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  • In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, Adam sits down with Alexi Robichaux, CEO and Co-Founder of BetterUp, to explore the depths of entrepreneurship and leadership. The conversation focuses on vision, resolve, and grit—cornerstones of entrepreneurial success.

    Alexi defines entrepreneurial excellence as the ability to take a bold vision and turn it into reality, sharing insights from his own journey at BetterUp, a company now reaching hundreds of millions in revenue.

    They dive into the unique perspective successful entrepreneurs possess, emphasizing the importance of a clear worldview that informs decision-making.

    Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from one of today’s most dynamic entrepreneurial leaders!

    Key Topics:

    -How bold ideas become real through vision and action

    -The value of not giving up when facing challenges

    -The role of risk-taking in building a successful business

    -Creating a strong company culture for lasting success

    -The importance of hiring the right people for your team

    Quote From The Episode:

    “We've never quit. We felt like it's really meaningful work. It's the opportunity of a lifetime. And no matter how pressed, we've been squeezed, dejected, rejected, whatever negative feelings we've had, and we've had them all”

    - Alexi Robichaux

    Timestamp:

    [00:00] Podcast Intro

    [02:26] Alexi elaborated on the unique aspects of entrepreneurial leadership.

    [10:14] Adam and Alexi reflected on their entrepreneurial journey.

    [18:38] Alexi shared his thoughts on taking risks and pursuing entrepreneurship despite lucrative job offers.

    [28:54] Adam and Alexi acknowledged the challenges of maintaining an obsessive drive while building a strong culture.

    [40:35] Alexi emphasized the importance of building a team aligned with the company’s mission and values.

    [48:30] Adam and Alexi shared their perspective on delegation and leadership.

    [1:00:34] Alexi addressed the challenges of hiring go-to-market leaders and acknowledged that despite the best intentions and efforts.

    [1:11:51] Adam and Alexi conveyed their belief that the key to achieving excellence as an entrepreneur is to trust your gut, but also to seek coaching as a way to clarify and articulate those intuitive feelings

    [1:20:11] Outro

    Connect with Alexi Robichaux:

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/alexirobichaux

    Websites - glenroegroup.com

    ylamerica.org

    about.me/alexirobichaux

    Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

    Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

  • In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, Scott Belsky, Adobe's Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Design & Emerging Products, shares his unique insights into defining excellence and success as an entrepreneur.

    Scott dives deep into the moments of self-awareness and growth that shape an entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of managing risks and understanding the value of incremental successes. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between multiple ventures and how frustration often sparks the entrepreneurial spirit.

    The conversation delves into the complexities of the job market, highlighting the untapped potential of qualified individuals and the need for a purposeful mission to overcome obstacles.

    Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that offers insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey!

    Key Topics:

    Defining excellence and success as an entrepreneurTime management and productivity tips for busy executivesBuilding a strong company culture and hiring for initiativeThe entrepreneurial mindset and traits of successful leadersBalancing work-life and the ongoing challenges of entrepreneurship

    Quote From The Episode:

    Sometimes what people really want to talk about is the thing that they're worried about.

    - Scott Belsky

    Timestamp:

    [00:00] Podcast Intro

    [01:14] Scott reflected on the meaning of excellence and success.

    [11:40] Adam and Scott emphasized the importance of starting product reviews by focusing on the problem being solved and the user's overall experience.

    [21:20] Scott explored the idea that a company's culture often mirrors its founder's personality and discussed different types of founders.

    [31:40] Adam and Scott discussed the challenges of knowing when a founder has lost conviction in their startup.

    [40:42] Scott conveyed his experience managing large teams, the importance of leadership development,

    [44:27] Outro

    Connect with Scott Belsky

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/scottbelsky

    Website - behance.com

    scottbelsky.com

    99u.com

    Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

    Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

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  • In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we sit down with Jared Fliesler, an Executive Coach and Founder, to explore his unconventional journey in entrepreneurship, career path, and coaching. Jared shares how he grew up in the Midwest, moved to San Francisco without a plan, and discovered his passion for storytelling and entrepreneurship through food reviews on Yelp.

