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  • Andrea's Bio

    Andrea Stephany Díaz is a visionary entrepreneur and the Co-founder of OncoSwab. Selected as a top 100 young scientist in Europe, she stumbled upon a cancer screening idea that led her to start her first diagnostic company at the age of 24. Andrea pursued a Master’s degree in molecular biotechnology with a goal of making an impact in global health. Today, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world, fueling Andrea's strategic vision for early detection with OncoSwab. Andrea brings a wealth of expertise and passion to these topics, making her an engaging and insightful guest for discussions on entrepreneurship, healthcare innovation, and the transformative potential of OncoSwab. Andrea is also committed to inspiring the next generation of young people, particularly women, in STEM through her YouTube channel, DNAndrea.

    Summary

    In this conversation, Andrea Stephany shares her journey from being recognized as one of the top 100 young scientists in Europe to co-founding OncoSwap, a startup focused on early lung cancer diagnostics. She discusses her multicultural background, the challenges of starting a business, and her vision for improving lung cancer detection. Andrea emphasizes the importance of grit, the need for more female role models in STEM, and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of women in science and entrepreneurship.

    Takeaways

    Andrea's multicultural background has shaped her perspective on life and business.She was inspired to apply for the young scientist program after seeing an Instagram ad.The idea for OncoSwap emerged from a hackathon focused on cancer diagnostics.Early detection of lung cancer can significantly improve survival rates.Andrea aims to destigmatize lung cancer, emphasizing that not all cases are related to smoking.The startup is currently in the early stages of clinical trials for their nasal swab test.Andrea believes in empowering young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.She highlights the importance of science communication skills in her entrepreneurial journey.The company is focused on maintaining a small, dedicated team to avoid distractions.Andrea's grit comes from her experiences as a third culture kid and immigrant.

    Sound Bites

    "I was selected as in the top 100 young scientists."

    "I want to make sure that it's like, or find out if it's viable."

    "The survival rate for lung cancer is currently around 20%."

    Links

    Andrea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreastephanydiaz/

    Andrea’s OncoSwab site: https://oncoswab.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/

    Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast

    Jothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:51 Recognition as a Young Scientist

    06:11 Startup Journey and Lung Cancer Diagnostics

    11:47 Understanding Lung Cancer and Its Causes

    15:12 The Vision for OncoSwap

    18:57 Navigating FDA Approval and Clinical Trials

    20:47 Empowering the Next Generation of Women in STEM

    25:02 The Role of Grit in Entrepreneurship

    39:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

  • Bio

    Svetlana Kazantseva is a US-based entrepreneur and the founder of Strawberry Health, a women’s health startup empowering women to make proactive and data-driven health decisions.

    A mother of 2 and the founder of 2 FemTech companies, she lived and worked in diverse locations such as Siberia, New Delhi, London, and California, and brings a unique global perspective to her work.

    Svetlana is passionate about supporting women, she has established a thriving community of FemTech leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, she supports immigrant women facing language barriers through community initiatives.

    Summary

    In this conversation, Svetlana shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Siberia to becoming a founder and CEO in Silicon Valley. She discusses her passion for women's health, the transition from her first startup focused on environmental sustainability to her current venture, Strawberry Health, which aims to educate and support women regarding health conditions. Svetlana emphasizes the importance of community building in the FemTech industry and shares insights on balancing family life with entrepreneurship, highlighting how her diverse experiences have shaped her grit and determination.

    Takeaways

    Svetlana's journey from Siberia to Silicon Valley showcases her diverse background.Her first startup focused on reducing plastic waste in feminine hygiene products.Strawberry Health was born from a need for education in women's health.Community building is crucial in the FemTech industry.Svetlana emphasizes the importance of in-person connections.Her experiences in different countries shaped her entrepreneurial approach.Balancing family life and work requires structure and discipline.Svetlana's grit comes from her international moves and challenges faced.The revenue model for Strawberry Health targets corporate partnerships.Svetlana believes that having children has made her more organized. 

    Sound Bites

    "You're really adding to the diversity that I have going on."

    "I moved to India. I moved to a city close to New Delhi."

    "I started with the period products because it was a very personal problem for me."

    Links

    Strawberry Health: https://thestrawberry.app/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/

    https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Jothy’s non-profit :  https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Journey from Siberia to Silicon Valley

    10:03 From Environmental Concerns to Women's Health

    20:09 Building a Community in FemTech

    30:07 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship

    36:53 The Grit Behind the Journey

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  • Bio

    Julia Rivard Dexter is an impact tech entrepreneur, one of Canada’s top 50 Women in STEM she has been recognized as a leader in Global Growth and Innovation. Julia is CEO of Shoelace Learning, recognized in the top 20 innovative EdTEch platforms globally. Shoelace delivers learning through video games kids love and reaches over 6 million users in over 100 countries. She is an Olympian (2000) and mother of 4. 

