. I hope you take the time to listen. What do AC/DC and the Beatles have in common? Outstanding musical arrangements One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation I had with Roger about his creative process had to do with the issue of arranging. You’ll hear me bring up AC/DC as an example of straightforward rock and roll, and the comment set Roger up to educate me on the intricacies and nuances of arranging songs in ways that connect with listeners on a deep level. We walk through the styles of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and more as Roger uncovers the details behind what makes a song truly good. It was a delightful journey I’d go on again anytime. At the time, did Roger realize he was making timeless music? Roger is quick to say that during the creative process you never know if what you’re after is even going to materialize, much less whether or not it’s going to become one of those timeless melodies that connect with people across generations (Think, “Yesterday” by the Beatles). It’s a process of discovery, one that takes the songwriter and artists as much by surprise as it does anyone else. But he also says that sometimes, after you’ve finished a song project, you just know it’s right, it’s the way it’s supposed to be. There’s a sense of finality and confidence that flow out of the process and into the way you feel about it after it’s done. Listen to hear Roger explain it as only a skilled and experienced songwriter can. Timeless songs connect with people on a deeper level The songs that endure are the ones that connect with us deeply. They speak to our experience, providing us an opportunity to hear an expression that represents what we would have said - or written - if we could have. If you’ve ever heard a song that made you feel that way, you know what I mean. I find Roger’s music to be those kinds of songs for me. They guide me along my journey, helping me to express my own thoughts and feelings about the pains and joys I’ve experienced along the way. He’s one of the musical greats I have long looked up to and this conversation was something I’ll never forget. I hope you listen. Resources & People Mentioned Roger’s solo EP: Glamping Band Roger was in: Imperial Drag Imperial Drag song: “Are you a boy, or are you a girl?” Roger’s previous Band: Jellyfish  Jellyfish Album: Spilt Milk Jellyfish Album: Bellybutton Jellyfish song: New Mistake Eric Dover former Jellyfish Bandmate Tim Smith former Jellyfish Bandmate Band: Yes Band: Genesis Band: Mahavishnu Orchestra Artist: Jan Yanhammer Band: Return to Forever Artist: Chick Corea Band: Weather Report Band: XTC Band: Wings Band: 10cc Band: Echo & The Bunnymen Band: The Smiths Band: Devo Band: Thomas Dolby Band: The Beatles Band: The Beach Boys Andy Sturmer - Jellyfish bandmate Artist: Sting Band: The Hollies Band: AC/DC Band: Van Halen Band: Queen Band: Cheap Trick Band: Black Sabbath Band: The Rolling Stones Artist: Duke Ellington Artist: Marvin Gaye Artist: Aretha Franklin Artist: Prince Band: Sly and the Family Stone Artist: Beck Artist: Elvis Costello Artist: Andy Partridge Artist: Morrisey Artist: Pharrell Williams Connect with Roger Joseph Manning Roger on Instagram: @RogerJManningJr  Roger on Twitter: @RogerJManningJr “Beautiful Things” with Donnie Vie Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com  LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

If you were to do a quick Google search for the phrase “stress relief products,” you’d find all kinds of things to help you deal with stress after the fact. That’s because we humans get ourselves into situations that induce stress and then we look for a way to deal with what we’ve created. It's normal. It's everyday life as we know it. But does it have to be? What if a product existed that could help you avoid many of the stressful situations common to every day? Would that be a stress relief product worth having? Nate Kelly leads the team at Adero - a company that has created a technology solution that organizes your things so you can save time, reduce stress, and simplify your busy life. It sounds too good to be true, but once you hear how it works you’ll wonder why someone hasn’t created it before now. Listen to learn more about Adero and to hear how Nate’s path has formed him into the exact leader needed in order to make it happen. What if we could help people never get into stress-inducing situations in the first place? We’ve all been in situations that instantly produce anxiety or stress. Nate Kelly calls them “chaos” situations. Some examples: You’ve forgotten your wallet. The car keys have been misplaced. You arrive at work and realize your cell phone is on your bathroom counter. Everyday situations. Nothing to worry about, right? Not to Nate Kelly. When Nate took over as the CEO of Tracker, the company was developing a product to help people find things that were already lost. But he had a bigger vision. He wondered if his team could create a tool to keep things from getting lost in the first place. What if the chaos that ensues from situations of this nature could be eliminated altogether? Listen to hear how Nate’s questions led to answers like you've never imagined - and how Adero's technology is making a difference by releasing people from the burdens of small oversights. “Try hard to remember not to screw that up” is NOT a good plan Prior to the advent of the kind of technology Nate’s team is implementing, the main way to ensure you didn’t forget things was to create a list. But what happens when you forget to make the list? What happens when you lose it? Smart tags and taglets are the answer Adero provides. These tiny A.I. powered devices are attached to the important items in your life so they can be managed for you. The system can prepare itself according to your schedule to enable your items to remember what you need for you. It’s a system that requires the use of IoT, machine learning, and other elements of the very best of tech - and it’s amazing how it works. You really should hear Nate’s explanation and vision for how Adero will change the world. There’s no need to blame yourself for forgetting things anymore How many times have you gone on an important business trip, or even just a drive across town and discovered that you forgot to bring what you needed? Our tendency is to chastise ourselves for being such a dummy. But what if a piece of technology could prevent that situation from ever happening? Nate envisions a day - coming very soon - when the items you need are able to remind you that you will need them in the near future. Can you picture it? Never having to make a list again? Never forgetting important items - because the items themselves remind you to take them? More importantly, can you imagine never feeling the panic associated with a high consequence mistake - because the mistake never happened? Nate’s team is making it possible. Find out more by listening to this episode. Overcoming the anxiety of things through technology Forgetting to take important items with you seems like a small problem. But look beyond the temporary inconvenience of not having a needed resource to the emotional toll it takes on you. Nate calls it “the anxiety of things,” and ironically, his team is coupling technology WITH things to prevent the anxiety from happening at all. Nate foresees the Adero platform becoming one that allows every THING in your life to worry about YOU, preparing everything in your life for your use and convenience. Your things will be taking care of you, instead of you having to care for them. It’s an incredible solution to everyday problems, and it’s on the horizon. Nate’s team is making sure that’s the case.   If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:14] Who is Nate Kelly and how the Adero path has been unpredictable [3:40] Helping people never get into unprepared moments [10:25] How the Adero system works using smart tags and intelligent containers [14:28] The most common uses for the Adero solution - 4 personas [18:01] Taking over the company a week before natural disasters hit [21:59] Big changes in a new organization and how Nate rallied the troops [24:18] Instilling the feeling of ownership into the Adero team [30:50] Nate’s unconventional path: from a religious cult to leading a tech company [36:10] Recalibrating his life to help others optimize mental health and manage stress [38:41] The structure of Nate’s day that enables him to do the job he does [42:28] Adero’s future as Nate sees it Resources & People Mentioned Tesla Sonos BOOK: Principles - http://a.co/d/1uuzdpO BOOK: The Hard Thing About Hard Things : http://a.co/d/9yiqCsu Sony Ericsson Microsoft The Move Cult Connect with Nate Kelly Adero Adero on Twitter: https://twitter.com/adero Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

As human beings, we drastically underestimate the power of change. It’s because we derive comfort from routine and habit. It feels safe, secure, and comfortable. Change is the exact opposite, it DEMANDS that we step outside of what is normal for us and do different things. My guest on this episode of Unconventional Genius is Beth Comstock. She’s one of the most powerful women in the business world right now and has recently released an amazing book that recounts her transformation from a shy publicist to the first woman Vice-Chair at General Electric. Beth knows about the power of change because she’s leaned into it all her life. In fact, her mother used to ask her, “Why do you always have to make things so hard?” Beth says it was because she wanted to take on her own weaknesses and fears to become something more. Beth is truly one of the most impressive people I’ve ever spoken with. I spoke with Beth at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles and she shared her insights on courage, overcoming the status quo, encouraging creativity, the power of change, and the results that come from true organizational change. I hope you’ll listen to this engaging conversation. We are taught NOT to be creative - but Beth says we must learn to overcome it In her own words, Beth Comstock says she grew up as a classic “good girl,” but when she stepped into the working world a rebel emerged - but not in the classic “buck the system” way you might think of. She simply believed there was a better way of doing things and she couldn’t hold it in. Looking back, she can see that the typical educational system as well as the way society has been structured has made us dependent on knowing things so that we can feel like we are in control of them. To move into a context of change causes us to feel untethered, like we have no firm footing. Beth says it’s important that we learn to develop the belief that we can figure it out - whatever “it” may be. It’s that attitude that harnesses the power of change. It moves us beyond convention to unlock the unconventional genius that resides in all of us. Courage comes from making yourself take small, everyday steps forward From the time she was young, Beth pushed herself. She wanted to be stronger than the things she was afraid of. But first, she had to admit that it WAS her fear that was holding her back. None of us like to admit we are afraid, but she says it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s natural - but it’s equally natural for human beings to want to overcome fear. As an adult, Beth has seen the benefit of conquering her fears step by step throughout life. It’s the resolve to face fear, question it, and push into it instead of retreating from it. She calls it “everyday courage.” She’s taken this life lesson into her leadership. Applying her “small-steps” approach to teams has empowered many people to find the courage to unleash their own creativity. Listen to hear how Beth has led ground-breaking initiatives, pioneered new ways of approaching problems, and has fostered creativity in teams that goes beyond the normal “creative sessions” often touted in business circles. The power of change is yours when you think into the future and take action In her book, “Imagine It Forward,” Beth outlines what she refers to as her “Imagine It Forward” framework - a way individuals and teams can systematically address barriers to creativity, innovation, and obstacles to scaling. I particularly enjoyed a number of the strategies she outlines in the framework. They themselves are creative ways of thinking about problems or challenges to enable new insights and perspectives. The overall framework is based on the belief that looking into the future, imaging what it could be, is one of the most powerful ways of opening minds to possibilities. She points out that transforming the mindset and culture of a company is messy and without any kind of easy checklist. She believes the challenge calls for the courage to defy convention, go around corporate gatekeepers when necessary, and reinvent what is possible. If you’re also tired of being told “it can’t be done,” you’ll enjoy Beth’s book and this conversation. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:35] Beth Comstock, one of the most impressive people I’ve ever talked with [2:38] How we are trained to NOT be creative, and how we can overcome it [6:30] How Beth teaches people to break out of their shell and become more imaginative [14:32] Getting into the habit of overcoming fear and building courage [22:05] The purpose of Beth’s “Imagine It Forward” creative problem solving strategy [29:41] Overcoming the power of fear - in herself, team members, and customers [32:40] Beth’s hopes for the impact of the book [35:20] Advice for parents who are raising daughters: instill confidence in them Resources & People Mentioned BOOK: Great By Choice - http://a.co/d/7RMKo6c Ecomagination : GE’s Cleantech effort - https://www.ge.com/reports/ecomagination-ten-years-later-proving-efficiency-economics-go-hand-hand/ Uber : https://www.uber.com/ Connect with Beth Comstock Beth’s website: https://www.bethcomstock.info/ Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethjcomstock/ Follow Beth on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethcomstock Follow Beth on Instagram: https://www.bethcomstock.info/ Beth’s book: Imagine It Forward - http://a.co/d/eX99PwW Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Andrew Yang about The Freedom Dividend and the future of America. Andrew is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of Venture for America, a national entrepreneurship fellowship that has helped create over 3,000 jobs in major cities across the United States. He is also running for president in 2020, with a key component of his platform being the creation of a universal basic income. During our conversation, Andrew shares his vision for the future and I ask questions submitted by the Unconventional Genius community through Facebook. How the freedom dividend could help people Andrew explains that his plan for providing a universal basic income, known as The Freedom Dividend, was born out of the inability of the U.S. job market to keep up with technology. He says that robots are taking jobs from people at an alarming rate and our ability to adapt hasn’t kept pace. Rather than demotivating people to work, Andrew argues that The Freedom Dividend will provide a jumpstart to those working underpaying jobs. He also says it will give people the opportunity to save more. He believes that this solution is a more viable option than trying to retrain workers. Getting to know Andrew Yang through your questions During this episode, I do something I’ve never done before. I let you ask the questions. Listeners submitted questions for Andrew on Facebook. He tackles these challenging questions and shares his platform and ideologies. Many of the questions submitted dealt with Andrew’s policy and platform. He is running as a Democrat with very different views and policies than the current administration. He says, “Our goal is to try to get (Trump) out of office as fast as possible while we still have a functional government.” Andrew Yang’s proposed Presidential platform and policies Andrew Yang is running for President because he believes he can unite the country and bring about positive change. He argues that he isn’t a lifetime politician, but rather an entrepreneur who understands business and the economy. During our conversation, Andrew shares how he plans to fund The Freedom Dividend. One concern is that taxes might increase. How do you pay for everyone to get $1,000 a month? Listen to this episode to find out how he intends to pay for a universal basic income. The plan to help people adapt to the future Andrew proposes a radical shift in both mindset and action that he feels is critical for the country to move forward. His approach is formed from the belief that job creation will not outpace the massive impending job loss due to automation. Andrew discusses the ways he would address the nation’s challenges during this interview. Can Andrew change the mindset of people quickly enough to adapt to the times? Andrew says, “That is the challenge. Things are changing very quickly. We have to rise to that challenge. If we fail in that, then we will witness the disintegration of our country.” If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:51] Introduction of 2020 Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang [2:00] Why Andrew Yang thinks that the job market can’t keep up with technology [5:21] Does the Freedom Dividend demotivate people to work hard and earn their own money? [7:04] Educating people to learn how to save money and adapt in a changing world [11:49] What is the singular change needed in the government in order to unite our country? [13:04] Andrew Yang talks about his foreign policy [14:05] What is his biggest strength and greatest challenge? [15:06] Where is the $1,000 per month for The Freedom Dividend coming from? Will taxes go up? [15:55] How can Andrew get better results than the current administration? [17:44] Is creating basic income for everyone the same things as socialism? [18:55] How would Andrew Yang handle voter suppression? [20:10] What would the regulatory environment look like under Andrew’s presidency? [20:57] The positives and negatives of the future of AI and how it has and will affect the job market [23:15] How to help people change their minds and prepare for the future Connect with Guest Name Andrew Yang Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Unconventional Genius podcast welcomes guest Inbal Etgar, Creative Director at frog Design, to discuss the importance of design. Inbal leads the product development team of mechanical engineers and industrial designers at frog, which has been in business for over 50 years. During our conversation, Inbal talks about her role at frog, how they help companies succeed and what she sees for the future of design. frog Design has played an instrumental role in many well-known companies and products. They have worked with companies like GE, Google, and Heatworks. Most notably, frog helped strategize and create Apple’s design language called Snow White for their line of computers. Hear Inbal recount the opportunities she has had to leverage the importance of design with these major companies. The benefit of design for Heatworks During our conversation, Inbal details the work that she and her team has done for Heatworks. Heatworks is also a client that I have worked with and I know firsthand that they are an innovative company with beautiful design. frog helped Heatworks design one of the most unique countertop dishwashers on the market today. The Model 3 by Heatworks is a countertop dishwasher that uses a completely new way to heat water. By developing this type of technology, Heatworks was able to use their water-heating method in different applications, including the dishwasher. During our interview, Inbal shares her experience working with Heatworks to not only help with product design, but also with their overall branding. Inbal Etgar’s journey into industrial design Inbal shares with me her journey to becoming the creative director at frog. Starting out as a painter and sculptor, she had a passion to shape her environment. A family friend, who was an industrial engineer, invited her to help build some models which opened her eyes to the professional opportunities that industrial design held. Inbal says that industrial design is the intersection of engineering and plastic arts. She appreciates the constraints of the discipline and the opportunity to redefine visual norms. Inbal has traveled through Europe and China and experienced the different aspects of industrial design. She landed in the United States just before the release of the first iPhone and Fitbit. Inbal has achieved the rare privilege of experiencing the confluence of passion and skill. The acceleration of progress and how it is impacting design. Is design experiencing benefit from the acceleration of progress? Inbal says design is a key factor in progress and innovation but is only successful when a company has a solid foundation. She suggests that companies can over-index on design and fail to actually solve a problem for businesses and consumers. Inbal says, “Design starts in the boardroom.” You can have a really beautiful design but if you don’t have clarity about how you are going to ensure longevity, you will struggle to deliver over time. Hear more insight from Inbal’s unique experience and perspective during this episode of Unconventional Genius. The importance of design and its connection to failure “Success lives where tolerance for failure exists.” Inbal stresses the importance of being willing to fail. Data and research help you better understand how to solve problems, but sometimes you have to follow intuition. Inbal cites Steve Jobs as a great example of someone who took risks and failed but who bounced back to experience unprecedented success. During this interview, Inbal shares her vision for the future of design. She believes that the importance of design is understood better than ever before. She believes that companies gain an advantage in creating a product and solving a problem by having a designer at the table. Listen to this episode of the Unconventional Podcast to hear more from Inbal Etgar. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:02] Inbal Etgar explains how frog Design helps companies overcome business challenges [4:37] How design can be a really powerful tool in helping a company achieve their goals [8:11] Inbal explains how they helped Heatworks design their brand [11:08] Thinking outside the box in designing a dishwasher for Heatworks [14:17] The background and experience that led Inbal Etgar to become a designer [20:20] How the acceleration of progress and growth impacts the industrial design industry [25:50] The balance of solving obvious problems with educating consumers about problems they didn’t know they even had [30:00] How design and development help uncover truth for companies [32:09] What bad design drives Inbal Etgar [36:38] Are chopsticks better than forks? Considering history and culture in design. [41:40] Applying lean method prototyping approaches to design [43:47] The future and the role of design according to Inbal Etgar Resources & People Mentioned Heatworks Connect with Inbal Etgar Inbal Etgar Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

