The RAW Founder: Recent Episodes
shadi yazdan
Welcome to The RAW Founder
I’m your host Shadi Yazdan, 4x founder and I’m here to disrupt the building process
Join me one episode at a time where I aim to get rid of the many of misconceptions and unrealistic advice that startup founders are often exposed to or given.
Let’s get RAWWWWW!
Join Shane Neman, author, serial entrepreneur, and investor, as he shares his invaluable experiences—from bootstrapping groundbreaking ventures and navigating venture capital to investing in startups.
Shane explores the challenges faced by small B2B businesses today, offering practical advice on scaling without heavy reliance on external funding.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an investor looking to understand startup dynamics, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to inspire your next breakthrough.
Connect with Shane:
- Instagram: @shaneneman
- Website: www.shaneneman.com
- LinkedIn: Shane Neman
Read Shane’s Book: Nightlife Lessons: How I Conquered the Business of Partying with Tech on Amazon.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/therawfounder/message
In this insightful episode, we're joined by Dr. Ricky Patel, an expert in clinical neuroscience and investment advisory where we dive into the science behind micro-visualizations and explore real-world examples of how you can apply this technique to overcome obstacles in your business and personal life.
Prepare to be captivated as Dr. Patel, with his extensive expertise in clinical neuroscience, bio/deep tech investment, and startup advisory, shares invaluable insights that could profoundly transform your approach to problem-solving and goal-setting.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective and practical tools to rewire your brain for success. Tune in now!
Connect with Dr. Ricky Patel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickyphd/
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The RAW Founder podcast provides no-fluff, raw wisdom and actionable insights to empower B2B entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
Rejecting the unrealistic and theoretical advice that plagues the business world, this podcast takes a holistic, coaching-focused approach that goes beyond surface-level strategies.
With transparency and authenticity, The RAW Founder shares transformative lessons from real-world experience building multiple companies.
Tune in for the unfiltered truth and empowering guidance you need to thrive as an entrepreneur.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
I am joined by my guest Damon Sununtnasuk, the visionary founder and CEO of Natural Cure Labs where we delve into the heart of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the inception of Natural Cure Labs. Damon opens up about how he identified his niche and why he chose the solo-founder path, building his business without external investment.
Connect with Damon via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonsun
https://www.instagram.com/naturalcurelabs
I'm on a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯 Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection. Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders. Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential!
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
In this podcast episode, join me as I sit down with Heidi Fung, the CEO of Arise Daily, a C-suite Advisory Marketplace catering to rapidly growing companies in need of top executives for short-term projects.
We dive deep into my role working with B2B companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 million, where I help secure funding from both internal and external sources.
Our engaging conversation explores the surging demand for fractional executive work, shedding light on how I connect clients with top-tier experts like CFOs, CMOs, and CTOs from my network of exceptional fractional workers.
Tune in for a firsthand account of matchmaking in action, transforming businesses and unlocking growth potential.
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I'm on a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯 Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection. Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders. Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential! Apply here
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
In this episode we uncover the world of PR for startup founders. Discover how to maximize your PR success even on a tight budget.
Our guest, Sneha Saigal, is the co-founder and CEO of Geeks and Experts, a groundbreaking platform connecting startups and scaleups with fractional PR talent on a contract basis. With over a decade of experience in early-stage and VC-backed companies spanning various industries, from food tech to non-profits, Sneha is a true expert in the field.
Sneha also shares her insights on the common mistakes that startups make in their pursuit of PR representation and how Geeks and Experts assists in steering clear of these pitfalls.
But that's not all. Sneha leaves our listeners with a valuable takeaway – an unconventional strategy to supercharge your PR efforts, whether through her platform or independently.
Don't miss this episode that's sure to transform your approach to PR for your startup.
Follow Sneha on LinkedIn or email her hello@geeksandexperts.com if you have any talent queries
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I'm on a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯 Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection.
Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders.
Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential!
Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you improve your sales skills OR Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you get funded
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
In this episode I chat with Molly Moore, a seasoned healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience, about the critical importance of building a strong company culture right from the start of your startup journey.
Molly, who is currently launching her second venture, Bramble, shares insights into why founders should prioritize culture early on, even when their team is small. We discuss the challenges of changing culture later and strategies for fostering ownership, transparency, and open communication within your team.
Discover practical tips, case studies from successful startups, and the key to defining your startup's culture. Tune in and learn how to lay the foundation for a thriving company culture from day one. 🚀
Connect with Molly on LinkedIn!
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I'm on a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯 Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection. Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders. Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential! Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you improve your sales skills OR Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you get funded
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
Are you ready to turbocharge your business's sales and marketing operations? Delve deep into the world of Conversion Optimization Funnels with the brilliant Joe LaGrutta, Founder and CEO of JayOh, an agency specializing in revolutionizing B2B SaaS startups and other businesses' sales and marketing strategies.
If you're a founder, a small business owner, or anyone looking to skyrocket your business growth and conversions, this episode is tailor-made for you. Joe and I aren't here to give you the same old advice you've heard a million times. We're going against the grain, sharing unconventional insights, and providing actionable strategies that you won't find elsewhere.
Joe can be found on LinkedIn and Twitter or visit his website here!
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I'm On a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯 Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection. Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders. Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential! Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you improve your sales skills OR Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you get funded
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
Get ready to redefine branding as we chat with Jen White, a branding guru with 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience. Discover why branding is your company's core identity, beliefs, and purpose all rolled into one. From startup mishaps to budget-friendly strategies, Jen spills the beans on transforming your brand. Tune in to master the art of brand stewardship and leave with a golden nugget: Know your brand before you flaunt its logo! Listen now for a branding revelation!
Jen can be found on LinkedIn, Visit her on her website @ Drawing from Memory or book a Discovery Call
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I'm On a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯
Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection. Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders. Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential! Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you improve your sales skills OR Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you get funded
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
In today's data-driven world, your privacy policy isn't just a checkbox – it's your startup's compass.
My guest, lawyer Sabir Ibrahim will discuss the truth behind privacy policies that could reshape your startup's destiny. Discover why crafting a solid privacy policy from day one is your golden ticket to success. Learn the key elements your privacy policy must encompass, ensuring your startup is both legally fortified and user-trusted. We'll walk you through the best practices to keep it agile, compliant, and an asset to your journey.
Tune in now to uncover the secrets that could redefine your startup's trajectory. Your data-driven adventure starts with this episode! Listen in to safeguard your startup's future today.
Connect with Sabir Ibrahim via LinkedIn, Medium: @optimedgelegal, and YouTube: @OptimEdgeLegal
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I'm On a mission to help entrepreneurs fundraise and scale successfully 🎯
Let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://buff.ly/43O1zFd
Elevate your business journey with The Power Circle – where action meets connection. Experience accelerated growth and meaningful networking among driven founders. Ready to make things happen? Join now and unleash your business's true potential! Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you improve your sales skills OR Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you get funded
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
This episode is on a topic that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the startup world: the transformative power of founders working with a coach. 🚀
We all know that entrepreneurship is like a rollercoaster ride - thrilling highs and daunting lows - and as a founder, you're constantly steering your ship through uncharted waters. But let's be real, who's there to lend a hand, provide a fresh perspective, and keep that big picture in focus? That's right, a coach.
Listen to my chat with Amy Kelly, a trailblazing serial entrepreneur who's been an influential figure in the psychology and mental health space for over a decade. Amy's journey started in the heart of innovation, San Francisco, and she's since channeled her expertise into launching businesses that uplift and empower individuals.
Amy sheds light on how coaching provided her with a vantage point, helping her steer through the chaos, celebrate wins, and keep her sanity intact as she continued to build her business.