    Outside of Shoelace, she has been an associate for Creative Destruction Lab Atlantic and on the Prime Minister’s Economic Round Table for the Digital Industries. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Nova Scotia Power.

    Summary

    n this engaging conversation, Jothy Rosenberg reconnects with Julia, an accomplished entrepreneur and former Olympic athlete. They discuss Julia's journey from sports to startups, her experiences in building successful companies like Sheepdog and Shoelace Learning, and the importance of community and support in entrepreneurship. Julia shares insights on navigating the EdTech landscape, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nova Scotia, and the lessons learned from her Olympic journey. The conversation also touches on the challenges of work-life balance as a mother of four and the values instilled in her children through her entrepreneurial journey.

    Takeaways

    Reconnecting after COVID is vital for personal and professional growth.Transitioning from an athlete to an entrepreneur can be challenging.Building a community is essential for startup success.Understanding your customer is key to product development.Navigating the EdTech landscape requires adaptability and innovation.The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nova Scotia is supportive and growing.Lessons from sports can translate into business success.Work-life balance is crucial for family and personal fulfillment.Guilt can hinder performance; letting go is important.Success is a journey, not just an outcome.

    Sound Bites

    "It's so great to be reconnected."

    "I couldn't get hired anywhere."

    "It was a financial disaster."

    Links

    Julia’s Shoelace Learning: https://shoelacelearning.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/

    https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast

    Jothy’s non-profit:  https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Reconnecting After COVID

    01:58 Julia's Journey from Athlete to Entrepreneur

    06:06 Building Sheepdog and Early Successes

    07:59 The Birth of Shoelace Learning

    12:06 Navigating the EdTech Landscape

    18:05 The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Nova Scotia

    22:04...

  • Bio

    Caity Craver has spent nearly 30 years empowering nonprofit organizations through innovative software solutions that blend art, analytics, and artificial intelligence. Her career has been dedicated to amplifying the impact of nonprofits by centralizing marketing success and simplifying the fundraising process.

    As the founder of DonorTrends, a pioneering analytics company, Caity revolutionized how organizations target donors with precision. Now, with the launch of the Impact Hub, she is bringing together decades of expertise into one comprehensive platform. The Impact Hub integrates marketing campaign management, creative and asset management, analytics, and success showcasing, all tailored exclusively for nonprofit organizations and their supporting agencies and vendors. Caity's goal is to help nonprofits "Do Less, Better. Do More Good.”

    Summary

    In this conversation, Jothy and Caity discuss the 9 lessons learned from her first SAAS exit that are now shaping her approach to building a more resilient and impactful second SaaS venture. From embracing the power of just starting to understanding that you don't need to boil the ocean, these insights will provide aspiring founders with practical, hard-earned advice on navigating the complex world of SaaS development. Tune in to discover how these experiences can help you build better, smarter, and more successful startups.

    9 Lessons learned

    Just StartYou don’t need to boil the ocean; you just need to warm the pond. You’re not aloneRetention over AcquisitionCustomer-Centric Development: Build What They Need, Not What You Think They WantSet your systems up to sellBuild a Strong Team: Surround Yourself with the Right PeopleEmbrace Failure: Learn Fast and Pivot When NecessaryBe Prepared for the Long Haul

    Takeaways

    Caity Craver is a solo bootstrapped founder developing the Impact Hub software.Nonprofit marketing requires a unique approach to fundraising and donor engagement.Lessons learned from previous ventures are crucial for current success.Retention of customers is as important as acquisition, especially in the nonprofit sector.Building what customers need rather than what you think they want is essential.Setting up systems for potential exit is important for future success.Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is vital for growth.Grit and determination are key traits for entrepreneurs.The nonprofit sector faces unique challenges due to tight budgets and high demand.Collaboration and support from peers can help navigate the entrepreneurial journey.

    Sound Bites

    "It's a marathon, not a sprint."

    "Just start, just get it up."

    "You don't need to boil the ocean."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:59 Nonprofit Marketing Insights

    06:00 Building and Selling Donor Trends

    10:06 Developing the Impact Hub Software

    18:53 Lessons Learned from Previous Ventures

    32:02 Retention Over Acquisition

    40:03 Embracing Failure and Grit

  • Kelly Bruno Bio

    Kelly Bruno is a Board certified physician in anesthesiology and pain medicine, currently practicing at Yale University. She's also an avid athlete, competing in abled body and para sports since she was 14 years old, in everything from track and field to ultramarathons and Ironmans. Currently she's chasing a record in the marathon. Combining her interest in medicine and sports, she previously co-founded a training company called Complete Human Performance and is now pivoting to longevity and performance medicine.

    Intro

    Kelly, a woman who was born without a complete leg, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and achieving success. She grew up with a prosthetic leg and faced the realization of being different in middle school. Despite the internal struggles and traumatic experiences, Kelly developed a strong drive to prove herself and be as capable as anyone else. She excelled in sports, including running track and field, and went on to participate in Ironman races and even competed on Survivor Nicaragua. Kelly's determination and resilience have led her to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine. She is now focused on longevity medicine and building a company that promotes health and wellness.

