I am thrilled to have Elias Can, a principal at Grishin Robotics. Grishin Robotics is a Silicon Valley-based VC fund focused on investing in early-stage companies in broader consumer categories.In this episode, Elias Can, Principal at Grishin Robotics, shares his journey from public equity to venture capital and his role in investing in early-stage consumer-focused startups. Elias discusses the differences between Silicon Valley and New York startup cultures, the shift from in-person to virtual deal-making post-COVID, and his investment thesis in gaming and social platforms. He provides insights into valuations, leveraging board members, navigating challenging fundraising environments, and aligning with founders' visions, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How does doing deals in 2024 compare to doing them in 2020-21?* What are the core areas where VCs and founders are typically misaligned?* What are the biggest tips for founders on how to get the most out of the board?* What is your favourite business book? –Hooked, how to win friends* What is your favourite online tool? –LinkedIn* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – In-person networkingTimestampsElias’ Entry into Venture Capital - Transition from public equity to venture capital (00:01:01 - 00:05:30)New York vs. Silicon Valley Startup Cultures - Differences in ecosystems and lifestyles (00:05:31 - 00:09:30)Impact of COVID on Deal-Making - Shift from in-person to virtual processes (00:09:31 - 00:12:45)Future of Remote Work - Thoughts on in-person, remote, and hybrid work setups (00:12:46 - 00:15:20)Trends in Gaming Investments - Elias’ investments in Midwest Games and Super Jump (00:15:21 - 00:21:00)Gaming Industry Insights - Trends in indie and triple-A studios (00:19:31 - 00:21:30)IPO Market Outlook - Predictions for liquidity in the next year (00:26:01 - 00:28:40)SPAC Market Challenges - Rise and fall of SPACs as an IPO alternative (00:27:01 - 00:28:30)Valuation Pitfalls for Founders - Risks of overvaluation and liquidation preferences (00:28:41 - 00:31:50)Leveraging Board Members - Tips for founders to maximize value from their board (00:31:51 - 00:33:40)Lessons from Elias’ Career - Importance of networking and starting broad in VC (00:35:31 - 00:39:30)Engaging Founders on LinkedIn - Elias’ approach to outreach (00:41:01 - 00:42:20)Elias’ Networking Tips - Attending more meetups and events pre-pandemic (00:36:31 - 00:37:50)Grishin Robotics’ Focus Areas - Broad consumer categories including fintech and edtech (00:37:51 - 00:38:50)Elias’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-can/Website – https://www.grishinrobotics.com/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Alexandra Vidyuk, the space tech Venture Partner at Aloniq, founder of Space Ambition, a world-class space technology research centre that collaborates with space agencies, investors, start-ups and co-founded a space tech venture builder and an investment syndicate named Beyond EarthIn this episode, Alexandra Vidyuk, venture partner at Aloniq and founder of Beyond Earth, shares her journey from a banking career to space tech investing. She explores the emerging trillion-dollar space tech industry, its intersections with sustainability, and the role of private versus government funding. Alex offers valuable insights into due diligence, navigating geopolitical influences, building syndicates, and advice for aspiring founders and investors entering the space sector—and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* What are some of the unique challenges faced by startups in the space industry?* What criteria do you use when selecting startups or projects to support through Beyond Earth's venture-building program?* Does Alex prefer founders who are new to a problem or those who are insiders and experts?* What is your favourite business book? –Psychology of money* What is your favourite online tool? –ChatGpt* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Start syndicate earlier earlierTimestamps[1:30] Alexandra shares her transition from banking to startups, highlighting the desire for more impact.[3:15] Discusses her initial startup in fintech, raising the first round and gaining early traction.[5:00] Realization of her interest in deep tech and space tech, shifting from fintech to venture capital in space.[7:00] Overview of sustainability’s role in space tech and its broader industry impact.[8:30] The trillion-dollar potential of the space tech industry by 2035 and its expected exponential growth.[10:00] Examples of satellite tech applications, like monitoring greenhouse gases and energy sources.[13:00] Alexandra’s admiration for Elon Musk's impact on space tech, including the Starlink network.[14:45] Unique challenges of space startups, including scientific feasibility, engineering, and regulation.[18:00] Criteria used to select startups at Beyond Earth, including market size and team capability.[20:30] Importance of government support and the independent approach Beyond Earth takes with investments.[23:00] Alexandra’s views on politics in space investments and how they influence decision-making.[25:00] Due diligence process for space investments, especially for startups like BioOrbit.[29:00] Value of outsider perspectives in space, contrasting with industry insider advantages.