This episode is packed with unconventional wisdom and eye-opening revelations that'll challenge your perspective on coaching and entrepreneurship. It's time to shatter those myths, embrace the power of coaching, and pave your way to success with clarity, purpose, and a coach by your side.
Amy's company Miri Health gives you the health experts in your pocket. Get the tailored support you need, wherever, whenever.
Follow Miri Health on Instagram
Connect with Amy Kelly on LinkedIn
If you're on the hunt for a coach who's not just been there, but has conquered the startup wilderness with battle scars and triumphs, then look no further. Let's have a chat and explore how I can be your wingperson on this exhilarating entrepreneurial adventure
Join The Power Circle, the place for founders to move their business forward faster and more effectively
Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you improve your sales skills
OR
Apply here to join The Power Circle's 6-month program focused on helping you get funded
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
In this insightful episode, we delve into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship with our special guest, Karina Mikhli, a trailblazing first-time founder who has achieved remarkable success in establishing an online Slack community tailored for Fractional C-suite professionals and running her very own Fractional COO business.
Karina shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the challenges of focus and prioritization, especially when resources are scarce. She introduces us to a strategies and tools that have been helpful for her.
Through her experience, Karina underscores the truth that there is no universal blueprint for success. She encourages listeners to be bold and unafraid to experiment, emphasizing that what works for one entrepreneur might not necessarily work for another.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinamikhli/
Website: https://www.karinamikhli.com/
If you are in the fractional space and looking for a community to join, Fractionals United is for you: https://www.fractionalsunited.com/and go to “join the community” where you’ll get access to a short form
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadiyazdan
Book a time to chat with me about your business: https://calendly.com/timewithshadi
If you are a tech founder looking for a community to join, the Power Circle is for you.
- The Power Circle with focus on sales for non-sales professionals: https://sites.google.com/shadiyazdan.com/salesmastery/home
- The Power Circle helping founders get funded: https://sites.google.com/shadiyazdan.com/mastermindprogram/home
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
In this episode of I am joined by founder Rachel to explore the evolving landscape of building We delve into the shift away from idea-based fundraising, discussing how economic uncertainties and the experiences of renowned "Unicorns" have reshaped the funding scene. Rachel shares her insights working with founders, highlighting the value of bootstrapping and the pitfalls of seeking funds prematurely. She offers practical tips for entrepreneurs to effectively launch businesses without external funding, emphasizing strategies like starting as a side gig, leveraging co-founders or friends, and demonstrating personal belief in the venture. Through compelling real-world examples, Rachel illustrates the journey of self-funded startups, showcasing their challenges, triumphs, and the importance of adaptation. We also explore common derailments for self-funded businesses, along with resource management strategies, and close with Rachel's empowering advice – "Just do it" – encouraging listeners to take action while staying receptive to guidance.
Need help with your startup / small-business marketing and sales, Rachel Rachel Schneider @ Magnus Marketing Group is your go-to-person.
Check out Magnus Marketing Group at www.magnusmg.com and connect with Rachel through her LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmagnusmg
If you are a US-based founder and small business owner in the B2B tech space with traction and revenue looking for investment, let's connect 🔗 and get you funded https://tally.so/r/wb95l7 OR connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadiyazdan
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shadi-yazdan/message
Join in and listen as my guest, Olivia Mihaljevic, the co-founder of LIVD, shares her journey of finding her technical co-founder.
LIVD started as a B2C marketplace app for beauty services, and is now pivoting to a B2B HR tech platform for employee lifestyle benefits, focusing on the modern workforce.
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If you are a small business owner or a startup founder with product-market-fit and some customers and need help with business growth, operations and looking for funding, I love to work with you. Book a discovery call OR click on the direct URL https://calendly.com/timewithshadi
To get even more startup/small-business advice, subscribe to my newsletter: https://bit.ly/Newsletter_by_SY
Looking to connect with other business-owners and get your business to its next growth stage? Join The Mastermind Program, a program not found anywhere else https://bit.ly/Mastermind_by_SY
Don't forget to rate and review this podcast on the podcasting platform you’re currently listening on. This is how the message and intention of the Raw Founder gets to as many founders and small business owners as possible.
