In this episode of Tech Scenes, we take a ride with Robyn Ward, the CEO of FounderForward. Robyn shares her passion for empowering high-impact entrepreneurs and executives by cultivating exceptional leadership within themselves and their teams. With 20 years of experience working at high-growth companies and expertise in positive psychology, performance science, and conscious leadership, Robyn is redefining how leaders and teams scale and succeed. FounderForward’s transformative work has guided teams at companies like Ritual, Ordermark, and Alloy Financial. Robyn’s journey includes launching the strategic investment arm of United Talent Agency, where she drove investments in standout companies like Patreon and Thrive Market. As a mentor, advisor, and teacher at USC, Robyn is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the tech ecosystem and amplifying female founders and leaders. In this episode, Robyn and Jeff James Martin discuss empowering leadership frameworks, strategies for overcoming personal barriers, and the art of upscaling leadership teams for high growth. Robyn also reflects on her time building venture at UTA, shares insights on creating empowered teams, and explores the challenges and rewards of working with next-generation leaders. Key Takeaways: FounderForward focuses on cultivating exceptional leadership in high-growth teams. Robyn’s leadership combines extensive business experience with performance science. Empowering teams and leaders requires removing personal barriers to growth. Building empowered teams fosters innovation and resilience in high-pressure environments. Mentorship and diversity are essential for creating an inclusive tech ecosystem. High-growth leadership demands adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. Chapters: Introduction to Robyn Ward and FounderForward Empowering Leadership Frameworks for Teams Building Venture at United Talent Agency Overcoming Personal Barriers to Growth Strategies for Upscaling Leadership Teams Mentorship and Increasing Diversity in Tech Reflections on Empowered Teams and Leadership Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes. Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #leadership #FounderForward #RobynWard #entrepreneurship #ceo #diversity #inclusion #highgrowth #teambuilding

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Paul Singh, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Results Junkies. With a mission to invest in 200 companies across North America each year, Paul and his team travel coast-to-coast, engaging with startup ecosystems in cities that are often overlooked by traditional venture capitalists. His approach is a unique blend of "tech possibilities" and "main street realities," creating a diversified portfolio that reflects both cutting-edge technology and everyday businesses.

Paul’s entrepreneurial journey spans from his early days selling websites in high school to building a successful data center business, co-founding 500 Global, and developing an investment philosophy that emphasizes execution, transparency, and adaptability. In this episode, he and Jeff Martin explore the nuances of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of building a company—not just a product—and using data to drive investment decisions.

From the iterative process of experimentation in business to the evolving roles of founders and the impact of technology, Paul provides invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, investment strategy, and the mindset required to navigate today’s dynamic business landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship is a mix of execution and luck, and starting small can lead to significant growth.
• Transparency in leadership fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Building relationships and investing time can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Continuous iteration and experimentation are essential to discovering what works in business.
• Founders’ roles evolve as companies grow; adaptability is key.
• Using data to drive decisions is crucial for investment success.
• Access to the right deals is a competitive advantage in venture capital.
• Focusing on building a sustainable company, not just a sellable product, leads to lasting impact.

Chapters:

• Introduction and Early Connections
• The Journey Begins: Early Entrepreneurship
• Growth and Transformation of a Business
• Navigating Transparency and Collaboration in Business
• Transitioning to Investment and Future Endeavors
• The Evolution of Data Centers and Angel Investing
• Founding 500 Global: A New Venture
• Prioritizing Fun and Profit in Business
• The Importance of Time, Money, and Energy
• Operator, Owner, and Investor Mindsets
• The Distinction Between Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Embracing Entrepreneurship Over Innovation
• The Importance of Building a Company, Not Just a Product
• The Dialing-In Process: Experimentation and Iteration
• The Evolving Role of Founders in Growing Companies
• The Impact of Technology on Company Size and Structure
• The 5% Rule: Winning by Being Less Worse
• Moneyball for Startups: Data-Driven Decision Making

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #entrepreneurship #PaulSingh #ResultsJunkies #500Global #data #investment #startupculture #founderjourney #leadership

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Rathna Sharad, the founder and CEO of FlavorCloud, a cross-border shipping platform that’s transforming the logistics landscape for direct-to-consumer brands. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience in global supply chain and e-commerce, Rathna has built a powerful “anywhere-to-anywhere” logistics solution that empowers brands to operate seamlessly on a global scale.

Founded in 2018, FlavorCloud simplifies international shipping for mid-to-large enterprise merchants by abstracting the complexity of customs, carrier disruptions, and compliance. The platform enables businesses to offer guaranteed global delivery with best-in-class rates and a streamlined checkout process, unlocking new revenue opportunities in a $4.8 trillion global B2C and $7.3 trillion B2B e-commerce market.

