The BOSS Podcast with Gregory Shepard: Recent Episodes
Gregory Shepard
What do investors and entrepreneurs really say when no one is around? Join Gregory Shepard, a Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker and Angel Venture Capital Investor, as he interviews guests who are making their investments work and building their businesses. If you are an investor, entrepreneur or just want to peek into their minds, this podcast is for you. The BOSS Podcast with Gregory Shepard from ForbesBooks Radio.
In the second half of their conversation, Greg Shepard and angel investor Marcia Dawood go deeper into the realities of early-stage investing. Marcia shares why she favors investing through funds for diversification, the misconceptions that keep people—especially women and underrepresented groups—out of angel investing, and how her book Do Good While Doing Well helps demystify the process for new investors and founders.
They discuss aligning investments with personal values without sacrificing returns, what mission-driven founders need to show to attract capital, and why humility can be one of the most valuable traits in a startup team. Marcia also offers practical advice on pitching, building investor relationships early, and even using philanthropic capital to support for-profit companies solving big problems.
This is a candid, accessible look at how investors and founders can work together to create both financial returns and meaningful change.
Greg Shepard sits down with Marcia Dawood, early-stage investor, author of Do Good While Doing Well, TEDx speaker, and host of The Angel Next Door Podcast. Marcia shares her journey from attending her first angel investing meeting in 2012 to investing in over 50 startups and funds, chairing the Angel Capital Association, and advocating for diverse founders.
They discuss why only a small percentage of venture funding goes to women, how representation among investors impacts funding outcomes, and the unique strengths female founders bring to the table. Marcia also reveals her top advice for new angel investors, the biggest misconceptions about investing in startups, and how she evaluates companies based on the “horse and jockey” test.
This conversation is packed with insights on funding gaps, the importance of balanced teams, and how both for-profit and nonprofit efforts can drive meaningful change.
In Part 2, Greg continues his conversation with Toph Day, the visionary CEO of Elevate Ventures. Toph dives deeper into his mission to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indiana, explaining why the state is becoming a global hub for innovation and why it’s the perfect place for startups to grow. From Indiana’s top-ranked infrastructure and talent pool to its affordable cost of living and bipartisan regulatory environment, Toph makes a compelling case for why Indiana is the "Innovation Capital of the World."
The conversation then shifts to “Rally", one of the most exciting innovation conferences in the world, which Toh founded. Greg shares his firsthand experience attending Rally, describing it as a "legit Silicon Valley conference" in the heart of the Midwest. Toph reveals the inspiration behind Rally, how it brings together cross-sector stakeholders, and why it’s become a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the globe. He also shares some jaw-dropping stats from the first two years of Rally, including the billions in assets under management represented and the thousands of connections made.
Finally, Toph looks to the future, discussing the emerging trends he’s most excited about—beyond AI—including the convergence of technology and hard products, and the transformative potential of the next industrial revolution. He also shares his ambitious vision for the next 5 to 10 years, both for Rally and Elevate Ventures, including plans to grow Rally into the world’s premier innovation conference and to launch a $200 million growth fund focused on the Midwest.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the future of innovation, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a bold vision for what’s possible in the heart of America. Don’t miss this exciting conclusion to Greg’s conversation with Toph Day!
In this electrifying episode of the Startup Science Podcast, Greg Shepard sits down with Toph Day, the visionary CEO of Elevate Ventures, one of the most active seed and early-stage investors in the Great Lakes Region and a top 20 venture capital firm globally. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and multiple exits to Fortune 500 companies, Toph shares his incredible journey from growing up in a strict German Baptist household on a small farm to becoming a powerhouse in the venture capital world.
Toph opens up about his early days as an entrepreneur, founding eight businesses across seven different sectors, and how his relentless curiosity and work ethic propelled him to success. He dives deep into the key lessons he’s learned in leadership, including the importance of listening, vulnerability, and giving credit to others. Toph also shares his insights on adapting leadership styles across diverse industries, from AI to broadband, and how humility and respect are critical to building high-performing teams.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Toph discusses his role at Elevate Ventures, where he’s leading the charge to modernize the organization and launch a $200 million growth fund. He breaks down the three pillars of Elevate’s strategy—community, capital, and acceleration—and how they work together to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indiana and beyond.
Toph also offers invaluable advice for founders, emphasizing the importance of grit, creativity, and focus. He shares practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating go-to-market strategies and the critical role of tracking data from day one. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of startups.
Tune in to hear Toph’s incredible story, his vision for the future of innovation, and his advice for building businesses that stand the test of time. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
In Part 2, Greg Shepard and Aras Sheikhi explore the intricate world of entrepreneurship, offering profound insights for academics and startup founders. They delve into the mechanics of innovation hubs and accelerators, revealing how early-stage startups can transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Greg shares critical advice for researchers looking to commercialize their work, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, market adaptation, and continuous pivoting. The conversation spans multiple dimensions of entrepreneurial success, from leading multidisciplinary teams to identifying market needs and emerging technologies. With a particular focus on blockchain, they discuss its potential to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities for innovation. Drawing from personal experiences of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, Greg and Aras provide a candid look at the challenges and rewards of building startup ecosystems that support first-generation entrepreneurs and emerging technologies.
In this episode of Startup Science, Greg sits down with Aras Sheikhi, a dynamic leader who transformed his academic career into a mission of empowering immigrant entrepreneurs. From pioneering blockchain research in Iran to founding the Janus Innovation Hub in San Diego, Aras shares his remarkable transition from university professor to startup founder. Discover how Sheikhi's personal experience as a first-generation immigrant inspired him to create an incubator that helps newcomers navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. Learn about the challenges of leaving a predictable academic life, the importance of building a supportive team, and how immigrant founders bring unique resilience to the startup ecosystem.