This week on Unconventional Genius, I talk with Stuart Lombard, Founder and CEO of Ecobee about how he led his company to overcome adversity to become the smart thermostat leader. Even what sometimes seems like a victory in business can turn in to an unexpected setback. It’s not about the challenges but how you respond to them that matter. Stuart Lombard is serious about saving energy. Even with no background in the energy sector and no experience in consumer electronics, Stuart set out to create a better way to manage energy in the home. “When we started people were like ‘Why are you doing thermostats? That’s the stupidest idea ever!’” With a degree in applied mathematics and a background in leading businesses, he started a company that produced one of the first connected thermostats. How a potential setback set the course for continued success Before the launch of Ecobee, thermostats were programmable, but not wifi connected. In 2009, Stuart led Ecobee to raise capital, secure investors, and release the first connected thermostat to market. It was a huge success. However, 2 years later NEST introduced their cheaper and more feature-rich thermostat. What could’ve been a devastating setback turned into be a defining moment for the company. How you respond when unforeseen trouble arises can make or break your company. For Stuart Lombard, even a potentially crippling challenge couldn’t stop his optimism or passion for creating a great product. Instead of giving up, the Ecobee team dug in and found a way to create the next best product that would put them back on top of the connected thermostat market. How Apple set the expectation for all consumer electronics Even though they don’t make thermostats, Apple has set the expectations for all consumer electronics when it comes to form and function. This has led Stuart Lombard and his team to pursue excellence and innovation. During our conversation, Stuart shares five competitive pillars that Ecobee strives to win at with every product. One key to success that Stuart shares is the importance of slowing down. For startup companies, everything is urgent. However, when you are first developing a product you have to take your time and consider every detail. Once you’ve solidified the actual product, then you can speed up. Knowing the rhythm of when to slow down and when to push forward is critical. The mission that propels Ecobee Ecobee's mission is greater than creating a great consumer product. It is about making the world a better place and helping people reduce their carbon footprint. They have a program that allows customers to anonymize their data and share it for research purposes. This program helps Ecobee make life better and more efficient through their products. They are also partnering with utility companies to help them serve their customers. I ask Stuart Lombard about the advantages and disadvantages of running a tech company in Toronto. He shares that there is a wealth of talent in Toronto, with less competition than Silicon Valley. The cost of living and quality of life are also better. Access to capital and quality of the teams continues to raise the level of opportunity for Ecobee. What the future holds for Ecobee Ecobee continues to innovate by bringing new and improved products to market. The newest is the Switch Plus, which is a wifi connected light switch. It has occupancy detection so it will turn on the lights in a dark hallway. It will also turn off lights for you. Listen as Stuart shares about how their light switch solves common problems in the home. 10 years into the business and Stuart Lombard says he is as excited as ever about the opportunities ahead for Ecobee. They are continuing to research and learn the needs of customers. He believes the connected home will be the next computing platform. With all the adversity that Ecobee and Stuart Lombard has faced, they have been able to overcome and take their place at the top of the smart thermostat industry. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:27] Introduction of Stuart Lombard, Founder and CEO of Ecobee [3:57] How Stuart turned belief in hard work and potential into launching a successful company [5:54] How to do you build optimism and drive into a company [10:15] After taking time to build a better thermostat, Ecobee released a product that was hugely successful [12:52] How Ecobee works with utilities [15:00] The mission of Ecobee is larger than just creating a consumer product [16:45] The advantages and disadvantages of running a tech business in Toronto [19:15] The product for the family that can’t remember to turn off the lights [21:15] What’s in store for the future of Ecobee? [23:05] How the room sensor feature works to measure and adjust temperature in different rooms [25:07] Stuart Lombard gives his final word about the future of Ecobee Resources & People Mentioned Ecobee Connect with Guest Name Stuart Lombard Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Gene Marks, author, speaker, and President of the Marks Group, about the top technology trends in business. Gene talks to entrepreneurs all around the country about the issues that impact growth and success. During this conversation, we discuss several trends in business that can improve your company. 3 technologies that will impact your business this year Gene Marks is not only a marketing genius, but he is also a CPA by trade. Because of his background, he likes to talk with business owners about ways to improve cash flow. Doing so will help increase profits, which can be funneled back into the business, fueling growth. Gene shares with me some ways to track and improve cash flow by leveraging technology. When thinking about the impact of technology trends on your business, Gene Marks says that you have to consider both long-term and short-term impact. One of the most important trends in technology is the use of a CRM system. This type of platform acts as a one-stop shop for all the data in your company. Listen as Mark talks about different CRM providers and the benefits they can offer your company. How to pick the right tools for your company Along with the various demands of running a company, there is an overwhelming amount of technology that business owners can choose from. While many of these resources are helpful, they can also become expensive and cumbersome. How does a business owner know which platforms are the best? Gene Marks recommends finding a company that provides multiple platforms so that you have consistency and integration. Instead of using different companies for various applications, he says picking one company that provides multiple platforms will decrease some of the confusion and expense. Listen as Mark shares some of the best integrated suites you should consider using in your company. Attracting and keeping millennial talent Millennial workers are incredibly innovative and talented young individuals that are now entering the workforce. One of the challenges of leading a company is determining how to attract and keep that talent. During our conversation, Gene shares with me some of the technology trends and benefits that companies are using to appeal to potential millennial employees. One trend that Gene highlights is unlimited time off. He suggests that millennials want more mobility and independence in their careers. Offering unlimited time-off has proven to be attractive to potential hires. However, you might be surprised by the amount of vacation used by employees at companies that have implemented unlimited time off. The politics that are impacting technology trends in business In the last few years, there has been a major shift in politics. With a Republican congress and the current presidential administration, there is some uncertainty as to what policies might change in the near future. Gene says “The smartest business people I meet put that aside and focus on the facts.” It is critical for business leaders to focus on the things that they have control over while resisting the temptation of fear and worry stirred by politics. Gene discusses some of the major policies that might impact businesses and how to navigate those changes. Listen to this episode to hear his advice on that and much more. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:50] Introduction of Gene Marks, President of The Marks Group and author, speaker and consultant [1:40] Increasing cash flow by analyzing real-time data through cloud-based applications [3:50] The three technologies that should be on your company’s radar in the next year [6:59] How do you choose which tools and resources you need for your company [11:17] The future of technology and how it will impact businesses [15:06] Tools and technologies for finding and motivating millennials [20:04] Political, technological, economic and management trends for the future [26:38] Gene encourages business owners to focus on facts in regard to politics Resources & People Mentioned The Marks Group Connect with Gene Marks Gene Marks Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Zoli Honig, Founder and COO of Waivecar, about how he is building a truly free car-sharing program. By harnessing advertising capital, Zoli is seeing his dream of transporting people from place to place for free become a reality. He shares with me how he got his start in business and some of the keys to being a successful entrepreneur. Zoli’s story is one of both hard work and a little bit of luck. He has proven that even though some ideas don’t seem great at first, with a little bit of imagination and a lot of time and energy, you can create an industry-transforming business. During this episode, you’ll hear Zoli’s story and what he’s learned along the way. Don’t let fear cause your good idea to go to waste Zoli Honig’s technological aptitude began when he was a teenager. He turned his skills into a successful business idea while in college. Zoli noticed that the educational platform used by most colleges and universities was inefficient and difficult to use. He decided to build a better application that could be used by primary schools as well as post-secondary institutions. Along the way, Zoli learned several important lessons that he shares with me. One of the best pieces of advice he gives during our conversation is about being willing to share your ideas. Zoli says, “A lot of people assume that their idea is going to be stolen, so they don’t tell anyone. It’s not about the idea, it’s about the execution.” A little more talk can lead to a lot more action Leveraging your network and having strategic conversations can help open new doors of opportunity that can take your company or idea to the next level. Zoli shares how his willingness to talk with someone he didn’t know led to a meeting with the head of Hyundai ventures. That conversation was the catalyst for the largest partnership with Waivecar. Waivecar is able to provide a free car-sharing program to consumers through advertising subsidies. In order for the business model to work, major advertisers needed a large volume of cars on the road before they were willing to buy ad space. Through a chance encounter, Zoli was able to get the idea in front of Hyundai ventures who not only bought the ad space but also provided the fleet of cars for the free car sharing program. Thinking outside the box can open up new opportunities The partnership with Hyundai is mutually beneficial, providing the ultimate test drive for potential buyers of a Hyundai while transporting Waivecar users. A free car-sharing program is not a traditional advertising avenue a car company might typically consider. However, because Zoli was willing to pursue his dream and work hard, he has been able to create a unique platform that serves both companies. The stated goal of Waivecar is to provide transportation at no cost for the consumer. Instead of charging customers, Waivecar is committed to using advertising money to generate revenue. This model of being a free car-sharing program sets Waivecar apart from all other ride-sharing platforms. Taking care of yourself helps you take care of your company Zuli shares the importance of maintaining good physical health. Staying in shape makes you more productive, giving you more energy and focus. This allows you to more effectively pour into the business. However, keeping a routine of health takes discipline. Zuli gives great advice for staying motivated while investing in your health. He encourages setting short-term goals so that you can see incremental success. Healthy living will ultimately contribute to greater success in all areas of life. Listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius to hear about that and much more. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:11] Introduction of Zoli Honig, Founder and CEO of Waivecar a free car-sharing program [5:45] Solving the inefficiencies of an educational platform by building a better product [10:48] Leveraging your network to get in front of the right people to sell your product [12:52] Don’t allow the fear of your idea being stolen to keep you from sharing it [14:29] Zoli Honig talks about what Waivecar is, how he started it and how it works [18:18] If you want to try out Waivear, go to the website and use promo code VIP [20:00] Advertising on the cars is a great value because the advertisements are dynamic [24:34] Solving the problem of volume through a partnership with a major car company [30:05] How the partnership between Waivecar and Hyundai is mutually beneficial [36:15] The next step of growth for Waivecar and the challenges that have come up [45:55] Zoli explains the importance of health and balancing the demands of work and life [51:10] Staying motivated with the reward of achieving short-term goals [54:58] Zoli shares his ultimate goal in life and business Resources & People Mentioned Waivecar Connect with Guest Name Zoli Honig Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

Enis Hulli is on a mission to provide funding for startups. His company, 500 Startups Istanbul is looking for the best possible companies to invest money in so that those companies can achieve success while providing premium returns. However, landing an investment deal with 500 Startups Istanbul is far from easy. Listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius to hear how Enis Hulli is leading 500 Startups to make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs around the world. The global impact of entrepreneurship Silicon Valley may be geographically located in the U.S., but it’s a truly international community. A study released by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a non-partisan organization which does research on trade and immigration, found that over half of $1 billion of funding for startups are awarded to companies founded by immigrants. Collectively, these companies are worth $168 billion and employ over 33,000 people. “Entrepreneurship is all about passion and perseverance, and immigrant entrepreneurs are the most hungry for success,” adds Hulli. “That’s why many of the big companies in the U.S. are built by immigrant entrepreneurs. 500 Startups launched microfunds in countries like Turkey, Canada, Japan, and Mexico to find these entrepreneurs and become the bridge connecting them to Silicon Valley.” The opportunities and challenges of startups outside the U.S. Enis Hulli says that while Silicon Valley is a hub of business and entrepreneurship, not every startup wants to move to the U.S. In fact, many companies outside of the United States want to provide products and services that can help their developing countries. 500 Startups Istanbul was started to help provide funding for startups like these. Hulli says, “An entrepreneur should go wherever the biggest market is, whether that is India, China, Africa or Europe,” he says. “That’s why our bigger vision is to help make Istanbul the startup hub of the region. Istanbul is a great place to build a product and conduct angel tests with different segments at scale." The selective process of providing funding for startups While 500 Startups Istanbul’s goal is to invest in businesses, not everyone who seeks an investment will get one. It is notoriously difficult to strike a deal with Startups 500. The company’s website boasts that “it’s tougher to get into 500 Startups than Harvard, MIT or Stanford.” Entrepreneurs who meet with Hulli will find he is just as selective. Of 2,500 deals presented by entrepreneurs and executives with early-stage companies, only 25 have struck deals with 500 Startups Istanbul. “Fundraising is a priority for us, but even more critical is managing that capital and investing it wisely,” says Hulli. “Generating good returns is vital can be a turning point in building our ecosystem and attracting investor appetite." What is the difference between a Red Ocean and a Blue Ocean company? There are different kinds of companies seeking funding for a startup company. Enis Hulli says that some entrepreneurs are entering into an established market with lots of competition. Those companies are called Red Ocean. Other companies, called Blue Ocean are trying to create a new market or product category. Regarding Blue Ocean companies, Hulli says, “Here we are taking a bigger market risk, but these companies can become a category or even market creators, and these are the exciting ones.” Listen as Enis Hulli gives advice for earning investments whether you have a Red or Blue Ocean company during our conversation on Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:21] Max introduces guest Enis Hulli, Associate Partner at 500 Startups Istanbul [3:36] How 500 startups is making an impact in developing countries [4:58] Enis explains why many of the most successful American startups were founded by immigrants [8:29] The unique opportunities and challenges for companies outside of the U.S. [13:38] 500 Startups Istanbul vision for the future [15:33] Keys that make a business stand out for 500 Startups Istanbul to invest [17:17] Max explains the difference between Red Ocean and Blue Ocean companies [18:20] How Enis got into venture capitalism Resources & People Mentioned 500 Startups Istanbul Connect with Guest Name Ennis Hulli Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Mark Palfreeman, CEO of Nixplay about the power of doing hard things. NIxplay was founded in 2007 with a vision to use technology to connect people in a meaningful way. The company accomplishes this vision through their digital photo sharing service by which families can access and share pictures over the cloud. During our conversation, Mark shares how the military and the movie business prepared him to be a CEO of a successful tech company. He explains how he started the company and the approach to business that sets Nixplay apart. Listen now to be inspired by this Unconventional Genius Sometimes you just have to figure it out There is a temptation to wait until you have everything figured out before starting something new. Mark Palfreeman didn’t do that. He started his business without knowing certain key aspects of the business. However, he committed himself to doing hard things in order to figure out how to run the business. One of the ways that Mark made up the learning gap was by surrounding himself with talented people and watching them collaborate to create great work. The time invested in putting together the right team helped him to be able to create an excellent product. Listen as Mark explains the genesis of Nixplay and the lessons he has learned while leading the company. The key to success in business lies in core-competencies Mark began his business by considering the opportunity for longevity. By thinking about how he can provide a meaningful service to the consumer, he has built something he both believes in and in which he can continually invest himself. Mark also shares the importance of discovering the right opportunity before attempting to launch a business The success of a business can be found in how core-competencies are managed. Anything that is considered a core-competency in your business should be monitored closely by the top leadership. There were several aspects of his business that Mark had to closely oversee himself. Doing so safeguarded the company from the potential drift in those key areas. How Nixplay sets itself apart Because Nixplay is primarily an online business, customer satisfaction is of utmost importance. The impact of customer reviews cannot be overstated. Mark says that by making customer service a priority, that aspect of the business has been transformed from a cost center into a profit generator. It’s been said that content is king. This is certainly true for Nixplay. Mark Palfreeman says, “As long as you own the copyright and I can provide a service to you, then I can be relevant to you and it’s hard for people to get in the way of that.” Focusing on providing a service where users own the content has given the company long-term value to its customers. How doing hard things can change your life During my conversation with Mark Palfreeman, I heard him talk about how he chose to do hard things in order to achieve his goals. He didn’t let fear or doubt keep him from trying to do something he thought was impossible. Mark’s attitude is a contributing factor to his success. He urges other leaders to have the courage stretch beyond themselves to accomplish their big vision. Leaders should also be on a constant mission of truth-discovery within their companies. Settling for the status quo will, at best, lead to mediocrity. Listen to my conversation with Mark Palfreeman on this episode of Unconventional Genius and be inspired to do hard things that can lead to greater success in your life. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:48] Introduction of Mark Pelfreeman, CEO of Nixplay, a digital photo sharing service [6:08] How his time in the film industry inspired Mark to develop Nixplay and how it prepared him to lead a company [10:55} Timing is everything when taking the first step to start a company [14:12} Success was a surprise for Mark in the beginning, so he continued to prepare for the worst [18:20] Leaders should closely monitor any area of core-competency within the company [22:39] The ways Mark Pelfreeman is leveraging Amazon to grow Nixplay [26:24] How the business to business side of Nixplay solved a problem for companies [34:00] Growth for Nixplay on both the consumer and B2B side [38:30] Attempting hard things and doing what you didn’t think you could do has driven Mark’s success [46:38] The power of a positive attitude and self-belief [49:44] Staying sharp as a leader requires focus, discipline and good relationships [54:00] Mark’s collection of classic literature and which ones have impacted him the most [58:00] The culture of openness and authenticity within a company can help a company know the truth and then grow [1:02:00] Key decisions should be made with as much information as possible [1:07:18] Having the courage to cut your losses when you’ve made a misstep [1:09:16] The vision and future of Nixplay Resources & People Mentioned Nixplay Connect with Guest Name Mark Palfreeman Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Andrew Mok, CMO of Turo about how his company is reinventing the car rental industry. Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform where users can list their personal vehicles for people to rent. During our conversation, Andrew shares how the company is not only changing the way people rent cars, but is also redefining car ownership. Drive the car you always wanted Unlike traditional car rental companies, Turo lets you pick the car you want to drive. From brand new electric cars to classic muscle cars, you can find almost any vehicle you can imagine. Andrew Mok says, “From A3 to Z4 you’ll find every car you want.” The mission of Turo is to put the world’s 1 billion cars to better use. There are currently 230,000 cars available for rent on the platform. Because it is peer-to-peer sharing, prices run significantly cheaper than a traditional rental. Hear Andrew Mok talk about how the Turo platform works and how they are accomplishing their mission during this conversation. Changing the economics of car ownership Andrew Mok shares how Turo regulates itself through user activity. He explains how each market has a different supply and demand model that determines the pricing of the cars available for rent. Rare, in-demand cars create what Andrew calls a “market-balancing opportunity” for users. Turo is contributing to the long-term value of cars by creating a shared ownership experience. Cars are not only expensive, but they are generally driven only one hour a day. Instead of the car being a waste of valuable resources, it can be turned into a lucrative investment asset. Growing a global car rental community Any technology company that wants to grow must have an eye toward the future. Turo is doing just that by investing in their community of users. Andrew Mok says that the goal is to empower users with data. To that end, several new tools and features are being developed to increase the earning potential of those renting out their vehicle. Andrew also says that Turo is looking to expand to more markets. Their current focus is in international markets. Listen as he shares their unique approach to global expansion and how it is helping them fulfill their mission. How Turo’s success has been challenged Reinventing the car rental industry has not come without a price. Andrew shares with me some of the challenges Turo has experienced while creating such a drastic change in the marketplace. Much like the backlash that Uber and Lyft experienced from Taxi companies, Turo is experiencing pressure from traditional rental companies. Turo is innovating and creating a more customer-focused business model. Yet there are those who feel threatened by this progress. The resolve that Andrew shares with me during this interview is encouraging and inspiring. Don’t miss this episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:23] Andrew Mok, CMO of Turo, gives an overview of his company Turo [4:41} Max asks Andrew how the Turo platform manages safety and security [7:38] The customer base of Turo for both listing and renting [9:39] What the data reveals about the types of cars in demand in different markets [12:34] How Turo is reinventing the economics of car ownership [16:40] Andrew Mok talks about the variety of cars available for rent [21:08] Max asks Andrew about the challenges the company is facing [29:08] What the future holds for the growth of Turo Resources & People Mentioned Turo Connect with Guest Name Andrew Mok Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On today’s episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Andy Rachleff, President and CEO of Wealthfront about the advantages of automated investing. Wealthfront is the leading automated planning and investment company in the financial industry. Utilizing sophisticated software and a client-first approach, Wealthfront makes investing easier and more affordable. During my conversation with Andy Rachleff, you’ll hear how Wealthfront is maximizing the value of automated investing. You will also get an inside peek into how he leads this innovative company. What makes automated investing better? While the older generation of investors might prefer getting their financial advice from another person, the younger generation approaches investing differently. Automated investing offers several benefits for younger investors. Andy Rachleff says one common misconception about Wealthfront is that they are trying to steal clients from more traditional firms. In reality, automated investing appeals to a completely different clientele that is often younger and still in the wealth accumulation phase of life. Hear about the distinctions of automated investing and how it can be a more viable option for many investors during this episode of Unconventional Genius. Should you choose the local zoo or automated investing? According to Andy Rachleff, a group of chimpanzees may have a better chance at picking a winning portfolio than a financial advisor. But instead of going to the local zoo to find your next financial advisor you might give automated investing a try. The financial industry isn’t designed to be fair. Many large companies require you to invest millions of dollars in order to qualify for a financial advisor. Even then there is little guarantee that they will make the best choices. As Andy explains, Wealthfront is utilizing automated investing to even the playing field. Quoting Wealthfront’s Chief Investment Officer Burt Malkiel, Andy says, “Since you can’t outperform the market, don’t try.” That is why Wealthfront uses time-tested, academically proven models to invest in low-cost index funds. Doing so with automated investing removes the potential for human judgment and error, and allows invested money to grow in spite of market volatility. 3 factors to help you maximize your return on investment Andy Rachleff explains that there are three factors you should consider when planning your investment portfolio. These 3 considerations will help you maximize your return on investment and are the same three factors that Wealthfront focuses on when advising clients. Automated investing keeps these three factors at the forefront of your investment strategy. Listen to my conversation with Andy Rachleff to hear about these important 3 factors and how Wealthfront leverages software to prioritize them. The growth and evolution of automated investing During our conversation, Andy shares about what it takes to run a successful automated investing company. He shares the difficulties of prioritizing his time and maintaining a clear vision for the company. Wealthfront currently manages over $10.5 billion in investments with over 200,000 clients. As the company continues to grow, the services available to clients will continue to grow and evolve. Hear all about that and more on this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:04] Andy Rachleff on what makes Wealthfront the premiere automated investing resource [6:30] How Wealthfront chooses investments better than human financial advisors [9:05] The three factors that will help you maximize your return on investments [10:40} Andy Rachleff explains how tax loss harvesting can lower your tax liability [17:37] The services that make Wealthfront such a valuable resource for investors [20:33] Wealthfront’s automated investing portfolio diversification strategy [24:21] How the growth of Wealthfront has allowed them to better serve their customers [27:11] Andy Ratchleff’s journey in starting and leading a growing company [33:42} How Wealthfront’s approach to financial planning sets them apart [37:38] Andy Ratchleff’s priorities and how he manages his time as a CEO Resources & People Mentioned Wealthfront Connect with Andy Rachleff https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachleff Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