In this episode, Rathna shares her journey from developer to entrepreneur, offering insights into the complexities of logistics, the challenges of scaling a remote-first team, and the importance of community support among founders. She emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation in a constantly evolving industry, providing valuable advice for early-stage founders, along with reflections on her fundraising journey and team dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• FlavorCloud simplifies cross-border shipping, making it as easy as domestic logistics for brands and retailers.
• Rathna’s journey spans 20+ years in global supply chain and logistics.
• The logistics industry is complex and ripe for disruption, especially with the power of technology.
• Continuous learning and embracing discomfort are essential for entrepreneurs.
• Remote work creates unique challenges in team alignment and communication.
• Fundraising requires a structured and disciplined approach for efficiency.
• Community support is crucial in navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
• Scaling a startup involves adapting to changing team dynamics and regulatory hurdles.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Rathna Sharad and FlavorCloud
• The Complexities of Cross-Border Logistics
• Rathna’s Journey in Logistics and E-commerce
• FlavorCloud’s Mission to Simplify Global Commerce
• The Challenges of Scaling a Remote-First Team
• Fundraising Insights and Strategies
• The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship
• Embracing Discomfort and Continuous Learning
• Regulatory Compliance in the Logistics Industry
• Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #logistics #FlavorCloud #crossborder #ecommerce #supplychain #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #rathnasharad #remotework #scalingstartup

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Forest Flager, CEO and Co-founder of Parspec, a company revolutionizing product selection and procurement in the construction industry. Parspec, founded in 2021 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, is on a mission to enable sales agents and distributors in construction to discover and source the best available products and materials for their projects. Parspect's AI-powered platform supports product selection, quoting, and submittal workflows, simplifying a traditionally cumbersome process.

Forest brings a wealth of experience from his background in architecture and construction technology. Before founding Parspec, he led software and design automation efforts at Katerra and was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Stanford University. Forest has also built innovative digital solutions that have had a significant impact on construction design and fabrication.

In this episode, Forest shares his journey from architecture to founding a tech startup. We explore how Parspec uses AI to automate product selection, the challenges of adopting technology in the construction industry, and the importance of building strong relationships within teams. Forest reflects on his experience in fundraising, the importance of transparency with investors, and how having a clear vision attracts top talent. We also discuss the cultural differences in feedback, team dynamics, and lessons learned from building a distributed team.

Key Takeaways:

• Parspec uses AI to streamline product selection for construction distributors, making the process quicker and more efficient.
• Forest’s background in architecture and construction influenced his motivation to create Parspec.
• Building strong relationships within teams and understanding cultural differences in feedback are key to success.
• Investors appreciate transparency, and having a clear vision is essential for attracting top talent.
• The construction industry is traditionally slow to adopt new technologies, but AI is transforming product selection.
• Fundraising lessons include the need for clear communication and understanding the challenges faced by the company.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Parspec and Its Mission
• The Challenges of Product Selection in Construction
• Forest's Journey to Founding Parspec
• Navigating Technology Adoption in Construction
• Building a Distributed Team
• The Importance of Team Camaraderie
• Cultural Differences in Feedback and Performance Reviews
• Scaling the Product and Market Strategy
• Lessons Learned from Fundraising
• Attracting Talent and Communicating Vision

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #constructiontech #AI #Parspec #forestflager #productmarketfit #teamculture #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we dive into the world of cybersecurity with Jack Marshall, a visionary leader and CEO of Bolster AI, a company focused on AI-driven defense against phishing and impersonation attacks. Jack has a rich history of transforming early-stage companies into billion-dollar earners, including leading Photoloft, the first and largest internet photo-sharing community, which was later sold to Canon, Inc.

At Bolster, Jack and his team are at the forefront of using cutting-edge AI to detect and prevent phishing attacks, ensuring that individuals and businesses can interact online safely. During the conversation, Jack shares his insights into the evolution of Bolster, customer success strategies, and the need for companies to adopt both offensive and defensive approaches to cybersecurity.

We also explore the increasing role of government in cybersecurity, the importance of team execution and adaptability, and how key performance indicators (KPIs) drive growth. Jack reflects on the journey that led him to Bolster and offers thoughts on the current state of venture capital in the tech industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Bolster started as a phishing detection tool, evolving as AI became more powerful.
• The company's focus is on offensive anti-phishing strategies to protect brands.
• Customer success plays a critical role in making clients experts in phishing protection.
• Government involvement in cybersecurity is increasing, but there is still much work to be done.
• Execution, having the right team, and adaptability are crucial for success in startups.
• KPIs should be used as a learning tool to improve business strategies.
• Building a great company should be prioritized over simply selling it.
• Creating a unified culture across global teams is essential for long-term success.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Bolster and Its Mission
• Understanding Phishing and Brand Protection
• Automation in Phishing Protection
• Jack's Journey to Bolster
• Customer Success and Empowering Clients
• The Role of Government in Phishing Protection
• Offensive vs Defensive Strategies in Cybersecurity
• The Importance of Team Execution
• Adaptability and Learning in Startups
• The Role of KPIs in Business Success
• Building a Great Company vs Selling
• Creating a Unified Company Culture
• The Current State of Venture Capital
• Desert Island Album Choice

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #cybersecurity #AI #phishingprotection #BolsterAI #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #leadership #KPIs #adaptability

