Podcasts about tech founder

Most people assume turning an idea into revenue takes years. Turns out, that belief slows more projects down than tech ever does. In just seven months, Noor Alderazi, founder of Tamam Technologies, went from idea to a live product with paying customers. No technical background. No bloated development team. No guesswork. This episode of Tech for Non-Techies breaks down what actually made the speed possible. Using AI to prototype before spending real money.  Starting with a painfully specific B2B problem. Letting customers—not opinions—decide what got built. Sophia walks through how Noor treated tech as a business tool, not a science experiment, and why that approach helped her secure $65,000 in equity-free funding along the way. If you're sitting on an idea and wondering what "doing it right" really looks like, this is the playbook. In this episode, you will hear: AI used for rapid prototyping without locking into the wrong build A niche B2B pain point that made early revenue easier, not harder The cost of building too soon and how to avoid it What helped Tamam Technologies secure $65,000 in equity-free funding Resources from this Episode FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/285-from-idea-to-revenue-in-7-months-how-this-non-technical-founder-did-it  

What you'll learn in this episode:● Why rejection is a competitive advantage in sales and entrepreneurship● How acting auditions prepared Ryan for fundraising and investor conversations● The difference between perseverance and staying in something unhealthy● Why customer feedback should drive pivots—not pride● How AthleteAgent.com creates inbound opportunities for athletes and agents● The biggest operational challenges in scaling a sports tech platform● How to stand out so rejection today turns into opportunity tomorrowGuest Links:

Most people think the upside of building a tech company comes after success. Turns out, a lot changes long before that. The moment you start building something technical, your professional gravity shifts. Doors open. Conversations change. People listen differently. In this solo episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia breaks down the benefits that show up early — before scale, exits, or headlines. Not hype. Not hustle culture. Just the quiet upgrades that compound over time. This episode is for experienced operators and business leaders who sense a gap in their market and are wondering whether it's worth acting on. In this episode, you will hear: Why building a tech product instantly reframes how others see your judgment and credibility The CEO-level skills you develop early and why they raise your earning ceiling How becoming "harder to bullshit" saves time, money, and bad decisions The social and professional compounding effect most people never see coming Resources from this Episode  FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/284-the-unexpected-upside-of-becoming-a-tech-founder-before-you-ever-succeed  

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Amy Gurske, Founder of sayhii, for a powerful and deeply human conversation about burnout, fear, self-worth, and what happens when you finally choose your health over expectations.Amy shares her journey from spending 17 years in corporate America, to hitting a breaking point that led to a life-changing decision she calls a “midlife resign.” From glass ceilings and unmanaged stress to a health scare that forced her to stop and reset, Amy opens up about the moments that ultimately led her to build sayhii, a tech platform designed to help organizations truly listen to and support their people.Together, Lauren and Amy discuss:The pain points of burnout and unmanaged workplace stressWhat it means to choose yourself, even when it's terrifyingHow fear drives so many workplace behaviorsWhy autonomy, trust, and honest communication matter more than controlThe importance of work-life balance (and how easily it disappears)How sayhii checks in with employees daily, and why that mattersUsing technology to reconnect humans, not replace themLeadership accountability, real-time data, and supporting employees before they leaveWhy awareness, ownership, and boundaries are essential to wellbeingThis episode is raw, reflective, and incredibly relatable for anyone who has ever felt stuck, unseen, or overwhelmed at work, and wondered if there might be another way.

You've built a successful business before. So why does tech feel harder than it should? Here's the uncomfortable truth. The instincts that made you successful offline can quietly sabotage you when you build tech or add AI. In this episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia breaks down the four traps she sees again and again among high-performing business owners. Not beginner mistakes. Smart, expensive ones. You'll learn why working harder often backfires, why "moving fast" can burn cash, and why delegation without product leadership creates chaos. Plus, what to do instead of learning to code or wasting six figures. This is about thinking clearly, sequencing correctly, and using your strengths without letting them turn into blind spots. In this episode, you will hear: Why doing "hard things" in tech often leads to burnout — not progress The quiet reason speed destroys value before a product is validated What happens when developers build their vision instead of yours The hidden cost of following tech advice that wasn't made for business leaders Resources from this Episode FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/283-why-successful-business-owners-fail-at-tech  

 1 in 4 men are suffering from loneliness, yet we are more "connected" online than ever before. In this episode, I sit down with Brian Kaplan, founder of VRV Athletics, to explore the silent epidemic of male isolation and the psychological reasons why men struggle to make friends as adults. We dive deep into the "Side-by-Side" bonding rule, why apps like Bumble BFF fail for men, and the life-changing "Glass Ball Theory" that every entrepreneur and father needs to hear to balance their business without destroying their marriage. If you are feeling isolated in a new city, struggling to find your "squad," or burnt out from juggling work and family, this masterclass on social health is for you.  

While taxpayers foot a massive bill for the controversial BoM update, Supernormal Systems founder Ben Flint claimed he replicated the interface in just 60 minutes. He joined Gary to expose the "classic playbook" big consulting firms use to blow budgets out by 23 times the original quote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:00 Wenn du nicht 1 Mio. machst im ersten Jahr nach Verkaufsstart, kannst du dicht machen 5:55 Hustling Lifestyle 10:06 Wie Mirko den CRO für Dash0 gehired hat 14:22 Was genau macht ein CRO? 18:18 Warum wird Dash0 gekauft? 29:38 US-Expansion 32:38 Mirko hat seine Meinung zu KI geändert 50:46 Sales-Aufbau und Kultur ► LinkedIn von Mirko Novakovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirkonovakovic/ ► Dash0: https://www.dash0.com/ ► data:unplugged ○ Website: https://www.data-unplugged.de ○ YouTube: https://youtu.be/JJK3anrukt4?si=6EiqlyCwE7ce0pLo ○ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-unplugged/ ○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dataunplugged/ ► FESTIVAL 2026: haltet Euch den 26. & 27. März 2026 frei! Das größte Data & AI Festival Deutschlands kehrt zurück!

