Do First Innovation: Recent Episodes
David Ioffe
Welcome to the DFI podcast, where we talk to people that came to their current position in unusual ways. Listen to the podcast to learn how business owners succeeded in their path and what upcoming business startups are up to.
On Todays episode we dive into the interesting world of tech in the world of natural parks. The whole point of being out in the wilderness is to remove yourself from your highly addictive cellular devices, however as mentioned by Kerry Gallivan, our devices can actually help us to get close with nature. Our conversation dives deep into those technologies which allow us to become more immersed with our beautiful planet.
**Dive into the future of biomedicine! Discover groundbreaking trends in the latest podcast episode with Luca Parolari from DCVC Bio and host David Ioffe. They explore how technology is reshaping healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how modern technology intersects with healthcare to solve complex biological challenges. Don’t miss these fascinating insights that could define the next decade of health solutions.
LinkedIn: Here**
**Angelo studied at Ramapo College of New Jersey where he received his BS in Marketing. In today’s podcast we will discuss his DJ career and his work for Digital Music Pool.
Instagram: Here Soundcloud: Here Digital Music Pool: Here**
**Andrew studied at Brendis University where he received his BA in Economics. In today’s podcast we will discuss his career as Genreal partner for IrrvrntVC, his background in marketing, and some of his most notable investments.
LinkedIn: Here IrrvrntVC: Here**
Antoine studied at HEC Paris. In today’s podcast we will dive into his international career as a Partner for VC firms that specialize in impact investing in Environmental and Health related startups.
LinkedIn: Here
Investir&+: Here
**Jonathan has made many contributions as the dean at Marymount University, as an investor, and his roles in media. Johnathan received his bachelor's from George Washington University and his Masters's from The University of Cambridge. He is a man who believes in being authentic over being nice to people and followed his passion for finance over his passion for music.
LinkedIn: Here Ruxton Ventures: Here**
Phillip studied at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and received his diploma in Graphic Fine Art. In today’s podcast, we will discuss his career as a world renown artist with a unique style.
Instagram: Here
Website: Here
Frederic received his Engineering Degree from the National School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics of Grenoble. On today's podcast, we will discuss his life as an investor and Co-Founder of Pi2 and Cenitz.
LinkedIn: Here
Cenitz: Here
Pi 2: Here
Jim studied at DePaul University College of Law where he received his JD in corporate finance and received his MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University. In today’s podcast we will discuss his current positions at Open Prairie and Dieterich Bank as well as his extensive knowledge in entrepreneurship and investing.
LinkedIn: Here
Measure What Matters: Here
Lucky or Smart: Here
How to Win Friends and Influence People: Here
Green Eggs and Ham: Here
Michel got his bachelors in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from EMBA Global Asia. He is originally from the US but lives in China, where he has based most of his career and established his international success as a VC investor and Entrepreneur.
LinkedIn: HERE
Spencer received his Bachelor's from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida, pursuing finance. He has a real estate background and consulting experience at Compass Point Capital. He has devoted much of his time at Compass Point Capital to preserving American history and nature.
LinkedIn: HERE
Compass Point Capital: HERE
Stephane is a serial entrepreneur starting his second company, Open VC, which provides startups with a way to reach a broader range of investors. He went to Emlyon Business school, earning his management, entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy degree.
OpenVC: Here
LinkedIn: Here
Ali studied at King's College in London, where he got his Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a postgraduate degree in genetic engineering from the University of East Anglia. He started his career in the science and technology field, started his company called URBYTUS, and became a mentor, advisor, and more about his highly anticipated book, “Passion and Vision: Ingredients for a Successful Startup.”
LinkedIn: HERE
Ali studied at King's College in London, where he got his Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a postgraduate degree in genetic engineering from the University of East Anglia. He started his career in the science and technology field, started his company called URBYTUS, and became a mentor, advisor, and more about his highly anticipated book, “Passion and Vision: Ingredients for a Successful Startup.”
LinkedIn: HERE
Austin’s background in organizational leadership allowed him to learn more from his experiences rather than his education. His early career was full of trial and error, but it did not prevent him from success. His latest venture, the CEO of Bee Partners, entails the development of deep technology startups.
LinkedIn: Here
Austin’s background in organizational leadership allowed him to learn more from his experiences rather than his education. His early career was full of trial and error, but it did not prevent him from success. His latest venture, the Head of Platform for Bee Partners, entails the development of deep technology startups.
LinkedIn: Here
Todd has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accounting From The University of Kansas and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Todd started his career as a Managing Director for Citibank and now works as the CEO of Herington LLC.
LinkedIn: Here
Todd has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accounting From The University of Kansas and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Todd started his career as a Managing Director for Citibank and now works as the CEO of Herington LLC.