In this episode of Tech Scenes Bel-Air, we take a drive with Jenny Fielding, an influential founder, operator, and one of the most active pre-seed investors globally. Jenny is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Everywhere Ventures, a global venture capital firm investing in the future of money, health, and work. Having been the first money into over 300 tech-enabled companies, Jenny brings deep insight into the world of early-stage investment and building founder-led communities. Jenny began her journey as a lawyer before falling in love with technology and entrepreneurship. She founded two mobile software companies before joining Techstars as Managing Director, where she led investments that have since grown to a market cap of over $10 billion. Today, at Everywhere Ventures, Jenny leads a thriving community of 500+ founders and operators who actively source, diligence, and invest in early-stage companies worldwide. In our conversation, we explore the mission and vision of Everywhere Ventures and how Jenny and her team support founders across the globe. We discuss her approach to investing, the challenges of scaling an early-stage fund, and her dedication to cultivating founder communities beyond traditional geographic boundaries. Jenny shares her thoughts on the evolving landscape of venture capital, the value of being the first money in, and the importance of supporting ambitious, world-changing founders at the earliest stages. Key Takeaways: - Everywhere Ventures has grown from a New York-focused side project into a global operation investing across the future of money, health, and work. - Jenny Fielding’s journey from law to entrepreneurship to venture capital provides valuable lessons in adaptability and embracing change. - Investing in founders everywhere, regardless of geographic location, is a core value that Jenny and her team embrace. - Building strong founder communities fosters resilience and success, and Everywhere Ventures supports founders through a powerful global network. - The venture capital landscape is shifting, and new approaches to early-stage investment are being embraced, particularly in pre-seed funding. Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #investing #money #health #work #everywhereventures #jennyfielding #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #techstars #preseed #earlystage #leadership #community

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we connect with David Snider, the CEO and Founder of Harness Wealth, a company revolutionizing tax advisory and financial planning for small businesses and equity owners. David shares the mission of Harness, which is to make bespoke tax and financial advice accessible to more households through a combination of innovative technology and curated advisory firms. Harness Wealth aims to build confidence for clients by helping them navigate their financial futures with a seamless and insightful experience.

David’s impressive background includes serving as COO and CFO of Compass, where he helped grow the business from pre-launch to over $350 million in revenue. Before Compass, he was an investor at Bain Capital, completing transactions valued at over $3 billion. His experience provides deep insights into leadership, operational efficiency, and fundraising in today’s competitive markets.

In this episode, we discuss how Harness is modernizing the financial advisory space, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of good tax advice. David also highlights the significance of clear communication in leadership and shares his vision for the future of financial planning, emphasizing the role of technology in providing better decision-making tools for clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Harness aims to simplify complex financial and tax issues for small businesses and equity owners.
• Tax advisory is often an overlooked but crucial component of financial planning.
• Modern technology is reshaping the client-advisor relationship, making it more efficient and valuable.
• Generational shifts are influencing preferences in the financial advisory space.
• Good tax advice can significantly increase a client’s financial outcomes.
• Operational efficiency and clear communication are essential for scaling businesses.
• The future of financial planning is rooted in better decision-making tools and continuous iteration.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Harness and Its Mission
• The Importance of Tax Advisory in Financial Planning
• Navigating Generational Shifts in Financial Advisory
• The Evolution of Business Models and Market Adaptation
• Fundraising Challenges in a Changing Market
• Operational Efficiency and Organizational Alignment
• The Role of Communication in Leadership
• Future Vision for Harness
• Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #financialplanning #taxadvisory #harnesswealth #wealthmanagement #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #davidSnider #startups #leadership #communication

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Ash Kaluarachchi, a passionate advocate for education innovation and the CEO of StartEd. As a producer of EDTECH WEEK and an expert in strategic partnerships, early-stage investment, and the future of work, Ash has been at the forefront of the EdTech revolution. His programs have accelerated over 2,000 companies globally, including multiple unicorns, through partnerships with organizations such as Google, Kaplan, Intel, and leading universities.

In our conversation, Ash shares insights into the significance of EDTECH WEEK and the innovative approaches of StartEd in supporting educational startups. We explore New York’s role as a hub for education innovation and discuss the evolving landscape of funding, including alternative sources crucial for today's founders. Ash emphasizes the importance of community, mental health awareness, and the scientific method in entrepreneurship while reflecting on his experiences and lessons learned throughout his career.

Key Takeaways:

• New York is a central hub for education innovation, bringing together key stakeholders during EDTECH WEEK.
• StartEd provides tailored support for educational startups and advocates for alternative funding sources.
• The landscape of startup funding has changed dramatically, requiring new approaches to building companies.
• Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a science, with mental health awareness and community support playing vital roles in a founder's journey.
• Modern entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds, shaping the future of education.

Chapters:

• Introduction to EdTech Week
• The Vision Behind StartEd
• Innovative Approaches to Education
• Navigating Alternative Funding Sources
• The Science of Startups
• Mental Health in Entrepreneurship
• The Role of Community in Learning
• Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #EdTech #education #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #educationinnovation #StartEd #EDTECHWEEK #mentalhealth #communitylearning