Make it a Great Day!
In today's Part 2 episode, we discuss overcoming operational challenges faced by small-businesses and startups.
Connect with Stephanie Allen. Stephanie's direct LinkedIn URL is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieallenm
If you are a small business owner generating $1M - $10M in annual revenue or a startup founder with product-market-fit and some customers and need help with business growth, operations and looking for funding, I love to work with you. Book a discovery call OR click on the direct URL https://calendly.com/timewithshadi
To get even more startup/small-business advice, subscribe to my newsletter: https://bit.ly/Newsletter_by_SY
Looking to connect with other business-owners and get your business to its next growth stage? Join The Mastermind Program, a program not found anywhere else https://bit.ly/Mastermind_by_SY
Don't forget to rate and review this podcast on the podcasting platform you’re currently listening on. This is how the message and intention of the Raw Founder gets to as many founders and small business owners as possible.
Thank you. Make it a Great Day!
In this Part 1 of our two-part series, my guest Stephanie Allen, a Fractional COO, will break down what her role entails and how to know when /or if it’s time for you to hire someone for your organization.
Connect with Stephanie Allen. Stephanie's direct LinkedIn URL is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieallenm
If you are a small business owner generating $1M - $10M in annual revenue or a startup founder with product-market-fit and some customers and need help with business growth, operations and looking for funding, I love to work with you. Book a discovery call OR click on the direct URL https://calendly.com/timewithshadi
To get even more startup/small-business advice, subscribe to my newsletter: https://bit.ly/Newsletter_by_SY
Looking to connect with other business-owners and get your business to its next growth stage? Join The Mastermind Program, a program not found anywhere else https://bit.ly/Mastermind_by_SY
Don't forget to rate and review this podcast on the podcasting platform you’re currently listening on. This is how the message and intention of the Raw Founder gets to as many founders and small business owners as possible.
Thank you. Make it a Great Day!
In this episode I break down what a mastermind program is, how it works and why you should REALLY consider joining one if you are in the middle of building your startup or even thinking of building your startup.
Here is a link to the Mastermind Program mentioned in this episode
Would love to hear your feedback. I would greatly appreciate it if you leave a rating and let me know what topics you are most interested to hear about. I love recording these episodes and want to ensure it will be helpful for you as you continue to build your business.
Let's Connect
- Follow The RAW Founder on LinkedIn
- Follow me on Twitter
- Subscribe to my Newsletter to get weekly Startup and Wellness Tips (tons of free gems shared)
Today we are going to talk about a topic that is often ignored or misunderstood, let's chat Go-to-Market Strategy - What is it? Why is it important? And how to create it?
Once you start on this journey and realize you need help, reach out. I am happy to work with you and walk you through this. You don’t have to do this alone. Support is available. Let's chat https://calendly.com/chatwithshadi
Want to learn more? Join me and my amazing co-mods on Clubhouse every Tuesday @ 5:30pm EST where we answer all your go-to-market questions. Here is a link to my Clubhouse: https://clubhouse.com/@shadiyazdan
In this interview, originally recorded on the Fireside App, I have a chat with sales guru and author, Catherine Brown.
Catherine and I focused on sales in the startup world and how founders and startup teams can succeed.
- Purchase your own company of How Good Humans Sell: The Proven Path to B2B Sales Success
- Connect directly with Catherine Brown on LinkedIn
Are you a founder in need of guidance with your startup? Reach out and let's work together!
Welcome to The RAW Founder, Distributing the building Process
In this episode I will be discussing many other funding options that you may NOT have considered for your startup and key questions you should ask to see if funding is really right for you.