    Jared discusses the qualities of successful founders, highlighting their obsession with solving problems and making the impossible possible. He underscores the combination of smarts, luck, and fortitude needed to push through challenges and achieve entrepreneurial success.

    Throughout the conversation, Jared offers valuable advice and reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and finding fulfillment in work and life. This episode provides a deep dive into the mind of a successful entrepreneur and coach, offering listeners practical insights and inspiration for their own entrepreneurial journeys.

    Tune in as we uncover the essence of entrepreneurial excellence and the journey toward achieving it!

    Key Topics:

    -Jared Fliesler's journey from Midwest to SF and discovering entrepreneurship

    -Qualities and motivations of successful founders and entrepreneurs

    -Balancing work, life, and finding personal happiness

    -Importance of product market fit and simplicity in product design

    -Building a team and self-awareness for successful entrepreneurship

    Quote From The Episode:

    "If you're feeling your energy is being drained, try to shift what you're working on until you feel motivated by it”

    - Jared Fliesler

    Timestamp:

    [00:00] Podcast Intro

    [01:59] Jared shared his unconventional journey from the Midwest to San Francisco.

    [10:48] Jared emphasized that grit and discipline are crucial traits for successful founders.

    [20:02] Adam and Jared reflected on their gratitude for their fortunate circumstances and how this perspective helps them navigate the challenges of running a company.

    [29:13] Jared discussed the subjective nature of work-life balance.

    [43:23] Jared elaborated on how product-market fit is unmistakable when customers use the product in unforeseen ways.

    [51:37] Adam and Jared recounted a story about Square's initial product challenges.

    [56:50] Outro

    Connect with Jared Fliesler:

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jaredsf

    Twitter/X - @jaredsf

    Website - firstcall.co/

    Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

    Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

  • Join us on this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence as we sit down with Austen Allred, Co-Founder & CEO of BloomTech. Dive into Austen's journey from selling items on eBay in his youth to dropping out of college to pursue a career in Silicon Valley.

    He shares his insights on the mindset and psychology of successful entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of grit, resilience, and learning from failure. Austen also discusses the inception of BloomTech, aiming to revolutionize online education by balancing automation with human interaction!

    The conversation delves into the complexities of the job market, highlighting the untapped potential of qualified individuals and the need for a purposeful mission to overcome obstacles.

    Tune in and get ready to elevate your entrepreneurial game!

    Key Topics:

    -Journey to Entrepreneurship and Tech Industry

    -Dropping Out of College and Parental Concerns

    -Online Education and Balance Between Automation and Human Interaction

    -Optimizing Job Placement and Grit in Entrepreneurship

    -Startup Success, Failure, and Belief in Vision

    Quote From The Episode:

    "My definition of success is a world changing company that gives everybody the ability to increase, to live up to their financial potential"

    - Austen Allred

    Timestamp:

    [00:00] Podcast Intro

    [02:01] Austin shared his journey from childhood business ventures to founding Bloom Tech.

    [10:31]Austin explained the challenges and strategies of adapting classroom experiences to online education.

    [23:23] Adam and Austin elaborated on the critical importance of grit for entrepreneurs.

    [30:55] Austin highlighted the two primary reasons companies fail.

    [40:04] Austin discussed the challenge of deciding whether to sell a company or keep growing it.

    [50:29] Adam and Austin talk about the challenges of managing rapid company growth.

    [1:00:46] Austin Allred emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting candidates with impressive resumes from big companies

    [1:18:47] Outro

    Connect with Austen Allred:

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/austenallred

    Twitter/X - @Austen

    Instagram - @austenall

    Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

    Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

  • In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we delve into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship with Aaref Hilaly, Founder of Clearwell and Partner at Bain Capital Ventures.