One of the things I love about working in the Consumer Technology industry is the opportunity I have to hear how companies are doing product research and bringing new tech to market. My guest, today, Deena Ghazarian is an especially delightful person to talk to about those topics because she is a vital part of the TargetPath team - an accelerator that helps tech startups and established technology companies get started, scale, and become successful faster. One of the things I love about working in the Consumer Technology industry is the opportunity I have to learn how companies are doing product research and bringing new technologies to market. My guest on this episode is Deena Ghazarian, an especially delightful person to talk to about those topics because she is a vital part of the TargetPath team - an accelerator that helps tech startups get started, scale, and become successful faster. In this conversation Deena and I were able to talk about a number of fascinating topics such as how the TargetPath team has been on the front lines of the “smart city” movement, helping the city of New York establish and implement its smart city program. We also spoke about innovative ways startups and established tech companies alike are using Kickstarter and Amazon to do product research and set their companies up for success. Deena is a smart, accomplished professional who brings years of experience to the consumer tech industry. I know you’re going to benefit from hearing what she shares on this episode. This company is on the leading edge of implementing smart city tech in the 5 boroughs of New York City One of the exciting tech projects Deena and the TargetPath team has been involved in lately is the LinkNYC project. They’ve helped remove every payphone in the city with gleaming silver kiosks (called “Links) that contain Wi-Fi beacons, mobile device chargers, and informational tablets for users. The goal is to have at least 4,550 of these units spread across the five boroughs by the year 2020. Deena says consumer tech is not just about headphones and smart speakers, it’s also about connecting consumers of city services to those services in ways that are beneficial and efficient. It’s an amazing project and a look into the future of what consumer tech companies will be working on more and more as we move forward. Equipping Sol Republic to go from $0 to $65M in just over 3 years You may have seen one of the “Soundtrack of Life” video clips featuring Olympic champion Michael Phelps. They were created by a headphone brand called Sol Republic. The company was founded in 2011 and Deena and the TargetPath team were instrumental in the product research and analysis, product development, launch, and management of the brand from the beginning. Today Sol Republic is one of the fastest growing audio brands in its category. Speaking about Michael as a member of the promotional team, Deena says, “Michael did it for his love of music and what Sol Republic stood for. It was a very interesting model where he wanted to be associated with what was cool, so we were very lucky to have Michael as part of the team.” In Deena’s description of this success story, you’ll hear the key role an advisory team like TargetPath can have in the product research and development of a successful brand. It’s a strategy more brands will likely be adopting in the future. When your product is your baby, it’s hard to hear how it might be ugly Startup founders often have a hard time seeing why consumers are not going to fall in love with their product idea in the same way they have. It’s their beautiful baby, but Deena points out that apart from hard work and strategic planning, the consumer is not going to adopt it. Along that line, it’s easy to think that if the product could only be promoted effectively to a big retailer like Best Buy, everything else would work itself out. But the truth is that those big retailers are going to rightfully demand that the product is a quality product consumers will not only relate to but also like. That’s why it’s better to build a distribution channel strategy that can deliver the best product for the end consumer. Deena says, “If you jump ahead of that process too quickly, it, unfortunately, can be the downfall of your baby.” Learn why good product and consumer research and strategic distribution can make or break even the most innovative consumer tech products, on this episode with Deena Ghazarian. Kickstarter and Amazon are great sources of honest feedback for startups The tendency is to think that Kickstarter and Indiegogo are for startups, but there’s actually a great opportunity for established brands to use those platforms to get the feedback they need. With good feedback, they are able to iterate and adapt their products to consumer needs and demands. A company can learn whether or not customers will engage with the product story, what the price point should be, and how the product is going to fly long-term. Amazon is a great model to utilize for product research and development as well. The reason is that the reviews given on products in the Amazon ecosystem are honest reviews. Nothing is held back, so companies can listen to that feedback and make changes as a result. Deena points out how less commonly considered things, like packaging, can become focal-points for changes simply because of the consumer feedback received. She says, “They’ll tell you if you’re not doing anything to stand out. That’s really valuable feedback that’s hard to get because in most cases people are not thinking about the last 3 feet of the sale and how the consumer reacts to the products.” Listen to the rest of this episode to hear Deena’s thoughts about the future of consumer tech as it relates to voice technology and handsfree implementations, health and wellness, and IOT implementation out of doors. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES, or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:50] How Deena Ghazarian got involved in consumer tech [3:53] Transitioning to Monster as director of sales [9:06] The role TargetPath plays in helping product creators become profitable [11:40] Amazon strategies TargetPath helps startups implement [14:10] Examples of companies TargetPath has served [17:30] Mistakes commonly made by hardware entrepreneurs [20:37] Using Kickstarter and Amazon to get initial feedback on consumer tech products [23:50] Consumer tech trends Deena is keeping her eye on [25:43] The future of TargetPath: Doubling down to serve world-changing startups [31:01] The best way for startups to work with TargetPath Resources & People Mentioned Replay TV Anthony Wood (CEO of ROKU) Monster Sol Republic Homedics Noel Lee Michael Phelps Best Buy Amazon Apple Kickstarter The Amazon Exclusive Group Consumer Technology Association Board of Industry Leaders Gary Shapiro Connect with Deena Ghazarian TargetPath Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

New immigrants to the United States do not represent a threat to “American” jobs, they represent potential, and lots of it. Manan Mehta and the team at Unshackled Ventures believe that immigrant-founded startups are one of the most amazing sources of incredible innovations that can change the course of the country and impact the world for good. I invited Manan on the podcast to hear what is happening at Unshackled and was not disappointed to find that the way his VC company has been able to help new immigrant-led startups is more encouraging than I realized. You’ll be inspired and motivated by what you hear, so I invite you to listen. The amazing talent and resources of this generation’s Ellis Island From 1802 to 1954, Ellis Island was the gateway through which over 12 million immigrants came into the United States. For many non-native born Americans, it symbolizes the hope of new opportunity and the possibility of personal achievements they've only dreamed of before. Manan Mehta of Unshackled Ventures believes the Ellis Island of today is the American university system. The nations of the world have come to the United States seeking education, training, and a way to utilize their innate talents and intelligence. The United States is poised to benefit from this influx of competent, entrepreneurial bent individuals. In this conversation, you can hear the enthusiasm and delight in Manan’s voice as he describes the way Unshackled Ventures has been able to set many new immigrants on their way to startup success. It’s a great conversation I hope you’ll gain inspiration from again and again. The idea of startups was born in the hearts of immigrants New immigrants to America come with a built-in entrepreneurial spirit. Think about it, every immigrant is willing to take the risk of leaving his/her home in hopes of building a new life in a strange land. THAT is the stuff entrepreneurs are made of, and is one of the reasons Manan Mehta and the team at Unshackled Ventures, a Venture Capital firm that backs immigrant-led startups has put such stock in immigrants in the first place. During our conversation, I asked Manan to share some of his most encouraging stories and he blew me away with his accounts of the innovation and drive the immigrant founders he works with possess. These amazing people are creating world-changing technologies you'll want to know about, so don’t miss their stories. New immigrants have a powerful recipe for success: Long on ambition, short on things to lose If you are not an immigrant you don’t really know what it’s like to come to a country like the United States with nothing but ambition and opportunity. It’s a dream come true, but a very hard road at the same time. Manan Mehta says the combination of being long on ambition and short on things to lose is exactly what spurs immigrant founders toward success. They are willing to work hard, learn their craft or area of expertise, and apply it in ways that are often unheard of in the industries they are in. That's how immigrants are disruptive in all the best ways. Find out how Unshackled Ventures is supporting and equipping new immigrant founders in tech, fashion, sports, grocery, logistics, and more on this episode. When you are a first-time, no-name founder, your greatest advantage is going to be your grit. ~ Manan Mehta Once a person has achieved success, traction and momentum are on their side. Rupert Murdoch and Sir Richard Branson are examples of entrepreneurs who no longer need to hustle in order to find open doors of opportunity. But those who are just starting out, who are unknown and inexperienced have to possess a determination that enables them to find and make the best use of the opportunities that are out there in the marketplace. That’s where Manan Mehta says that immigrants shine because sometimes all they have is a brilliant idea and lots of grit. It's that combination that enables them to stick it out until doors of opportunity open. His advice to immigrant founders in that position is simple: “The more you can capitalize your grit into humility and coachability, the faster you’re going to succeed." Topics Featured In This Episode [1:47] How Manan went from marketing to running a Venture Capital firm [7:43] Why immigrants and veterans are an amazing source of talent and drive [15:38] How Unshackled Ventures has helped immigrants attain success [21:53] Identifying the amazing ideas and individuals who need VC support [29:00] 100% in terms of betting on the right people [32:19] Manan’s dream for Unshackled Ventures 10 to 20 years from now Resources & People Mentioned Prateek Joshi, founder of Pluto.ai Yojik Khasin Co-Founder of Togg Purva Gupta, Co-Founder of Lily Rupert Murdoch Greg Popovich Bill Belichick Phil Jackson Connect with Manan Mehta Unshackled Ventures Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

Fear is one of the most pronounced and debilitating emotions human beings face. It holds us back in all kinds of scenarios, large and small - from saying “Hi” to a stranger to starting a business. Therefore, conquering fear is one of the most important skills anyone can learn and my guest on this episode, Scott Steinberg continually addresses the issue in almost everything he writes. On this episode of Unconventional Genius, you’ll hear Scott’s recommendations for beating fear, stepping into the unknown, and making a difference in the world. The one primary difference between those who succeed and those who don’t Scott Steinberg believes there is one thing that separates those who are successful from the people who aren’t: a failure to act. Those who succeed step out to try new things and overcome obstacles whereas those who don’t succeed are afraid of taking action. Whether these individuals fear failure, or success, or embarrassment, or something else - it’s clear that if their fear could be conquered, so could the obstacles that keep them from building something great. Scott says that you cannot allow fear to hold you back and that taking initiative is the key to overcoming it. Please, take the time to hear what this seasoned entrepreneur and innovator shares about conquering fear, on this episode. The key to overcoming the fear of failure is to fail more Failure is going to happen. It’s part of the way the world works and the process by which we human beings learn. With every failure comes the opportunity to learn: Why did our attempts not work? What can we try that might work next time? Is there a new way to approach the issue? With these things in mind, Scott Steinberg says we need to be failing fast, often, and efficiently - and in a way that you can constantly be bouncing back and learning from the failure.  Listen to this episode to hear how Scott applies these principles and conquers failure. Purposefully deviate from your normal path in order to find and conquer undetected fears We all have big fears that are obvious to us, but they are not the fears that typically derail us. It’s the smaller fears we often don’t even know about that demotivate us and keep us from moving forward. When I asked Scott how to handle those kinds of fears, he referred to a concept that his friend, David Perry pointed out to him: The first step is always the hardest. Overcoming fear is possible by keeping your radar up (trying to be aware of when the fear shows up) and by intentionally putting yourself into contexts that are outside what is normal for you. That one step enables you to slowly grow your tolerance in the areas where you are afraid. You’re taking the first step in a controlled manner that pushes you to conquer the fear instead of giving into it. Anything you want to do can be done... and the barrier to entry is lower than ever In his book, “The Business Expert’s Guidebook,” Scott Steinberg points out that when it comes to starting a business, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. Stories abound of people who started a now-successful business on their kitchen table or over coffee at a local cafe. There are cost-effective and clever ways to get things off the ground without having to break the bank. I personally began my business without a penny and 15 years later have seen it grow to over $10 million in revenue, without borrowing any capital at all. It’s absolutely possible for you to do the same if you’re willing to take action and conquer your fear. It only takes time, energy, and a dedication to learn and grow.    Topics Featured In This Episode [0:05] The things you’ll learn from this conversation with Scott Steinberg [3:35] Major takeaways from Scott’s book “Make Change Work For You” [6:34] Why big fears are not as big a problem as small fears [9:26] How Scott came to write his book, “Millennial Marketing” [12:56] Overcoming the urge to over-inform prospects and customers [15:46] How millennials are fashioning their own MBA programs [21:06] Insights from “The Business Expert’s Guidebook” and “The Crowdfunding Bible” [26:32] What’s appropriate behavior in a new digital world? [31:58] Scott’s current work to equip entrepreneurs and businesses Resources & People Mentioned David Perry, founder of Gaikai Barbara Corcoran Shark Tank Connect with Scott Steinberg www.AKeynoteSpeaker.com Select Magazine www.TechPressroom.com Scott on Twitter: @AKeynoteSpeaker Tech Savvy Global - Scott’s company BOOK: The Crowdfunding Bible BOOK: Business Expert’s Guidebook BOOK: Make Change Work For You BOOK: Millennial Marketing BOOK: Netiquette Essentials Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn

As the founder of a Consumer Tech PR Agency, it may seem strange that I’m interviewing the founder of Powerful Yogurt, Carlos Ramirez. But there’s a method to my madness. I believe that the same business principles and lessons that Carlos learned in starting his company from scratch, marketing his products, and working with suppliers and distributors can be modified and applied to any industry. Even my area of specialization: Consumer Tech PR. That’s why I was eager to talk with him. Carlos’ story is amazing: born and raised in Venezuela, immigrating to the U.S., and starting a food product company from scratch with zero experience mark some of the chapters. Today his products are in over 10,000 retail stores nationwide. Do you see why I believe that Carlos has something to teach all of us,. no matter our industry? Please join me to hear the story of Carlos Ramirez, Founder of Powerful. What does it take to start a food product company from scratch with zero experience? Carlos Ramirez is what I consider to be an archetypical entrepreneur...and I’ve seen a lot of them in my work as founder of a Consumer Tech PR firm. Carlos has an innate drive to succeed that has manifested itself throughout the course of his life. From getting his family out of Venezuela and to the United States to starting and scaling Powerful Yogurt with absolutely no experience in the food industry, it’s evident that Carlos believes in himself and his ability to make his own path. During our conversation, I was repeatedly amazed at the obstacles Carlos faced in building Powerful, and more so by the innovative ways he overcame them. You’ll be inspired by the story that is his life - as well as by the success he’s found through perseverance and hard work. I invite you to listen. When you have a good strategy, structure follows ~ Carlos Ramirez As I spoke with Carlos Ramirez in this episode of Unconventional Genius, I was repeatedly astounded at his willingness to take on the challenge of creating and distributing new products he’d never even thought of before. At one point I asked him, “How did you know how to do that?’ His response went something like this… “You learn, you figure it out. When you have a good strategy, structure follows.” That begs the question, “What goes into the kind of strategy that enables a man from Venezuela to create a nationwide brand from scratch?” Carlos goes into the details on this episode, so take the time to listen. 2 slides into his investor pitch, he was told his idea was no good. Then everything changed When Carlos Ramirez was doing one of his first pitches for Powerful Yogurt to an investor in New York (known as “Power Fuel Yogurt” at the time), he was no more than 2 slides into his pitch before the investor said he didn’t think the idea of protein-enhanced, performance yogurt was a good idea. But Carlos persisted in spite of the objections - and by the end of the meeting, the investor was all-in. How did that happen? Not because Carlos is especially persuasive. What he believes made the difference was his own level of belief, his own level of passion for what he was trying to create. The more he enthusiastically cast the vision, the easier it was for others to see it and jump on board. You’ll get the feel for the kind of enthusiasm I’m talking about as I introduce you to Carlos in this episode. Powerful Yogurt was just the beginning. Carlos was willing to iterate and did it well After striking a regional deal with Food Emporium, Carlos has his first foot in the door in the retail grocery world and Powerful Yogurt had its chance to succeed. After some fortuitous mentions by celebrities like Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, the race was on. He figured out a way to do an end-run around the Whole-Foods buyer for the state of New York to get his products into local Whole Foods stores, was approached by Walmart and secured a 2000 store contract, and then the unthinkable happened: Walmart began pitching him product ideas - and he learned a new skill: iteration. Find out what it takes for a guy focused on one product type to pivot into other products that he knows nothing about, and pull it off in an amazing way. I invite you to hear the incredible story of Carlos Ramirez, Founder of Powerful Yogurt, on this episode of Unconventional Genius. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:23] The backstory of Carlos’ success: growing up in Venezuela, moving to the U.S. [8:02] An incredible optimism and belief that fueled Carlos in the initial stages [11:26] Working with Sergio Zyman and launching his company - from scratch [16:08] Raising money from friends and investors for a 2013 launch of the company [20:20] Bad press that is good press: Maximizing the exposure of a controversy [24:21] Acquiring the first customers through investors [32:01] Receiving a call from WalMart, negotiating the deal for 2000 stores [37:10] Making the pivot to provide powerful oatmeal as well as powerful yogurt [48:40] Aligning consumer needs with product possibilities in a variety of food types Resources & People Mentioned Sergio Zyman BOOK: The End of Advertising As We Know It GNC Esquire Magazine The Today Show Conan O’Brien Anderson Cooper Jay Leno Chobani Yoplait Dannon Whole Foods Food Emporium Montel Williams WalMart Target Kroger Stop N Shop Giant Food Stores Glanbia Protein Suppliers Proctor and Gamble BOOK: The Innovator’s Dilemma Connect with Carlos Ramirez https://powerful.co/ Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

As the founder of a consumer technology PR agency, you can bet that I’m highly interested in the future of consumer electronics. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to speak with my guest on this week’s edition of the Unconventional Genius podcast: Jim Sanduski, President of Sharp Home Electronics Company of America. Jim has been working in the Consumer Electronics Industry for more than 25 years. Before taking on his current role, he was an executive with a handful of companies you may have heard of: Sony, Samsung, HP, and Panasonic. Jim has experienced some of the industry’s most transformative developments, such as the evolution of television from watching analog signals on heavy CRT screens, to HDTV, to marveling at today’s 4K (and soon, 8K!) displays. He’s seen the transition from VHS to DVD to BluRay, and from renting videos in stores, to downloading, then streaming them on devices of all sizes. I can’t think of anyone better qualified to speak to the possibilities for the future of consumer electronics than Jim. I invite you to join me for this interesting conversation. The future of consumer electronics isn’t only about gadgets, it’s about appliances Jim and the team at Sharp aren’t only working on the microwaves and TVs of the future, they are focused on one of the industry’s newest areas of advancement: the kitchen. The kitchen is evolving from a collection of stand-alone appliances to a connected experience where those appliances “talk” to one another. App and software-enabled appliances will soon be doing everything from filling out your grocery list automatically by scanning the contents of your fridge to starting dinner while you’re on your way home. Jim says, “That type of functionality is still in the early stages, but it's definitely the future (of consumer electronics) and is quickly evolving. Today we take the connected TV for granted and one day we will think the same way about our connected kitchens.” If that kind of non-DIY approach to cooking sounds as good to you as it does to me, you’ll want to hear Jim’s forecast of where the connected kitchen is headed, so be sure to listen to our conversation. Startups are going to play a pivotal role in the future of consumer electronics The tech startup community is going to play a key role in Sharp’s ability to lead the pack in the race to build the connected kitchen, that's according to Sharp’s President, Jim Sanduski. His comment reminded me of my recent conversation with another Jim - Jim Stengel, author of the excellent new business book “Unleashing the Innovators: How Mature Companies Find New Life with Startups.” Stengel called it a playbook for established enterprises on how to use startups to change their cultures for the positives and avoid what he calls the “Innovator’s Dilemma.” That’s exactly what Sharp is doing under Jim Sandusky’s leadership. For example, Sharp recently announced it is working with SideChef, a startup that has developed an award-winning cooking app that will create the mobile application and custom recipe content for all of Sharp's future internet-enabled cooking appliances. The first product will be a connected version of Sharp's SuperSteam+™ Convection Oven, scheduled for release in Fall 2018. “The days of selling stand-alone products is clearly in decline,” he adds. “Today is all about what I call ‘solution selling.’ If you’re an entrepreneur developing hardware you must figure out how to merge your product with software to create a compelling consumer experience. In fact, try to take that a step further by creating a recurring revenue stream so you're not solely dependent on selling new hardware, but you in effect create a services business.” Jim’s got lots of insights like this about where the consumer electronics industry is headed, so if you’re involved in a tech startup you’ll want to hear what he’s got to say on this episode. Jim Sanduski’s advice to those starting out in the consumer electronics industry If someone like Jim Sanduski were to give you advice about how to begin your career in the consumer electronics industry, you’d be wise to heed what he has to say. Here’s a sampling of the advice he shared in this conversation: Work with industry standards instead of trying to create your own. Adopting industry standards makes it more convenient and compelling for your customer to use your product. Be humble, be kind, even when you reach the higher levels of the org chart. Always consider that business success is about ‘we’, not ‘I.’ Your colleagues and team members will make you look good. Don't be a complainer. If you are not happy about something, be part of the solution. Manage expectations by under promising and over delivering. That’s how you will build your reputation throughout the company and the industry. Become comfortable with presenting in front of people, whether to your team in a conference room, or delivering a CES keynote address. Don’t miss this great episode. Jim’s generosity with his time will reap dividends in yours if you will apply what he shares. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES, or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:39] Max’ intro to Jim Sanduski, a 25+-year veteran of the consumer electronics industry [2:57] An overview of the current state of the consumer electronics industry [4:07] The future of big box consumer electronics VS online sales [7:50] How Sharp is going about remaining relevant in the modern day consumer experience [10:21] Sharp’s new partnership to bridge the last 3 feet in the kitchen [13:02] Jim’s advice to entrepreneurs seeking to establish their own hardware company [19:10] The scrappy attitude Jim appreciates in startups today [23:02] Is Amazon’s dominance in the consumer / retail experience a good thing? [25:51] The reasons Jim doesn’t believe the large screen TV is going way [35:11] Accomplishments Jim has made that he’s most proud of [36:58] Career advice for those just getting started [44:05] Jim’s personal obligation to support Table to Table Resources & People Mentioned Table to Table Anti Defamation League Harvard University Pokemon Go Jim Stengel, author of Grow and Unleashing the Innovators SideChef Jeff Bezos Alexa Skills InstantPot Panasonic Jeffrey Katzenberg Dealer Scope Business Insider Engadget Toastmasters Junior Achievement Sony Hewlett Packard Connect with Jim Sanduski Sharp Home Electronics Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