In part two of this engaging conversation on The Startup Science Podcast, Greg continues his discussion with Patrick Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association (ACA). This episode dives deeper into the dynamics of angel investing, focusing on balancing risk and opportunity for both investors and entrepreneurs. Patrick emphasizes the critical role of diversification, the importance of aiming for high returns, and the necessity of aligning expectations between investors and founders.The conversation also explores the broader impact of angel investing, including economic growth and community development, supported by powerful examples like the Desert Angels’ transformative contributions. Patrick offers practical advice for emerging entrepreneurs on coachability and leveraging investor networks, while guiding new angel investors on how to navigate the ecosystem effectively.Additionally, the episode highlights key trends in startup sectors, the ACA’s initiatives to improve diversity in investment, and innovations such as syndication and standardized processes to streamline funding. Patrick concludes by envisioning a more efficient, inclusive funding model designed to fast-track capital deployment and empower entrepreneurs.This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies for anyone interested in the startup or investment world.
In this episode of The Startup Science Podcast, Greg engages in an insightful conversation with Patrick Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association (ACA). Patrick shares his remarkable journey from aerospace engineering to leading an organization that represents over 16,000 angel investors, collectively deploying nearly $1 billion annually to fund startups. Drawing from his extensive experience, Patrick delves into the critical factors that make startups "investable," emphasizing the importance of coachable founders and strong management teams.The discussion explores the dynamic trends in angel investing, from the rise of artificial intelligence to the shifting market conditions that have reshaped valuation and deal negotiations. Patrick also highlights the ACA's pivotal role in fostering collaboration among angel groups through syndication and its advocacy efforts to promote capital formation in underserved communities. Additionally, he shares exciting developments like Angel University, a platform bridging entrepreneurs and investors, and the potential of AI to revolutionize investor education.This episode offers a wealth of insights for both entrepreneurs and investors, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving startup ecosystem and the forces shaping its future. Whether you're building a startup or exploring angel investment, Patrick's expertise and perspective make this a must-listen.
Greg continues his conversation with Ash Kaluarachchi, CEO of StartEd, diving deeper into the world of education technology. Ash offers valuable insights for both investors and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the long-term potential of EdTech and the importance of patient capital. They discuss the aftermath of the pandemic, which created both an influx of EdTech startups and a subsequent market correction, leaving behind companies "forged in steel" and poised for success. Ash shares his perspective on how technology can help underserved communities access education tailored to their needs, rather than replicating elite educational experiences. This episode provides an exploration of EdTech’s future, investment opportunities, and the role technology plays in creating a more equitable education system.
StartEd’s EDTECH WEEK is the #1 EdTech event in NYC. This year's anniversary edition promises to be their best yet, featuring over 200+ speakers, exclusive networking opportunities, and open discussion sessions on the most talked-about topics impacting EdTech. Mark your calendars 📅 #EDTECHWEEK is back in New York City this October 8-10, 2024 🏙️🍎 Don’t miss this year’s 10th annual event. Tickets are selling fast–register here https://bit.ly/edtechweek-register and use promo code SCIENCE2024 for 20% off your general registration ticket.
Greg welcomes Ash Kaluarachchi, CEO of StartEd and producer of EDTECH WEEK. Ash shares how his upbringing in a school run by his mother inspired his passion for education technology. They discuss the evolution of the EdTech landscape and how StartEd's innovative accelerator model provides personalized support to startups, moving away from traditional batch processes. The conversation explores the impact of AI on education and the pressing challenges facing the industry today, including the need to adapt to the rapidly changing future of work. Ash offers valuable advice to founders on recognizing product-market fit and assembling the right team. This episode provides thought-provoking insights into the intersection of profitability and social impact within the EdTech ecosystem.
StartEd’s EDTECH WEEK is the #1 EdTech event in NYC. This year's anniversary edition promises to be their best yet, featuring over 200+ speakers, exclusive networking opportunities, and open discussion sessions on the most talked-about topics impacting EdTech. Mark your calendars 📅 #EDTECHWEEK is back in New York City this October 8-10, 2024 🏙️🍎 Don’t miss this year’s 10th annual event. Tickets are selling fast–register here https://bit.ly/edtechweek-register and use promo code SCIENCE2024 for 20% off your general registration ticket.
In the second part of their conversation, Greg and Chris delve into insightful discussions around investing in the post-COVID era, the AI hype cycle, and how to evaluate opportunities in today's market. Chris provides a candid perspective on the valuation excesses of 2021 and why prudent valuations are critical for preserving investor capital. He shares his cautious views on the AI gold rush, emphasizing that Solyco is taking a measured approach by applying AI for operational efficiency within portfolio companies rather than betting on unproven AI platforms. The conversation transitions to how Chris's investor base of family offices, institutions, celebrities and more value the transparency and tangibility of Solyco's deal-by-deal syndicate model. Chris explains how being able to "touch and feel" the specific companies resonates better than opaque, traditional funds. As the episode closes, he expresses excitement about recent portfolio additions like an AI scouting company, as well as opportunities Solyco is evaluating in areas like alternative investment platforms and logistics. Overall, Chris provides a refreshingly balanced founder/investor perspective shaped by his embrace of the entrepreneurial struggle.
In this episode, Greg chats with Chris Van Dusen, a Senior Partner at Solyco Capital - a vertically integrated investment firm taking a unique private equity approach to venture capital. Chris shares his incredible entrepreneurial background, including founding and exiting several companies like a major CBD brand as well as starting a liquor distillery. Chris provides a fascinating inside look at Solyco's differentiated model where the firm's partners are former operators themselves who get deeply involved in helping portfolio companies execute and scale, almost like "fractional C-suite" services aligned with founder incentives. He discusses the range of industries they invest in, the firm's criteria for evaluating opportunities, how they structure deals, and why their interests are so tightly aligned with the founders they back. The conversation dives into hard-earned lessons from Chris's own startup experiences going through acquisition processes, navigating founder disagreements, focusing on the right verticals, and not over-promising during diligence. Chris emphasizes the importance of proving there is a real market "wind" blowing before trying to build the "boat." Overall, this is a must-listen for investors and founders alike interested in an innovative, operator-centric venture capital model.