In this inspiring episode, Kristen sits down with Texas powerhouse and single mama, Reannah Glover, whose journey from 19-year-old rookie agent to top producer paved the way to building one of the most innovative real estate apps on the market. Reannah shares how she turned industry pain points into a national solution—all without a tech background. From embracing her uniqueness to raising kids while raising a company, she reveals the mindset shifts, courage, and community that fueled her leap into software. This is a must-listen for any woman redefining what's possible in motherhood, business, and real estate.Show Notes: How Reannah went from a 19-year-old new agent to a top producer in a highly competitive market.The industry pain points that inspired her to create Real Time—despite having zero tech background.What it really looks like to raise kids while building a company from the ground up.The mindset shifts, faith, and courage required to walk into rooms where she didn't “fit the mold.”Why relationships, community, and intentional support systems are the foundation of her success.Follow us on Instagram! Podcast: @‌momsinrealestateHost: @‌heykristencantrell @‌thehellocultureGuest: @therealtime.app Check out our amazing sponsors: Your Tax Coach // Professional Tax Accountants. We're not just saving you money, we're changing lives! @‌yourtaxcoach‌ Colibri Real Estate // The online real estate school committed to flexibility. Click HERE to check out their amazing courses!

The Cybercrime Magazine Podcast brings you daily cybercrime news on WCYB Digital Radio, the first and only 7x24x365 internet radio station devoted to cybersecurity. Stay updated on the latest cyberattacks, hacks, data breaches, and more with our host. Don't miss an episode, airing every half-hour on WCYB Digital Radio and daily on our podcast. Listen to today's news at https://soundcloud.com/cybercrimemagazine/sets/cybercrime-daily-news. Brought to you by our Partner, Evolution Equity Partners, an international venture capital investor partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to develop market leading cyber-security and enterprise software companies. Learn more at https://evolutionequity.com

Discover why single AI tools can't solve complex business problems and how integrated platforms help small businesses achieve digital omnipresence through multi-channel content distribution, reducing ad dependency while building sustainable organic growth and measurable ROI. Ethos Media & Marketing LLC City: Washington Address: DC - MD - VA - LA - FL Website: https://www.ethosm2.com

For this special episode Patrick went to visit JOIN's Amsterdam HQ to sit down with CEO Jim van den Berg and trace his founder journey from struggling junior cyclist to WorldTour coach to building one of the sport's leading adaptive training platforms.*Exclusive deals from our trusted partners*

In this powerful episode of the One Shot Movement podcast, Brad Moran shares the real and unfiltered journey behind building and exiting Citrus Ad for $205 million. From his early life as an AFL player to navigating the intense pressures of startup life, Brad reveals the sacrifices, resilience, and mindset required to survive the entrepreneurial roller coaster. Join us as we dive deep into what it truly takes to build something meaningful and endure the journey long enough to win.

Jess Butcher MBE has built a career at the intersection of technology and consumer behaviour. She co-founded AR pioneer Blippar and has since turned her attention to a growing issue: how AI and social media are shaping our brains, behaviour, and wellbeing.In this episode, Jess shares what she's learned as a founder, why female entrepreneurs still struggle to access funding, and why she believes brands must take responsibility for the attention economy they help create. We discuss how “More Soul, Less Scroll” is encouraging healthier digital habits, and the practical steps companies can take to drive positive change.Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:41 - Jess' background as a female founder05:56 - How Jon used Jess' QR code startup13:19 - Why Blippar ultimately failed17:34 - The lessons from Blippar's failure21:30 - Why female founders struggle to get funding25:50 - The characteristics of successful founders31:15 - How AI is re-wiring our brains negatively34:05 - Why social media is ruining our lives40:09 - Why is this problem getting worse if we know about it?44:17 - What ScrollAware is trying to do about the problem48:38 - Which brands are taking responsibility for this problem best?54:46 - Less Scroll More Soul sleeping bags

Can a startup beat Apple and Samsung on their own turf? Carl Pei, the founder and CEO of Nothing, is betting on it. Growing up in Sweden, Pei was captivated by American gadgets like Apple's first iPod. But over time, he says, those products lost their edge. On the latest episode of Bold Names, Pei joins WSJ's Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins to explain why he believes his electronics company, Nothing, which is valued at $1.3 billion, can challenge Apple and Samsung. Pei believes that artificial intelligence and a new generation of design-savvy users will set Nothing apart. To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com. Check Out Past Episodes: Reid Hoffman Says AI Isn't an ‘Arms Race,' but America Needs to Win The Google Exec Reinventing Search in the AI Era Why This Tesla Pioneer Says the Cheap EV Market 'Sucks' Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at BoldNames@wsj.com Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Read Christopher Mims's Keywords column. Read Tim Higgins's column. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Australian entrepreneur and Finder co-founder Fred Schebesta shares his journey from building billion dollar companies to fighting ASIC and becoming a leading advocate for crypto and innovation in Australia. He explains why Bitcoin and blockchain technology represent the next great financial revolution and why Australia risks being left behind without a major reset in its economy and mindset.

Harish Chandramowli, Co-Founder of Flaire, he transitioned from Lead Engineer at MongoDB to building fashion ERP software despite having zero industry background.We dive into his journey from cybersecurity engineer to fashion-tech founder, the bold decisions that shaped his company's growth, and his contrarian views on the future of enterprise software in the AI era.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comFlaire - https://www.flairesoftware.com/Harish Chandramowli - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scharish