    Summary

    Jothy Rosenberg interviews Kelly Bruno, a remarkable individual who has turned personal challenges into extraordinary achievements. Born without a complete leg, Kelly's journey began with a childhood marked by surgeries and a growing awareness of her differences. Yet, rather than succumb to adversity, she discovered the power of sports as an outlet for her determination. From participating in track and field to completing Ironman triathlons and ultramarathons, Kelly's grit shines through as she recounts her experiences of navigating life with a disability. Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on the internal conversations that fueled her drive—transforming moments of feeling different into an unwavering commitment to excel. The discussion delves into her motivations and how she carved out a unique space for herself in athletics, ultimately earning admiration and inspiration from peers and strangers alike.

    The episode also touches upon Kelly's professional life as a physician specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Yale University. Her medical career is intertwined with her athletic pursuits, leading her to co-found Complete Human Performance, a training company focused on optimizing human capabilities. As she pivots toward longevity and performance medicine, Kelly shares her vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention and wellness rather than merely addressing ailments. The conversation is rich with insights into the intersection of health, athleticism, and personal resilience, offering listeners a compelling narrative of empowerment and possibility.

    Takeaways

    Kelly Bruno's journey of overcoming challenges began when she was born without a complete leg, shaping her extraordinary resilience and determination. Her experiences with sports helped her to redefine her identity and inspire others, transitioning from feeling different to being seen as a role model. In medical school, her work with wounded veterans led to her decision to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on pain management and anesthesiology. Kelly emphasizes the importance of proving oneself, stating she wanted to be more than just average despite societal expectations. She co-founded Complete Human Performance, combining her passion for athletics and medicine to help others achieve their fitness goals. With her current focus on longevity and performance medicine, Kelly aims to shift healthcare from treating...
  • Summary

    Saul Orbach discusses his background and his experiences living in different places, including New Jersey, Manhattan, Queens, and Israel. He shares how he ended up working in Silicon Valley and Maryland before returning to Israel. Jothy Rosenberg and Saul Orbach then discuss their time at Angle Technologies, a British company that focused on investing in super early-stage technologies in universities and labs. They talk about the challenges of working with tech transfer officers and researchers, as well as the potential of the investment model. They also discuss the technology behind creating indistinguishable digital doubles for movies and the market potential for this technology. In this conversation, Saul Orbach discusses his experiences with CGI technology and his medical startup. He talks about the growth of CGI in various industries, including film, commercials, design, and architecture. Saul also explains the challenges his CGI company faced during the 2008 financial crisis and the Screen Actors Guild strike. He then shares his journey with his medical startup, which aimed to develop an artificial kidney. Unfortunately, the company faced legal issues that prevented further progress. Saul attributes his determination and grit to his mother, a Holocaust survivor.

    Bio

    Saul Orbach is a highly accomplished Serial Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, Social Impact Investor, C-Suite Officer and Executive, Consultant, Lecturer, Thought Leader, Board Member, and Advisor, with over 35 years of extensive experience building and exiting startup and growth companies, turning around failing companies, as well as training the next generation of entrepreneurs. Saul was the Co-Founder and CEO of his 8th startup, NephFlo, Inc., a company developing artificial implantable and wearable kidneys. Formerly, he was the founder of the Elul Fund venture fund; Impact Jerusalem, a social impact organization focused on the underserved populations in Jerusalem. Prior to that, a Venture Partner at Starta Capital investing in East European technology startups. Saul shares his industry experience and knowledge in many outlets: as a Senior Adjunct Lecturer in the MBA programs at Tel Aviv University, the Technion, and Hebrew University; as a domain expert and mentor in a variety of Accelerator programs around the world; as a popular speaker and guest lecturer at conferences, universities, and other events; and, as a sought-after high-level advisor in both the private and public sectors.

    Takeaways

    Saul Orbach has lived in various places, including New Jersey, Manhattan, Queens, and Israel.Angle Technologies focused on investing in super early-stage technologies in universities and labs.Working with tech transfer officers and researchers can be challenging in the investment process.Creating indistinguishable digital doubles for movies has the potential to revolutionize the film industry.The market potential for this technology is significant, especially with the increasing use of CGI in movies. CGI technology has become prevalent in various industries, including film, commercials, design, and architecture.The 2008 financial crisis and the Screen Actors Guild strike had a significant impact on Saul's Aguru startup.Saul Orbach's medical startup aimed to develop an artificial kidney to address the shortage of donor kidneys.Legal issues hindered the progress of Saul's medical startup, leading to its suspension.Saul's determination and grit stem from his mother, a Holocaust survivor.

    Sound Bites

    "Angle Technologies is the place where we met. I found that to be a very interesting investment model, except for one thing."

    "There's no car commercial today that's...