    Aaref discusses his journey as a first-time CEO, sharing invaluable lessons from his successes and mistakes. He emphasizes that entrepreneurial excellence is a blend of IQ, EQ, insight, and leadership, and that success comes from determination and hard work, regardless of innate abilities.

    Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to achieve entrepreneurial excellence and the key factors that drive success in the competitive world of tech startups!

    Key Topics:

    -Defining entrepreneurial excellence and success

    -Challenges of balancing founder and CEO roles

    -Importance of company culture and proactive compensation

    -Investing in startups and key success factors

    -Insights on generational differences and work ethic

    Quote From The Episode:

    I've never judged things by outcomes or by what other people think.

    - Aaref Hilaly

    Timestamp:

    [00:00] Podcast Intro

    [03:03] Adam and Aaref conversed about defining and achieving entrepreneurial excellence.

    [08:23] Adam and Aaref talked about the common mistakes founders make, the importance of learning and self-education.

    [17:08] Aaref delved into the importance of building a core team with cultural fit.

    [24:25] Adam and Aaref explored the challenges of recruiting talent for startups.

    [30:05] Aaref discussed the evolution of leadership styles.

    [34:18] Adam and Aaref discussed the influence of location on startup success.

    [39:42] Aaref talks about the influx of talent into the startup ecosystem.

    [46:09] Adam and Aaref delve into the importance of maintaining an open mind both as an investor and a founder..

    [50:01] Aaref emphasized how the perception of winning drives hard work and dedication within a company.

    [57:38] Aaref touched on the factors that drive employee motivation and satisfaction.

    [1:05:03] Adam and Aaref explored the reasons behind the failure of startups despite initial promise.

    [1:11:21] Aaref shared experiences of missed investment opportunities and lessons learned from them.

    [1:18:13] Outro

    Connect with Aaref Hilaly:

    Website -https://baincapitalventures.com/team/aaref-hilaly/

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/aarefhilaly

    Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

    Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

  • In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we sit down with Dan Reich, a serial entrepreneur, investor, first responder, and founder.

    Dan discusses how entrepreneurial success involves making an impact on the world and the lives of others. He shares stories of how his company's products have improved people's lives and talks about the importance of building successful companies by focusing on the market, team, and product.

    Tune in to learn how to optimize life for happiness and fun while achieving entrepreneurial success!

    Key Topics:

    -Achieving entrepreneurial success and happiness

    -Building impactful companies with the right team

    -Hiring smart and making good decisions

    -Embracing curiosity, drive, and taking risks

    -Key factors when selling a company and thinking big

    Quote From The Episode:

    Life is short, make the most of it.

    - Dan Reich

    Timestamp:

    [00:00] Podcast Intro

    [03:07] Dan discusses his perspective on success, emphasizing the importance of making the most of life.

    [06:15] Dan shares that he measures success by the impact he makes on the world and in the lives of others.

    [08:49] Adam and Dan talk about the challenges and lessons learned from founding multiple companies.

    [14:17] Dan elaborates on their entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of market, team, and product.

    [20:06] Dan emphasizes the critical role of a CEO in managing cash, culture, vision, and hiring.

    [23:08] Adam and Dan share their insights on evaluating co-founder relationships and hiring practices.

    [30:41] Adam and Dan reflect on the evolution of their understanding of success.

    [37:15] Adam and Dan highlights the crucial role of people in a company's success.

    [42:26] Adam and Dan discuss the balance of compensation and equity for employees.

    [49:24] Dan elaborates the balance between compensation and equity.

    [1:00:17] Adam and Dan reflect on the role of confidence and lack of fear in entrepreneurship.

    [1:12:25] Outro

    Connect with Dan Reich

    Instagram - @danreich

    Website - danreich.com

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/danreich

    Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

    Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

  • With a sterling track record of scaling companies like Oscar Health and Hippo Insurance. Anna now brings her wealth of experience to her venture, Lenhardt Partners, focusing on HR consulting for startups.