[31:30] Balancing founder quality and market opportunity when making investment decisions.[34:00] Alexandra's experience with Space tech's visionary but challenging market sizing.[37:00] Private vs. government funding in space tech, with private funding now at 80%.[39:00] Importance of government-funded projects like the Artemis Program for foundational infrastructure.[42:00] Advice for aspiring space founders on entering the space sector, even without technical backgrounds.[45:00] Tips on building a successful syndicate and gathering LP support, including warm introductions.[47:00] Marketing strategies, including LinkedIn ads, webinars, and masterclasses, for syndicate growth.Alexandra’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrausyninaWebsite - https://beyondearth.tech/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Daniil Shcherbakov, CEO of TonTon Games, a Telegram gaming publisher welcomed into Binance Labs' incubation program. Daniil holds a MBA from Cambridge Business SchoolIn this episode, Daniil Shcherbakov, co-founder and CEO of TonTon Games, shares his journey from studying computer science to launching TonTon Games within Telegram's ecosystem. He delves into TonTon Games' unique strategy for long-term growth, the blue ocean opportunities within Telegram, and the company's commitment to genuine gaming experiences. Daniil offers valuable insights into user acquisition, sustainable monetization, and balancing creativity with data-driven decisions in gaming, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How does Daniil approach monetization in your games while maintaining a positive user experience?* What are the single biggest mistakes companies make with content today?* What trends does Daniil see emerging in the casual mobile gaming market?* What is your favourite business book? –Atomic Habits* What is your favourite online tool? –Use Bubbles* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Start company earlierTimestamps0:00 - Introduction to Daniil, CEO of TonTon Games.1:30 - Daniil shares his background, his shift from a family of doctors to pursuing computer science, and discovering his passion for tech.5:45 - His experience of joining Fibrum, an early startup where he created the company’s name.10:45 - Daniil describes the camaraderie he built with classmates and the benefits of Cambridge's smaller, diverse class.13:00 - Founding of TonTon Games and the blend of his passion for gaming and startups.14:45 - TonTon Games’ focus on Telegram as a gaming platform and the “blue ocean” opportunity in this space.16:30 - Overview of how Telegram's ecosystem for games is similar to WeChat's in China.18:15 - Daniil explains TonTon Games’ strategy of avoiding “pump and dump” schemes and instead focusing on long-term incentives.20:45 - Discussion on acquiring users, including their approach to organic growth through influencers.23:00 - Success of their flagship game, DFT, which reached top 10 grossing apps on Telegram.24:30 - Daniil explains why they are not creating their own token and instead focus on sustainable mechanics.27:00 - How they evaluate and collaborate with development teams before entering formal agreements.28:30 - Explanation of the iterative approach to user acquisition and maintaining platform stability.31:00 - Strategy for monetizing games while respecting user experience.33:00 - Importance of data analysis in game development and Daniil’s insights on balancing gut feeling and metrics.35:00 - Daniil’s thoughts on the future of mobile gaming, especially in emerging markets.39:00 - Advice for budding game developers about the future of gaming demographics.45:00 - Daniil’s perspective on AI, highlighting that it’s a helpful tool rather than a replacement.Daniil’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/shcherbakovds/Website - https://tonton.games/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Arjun Pillai Cofounder & CEO of Docket, an AI Platform that serves as a Virtual Sales Engineer for AEs to close complex B2B deals. He is a serial entrepreneur with two successful exits and is currently on his 3rd venture. Arjun was most recently the Chief Data Officer at ZoomInfo Technologies Inc.In this episode, Arjun Pillai, Docket's co-founder and CEO, shares his journey from Kerala, India, to Silicon Valley, highlighting early startup experiences, failures, and successes with companies like Profoundis and Incent. He discusses the acquisition of his previous ventures, the evolution of Kerala's startup ecosystem, and his passion for AI, which inspired him to build Docket, an AI-powered virtual sales engineer. Arjun offers valuable insights on topics like building resilient teams, fundraising strategies, and the future impact of AI on SaaS, sales roles, and startup playbooks, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How did Arjun approach fundraising for Docket* How does Arjun see AI transforming the sales and marketing landscape?* What are the single biggest mistakes people make when hiring sales reps and teams?