In the second half of the episode, the conversation dives deeper into the practical applications of AI that entrepreneurs can leverage. David explains time series models for forecasting how situations evolve over time and how founders can use causal discovery techniques to identify the true drivers of outcomes rather than just correlations. They discuss the potential for AI to aid investors in evaluating startup trajectories and finding whitespace opportunities. David stresses the importance of having high-quality data to feed AI models. He advises entrepreneurs to look for repetitive tasks where desired outcomes are clear as areas ripe for applying AI capabilities. The talk also covers AI's limitations around subjective aspects requiring human context and judgment. David recommends having AI handle the routine, mundane elements while reserving higher-level decision-making for humans to get the best combination. Overall, David provides insightful guidance on practical ways founders can utilize AI technologies like time series modeling, causal analysis, and task augmentation while being intentional about which aspects to keep under human control. His advice can help entrepreneurs navigate the hype to determine the right AI applications for their businesses.
In this fascinating episode, Greg talks with David Danks, Professor of Data Science and Philosophy at UC San Diego. David's research explores the intersection of philosophy, cognitive science, and machine learning to tackle complex interdisciplinary problems around AI. They dive into the philosophical considerations around the rapid advancement of AI technology and its growing impact across industries. David shares his perspectives on the ethical implications of AI systems and the importance of aligning them with human values during the design process. The conversation covers how AI could reshape society by boosting productivity and enabling shorter working hours, but only if we make concerted efforts to steer it in that positive direction. David cautions about the risks of worker dislocation happening much faster with the low-cost scaling of AI compared to previous technological disruptions. They also discuss the challenges of regulating AI given the patchwork of different approaches across nations, the dangers of AI hallucinations and misinformation, and the need for open discussions around which human skills we're willing to "de-skill" as AI handles more tasks. Don't miss this insightful look at the philosophical considerations entrepreneurs must weigh when harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.
In the second half of this episode, Greg continues his illuminating open-source conversation with Heather Meeker, General Partner at OSS Capital. With her deep expertise on both the legal and business strategy sides, Heather shares invaluable insights for investors evaluating commercial open-source startups. Heather outlines key factors investors should consider when assessing these unique companies. She also dives deeper into one vertical she sees as a major open-source opportunity right now. Tune in to hear Heather's guidance for open source investors on what metrics matter most as well as where she sees fertile ground for new commercial open source ventures taking root and scaling over the next 5 years. You'll walk away better equipped to spot the next big players in open-source business software.
Heather Meeker, a leading expert on open-source software licensing and business strategy, joins Greg on the podcast. Heather is a General Partner at OSS Capital, an early-stage VC fund investing exclusively in commercial open-source startups. In this episode, Greg and Heather discuss her latest book, "From Project to Profit: How to Build a Business Around Your Open Source Project." They explore Heather's insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by open-source founders seeking to create sustainable businesses. Heather shares her valuable perspective, gained from nearly 30 years of experience advising companies on open source strategy and licensing. Whether you're thinking about launching an open-source startup or looking to scale an existing one, this conversation aims to shed light on turning passion projects into thriving companies.
In part two of their talk, Owen provides background on the Canadian Fulbright Entrepreneur Initiative, which enables Canadian entrepreneurs to study approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship in leading ecosystems. Owen also touches on his aim to serve as a "humble thought leader" seeking to make meaningful contributions rather than pursue status or fame. He discusses the responsibility he feels to give back by helping develop future generations of entrepreneurs and technology talent capable of driving continued innovation.
About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the local technology community in Victoria. He donates his time and resources to multiple groups within and outside of the Alacrity portfolio.Owen is also a General Partner at Wesley Clover International, responsible for managing their technology portfolio. Wesley Clover is a private investment firm with active portfolios in technology, hospitality and commercial real estate.Prior to his move to Wesley Clover in 2007, Owen was the founder and CEO of NewHeights Software. NewHeights was a pioneer in enterprise unified communication products and was acquired by CounterPath Corporation. Owen is an active member on the Board of Directors for Counterpath Corporation, EchoSec Systems, Encepta Corp., Pretio Interactive, Referral SaaSquatch, and Tutela Technologies.On the community engagement side Owen is a Governor on the Board of Power to Be, a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. He has been active on the board of advisors for the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and St. Margaret’s School.He is also on the board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council, Victoria’s one-stop hub connecting people, knowledge, and resources to grow and promote the local technology sector.
This week on The Startup Science Podcast, Greg is joined by pioneering technology entrepreneur and investor Owen Matthews. As Chairman of Alacrity Canada, Owen has made major contributions to Western Canada's tech ecosystem through his ventures and his work with Alacrity. As Chairman, Owen has helped bring over $225 million into Western Canada's tech ecosystem and employed 300+ people. He is a true community builder, supporting technology education initiatives, serving on numerous boards, and giving back through philanthropic organizations. On the show, Greg and Owen discuss his varied career, lessons learned along the way, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the future of the Canadian tech scene, and more. Tune in to hear insights from this pioneer, who has dedicated his career to building technology companies and giving back.
About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the local technology community in Victoria. He donates his time and resources to multiple groups within and outside of the Alacrity portfolio.Owen is also a General Partner at Wesley Clover International, responsible for managing their technology portfolio. Wesley Clover is a private investment firm with active portfolios in technology, hospitality and commercial real estate.Prior to his move to Wesley Clover in 2007, Owen was the founder and CEO of NewHeights Software. NewHeights was a pioneer in enterprise unified communication products and was acquired by CounterPath Corporation.
Owen is an active member on the Board of Directors for Counterpath Corporation, EchoSec Systems, Encepta Corp., Pretio Interactive, Referral SaaSquatch, and Tutela Technologies.On the community engagement side Owen is a Governor on the Board of Power to Be, a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. He has been active on the board of advisors for the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and St. Margaret’s School.He is also on the board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council, Victoria’s one-stop hub connecting people, knowledge, and resources to grow and promote the local technology sector.