The tips you’ll learn about CES on this episode of Unconventional Genius come straight from the top. Gary Shapiro, CEO of The Consumer Technology Association, the organization that puts on CES, and Jeff Joseph, the Senior Vice President for the CTA are among the insiders featured who will provide tips on how to make the most of CES attendance. You’ll learn how to audition for Shark Tank while attending CES, how to get the media’s attention, how to get the best booth location, how to make use of your own personal and free research assistant, how to tap into a network of successful business builders, and how to get a $40K membership to CTA for $95. In light of all that, can you understand why this episode is a “must listen?” Showcase your startup at CES by participating in Eureka Park If you’ve got a new technology or innovation just waiting to be funded or discovered, this CES secret is worth more than the time it will take you to listen to this episode. Listen as Gary Shapiro describes how startups can take full advantage of more than 3,500 financial professionals, 7,000 members of the media, key investors and suppliers all being in one place at one time - Eureka Park - the place for startups to be seen at CES. It’s the opportunity to showcase what you’ve accomplished, make key connections, and possibly even find funding for your next steps. In all my work as a consumer tech PR consultant I’ve seen very few opportunities like this, so be sure you listen to find out all the details. Successful founders often want to give back. Here’s how you can make the most of a great opportunity Founders of successful tech companies and businesses know the hard knocks and struggles required for any business to succeed. That makes them grateful for their own success and super eager to help those who are coming along behind them. The Consumer Technology Association has created a way for experienced business and technology mentors to come alongside new or struggling technology companies to offer advice and so much more. In this episode, you can learn how to get involved in the CTS mentorship program so that you can learn from the best in the business. You can even audition for Shark Tank at CES Shark Tank is one of the most entertaining shows to come along in quite a while, and the opportunities tech companies can enjoy from being on the show are enormous. If you make plans to attend CES you shouldn't miss the opportunity to go to the Shark Tank Open Call Auditions. You can profile your company and story for consideration on the show. Who knows? You may get the chance to show your innovative ideas to people all around the world by being featured on Shark Tank! Find out more about the auditions by listening to this episode. 3 ways to get your tech company or products noticed If you are a member of the Consumer Technology Association, there are 3 powerful ways you can apply to have your products or tech featured during the CES events and all year long. The first is by being profiled on CES TV. It’s a great way to be front and center for everyone to see. You could also apply to be considered for the CTA Broadcast Tours. Throughout the year, CTA showcases member products, coordinating their promotions with current events or holidays. Imagine the exposure if CTA highlighted your water sports tech product during the early months of summer! There is one more amazing opportunity highlighted in this episode and you can discover it by listening! Topics Featured In This Episode [0:09] Tips you can learn from this episode about making the most of CES [2:26] Gary Shapiro shares why small companies get extra care at CES [4:22] Why all startups need to be part of Eureka Park and how to get media attention [7:18] Taking advantage of the CTS mentorship program [8:12] Making the most of exhibit space, meeting room space, and hospitality suites [11:13] Big news: Live Shark Tank auditions at CES [13:10] Free consumer and marketing research you can take advantage of [16:43] Broadcast tours the CTA does to feature members [18:50] 3 ways to get noticed at CES - CES TV, Broadcast Tours, Product highlights [21:43] How to maximize coverage of your brand during the show [24:59] Why you should not be shy about reaching out to CTA staff Resources & People Mentioned Consumer Technology Association Eureka Park The Shark Tank Open Call Auditions at CES Turner Broadcasting Sports Innovation Labs info(at)CTA.tech - get your tech research info (must be a CTA member) Submit to be included in the CTA broadcaster tour Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify   $95 Membership Link: https://www.cta.tech/Membership/Membership-Benefits/Startup-Membership.aspx Mentorship Program Link: https://www.cta.tech/cta/media/Membership/PDFs/Mentor-Program-Guidelines.pdf Audition for Shark Tank at CES: https://www.ces.tech/Events-Programs/Events/2018/Shark-Tank-Open-Call.aspx Submission form to be featured in a Broadcast Media Tour: https://www.cta.tech/News/Promotional-Opportunities.aspx Email the CTA library: info@cta.tech CES Unveiled Las Vegas: https://www.ces.tech/Events-Programs/CES-Unveiled/CES-Unveiled-Las-Vegas Pepcom: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/567464_eba44eb971494ae080b4ae785aaef53f.pdf ShowStoppers: http://www.showstoppers.com/ces2018/  

When it comes to technological innovation, no company has taken the bull by the horns better than Sony. Though Sony’s President and COO Mike Fasulo admits there have been seasons when the company did not do the best job at innovating, course corrections have been made and Sony is once again near the front of the pack. My wide-ranging conversation with Mike on this episode demonstrates how Sony is continually working to stay ahead of the technological changes that are happening all around us and how their focus on user experience and entertainment keep them headed in the right direction - innovating as they go. I find Mike to be a fascinating, humble, and very generous leader in the tech industry and trust you will too. I invite you to listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius. Sales is an outcome. The focus needs to be on innovation One of the concepts I like to explore in these conversations is the idea of focus. I’ve learned to ask the tech leaders I interview a question that gets to the heart of their beliefs on the subject. In this conversation, I asked Mike, “If you could only focus on one thing at Sony, what would it be?” His answer was very insightful. “Sales is an outcome. I think the focus is really on innovation, and innovation through products. You know, our products are critically important, but also innovation through talent and people. How do we tap into the diversity and get the most out of our employees, which brings innovation to reality?” That makes sense to me, and the balance Mike describes between product innovation and fostering the creativity and diversity of the people behind that innovation is crucial. Listen to our conversation to hear more of the insights Mike shares about how to lead a team toward technological innovations that can fuel a consumer tech company’s growth, on this episode. If we can get a customer to say, “Wow!” - we’ve accomplished our goal It’s important for leaders of consumer tech companies to understand that the customer’s experience is the final arbiter of what’s important. Mike says that at Sony, everything they do is tested against the customer’s experience. He cites Kaz Harai, Global CEO of Sony as saying, “If I’m the end user, explain to me why I should care,” and “It’s not the last mile or the last foot, it’s the last inch between Sony and someone’s emotional side. How do you get to that last inch?” Mike says that in the end, it really comes down to entertainment experiences for the end user, and Sony is focused on making every technological innovation a direct path to that emotional connection the customer experiences while using the product. Find out how Mike is leading his team to accomplish that, on this episode. 13 roles over 33 years at the same company: it provides differentiation and confidence When Mike told me he’s been with Sony for 33 years, I had to ask him to repeat himself. Spending more than three decades at one company in a volatile industry that is driven by fickle consumers and the constant development of new technologies is almost unheard of. He began his career in the finance department and has also worked in a number of other departments, including sales, marketing, and operations. “I’ve had no less than 13 jobs at the company, so while the Sony name always stayed the same, it was almost like going to 13 different companies and learning different things,” he said. “Some say I just can't keep a job, but I look at it like I'm well-rounded.” Mike's experience at Sony is a great demonstration of both the benefits of stability in a career trajectory and the opportunities that emerge along the way for those who are ready to seize them. Career advice from Mike Fasulo of Sony: If you don’t enjoy what you do, look for something else to do “You have to go where your passions are,” Mike insisted when I asked him for advice to young people who are considering their career path. “We're products, and I realize that sounds a bit cold, but we need differentiators to be successful and realize our potential. You get that through education and experience.” That’s a statement that comes from Mike’s own experience, having filled 13 different roles within Sony during his 33 years there. He says it’s made him a different sort of “product” than other people, which is part of what sets him apart. But in his mind, all of that differentiation needs to be focused on finding fulfillment and a way to have a positive impact. “We work a lot of our living hours and if you don't enjoy what you do and you're not learning and growing, look for something else to do. Life is too short.” This conversation is well worth the time it will take you to listen, so I encourage you to set aside a portion of your day to hear what Mike has to share. Over 33 years at one company yields a lot of great insights. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES, or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:58] What to expect from Sony in the future [4:31] Technological innovation at Sony: How they partner and stay on the cutting edge [6:44] The one thing Mike would focus on to drive growth (if he could only focus on one) [9:33] Is there a brand ideal that the Sony team considers in product development? [11:33] Considering user preferences and experience in product development [13:23] Using passion and the ability to listen to stay ahead of the technological curve [15:01] How Mike got started with Sony and has built a career to be proud of [17:28] Mike’s advice for young people as they survey their career path [22:18] A personally important thing Mike would like to say to the world Resources & People Mentioned Sony’s Aibo BOOK: The Innovator’s Dilemma Google Amazon Apple Microsoft Kazuo Harai The Make a Wish Foundation The Boys and Girls Club of America Connect with Mike Fasulo Sony Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

While it seems like the key to becoming a successful entrepreneur is having a great idea, you also have to have money. But If you’ve got a winning idea, getting financing should take care of itself, right? As you’ll find out during my conversation with Ross Baird, Founder and President of Village Capital, and author of the book “The Innovation Blindspot: Why We Back the Wrong Ideas and What to Do About It," it is not always that simple. In order to raise capital, you have to be able to connect with investors. And that means avoiding innovation blind spots that are common with venture capitalists. Ross Baird wants to help investors see the vast opportunities available outside of their typical, limited scope. In this episode, Ross sits down with me to discuss his new book and to share how he’s making a lasting impact by helping investors eliminate some of those innovation blind spots in their approach to Venture Capitalism. You don’t want to miss this conversation. How innovation blind spots create limited opportunities for entrepreneurs As I was talking with Ross, I found myself thinking back more than 10 years ago to when I founded the Max Borges Agency. I had some reservations about growing a consumer tech PR agency in Miami because our offices were not in Silicon Valley or New York City. Ross says that's a concern too many entrepreneurs face because of the innovation blind spots many investors have. "80 percent of venture capital goes to New York, California, and Massachusetts," he says.. "Professional investors have trained their minds to think good ideas only come out of a few locations and industries. We think in society that resources flow to their best and most productive uses.” As I discovered in our conversation, that is not always the case. Be sure to listen as Ross explains why this is a huge problem for entrepreneurship. Investing should be more like college sports recruiting Ross shared with me that he believes too many investors approach their jobs like stock pickers - they're only looking for the next sure thing based on historical trends. This type of innovation blind spot causes many investors to miss out on star entrepreneurs that could really make an impact. He thinks they should instead model their approaches after college basketball and football coaches."If you go to any neighborhood anywhere in the U.S., whether it's rural North Dakota or inner-city L.A., if there's are kids with the potential to be an athlete. That’s why by the time they are ten years old, college recruiters know their names. There's a multi-billion-dollar industrial recruiting complex to discover athletes. Investors need to spend the same amount of time investing in their pipelines," says Ross. Hear about this unique approach to investing and how Ross is applying it to his own business in this week’s episode. 3 qualities of successful entrepreneurs Ross and his colleagues are working to eliminate innovation blind spots and widen the narrow lens that professional investors use to identify entrepreneurs. He does not want location, education, or economic backgrounds to disqualify anyone with a great idea from pursuing his or her dreams. He shares with me three qualities common to most successful entrepreneurs that he recommends anyone thinking of starting a business should embrace. These three characteristics can help entrepreneurs better position themselves for investment and success. Be sure to listen to our conversation to hear about these three unique characteristics. Removing innovation blind spots opens up a world of new possibilities The Max Borges Agency is a consumer tech PR agency, but we do not limit ourselves to partnering only with companies based in the Valley. We know we would be shutting ourselves out of the opportunity to work with some amazing companies. That's the same line of thinking Ross had when he founded Village Capital almost ten years ago. Ross Baird is leading Village Capital to find and invest in great entrepreneurs with great ideas who most investors are not paying enough (or any) attention to. And he’s trying to help other investors identify and reduce their innovation blind spots so that a more diverse group of entrepreneurs have a shot at success. Hear all about this and more during our conversation on this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES, or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [3:11] Ross Baird’s accomplishments and the genesis of Village Capital [5:20] The blind spots of the current venture capital investing culture [10:19] What are the personality traits of a successful entrepreneur [12:27] How Village Capital chooses businesses to invest in and examples of success [16:48] Why Ross Baird’s wrote his book “The Innovation Blindspot” [20:44] Village Capital’s commitment to finding entrepreneurs outside the mainstream [23:26] Ways venture capitalists should change their approach to investing [27:37] The future of Village Capital and how Ross Baird envisions its ongoing impact Resources & People Mentioned MPOWER Connect with Guest Name https://vilcap.com/ Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

There are 16 million single-family rental investment properties in the United States. Yet, investors often only know about the limited real estate opportunities in their own local market. While many other investment opportunities have become accessible due to technological advances, real estate has remained largely analog. As the founder and CEO of a tech PR firm, I spend my days working with companies that are developing cutting-edge consumer technologies. I use technology to manage virtually every aspect of my business, as well as my personal life. I also own and manage single-family rental properties. But I realized that I’ve never used a website or app to help me purchase any real estate. Gary Beasley, CEO and Co-Founder of Roofstock is changing that reality. Roofstock is not only making single-family rental investment easy, but it is also giving investors access to markets around the country. In this episode of Unconventional Genius, you’ll hear my conversation with Gary Beasley as he shares an inside look at starting and growing this revolutionary company. What sets Roofstock apart from other Real Estate websites There are several real estate websites out there. So what sets Roofstock apart? Gary Beasley says, “Most real estate sites are primarily advertising vehicles, but Roofstock is a comprehensive marketplace and transaction platform. We enable investors to treat their real estate investments more like stock portfolios, focusing on asset allocation rather than dealing with the hassles of researching and buying vacant homes." The challenge is to help investors feel confident about buying a property they may never physically visit. “No property is perfect, and every one has its own idiosyncrasies,” he says. “The idea is to make it open and transparent so investors can see all the information and select what they want to buy.” Hear more about Roofstocks unique approach to single-family real estate investment during this episode. Upending the traditional single-family real estate investment model Gary and his co-founder Gregor Watson came up with the idea for Roofstock after Gregor tried to sell 500 homes that his fund management firm owned. “The first broker said, ‘Gregor, I don't have 500 signs, I can't possibly sell your 500 homes,'" he laughs. "Others would not list the properties on MLS until the tenants were out. That’s when we realized we could upend the traditional real estate investment model of only buying properties that are vacant." The brokers' collective reluctance to list houses on MLS (Multiple Listing Service), a free service realtors use to search for real estate, did not make any sense to Gary and Gregor. Why would buyers and sellers of single-family rental properties feel compelled to wait until the home is vacant to sell? "You're trying to take advantage of the positive cash-flowing," adds Gary. "It actually costs the investor more money when you consider the fact that no one is paying rent, and the property remains vacant during the marketing process." Hear how Roofstock is changing this flawed approach in my conversation with Gary Beasley. Valuable Lessons Gary Beasley has learned while growing Roofstock While he has experience working for early-stage startup companies, Roofstock is his first turn in the role of founder. There have been many challenges, including balancing supply and demand, hiring new employees that mesh with the company’s culture, and not letting his cautious nature hamstring his vision. "I'm from the Midwest where people are prone to underselling themselves and their ideas, which is the polar opposite of the Valley's 'Change the World' mindset," he says. "What was clear to me is that in order to get the momentum that you need to create these businesses, you really need to think in a big way. We have been thinking big, and it's paid off.” The exciting future of single-family rental investment properties through Roofstock Roofstock is growing rapidly under Gary Beasley’s leadership. They are continuing to hire the right people who can develop and engineer the company’s technical needs that are fundamental to building a tech business. Gary is also constantly looking to increase their geographic footprint. Roofstock’s growth will continue to open up opportunities for single-family rental investors across the country. “One big factor is that the category of real estate fintech is in vogue right now because it’s arguably the largest segment of financial services that is the technology sector has not paid much attention to,” says Gary. “This is a very large addressable market, and we have an innovative business model that brings down a lot of costs and inefficiencies.” Through my conversation with Gary, I learned that there are exciting new opportunities to invest in single-family rental properties by utilizing Roofstock. Listen to Unconventional Genius now to hear more. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES, or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [3:40] Gary Beasley details what sets Roofstock apart from other Real Estate sites [4:26] How Roofstock makes investing in properties as simple and secure as possible [9:19] The secret knowledge of Real Estate investment that led to Roofstocks inception [12:04] Gary Beasley explains how they were able to secure investors in the company [16:01] The biggest challenges and lessons in growing Roofstock [22:57] How the future opportunities with Roofstock will benefit customers. [26:02] Insider tips on how to find a good Real Estate investment deal Connect with Guest Name Roofstock Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn    

Do startups have anything valuable to teach the world’s largest companies? Can they work together to unleash innovation in a way that makes an impact in today’s world? These are the questions my guest, Jim Stengel, Former CEO of P&G and author, sought to answer in his new book, “Unleashing the Innovators: How Mature Companies Find New Life with Startups.” On today’s episode of Unconventional Genius, I have the privilege of talking to Jim about his book and the potential that business partnerships have to unleash innovation. The movement of business and branding with purpose In starting my conversation with Jim Stengel, I wanted to talk about one of his greatest impacts on the current culture of business. His book “Grow” calls companies to leverage their influence in business for more than just profits. This movement is motivating companies to unleash innovation by looking beyond the bottom line to find ways impact the world around them for good. While focusing on purpose, a business will find that profits will follow. I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that Jim started this movement. Find out more about how his influence is unleashing innovation during this great conversation. Unleashing innovation through strategic partnerships Jim Stengle’s new book “Unleashing the Innovators: How Mature Companies Find New Life with Startups” is based on an idea Jim had while he was still with P&G. He says he was approached by a startup that wanted to work with P&G. That startup was Google, which at the time was relatively unknown. He visited with Google’s executives and realized the two cultures were radically different. That launched discussions about what to do to bridge the divide and move beyond an advertising transaction relationship. The lessons learned from this partnership led Jim to explore how startups can help enterprises conquer the “Innovator’s Dilemma.” Find out more about Jim’s research and how the partnerships between startups and large companies can unleash innovation on this episode. The playbook on how to use startups to change your culture As Founder and CEO of a consumer tech PR company, I know the importance of developing and protecting a company's culture. One of the concerns I see in a partnership between a startup and large company is the potential for culture clash. Large companies have very different cultures than startups. There can be mutual benefit from combining cultures as long as there is alignment in purpose. Jim Stengle talks about how these companies can avoid culture clash and unleash innovation together. He also shares stories of successful, as well as some not-so-successful, partnerships. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with Jim Stengle on this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius. How structure and serendipity help develop partnerships that unleash innovation Companies that often work with startups usually have a clear process for doing so. They can clearly identify their areas of need and then find startups who can help address those problems. However, while having a structure is important, there is also a bit of luck involved. During our conversation, Jim reveals how to allow room for both structure and serendipity so that a beneficial partnership might form. You can hear more about this and more on this episode of Unconventional Genius If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES, or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [3:20] Max gives Jim Stengel’s extensive resume and expertise [5:38] Jim Stengel on the movement of businesses finding purpose beyond profit [9:45] The inspiration behind Jim’s new book “Unleashing the Innovators” [16:55] What larger companies are leaning from startup companies [21:52] Jim Stengel on why a startup should consider partnering with a large company [24:40] How businesses can overcome a potential culture clash when working together [26:39] Lessons learned from the failed partnership of Quirky and GE [31:07] Successful innovations from company partnerships and why they work [33:48] How innovative business partnerships are made Resources & People Mentioned Unleashing the Innovators Grow Connect with Jim Stengel www.jimstengel.com Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On today’s episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Mark Gainey, Chairman and Co-Founder of Strava about how he helped build a successful social network for athletes. What began in 2008 as a website for cycling enthusiasts has become a community of tens of millions of runners, cyclists, and triathletes around the world. Mark shares the mission of Strava and the challenges that come with leading a global social community in a niche athletic market. Men’s Journal says that Strava is “the only fitness app that matters.” That kind of recognition didn’t come overnight. Now eight years old, Strava is adding one million new users from around the world each month. Mark shares how his athletic background and desire to motivate others through social connection led to the inception of Strava. The secret to Strava’s success During our conversation, Mark Gainey explains how he and Michael Horvath created Strava with the goal of trying to recapture the competition and camaraderie they experienced through college athletics. Mark says what makes Strava special is the ability to connect with other users. The community aspect of being able to compare performance against your peers and even engage in good-natured trash-talking is what users really enjoy. Mark also says that they never set out to develop an app that helped people get fitter or faster or stronger, but rather their goal in creating this social network for athletes was to “keep it fun.” The international appeal of a social network for athletes One of the unexpected accomplishments of Strava is its international appeal. Mark Gainey attributes this broad reach to the fact that they focus on universal sports. I talk with Mark about how that reality affects the way he leads the company and how it impacts user experience. Mark says that “the noise of opportunity” within a global social network for athletes presents a layer of complexity. He shares how they adjusted to fully capitalize on their global reach, not only getting the technology and language right, but also understanding how cultural differences change the dynamic of particular sports. Keys to the growth of Strava Strava started out small. Mark Gainey explains that they originally only targeted cyclists in their go-to-market strategy. This allowed them to understand the potential opportunity and then build a full-scale social network for athletes based on what they learned. Mark says, “We always said It is better to be great than to be big. Big will come with time, let’s focus on just being great.” Starting small allowed the Strava team to focus on the quality of the experience. It also helped them stay true to the mission of motivating people to be active and athletic. Mark shares more about the keys to growth and his aversion to what he calls “vanity metrics” during this conversation. Strava’s commitment to serving users Because users log their workout experiences, Strava has access to an incredible amount of data. This data helps Mark Gainey and his team maximize the experience of those utilizing his social network for athletes. It also helps them develop new features on the platform for the diverse group of people that use Strava. Mark says that because of the data, they know who they serve. Their commitment is to keep current users engaged and motivated to meet their goals, whether it’s training for the Olympics or running their first 5K. Listen to my entire conversation with Mark Gainey on this episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:42] Introduction of Mark Gainey, Chairman and Co-Founder of Strava a social network for athletes [3:11] What is Strava? [4:05] The genesis of Strava and how the company started out right [7:42} How the Strava team stays committed to their mission [9:21] The impact of the international audience on the user experience [11:25] Mark Gainey shares keys to the growth Strava continues to see [14:33] Insights about runners and cyclists from the data collected through the app [17:40] The diversity of athletes who are using Strava [20:14} How future innovation might create new opportunities for Strava [23:58] Mark Gainey on what he’s learned from building a social network for athletes Resources & People Mentioned Strava Connect with Mike Gainey https://www.strava.com/athletes/10 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gainey-b6536/ Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk to an entrepreneur who is disrupting the home automation market. Alex Capecelatro is the Co-Founder and CEO of Josh.ai, a company that is looking to make the truly smart home a reality through a voice activated home automation system. During our conversation, Alex tells me about both the technological and operational side of Josh.ai. He shares what sets Josh.ai apart from other smart home systems and how he is leveraging his business and technology acumen to disrupt the home automation market. Making the smart home smarter Alex Capecelatro has developed an artificial intelligence platform, called Josh, which connects with already existing smart devices within your home and allows you to control them all by simply using natural language. What once seemed like something out of a science fiction film is now a reality. Alex explains how his company is making the smart home smarter by integrating the internet of things into one user-friendly device. While there are many home automation devices currently on the market, Alex says that what sets Josh.ai apart is their whole-home approach. Instead of just creating a piece of hardware, Josh.ai is looking to integrate with the already-available connected devices within the home to make the user experience easier and more comprehensive. The strategy behind developing a home automation product Alex Capecelatro compares the Josh.ai go-to-market approach with that of Tesla. He says they started with high-end installations in larger houses with smart devices already included. This allowed them to learn and adapt the system so that they can be better and more affordable for larger markets. They also found a niche that allows them to partner with other smart device manufacturers rather than competing with them. Instead of infringing on an already crowded market, Josh.ai is integrating with them. Hear more about Alex Capecelatro’s development strategy during this conversation. Getting investors excited about home automation Trying to raise money for a tech product can be difficult, especially if you are presenting a new product. Alex Capecelatro details how his company was able to raise a lot of money from investors. He says it started by mitigating risk for investors citing his extensive experience and research that gave confidence to investors. Another advantage Josh.ai had for raising capital was their focus on solving a problem in an already established market. Rather than creating a new category of products, they were simply improving one. This allowed investors to feel more comfortable backing Josh.ai. How to come up with your next big product Alex Capecelatro is creating an exciting and unique product in the home automation field. As an entrepreneur, how can you come up with your next product or service idea? Alex says his idea came from being a consumer in the smart home market and learning about the features he wanted. Alex says, “Focus really intently on the user and the user’s problem.” If you only focus on the competitors, you’ll constantly be playing catch up. Instead, focus on giving users the best experience possible, solve their problems, and you’ll be successful. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:42] Introduction of Alex Capecelatro, Founder and CEO at Josh.ai [3:19] Alex describes Josh.ai is and how it is disrupting the home automation market [5:47] What sets Josh.ai apart from other home automation companies [9:35] The ideal customer and how installation is handled [12:31] Marketing to installers by leveraging the ability to integrate with existing tech [13:39] Current and future home automation features of Josh.ai [14:44] The types of homes that install Josh.ai and the potential for market growth [16:31] Why investors are excited to invest in a company like Josh.ai [19:04] How the home automation market has responded to Josh.ai [20:53] Alex Capecelatro gives advice to entrepreneurs looking to start a new company Resources & People Mentioned Josh.ai Connect with Guest Name Alex Capecelatro Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