Are accounting firms quietly having their best year ever? Blake and David break down why revenues and partner comp are rising—despite AI anxiety—and what it means for pricing and staffing. They unpack Gusto Money's Melio-powered bill pay, Relay's $1B milestone, Drake's new workflow, and AI tools that actually help (note-takers, agents, research). Plus: Trump's biannual reporting idea, peer review for PE-backed firms, BOI reversal, and the messy ‘no tax on tips' proposal.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay TeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupBluebook - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluebookChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Revenue Insights (00:43) - Welcome to the Accounting Podcast (01:00) - Gusto Showcase Event Highlights (04:18) - The Importance of Long-Term Relationships in FinTech (08:58) - Advisory Amplified Tour Announcement (11:06) - AI in Accounting: Honest Reflections from a Tech Founder (16:48) - AI Meeting Assistants for Accounting Firms (21:03) - Comparing AI Tools: Blue Jay vs. ChatGPT (29:43) - Accounting Firms' Revenue and Compensation Growth (31:12) - Rising Costs and Accounting Firm Strategies (32:25) - NASBA's New Mobile App for CPA Exam Candidates (33:50) - Drake Software's Workflow Automation Launch (37:13) - AI in the Workplace: Surveys and Trends (41:16) - Fiverr's Shift to AI and Layoffs (44:09) - Trump's Proposal on Financial Reporting (50:01) - Private Equity and Peer Review Oversight (52:28) - Tax-Free Tips and Proposed Regulations (54:13) - AICPA and NASBA's Earn and Learn Program Shutdown (55:20) - Conclusion and Listener Engagement  Show NotesCPA Firms Report Steady Growth in Revenue and Profit, AICPA Research Finds https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/cpa-firms-report-steady-growth-in-revenue-and-profit-aicpa-research-findsVinyl Raises $2M to Build the Future of AI Meeting Assistants for Accountantshttps://www.usevinyl.com/insights/blog/vinyl-seed-funding-announcementDrake Software Unveils Powerful New Tax Workflow Automation Toolshttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drake-software-unveils-powerful-new-tax-workflow-automation-tools-302558230.htmlNASBA Releases CPA Mobile App for Future CPAs https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/nasba-releases-cpa-mobile-appAICPA Seeks Comment on Peer Review Proposal for Firms with Private Equity Backinghttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/16/aicpa-seeks-comment-on-peer-review-proposal-for-firms-with-private-equity-backing/169014/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

In this episode of the Investor Fuel Podcast, host Michelle Kesil speaks with real estate agent Cait Hudson about her journey in the real estate industry and the development of her software platform, Nest Hub. Cait shares her experiences as an agent, the challenges she faced, and the innovative solutions she created to improve communication between realtors and buyers. The conversation covers the importance of video marketing, lessons learned in real estate, and the unique features of Nest Hub that aim to streamline the buying process. Cait emphasizes the significance of building relationships and investing in oneself to succeed in the industry.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

This week on AwesomeCast, we dive into tech, history, and a little pumpkin spice! We're joined by Virginia Montanez — acclaimed writer, author, and creator of the PastFinders app, which turns everyday walks into immersive historical tours. We also talk: • Apple Watch's new “Workout Buddy” voice coaching (is it helpful or just annoying?) • iJustine's epic iPhone 1 vs iPhone 15 photo test • Using AI to turn pet pics into paintings via iOS 17's Image Playground • Goldfish + Dunkin = Pumpkin Spice Grahams?! Taste-tested on the show!

This week on AwesomeCast, we dive into tech, history, and a little pumpkin spice! We're joined by Virginia Montanez — acclaimed writer, author, and creator of the PastFinders app, which turns everyday walks into immersive historical tours. We also talk: • Apple Watch's new “Workout Buddy” voice coaching (is it helpful or just annoying?) • iJustine's epic iPhone 1 vs iPhone 15 photo test • Using AI to turn pet pics into paintings via iOS 17's Image Playground • Goldfish + Dunkin = Pumpkin Spice Grahams?! Taste-tested on the show!

From Sports Anchor to FinTech Pioneer: Building Payment Infrastructure for the Next BillionJoin host Justin Forman as he sits down with Benjamin Fernandes, founder of Nala and Rafiki, for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, rejection, and revolutionizing cross-border payments. From covering the World Cup as a 21-year-old sports anchor in Tanzania to building infrastructure that serves millions across Africa and Asia, Benjamin's journey is filled with divine appointments, Stanford miracles, and the grit required to solve problems for the next billion customers.This episode explores the massive diaspora remittance market ($129 billion to India alone), the entrepreneurial challenge of building FinTech infrastructure in emerging markets, and why the greatest export from developing nations might just be talent. Benjamin vulnerably shares the power of rejection as fuel, the importance of gratitude, and why sometimes you have to build the bridge for the next 200 entrepreneurs coming after you.Key Topics:The $129 billion remittance market and why diaspora communities are economic powerhousesFrom failing high school to Stanford MBA: A miracle story of divine provisionBuilding payment rails in Africa vs Asia: Infrastructure challenges and opportunitiesWhy 30-35% of Nala customers are entrepreneurs funding businesses back homeThe power of rejection letters as entrepreneurial fuelGoing church to mosque: The gritty early days of customer acquisitionHow migrants enable local economies to thrive in exponential waysNotable Quotes:"There's something that's very powerful when someone tells you you can't do something." - Benjamin Fernandes"With privilege comes responsibility." - Benjamin Fernandes"I don't believe the lowest income region the world should be charged the most amount for fees, for payments." - Benjamin Fernandes

In this conversation, Luzy and Pabel Martinez discuss the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Latino founders in the tech industry. Pabel shares his journey from working in big tech to launching a mental health app, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the unique challenges of being a non-technical founder. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Entrepreneurship 00:08 Pabel's Journey: From Tech to Mental Health 04:50 Navigating Doubts as a Non-Technical Founder 08:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Professionalism 13:22 Understanding Limiting Beliefs 16:28 Seeking Opportunities and Funding for Growth 22:41 Conclusion: The Future of Mental Health and Wealth About Our Guest: Pabel Martinez Pabel is the founder of Plurawl. Plurawl is a mobile app that uses AI to help identify/ overcome your limiting beliefs, such as when you jump to conclusions. Connect with Pabel on Instagram.