In Part 2 of Victorio Pellicano's conversation on the Startup Science podcast, Greg and Vic go deeper into the mindset and motivation of this tech pioneer. They discuss how Vic stays focused when facing life's turbulence and keeps moving forward with resilience. He shares how he fights adversity and uncertainty as an entrepreneur while maintaining balance as a father and husband. Vic reveals how he handles the constant juggle of managing a startup while being present for his family. He opens up about his techniques for minimizing stress, practicing mindfulness, and achieving work-life harmony. Through stories and insights, Vic paints a picture of how he navigates the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He offers advice for founders on how to cultivate equanimity and keep sight of their vision during difficult times. Join Greg and Vic for an inside look at the mindset and motivation fueling this inspiring tech leader. Discover how he confronts challenges with courage and purpose on the journey to make a positive impact through innovation.
About Victorio Pellicano: Victorio is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of a visionary mind. Having journeyed from humble beginnings as the son of a truck driver, and overcoming life-altering setbacks, he carved out his niche in the tech world, breaking barriers and inspiring change.The first in his family to complete high school and venture into college, Victorio's journey has been anything but smooth. After the untimely loss of his parents and subsequent financial hardships that led to homelessness and an unfinished law degree, he rose from adversity like a phoenix from the ashes.Victorio's entrepreneurial journey began with Verenia, a software company that personified his people-first ethos. After a decade of growth and nurturing a culture of compassion, Verenia was acquired by Oracle in 2022. The company's success story echoes Victorio's unwavering belief in the strength of community and the human spirit.However, Victorio's story doesn't stop at Verenia. He has now turned his gaze towards the future of AI and Robotics. He is at the helm of Avianna, a trailblazing venture that aims to merge these technologies and transform our world. In his private life, Victorio is a doting father of four, soon to be five, and a loving husband. He follows the principles of Tao spiritualism, finding balance in the face of life's unpredictability.Victorio Pellicano is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a visionary guiding us towards a future where AI and Robotics are the cornerstone of innovation. His journey serves as an enduring reminder that no matter the odds, the human spirit, driven by passion and purpose, can achieve great heights.
In this episode, Greg sits down with Victorio Pellicano, a modern phoenix who overcame homelessness and loss to become a leading tech entrepreneur. After growing his compassion-driven software company Verenia and selling it to Oracle, Pellicano now leads Avianna, merging AI and robotics to transform the world. Beyond his triumphs, Pellicano finds balance as a devoted family man and through Tao spiritualism. His winding journey reveals the power of human resilience and using technology to create a better future. Pellicano shows that with passion and conviction, an entrepreneurial spirit can overcome any odds to achieve greatness. Greg and Vic will dive into this incredible story of adversity and triumph on this episode of the Startup Science Podcast. Join them for an inspiring profile of a true tech visionary.
About Victorio Pellicano: Victorio is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of a visionary mind. Having journeyed from humble beginnings as the son of a truck driver, and overcoming life-altering setbacks, he carved out his niche in the tech world, breaking barriers and inspiring change.The first in his family to complete high school and venture into college, Victorio's journey has been anything but smooth. After the untimely loss of his parents and subsequent financial hardships that led to homelessness and an unfinished law degree, he rose from adversity like a phoenix from the ashes.Victorio's entrepreneurial journey began with Verenia, a software company that personified his people-first ethos. After a decade of growth and nurturing a culture of compassion, Verenia was acquired by Oracle in 2022. The company's success story echoes Victorio's unwavering belief in the strength of community and the human spirit.However, Victorio's story doesn't stop at Verenia. He has now turned his gaze towards the future of AI and Robotics. He is at the helm of Avianna, a trailblazing venture that aims to merge these technologies and transform our world. In his private life, Victorio is a doting father of four, soon to be five, and a loving husband. He follows the principles of Tao spiritualism, finding balance in the face of life's unpredictability.Victorio Pellicano is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a visionary guiding us towards a future where AI and Robotics are the cornerstone of innovation. His journey serves as an enduring reminder that no matter the odds, the human spirit, driven by passion and purpose, can achieve great heights.
In part two of his talk with Greg, Geoffrey Moore reveals the two critical mistakes that often trip up startup founders. He outlines how to avoid innovation adoption pitfalls and successfully cross the chasm from early adopters to mainstream customers. The conversation centers on Moore's pioneering frameworks for crafting compelling narratives during industry disruption. He also shares tips for adapting your narrative as new competitors emerge, while still appealing to increasingly diverse customers. Moore downloads decades of wisdom on leveraging storytelling to accelerate through the tornado phase when niche markets go mainstream. Gain a masterclass from Geoffrey Moore on building stories that inspire early adopters yet resonate with the mainstream market. Get proven techniques to craft and evolve your startup’s narrative at each phase of growth.
Buckle up for an electrifying conversation with Geoffrey Moore, the guru behind seminal works like Crossing the Chasm and Inside the Tornado. Drawing on decades advising leading companies, Moore downloads his wealth of wisdom about navigating disruptive innovations and bridging the chasm between early adopters and the mainstream market. You'll get a masterclass in Moore's pioneering frameworks for technology adoption lifecycles, spotting tectonic market shifts, and leveraging disruptions. Whether you lead a startup or a giant enterprise, this episode will rewire your perspective. You'll gain invaluable principles and mental models applicable to business today and the deeper meaning we seek. Join Greg for an exhilarating tour through the remarkable mind of Geoffrey Moore.
The brand storytelling continues as Park explains how Joseph Campbell's Heroes Journey theory can transform B2B company narratives. Going beyond product features and benefits, you'll learn how to craft a compelling origin story that emotionally resonates with your audience. Park also dives into the necessary ingredients for an engaging brand narrative, from defining your core values and purpose to introducing an adversarial force that helps your customers defeat their challenges. You'll come away with actionable tips for architecting a strategic brand story that feels like a heroic myth. Also, Park tackles how to bounce back from mistakes through ABT (And, But, Therefore) communication. When you falter, emotion often leads us to fixate on what went wrong. However, Park advocates acknowledging mistakes briefly before pivoting to positive solutions. You'll gain communication strategies to recover from missteps, rebuild trust and morale, and move forward powerfully.