LinkedIn: Here
Erwin studied at the Brunel University of London and received a Bachelor's degree in International Marketing and Corporate Strategy. He is a great leader, founder, mentor, and Vice President of Dyntra Ivzw. This company fights corruption by promoting and implementing citizen-driven dynamic transparency and open government.
LinkedIn: Here
Website: Here
Erwin studied at the Brunel University of London and received a Bachelor's degree in International Marketing and Corporate Strategy. He is a great leader, founder, mentor, and Vice President of Dyntra Ivzw. This company fights corruption by promoting and implementing citizen-driven dynamic transparency and open government.
LinkedIn: Here
Website: Here
Abin studied at the Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University. He has worked most of his life in his beloved hometown of Chicago and is currently the Executive Vice President of innovation and venture Strategy at World Business Chicago, a non-profit.
LinkedIn: Here
World Business Chicago: Here
Abin studied at the Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University. He has worked most of his life in his beloved hometown of Chicago and is currently the Executive Vice President of innovation and venture Strategy at World Business Chicago, a non-profit.
LinkedIn: Here
World Business Chicago: Here
Josh has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science From the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's degree from Edith Cowan University. He has had an exciting career, being involved with major basketball programs early on and later pivoting to the Venture Capital world. He became a great leader and established his position as a founder, current vice president of the future, and a partner in TXV Partners.
LinkedIn: Here
Future: Here
Josh has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science From the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's degree from Edith Cowan University. He has had an exciting career, being involved with major basketball programs early on and later pivoting to the Venture Capital world. He became a great leader and established his position as a founder, current vice president of the future, and a partner in TXV Partners.
LinkedIn: Here
Future: Here
**During his career, he spent time as a CEO of Inc. 500, serial entrepreneur, super angel investor, NYT best-selling author, and keynote speaker who has funded over 100 pioneering companies. David received his BA in Urban Affairs from Yale University, and his master's in Finance from Columbia Business School. He is a 5th generation serial entrepreneur and a prominent advocate for building a robust network.
Zealous Space: Here His Angel Investing Book: Here His Startup Book: Here His Quora Page: Here**
David S. Rose is an Inc 500 CEO, serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, NYT best-selling author, and well-known speaker who has funded over 100 pioneering companies. David received his BA in Urban Affairs from Yale University and his MBA from Columbia Business School. He is a 5th generation serial entrepreneur and a prominent advocate for building a robust network.David’s resource page: [Link to: davidsrose.zealous.space]
David’s book, Angel Investing: [Link to: angelinvesting.com]
David’s book, The Startup Check List: [Link to: checklist.gust.com]
David’s Quora Answers: [Link to:https://www.quora.com/profile/David-S-Rose]
**Pacula studied at Montclair State University and Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. She believed in herself and became an established artist with works displayed worldwide, some in Harvard’s law school in Cambridge and the Miniature Museum of Contemporary Art in the Netherlands.
LinkedIn: Here Artwork: Here**
**Seasoned, results-driven leader experienced in identifying, launching, spinning-out, funding, building, scaling, and turning-around opportunities in healthcare and technology; strategy; operations; partnering; commercialization; and exits. David has a Bachelor's degree in Government From Dartmouth and a JD from Northwestern School of Law. At the beginning of his career, he worked in corporate law and later transitioned to the Venture Capital World. He is a great leader and established his position as Managing director of Augmentum Ventures and a mentor to several startups.
LinkedIn: Here**
**Seasoned, results-driven leader experienced in identifying, launching, spinning-out, funding, building, scaling, and turning-around opportunities in healthcare and technology; strategy; operations; partnering; commercialization; and exits. David has a Bachelor's degree in Government From Dartmouth and a JD from Northwestern School of Law. At the beginning of his career, he worked in corporate law and later transitioned to the Venture Capital World. He is a great leader and established his position as Managing director of Augmentum Ventures and a mentor to several startups.
LinkedIn: Here**
The king of Miami nightlife, Shaun, is the man when it comes to partying. He went to the University of Miami, where he got his Bachelor's in Business Administration and spent time as a motivational speaker. He spreads his wisdom through his speeches and bestselling book “Promoter Mind, Hustler Heart.” He took the unorthodox entrepreneurial route by building his business through parties rather than classes and is a big believer in making the most out of life.
LinkedIn: Here
Promoter Mind Hustler Heart: Here
YouTopian Journey Slack Newsletter: Here
The king of Miami nightlife, Shaun, is the man when it comes to partying. He went to the University of Miami, where he got his Bachelor's in Business Administration and spent time as a motivational speaker. He spreads his wisdom through his speeches and bestselling book “Promoter Mind, Hustler Heart.” He took the unorthodox entrepreneurial route by building his business through parties rather than classes and is a big believer in making the most out of life.