In this episode of Tank Talks, we're joined by Michelle Zatlyn, Co-founder, Co-chair, and President of Cloudflare, a company protecting and powering a major part of global internet traffic. Cloudflare helps businesses stay online, load faster, and block threats before they reach the door.Michelle explains how growing up in Saskatchewan shaped her views on leadership and teamwork, and how that experience still guides her as Cloudflare scales. She shares how a hallway conversation at Harvard became the starting point for the business, how they raised their first round of funding without a product, and why they moved to Silicon Valley during a downturn with no connections.She talks through the pressure of going public, the spike in traffic when COVID hit, and how the team responded when customers suddenly needed help keeping their services running. She also walks through Cloudflare's new AI crawler model, how it gives content owners more control, and why a new business model for the web is overdue.From managing billions of attacks a day to helping publishers keep their content protected, Cloudflare shows what it means to stay reliable when the stakes are high, and Michelle makes it clear that good infrastructure only works if people trust it.We explore:* How do you raise money with no product, no revenue, and no connections?* What happens when a hallway idea becomes core infrastructure for the internet?* What changes when your company goes public six months before a global crisis?* Can creators control how AI models use their content?* What can founders do to make their teams more inclusive without making it performative?* Why $100M-to-$1B is more fun than $0-to-$100MThe Canadian Roots and Early Values of a Tech Founder (00:02:36)* Growing up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan* How cold winters and community spirit shaped her leadership* From science nerd to Silicon Valley co-founderWhy She Left Medicine for Business (00:06:49)* How a summer research job made her rethink med school* Falling into tech through work in Toronto* Applying to Harvard without knowing how to pay for it* The support from Canadian alumni that made it possibleThe Hallway Conversation That Sparked Cloudflare (00:10:50)* A casual remark turns into a business idea* How she and Matthew Prince turned Project Honeypot into a startup* Using their .edu emails to get early help and access* Getting credit for the project instead of taking another classRaising Money With No Traction (00:20:34)* Moving to Silicon Valley in a U-Haul with no connections* Pitching investors with nothing built* Getting $2M on a $4M pre-money valuation* Why the Valley still bets on early-stage founders with clear ideasHiring, Scaling, and Keeping a Startup Culture (00:24:52)* Going from 20 people to over 4,500* Why they still focus on shipping and momentum* How ownership and trust make the difference* Running fast without losing focusGoing Public, Then COVID Hit (00:28:00)* Why they went public when they did* Customers who once said no came running back* What changed when traffic spiked overnight* How customer demand and product pressure collided* Working through the crisis while remote* What Cloudflare learned under fireCloudflare's AI Crawler Controls (00:40:04)* What's happening with AI scraping content* Why Cloudflare built a way to block or license crawlers* The impact on small content creators* How this fits into wider changes to how the web worksDDoS Attacks and Online Threats (00:48:06)* Stopping 190 billion attacks per day* The evolution of DDoS threats in 2025* Why using modern security tools is non-negotiableMichelle's Vision for the Next 15 Years (00:51:18)* Cloudflare as generational infrastructure* Building the most trusted connectivity cloud* Why Internet infrastructure is as vital as plumbingChampioning Women & Diversity in Tech (00:53:27)* Leading by example* Small asks, big impact: improving referral pipelines* Creating space for underrepresented founders and talentCloudflare has grown into critical internet infrastructure, but Michelle talks about it like a work in progress. The problems are large, but they stay focused on solving them one at a time. Her view is practical: strong teams, clear goals, and ongoing effort.About Michelle ZatlynCo-founder, Co-chair & President of CloudflareOne of the most influential leaders in Internet infrastructure, Michelle is a Canadian-born tech executive known for building and scaling Cloudflare into a global powerhouse. A champion for cybersecurity, innovation, and women in tech, she brings passion and grit to every conversation.Connect with Michelle Zatlyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellezatlyn/Visit Cloudflare Website: https://www.cloudflare.com/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this enlightening episode, David Hirschfeld, Founder and CEO of Tekyz Inc, shares how AI transforms entrepreneurship for non-tech and tech founders. If you struggle with leveraging AI or validating business ideas, you won't want to miss it.You will discover:- Why AI simplifies market research and planning for stage 1 non-tech founders- How to use AI to ask the right questions for business success- What Launch First methodology prioritizes sales before building productsThis episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quizDavid Hirschfeld is a 35-year software development veteran. David's career spans leadership roles at tech giants like Computer Associates, Texas Instruments, Intel, and Motorola before launching his first startup—which grew to 800 customers across 22 countries and was successfully sold in 2000. David has emerged as a strategic advisor specializing in AI-driven workflow transformation for scaleups and in the design & development of startups. He developed the Launch 1st Method—a systematic approach that minimizes risks and accelerates software company success with reduced reliance on investor funding.Want to learn more about David Hirschfeld's work at Tekyz Inc? Check out his website at https://tekyz.com/Mentioned in this episode:Take the Founder's Evolution Quiz TodayIf you're a Founder, business owner, or CEO who feels overworked by the business you lead and underwhelmed by the results, you're doing it wrong. Succeeding as a founder all comes down to doing the right one or two things right now. Take the quiz today at foundersquiz.com, and in just ten questions, you can figure out what stage you are in, so you can focus on what is going to work and say goodbye to everything else.Founder's Quiz

Maximiliano Neustadt, CTO and co-founder of Polarsteps, shares the incredible journey of building a travel app from 5 people to over 15 million users. From surviving as a travel company during the worst possible timing to scaling without hustle culture, Maxi reveals the key decisions, hiring practices, and leadership lessons that drove their success. Learn how they built strong company values, made tough product choices, and why they spend a full day with every hiring candidate as part of the interview.Connect with Maximiliano Neustadt:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximiliano-neustadt-90137b2Full episode on YouTube ▶️https://youtu.be/3ZLmpggjcUYBeyond Coding Podcast with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a textLisa Troyano-Ascolese is not your average real estate broker. She's a serial entrepreneur, tech founder, podcast host, and unapologetic advocate for women building their own path to freedom. In this powerful conversation, Lisa shares her evolution from ad sales exec to real estate powerhouse, and the pivotal moment when her CEO told her, “You're never safe if you work for someone else.”We cover everything from launching her first business in a corporate cubicle to inheriting a brokerage out of grief, and the inspiration behind her first-to-market mobile staging app, REStaged, aimed at reducing furniture waste. Lisa doesn't hold back about setbacks, including floods, firings, and nearly losing her life during childbirth, and how each one fueled her mission to show women that entrepreneurship isn't just possible, it might be the key to happiness.If you've ever wondered whether to leap, pivot, or press pause; this one's for you.Episode NotesIn this episode, we explore:Why Lisa left corporate America despite "being safe"The emotional origin story behind her kids' event planning business—and why she didn't sell itHer rise in real estate and the truth behind luxury markets (beyond the reality TV glam)How personal loss led her to take over and rebuild a brokerageThe origin of REStaged, a mobile app built to fight furniture waste and give agents a smarter way to stage homesNavigating leadership, grief, and growth simultaneouslyWhat freedom actually means for women entrepreneursWhy mentorship, cash buffers, and knowing your weaknesses are non-negotiablesKey Quote: "If you do the research, if there's a need, and you build a buffer—then you owe it to yourself to try. Freedom is the point of all of this."Guest Contact & LinksLisa Troyano-Ascolese Owner, Engel & Völkers Hoboken + Jersey City Founder, myHOMEboken Team Creator of the REStaged AppWebsite: LTAendeavors.comReal Estate Brands: @myhomeboken, @evhobokenjcYouTube: EV Hoboken Jersey CityLinkedIn: Lisa Troyano-AscoleseApp: REStaged (Live now; Version 2.0 launching soon)Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com Athena: athenaac.com