  • Summary

    Ray Bradbery, a former IT professional and entrepreneur, shares his journey from working in the IT department of a major bank to starting his own consulting practice and later owning a cafe and restaurant. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customers, doing thorough research before starting a business, and having the grit to overcome challenges. Ray also discusses the lessons he learned from his time at Borland, including the power of saying yes and the importance of product management. He shares stories of successful entrepreneurs he has worked with and highlights the need for optimism and resilience in the startup world.

    Takeaways

    Do thorough research and understand the market and customers before starting a businessHave the grit and resilience to overcome challenges and keep pushing forwardSay yes to opportunities and be open to trying new thingsProduct management is crucial for getting the product right and understanding customer needsOptimism and a positive mindset are important traits for entrepreneurs

    Sound Bites

    "Sure, why not? I've never done it before, but how hard can it be?"

    "So I started to look at how Borland operated. And the thing that I think was the first eye opener was they had this thing called team B."

    "Because we don't do what you tell us to do, we do what we think is right."

    Links

    Ray's current startup: https://www.datalynx.com.au/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Jothy's non-profit: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:04 Transitioning from IT to Entrepreneurship

    08:05 Lessons from Borland and Building a Consulting Practice

    14:06 Understanding Customers and Overcoming Challenges

    19:09 The Importance of Product Management in Startups

    25:04 Grit and Resilience: Keys to Success in Entrepreneurship

  • Summary

    Giles Taylor, the founder of Trans Solutions, shares his journey from working in the maritime industry to starting his own logistics company. Trans Solutions specializes in optimizing transportation and offering engineering solutions for businesses. Giles discusses the evolution of the logistics industry and the unique challenges and opportunities in the parcel shipping sector. He emphasizes the importance of negotiation and optimization in saving companies money on shipping costs. Trans Solutions has been self-funded with occasional use of a line of credit. Giles Taylor discusses the evolution of data management in his company, the challenges of negotiating with shipping integrators, and the importance of having the right team. He also shares his experience of making mistakes and the lessons he learned from them. Giles talks about the process of being acquired and how he found the right buyer for his company. He reflects on the source of his grit and the mindset that has driven his success.

    Takeaways

    Giles Taylor's background in engineering, operations management, and transportation led him to start Trans SolutionsTrans Solutions specializes in optimizing transportation and offering engineering solutions for businessesThe parcel shipping sector presents unique challenges and opportunities for cost savingsNegotiation and optimization are key in saving companies money on shipping costsTrans Solutions has been self-funded with occasional use of a line of credit The evolution of data management in the company, from using Excel spreadsheets to using SQL and PythonThe challenges of negotiating with shipping integrators and the importance of understanding all the charges involvedThe importance of having the right team and the challenges of hiring and managing employeesThe experience of making mistakes and the lessons learned from themThe process of being acquired and finding the right buyer for the companyThe source of Giles' grit and the mindset that has driven his success

    Sound Bites

    "Here's a tank that costs $200,000 to make. It's got a million dollars of product in it. And you need to know where it is at all times."

    "What was the unsolved problem that you were going to aim TransSolutions at?"

    "And some of these databases, are they all ones that you've developed yourselves or do you have to buy some of this data?"

    "Then we got up to companies that spend like 150, 200 million dollars on just parcel. And those databases are huge."

    "So if you don't know what to ask for it, you're going to miss it."

    Links

    https://trans-solutions.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    09:07 Giles Taylor's Music Collection

    14:27 The Unsolved...

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Jothy Rosenberg interviews Leslie Barthel, a marketing professional with extensive experience in tech startups. They discuss Leslie's career journey, the challenges and rewards of working in startups, and the importance of marketing in early-stage companies. Leslie shares insights on marketing strategies for startups, including how to market a product that is still in the proof-of-concept stage and how to build brand awareness with limited resources. They also touch on the role of product management in marketing and the value of grit and a positive mindset in navigating the ups and downs of startup life.

    Takeaways

    Working in tech startups often involves being in the right place at the right time and making connections.Marketing a product in the proof-of-concept stage requires selling the vision and potential of the product.Building brand awareness with limited resources involves focusing on high-impact strategies and partnering with others.As a startup grows, it becomes important to hire a marketing team that can handle both creative and strategic tasks.Product management plays a crucial role in marketing, as it involves understanding the product, the target market, and gathering feedback.Having a positive mindset and viewing setbacks as learning opportunities is key to navigating the challenges of startup life.