    Anna sheds light on the pivotal role of HR in the startup ecosystem—how it's not just about hiring but about nurturing a culture that can withstand rapid scaling and the challenges that come with it. Learn the art and science behind setting up a vibrant culture, making those crucial first hires, and building teams that are not just skilled but are aligned with the company's core mission.

    But how do you scale from a handful of employees to hundreds while maintaining that culture? How do you ensure HR practices evolve without losing the essence of what made your startup succeed in the first place? Anna answers these burning questions and shares insights on achieving HR excellence—a beacon for startups aspiring to make a significant impact.

    Whether you're a founder, a startup employee, or an HR professional looking to leave a mark in the high-growth ecosystem, this episode with Anna Lenhardt promises to equip you with the know-how and inspiration to forge ahead. From creating winning cultures to strategic hiring and beyond, get ready to be enlightened by one of the industry's best.

  • 🚀 Straddle the rocket of startup growth with Peter Goldstein, the architect behind NASDAQ and NYSE listings, as we unravel the mysteries of going public.

    In this not-to-be-missed episode, Goldstein, CEO of Exchange Listing LLC, and the mind-fueling Emmis Capital, sits down to decode the DNA of successful startups and dissect the real ROI of an IPO.

    Peter reveals whether taking the Wall Street plunge is golden or just a glittering lure. We tackle age-old questions with a new-age twist – Can entering the public arena supercharge your company's legacy or is it stepping into a high-stakes game better played by the financial titans?

    From the maze of raising capital to engineering a startup that stands the test of time, this episode is your golden ticket to C-suite strategies and venture capital savvy.

    ✨ Tune in to The Entrepreneurial Excellence Podcast and gain a frontline perspective on making waves in business seas. Ready to elevate your entrepreneur game? Hit play now and chart your course for the stars!

  • Struck by the startup bug? Make yourself comfortable, and learn from the master. We dive deep into the game-changing role financial models play in startup success. From fortifying business plans to predicting the future, Siddiqi unveils the secret world of finance made accessible for every entrepreneur. 📊

    🎙️ Entrepreneurial Excellence is thrilled to welcome Faheem Siddiqi, the mastermind transforming startups into successful enterprises. Tailored for anyone with a spark of entrepreneurship, this episode distills Siddiqi's magic formula for building unforgettable companies.

    Faheem doesn't stop at financial whizzing. He shares his unique perspective on fostering business acumen - an indispensable tool in the startup toolbox. You'll discover how understanding market dynamics, customer needs, and competition can turbocharge your startup growth. 🚀

    All work and no hustle? Not in Faheem's book! This episode unravels how relentless pursuit and passion pave the way to building the company of your dreams. Prepare for an adrenaline shot of motivation that'll make you leap into action. 🎯

    Fasten your seat belts for this journey of entrepreneurial discovery with Faheem Siddiqi. Readiness to hustle is required onboard; greatness is assured upon arrival. Tune in! 📻

  • Entrepreneurial Excellence welcomes Ryan Vaughn, a tour de force in start-up growth and executive coaching. This gripping episode unveils his proven strategies, elevating startups to billion-dollar enterprises.

    Expect to unearth:

    Lessons in spotting founders set to revolutionize industriesA guide to growing a company from solo venture to robust teamSecrets of executive coaching that elevate CEOs from good to great

    Immerse yourself in invaluable insights from Vaughn - a seasoned pro who's turned tech dreams into reality. This episode is your toolkit, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, seeking investment opportunities, or striving to become a transformative leader.

    Tune in to step into the world of tech success with Ryan Vaughn. Start your journey to entrepreneurial brilliance here.

  • Why do some companies excel while others flounder? How can that X factor be identified that sets winners apart? We dissect the intricate mechanics of the venture capital world, demystifying the complex relationship between money and success.