* What is your favourite business book? –Hard things about hard things* What is your favourite online tool? –Zoom, chatgpt, loom, screen studio* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – NothingTimestamps03:30 - Arjun's first startup experience with Profounders and early challenges.05:15 - Importance of frugality and team cohesion in Arjun's early days.07:10 - Building Profoundis, a successful sales intelligence product.09:20 - Profoundis’s acquisition by Full Contact, marking Kerala’s first significant startup exit.12:05 - Kerala’s evolving startup ecosystem following Arjun's exit.13:40 - Arjun's transition from Full Contact to founding Insent16:10 - Pivoting Insent’s business model to a buyer-centric platform.18:00 - Acquisition of Insent by Zoom Info and Arjun's new role there.21:15 - Arjun's experiences and learnings from working with Zoom Info.23:05 - Inspiration for Docket, his AI platform for sales engineering.27:40 - Evolution of SDR roles and potential shifts due to AI.30:20 - Future of SaaS companies in the era of AI.32:15 - Cost and efficiency changes in software development using AI.35:30 - Founders' role in creating playbooks for revenue teams.37:45 - Timing for hiring a VP of Sales in a startup’s growth phase.40:10 - Sales team ramp-up expectations and performance indicators.42:30 - Structuring effective sales compensation plans.45:00 - Fundraising strategies for founders, including the importance of building investor relationships.47:30 - Key metrics for choosing the right investors for your startup.Arjun’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/rarjunpillaiWebsite - https://www.docketai.com/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Guy Rubin, the founder and CEO of Ebsta, the Revenue Intelligence Platform for Salesforce and Hubspot customers.  Ebsta delivers real-time forecasting tools and uses engagement trends to benchmark live pipeline against previously closed won deals.In this episode Guy Rubin, founder and CEO of Ebsta, a revenue intelligence platform for Salesforce and HubSpot customers shares insights into the role of AI in automating sales admin tasks, freeing up reps to focus on building relationships. He also discusses the importance of benchmarking sales data to improve performance, the challenges of scaling from SMB to enterprise, and advice on hiring for early-stage startups. Guy emphasizes the need to focus on human connections in sales, even in a world increasingly driven by AI tools and automation, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* When is the right time to hire your first sales rep?* Should the founder be the one to create the sales playbook?* How important are logos? Does social validity really work in the enterprise?* How should sales teams use discounting in enterprise sales most effectively?* What is your favourite business book? –Crossing the chasm* What is your favourite online tool? –Slack* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Thinking and planning in advanceTimestamps2:45: The role of AI in reducing the administrative burden for sales teams.3:30: The importance of relationships in B2B sales and how AI enhances, but doesn’t replace, human connection.4:45: Analyzing sales data to identify key differences between top performers and average performers.6:00: The role of AI in benchmarking and recreating unrecorded sales activities.8:15: The impact of time on win rates and the importance of closing lost opportunities early.10:45: Differences between selling to small, medium, and enterprise customers.12:00: The importance of choosing the right customer profile for a successful sales process.13:15: The value of company logos and social proof when selling to enterprises.16:00: Budgeting for enterprise sales and managing slow-burn deals.18:45: Guy’s advice on outbound sales and building human connections during sales calls.20:00: The importance of relationships in B2B sales and becoming an expert advisor.23:45: Guy’s advice on hiring the first sales representative versus a VP of Sales.26:15: The difference between people who can turn zero into one versus those who follow existing processes.27:30: Domain expertise in new hires and the importance of a startup mentality.30:00: Pros and cons of hiring from your own network versus using recruiters for early hires.32:00: How Ebsta analyzes sales data to understand revenue signals.Guy’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubinguySales report - https://www.ebsta.com/2024-b2b-sales-benchmarks/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am happy to have Reinout Vander Meulen, a partner at TIN Capital. He was a co-founder at Type22, an airport baggage handling innovator MSc in Aerospace Engineering.In this episode, Reinout Vander, Partner at TIN Capital shares his journey from co-founding Type 22, a baggage handling innovator, to transitioning into venture capital. He discusses his experiences scaling international startups, the importance of product localization in Europe, and the challenges in cybersecurity investments. Reinout also highlights key lessons from working with cybersecurity founders and navigating the complexities of market timing, scaling, company exits, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* What are the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing European businesses today?* How does Reinout approach when to sell vs when to hold a position?* What does Reinout know now that he wishes he had known when he got into VC?