About Park Howell: Park is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is a 35+ year veteran of the advertising industry and now consults, teaches, coaches, and speak internationally to help business, sales, and marketing leaders excel through the stories they tell.He is the host of the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, which is ranked among the top 10% of downloaded podcasts in the world. Park published Brand Bewitchery in 2020 to help you use his proven Story Cycle System to craft spellbinding stories for your brand. In 2021, he co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business, a short 75-page guide on how to use the foundational narrative framework of the ABT (And, But, Therefore) to make you a more confident, compelling and persuasive communicator.
What story does your brand tell? This week on Startup Science Podcast, Greg talks with Park Howell, the world's most industrious storyteller. Park has spent over 35 years growing purpose-driven brands by up to 600% through strategic storytelling. As host of Business of Story and author of Brand Bewitchery and The Narrative Gym for Business, he's helped thousands clarify their brand narrative to connect authentically. His illustrious client list includes Dell, The Home Depot, Hilton, and Walgreens. Recognized as Advertising Person of the Year, Park consults, teaches, and speaks globally about the immense power of stories to build brands and amplify their impact. Tune in to hear Park's tried-and-true tactics for crafting compelling narratives that engage your audience and elevate your mission. You'll come away inspired to tell your own transformative brand story.
About Park Howell: Park is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is a 35+ year veteran of the advertising industry and now consults, teaches, coaches, and speak internationally to help business, sales, and marketing leaders excel through the stories they tell.He is the host of the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, which is ranked among the top 10% of downloaded podcasts in the world. Park published Brand Bewitchery in 2020 to help you use his proven Story Cycle System to craft spellbinding stories for your brand. In 2021, he co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business, a short 75-page guide on how to use the foundational narrative framework of the ABT (And, But, Therefore) to make you a more confident, compelling and persuasive communicator.
In the second part of Greg’s conversation with Alice Bentinck, the co-founder of Entrepreneur First, they dive deeper into the topic of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Alice shares her vision and mission behind Code First: Girls, a not-for-profit organization that has taught 30,000 women to code for free while they were at university. She explains why diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for startups and investors. She also reveals the simple fact that every founder needs to understand to succeed in the competitive and fast-changing world of technology. If you missed the first part of our interview, where Alice talks about how to be a founder and her new book “How to Be a Founder”, make sure to check it out. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Startup Science Podcast for more inspiring and informative episodes with the best minds in tech.
What does it take to be a founder of a successful tech startup? How do you find the right co-founder, idea, and market? How do you overcome the challenges and uncertainties of building something from scratch? In this episode of the Startup Science Podcast, Greg talks to Alice Bentinck, a co-founder and General Partner at Entrepreneur First, an international talent investor that supports individuals in building tech companies. Alice shares her insights and advice on how to be a founder, based on her experience of creating and investing in hundreds of startups across the world. Whether you are an aspiring founder, a curious student, or a seasoned entrepreneur, you will learn a lot from Alice’s wisdom and stories. Tune in and discover how you can unleash your potential and create an impact with technology.
Greg wraps up his conversation with Argyris Stasinakis, the inspiring Executive Partner and Board Member at MarineTraffic. In this episode, Greg and Argyris dive into the intersection of science and business and explore the challenges of executing ideas in the early stages of a startup. Argyris shares his insights on how MarineTraffic was able to retain top talent and prevent the team from spreading too thin, all while maintaining a strong vision and focus on innovation. Join them as they uncover the secrets to building and scaling successful startups, from recruiting and retaining top talent to navigating the challenges of growth and expansion. Argyris provides valuable advice on how startups can leverage their unique strengths and resources to achieve their goals and create a lasting impact in their industry. Whether you're an entrepreneur, scientist, or simply interested in the world of business, this episode is a must-listen.
On this episode of the Startup Science Podcast, Greg has the privilege of speaking with the one and only Argyris Stasinakis, a true visionary and pioneer in the world of maritime technology. Join them as they explore Argyris's journey, from his early days as an entrepreneur to his current role as Executive Partner and Board Member at MarineTraffic. Discover how he turned MarineTraffic into a global leader in ship tracking and data intelligence, revolutionizing the way we understand and navigate the world's oceans. Argyris shares his insights on the importance of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in building successful businesses. He also discusses the exciting acquisition of MarineTraffic by Kpler, and the potential for data intelligence to transform the maritime industry's future. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in the world of business, this episode is a must-listen. So grab your earbuds and join us as we embark on an inspiring journey with one of the brightest minds in the world of business.
In the conclusion of Greg's conversation with Umran Beba and Korhan Beba from the Beba Innovation & Entrepreneurship Foundation, Umran & Korhan discuss the importance of building a strong team and how academia is preparing the next generation of start-up entrepreneurs.
Greg welcomes Umran Beba and Korhan Beba from the Beba Innovation & Entrepreneurship Foundation to the podcast. Umran is the foundation's founder and is an experienced senior business executive with over 30 years of experience in general management, talent, and diversity. Korhan is the foundation’s Executive Director and has 25 years of experience working with large multinational companies managing global brands and market research projects. Together their mission is to assist aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into applications, commercial products, and/or services for global markets. In part one, Umran & Korhan share the inspiration for the foundation and how they're currently supporting entrepreneurship.
In the conclusion of Greg's chat with Alessandro Marianantoni, the Founder of M Accelerator, Alessandro provides some guidance for startup entrepreneurs and talks about how his program is helping entrepreneurs avoid potential landmines.
Greg is joined by Alessandro Marianantoni this week. Alessandro is the Executive Director and Founder at M Accelerator in Los Angeles which offers programs to serve southern California and International Startup ecosystems and provides students, early stage, and later stage founders with skills to grow their startups. In part one, Alessandro explains why M Accelerator isn’t the typical startup program and how their coaching sessions provide guidance through the several stages of startup development.