As you think about the expenses required to fund your lifestyle, there is one thing you do month after month that operates unlike any other: paying your power bill. You don’t typically have any choice about where the power you use comes from, how much you pay for it, or whether or not you will work with the company in your area. Everything seems to be set in stone and you have to take what you get. But not any longer. My guest on this episode is Kiran Bhatraju and the work he’s doing through the company he co-founded, Arcadia Power is revolutionizing not only the power bill itself but the power industry as a whole, by providing consumers nationwide the opportunity to source their energy from clean sources. Be sure you listen, Kiran’s team is doing important work and changing the way we get and use energy. Can you even UNDERSTAND your power bill? Has anyone ever explained to you what a kilowatt-hour (kwh) is? What about “Single Phase Services?” No? Maybe you’d recognize the term, “Customer Efficiency Services?” Still no? It’s not surprising. Even though those terms likely appear on your power bill every month, you don’t know what they mean. And most of us don’t care what they mean because until now we’ve had no option but to accept what the utility companies say about our energy usage and pay the bill. After all, they have a monopoly on power, don’t they? But Kiran and the team at Arcadia Power have changed all that. Listen to this episode and you'll learn how you are now able to choose where your power comes from and actually understand what you’re paying for. Is the energy you’re using in your home aligned with your values? The push to use more renewable and clean energy is sweeping the globe and many people today are very concerned that they are living lives consistent with sustainable approaches. But when you have no choice about where the power for your home comes from, you don’t have the opportunity to live consistently. Arcadia Power makes it possible for your entire home to be fueled by clean energy sources, no matter where in the country you may live. It’s a simple concept that is growing rapidly and is something you should look into if you are eager to use renewable energy sources. My guest, Kiran Bhatraju explains, on this episode of Unconventional Genius. One person can make a difference, even in contexts that seem impossible Kiran never expected to found a company that challenges the way an entire industry is doing business, but it’s exactly what he’s done. And it’s working. Arcadia Power is changing the way utility companies provide power to consumers by tapping into the consumer’s desire to have more choices and determine their own energy usage patterns. In our conversation, he explains how every person who makes the choice to source their energy from clean sources is telling the power industry that things must change for the good of society. Utility companies are starting to listen. Find out how you can be part of the movement to transform the power industry, on this episode. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:21] Clean energy nationwide for the average person: meet Kiran Bhatraju [7:22] Why one customer makes an impact in the clean energy industry [8:20] Why would power companies want to work with a clean energy coop like this? [12:01] How you can buy clean energy for free and stay true to your values [14:28] Examples of the benefits you receive from using a service like this [17:15] The most common ways people waste energy [19:58] How Kiran knew this model of providing energy could actually work [23:19] The percentages of the various sources of energy production that currently exist [28:30] How Kiran was prepared to begin and run Arcadia power [31:46] The message Kiran wants to share with the world Resources & People Mentioned Google Elon Musk Coca-Cola Amazon Connect with Kiran Bhatraju Arcadia Power Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

The team at eero have created a product that is driving the traditional approach to whole home wifi to obsolescence. Nick founded Eero just three years ago when the home networking market was dominated by some of the tech industry’s biggest companies. However, he saw opportunity where they did not. Nick has turned a company that began in his apartment into one that has raised over $90 million, employs more than 150 people, and has created a new market segment. I sat down with Nick and asked him how he was able to achieve such accomplishment in a short amount of time. Listen in on his keys to success that allowed his startup to change a developed market overnight. How constantly evolving technology is forcing companies to adapt Eero is the first company to figure out whole home wifi. Their product is built upon the idea that not only is technology changing but so are the ways we use technology. With a greater demand for internet reliability, Nick set out to design a product that would provide internet connectivity that is as reliable as our running water and power. The result was an easy to use the product that provides internet to every corner of the home. When looking at the market, the challenge wasn’t trying to figure out how to build a new wifi technology. The challenge was centered around user experience and design. So they first set out to create an aesthetically pleasing product that people would be proud to have all over their homes. The power of startups over established companies In an already developed market, companies had to have known that people were having trouble with internet connectivity throughout their homes. Nick explains that “Innovator’s Dilemma” which prevents established and successful companies from seeing the need for something new in their market. The power of startup companies is the ability to build upon a simple idea and then disrupt the market. Nick Weaver says, “That’s part of the power of startups. You can start with such a simple idea and completely change the market overnight.” Find out how eero is doing just that during my conversation with Nick. 2 keys to building a successful whole home wifi solution In this conversation, Nick shares 2 keys that allowed him and his team to become successful in such a short time. Before developing a product, they focused on developing the company’s culture and values. Putting these first allowed Nick to hire people who could instill the same into the work they are doing. It’s never too early to articulate the type of culture you want your company to have. Setting the tone and message of your brand early on helps employees know the mission of the company. This, in turn, helps them better serve the end user. Evolving industries require evolving thinking While the concepts Nick uses to develop his company are not new, the kind of thinking he employs is unconventional. Operating this way looks more like leading a community of like-minded people than leading a company. How you articulate these concepts and put them into action makes all the difference. Nick believes it is this kind of thinking that will help eero stay ahead in the ever-evolving internet connectivity market. Nick confesses, however, that even methods of communication are always changing and that its difficult to keep the mission and vision of the company continually in the forefront. You’ll be inspired by his transparency about the culture he is looking to create and the values on which eero is built. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:43] Nick explains eero and how he became the first company to figure out whole house wifi. [4:50] Why eero is different as a product [7:23] How startups have an advantage over established companies. [9:06] The reasons why eero is staying ahead of the competition. [10:55] Keys to going from an apartment startup to multimillion dollar company. [12:58] Eero’s five core values. [14:30] The effects of prioritizing culture and values. [17:27] Where Nick learned to organize his company. [18:51] What’s next for eero? [21:15]Nick’s method for coming up with organizational ideas. Resources & People Mentioned Betterment Uber Connect with Nick Weaver eero.com Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

This week on Unconventional Genius, I sit down with Dr.Jeremy Corbett to discuss how he is revolutionizing the healthcare system with his company, RocketHealth. Jeremy is an emergency room physician and entrepreneur who has made it his mission to improve how the nation’s healthcare system treats patients suffering from chronic diseases. Under the current healthcare structure, patients who have chronic conditions are typically treated reactively. For instance, people with hypertension or heart disease may only seek medical attention after they have a heart attack. Rockethealth is looking to change that by offering preventative solutions for high-risk individuals. A new way to manage health Using data and coaching, RocketHealth has a better way to preemptively manage the health of those suffering from chronic illness. Patients are given resources based on their current health status which is managed by a coach. These patients are alerted to potential dangers and receive encouragement from their personal coach. Their approach not only helps individuals but also benefits companies who provide healthcare for their employees. By focusing on those employees who are likely to be the most expensive to insure, a company can save money over time. Listen as Jeremy Corbett describes how he is creating a new way to manage health during this episode. Changing the healthcare system by predicting the future What sets Rockethealth apart from other Healthcare entities is the focus on the future. Dr. Jeremy Corbett explains that most healthcare plans rely on claims. This means that providers are focusing on past experience. RocketHealth instead analyzes real-time data to predict the future. Coaches can then contact clients before they have a need to seek a healthcare provider or file a claim. This minor shift in approach could have a drastic impact on the healthcare system. Jeremy Corbett says, “We really believe that RocketHealth is helping our customer predict the future and ultimately change the future...” How RocketHealth is helping diabetics One of the population segments that RocketHealth is focusing on is people with diabetes and prediabetes. Jeremy Corbett shares some staggering stats about the number of people who suffer from diabetes and the exorbitant healthcare costs associated with these patients. Because there are specific risk-factors typically found in diabetics, there is a way to develop a healthcare management plan for them before they have a major issue. Hear how the RocketHealth software is specifically helpful for people with diabetes. Challenges to changing the healthcare system The U.S. Healthcare system is difficult to change. There are traditional methods that, while seemingly effective in the past, could be outdated or even disproven through newer research. With the evolution of technology, there is a great need for chronic illness and disease management to evolve as well. Jeremy Corbett says that RocketHealth didn’t necessarily come up with a new idea, they just put two effective ideas together. Using best-practice patient management along with advanced technology, RocketHealth provides a solution to the healthcare systems traditional approach. Listen to this great conversation on this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:37] Introduction of Dr. Jeremy Corbett who is on a mission to impact the entire population through improving the healthcare system through technology {3:52] How RocketHealth is trying to use real time data to treat chronic illness [8:48] Jeremy Corbett explains where his software is being implemented [10:02] Responses of people using RocketHealth given the potential big-brother effect [12:05] How Jeremy Corbett came up with the idea for Rockethealth [14:15] Max asks Jeremy to explain the RocketHealth business model and how the company makes money [16:01] Determining return on investment with chronic disease patients [20:20] The commitment of RocketHealth to data-driven, fact-based marketing [23:46} Jeremy Corbett talks about the future of RocketHealth {27:06} The one message Jeremy Corbett wants to share with the world Resources & People Mentioned RocketHealth Connect with Guest Name Jeremy Corbett Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I sit down with Chance Barnett, CEO, and Co-founder of Crowdfunder, to talk about the genius behind equity crowdfunding. Entrepreneurs know that there are ups and downs in trying to start a business. Chance created a new approach to assist entrepreneurs with the specific challenge of fundraising. Along the way, he has learned a lot. Being a serial entrepreneur himself, Chance Barnett saw first hand the difficulties of securing funding. He decided that he could leverage the reach and convenience of the internet to create a new way of equity crowdfunding. This led to the start of angel and venture investing online company called Crowdfunder. Listen to our conversation to hear and gain wisdom from this incredible leader. How equity crowdfunding sets Crowdfunder apart There are several distinct differences between Crowdfunder and other online fundraising companies like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. While companies like Kickstarter allow for investor perks, if the company sells for a profit, those investors do not reap any long-term benefit. Investors in Crowdfund not only want to help launch a product or company, but they also want to gain a return on their investment. The clientele is different as well. Early-stage companies looking to launch a first product might find success on a platform like Indiegogo. However, companies that go to Crowdfunder already have products in the market and are post-revenue. Crowdfunder is an equity crowdfunding platform that typically invests in seed rounds during which companies are giving up equity or board seats in return for capital. Keys to successful fundraising for your company The genius behind Crowdfunder is that it can connect entrepreneurs to high-net-worth investors much faster than traditional networking methods. However, in order for a leader to have success in fundraising, there are certain factors that must be present. Chance says that there are two main keys that increase the likelihood for an entrepreneur to receive funding. First, great fundraisers understand how to communicate the facts of the business. Investors want to know if and how long it will take for them to see a return on their investment. Chance calls this appealing to the rational side. Secondly, entrepreneurs have to be able to appeal to the emotional side of investors. They must be able to communicate their mission and vision in a way that compels investors to want to be a part of something meaningful. Important lessons from leading an equity crowdfunding company After trying to raise funds for his own businesses as well as assisting others to fundraisers, Chance Barrett has learned a lot. He shared with me several lessons that have come from his experience. One important lesson is that venture capitalists often have different agendas than the entrepreneur. Chance says, “You have to be very thoughtful about the investors that you bring on board. Investors aren’t always aligned with the long-term best interest of the company.” Investors can also help drive and push you to the next level. The bottom line is, value what you have enough to be selective. A different way to think about failure Chance Barnett didn’t start with a successful equity crowdfunding company from day one. He had several failed businesses and ventures. Rather than hide those failures, Chance enjoys talking about them. “Not everything hits and wins. I think it is important when we talk about investing and entrepreneurship that we talk about some of the failures as well.” He goes one to share a few of the ways failures shaped how he approaches business. Chance encourages entrepreneurs to slow down. Find successful people who will give you advice and then be willing to pivot and change your idea based on their feedback. Here more of his advice on this episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:29] Introduction of Chance Barnett, Co-founder and CEO of Crowdfunder [3:00] Because of his vast investment experience, Chance started an equity crowdfunding company [4:34] The difference between Crowdfunder and other online funding options [8:30] Examples of companies that have experienced success through Crowdfunder [11:16] Chance Barrett’s advice for how entrepreneurs should raise capital [14:15] Surprising lessons learned from the last few years of leading an equity crowdfunding platform [18:00] How Chance’s background led him to become an entrepreneur [20:46] Lessons from failures that have brought about long-term benefits [25:58] Advice that Chance would give to his former self if he could go back in time Resources & People Mentioned Crowdfunder Connect with Guest Name Chance Barnett Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, Jaclyn Baumgarten, CEO of Boatsetter, a peer-to-peer platform for boat rentals, shares advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Boatsetter is the #1 boat sharing community and leader in the boat sharing industry. During this episode, you will hear Jaclyn tell me about how she led the company to become a provider of over 4000 boats in 2500 locations. Before starting Boatsetter, Jaclyn Baumgarten did everything from launching new divisions in Fortune 500 corporations that grew to over a billion dollars, to spearheading one of the largest commercial real estate developments in Los Angeles. Along the way, she has learned a lot about how to lead and grow a technology company. Listen to this episode to hear more about Jaclyn and to gain insight from her experience. Turn a challenge into an opportunity Jaclyn Baumgarten started Boatsetter out of a love for boating and a desire to earn money for herself instead of for someone else. Investing your time and energy into something that you are passionate about can give you the motivation to press on even through the most difficult situations. Jaclyn shares about some really large hurdles she had to jump over in order to make her idea a reality. One of the biggest challenges to starting Boatsetter was solving the insurance problem. Under traditional recreational insurance policies, boat owners can’t rent or charter their boats. Rather than letting that be a setback, Jaclyn faced the challenge head-on and worked with insurance companies to develop a new kind of policy that would allow for peer-to-peer sharing. Growing a company into both a locally and internationally recognized brand After determining the legitimacy of the idea, the next step for Jaclyn was to understand market potential and secure funding from investors. While there was already a value proposition in place, the operational side wasn’t solidified. Jaclyn explains how being diligent in learning as much as you can while remaining flexible enough to make necessary changes can help you become a successful entrepreneur. Boatsetter’s model was proven in South Florida, but now has expanded all over the country and internationally as well. There is also great potential for continued growth by tapping into the 13 million privately owned boats in the United States alone. Regarding growth, Jaclyn says, “With any marketplace, it is essential to maintain the equilibrium between supply and demand.” How to be a successful entrepreneur by creating a compelling culture One of the major reasons Jaclyn Baumgarten says she decided to start her own business was the opportunity to develop her own company culture. Engrained in the DNA of Boatsetter is a culture where people feel valued and are expected to contribute in meaningful ways. Jaclyn talks about the importance of having alignment of vision and communication within the organization. There are several ways that the culture of Boatsetter is maintained. There are incentives given to employees who execute above and beyond the set expectations. There is also built in opportunity for honest and constructive feedback. Jaclyn shares with me her views on culture and how she continues to monitor it at Boatsetter during this insightful conversation. 3 keys to being a successful entrepreneur So much of what is learned in business comes from making mistakes. Though they often seem like setbacks, often mistakes can open the door for greater understanding that can help you become a successful entrepreneur. Hard work and determination can help counter the inevitable missteps that you will make while trying to get a startup off the ground. From being in business and management to now starting a successful tech company, Jaclyn has learned several keys to success. She has especially pertinent advice to entrepreneurs looking to start or lead their own companies. During our conversation, she gives 3 keys to success. Hear those and much more on this episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:08] Introduction of guest Jaclyn Baumgarten, CEO of Boatsetter, a peer to peer boat sharing platform [2:41] How Boatsetter works and how it affordably exposes people to boating [5:47] What led Jaclyn to start Boatsetter and how she changed recreational insurance [8:10] The challenges of starting the company and how Jaclyn overcame them [13:28] Surprising lessons that have shaped the business model of Boatsetter [16:04] The growth and trajectory of Boatsetter based on the success in South Florida [20:26] Jaclyn's entrepreneurial spirit is not only inherited but also fostered through education and experience [24:05] How culture is instilled and how to remain unified around that culture [32:28] Advice that has guided Jaclyn as she leads Boatsetter [34:26] 3 Keys to being a successful entrepreneur Resources & People Mentioned Boatsetter Connect with Guest Name Jaclyn Baumgarten Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify  