    We delve into the world of tech investments with the visionary founder of 8-bit Capital, Kent Lindstrom. Together, we explore the alchemy of turning startups into gold, unearthing secrets from the investment realm. With a keen eye for high-growth founders and a vast portfolio of early-stage software startups in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Enterprise, Fintech, and Social, Kent shares the recipe that helps companies thrive against all odds.

    Join us for this power-packed episode, and unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success with Kent Lindstrom - the tech investor who knows how to beat the odds and create industry game-changers. Don't miss out - your master class in venture capital investing awaits.

  • 🚀 Discover the building blocks of billion-dollar businesses as Tim Delisle reveals his playbook on identifying startups destined for stratospheric success. Curious about why startups stumble or soar? He has the inside scoop!

    On this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we take a deep dive with Tim Delisle, the visionary Managing Director at Polarized Capital and a maestro of mergers. From crafting data-fueled strategies at Nike to pioneering AI at Datalogue, Tim stands as the entrepreneur's entrepreneur – blending art with science, and passion with precision.

    🔍 He's seen the red flags waving high in the venture capital skies and now he's ready to share the weather report. What makes a founder not just good, but great? Tim taps into his extensive experience and data-savvy insights to untangle this web.

    Join us for a session brimming with wisdom mined from the front lines of venture funds to the heart of non-profits. Whether you're bootstrapping your business or dreaming of the C-suite, Tim's tales from the trenches are bound to electrify your entrepreneurial spirit.

  • Embark on a thrilling ride into the mind of Hari Raghavan, an entrepreneur who has established himself as an idea-generating machine.

    Hari's entrepreneurial journey began at Stanford, and led him through BCG, serving as an executive to a now-public company, angel investing in unicorns like Notion and Mercury, starting a VC fund, and building multiple startups, including his most recent venture in stealth mode.

    From the perspectives of a serial founder, business operator, dedicated advisor, and active investor, Hari's experiences offer priceless insights into what it takes to successfully navigate and master the startup ecosystem.

    In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we'll explore Hari's many ventures, unlocking the secrets behind transforming an idea into a thriving business. Buckle up, for Hari's story is full of wisdom, inspiration, and fascinating tales.

  • Bryan saw a huge gap in the VC data market, seeing outdated practices to finding new investments. Seeing this he built a startup database called Harmonic.ai.

    Get ready as we delve into the brilliant, multi-dimensional mind of Bryan Casey, General Partner at Plural. Enter the exciting world of early-stage investing, where Bryan, with his substantial experience, picks the winners of tomorrow.

    Starting as a law expert from Stanford, Bryan has masterfully woven legal expertise into identifying investment opportunities that spell startup success. We dissect his journey, demystify the complexity of venture capital, and showcase the power of strategic investments in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.

    Prepare yourself for a gripping conversation that offers crucial insights for both seasoned professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. It's time to meet the legal eagle of startup investing, Bryan Casey! Don't forget to subscribe and join us on this fascinating voyage.

  • Delve into this stimulating episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence featuring Sasha Orloff, a skilled entrepreneur and fintech trailblazer behind the AI accounting tool, Puzzle.io. Known for his prowess in effective communication and financial acumen, Sasha lays out indispensable financial advice for startups.

    Sasha’s notable contributions extend beyond entrepreneurship. His groundbreaking financial research and innovative insights have garnered recognition at prominent platforms like TEDx and the World Economic Forum. Commanding respect at forums such as the Milken Institute Global Forum and Startuponomics, his unique perspectives continue to win awards.

    His influence is also felt in academia, guest lecturing at renowned institutions like Harvard and Stanford. Top-tier publications including WSJ, NYT, and Bloomberg widely amplify his words of wisdom. Prepare to gain invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, money management, AI in accounting, and more from Sasha's rich repertoire of experiences in this must-listen episode.