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Greg Frigoletto interviews Lindsey Chrismon, a trailblazer in both military and business sectors. Lindsey shares her journey from a young girl with dreams of attending West Point to becoming the first female pilot of the AH-6M Little Bird helicopter. She discusses her leadership experiences at West Point, her transition to Harvard Business School, and the founding of Oply, an innovative app designed to simplify home maintenance through predictive technology. The conversation highlights themes of ambition, resilience, and the importance of leadership in various aspects of life. Key Takeaways: Lindsay had a vision of attending West Point from a young age. She was the first female to fly the AH-6M Little Bird helicopter. Leadership experiences at West Point shaped her future. Transitioning from military to business was a significant change. Oply aims to make home ownership stress-free through technology. The app uses AI to predict home maintenance needs. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ Follow Host, Greg Frigoletto: https://www.instagram.com/gjfrig7/ Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're building a team, growing a business, or simply trying to lead with more purpose, this episode will shift how you think about culture, leadership, and doing business "the right way"—even when it's harder. We welcome Alex Reneman, Founder of Mountain Leverage. If you don't know mountain leverage, it makes hands-free technology for warehouse workers, end customers, and leaders in the supply chain. In this episode, you will: Discover how a clear set of values can shape company culture across 70+ remote employees. Learn how to lead a profitable tech company that still puts human flourishing at the center. Get inspired by the wisdom and resilience of a founder who's proven the skeptics wrong for two decades. Let's check out Alex Reneman's powerful story of building a values-driven, remote-first company that's thriving far from Silicon Valley. Listen to his entire interview on TechVibe Radio here. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we continue our series on AI in product development with an interview with Mari Zumbro, Co-Founder and COO of the tech startup Filament. An active participant in the open-source community, Filament describes itself as a new communication platform with the goal of accelerating global innovation with leaders who are thinking deeply about “how different communities and organizations can mutually benefit and look for arrangements that benefit the public good.”  In this conversation, we discuss:   How to build high-performing product development teams that effectively leverage AI to achieve exceptional results.  What it takes to create work cultures where teams feel “safe to create.”  Why “product development is a team sport.”   The larger benefits and hidden problems of AI, including its impact on the environment.  Leadership behaviors and practices that keep teams in a generative space, putting people before AI and keeping them at the center of work design. 

Stephen Puri shares his journey from Hollywood exec to tech founder, revealing how failure, focus, and flow states power reinvention. In this episode we discuss: How transferable skills led him from Die Hard to startupsWhy failure is a critical part of reinventionHow to create intentional, productive workdaysThe surprising story behind naming his company, SukhaShow GuestSteven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a focus and productivity app designed to support a healthier work life. A former newscaster, software engineer, and Hollywood executive behind Independence Day, Die Hard, and Star Trek, Steven blends creative vision with tech innovation to help people do their best work. Check out the Sukha app and get 20% off for life with the code REFRESH20Show Notes:Ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact?Take the Make Your Power Move Leadership Assessment and unlock the tools to define your leadership identity, elevate your influence, and step into your next role with purpose. For a limited time, use code POWER to get 50% off. → Start your Power Move today.  Learn More HERESupport the showJill Griffin, host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton Hotels, and Martha Stewart to address leadership, burnout, team dynamics, and the 4Ps (perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and personalities). Visit JillGriffinCoaching.com for more details on: Book a 1:1 Career Strategy and Executive Coaching HERE Build a Leadership Identity That Earns Trust and Delivers Results. Gallup CliftonStrengths Corporate Workshops to build a strengths-based culture Team Dynamics training to increase retention, communication, goal setting, and effective decision-making Keynote Speaking Grab a personal Resume Refresh with Jill Griffin HERE Follow @JillGriffinOffical on Instagram for daily inspiration Connect with and follow Jill on LinkedIn

Ever wonder what the board of directors wants from their legal team? Or how you can move from the legal department into a board position? In this episode, triple-threat Jeanine Wright--former GC turned tech-company founder, former COO of podcast giant Wondery, and current board member at several companies--is in The Legal Department to help lawyers how to be great in the board room. Find out the 4 things board members want in their lawyers. Jeanine also shares her journey from legal into business roles and the practical advice that helped her reach the board room and offers advice on how you can get there too.