LinkedIn: Here
Promoter Mind Hustler Heart: Here
YouTopian Journey Slack Newsletter: Here
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Antoine Mallard. Antoine got his Bachlors in Math and Physics from Stanislas Paris and a Masters of science and business from Ecole Des Ponts. In today’s podcast we will dive into his career as a CEO, VC investor, and Entrepreneur.
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Antti Uusiheimala. Antti has a degree in law and economics from the University of Helsinki and an MBA in finance at the Rotherdam School of Management, Erasmus University. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a manager in business development and an associate lawyer in a law firm. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and establish his position as co-founder and CFO of When Life Gives You LEMONS, a brand that merges skincare and cosmetics.
LinkedIn page: Antti Uusiheimala | LinkedIn
Lemons website: When Life Gives You Lemons - Skincare X Makeup (wlgylemons.co)
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Mark Bishop. Mark has a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems from the Rutgers Business School. At the beginning of his career, he worked for Bloomberg L.P as a Senior Accountant manager. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and establish his position as a CEO of Joyfully, a company that empowers users to share whatever’s on their mind, with people that understand the world they live in.
LinkedIn page: Ezra S. Levine | LinkedIn
Collectable website: Collectable - Buy, Sell and Trade Shares in Iconic and Rare Collectibles
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Mark Bishop. Mark has a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems from the Rutgers Business School. At the beginning of his career, he worked for Bloomberg L.P as a Senior Accountant manager. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and establish his position as a CEO of Joyfully, a company that empowers users to share whatever’s on their mind, with people that understand the world they live in.
LinkedIn page: Mark Bishop | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Lisa Dudson. Lisa has degrees in business management. At the beginning of her career, she worked in business development. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and manage three companies one of which is AcumenGroup LTD which is a firm that gives financial advice to consumers.
LinkedIn page: Lisa Dudson | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Jonathan Jenny. Jonathan has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and philosophy at Haverford College. At the beginning of his career, he worked for several big firms, such as Chase and HSBC as a director in management. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he became a great leader and established his position at Ataraxia, a regenerative investment advisor for institutional investors.
LinkedIn page: Jonathan Jenny | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Martin Tobias. He got his Bachelors in CS and business from Oregon state. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a senior programmer at Accenture and later became a manager at Microsoft all while founding and managing MGT investments. In the following years he founded and partnered in several businesses focusing in Software and the environment. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and establish his position at MGT Investments, Incisive Ventures, E8 angels, and People for Cause-ReTree.
LinkedIn page: Martin Tobias | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Bernardt Vogel. Bernardt has a degree in Business Administration from Purdue and an MBA in the same field from Babson Graduate School for Business. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a VP for EcoPlanet Bamboo Central America. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and establish his position as a senior associate at VU Venture partners, Founding member and investor in Sweater, and Global Expert in Consilience Ventures
LinkedIn page: Bernardt Vogel | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Tero Kuittinen. Tero has degrees in Biochemistry, Mathematics, and Virology from the University of Helenski. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a technology specialist and research associate for mobile telecom products. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a great leader and establish his position as a senior analyst at Alafon Investment Management.
LinkedIn page: Tero Kuittinen | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Robert Feeney. Feeney got his bachelor’s degree in Arts, Entertainment, and media from UC Irvine. Throughout the years Robert has started Ringorang which had turned into a KaaS service where he currently is the President and the Chief Vision Officer. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he believed in himself and was able to get to this position.
LinkedIn page: Robert Feeney | LinkedIn
Ringorang website: Business Performance through Continuous Behavior Change (ringorang.com)
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Mark Bregman. Mark got his bachelor’s degree in Physics at Harvard University and got a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Experimental High Energy Physics at Columbia University. Throughout the years Mark has been CEO and CTO of several companies. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to come up and get to his position as General Partner of Quidnet, a firm which invests in startups in New Zealand.
LinkedIn page: Mark Bregman | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Andrew Eaddy. Andrew got his bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Haverford College. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a researcher and analyst for several companies and participated in academies to better his skill. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to become a successful banking associate and the founder of Global Guessing, a startup that writes about global news and more
Global Guessing link: Global Guessing | Forecasting Geopolitical Events
LinkedIn page: Andrew Eaddy | LinkedIn
On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of having Brian Zwerner. Brian got his bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics at UPenn Whorton. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a managing director of different banks, and after a couple of years there, he made a switch to the VC world. In today’s podcast, we will learn how he was able to make the switch, and ultimately become a founder of several companies; one of the most recent ones being Crypto Executive guide which is a startup platform that advertises companies in web3, the metaverse, and NFTs.
Beyond the Game Network page: Beyond The Game Network (thebtgnetwork.com)
LinkedIn page: Brian Zwerner | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 13 features our guest, Badri Hiriyur. Hiryur got his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at National Institute of Engineering, his Master of science in engineering at Johns Hopkins University, and his PhD on Computational Mechanics at Columbia University in NYC. Throughout the years he worked as a researcher and as an engineer for several companies. In today’s podcast we will learn how Badri ultimately became the CEO and Founder of T2D2, which is a company that uses AI systems to monitor infrastructures.