    Sound Bites

    "I really liked B2B tech"

    "Selling the vision and making it easy for customers to understand"

    "The thing I love about startups are the people"

    Links

    Leslie’s Health Startup: https://1up.health/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit: https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Leslie Barthel's Career Journey

    03:01 Marketing Strategies for Startups

    08:28 Building Brand Awareness

    09:01 The Role of Product Management

    24:27 Growing the Right Marketing Team

    32:28 The Value of Grit and a Positive Mindset

  • Summary

    Doug Weisman, the founder of VideoLink, shares his journey of starting and growing the company. VideoLink provided live television production services and became a premier broadcast entity. Doug and his team took risks, worked long hours, and built a unique business that attracted clients from major networks. They focused on providing exceptional service and treating employees and clients with respect. After 26 years, Doug and his partners sold the company and retired. Their success was a result of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

    Takeaways

    Building a successful startup requires dedication, hard work, and taking risks.Treating employees and clients with respect and providing exceptional service are key to long-term success.Having a unique offering and intellectual property can make a company attractive to potential buyers.Selling a company requires careful preparation, including cleaning up financials and operations.Retiring after selling a successful company is a rewarding outcome of years of hard work.

    Sound Bites

    "I was brought up in a family where the work ethic was not the number one thing, but it was serious."

    "I worked very hard. I was the so-called breadwinner. I knew I had to provide for my family."

    "You treat your employees the way you want to be treated and you treat your clients the way you want to be treated and they'll all come back to work every day."

    Links

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit: https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:31 The Germinating Idea for VideoLink

    06:21 The Game-Changing Introduction of Fiber Optic Cable

    09:09 Building VideoLink Organically

    13:36 Managing Growth and Expanding to New Locations

    18:06 Preparing for Sale and Hiring a CEO

    30:40 Motivation for Selling and Finding a Buyer

    37:46 Selling the Company and Retiring

  • Summary

    Alicia Williams, co-founder of Aliste Marketing, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the lessons she has learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, surrounding yourself with a supportive network, and bringing in experts to enhance the quality of work. Alicia also discusses the challenges and strategies of working with startups, including the need to allocate a marketing budget and the integration of product management and marketing functions. Additionally, she highlights the significance of giving back to the community and the role of grit in achieving success.

    Takeaways

    Perseverance and a belief in oneself are crucial for success as an entrepreneur.Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of like-minded professionals can provide encouragement and guidance.Bringing in experts can enhance the quality of work and contribute to the success of the business.Allocating a marketing budget and developing a customized strategy are essential for startups.Integrating product management and marketing functions is important for the growth and success of a business.Giving back to the community and supporting causes can be a meaningful way to make a positive impact.Grit and determination are key qualities that drive success in entrepreneurship and other areas of life.

    Sound Bites

    "Trust that you're not gonna let yourself fail."

    "Surround yourself with an amazing network of people."

    "Bringing in experts actually doesn't mean that I have to do all the work, but the work can be even better for our clients."

    Links

    Alicia's Aliste CMO site: https://alistemarketing.com

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    04:16 Working with Family: The Brother-Sister Team

    08:16 The Dynamics of Co-CEOs

    10:38 Balancing Work and Personal Relationships

    13:29 Working with Established Brands and Startups

    16:35 The Challenges of Product Management

    19:55 Integrating Product Management and Marketing

    22:28 Preserving Intellectual Property in Client Relationships

    25:22 Lessons Learned: Perseverance and Trust

    27:08 Giving Back to the Community

    29:10 The Source of Grit: Family and Personal Drive

    31:40 The Role of Grit in Entrepreneurship

    36:27 Lessons from Extraordinary Examples of Grit

  • Summary

    Carl J Cox, founder of 40 Strategy, shares his journey from being a CFO to starting his own strategic planning company. He emphasizes the importance of strategy in guiding a company's direction and increasing its value. Cox introduces the Captain Strategy Methodology, which focuses on de-risking a company and maximizing its potential. He also discusses the challenges CEOs face and the need for external support and guidance. Cox highlights the value of transparency and consistency in leadership and shares real-life stories of CEOs overcoming struggles. The conversation explores the concept of de-risking a business and the importance of strategy in startups. It introduces a risk matrix tool that helps identify and prioritize risks in a company. The conversation also discusses the value of storytelling in business books and the role of grit in overcoming challenges. The hosts share personal stories and experiences related to risk-taking and perseverance.

    Takeaways

    Strategy is essential for guiding a company's direction and increasing its value.CEOs often face challenges and feel isolated, making external support and guidance crucial.Transparency and consistency in leadership are key to building trust and achieving success.De-risking a company is important for increasing its value and creating long-term wealth.The Captain Strategy Methodology helps companies develop strategic plans and execute them effectively. De-risking a business is crucial for success, and a risk matrix tool can help identify and prioritize risks.Strategy is essential in startups, especially when transitioning from product-market fit to go-to-market.Storytelling is a powerful tool in business books, as it engages readers and drives change.Grit and perseverance are necessary qualities for entrepreneurs, as they face numerous challenges and setbacks.

    Sound Bites

    "Most CEOs I know are wonderful, amazing human beings."

    "CEOs often feel isolated, like they're on an island."

    "Strategy is like the rudder of a ship, guiding the company's direction."

    "Now I know what's wrong for my company. And now I want to fix this."