* What is your favourite business book? –Spin Selling* What is your favourite online tool? –iharvest* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – NATimestamps4:10 - How Type 22 pivoted to focus on product innovation in self-service baggage systems.7:00 - Reinout’s involvement with the Delft University incubator8:10 - Reinout discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry.10:00 - TIN Capital’s focus on cybersecurity investments.12:45 - Differences in scaling startups between Europe and the U.S.14:05 - Importance of localizing products for different European markets.18:00 - Key cybersecurity challenges for European businesses.20:00 - How cybersecurity regulations in Europe impact startups and investments.22:30 - The competitive advantage of being a European cybersecurity startup.28:00 - Deciding when to sell portfolio companies and the importance of timing.30:00 - The importance of maintaining ownership and how to manage dilution.34:00 - Reinout’s biggest lessons in market timing for cybersecurity investments.36:00 - Mistakes made in investing in too niche markets.40:00 - Importance of relationships and trust in cybersecurity VC investments.42:30 - Reinout’s advice for emerging managers in the VC ecosystem.Natalia’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/reinoutvandermeulenWebsite – https://www.tiincapital.nl/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter: partnergrow.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Natalia Cebotari, the co-founder of Osmos building the first networking platform for entrepreneurs and professionals that saves time and finds relevant people in less than a minute. In this episode, Natalia Cebotari, founder of Osmos, talks about the networking platform designed to save time and connect professionals quickly. Natalia shares her journey, from working alongside her husband on their first startup to becoming Chief Strategy Officer at Yandex, where she built new ventures within the corporation. She discusses the challenges of building a social platform, the growth of Osmos, the importance of conversations in expanding one’s network, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* What are the key metrics Natalia focuses on to measure the success of Osmos?* What strategies have been most effective in growing the user base of Osmos?* Will companies actually make more revenue from having AI in products* What is your favorite business book? –Lean Analytics* What is your favorite online tool? –iPhone notes* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Talk to customersTimestamps* 03:30 – Learning to navigate challenges and becoming resilient in entrepreneurship.* 05:00 – Natalia’s transition to working at Yandex as Chief Strategy Officer.* 06:30 – Building new ventures inside Yandex and the differences from a small startup.* 08:15 – The importance of collaboration and communication in large companies like Yandex.* 11:00 – The vision behind Osmos and Natalia's motivation to create an alternative to LinkedIn.* 13:00 – Challenges entrepreneurs face with loneliness and isolation.* 14:30 – How conversations with new people can bring fresh energy and ideas.* 16:00 – Natalia discusses how Osmos grew its initial user base through networking.* 17:30 – The effectiveness of attending online conferences for user acquisition.* 19:00 – The role of email integration in Osmos' growth strategy.* 23:00 – The importance of tracking the number of conversations and user satisfaction.* 26:00 – How paid users behave differently and take conversations more seriously.* 28:00 – Insights on product development from feedback received from paid users.* 30:00 – Balancing user growth with maintaining a high-quality user experience.* 32:00 – Natalia’s perspective on growth as an art, not just a science.* 33:30 – The right time to hire a growth teamNatalia’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliechebotarWebsite – https://osmos.socialMy Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Ajith Govind, the founder of Cravd, an online marketplace to book a home chef to visit and cook right in your kitchen. He earlier co-founded Turing Labs, achieving Series A funding backed by Y Combinator and top investors, including Insight Partners, raising over $20M.In this episode, Ajith Govind, co-founder of Cravd, an online marketplace for booking home chefs shares his entrepreneurial journey, including his experience with Turing Labs. He discusses the challenges of launching a startup, the importance of product-market fit, and the significance of culture in building a successful company. Ajit also talks about Cravd’s expansion strategy, focusing on empowering home chefs, providing healthy, home-cooked meals for busy families, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How can marketplace founders be strategic in building moats around their business?* What is the single most important metric for Cravd* Does Ajith pay attention to CACs at all?