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory In this “Lessons” episode, legendary venture capitalist Tim Guleri shares how investors can prevent misalignment with founders by performing deep personal diligence before writing a check. He reveals why surrounding first-time CEOs with experienced co-founders or advisors is essential for growth, and how ego and peer advice can often lead founders astray. By encouraging a learning mindset, filtering feedback based on experience, and building intuition through repeated exposure, Guleri outlines a clear path for both founders and investors to succeed, even when others get rejected. ➡️ Show Linkshttps://successstorypodcast.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/Po7Iizv6AA0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tim-guleri-legendary-vc-tech-founder-with-multiple-ipo/id1484783544 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/252iSPH5VnpBfvk6RdzVdi ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Stolte went from a rural farm town to breakdancing on global stages, to building and exiting multiple tech companies—including Lottery.com, which went public for over $500M. In this episode, Jeff Dudan and Joe talk about entrepreneurship, personal reinvention, building AI-powered companies like Daily AI, and raising resilient kids in a rapidly evolving world. You'll learn: The power of mastery from breakdancing to business Why Daily AI is revolutionizing email marketing What agentic AI means for the future of your company How to build brands with time-on-brand trust, not just ads Strategies to turn one customer into ten through referrals Why entrepreneurs need to parent with as much intention as they lead

Joe Stolte went from a rural farm town to breakdancing on global stages, to building and exiting multiple tech companies—including Lottery.com, which went public for over $500M. In this episode, Jeff Dudan and Joe talk about entrepreneurship, personal reinvention, building AI-powered companies like Daily AI, and raising resilient kids in a rapidly evolving world. You'll learn: The power of mastery from breakdancing to business Why Daily AI is revolutionizing email marketing What agentic AI means for the future of your company How to build brands with time-on-brand trust, not just ads Strategies to turn one customer into ten through referrals Why entrepreneurs need to parent with as much intention as they lead

In this episode, Mark Michael discusses the profound impact of AI on humanity and the workforce, reflecting on the changes brought about by automation and digital transformation. He shares his thoughts on the future of work, predictions for 2025 and beyond, and the emotional journey of adapting to a world increasingly influenced by technology. Mark emphasizes the importance of human connection amidst these changes and offers insights into navigating the evolving landscape.

An Irish entrepreneur, born with sight loss, has secured €2 million in funding to develop pioneering AI software to make the internet more accessible for people of all abilities. Prompted by the development of generative AI, the company, Nexus Inclusion, is set to launch ahead of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into force on June 28th, 2025. The EU legislation requires all businesses trading in Europe to have digitally accessible websites, apps and online products. Founder and CEO Kyran O'Mahoney, an award-winning tech entrepreneur, was born with a 17 per cent vision. He knows firsthand the challenges of navigating life in a digital era. "I founded Nexus Inclusion to change the world so no one is excluded because they are different," commented founder Kyran O'Mahoney. "It is my firm belief that technology and, more importantly, the emergence of AI is the next thing to change the world for people excluded from digital products." According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 1.3 billion people with a disability worldwide. One in four people needs assistance to access online content, yet less than four per cent* of the top one million websites globally are accessible to people with disabilities. Combining deep knowledge of accessibility, technology, and GenAI, the Nexus Inclusion tech will exceed legislative standards. Unlike accessible tools currently on the market, NexusAI offers real-time solutions for people of all abilities, empowering people with disabilities and those with social or economic restrictions to use technology independently. "If you look at the banking sector, it is still incredibly inaccessible, yet we have an inherent right to financial independence and financial freedom. Some elderly, vision-impaired or people with learning difficulties can't read their own bank statements. Nexus Inclusion's solution will help with this issue. The Nexus AI tool can summarise the key information at a reading level appropriate to the user in a format they are comfortable with. It automatically adds captions or transcripts and ensures that digital products work with assistive technologies. Every customer we onboard will make the world more digitally equal," he continued. Nexus Inclusion employs seven people and plans to build a team of 30 by the end of 2026. Roles are currently available for developers, business development and marketing. The company is positioned for significant growth in the digital accessibility market, estimated at $706 million globally, growing to approximately $958 million by 2029. With EU-wide legislation around the corner, O'Mahoney believes digital accessibility is just the first step, "We need to move beyond Digital Accessibility, which is about making accommodations for people with different abilities. As someone who has grown up with limited vision, I don't want to be accommodated. I want to be included in every aspect of life. To me, this is inclusion. At Nexus Inclusion, our objective is to bridge the digital divide so no one is excluded because they are different. We are all different!" he says. For more information, see: www.nexusinclusion.com. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Veterans know that you need a map to help you get where you want to go. But when it comes to getting a job in the tech sector, a map might not be enough. Now, there's a new program to help veterans, especially those formerly employed by the federal government and recently laid off, make the transition into high-demand private-sector cybersecurity and tech roles. Here to tell us more about this effort, Vets in Tech Founder and CEO , Katherine Webster.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 90.  Mary Spio has a very impressive background. She's a rocket scientist who turned to the movie industry to transform how the industry delivered content. She built a virtual reality platform while also working to let content creators better monetize their work. What's behind all this?In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Mary Spio, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Seek (CEEK) - a platform designed to monetize online content. Mary's journey is discussed from her beginnings as an aerospace engineer, working with companies like Boeing to her current endeavors in VR and AI powered content monetization. They delve into the challenges creators face with free content, the importance of VR in training and education, and how CEEK empowers creators to control and monetize their own data using blockchain technology. The conversation provides insights on the evolution of virtual reality, the future of content monetization, and valuable career advice.00:00 Introduction00:23 Meet Mary Spio: From Aerospace Engineer to CEEK Founder01:50 Understanding CEEK: A Platform for Content Monetization06:30 Mary's Journey: From Digital Cinema to VR19:05 The Future of VR and Content Monetization36:15 Career Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs40:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A lot of tech businesses in talent acquisition and recruitment are now prefaced with the term AI. So as a founder of one of these businesses, when should start this AI journey?Joining me this week is Mark Chaffey, CEO at Hackajob.Mark discusses how and when he decided to make AI core to his product, how it would affect his customer bases and if it was the right move for his company.The Marketing Rules Podcast is sponsored by RChill⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rchilli.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#MarketingRules#TheVoiceOfRecruitmentMarketingTo connect with Mark:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mchaffey/Learn more about James and ThinkinCircles:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thinkincircles.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.themarketingrules.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The US DOJ charged a tech founder with fraud for using 'AI' that was actual overseas contract workers, DoorDash started robot deliveries in LA and Chicago, and Razer's PC Remote Play app is now available. It's Friday, April 11th and this is your morning tech news roundup from Engadget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we GET LOUD with Tate Hackert, the Founder & President of tech company ZayZoon. Tate has been one of my mentors and I waned to pick his brain about everything entrepreneurship, hacking your 20s, working smarter not harder, and strategies to building your career. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/VrTQ7CX3wXoCheck out ZayZoon: https://www.zayzoon.com/our-story Audio versions: Catch LTWL on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/loudtalk-with-lavi/id1664975601 Catch LTWL on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lXkBxqJOYzwu3g15fCmCM?si=e33b945687874d0f&nd=1 For Podcast highlights and updates follow: LTWL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudtalkwithlavi/?hl=en LTWL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loudtalkwithlavi?lang=en More Lavi: Lavinia Rusanda YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaviniaRusanda/videos Lavinia Rusanda TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laviniarusanda?lang=en Lavinia Rusanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laviniarusanda/?hl=en Join Content Creator and engineering and business student Lavinia Rusanda as she uncovers the secrets of the beauty industry, breaks down the walls of beauty standards, and teaches you to learn self-love and become confident in your skin while bringing awareness to acne and real unfiltered skin.