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I sit down with David Mandelbrot, CEO at Indiegogo, to find out how his company is breaking down barriers for entrepreneurship. Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that allows entrepreneurs to launch their companies or products with the backing of individuals who truly believe in their vision. Listen to this fascinating conversation and hear how Indiegogo is impacting the world. Since launching in 2008, Indiegogo has allowed people to back more than 800,000 products. By breaking down barriers for entrepreneurship, the platform has seen over 1 billion dollars in funding. David Mandelbrot says, “Crowdfunding is a great way to get funds early so you can actually fund the development of the product.” 3 reasons people back projects on Indiegogo During our conversation, David Mandelbrot shares with me some of the reasons that campaigns are successful. He says that they have researched to try and learn what makes people invest in the products or companies that use the platform. The key to breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship through Indiegogo lies in appealing to at least one of these three motivators. Once an entrepreneur begins to gain traction with a campaign, Indiegogo can help boost them to even greater success. People will invest in companies that either bring unique value to the world or provide special perks in exchange for their investment. David says that tech products and unique hardware solutions usually see the best funding results on Indiegogo. The magic number of 1 million A million dollars seems like the magic number that every entrepreneur wants to raise. I ask David how to achieve that goal on Indiegogo. He suggests that it is best to create a groundswell prior to starting the launch of the crowdfunding campaign. Building momentum by cultivating a following will give the entrepreneur a better chance to raise a million dollars in funding. In order to do that, it takes moving beyond your friends and family. Building a network outside of those who already know you can greatly increase the chance of success. It is important to get the word out to a broad base of potential investors. Indiegogo as the avenue to proof of concept Indiegogo is breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship by making it easier for companies to prove the market. Different from traditional retail channels, Indiegogo has created an avenue to get a product to consumers online. This eliminates the necessity of raising capital for production before you have proven that there is a market. Indiegogo is helping to mitigate risk for entrepreneurs. A traditional product launch that doesn’t perform well could threaten to sink an entire company. However, on Indiegogo even if the campaign proves that there isn’t a market, failure becomes less costly. There is still an opportunity to make adjustments and continue to move forward. How Indiegogo will continue breaking barriers for entrepreneurship Larger companies and corporations are now using crowdfunding platforms to expand their portfolio of products. By proving the concept on indiegogo, these companies can take greater risks without incurring potentially crippling costs. It also helps them to sidestep some of the red tape inherent in large companies. David Mandelbrot says that Indiegogo will continue to transform the way entrepreneurs get their product to market. By providing a platform that fosters innovation, the opportunities are endless. Listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius to hear how Indiegogo plans to continue breaking down barriers for entrepreneurship. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:06] What indiegogo is and how it aides in breaking down barriers for entrepreneurship [6:06] The types of products or categories that get the most funding on Indiegogo [9:31] How to get a million dollars in funding with a campaign on indiegogo [13:32] Why should a company or entrepreneur use indiegogo to fund their project [18:23] The impact of indiegogo on entrepreneurism [24:24] How crowdfunding helps mitigate risk and provides critical feedback that leads to success [29:12] The benefit of indiegogo for larger, established companies looking to take risks [33:49] Does indiegogo ever fail to prove a market for a product that then goes on to be successful [36:00] The vision for the future of indiegogo and how the company will continue to impact the world Resources & People Mentioned Indiegogo Connect with Guest Name David Mandelbrot Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, guest Mike Sinyard, Founder and CEO of Specialized Bicycle Components talks about the life-changing power of cycling. Mike founded Specialized in 1974 as a bicycle company made for riders, by riders. By overcoming his own personal challenges, Mike learned the true power of cycling and its ability to help others overcome obstacles in their lives. Becoming the CEO of a successful worldwide company didn’t happen overnight for Mike Sinyard. He took an unconventional path, dropping out of high school. But cycling helped Mike find meaning and purpose in his life. During our conversation, Mike talks about how his journey to success has given him a passion to help others find empowerment and success through cycling. Riding passion and necessity to success After discovering his passion for cycling, Mike realized that there was a gap in the United States cycling market. He started Specialized to fill that gap and serve others who shared his passion. I own two Specialized bikes myself, so I am familiar with the quality of the Specialized brand. Focused on meeting the specific needs of each rider, the company began by offering road bikes and touring bikes. In 1980, Specialized started manufacturing mountain bikes, allowing a larger segment of the population to enjoy cycling. Mike says, “Sometimes those of us that love cycling too much can go so far that we make it too elitist when the end it’s just fun.” Mountain bikes opened up greater opportunities to expand the reach of the company. Finding focus and clarity through cycling Mike struggled through school. He found it difficult to pay attention and usually had to take summer classes. At age 16, Mike decided that school wasn’t for him so he dropped out. He eventually did go back to school and graduated college, thanks to an unexpected benefit from cycling. Mike started cycling while in college. By doing so, he discovered a way to regain focus and clarity. He cites the fresh air, balance and the zen-like motion of pedaling as an exercise not only for the body but also for the mind. Listen as Mike discusses how cycling helped him deal with ADHD. Studying the life-changing power of cycling After seeing his son struggle with the same type of ADHD related issues, Mike suggested that he start cycling. While initially resistant, his son eventually did take up cycling and experienced the same benefits that Mike had. This was a pivotal moment for Mike, becoming the first step toward exploring the benefits of cycling. Mike connected with a doctor from Harvard who wrote a research paper on the impact cycling can have on people with ADD or ADHD. He decided to sponsor a full study on the life-changing power of cycling. The findings of this study eventually led to the founding of The Specialized Foundation, which promotes cycling as a tool for kids to start riding for focus by investing in primary scientific research and school-based cycling programs. Is cycling better at treating ADHD than a prescription drug? What is it about cycling that calms the mind, increases focus, and helps treat ADD and ADHD? Through the Specialized Foundation’s study and partnerships with other research centers, the answers are starting to become clear. Mike says that there are benefits not only for school children, but also for senior adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Specialized Foundation is focused mainly on school-aged children, seeking an alternative treatment to prescription drugs. The foundation also looks to partner with other cycling companies to accomplish the goal of giving children an opportunity to experience the life-changing power of cycling. Hear all about this and more during my conversation with Mike Sinyard. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:40] Introduction of Mike Sinyard, CEO of Specialized Bicycle Components [1:25] Specialized is a brand by bicycle riders for cyclists with an incredible reach [5:16] How Mike Sinyard found clarity and focus that helped him overcome ADHD [8:18] The Specialized Foundation helps kids with ADD and ADHD [10:24] The balance and repetition of cycling can change lives [13:42] Mike Sinyard’s journey to starting and leading the Specialized company [17:19] The importance of surrounding yourself with great people [22:05] How Mike Sinyard has used his disability to his advantage [24:00] Cycling:The new drug for ADD Resources & People Mentioned The Specialized Foundation Specialized Bicycles Connect with Guest Name Mike Sinyard Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I speak with Rikard Steiber, Senior Vice President of Virtual Reality at HTC about how virtual reality can change the world. HTC has been on the forefront of the virtual reality revolution, developing cutting-edge equipment and creative content. During our conversation, Rikard tells me about his passion for this ground-breaking technology and how he is directing HTC to be a leader in the virtual reality space. When people think about virtual reality, they often think of it as a gaming platform. Under Rikard Steiber’s leadership, HTC is looking to innovate beyond games. There are exciting opportunities to use this unique platform in contexts like education and industry. The virtual reality revolution Rikard explains to me how virtual reality can revolutionize even the most common experiences. Rather than simply watching a movie, users have an opportunity to be a character in the movie. With these totally immersive experiences, you can play a role that actually affects the outcome. This type of experience is shaking up the entire entertainment industry. Virtual reality isn’t just useful in entertainment. Rikard Steiber explains the implications for business and retail markets. Virtual reality could give people the chance to experience goods and services in a lifelike setting before purchasing. There are also benefits for social networking, allowing friends to interact not just via a screen, but inside a virtual world. How to market virtual reality to consumers Like many traditional technology products, virtual reality is best sold when experienced. Marketing virtual reality requires giving people opportunities to actually put on a headset so that they can see the capabilities of the technology. Getting it in front of people is the key to customer education and acquisition. Rikard Steiber says that now is the time to invest in virtual reality because of what he calls full-presence. He discusses how the brain reacts when a person is in a virtual world, allowing users to enjoy an alternate reality. Full-presence surpasses any other type of gaming or entertainment experience. Staying in front of the technological curve Being the leader in the virtual reality space is not without its challenges. There are concerns about the effects of too much time spent in a virtual world. Rikard says that HTC is doing research to ensure that they understand the best practices when using VR. Software and game developers now have the opportunity to push boundaries and expand immersive experiences. There are endless possibilities for what you can do with virtual reality. There is also a responsibility to ensure that the technology is being used to benefit society and not harm it. Rikard explains his commitment to this responsibility during our conversation. Changing the world one virtual experience at a time Rikard anticipates that virtual reality will continue to become more affordable such that it becomes a mass market product. He believes that total immersion gives people the opportunity to experience things that used to only be available to the wealthy. Rikard says he would like to see virtual reality used to enlighten people so that they can understand and experience issues around the world. Witnessing other people's needs through this unique platform could potentially motivate people to action. Listen to Unconventional Genius to hear how virtual reality is positioned to make a difference in the world. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:36] Introduction of Rikard Steiber, Senior Vice President of HTC Virtual Reality [1:00] Overview of what HTC Vive is and what HTC is doing with virtual reality [5:00] How Rikard Steiber believes virtual reality will change the worlds [8:20] The virtual reality revolution [11:14] Developers now have a huge challenge and opportunity to create new experiences for users [16:17] How do you market a product that people have to experience to understand [21:06] Rikard Steiber’s journey into the world of Virtual Reality [25:58] The one message that Rikard would like to share with the world Resources & People Mentioned HTC Virtual Reality Connect with Guest Name Rikard Steiber Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, Jay Papasan, executive, speaker, and author of The ONE thing, joins me to talk about how to focus on what matters most. Jay is a best-selling author and an executive at Keller Williams Realty International. During our conversation, Jay shares about his book The ONE thing and the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results. Using a wealth of research and the examples of highly successful people, Jay has discovered a path to overcoming the challenges that lead to greater focus. During our conversation he gives helpful tips for narrowing focus, developing discipline, creating habits and finding a life-model that you can grow into. He also dispels myths and lies that keep us from achieving success in life. Reclaiming focus on what matters most Jay Papasan says,“Extraordinary results are directly determined by how narrow you make your focus.” With so many distractions that compete for our attention, how can we reclaim focus and give more time to the things that really matter? The majority of what you want will come from the minority of what you do. This radical focus on what matters most can drastically alter the trajectory of your life and propel you to growth and achievement. According to Jay, developing discipline and focus is not about having mental strength but more about training yourself into a habit. Conventional wisdom says that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. However, Jay disputes that, saying that it actually takes much longer. He says that you should allow at least 66 days if you want something to become habitual in your life. How to reach your full potential People have far more potential than they realize. Few people are willing to put the time and energy into developing that potential. How can you be someone who does achieve extraordinary success? One way is to have a coach who can train and encourage you. A coach can help you achieve success in ways that you could not on your own. One barrier to extraordinary success according to Jay Papasan is what he calls the ok plateau. He says, “Everybody gets to where good is good enough for them, and then they stop improving.” Reaching the ok plateau and being content there guarantees mediocrity. Knowing that you’ve reached it and then seeking the opportunity to get better is the starting line for reaching heights you hadn’t imagined. The 6 lies that we tell ourselves that hinder us from success During our conversation, Jay Papasan discusses the path to success. He says that the true path of mastery is sticking to a goal and getting better over time. He also says that success is sequential. After focusing on and achieving a targeted goal, then you move on to the next. As you build on previous success, you will start to multiply your own growth. Jay warns that there are barriers that will keep us from achieving success. He shares six lies that we tell ourselves. There are no shortcuts to success, and trying to find shortcuts actually short-circuits your ability to achieve. Listen as Jay breaks down the different lies and the ways they hinder the potential in your life. Finding your life’s purpose When people start to experience success, they become fearful that they won’t be able to scale their lives to accommodate the demands and responsibility that success can bring. Jay encourages people to find a life-model that is bigger than their current circumstances so that they have room to grow into it. He also dispels the myth that the ultimate goal is to reach a state of balance. He says that balance isn’t an achievement, but rather an activity that requires continual maintenance. We all want to have a purpose for our lives. That purpose isn’t always clear. So, how can you discover your purpose? Jay Papasan says that harnessing the power of focus can help you determine your purpose. Considering where you’ve been and what circumstances and decisions have brought you to this point in life will give you clues about your passion and purpose. Hear more about that on this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:43] Introduction of Jay Papasan, executive, corporate speaker and author of The ONE Thing. [2:49] The ONE Thing is a book to help people continually focus on what matters so that they can be successful. [4:32] Focusing your time and energy into the ONE thing is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. [8:48] Jay shares how success is built sequentially through mastery and momentum [14:25] How do you tap into the potential for achievement that lies within you? [19:20] The six lies that we tell ourselves that hinders success [23:30] Discipline takes longer than you think and is about creating a habit [27:07] The day-before vacation miracle and how it is unsustainable [29:25] Balance isn’t a destination, it is an activity [30:45] Find a model that is bigger than your current situation [34:53] How can you find a purpose for your life? Resources & People Mentioned The ONE Thing Connect with Guest Name Jay Papasan Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Greg Fadul, founder and CEO of Grace Digital and ECOXGEAR on how he is staying future focused. During our conversation, Greg shares with me how he became an entrepreneur later in life, and the philosophy by which he runs his business. Through all of his success, Greg leads with an eye toward the future. Greg Fadul started his company in San Diego, California out of a passion for music and a clear vision for opportunity. He developed a consumer electronics company that develops products for music lovers looking for alternative solutions to enjoy their music. Grace Digital is an innovator in the world of internet radios and leading manufacturer of a wide variety of award-winning wired and wireless home audio solutions. 2 brands to expand the market With the boom of the internet, Greg saw an opportunity to harness the power of the internet for radio. He started his company just before the economic recession of 2008. Realizing that people weren’t just buying the radio, the company leveraged their space in the market by focusing on content aggregation. This helped them to weather the economic downturn. ECOXGear is the leader in waterproof audio for people with an active lifestyle. Greg started the second brand by purchasing another waterproof audio brand that was looking to get out of the business. They started by selling waterproof mp3 players, but then transitioned to creating a waterproof speaker. Their product launched around the time of the iPhone, which was ideal timing for an ideal pairing. Staying future focused through technology and innovation Greg Fadul has led his company to experience great success in a relatively short amount of time. He says that in about 10 years, the company has grown from three employees and $350,000 in revenue to 30 employees and $30-$40 million in revenue. Greg attributes this success to staying future-focused and committing to technological innovation. Greg sees the cutting edge of the market being through connected audio and smart speakers. They are currently concentrating their efforts on Chromecast and Alexa integration. They are also making solutions that allow you to connect to multiple Bluetooth speakers from your phone by creating universal connection among speakers. Becoming an entrepreneur later in life While many entrepreneurs start their companies during their twenties and thirties, Greg was over forty before starting Grace Digital. However, he stayed focused and motivated and used his experience and maturity to make timely and wise decisions. Ultimately, it was the opportunity to be his own boss that led Greg to finally start his own company. Greg says, “You’re never your own boss, you just have a new boss.” What drives Greg is the opportunity to lead his team toward a goal. He also likes being accountable for his own successes and failures. The company is constantly developing new products, launching 10-12 new products every year. Greg says they want to be on the leading edge, not the bleeding edge. Staying future focused while learning from the examples of others Even with his success, Greg Fadul doesn’t take a lot of time to relish in what he has accomplished. He is always looking and driving forward. His main goal in leadership is to maintain balance. He says that rather than constantly swinging for the fences, he tries to hit consistent base hits. Those little achievements compound and lead to even greater success. During our conversation, I ask Greg about what leaders he admires most. He shares with me the top 3 leaders that he looks up to and why. Not only does he suggest that it’s their success that he has learned from, but also their failures. Each one impacted him in a unique way. Hear all about that and more during this episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:40] Introduction of Greg Fadul, Founder and CEO of Grace Digital and ECOXGEAR [1:47] How Greg Fadul got started in the consumer electronics and audio company [6:34] After only a couple of years of starting Grace Digital, Greg decided to start a second brand. [11:22] Now in business for almost 10 years, what is the trajectory of the companies? [13:27} What’s next for both the two brands and the market in general [15:43] The motivation that led Greg Fadul to become an entrepreneur and how he stays motivated [20:08] How Greg feels about the success he has experienced to this point [21:13] The leaders that Greg admires and how they have impacted him [24:36] The super bowl commercial Resources & People Mentioned Grace Digital ECOXGEAR Connect with Guest Name Greg Fadul Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of the Consumer Technology Association about data collection and the exciting future of recommendation engines. Shawn is the author of the New York Times Best Seller Digital Destiny: How the New Age of Data Will Transform the Way We Work, Live, and Communicate (Regnery, 2015). He joins me to talk about how we can leverage mass data collection and technological advancements to enhance and improve the world in which we live. Dr. Shawn DuBravac is an author and futurist who studies and writes about the disruptive trends in technology. He also advises companies and business owners on the opportunities technology can offer. During our conversation, he shares some insights into the way the technologies being developed and implemented today are shaping the future. The new and better ways to collect data Collecting and analyzing data is something humans been doing for a long time. Much of the information we talk about today is information that already existed, we just weren’t capturing it. Because of digitization, we now have sophisticated ways to capture massive amounts of data. That data can also be collected in real time, giving us extremely refined, granular data. Because sensors are becoming much cheaper and being put in so many different consumer products, data capture is becoming much easier. What we once knew intuitively we can now know quantitatively using sensors. Fitness watches, athletic shoes and many other pieces of wearable and connected technology have propelled data collection into a rapidly growing, highly competitive industry. Turning data into recommendation engines What is to be done with all the data that is now so easy to collect? There is a lot of exploration and experimentation being done to determine what information is most important. As that is determined, data collection will become more targeted, making it easier to analyze and use in a way that is helpful to consumers. One major use of such large amounts of data is to help inform and give recommendations. Dr. Shawn DuBravac calls these recommendation engines. The sensors can analyze a given situation, including variables, and cross-reference them with knowledge about you in order to inform and influence decisions. Hear him share some exciting possibilities about these recommendation engines during this podcast. How technology is shaping the future There is tremendous growth and change ahead of us both technologically and socially. The way that we communicate and interact has changed dramatically with the advent of the smartphone and the internet of things. Dr. Shawn DuBravac says, “I think the digitization of information is going to have a pronounced impact on the way we think about ourselves, the way we relate to others, and the way we communicate.” Technology will continue to change the way in which we live and do things. The younger generation is now growing up having only known a world of connection and digitization. Shawn says, “There will not be these separate identities of what’s happening in the digital world and what’s happening in the physical world. We used to be able to walk away from our computer and live our physical, analog life and I think those days are done or at least extremely short-lived.” Predictions for the future Could there be a world where robots take over the job force, putting humans out of work? Will there be self-driving cars anytime soon? How quickly will we see cutting edge technology implemented into everyday life? Dr. Shawn DuBravac talks about all of these things during our conversation. Throughout all of it, he remains optimistic about the possibilities and opportunities that digitization is bringing to the world. He offers his insight about when autonomous vehicles might see a tipping point in the market. He also talks about how virtual and augmented reality might influence business efficiency and productivity. He even offers a time when he believes it might become illegal to drive your own car. Hear all about that and much more on this episode of Unconventional Genius. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [0:51] Introduction of guest Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of Consumer Technology Association [2:57] The history of data collection and why it is so important today [6:55] How the use of sensors is impacting the ability to capture data [11:31] Determining what data matters and how to effectively use it in daily decision-making [17:48] How things have changed since the turn of the century, specifically post 9/11 [23:30] With all the innovation, are there any unexpected adverse effects of the technology now being developed [29:28] Can legislation keep up with the advances in technology? [32:38] Surprising ways that technology has evolved in the short time since Shawn DuBravac published his last book. [38:05] Where is the greatest business opportunities for entrepreneurs [42:38] Dr. Shawn DuBravac offers some predictions for the future of technology Resources & People Mentioned CES Connect with Guest Name Shawn DuBravac Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius on

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I’m joined by Simon Sollberger, Vice President of Brand and Design at Innovative Partners to talk about the inspiration of emotion. Innovate Partners is a company that combines venture capital and private equity with an incubator model for launching companies. They have a unique, hands-on approach that involves leveraging design to launch companies and products. Innovative Partners are known for their Bluetooth headphones and speaker companies as well as a footwear company. They also developed PEAR, an app that delivers dynamic and interactive workout sessions to you in real-time. It’s like having a personal coach in your ear. An unconventional start leading to unprecedented success Sollberger’s interest in design was sparked when he was a school age boy. He walked by a shop where concept cars being painted and was mesmerized. From then on he wanted to be a designer. Sollberger first went to art school, but after encouragement from his father, he also studied engineering. His educational background and experience has helped him understand what it takes to bring a product to market and gives him the ability to work well with engineers. Looking for the inspiration of emotion with style and substance Simon Sollberger finds inspiration for design by considering the emotional needs of the consumer. Even something as mundane as a Bluetooth headset should be designed well. He wants the end-user to find not only a high-quality product that functions well, but also a product to which they are emotionally connected. In order to discover that emotional connection that a consumer has, Simon tries to identify products that are resonating with them. He then digs deeper to understand why they are experiencing that connection. Simon says, “Designers are kind of an antenna for what’s out there and the best of them are able to distill what’s out there and channel it into a product or service.” The best way to build a successful company Having been a part of several successful start-ups and helping other companies launch, Simon Sollberger has learned some of the keys to success. He says that beyond just developing a good product, an entrepreneur should focus on assembling a great team. Simon stresses that chemistry is so important when trying to start a business. Ideally, you want to combine world-class talent with relational compatibility so that in every aspect of business you are pushing each other toward success. One of the ways to ensure that compatibility is through mutual respect. Simon says that having both a background in art and engineering has helped him to bridge that gap on the teams with which he has worked. A glimpse into the future While Simon sees the benefit of connectivity, he also has concerns about the negative potential of technology. He believes that technology could be the demise of relationships. During our conversation, he shares candidly about the distraction of technology and his desire to at times distance himself from it. For the future, Simon Sollberger says that he would like to see how to leverage connectedness in a way the benefits designers and creators. There are so many small companies who are making incredible products, but they can’t get market share due to competition. Simon would like to create a platform where those creators are celebrated and given the opportunity to market their products. Listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius to hear more from my conversation with Simon Sollberger. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:04] Introduction of Simon Sollberger, VP of Brand and Design at Innovate Partners [5:32] How Simon Sollberger got started in the technology space [9:28] Some of the first designs that Simon worked on [11:12] Given all of his accomplishments, what is Simon most proud of? [13:14] How to balance substance and style when creating a product [17:04] Past mistakes that Simon made that he wishes he could have avoided [18:36] Simon Sollberger gives his predictions for the future of technology [26:11] Can we leverage connectedness to benefit designers and creators without allowing corporate agendas to take over? [30:39] What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self if you could go back in time Resources & People Mentioned [36:26] Simon Sollberger shares the one message he would share with the world if he had a platform Connect with Guest Name Simon Sollberger Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