* What is your favourite business book? –Hard things about hard things* What is your favourite online tool? –Sunsummer* If you could go back to when you started working on Energy Capital Ventures, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Focus on cultureTimestamps3:30 Ajit shares insights from his experience co-founding Turing Labs.6:30 The significance of Y Combinator in Ajit’s entrepreneurial journey.10:30 Ajit’s thoughts on the importance of mentorship and Y Combinator experience.12:30 The concept behind Cravd , an online marketplace for home chefs.14:30 Crave’s initial model and its evolution based on customer feedback.17:30 The unique selling point of Cravd  in providing healthy, home-cooked meals.20:30 The importance of GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) as a key metric for Cravd .22:30 Crave’s ideal customer profile: busy, working families with disposable income.25:30 Ajit discusses the challenges faced by home chefs in the marketplace.27:30 The importance of building a moat around Cravd ’s business to ensure defensibility.29:30 How Cravd ’s low take rate (10%) differentiates it from other predatory platforms.33:30 The importance of launching products quickly and iterating based on user feedback.34:30 Ajit’s advice for founders: Focus on culture from the beginning to drive success.Ajith’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajith-govindWebsite – https://cravd.comMy Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Victor Pascucci III, the co-founder and Managing General Partner of Energy Capital Ventures.  The only early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to the resilience, sustainability and digital transformation of the natural gas industry. Vic has over 20 years of experience in venture capital and financial services encompassing over $750 million in VC and M&A transactions.In this episode, Victor Pascucci III, co-founder and Managing General Partner of Energy Capital Ventures shares his unique journey from trial attorney to venture capitalist, offering insights into the natural gas industry’s digital transformation and sustainability efforts. He discusses emerging trends in green molecules, hydrogen technology, and renewable natural gas. Victor also offers advice for aspiring VCs, highlighting the importance of perseverance, non-dilutive funding, building strong teams, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How do you evaluate the potential of a startup when considering an investment?* What advice would you give to aspiring venture capitalists looking to enter the industry today?* How does Victor approach market sizing?* What is your favourite business book? –The advantage* What is your favourite online tool? –Slack* If you could go back to when you started working on Energy Capital Ventures, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Use a broader approachTimestamps04:25: Victor’s journey into venture capital through corporate partnerships and investments.06:15: Victor’s advice for those wanting to enter venture capital without traditional paths.07:35: Discussion about the recent boom in new seed VC firms and their challenges.09:00: Victor shares insights into the difficulty of starting a VC fund and the path to success.13:30: Why natural gas and its role in future energy needs remain critical.14:20: Game-changing emerging trends in the energy and natural gas sector.15:10: The future of hydrogen and its potential in the aviation industry.16:40: Evaluating startups based on team, technology, market, and competitive advantage.21:30: The potential for Europe to become a leader in deep tech and climate tech innovations.22:40: The biggest missed opportunities in VC and lessons learned from early mistakes.25:10: Approaching market sizing and the importance of creating new markets in green molecules.26:30: When to sell or hold a position in venture capital.28:00: The role of VC in helping founders and where they can add value.31:20: Advice for operators transitioning from big companies like Google and Amazon to startups33:40: Discussion on the mental model shift required for operators moving from big companies to startups.Victor’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorpascucciWebsite – https://www.energycapitalventures.com/My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Julio Avalos, the founder of Shades News which brings you daily bites of news and culture, presented from multiple points of view so that you can see the whole picture quickly. The mission is to unlock the potential of the internet to help people stay informed in a fun and positive way.In this episode, Julio Avalos, founder of Shades News and former Chief Strategy Officer at GitHub Julio shares his journey from law to tech startups, his early experience with Facebook, and his pivotal role in GitHub’s open-source and remote-first culture. He discusses the motivation behind founding Shades News, a platform aimed at providing multiple perspectives on news and culture for Gen Z. Julio also talks about the impact of generative AI in content curation, the rise of one-person media companies, and the future of legacy media, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunes Learn* How does Shade News aim to address the issue of biased reporting and fake news?* How does Julio see the future of news consumption evolving* What does Julio believe are the biggest mistakes early-stage founders make when telling stories?* What is your favourite business book? – Zero to one* What is your favourite online tool? –Figma slides* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – less focus on paid adsTimestamps04:15 - Impact of Early Startups06:00 - Humanizing Big Tech08:10 - Working with Mark Zuckerberg10:00 - The Reality of Startup Founders12:30 - Transition to GitHub15:45 - Open Source and Remote Culture at GitHub18:15 - Lessons from Remote Work21:00 - Founding Shades News24:00 - Challenges in Journalism28:10 - Gen Z and Information Consumption30:30 - Bias in News Media33:00 - The Role of Generative AI in Curating Content36:15 - The Rise of One-Person Media Companies39:00 - Consolidation in Media41:30 - Shades News Revenue Model43:45 - Insights on Gen Z Search Habits47:00 - AI's Impact on Content Creation50:15 - Fundraising Challenges for Startups52:45 - Balancing Optimism and Realism55:30 - Future of AI in Product DevelopmentJulio’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-avalos-who/Website – https://www.shadesnews.