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstoryTim Guleri is a seasoned venture capitalist and managing partner at Sierra Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based early-stage technology-focused venture capital firm. With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, he has a strong track record of identifying and nurturing successful startups. Before joining Sierra Ventures, he co-founded Scopus Technology, which went public in 1995 and was later acquired by Siebel Systems for $460 million, and Octane Software, which was acquired by E.piphany in 2000 for $3.2 billion.  ➡️ Show Linkshttps://www.x.com/timguleri/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/timguleri/ ➡️ Podcast SponsorsHubspot - https://hubspot.com/  Lingoda - https://try.lingoda.com/successstory (Code: scott25)Vanta - https://www.vanta.com/scottFederated Computer - https://www.federated.computerCornbread Hemp - https://cornbreadhemp.com/success (Code: Success)Create Like The Greats Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/create-like-the-greats/id1653650073FreshBooks - https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing-offer/Bank On Yourself - https://www.bankonyourself.com/scottStash - https://get.stash.com/successstoryNetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary ➡️ Talking Points00:00 - Intro05:23 - The Common Thread in Tim's Journey08:01 - Born Entrepreneur or Learned Skill?10:31 - How Entrepreneurs Find Their Focus18:30 - Tim's Career & Investment Philosophy22:08 - Sponsor Break24:46 - The Evolution of Sierra Ventures30:27 - Founder Traps in Venture Capital35:08 - Managing Risk at Sierra Ventures40:57 - Finding Investors: Tips for Founders49:50 - Sponsor Break52:03 - The Biggest Challenge for First-Time Entrepreneurs57:24 - Riding Trends vs. True Innovation1:00:26 - Is There an Undiscovered Playbook for Distribution?1:03:17 - Scaling Without Crashing1:08:05 - Making High-Stakes Decisions with Confidence1:12:28 - Smart Exit Strategies for Entrepreneurs1:17:03 - Final Thoughts from Tim Guleri

Scott Lingle grew up in Indianapolis with parents who were always looking for a side hustle and ways to eliminate debt. Their entrepreneurial pursuits included flipping  houses—"I lived in 20 houses growing up," Lingle says—and rehabilitating a host of other products for resale. Scott Lingle knew early on that he wanted to be in sales. After a distinguished career in the insurance industry, he took a big entrepreneurial leap. In 2015, he co-founded Remodel Health, which after initial growing pains became one of fasting-growing firms in Indianapolis throughout the early 2020s. It was ranked 13th on IBJ's list in 2024, with a 123% increase in annual revenue between 2021 and 2023, topping out at nearly $15 million. Lingle stepped down as CEO several years ago but stayed as board chairman while pursuing other interests and investing opportunities. Among his projects, he co-founded High School Hustle, an initiative to encourage Indianapolis students to start and grow businesses with the guidance of mentors who have done the same. It's now in its second year and available at nearly 20 high schools. There's a secondary goal that could be of benefit for the Indianapolis startup community: creating networks of well-established entrepreneurs who fund the students work and the younger business leaders who coach them. In this week's edition of the podcast, Lingle shares the lessons he learned about taking chances, building elite teams and embracing the quintessential entrepreneurial challenge of pivoting multiple times. He also lays out the strategy behind High School Hustle and its plans for national expansion.

Scott Lingle grew up in Indianapolis with parents who were always looking for ways to bring in extra money and eliminate debt. Their entrepreneurial pursuits included flipping more than a dozen houses and rehabilitating a host of other products for resale. Scott Lingle knew early on that he wanted to be in sales. After a distinguished career in the insurance industry, he took a big entrepreneurial leap. In 2015, he co-founded Remodel Health, which after initial growing pains became one of fasting-growing firms in Indianapolis throughout the early 2020s. It was ranked 13th on IBJ's list in 2024, with a 123% increase in annual revenue between 2021 and 2023, topping out at nearly $15 million. Lingle stepped down as CEO several years ago but stayed as board chairman while pursuing other interests and investing opportunities. Among his projects, he co-founded High School Hustle, an initiative to encourage Indianapolis students to start and grow businesses with the guidance of mentors who have done the same. It's now in its second year and available at nearly 20 high schools. There's a secondary goal that could be of benefit for the Indianapolis startup community: creating networks of well-established entrepreneurs who fund the students work and the younger business leaders who coach them.   In this week's edition of the podcast, Lingle shares the lessons he learned about starting a business, building an elite team and embracing the quintessential entrepreneurial challenge of pivoting multiple times. He also lays out the strategy behind High School Hustle and plans for a national expansion.