  • Join us on the Investing 101 podcast as we chat with investor Lainy Painter Singh on the art of identifying winning startups early on, making that crucial first investment, and recognizing the key traits of founders who build successful enterprises. Gain valuable insights and hone your investment strategies as Lainy shares her wealth of experience with listeners on navigating the early phases of company backing and building. Don't miss this engaging episode packed with actionable takeaways for both seasoned and aspiring investors.

  • This episode is nothing short of a riveting journey through Wayne's incredible past where he pulled off a balancing act of epic proportions - juggling a full-time program at Harvard Business School while partnering with three startups. Discover how this exhilarating experience honed his skills, enriched his wisdom, and shaped his investment outlook

    Welcome to a captivating episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence! Today, we're thrilled to host Wayne Hu, General Partner at SignalFire, a man with unmatched experience and profound insights into the world of startups and venture capital.

    Whether it's his knack for identifying successful founders, his innovative approach to startup investing, or his strategic navigation of academia and business simultaneously, Wayne's expertise is truly enlightening. As we delve deep into these fascinating stories, we also uncover how the HBS experience has influenced Wayne's path in the field of venture capital.

  • We're delighted to present Jamie Valenti-Jordan, a dedicated advocate for food startups and the ingenious CEO behind Catapult Commercialization Services. With a colorful background spanning from engineering at Georgia Tech to studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jamie's career has been anything but linear. His unique journey has led him to found Catapult, a national services group that primes food and beverage startups for success.

    In our in-depth conversation, Jamie dishes up a hearty portion of wisdom covering everything from the minutiae of marketing to the logistics love/hate relationship. He shares his experiences, from his roots in engineering to his adventures in the food startup space, revealing just what it takes to whip up a successful startup in this vibrant industry.

    Take a seat at our table as we delve into the strategies that fuel Catapult and explore how Jamie's diverse background nurtures his recipe for startup success. We promise you'll walk away feeling well-fed with knowledge! Do join us for more servings of success, right here on Entrepreneurial Excellence. Remember to hit Subscribe to stay in the know of all things entrepreneurial!

  • Hold on to your neurons, because things are about to get electric on the latest episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence! We venture into the pulsating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with two titans of the tech terrain - Tarun Thummala, Co-Founder & CEO at PressW, and Abhishek Bhargava, the lynchpin of BetterBrain.

    Delve into an immersive conversation as we dissect the omnipresent world of AI with the ones who are at the frontier, shaping its direction. Witness how Tarun's company PressW embodies the cutting edge in generative AI and how Abhishek's brainchild, BetterBrain, leapfrogs conventional methods in defining the AI space.

    Together, we discuss the future, navigating the digital landscape, envisaging the changes AI will bring as it progresses, and weighing the possibilities of how AI will redefine the future of work.

    So, get ready for a Pygmalion effect as two master sculptors, Tarun and Abhishek, shape the very clay of the AI world. Be part of the conversation that could soon be part of your tomorrow! Remember, there's no better time to talk about AI. Buckle up, hit Subscribe, and join us in this thrilling journey into the heart of AI. Tomorrow starts today!

  • Learn from the expert who has spent over a decade supporting startups in every stage of their lifecycle - from pre-seed to series investments. Hear about the ins and outs of creating a resilient Go-To-Market (GTM) team capable of fueling sustainable growth.

    Join us in the exciting world of startups with Noelle Tassey, the driven Founder and CEO of coLAB. In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we delve into Noelle’s journey of scaling early-stage tech businesses and launching new ventures.

    Dive deep into fascinating discussions on the challenges and triumphs of the startup world, and gain valuable insights on driving growth, customer acquisition, fundraising, strategy, and more. Get inspired by Noelle's commitment to building a more equal future through technology. Explore the extraordinary journey of an entrepreneur who believes in the power of collaboration and has helped start-ups raise billions in venture funding.