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com Newsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Asya Kuznetsova, a product and growth expert who has led the product growth unit at Wise, a global FinTech company that processes more than £8B worth of international transactions for over 16M people and businesses.In this episode, Asya Kuznetsova, a product and growth expert with experience at Wise and Yandex discusses building products that are ten times better than competitors, optimizing growth through referrals, and the differences between B2C and B2B scaling. She also highlights data-driven decision-making long-term growth strategies, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* What are the most effective metrics to measure the success of organic growth initiatives?* How to structure and optimize referral programs to maximize their impact on user acquisition?* What are the biggest mistakes founders make when scaling into an enterprise?* What is your favourite business book? – Cold start problem* What is your favourite online tool? –Figma* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Build 10x better productTimestamps06:30 - Yandex Lessons08:45 - 10x Approach11:30 - Fail Fast, Learn Fast13:45 - B2C vs B2B15:00 - Customer-Centric Approach17:10 - Metrics for Growth19:00 - Word of Mouth Growth22:30 - Referral Programs25:10 - Customer Delight27:00 - Product-Led Growth30:00 - Localization33:00 - Managing Scale and Quality35:10 - Data-Driven Growth39:45 - Enterprise Scaling42:30 - Building for EnterprisesAsya’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/asya-kuznetsova/Website – wise.comMy Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com Newsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Manish Patel, a GP at Nava Ventures who has led teams that have designed, developed, and scaled products with global impact from enterprise advertising systems like AdWords to consumer experiences like Google Maps.In this episode, Manish Patel, General Partner at Nava Ventures discusses the importance of market conditions for startups, early-stage companies' challenges, and the critical role of founder-market fit in venture capital. Manish also reflects on the evolving landscape of AI, venture capital, the lessons learned from his investment experiences, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How does Manish approach market sizing?* Is Manish willing to take market timing risk?* How does Manish prioritise between founder vs market?* How does Manish approach mentorship and supporting other entrepreneurs in the network?* What is your favourite business book? – Creative confidence* What is your favourite online tool? –Google Maps* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Raise a bigger fundTimestamps[00:04:10] - Stanford's entrepreneurial culture and its impact on Manish.[00:06:15] - Manish's experience at Google, working on Google Maps and Adwords.[00:10:30] - The role of market conditions in the success of startups.[00:12:45] - Discussion on the impact of AI and platforms like ChatGPT on search engines.[00:15:20] - Challenges faced by early-stage startups in today’s market.[00:17:50] - Importance of being aware of market conditions as a founder.[00:19:10] - The Series A crunch and its impact on startups.[00:21:30] - Insights on raising Series A and the importance of showing results.[00:23:00] - How venture capitalists provide mentorship to founders.[00:25:00] - The significance of market sizing in venture capital decisions.[00:27:20] - Discussion on how the best companies expand their markets.[00:29:10] - Market timing risks and lessons on timing in startups.[00:31:15] - Manish’s preference between new and experienced founders.[00:33:00] - The role of venture capitalists in the success of founders.[00:35:10] - Importance of board management in startups.[00:37:30] - Areas where VCs and founders are often not aligned.[00:42:15] - Discussion on founder-market fit and its importance in investments.[00:44:30] - Reflections on missed investment opportunities in venture capital.Manish’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishpatelli/Website – nava.vcMy Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com Newsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Mazen Kanaan, the CEO and co-founder of House of Pops. His expertise lies in managing and growing portfolios across diverse markets, such as Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa.In this episode, Mazen Kanaan, CEO and co-founder of House of Pops shares his entrepreneurial journey from Lebanon to Dubai, talking about how his experience at Unilever inspired the creation of a health-focused ice cream brand. He discusses the challenges of entering a competitive market, the importance of brand differentiation, and building a strong company culture. Mazen also explores the opportunities in the Dubai ecosystem, strategic expansion plans, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* The journey from Unilever to building House of Pops* How can an e-commerce company go about their distribution* What are some growth tactics that have become stronger over time?