In the conclusion of Greg's talk with Magnus Grimeland, the Founder of Antler, Magnus discusses why his team does not define Antler as an accelerator, and he shares some advice on what every startup entrepreneur should always do first.
Greg welcomes Magnus Grimeland to the BOSS Podcast. Magnus is the founder of Antler, a global early-stage VC, investing and enabling thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide to realize their dreams and change the world. In part one, Magnus shares his inspiration for helping leaders build businesses and what he learned from his experiences at Facebook, McKinsey, and Harvard.
Greg concludes his conversation with Jan Arp and Elisabeth Laett, the Managing Partners at the Holt Xchange. In part two, Jan & Elisabeth talk about the importance of product management and why they believe “fintech is life.”
This week, Greg is joined by Jan Arp and Elisabeth Laett, the Managing Partners at Holt Xchange, a global seed-stage Venture Capital fund investing in fintech business application companies across the globe. In part one, Elisabeth explains how Quebec has become the Silicon Valley of Canada, and Jan shares why the Holt Xchange was founded and why it invests in early-stage Canadian and International fintech companies.
In the conclusion of Greg's conversation with David Cook, the Executive Director of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, Dave talks about the hands-on activities incorporated into his program and the accomplishment he is most proud of at the University of Houston.
Greg often discusses what academia is doing to improve the entrepreneurial failure rate, and this week he's highlighting one of the best programs in the country. The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston has been named the #1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the United States for the third consecutive year. On the podcast, Greg is joined by David Cook, the Executive Director of Wolff Center. In part one, David shares what sets The Wolff Center apart from other entrepreneurship programs and the biggest changes he's seen from student/entrepreneurs.
Greg wraps up his chat with Jeffery Potvin, the Founder & CEO of Open People Network. OPN is a group of entrepreneurs and business pros who help startups with business fundamentals, technical and tactical outcomes that help build future leaders. In part two, Jeffery talks about the importance of founders seeking out mentors, why he thinks robotics will explode in the next 3-5 years, which changes can provide the biggest impact on the startup investing ecosystem.
Jeffery Potvin is Greg's guest on the podcast. Jeffery is the Founder & CEO of Open People Network, a group of angel investors helping accelerate the growth through The Supporters Fund and Pitchit Program. In part one, Jeffery shares what inspired him to become an angel investor, what differentiates OPN from other investment groups, and what he's doing to improve the entrepreneurial failure rate.
Greg concludes his chat with Paul Roben. Paul is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization at UC San Diego and has been tasked to “drive innovation across all areas of campus, and to speed university innovations to markets in California, the nation, and the world.” In part two, Paul talks about the importance of community outreach and the common mistakes he sees entrepreneurs making.
Over the past decade, institutions of hiring learning have been intentional in cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs. One of them is UC San Diego. This week, Greg is joined by Paul Roben, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization at UC San Diego. In part one, Paul shares how UC San Diego prepares the entrepreneurs of tomorrow today, how he defines innovation, and why students need to embrace failure.
Greg wraps up his chat with Hall T. Martin, the Founder of TEN Capital Group, where his team helps companies raise funding from angels, venture capital, and high net worth individuals. In part two, Hall shares some sage advice for investors, emerging sectors for investors, the importance of a 'growth story.'
So you’ve got a startup, what do you do next? You’ll probably need capital to scale up. This week, Greg is joined by Hall T. Martin, the Founder of TEN Capital Group. His team helps companies raise funding from angels, venture capital, and high net worth individuals. In part one, Hall shares the benefits of angel investor networks, the major differences between incubators and accelerators, and which cities have become the next great tech hubs.
Greg wraps up his talk with Matt Blumberg, the Founder & CEO of Bolster, a talent marketplace for on-demand executives and board members, and the author of Startup CXO: A Field Guide to Scaling Up Your Company's Critical Functions and Teams. In part two, Matt talks about how visionary founders can become good managers, the importance of adding independent directors to your board, and why he thinks the entrepreneurial failure rate is so high.
This week, Greg talks to Matt Blumberg, the Founder & CEO of Bolster, a talent marketplace for on-demand executives and board members. Matt shares the inspiration for his new book, Startup CXO, why founders need to prepare themselves mentally for an exit way before they exit, and why organizations should think of themselves as a 'talent machine.'
Greg wraps up his chat with Carmine Gallo, the author of Talk Like TED, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, and Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great. In part two, Carmine discusses the most common misconceptions when it comes to public speaking, the importance of being a performer, not a presenter, and what he thinks made Steve Jobs an amazing speaker.
Greg welcomes “communications guru” Carmine Gallo to the podcast. Carmine is a keynote speaker, Harvard instructor, and international bestselling author of Talk Like TED, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, and his latest book, Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great. In part one, Carmine talks about the impact of transformative communication on entrepreneurs, the importance of storytelling, and the not-so-secret formula for great public speaking.
Greg concludes his chat with Ian Altman, the creator of the Same Side Selling methodology. In part two, Ian talks about the question’s companies must ask themselves when it comes to making a decision, why the term 'closing the sale' should be replaced by 'confirming the sale', and what kind of effect the pandemic has on B2B sales.
Greg welcomes Ian Altman to the podcast. Ian has built a billion-dollar company, written a best-selling book, and created the Same Side Selling methodology. In part one, Ian talks about the meaning behind 'integrity-based business growth' and the benefits of his Same Side Selling methodology.
Greg finishes his chat with Octavian Pantiș, the co-founder of the training company Qualians and the author of the new book, Dark Cockpit. In part two, Octavian discusses the similarities between entrepreneurship and aviation, how entrepreneurs can prevent accidents, and why sometimes having too much talent can be a problem.