My guest on this week’s Unconventional Genius is Marty Neumeier, Director of Transformation at Liquid Agency, a branding agency located in San Jose, CA. He joins me to talk about how to build better brand skills. Marty’s mission is to help business owners and leaders accomplish their goals and more effectively serve customers. During our conversation, he shares his wisdom on how to develop personal skills, leverage a competitive business edge, and set yourself apart with a fantastic, memorable brand. Marty is the author of a few of my favorite books including "ZAG", "Brand Gap", and "Brand Flip." He consults with the leaders and executives of some of the world’s leading companies while writing and speaking on the topics of business strategy, design, and innovation. How to robot-proof your career One day Uber drivers are going to be replaced by autonomous cars. Many jobs that are done by humans will eventually be done by robots. Work naturally trends toward automation. Marty Neumeier has some ideas about how to avoid falling victim to that trend. He explains his term “robot curve” by saying, “The robot curve is a constant waterfall of obsolescence and opportunity that’s driven by technological change.” He goes on to say that there is a downward pressure on the cost and value of work. However, our goal should be to fight against complacency by investing our time in creative and skill-based work. 5 metaskills that you should start developing now Living in an age where robots could potentially threaten your livelihood sounds scary. But it also opens up opportunities not only to develop new skills but to consider what it really means to be human. Marty Neumeier is an advocate for developing what he calls metaskills. He says that metaskills are master skills that help you learn how to learn. He describes 5 metaskills that everyone should develop in order to be more effective and irreplaceable in the robotic age. Knowing about metaskills is the first step. Using those skills is the next and perhaps most important action. Applying metaskills every day means thinking differently about the ordinary activities and considering how to do them better or more creatively. Listen to this conversation to learn more about these important metaskills and how they can help you build better brand skills. Brand strategy vs. business strategy Brand strategy and business strategy might seem very different, but they are actually complementary. Marty Neumeier says that business strategy is about company goals and prioritization, whereas brand strategy is more directed towards how the customer views the company. If a company fails to achieve alignment with these two business aspects there can be issues both internally and externally. In the past, if you wanted to create a barrier to competition you just had to have more money or less overhead than a competitor. However, now the best barrier to competition is brand. Helping customers make a space in their buying and decision-making process for your business gives you a competitive edge. Listen as Marty explains how customers are now doing the work of creating barriers to competition for you. Building better branding skills by elevating expectations In what product or service category does your brand stand alone? In what area are you the only company doing a particular thing? Marty Neumeier calls this only-ness and he says It is the strictest test of a brand platform. If you have an only-ness factor in a category, then you can uniquely attract and keep customers. Marty has once said, “There are no boring brands, just boring expectations” I love that quote.When leading a company, there are two areas of expectation that have to be managed. Companies need a visionary leader who can set expectations and also manage them through positive reinforcement and reward. Hear all about that and much more during this podcast with genius Marty Neumeier. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:07] Introduction of Marty Neumeier, Director of Transformation at Liquid Agency [1:47] What is the obsolescence and opportunity of the robot curve [5:42] Marty Neumeier explains the 5 metaskills [8:32] How you can apply metaskills into your daily life [18:23] The differences and similarities between brand strategy and business strategy [20:58] How to use brand strategy to create a barrier to competition [24:57] Raising expectations for a company’s brand in 2 specific areas [28:11] Marty Neumeier talks about his favorite companies and books Resources & People Mentioned Metaskills The Brand Gap Connect with Guest Name Marty Nuemeier Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

Vikrum Aiyer, Chief of Staff at the United States Patent & Trademark Office and former Senior Policy Advisor for Innovation & Manufacturing to President Barack Obama joins me on this episode of Unconventional Genius to discuss how the USPTO is connecting the dots for entrepreneurs. Vikrum is only 30 years old, and yet he has already been entrusted to lead this agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. In his role in the Obama administration, Vikrum manages 13,000 employees and a $3.2B budget in support of all legislative and public affairs strategies for the President’s intellectual property, tech, and trade priorities. During our conversation, he clarifies how the USPTO serves entrepreneurs, his vision for the future and how he has achieved so much in such at such a young age. What does the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office actually do? Vikrum tells me what the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is and how it assists innovators and business leaders in their work. He says the office rewards innovation by giving limited property rights to people and companies who are making discoveries or inventions that can benefit the world. This allows entrepreneurs the incentive that guarantees their ability to profit from their hard work and investment. Patents and trademarks protect the work of an individual or business from having their intellectual property compromised. The office also offers resources for entrepreneurs to help them navigate the rapidly changing, increasingly digitized world. The speed of innovation that has accelerated greatly over the last few years has changed the USPTO in the way it operates. During this conversation, Vikrum explains three main ways that the USPTO has had to adapt in the current technological environment. 3 ways the USPTO is adapting Vikrum says that the first way the USPTO has adapted is by becoming more cognizant and flexible for multidisciplinary technologies. He also says that In cutting edge and dynamic spaces, the office has had to examine how they classify products. As new technological industries are started, the office has to interact and engage with these companies. Vikrum says that a large part of their job is to simply listen to entrepreneurs so that they can fully understand how to serve them. The USPTO is working hard to be adaptive and agile to change so that as business continues to rapidly evolve, the office can keep pace. The challenges of leading the USPTO The mission of the USPTO is to catalyze and fuel innovation and technological progress through incentive. There is a wide variety of entrepreneurs that need the services of the USPTO, which creates challenges and opportunities for change. Vikrum describes some of the challenges he is facing as he seeks to lead this growing agency. One challenge that he shares involves the nature of government. The Intellectual Property system is being influenced by all three branches of the government. Each one has their own agenda. The USPTO has to reconcile these three interests to make sure the public is being considered and served. Listen as he shares other challenges that the USPTO faces. The future as Vikrum Aiyer sees it When asked about the future of innovation and technology, Vikrum quickly turns to autonomous and connected vehicles. He says that driverless vehicles are a huge piece of the puzzle for the future. He explains some of the innovative uses of driverless cars and the impact it can have on transporting goods. He also talks about the wireless spectrum and data collection required to facilitate these connected vehicles. He also sees tremendous growth and opportunity in manufacturing in the United States. He credits national networks established by the Obama administration that have encouraged the growth in manufacturing. Keeping the American manufacturing industry innovative and profitable is both a public and private partnership. Connecting the dots with a large community of entrepreneurs Intellectual property law is often considered complex and overly complicated by processes. It is often thought of only as patent trolling or limited to software patent considerations. Though it can be a complicated process, there are resources available with the USPTO to help you turn an idea into opportunity. Programs exist to help entrepreneurs with the cost and expertise associated with intellectual property protection. Vikrum sees the USPTO as connecting the dots to a large spectrum of business and service sectors. IP helps create an environment where experimentation is encouraged so that as discoveries are made or products are built, there is an avenue to turn that work into a viable business opportunity. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:05] Introduction of Vikrum Aiyer, former Senior Policy Advisor for Innovation & Manufacturing to President Barack Obama and current Chief of Staff at the United States Patent & Trademark Office [1:52] How the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office serves entrepreneurs [5:55] The response of the USPTO to the speed of innovation [11:36] Vikrum’s role in directing change and adaptation [18:23] Running a government office like a company by focusing on people [21:00] The USPTO’s position on patent trolls [26:22] Where technology is going in the future and how the USPTO is adapting [31:25] What is keeping manufacturing jobs in the United States? [35:45] Resources available to ensure that you can turn your idea or product into opportunity [40:21] Vikrum’s background and how he ended up in the USPTO. [47:22] How Vikrum was able to ascend to his position at such a young age [54:15] What does the future hold for Vikrum Aiyer? Resources & People Mentioned United States Patent and Trademark Office Connect with Guest Name Vikrum Aiyer Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

Today on Unconventional Genius, I am joined by Doug Wead, and Author, Presidential Historian and former presidential advisor to talk about making a comeback. Doug impacted my life in a huge way, even though prior to this conversation we had never met. About 15 years ago, a friend of mine gave me a CD of a speech called “Great Comebacks” at a real low point in my life. Though I didn’t know it at the time, Doug Wead was the one who wrote and delivered the speech that helped me get my life back together. On this episode, I talk with Doug Wead about his life and the success he has experienced in politics and writing. Doug shares the events that had the greatest impact on him and how his experiences led him to where he is now. After our conversation, I included the “Great Comebacks” speeches in its entirety. Listen and be inspired. The inspiring stories of people who came back Doug shares great insight about what allows someone to come back after a great loss or defeat in life. He says, “The fear of loss is neutralized by loss itself.” When you’ve experienced the deepest pain of loss or failure, it gives you the freedom to risk experiencing another loss because nothing can compare to the pain you’ve already experienced. During the speech that Doug Wead gave that was so impactful to me, he goes through the comeback stories of people like Roger Bannister, Floyd Patterson, Moses and Joan of Arc as well as several others. I ask Doug which comeback story is his favorite. Listen as he talks about that and much more on this episode. The secret to Doug Wead’s success Doug Wead’s journey into politics started through charitable work. He spent time overseas in Cambodia, addressing the needs of starving people. Thereafter, he found himself working to help Ronald Reagan run for President. Doug says that Ronald Reagan was an incredible speaker because he worked at it. I asked Doug what has allowed him to experience such great success. He shares about how he discovered his strengths through knowing his weaknesses. Doug says, ”Your greatest strengths are your greatest weaknesses. And your greatest weaknesses can become your greatest strength.” If you learn how to harness your weaknesses and focus them in the right direction, you can turn them into a strength. You can come back This week’s podcast is different because, after my brief conversation with Doug Wead, I have chosen to play his speech in its entirety. Listen as he shares the story of some famous people who experience incredible loss, defeat or shame but who chose not to stay down, but to get back up and start again. Doug tells these stories and concludes each with a powerful refrain of “Get up. It isn’t over. You can come back.” His admonition is to stop nursing your pain or setbacks and instead get up and fight. He exhorts you to fight. You can change. You can make a difference. It’s not over. You can come back. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:04] Introduction of Doug Wead, Author and former Presidential Advisor [3:07] Doug Wead’s favorite comeback story and what gives people to power to come back [6:17] How Doug’s charitable work in Cambodia led him into politics [10:03] Turning your greatest weaknesses into your greatest strength [13:57] What would Doug Wead’s super bowl commercial promote? {15:40] Doug Wead’s great comeback speech in its entirety Connect with Guest Name Doug Wead Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify

On this episode of Unconventional Genius, guest Peter Shankman joins me to talk about his life, success and why you want to be different. Peter has accomplished so much in his life and he’s done it all while dealing with the challenge of ADHD. During our conversation, Peter shares what drives him to be successful and what the future holds for him. Peter Shankman is an author, entrepreneur, angel investor, Ironman triathlete, skydiver and podcaster. He has sold multiple businesses for millions of dollars. He currently is an angel investor in sectors including clean energy, financial services, food, and 3D printing. Hear Peter talk about his many achievements during our conversation. How Peter Shankman is sending the elevator back down Peter says that anyone who has experienced any amount of success should “send the elevator back down.” in other words, successful people should help other people become successful. One of Peter’s main goals in life is to help people. During the podcast, Peter shares some of the ways he is leveraging his success to empower others. Being an entrepreneur himself, Peter understands that running a business can be a lonely existence. Often leaders don’t even realize they are lonely until they’ve had the opportunity to talk with other people like them. Peter exercised his desire to help other entrepreneurs by starting Shankminds, an online community for support, coaching, and encouragement. How to see a challenge as a gift One of the greatest challenges in Peter’s life is that he has ADHD. However, Peter doesn’t see this as a handicap, but rather a gift. He recently launched a podcast called Faster Than Normal which celebrates the gift of ADHD. Peter says that because of his ADHD he lacks to ability to moderate. He is an all-or-nothing kind of guy. He half-jokingly mentions that he is 3 bad decisions in a row from being a junky on the streets. In order to channel his energy and avoid doing something detrimental, he turns to physical activity. Exercising the body and mind for good Peter has run two Ironman Triathlons. He tells a harrowing story of not being able to complete a race because he overheated and his organs started to shut down. Not content with the inability to finish that race, Peter says he intends to do another full triathlon. Peter mentions several books that have impacted his life. From personal to business topics, Peter has found encouragement through the great writers who have invested in him. Peter loves to read and the way it ignites his imagination and innovation. He shares the importance of exercising the body and mind for good. Why you should want to be different So many leaders and entrepreneurs tend to operate in a silo. They get so busy working that they don’t time to step back and evaluate. Peter encourages businessmen and women to take a different approach. He encourages them to take time and talk to someone. Find a mentor who can speak into what you are doing and help you objectively evaluate. Being normal is boring. Peter Shankman says that if he could have one Super Bowl commercial to share a message with the world, he would encourage people to want to be different. Being different opens up opportunity and experiences that “normal” people may never get. Peter’s story of embracing his differences and using them to propel him to success is nothing short of inspiring. Be sure to listen to this episode to hear this encouraging conversation. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:29] Introduction of Peter Shankman, author, entrepreneur, angel investor, iron man triathlete, skydiver, and podcaster [1:55] Peter explains how he built his business Help a Reporter Out [3:38] Shankminds is a place for entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other [6:22] Steve Case’s book The Third Wave and how it has altered Steve’s opinions [7:59] Peter talks about his podcast Faster Than Normal and how having ADHD is a gift [9:21] How getting involved in triathlons has helped Peter focus and stay healthy [11:47] The books that have impacted Peter’s life [14:41] How Peter plans on going to space [17:48] Peter Shankman’s superbowl commercial to share with the world Resources & People Mentioned Help A Reporter Out The Third Wave Shankminds Faster Than Normal Connect with Guest Name Peter Shankman Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Otto Radio, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

If you’re going to start a product-based business and don’t have a clear product development strategy in place, you’re behind the eight-ball already. That’s because any successful product has to be designed to meet a very distinct need within the niche it’s targeting. That’s the conventional wisdom. But my friend Ben Dolgin-Gardner is anything but conventional. He is one of those guys who lives a lifestyle that goes against the grain of what most of society embraces. When it comes to his business, he founded a company - in China - in the technology product space - without a clear product development strategy - and has become very successful. That was a story I wanted to hear, so I invited Ben to chat with me for this episode of Unconventional Genius. A 900 mile bike ride across Europe - it’s a snapshot of Ben’s lifestyle Ben is anything but predictable. That’s because in his own mind there are very few boundaries. He’s willing to consider anything and even attempt anything. One example is an idea he had to take a 900 mile bike trip across Europe, and to do it in just over a week. Here's an example of how relaxed he lives his life - As he flew to the location he chose to start the bike trek, he didn’t even have a bicycle with him. Ben expected he’d be able to pick up a second-hand bike in decent shape in a shop in Berlin. He was right. Except that the bike chain on it broke the first day. It was an unexpected surprise that led to a new friendship with the guy who picked him up on the side of the road. Ben’s retelling of the story is so relaxed, so unpretentious. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t seem to get ruffled by anything. Listen to hear how an 80 year-old quasi drunk guy with a garage full of meth fixed his bike and got him on his way. As you listen, pay attention to Ben’s attitude about life. It demonstrates the attitude required to do the kind of things Ben does. The only white guy in China who could speak English and understand Western markets Ben has always been interested in starting his own business, but he didn’t have much direction as to what that meant when he first started out. He’d spent some time in China his sophomore year of college through Study Abroad. He decided that would be a good place for him to base his newly conceived digital electronics business. He was right in a number of ways. Having grown up in the United States, he understood western culture and business practices, which was a distinct advantage in the Chinese business environment. He also had a certain type of hustle that helped him get things done in China. With no clue what he was going to do, he decided to jump on the mp3 player bandwagon. He developed a concept, began selling the concept to online sales reps, got a big deal, and had to scramble to get his products created after the fact. Making product development strategy his strong suit - on the manufacturing side One of the things Ben discovered is that trying to build a company that does everything from the factory to sales, to customer support is a LOT of work and very complicated. He made the decision to focus on the product development and manufacturing side of the chain. That was an ingenious decision. His ability to source and manufacture in China, along with his ability to speak English natively to work with companies on the distribution and sales side proved invaluable. He's been in China since 2004, so he’s got an extensive network of contacts that make his core competitive advantage one of understanding what the customer wants, understanding the local infrastructure, and getting things done quickly and to specs. Those skills have been a powerful way for him to be the source many brands come to in order to develop their own custom products. Setbacks also present an opportunity. Stay focused on that One of the things I admire most about Ben is that he seems unflappable. He lives in the moment, taking things as they come and doing so without tons of structure in his life. That’s something I need more of in my life. So I asked Ben for his advice for people like me, people who want to learn how to better live in the moment. Here’s a handful of things he said… Try not to get down on things. Understand there are always two sides to everything Understand that if there are setbacks, there are also opportunities Anything that is easy has probably already been done - and you won’t be proud of yourself by doing it If you face challenges and overcome them, you’ll be proud of yourself after the fact Go ahead and try. If you fail, you’ll be proud that you tried, at least Take the first step. Get started. Every challenge is overcome by starting at step one I invite you to meet my friend, Ben Dolgin-Gardner, on this episode.   If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:38] Why I think “China Ben” is one of the most fascinating people in the world [4:12] 10 questions about Ben’s favorites [6:59] Ben’s 900 mile bike ride across Europe [11:40] The competitive advantages Ben experienced setting up his business in China [22:27] Scaling the business by focusing on the development and manufacturing side [25:35] Advice to those who want to source a tech product from China [33:32] Ben’s advice for those who need to learn to stop and smell the flowers Resources & People Mentioned Whatsapp BOOK: Emotional Intelligence Koh Rong Beach, Cambodia Shenzen Hardware Generator - Hax Google Maps Connect with Ben Dolgin-Gardner https://www.hatchmfg.com/ Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

One of the most obvious but overlooked things about the day we live in is this: We don’t live in a tech-based world, we live in a tech-integrated world. My guest on this episode, Stephen Denny points out that what is possible from a technological standpoint has outpaced what is comfortable. The thing holding us back now is us. Stephen’s insight into what makes underdog brands able to become dominant in very crowded industries is revealing and will empower those willing to think through what he's discovered. Stephen is keenly attuned to the impact technology has had on our world and is eager to help brands step into this new, tech-integrated world in ways that are effective and innovative. I hope you’ll take the time to listen. What defines a giant killer? Could you be one? Back when Stephen wrote his seminal work, “Killing Giants” many companies were established behemoths in their industry. Others had burst on the scene, upstarts that changed the landscape of their industry. It was those brands that intrigued Stephen. What made them capable of rapidly taking market share from the established giants? Giants in any industry are giants for a reason. They got where they are by doing things well. But they have a problem, a blind spot that appears. They become content with the way they do things and rest on their laurels. It’s a natural response because the way they do things is what created their success. But Stephen says that what got them there will not get them to a better place, the place that will keep them on top. That’s where the giant killers have learned to take advantage. Changing the rules: seeing opportunity where none is apparent One of the primary ways giant killers advance their brand in big-brand dominated markets is by constantly questioning what is being done. The company’s leadership is not content to do business as usual. They want to bring greater value to the end-user of their product or service and to do so in new ways. A deeper look into the commonalities among giant killing companies is that they practice the art of focus extremely well. They pinpoint and drill into a very specific area within their industry where they are able to carve out a specialization, a niche within the niche, a particular skill or deliverable they become known for. It’s this focus that puts them on the map within their industry in ways the giant brands have never even considered. So ask yourself, “Are there areas within my industry where my company can become a specialist?” Keep asking the question. Keep digging deeper. The insight you need to kill the giants in your industry will be found there. The power of a “Facts, not Feeling” culture Giant-killing companies are unique in yet another way: their culture stands apart from the stodgy corporate structures of their competitors. One of the hallmarks common among them is that they operate according to what Stephen calls “A facts, not feeling” culture. This type of culture is based on a very simple premise: Evidence helps and emotion often detracts. Facts are what move a company forward. It’s also what allows decisions to be made in less time and with greater effectiveness. How do you create this kind of culture? Stephen outlines 6 simple decisions anyone can make: Decide to make decisions as a team. A wide swath of diverse perspectives is vital Decide to engage in vigorous, evidence-based debate Commit to making decisions based on what is discovered The entire team must then align with those decisions Everyone works together to execute behind the decision (no room for “I told you so”) What’s possible has outrun what’s comfortable Today, the average person walks the streets with the equivalent of a television and video production studio in their pockets. They are able to self-select the media and commercial influences they want... and that digital availability has become immersive. Next time you’re in a public place, just look around you for the proof. How many people are looking at or listening to their smartphone? Stephen points out that what is possible from a technological standpoint is seemingly limitless. Brands that will rise to the forefront of the consumer scene in the future will embrace technology, learn to use the emerging patterns of consumption and preference exhibited by everyday people, and engage in the conversation with them - in ways they prefer. Those that do will be the next giant killers. Those that don’t will die a long, slow death. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:20] Why Stephen Denny’s book is something I thought worthy of your attention [6:55] How “Killing Giants” came about through public speaking and presentations [11:20] What defines a giant killer? [18:13] Taking the conversation in your market to a place where you know you can win [27:22] Creating a “Facts not Feeling” culture - one that is evidence based [36:52] Leading brands into the new era we’ve transitioned into [46:51] Stephen’s advice to those uncertain what to do with their careers Resources & People Mentioned Bobby McFerrin Sierra Nevada Beer TripIt Bejeweled Blitz BOOK: Three Uses Of The Knife  The Usual Suspects Mike Rowe Mike Rowe Works Foundation Sony TDK Diamond Rio Digital Music Player Google Baidu - Chinese search engine South by Southwest conference Connect with Stephen Denny https://www.stephendenny.com/ Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