T2D2 website link: T2D2 | AI-Powered Asset Inspection | Automated Facade Imagery Analysis
LinkedIn page: Badri Hiriyur | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 12 features our guest, Laura Bell. Laura Bell got a degree in computer science and artificial intelligence at Aberystwyth University. Throughout the years she worked in some nonprofit organizations as well as some private organizations focusing on the cybersecurity aspect of computer science. In today’s podcast we will learn how Laura became the CEO and Founder of SafeStack Academy, which is a website that teaches people of all ages to learn about cybersecurity.
SafeStack website link: Secure Development Training | SafeStack Academy
LinkedIn page: Laura Bell | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 11 features our guest David Sirchenko. Sirchenko is currently working on his business degree at Baruch College. While pursuing his bachelor's degree, he is working as a commercial mortgage broker. In today's podcast, we will talk about what inspired David to pursue this business motive and how he was able to establish himself in his current position.
LinkedIn page: David Sirchenko | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 10 features our guest, Monica Rojas. Monica Rojas got a degree in International Business at Palm Beach University and masters in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Studies at Lynn University. Throughout her years in college and years following, Monica worked in different fields and was able to network with numerous companies. In today’s podcast we will learn how Monica became the head of community at Upstream, the coolest web 3.0 company.
Upstream website link: Upstream (upstreamapp.com)
LinkedIn page: Monica Rojas | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 9 features our guest, Ashley Yesayen. Ashley Yesayen got a degree in Economics and English at Wake Forest university and several years after received an MBA in entrepreneurship and finance from Columbia Business University. Throughout the years Ashley worked in VC where she was an investment analyst and investor for numerous companies. In today’s podcast, we will learn what drove Ashley into this new business mindset and how she ultimately ended up becoming CEO and founder of OneVillage.
OneVillage website link: For When You Need A Village (onevillage.io)
LinkedIn page: Ashley Yesayan | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 8 features our guest, Jordan Kelley. Jordan Kelley got a degree in entrepreneurship and finance from Babson College and was the founder and CEO of Robocoin and Handii for a couple of years, which are tech-based companies. In today’s podcast, we will learn what drove Kelley into this business mindset and how he ultimately ended up becoming CEO of Enter Inc., one of the fastest and most accurate Revenue Cycle Management company in the healthcare industry.
Enter Inc. website link: Enter: Revenue Cycle Management & Medical Billing
LinkedIn page: Enter, Inc.: Overview | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 7 features our guest, Tom Millar. Tom Millar was the founder and CEO of ITC Secure, a cybersecurity company, for a quarter of a century, and in recent years had sold his company in pursuit of becoming an investor. In today’s podcast, we will learn what drove Millar into this new business mindset and how he ultimately ended up becoming CEO of Venari.
Venari website link: Making today's encrypted world more secure and compliant | Venari Security
LinkedIn page: Venari Security: Overview | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 6 features our guest, Mark Edward. Mark got his bachelor's degree in computer science and electronic engineering from the university of Birmingham. Currently he is a successful businessman who is the CEO of ViewMind an innovative medical company.
ViewMind website link: ViewMind | Precision Diagnosis of Neurocognitive Disorders
LinkedIn page: ViewMind Inc.: Overview | LinkedIn
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 5 features our guest, David Mishal. David is a successful portfolio analyst and the owner of Plant Daddy Plates. He works fulltime at one of the largest private equity firms in the country and runs his own company on the side. In the podcast we will talk about how he successfully manages his time and how he is able to juggle both worlds.
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 4 features our guest, Jason Gessner. Jason is a successful investment analyst who is working for Treeline Companies. He had amazing journey starting of working in the accounting industry and moving to the real estate world. In the podcast we will talk about how he successfully made the transition and what motivated him to keep going.
Jason Gessner's email: gessnerjason@gmail.com
CurveBall DFI-ed episode 3 features our guest Derek Leckner. Derek is a startup founder that graduated from Rutgers in 2018 attended a bootcamp in 2020 and is now currently getting his Masters in Data Science at NJIT and he is currently trying to help solve efficiency issue through RH Analytics. In the podcast we will learn how he got the courage to quit his day job and work on his passion.
Derek's Email: rhanalyticsllc@gmail.com
CurveBall DFI-ed Episode 2 talks about my own back story. I will talk about who I am and why I decided to start Team DFI.
CurveBall DFI-ed Episode 1 features a successful business lady Clara Tarantul owns the largest dialysis center in the New York. In this episode Clara Tarantul speaks about her journey from Odessa , Ukraine and what factors contributed her to be successful in the medical industry.