Want to know how AI and SEO can work together to supercharge your content? (Spoiler: It's easier than you think!) In this episode, I chat with Akilah Thompkins-Robinson about her journey from tech expert to SEO and AI pioneer. Akilah shares how she combined her years of tech experience with SEO to create SEO Assist, a tool designed to make content creation a breeze.  We dive into the magic of AI, how to use it effectively without compromising your voice, and why it's not cheating (despite what the internet says!). Plus, Akilah reveals the secret to balancing AI-driven work with your own creativity to create content that stands out.  In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Akilah's journey with AI and SEO The “AI is cheating” myth ChatGPT vs. specialized AI tools AI's role in keyword research and ideation Balancing AI with creativity in content creation Akilah's future predictions for AI and SEO …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Akilah Thompkins-Robinson is an experienced SEO Strategist and Tech Founder with over 20 years in IT. As the founder of Girl Get Visible, she provides tech solutions and training to help businesses leverage SEO and increase their visibility. Akilah has worked with major companies like JP Morgan Chase and Mount Sinai Health Center and has been featured in Search Engine Journal. She is also the creator of SEO Assist and hosts the award-winning Girl Get Visible Podcast. A passionate advocate for women in tech, Akilah travels the country speaking on visibility and technology. Websites: https://girlgetvisible.com and https://seoassist.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@girlgetvisible Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlgetvisible/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlgetvisible/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akilah-thompkins-robinson-pmp-msis-6249819/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akilah_girlgetvisible    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/341

Kristen Hamilton is a three-time technology entrepreneur and CEO with multiple exits, a board director of late-stage startups, and a professional CEO Advisor. She is a General Partner at Enjoy The Work, where she teaches founders to become great CEOs. She co-founded the predictive hiring software leader Koru, and was CEO until it was acquired by UK-based Capfinity in 2019. Kristen grew up near Montreal, and currently splits her time between Seattle and Whistler. She is a mom to two university-aged daughters and a golden retriever, and has deep passion for skiing, biking, rowing, and spending time outdoors in the mountains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR.  CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner.  www.CavnessHR.com Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the podcast on your favorite platforms  Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They are doing this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world. Earth VC empowers founders who are Ambitious, Breakthrough and are Committed Earth VC invests in the pre seed to Series A round. If you think you might be a match reach out to them at rebuild@earth.vc Van's Bio Van is an experienced executive with more than 20 years of experience in product development, sales, and operations. He was in management roles for both large MNC and start-ups.  He describes himself as a passionate entrepreneur, corporate innovator, and avid learner. His life mission is to help young talents to reach their full potential and maximize human capital for businesses. After many years of living and working in the U.S., Van returned to Vietnam and founded SmartR, an Ed/HR Tech company. SmartR offers data-driven solutions to help businesses to plan, implement, and track their talent development program. Before starting SmartR, Van was in many different leadership roles in marketing, strategy, and operations for NOV, a leading worldwide provider of oil and gas equipment and technology.  Van also co-founded other tech start-ups such as iamViet Social Network for overseas Vietnamese and Dreamer Land Virtual Reality Arcade. We talked about the following and other items Van Van's Background and College Experience Early Career and First Jobs Career Development and Company Culture Vietnam as a Business Hub Google for Startups and Entrepreneurial Journey Building a Learning Culture in a Company  Daily Routine and Personal Growth Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience  Future Goals and Vision for the Company Working Hours and Team Management Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Commitment and Impact of Being a Founder Customer Acquisition and Market Strategy  Enterprise vs. SaaS Solutions  Pricing Model and Market Adaptation AI in HR and Future Vision Company Origin and Future Goals Balancing Work and Family Life Tet Holiday and Cultural Insights Product Development and Future Plans Recruitment and Team Building AI Ethics and Regulation Multiverse and Dreams Religious and Philosophical Insights  Aliens as God and Religious Perspectives  Alien Disclosure and UFO Theories Advanced Civilizations and Human Origins Reincarnation and Consciousness  Humanity and Technology Inherent Goodness and Business Advice Van's Social Media Van's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandn/ Company Website: https://smartr.co/ Van's Advice  For the people that want to do business in Vietnam, it's a great market, a lot of potential and a young market. Make sure that you set the right expectations when you come to Vietnam and manage the Vietnamese teams. For people interested in Vietnam, a great country, great food, I recommend people come here. For the startup founder out there. Try to find a good reason to start your business. Find your passion. Because if you don't, when the money doesn't come, when the traction is not there. When things don't happen the way you want it. You might become depressed and disappointed. So find a good reason to keep fighting the fight.

Art Papas, CEO at Bullhorn,   Growth through M&A is about strategy, timing, and bold leadership. The stakes are high, but the rewards are transformative for those who get it right. In this episode, Art Papas, CEO of Bullhorn, shares his journey from tech founder to M&A leader, and how he turned acquisitions into engines of growth.    Things you will learn:   • The role evolution from tech lead to CEO • The case for buyer-led M&A • Leveraging customer insights to identify strategic opportunities • Balancing control and growth with private equity sponsorship • Building M&A strategies and handling private equity transitions   ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It's the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.   This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.  Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.   ******************* Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 06:29 The role evolution from tech lead to CEO 10:21 Lessons in Discipline and Growth 16:27 The case for buyer-led M&A - We were buyer-led 20:30 Leveraging customer insights to identify strategic opportunities 25:27 Balancing control and growth with private equity sponsorship 31:30 Building M&A strategies and handling private equity transitions 32:31 The right way to integrate acquired businesses 40:22 Ensuring smooth M&A integration through detailed planning 43:48 Integration and risk planning post-LOI 46:07 Best practices for handling overlapping products in M&A 49:53 First M&A deal with Vista 54:14 Evaluating deal timing and product-market fit early 55:32 Staying close to core competencies in M&A 58:55 Expanding internationally with organic growth and M&A 1:00:43 Building relationships in early M&A conversations 1:02:14 Craziest thing in M&A  

Alex San Filippo, founder of PodMatch, reveals his radical approach to digital minimalism, including how he runs a tech company without personal email or social media. This conversation challenges conventional wisdom about productivity and technology use, offering practical insights for regaining control of your digital life. Ready to transform your productivity? Book a free 20-minute strategy session with Mister Productivity®️ and get at least one actionable strategy you can implement immediately. As your productivity coach, I help HR Professionals and executives: Eliminate distractions and gain laser focus Master prioritization for maximum impact Create systems that save hours every week Achieve clarity in your daily workflow Don't let another day go by feeling overwhelmed. Join the professionals who have discovered how to conquer chaos and exceed their goals. Book your complimentary strategy session today. ABOUT MARK STRUCZEWSKI Since 2011, I've helped executives and HR Professionals transform their workday through effective productivity coaching. As the host of The Mister Productivity®️ Podcast (over 1,310 episodes), I provide daily insights to help you live The Productive Life.