    "If you focus on the top three, you can get 25% of your value back. If you focus on the top eight, you typically get 50% of your value back."

    Links

    Carl's 40 Strategy: https://40strategy.com

    "Lost at CEO" book: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-At-CEO-Entrepreneurs-Strategy/dp/B0C5BD5DNM/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    08:12 The Struggles of CEOs and the Need for Support

    13:23 Transparency and Consistency in Leadership

    18:22 The...

  • Summary

    Suvojit Ghosh, founder of FYELABS, discusses his product development shop that is purpose-built for startups. FYELABS offers development services under fixed price and fixed timeline contracts, making the development process more predictable for startups. Ghosh emphasizes the importance of the customer in the startup journey and the need to solve a problem that customers are willing to pay for. He also shares insights on outsourcing product development, the concept of ultra-lean product development, and the importance of passion and grit in entrepreneurship.

    Takeaways

    FYELABS is a product development shop that offers development services under fixed price and fixed timeline contracts, making the development process more predictable for startups.The customer is the most important element of a startup. Having a paying customer who is willing to pay for the solution to a problem is crucial for success.Outsourcing product development can be a cost-effective option for startups, especially for complex products that require diverse skill sets.Ultra-lean product development involves building only the bare minimum required to go to market or test the concept, using open source software and knowledge, and minimizing costs.Passion and grit are essential qualities for startup founders, as they drive the motivation to overcome challenges and make a positive impact on the world.

    Sound Bites

    "I wanted to create this service as one that derisks that product development piece for startups that are attempting a complex product."

    "If you have a paying customer who's going to pay you to solve a problem that you have identified and you can solve that problem at a price point that they're going to pay you for and you can have a healthy margin, everything else falls into place."

    "Ultra-lean is a component of a couple different things. So, number one is what I was just describing to you, is like build only the bare bones of what's required to go to market or test out the concept, nothing more.”

    Links

    Suvojit Ghosh’s FYELABS: https://fyelabs.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit: https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk

    02:10 Purpose and Services of Phi Labs

    05:06 Derisking Product Development for Startups

    07:50 Handling Changes and Delivering Products

    09:59 Scaling Production and Manufacturing

    15:38 Guiding Startups in Product Development

    17:49 Assessing the Innovation and Feasibility of Startups

    20:10 Outsourcing vs. In-House Product Development

    25:42 Ownership and Patents in Product Development

    29:21 The Role of Grit and Passion in Entrepreneurship

    34:29 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

  • Summary

    Dan Cosgrove, founder of Wellness for the Workforce, discusses his journey in creating a wellness program for small businesses. He explains how he discovered a way to increase employee benefits while increasing profits for his own company, and how he has since helped other businesses do the same. Dan addresses the controversy surrounding wellness programs and the legality of implementing them. He also explains the benefits of wellness programs, such as telehealth services and mental health support, and how they can attract and retain top talent. Dan emphasizes the importance of understanding the US tax code and the government's interest in reducing healthcare costs through preventative care.

    Takeaways

    Wellness programs can increase employee benefits while increasing profits for small businesses.

    Understanding the US tax code is crucial in implementing wellness programs.

    Wellness programs offer benefits such as telehealth services and mental health support that can attract and retain top talent.

    The government is interested in reducing healthcare costs through preventative care.

    Sound Bites

    "Wellness programs have taken off like a rocket ship."

    "Wellness programs are innovative medical programs to reduce healthcare costs."

    "Telehealth services and mental health support are key benefits of wellness programs."

    Links

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/findanewjob/ 

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@financialfreedomforyou

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancosgrove23/

    X: https://twitter.com/dancos23  dancos23

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.cosgrove23 

    Medium: https://medium.com/@financialfeedom 

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:11 Discovering Wellness for the Workforce

    03:39 Controversy and Legality of Wellness Programs

    06:20 Benefits of Wellness Programs

    08:21 Attracting and Retaining Talent

    14:22 Implementing Wellness Programs for Startups

    35:13 Grit and Determination as an Entrepreneur

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Jothy Rosenberg interviews Joe Hammill and Stephanie Rieben about their backgrounds and their work in the venture capital industry. They discuss the state of venture capital and fundraising, highlighting the challenges faced by both founders and investors. They also share insights on what founders often get wrong about fundraising and the importance of grit in the startup world. Joe and Stephanie explain their business model at Diadem Capital, which aims to connect private companies with private capital and provide a platform for curated deal flow. They emphasize the value of trust and alignment in their approach.

    Takeaways

    The state of venture capital has changed recently, with lower capital deployment and liquidity constraints for LPs.

    Founders often have misconceptions about fundraising, such as expecting venture capital to fund the building of their business.

    Grit is essential in the startup world, and it can be developed over time through experiences and a mindset of perseverance.

    Diadem Capital aims to create a private markets ecosystem by connecting private companies with private capital and providing curated deal flow.

    Trust and alignment are crucial in the venture capital industry, and Diadem Capital's success-based fee model helps incentivize collaboration.