The pandemic forced teams around the globe to shift to a virtual new normal, but did everyone do it right? This week, Greg welcomes Octavian Pantiș, the co-founder of the training company Qualians and the author of the new book, Dark Cockpit. Octavian talks about why remote work is here to stay (whether we like it or not), the importance of rewarding your team's output, and the major differences between organizations and cultures from country to country.
Greg wraps up his chat with Marshall Sandman, the managing partner of the world’s first VC fund backed by influencer founders. In part two, Marshall discusses why he's not only involved in the influencer space but also the entire ecosystem that the influencer space impacts, how he shuts out the noise and focuses on his goals, and how he uses social media platforms like Clubhouse to find investment opportunities.
Greg has met with hundreds if not thousands of investors, but this week on the podcast he's joined by Marshall Sandman, the managing partner of the world’s first VC fund backed by influencer founders. Marshall is on the mission to help social media stars monetize their value and he’s also using the power of social media to find deals and investors. In part one, Marshall talks about his early days at Goldman Sachs, what inspired him to create Animal Capital, how he mixes social media with venture capital.
Greg wraps up his discussion with Harvard Business School professor and author of the new book, Why Startups Fail, Tom Eisenmann. In part two, Tom shares some of the best traits of a successful entrepreneur, why success with early adopters can be misleading, and how investors can choose a good deal.
Greg has dedicated his life to improving the entrepreneurial failure rate and he's been asking the same question for years: Why do more than 75% of startups fail? This week's guest might have the answer. Tom Eisenmann is a Harvard Business School Professor and the author of the new book, Why Startups Fail: A New Roadmap for Entrepreneurial Success. In part one, Tom discusses why he decided to focus on entrepreneurship at Harvard, the importance of getting a management team aligned, and the patterns that account for the vast majority of startup failures.
Greg concludes his discussion with bestselling author, financial therapist, and wealth coach, Barbara Huson. In part two, Barbara shares how you can change your beliefs by changing your thinking, the major themes of why women that are struggling with money today, and the inspiration for her new book, Rewire for Wealth.
Barbara Huson is Greg's guest this week. Barbara is a financial therapist, teacher and wealth coach who's written seven books including her latest, Rewire for Wealth. In part one, Barbara shares how she financially empowers women, why there are fewer female entrepreneurs, and how neurological differences between men’s and women’s brains influence their investment decisions.
Greg wraps up his chat with Roger L. Martin, the author of “When More is Not Better: Overcoming America’s Obsession with Economic Efficiency.” In part two, we find out who the 'super villains' are when it comes to the decline of middle- and lower-income families, if capitalism and democracy are mutually exclusive, and what entrepreneurs and companies can do to make the world a better place.
Greg created this podcast for two reasons: Improving the failure rate of entrepreneurs and wealth distribution. While the rich are getting richer faster, the middle- and lower-income families have fallen so far behind it would take generations to recover. But why? This week, Greg is joined by Roger Martin, the author of “When More is Not Better: Overcoming America’s Obsession with Economic Efficiency.” In part one, Roger shares the inspiration for his book, why the rich are getting richer faster but middle-class family have fallen so far behind, and the greatest vulnerabilities the pandemic has exposed.
Greg wraps up his conversation with TV and Podcast host, best-selling author and the CEO of the C-Suite Network, Jeffrey Hayzlett. In part two, Jeff shares how entrepreneurs can build a bigger, bolder version of themselves, what he's learned from hosting a podcast, and how he evolved from the CMO of Kodak into a business media thought leader.
This week Greg is joined by a business rock star, Jeffrey Hayzlett. Jeff is a TV and Podcast host, best-selling author and the CEO of the C-Suite Network. In part one, Greg and Jeff discuss how companies were able to succeed during the pandemic, how entrepreneurs can shut out the haters and what it means to be a 'hero business'.
Greg wraps up his conversation with Patrick McKenna, an experienced entrepreneur, investor and business leader. In part two, Patrick discusses how he founded LiveOps and scaled it from a single office in Palo Alto to a workforce with 20,000 employees and how his military experience prepared him for the dangerous world from entrepreneurship.
The best investment opportunities don’t always emanate from Silicon Valley. This week, Greg is joined by Patrick McKenna, an entrepreneur, investor, and the Founder of One America Works. Patrick has invested in dozens of companies, many of which are located outside of the 94027 area code. In part one, Patrick shares what inspired him to search for investment opportunities in places like Austin and Baltimore, how the pandemic has broken the monopoly cities like New York and San Francisco had on high-paying jobs, and why he invests heavily in remote first businesses.
Greg wraps up his conversation with Bill Caskey, the author of “Same Game New Rules” and the host of the Bill Caskey Podcast. In part two, Greg and Bill talk about shifting your mindset when it comes to making a pitch and the importance of building your personal brand as a sales professional.
Every entrepreneur can’t do it all, but they do need a particular set of skills to succeed. Joining Greg this week is Bill Caskey, a business coach that helps executives and sales teams prosper by developing new skills for their success. Bill is the author of “Same Game New Rules” and the host of the Bill Caskey Podcast. In part one, Bill discusses how he became a business coach, the meaning behind his 'Mindset + Mechanics = Results' concept, and the importance of understanding the buyers perspective.
Greg wraps up his chat with Dakin Sloss, the Founder and General Partner of Prime Movers Lab. In part two, Dakin shares why his team is considered founder friendly and why their group is so attractive to investors.
This week, Greg hangs out with Dakin Sloss, the Founder and General Partner of Prime Movers Lab. Dakin's company made news last week when they announced that they had raised $245 million for its second early-stage investment fund. In part one, Dakin explains what his team was able to accomplish with their first round of funding, how they support dozens of scientific disruptors and why Prime Movers Lab exists.
Greg wraps up his conversation with Anthony Scaramucci, the Founder and Co-Managing Partner of SkyBridge. In part two, Anthony discusses what the incoming Biden Administration means to the economy and why he thinks regulating cryptocurrency is a good idea.
