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

In this episode of Tech Scenes Thousand Oaks, we take a ride with Mikey Taylor, a former pro skateboarder turned successful entrepreneur and city council member. Even during his skateboarding career, Mikey was an entrepreneur at heart, leveraging his passion and skills to build authentic connections and strong personal brands. Now, as the Founder and President of Commune Capital, Mikey is pioneering a new way of real estate investing, providing younger generations, including Gen Z, with opportunities to invest in their future. Mikey’s entrepreneurial ventures began with co-founding Saint Archer Brewing Company, which was acquired by MillerCoors in 2015. His experience managing high-growth companies and building teams eventually led him to take on a leadership role in local government as a city council member in Thousand Oaks. In this episode, we explore how Commune Capital is revolutionizing real estate investing by offering younger generations the tools to invest in their future. We also dive into how Mikey leveraged his skateboarding career to connect with audiences and build authentic, lasting brands. He shares his experience managing people at Saint Archer Brewing during a period of high growth, ensuring the right people were in the right seats to drive success. Mikey also explains how Commune is set up traditionally but is breaking new ground by using social media to go directly to investors, attracting the right partners and fueling its growth. Join us for a conversation with Mikey Taylor, where we discuss how he blends his passion for community, entrepreneurship, and innovation to create a lasting impact. Whether you’re interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, or skateboarding, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. 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 #realestate #ceo #founder #skateboarding #MikeyTaylor #SaintArcher #CommuneCapital #entrepreneurship #growthcompany #leadership #mikeytaylor #communecapital

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Shane Bigelow, CEO and Co-Founder of ChampTitles, a company revolutionizing the DMV processes in the United States through digitization. Shane brings over 20 years of experience working on all sides of the investment and entrepreneurial world, including running part of AB Bernstein’s business in the U.S., founding his own companies, and being involved in the sale of public companies.

Founded in 2018, ChampTitles is on a mission to replace outdated, paper-based DMV processes with their digital platform, allowing vehicle title, lien, and registration transactions to be completed quickly and efficiently. In this episode, we explore the pain points within current DMV systems and how ChampTitles aims to eliminate the “time tax” that consumers and businesses face by making the entire process digital. ChampTitles leverages patented technology, utilizing Hyperledger Fabric, to modernize and simplify these processes.

Jeff James Martin and Shane also dive into the importance of alignment within teams and with investors, and how that alignment drives success. The conversation covers the benefits of creating a learning environment in organizations, the balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, and the mindset of treating ‘no' as a stepping stone to ‘yes.’ They also discuss Shane’s thoughts on the pay-for-performance model in government contracting and how ChampTitles plans to expand its solutions beyond the DMV to other government entities and developing nations.

Key Takeaways:

- ChampTitles is focused on digitizing title, lien, and registration capabilities within DMVs to replace paper-based processes.

Paper-driven systems create inefficiencies and delays for consumers and businesses.

- ChampTitles aims to eliminate the "time tax" by making DMV transactions digital.

- The company embraces a pay-for-performance model in government contracts, where vendors are only paid when transactions occur.

- Alignment within teams and with investors is essential for success and growth.

- Remote work offers flexibility, but being together in an office fosters better communication, alignment, and speed.

- A growth mindset that treats ‘no’ as a stepping stone to ‘yes’ is essential for innovation and success.

- Implementing a clear operating system and cadence for communication is vital for venture-backed companies.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of ChampTitles

04:42 - Eliminating the Time Tax

13:31 - The Pay for Performance Model

21:42 - Alignment in Teams and with Investors

28:19 - Finding the Right Investors and Creating a Learning Environment

30:52 - The Benefits of Being Together in an Office

35:19 - Treating 'No' as a Stumbling Block to 'Yes'

38:33 - Creating an Operating System for Venture-Backed Companies

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 #investing #venturecapital #startups #SaaS #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #cofounder #jeffjamesmartin #startup #startups #growthcompany #seriesA #seriesB #seriesC #ceo #investing #management #leadership #coaching

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we dive deep into the journey of Adam Weber, a two-time founder with successful exits and the founder of Adam Weber Coaching, his newly launched executive coaching business. Adam is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book "Lead Like a Human" and formerly the Chief Evangelist at 15Five. With a rich background in founding and scaling companies like Emplify and Bluebridge Digital, Adam has a wealth of experience in leadership, team building, and executive coaching.

Adam's passion lies in helping leaders navigate pivotal moments in their careers or when their companies are experiencing significant growth. In this episode, Adam shares insights into his coaching practice, where he focuses on developing executives to become the best version of themselves, aligned with their values.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of personal growth and authenticity in leadership, the role of vulnerability and open communication in building high-performance teams, and the challenges that come with scaling a company. Adam and Jeff Martin also discuss the significance of aligning with a company's purpose and core behaviors, as well as the need for teams to maintain a long-term vision and adapt to evolving market needs.

Adam emphasizes the value of one-on-one relationships and the fulfillment that comes from helping others succeed. The episode concludes with a discussion about the unique challenges faced by venture-backed teams and the importance of having an effective operating system in place to navigate these challenges successfully.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Adam Weber as we uncover the strategies, philosophies, and experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership and coaching. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about personal and professional growth, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of personal growth and authenticity in leadership
• How vulnerability and open communication contribute to building high-performance teams
• Strategies for scaling a company while staying aligned with purpose and core behaviors
• The need for teams to maintain a long-term vision and adapt to feedback and market needs
• The fulfillment that comes from one-on-one relationships and helping others succeed

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:42 - The Importance of Personal Growth in Leadership
04:00 - Building High-Performance Teams through Vulnerability
07:19 - Challenges and Strategies for Scaling a Company
09:21 - Aligning with Purpose and Core Behaviors for Success
27:41 - The Importance of Long-Term Vision
31:23 - The Value of One-on-One Relationships
35:23 - Challenges Faced by Venture-Backed Teams

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 #investing #venturecapital #startups #SaaS #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #cofounder #jeffjamesmartin #startup #startups #growthcompany #seriesA #seriesB #seriesC #ceo #investing #management #leadership #coaching