    Sound Bites

    "Last year was one of the lowest capital deployment years in a long time."

    "Venture capital accelerates already built businesses."

    "Don't try to push your valuation up too high because you can really screw yourself.”

    Links

    Diadem Capital’s website: https://diademcapital.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds

    04:18 The State of Venture Capital and Fundraising

    08:14 Misconceptions about Fundraising

    15:30 Diadem Capital's Business Model

    20:22 Helping VCs Build Syndicates

    23:28 The Role of Grit in Success

    27:54 Personal Stories of Grit

    35:00 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Optimistic

  • Summary

    Robert M. Fojo, VP of Sales at Max Value Processing, shares his journey from being a lawyer to joining a startup in the merchant services space. He discusses his background growing up in Miami as the son of Cuban immigrants and how it shaped his values and appreciation for freedom. Fojo explains the compelling ideas behind Max Value Processing, including transparency and technology in the payments industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding vertical markets and building relationships with software providers. Fojo also offers advice for career pivots and the importance of consistency and diligence.

    Takeaways

    Understanding and appreciating your heritage and upbringing can shape your values and career choices.Transparency and technology are key factors in the payments industry, and companies that focus on these areas can differentiate themselves.Building relationships with software providers and understanding vertical markets are crucial for success in the merchant services space.Consistency and diligence are essential for achieving goals and making successful career pivots.

    Sound Bites

    "Give it 110% and don't look back."

    "Be consistent and diligent in what you're doing."

    "Become a wholesale Processor and control all processes."

    Links

    Robert’s Max Value Processing: https://maxvalueprocessing.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:04 Living in New Hampshire and Working in Beverly

    04:40 Transition from Lawyer to Startup

    08:32 The Major Ideas that Will Change the Payments Industry

    11:28 Identifying Pain Points and Differentiating from Competitors

    13:13 The Similarities Between Sales and Law

    15:10 Transition to VP of Sales and Managing a Sales Team

    16:37 Balancing Law Practice and Sales Career

    19:20 Partner Strategy and Protecting Against Competition

    22:34 The Challenges of Developing Payment Solutions

    25:47 Expanding into New Verticals and Differentiating from Competitors

    28:16 Creating Pull Through Strategies and Displacing Competitors

    35:27 The Importance of Grit and Immigrant Mentality

    37:41 Advice for Career Pivots and Consistency

    38:47 Goals for the Company and Future Growth

    41:56 Passing on Values to the Next Generation

  • Summary

    Adam Packard, founder of Ninja Prospecting, discusses his journey from the golf business to starting his own marketing and business development company. He shares his experience with using LinkedIn for prospecting and explains his manual approach to avoid automation and LinkedIn restrictions. Packard also talks about his long-term vision for his business and the importance of coaching. The conversation touches on topics such as the challenges of selling advertising, the use of Sales Navigator, and the value of personalized outreach. In this conversation, Jothy Rosenberg and Adam Packard discuss the future plans for Adam's company, Ninja Prospecting. They explore the possibility of transitioning to a broader marketing focus and rebranding as Ninja Marketing. They also discuss the challenges of changing company names and the importance of long-term vision. Adam shares his source of grit as being inspired by his father's entrepreneurial success and his desire to provide a better life for his family. They also touch on the idea of slowly transitioning from the current business model to the new one and the importance of having a strong team.

    Takeaways

    Adam Packard transitioned from the golf business to starting his own marketing and business development company, Ninja Prospecting.Ninja Prospecting takes a manual approach to prospecting on LinkedIn, avoiding automation and focusing on personalized outreach.The company uses Sales Navigator for prospecting, but also leverages other tools like Apollo and ZoomInfo for more specific targeting.Packard's long-term vision for Ninja Prospecting is to build a referral-based business and offer coaching to help clients maximize their marketing efforts. Consider the long-term vision when naming a company to avoid the need for future rebranding.Transitioning from one business model to another can be challenging, but starting fresh with a new company may be a more effective approach.Having a strong team is crucial for successfully navigating business changes and growth.Grit and determination are essential qualities for entrepreneurs, often fueled by a desire to provide a better life for their families.Balancing the current business while working on a new venture requires careful planning and management.

    Sound Bites

    "As a golfer, I had to get out West."

    "You never have to shovel sunshine."

    "Be good at marketing and have a team on the backend to be able to execute this and then, um, leverage that."

    "Eventually probably change it from Ninja prospecting to Ninja marketing and be more of a marketing company.”

    Links

    Adam’s Ninja Prospecting: https://ninjaprospecting.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

    Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:12

  • Summary

    Annika Lundström, the founder of Reminded, a medical technology startup, discusses her journey and the development of a diagnostics tool for mental health. She talks about her experience participating in a Finnish entrepreneurship program in San Francisco and the challenges and opportunities she encountered. Annika explains the focus of her startup on non-invasive medical devices that detect hormones and biomarkers related to mental health issues. She also discusses the process of FDA approval and her plans for expanding into different markets. Throughout the conversation, Annika emphasizes the importance of perseverance and finding a supportive community of fellow founders.