Is bitcoin about to go mainstream? This week SkyBridge Capital announced the launch of SkyBridge Bitcoin Fund LP, but is crypto currency something entrepreneurs should get involved with? Joining Greg on this episode of the BOSS Podcast is the Founder and Co-Managing Partner of SkyBridge, Anthony Scaramucci. In part one, Anthony talks about why SkyBridge got involved in Bitcoin and why "old school" Wall Street traders love cryptocurrency.
Greg wraps up his discussion with David M.R. Covey, the co-author of the best seller, “Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success.” In part two, David talks about the 'accumulation mentality' and who he thinks are the best leaders of all time.
This week, Greg is joined by David M.R. Covey, the world-renowned expert in Leadership Development, world class key-note speaker and co-author of the best seller, “Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success.” In part one, David shares which habits he inherited from his legendary dad, Stephen R. Covey and what 'traps' all entrepreneurs should avoid.
Greg concludes his conversation with Gary Fowler, the CEO and Co-Founder of GSD Venture Studios. In part two, Greg finds out why Gary has been called "one of the best execution CEOs in tech” and Gary has some advice for young entrepreneurs about creating connections in the industry.
On this episode of the BOSS Podcast, Greg is joined by Gary Fowler, the CEO and Co-Founder of GSD Venture Studios. Gary talks about the importance of finding the right partner and why he's known as the "AI Guy."
This is the conclusion of Greg's conversation with David Allen, the organizational guru and author of “Getting Things Done". In part two, they talk about how David helped Howard Stern transform his life and how brilliant entrepreneurs can manage their thoughts and ideas.
Greg's guest this week is David Allen, the world’s preeminent organizational guru. He has more thirty years of experience as a management consultant and executive coach to some of America’s most prestigious organizations, and he’s also the brilliant mind the mega-bestseller, “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity”. In part one, Greg and David discuss the global impact of the GTD methodology and organizational tips for entrepreneurs.
Greg wraps up his chat with Venture Capitalist, Tim Draper, Silicon Valley's most notable blockchain and cryptocurrency investor and founder of Draper Associates, Draper University and DFJ. In part two, Tim talks about why people should invest in Bitcoin and why now is a great time to be an entrepreneur.
Prepare to take notes. This week, Greg talks to legendary Venture Capitalist, Tim Draper. He has invested in companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, Twitch, and Skype. Tim is Silicon Valley's most notable blockchain and cryptocurrency investor and founder of Draper Associates, Draper University and DFJ. In part one, Tim tells Greg how he's helping entrepreneurs around the globe and how he's giving forward, not giving back.
Greg concludes his entrepreneurial leadership talk with Phil Weber. Phil is a professional basketball coach who has guided men everywhere from New York, to Phoenix, and all the way to India. Phil is also a Leadership Consultant for the NBA players association and the author of the upcoming book, “How Do You Make Them Thirsty”. Phil tells Greg how losing his job inspired him to have 'the greatest year of his life,' why the ability to lead requires a relationship, and the reason 'cheerleading' is overrated.
Now more than ever leadership is needed, especially when starting and running a business. Henry Ford. Steve Jobs. John D. Rockefeller. They were legendary businessmen that were great at business, but also great at being leaders. This week, Greg takes a break from talking to investors, entrepreneurs and CEOs and talks about leadership with Phil Weber. Phil is a professional basketball coach who has guided men everywhere from New York, to Phoenix, and all the way to India. He’s a Leadership Consultant for the NBA players association and the author of the upcoming book, “How Do You Make Them Thirsty”.
Greg wraps up his conversation with Scott Amyx, a venture capitalist, speaker, and author. Scott shares his interest and surviving and thriving in space and raising capital for DNA sequencing.
Joining Greg this week is Scott Amyx, a venture capitalist, speaker, and author. Greg and Scott discuss how entrepreneurs can impact the defense sector and how humans will adapt to the robot age.
Greg concludes his conversation with Oren Klaff, the best-selling author of Pitch Anything and Flip the Script, and unlock the secrets to "sales inception."
One of the keys to investing and starting up a company is NEGOTIATING, and joining Greg this week is Oren Klaff, the best-selling author of Pitch Anything and Flip the Script. Greg and Oren talk about the science of frame selling, how to correctly speak the language of money, and why neediness kills deals.
Greg wraps up his chat with Peter Mallouk, the President of Creative Planning. In part two, Greg and Peter discuss how long the pandemic could effect mergers and acquisitions, advice for entrepreneurs in the ideation stage, and what it's like being a private investor during uncertain times.
There’s no playbook for investing during a pandemic. The best you can do is listen to pros that know what they’re doing, and hope for the best. This week, Greg is joined by Peter Mallouk, a financial rock star that runs one of the largest independent wealth management firms in America. Greg and Peter talk about how investors reacted to COVID-19, what effect the pandemic has on real estate investments and why Peter’s company has been called "the vanguard of a profound shift in finance”
Greg concludes his conversation with Ben Crudo, the CEO of diff, an e-commerce company located in Montreal. In Part Two, Ben tells Greg how he started his company 10 years ago, their relationship with Shopify, and why brick and mortar businesses should embrace e-commerce during the pandemic.
This week, Greg talks to Ben Crudo, a millennial entrepreneur and CEO who is handling a staff made up of Generation Z employees. Ben runs diff, an e-commerce company from Montreal, and he tells Greg how he's managed a team of young people through their first crisis.
In part two of episode one, Greg & Randall continue their conversation with Scott Tait, UC San Diego's Executive Director of the National Security Innovation Catalyst. Scott tells us how to take advantage of opportunities during uncertain times and Greg talks about his recovery from the economic meltdown of 2008.
In the first episode of The BOSS Podcast, Greg is joined by his partner at BOSS Capital Partners, Randall LaVeau, and their special guest, Scott Tait, UC San Diego's Executive Director of the National Security Innovation Catalyst.
Scott tells Greg how his military background prepared him for the world of business, how his Catalyst network came together in the face of global pandemic, and his four phased approach to crisis management.