The desire to create a piece of innovative technology that dominates the market has fueled founders for a long time. When Sonny Vu and his partners created Misfit, they wanted to go a step beyond that. They wanted to create technology that was innovative because it truly served people in meaningful ways, rather than the other way around. In his mind, it had to be something people actually wanted to wear, something they enjoyed using. This conversation tells how Sonny was born in Vietnam, raised in the home of immigrants, and began starting companies of his own when he was in his early 20s. It’s not the road most commonly traveled, but it’s one that has brought Sonny a lot of personal and professional fulfillment. You’ll be inspired by his story and empowered by his lessons-learned from founding, scaling, and selling a very successful and innovative technology company, Misfit. Wearable technology needs to serve us and be something we want to use In Sonny’s opinion, most of the wearable technology that comes to market seems to have been designed by brilliant engineers, for people who have the IQ of a brilliant engineer. There doesn't seem to be thought given to the end-user and what would make the tech something they would not only find useful but also enjoy using. The goal in starting Misfit was to bring a product to market that accomplished both of those things. As part of the product research phase, Sonny read thousands of Amazon reviews for wearable tech purchases. His suspicions were confirmed: Most purchasers expressed frustration and didn’t actually enjoy using what they had purchased. The Misfit road to success is one that has changed that story. Elegant, useful products created with the end-user in mind. Listen as Sonny explains. Wisdom, judgment, culture: Areas where new team members MUST fit your company One of the hardest things to get right in any company is hiring. It’s almost impossible to discern character, wisdom, and cultural fit in a handful of interviews. So how do you do it? Sonny says it’s not an exact science but you can get better at it. He’s learned to focus on three things: wisdom, judgment, and culture. He does everything he can to get a clear view of those because they are the character traits that will have the biggest impact on the team, both positively and negatively. He prefers to work alongside people before he hires them. He watches how they interact with others, their body language, and pays attention to the degree of insight they demonstrate during the project. Are there ways you can apply this “lean startup-like” approach to finding and hiring the right people for your team? New hires require micromanagement until they earn autonomy When I asked Sonny how he goes about bringing a new hire onto his team, he expressed a desire to get them to a state of independence and autonomy as soon as possible. But that doesn’t mean he throws them into that level of freedom right away. He actually does the opposite. He believes it’s prudent to micromanage new hires for a season because autonomy is something that has to be earned. As a new hire proves their ability, capacity, and judgment they are allowed more freedom. How would this approach work in your organization? Technology that is incredibly useful and extremely affordable is the best innovation I always like to hear who has influenced my guests in significant ways. For Sonny, one of those people was Steve Jobs. He had the opportunity to spend 5 to 10 minutes with Steve once and received a great deal of insight from the famed Apple founder in that compressed encounter. Steve asked him about what he was working on and inquired what the most innovative thing he could do might be. During the conversation Steve said that the best innovations are the ones that are incredibly useful to many people yet very affordable, so the masses can benefit from it just as much as those with greater resources. Sonny loves that mindset and wants it to characterize the way he develops tech solutions. He hopes to one day be part of a project that makes life better for the “bottom billion” - those who are the poorest of the poor across the globe. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:06] Sonny Vu’s dream of making technology serve us instead of us serving technology [4:42] Why the company has hired a medical officer [6:21] Born in Vietnam, raised in an immigrant family, starting companies in the 90s [8:03] Hiring the right team is not an easy process [11:07] Should an entrepreneur ever outsource recruiting and sales? [13:42] When to jump in to help and when to let the team make mistakes [15:20] The Christian values that inform the way Sonny leads his teams [20:30] People who have impacted Sonny through their influence on his life [23:34] How Sonny came to learn that work-life-balance is more about integration [25:41] Sonny’s message to the world: Give first, get later, leave money on the table for the other side Resources & People Mentioned Apple commercial that inspired the name “Misfit” John Scully BOOK: The Bottom Billion BOOK: Good to Great Connect with Sonny Vu Fossil Group - the company Sonny works with Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

If you’re thinking about starting a company of any kind, you will quickly realize that learning how to get clients is the lifeblood of your business. Simply put: If you don’t have work to do, you don’t have a company. My guest on this episode is my friend and “brother from another mother” Pietro Ranieri. Pietro has a particular talent for getting new work, a skill he exhibited time and time again in the early days of his freelance work as a PR consultant. This conversation tells his story. He went to university to study agriculture with the full expectation that he’d become a farmer. But once he graduated and had to take the next steps, an entry-level position at a small PR agency was his door into a whole new world, and what would become his lifelong business path. You’ll enjoy Pietro’s down-to-earth manner and the valuable insights he shares about what it takes to lead a team successfully, the obstacles to scaling any business, and the hard decisions owners/founders have to make in order for it to happen. A freelance gig 8 days a month paid more than his full-time job Pietro started his full-time career in the PR industry working for a small PR startup. He learned the ropes in account and campaign management and the skills of finding and winning client work. When he finally decided to take a side gig as a freelance PR professional, he learned something astounding. He contracted to work 8 days a month for a company in need of PR consulting and was paid more for that 8-day job than he earned from his full-time work at the agency. As you might imagine, a light came on and he began figuring out how to work for himself full-time. Pietro’s story is one of a guy who simply wanted to do the best job he could for his clients, which meant he wasn’t afraid to learn, develop new skills, and do what it took to learn how to get clients of his own so he could launch his own business. The trick of letting go of the details so you can get in your personal sweet spot As a business grows, the person who started it has to figure out how to set it up for success. First, that means the right processes and workflows have to be put in place. The clients must receive their deliverables with the quality and according to the delivery date they were promised. Second, team members need to receive great training to enable them to use the systems effectively. But the biggest thing is that as the business grows, the founder has to learn how to trust his team enough that he/she can delegate effectively. That’s how things begin to scale rapidly because it’s the point where the founder is able to focus their full attention on the things that only they can do. Listen to learn how Pietro does spot-checks on specific details within his company to stay in touch with how things are going, even though he has effectively delegated. True entrepreneurs don’t really WANT to be free of their business It’s always fun to ask capable entrepreneurs like Pietro how they would set things up in their business in order to be away from it for an entire year and come back to see that it’s grown. Pietro wasn’t shy about answering. He feels he’s not far off from that ability, the problem is that he doesn’t really want to have that kind of freedom. Like all true entrepreneurs, Pietro enjoys his business. It’s the thrill of getting new clients, developing new systems and deliverables, and leading a team that keeps him going. He has more fun at work than he typically does on vacation. You have to be the small fish in the big pond in order to grow It feels good to build a company to the point that it’s a leader in its little niche of the industry. But Pietro points out that if you want to continue growing, both personally and as a company, you’ve got to get yourself into a bigger pond. That could happen by adding services to your offerings, pivoting into a different sphere of the industry, or widening your scope across industry lines. It’s the challenge of taking on new things that forces you to grow. I don’t know many people who demonstrate a growth attitude as well as my friend, Pietro. I hope you take the time to listen. You’ll receive some valuable lessons that any agency team member or owner will do well to heed. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:20] Why Pietro Ranieri is on the show: his story and his experience [2:21] Doing things himself: how Pietro forged his own path into the tech PR space [10:03] Making it past the small team hump to scale his agency [13:41] The trick to letting go of things so you can move into your personal sweet spot [18:06] A trustworthy team is vital to breaking free of the day to day management [22:01] How Pietro stays on a growth path personally, when nobody requires it of him [29:54] The things Pietro is looking forward to [33:04] Pietro’s advice for those looking to start a business Resources & People Mentioned Harman Kardon AKG JBL Stuff Magazine Misfit Moove Macromedia Epson MIchael Gerber, author of The E-Myth BOOK: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell BOOK: The BFG (kid’s book) Connect with Pietro Ranieri Ranieri Communications Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

How could a guy without a college degree and a background in landscaping create a successful smart home solutions company that works alongside Apple and other big-name tech giants? It’s not easy. It takes a lot of grit and plenty of hustle - and Chris Allen has both. This episode is a real treat. You’ll hear the story of how Chris Allen built iDevices from one product idea to a multi-product powerhouse in the Smart Home industry. He explains how he had the boldness to go for it in a tech-oriented industry even though he didn’t have a technical background, how a cold-call to Apple proved hugely successful, the steps it takes to build a great team and how he did it, and more. You have to hire great people and empower them to do what they do best As Chris began iDevices he followed the path most startup founders do. He wore many hats and had his fingers in every project and decision. But as the company grew he discovered that it was beyond his ability to manage on his own. He had to learn how to let go of things, to pass them along to other capable people who could take them on fully. Two of the areas he found most difficult to step out of were marketing and hiring. It’s not that he felt particularly skilled or expert in either of those areas, but he enjoyed them immensely. He’s had to learn to trust the great people he’s hired to do what they are best at so that he can do the things that move the company forward. And his team hasn't disappointed. The decision to delegate things to competent people is one of the most necessary and pivotal for every startup. It brings accelerated growth more than any other decision. You’d expect a smart home solutions company to be in Silicon Valley. Not this one Avon, CT is not where you’d expect to find one of the most successful consumer tech companies in the United States, but that’s where Chris Allen has located the corporate offices of the company. He’s discovered some distinct advantages to being outside the normal environment of the consumer technology industry. Being outside Silicon Valley has drawn candidates for open positions who are a wider demographic than the 20 to 30-year-olds common within the industry. He has some team members who are in their 60s and loves the way the diverse age range contributes to the creativity and ingenuity of the company. To be successful you have to be willing to receive the criticism as well as the praise Chris is an advocate of the “Lean Startup” methodology made popular by Eric Ries. One aspect of the approach that he’s particularly fond of us the process of soliciting feedback from customers, iterating, then shipping new products. With a software or services company that process can be fairly quick. But with smart home devices like Chris’ company sells, the time frame from idea to product can be as much as 18 months - and it’s not always simple to get direct feedback from customers. How does he get the feedback needed? From the beginning Chris has worked extra hard at making connections with customers, asking for their feedback. He makes use of surveys to help his team understand how their products are being used, what new uses cases may exist that they haven’t considered, and what issues are being experienced with the product as it is. The benefits that come from such diligent customer communication is unmatched. Don’t go big right away. Take the time to discover and know your market I always like to ask my guests for their advice to new entrepreneurs and Founders. Chris wasn’t shy to pass along advice that’s contrary to much of what you hear in the startup community. He advises that you maintain slow, steady growth and NOT go big right away. Too often he’s seen companies launch on the back of a huge Kickstarter campaign only to discover that the fans who supported the product on Kickstarter are the full extent of the interested market. When that’s the case, scaling isn’t possible. His suggestion is that you take the time to do market research. Understand your target customers and grapple with their needs. Discover the best ways to serve them that are both genuinely helpful and able to scale. Then you’ll have the foundation necessary to build a company that can endure over the long haul. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:25] The story behind Chris’ company, iDevices [5:37] From landscaping to a consumer tech startup: the catalyst and early challenges [9:04] The advantages of NOT being headquartered in Silicon Valley [12:36] The story behind cold-calling Apple - it had to do with Bluetooth classic [15:44] Why Chris is willing to take risks to move his company forward [19:36] How Chris’ role has changed as the company has grown [25:12] Mistakes made along the way that listeners should learn from [28:05] Advice to those starting a company today [30:10] Using Lean Startup methodology and tools to create the iDevices products Resources & People Mentioned BOOK: The Third Wave by Steve Case Sanjay Gupta BOOK: Great By Choice BOOK: The Lean Startup Connect with Chris Allen iDevices Chris on LinkedIn Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

Many businesses these days compete based on price - but Tony Van Veen says finding and optimizing a sustainable advantage is a smarter strategy. That’s because price is a sure way to put yourself into a tough arena in which to compete - and consequently, it becomes more challenging to make your business profitable. Tony was my very first client. He took a chance on me when I first started my PR company, but his influence on my career goes far beyond the fees I received as a new PR professional. Over the years he’s provided many recommendations and lots of good advice that have taken me further, faster. This conversation demonstrates the kind of business savvy and insight Tony has to share. He’s a smart guy with hands-on experience and knows what it takes to work yourself toward success. I know you’ll benefit from what he shares as much as I have over the years. Tony came up through the ranks and is now CEO. He says, “Just keep moving forward” Tony Van Veen is a long-view guy. Throughout his career, he’s felt that as long as he was paid and treated fairly - and had opportunities before him - he would just keep moving forward. Even when things sucked (and he was updating his resume just in case) he couldn't move on from AVL. That's because he was drawn back to the mission of the company, and that motivated him to stick it out. Indie musicians all over the world are thankful he did. CD Baby and many other brands managed by AVL are relied on by those artists. Their experience and success would no doubt be very different if Tony hadn’t been at the helm. Listen to hear how Tony worked up through the ranks, took on the challenges set before him, and learned lessons that can set you up for success in your career. Having the guts to advise the CEO because he knew the customer. He WAS the customer Tony first started out at AVL as a kid, just out of college and as green as he could be. But he had insight into the customers AVL served because he was one of them. He knew that viewing things through the customer’s lens could help the company provide the exact products and services they needed - and make the company more successful as a result. Tony had the guts to tell the then-CEO, Morris Ballen, what he should do - and Morris listened. Tony’s insights proved invaluable. Many years of refinement on both the product side and the customer service side moved AVL into a place of industry leadership, serving independent musicians like no company ever had. At most companies, customer service is mostly lip service. Not at AVL One of the areas where Tony knew AVL could develop a sustainable advantage was in the realm of customer service. That sounds typical, almost cliche. But from where Tony sat it wasn’t at all. He knew from his own experience as a musician that customer service is usually only talked about, not done. He wanted to change that for AVL. His approach was to look at purchases their customers were making and think in terms of what could be purchased for the same amount of money. Their average customer was spending enough money to buy a high-quality refrigerator, so he decided to treat them like that’s what they were buying. The change to the level of customer service AVL provided was significant and the company began to grow due to word of mouth testimonials. Identify a sustainable advantage you can optimize and specialize in What IS a sustainable advantage? It’s something you can provide your target market that is sorely needed, but it's often ifficult to deliver on. Tony decided to figure out that equation for AVL. At that time in the music industry, most product companies that served musicians required massive order quantities, which made it impossible for independent artists to produce their own CDs. That’s where Tony decided to focus. Instead of requiring large amounts, AVL allowed for smaller orders and purchased equipment that enabled faster setup between runs instead of faster production time. That is what proved to be their sustainable advantage, one other companies couldn’t compete with. What could that be in your industry? Tony’s advice is to look at what your market needs that is difficult to deliver. That’s where you’ll find opportunities. Then figure out how to deliver it. If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [1:07] Tony’s role as my mentor and friend - and the amazing positive impact he makes [10:10] How Tony leveraged his knowledge of the clients the company served [14:25] Selling their way out of bad quality and terrible customer service [20:04] Learning, getting away from being a “me too” competitor, and creative marketing [29:15] Taking big risks, dealing with big economic changes, surviving long-term [35:55] The challenge of managing a team through the Great Recession [39:37] Advice for business professionals who want to rise to the top tier of business Resources & People Mentioned University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School Morris Ballen - original CEO of Disk Makers BOOK: Elon Musk BOOK: Zero to One Corinthian Capital Derek Sievers - original owner of CD Baby BOOK: Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance BOOK: Good to Great BOOK: The Innovator’s Dilemma BOOK: The Lean Startup Connect with Tony Van Veen DIY Media Group Disc Makers BookBaby Merchly Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

My guest on this episode was truly born an entrepreneur. As an example, when he was a kid he took some nail polish his mother was going to throw away and sold it door to door. He even had specials and deals his neighborhood customers could take advantage of. Entrepreneurial drive was in his blood. Jason Fass is now Director of Product Marketing at Google and has had a very wide-ranging career. He’s a product guy at heart, starting out at Apple with literally no experience in the tech world but proving himself to be an invaluable asset. He transitioned to a then little-known company now known as Zepp Labs - and the rest is history. Join me to hear the story of a born entrepreneur and to learn a few lessons along the way. I know I did. Being an entrepreneur was in Jason’s DNA from the beginning Jason Fass grew up in the home of an entrepreneur. His mother owned and ran a nail salon. He grew up seeing and hearing the struggles that a small business owner faces. Once when his mother had cases of nail polish she was going to throw out, Jason asked if he could have them. Naturally, he found a way to sell it. He says he’s always loved sales and loved the challenge of making things happen. The self-limiting gene that so many of us have seems to be completely absent from his entrepreneurial DNA. Listen to hear how Jason has made the most of that rare character trait and how he’s leveraged it to great advantage, on this episode. A lesson learned at Apple: The product is at the core of everything Jason loved his Macbook. It was a product he believed in and enjoyed using beyond anything else he owned. When he heard that Apple might be hiring, he looked online immediately and applied for a position as Director of Product for the Macbook. His interview at Apple didn’t get off to a great start. The person interviewing him said outright, “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you…” because of Jason’s lack of experience with tech products. But Jason’s passion and determination to support the product he believed in won him a place on the team. He knew product, and more than that, he knew how to connect the product to the end user, something Apple has continued to this day. During his days at Apple, Jason learned that the product is the core of everything. It’s what makes or breaks the experience consumers have. Changing the sporting industry at Zepp Labs When Jason was first nudged toward a conversation with the Founder of Zepp Labs (not the name of the company at that time), he was intrigued by the technology that was being developed but wasn't very excited about the application. At that time the tech was being developed for golfers and Jason didn’t like or care about golf a bit. But learning how ahead-of-its-time the technology was sold him. After just two days of conversation, he was asked to be CEO of the company. Fast forward and Zepp Labs is now impacting the performance of athletes across many sports - golf, tennis, baseball, softball, and more. In this conversation, Jason and I chat about what he learned at Zepp in regards to product iterations and adoption, market identification, targeting and marketing, and much more. He has some incredible insights into the things that make a tech product spread to the point it dominates an industry. You’ll enjoy hearing what he has to share. Putting a finger on the X-factor of customer and market fit When I look at a Zepp sensor, I have an interesting experience that’s hard to describe. It’s a cool looking, fluorescent yellow/green device that is shaped kind of like a Dove chocolate. I almost intuitively know what it’s supposed to do - or at least I nodded my head in recognition when I first found out. It was like, “Of course that’s what it does.” I call that the X-factor. But Jason says that phenomenon goes beyond the appearance and feel of the product. It flows out the functionality that goes along with the design. It happens when a very clear felt need coincides with a solution that is mind-blowingly beyond what anyone could have imagined. Then it’s all wrapped up in an exterior form of packaging that ideally represents all of that. I’m amazed, truly. And I love to hear Jason explain it with such enthusiasm and insight. I know you will too.   If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com. Topics Featured In This Episode [2:11] Jason’s joint world record in kiteboarding: How it happened [7:50] Becoming an entrepreneur seems to have been in Jason’s DNA [11:51] The experience as a Product Manager at Apple: a pivotal moment for Jason [16:02] Why Jason got involved with Zepp Labs: He wanted to do more [23:27] The X-factor: where design and functionality come together perfectly [28:55] Markets that came to light as the company grew [32:50] Developing partnerships that exponentially grow the company’s potential [36:37] Jason’s bucket list Resources & People Mentioned Strava App Richard Branson of Virgin Zepp Labs Apple GoPro The Zepp Sensor Jennie Finch Natasha Watley Sue Enquist BOOK: The Third Wave The Cape Epic Race Connect with Jason Fass Jason’s Profile on LinkedIn Connect With Max Borges www.MaxBorgesAgency.com LinkedIn Subscribe to Unconventional Genius onApple Podcasts, Player FM, Soundcloud, or Spotify Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com