    Takeaways

    Annika Lundström participated in a Finnish entrepreneurship program in San Francisco, which provided her with valuable opportunities and partnerships.Reminded is developing a non-invasive medical device that detects hormones and biomarkers related to mental health issues.FDA approval is required for Reminded's device, and the process can be expensive and time-consuming.Annika emphasizes the importance of perseverance and having a supportive community of fellow founders.Reminded plans to start in the US market and then expand to other geographies, such as Japan and China.

    Sound Bites

    "I'm currently running a medical technology startup named Reminded and why I was spending this past spring in San Francisco was due to me being selected to this kind of Finnish initiative called SILTA."

    "What we're currently developing is a non-invasive medical device detecting various hormones and biomarkers that have been clinically proven to have a strong correlation with mental health related issues."

    "We recently incorporated Reminded Inc as a Delaware C Corp now here in the US and that will be the parent company of our whole company basically and remaining reminded OE the Finnish entity as a subsidiary.”

    Links

    Annika’s Reminded startup: https://reminded.fi/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

    Think Like a Startup Founder (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:29 Participating in the Finnish Entrepreneurship Program

    09:35 Incorporating Reminded Inc and Expanding to the US

    14:22 Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities in the US

    21:00 Timeline and Market Entry Strategy

    26:43 The Importance of Mental Health Assessment and Awareness

  • Summary

    Morgan Templar, founder of First CDO Partners, shares her journey from starting as a secretary to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of data governance and the role of a chief data officer (CDO) in organizations. Morgan emphasizes the need for good data management and governance, especially in the era of AI. She also opens up about the personal challenges she faced, including her daughter's health issues and her husband's medical condition. Despite the difficulties, Morgan's determination and resilience have propelled her career and led to the founding of her own company.

    Takeaways

    Data governance is crucial for organizations, especially in the age of AI.

    The role of a chief data officer (CDO) involves managing data strategy, bringing together business and technology teams, and ensuring data quality and governance.

    Personal challenges can shape one's career and provide the strength and determination to overcome obstacles.

    Resilience and a positive mindset are key to navigating difficult times and achieving success.

    Scaling a company requires careful planning and consideration, including potential funding rounds and an exit strategy.

    Sound Bites

    "We're seeing the downside of not having good governance, especially as all of a sudden AI is all anybody wants to talk about. You have to have good data to have good AI."

    "Life is to learn."

    Links

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

    Think Like a Startup Founder (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Morgan’s books

    “Get Governed: Building World Class Data Governance Programs” by Morgan Templar

    https://www.amazon.com/Get-Governed-Building-Governance-Programs/dp/069295175X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1506495103&sr=8-1

    “A Culture of Governance” by Morgan Templar

    https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Governance-Morgan-Templar/dp/0692185100/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=a+culture+of+governance&qid=1616373445&sr=8-6

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Small Talk

    01:39 Background and Current Work

    05:28 The Role of a Chief Data Officer

    07:26 Identifying an Unsolved Problem in the Market

    09:16 The Challenges of Being a Chief Data Officer

    10:02 Gaining Confidence to Start a Company

    12:09 Breaking Glass Ceilings and Overcoming Adversity

    14:36 The Impact of Personal Challenges on Career

    19:33 The Effect of Family Challenges on Career

    24:16 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    28:42 Medium and Long-Term Vision for the Company

    32:07 Expectation of Selling the Company

    35:49 Conclusion and Reflections

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Jothy Rosenberg and Marco discuss their backgrounds, their experiences working together at Dover, and their current endeavors. They touch on topics such as the importance of culture and communication in building a successful company, the challenges they faced at Dover, and the lessons they learned from those experiences. They also discuss the concept of grit and how it has shaped their careers. Marco shares his current role at Rebuild Manufacturing and the vision of reshoring American manufacturing.

    Takeaways

    The importance of culture and communication in building a successful company

    The challenges and lessons learned from working at Dover

    The concept of grit and its impact on career success

    The vision of reshoring American manufacturing at Rebuild Manufacturing

    Sound Bites

    "I was doing things that I never imagined that I have to do."

    "We were so close to putting you in and then suddenly, you know, you pulled the plug because, well, you know, we'd run out of money."

    "My biggest struggle right now is really talent, getting talent.”

    Links

    Marco’s Re:Build Manufacturing: https://rebuildmanufacturing.com/

    Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

    Think Like a Startup Founder (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

    Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

    The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

    Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    05:47 Working Together at Dover

    09:42 Challenges and Lessons Learned at Dover

    23:05 Smooth Landing and Lessons from Dover

    27:57 Current Challenges and Talent Acquisition

    32:54 The Power of Grit

    36:39 Reshoring American Manufacturing