* What is your favourite business book? – Zero to one* What is your favourite online tool? –Hubspot* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Launch in Saudi Arabia earlierTimestamps02:37 The health and wellness trend in the ice cream industry and the gap in the market.03:32 Challenges of entering a market dominated by big brands like Unilever and Nestlé.04:18 Importance of brand building and differentiating from competitors.05:09 Developing an omnichannel approach and the difficulties for big players to replicate it.05:54 Why big brands avoid omnichannel and the complexity of such a business model.06:36 Initial challenges of pricing and convincing customers to choose House of Pops.09:34 Scaling House of Pops from events to e-commerce and physical locations.10:09 Strategic decisions on when to enter supermarkets and the benefits of patience.11:42 Customization options for clients and the flexibility offered by House of Pops.12:32 Building a strong team and the importance of cultural fit in hiring decisions.14:19 Addressing performance issues and the process of personal improvement plans.15:13 Maintaining company culture as the team grows beyond 50 employees.16:04 Strategic decision-making on when to discontinue new projects or ventures.17:45 Opportunities in the Saudi market and potential expansions into Europe and the U.S.18:30 Mazen’s reflection on the importance of starting earlier in certain markets and his overall learnings.Mazen's Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/mazenknWebsite – https://houseofpops.ae/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com Newsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Simon Wijckmans, CEO of c/side, a cybersecurity company with tools for monitoring, optimizing, and securing vulnerable browser-side third-party scripts.In this episode Simon Wijckmans, CEO of cside.dev shares his journey from homeschooling in Belgium to working at Microsoft and Cloudflare before founding cside.dev. He discusses the challenges of starting a company as a solo founder and the importance of product-market fit. Simon explains cside.dev's unique approach to client-side security and its pricing strategy for SMBs and enterprises. He also touches on hiring the right engineering talent, the role of AI in product development, and competing with larger companies, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How does c/side differentiate itself from existing web security solutions in the market?* What is the go-to-market strategy for c/side* How does c/side balance security and performance considerations for websites?* What is your favourite business book? – On writing well* What is your favourite online tool? –Discord* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Did not hire right peopleTimestamps[03:30] - Simon's experience with early tech projects, leading to a career start with Microsoft.[05:45] - Simon's move to Dublin for a full-time position at Microsoft and reflections on Dublin's tech scene.[08:30] - Simon's transition to Cloudflare and the identification of a significant security gap in client-side security.[11:00] - The founding of cside.dev and the specific problem Simon aimed to solve with third-party script security.[13:20] - Differentiating cside.dev from competitors in the cybersecurity market.[16:00] - cside.dev’s pricing strategy and target market, including SMBs and enterprise clients.[18:30] - Overview of the core technologies used by cside.dev and how they address third-party script vulnerabilities.[21:00] - Discussion on balancing website security with performance considerations.[24:00] - Challenges and considerations in hiring engineering and product teams for startups.[27:00] - The role of AI in product development and Simon’s views on AI-generated code.[30:00] - Challenges in achieving product-market fit and common pitfalls for founders.[36:30] - The challenges of competing with larger, established companies and the importance of product quality.[40:00] - Simon’s experience as a solo founder and the reasons for choosing this path.[43:30] - The impact of being a solo founder on business decisions and investor relations.Simon's Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/wijckmansWebsite – https://cside.dev/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com Newsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Roy Heldshtein, a Managing Partner at Team8, a venture group with a remarkable track record of nearly $2 billion in exits and over $1 billion in assets under management (AUM). Roy holds an MBA with a focus on Strategy and Finance from the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of BusinessIn this episode, Roy Heldshtein, Managing Partner at Team8 discusses his journey from BCG and Checkpoint Software to leading investments at Team8. He explains Team8's unique approach to venture creation, focusing on sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, digital health, and data. Roy highlights the importance of AI, market sizing, and team dynamics in successful ventures. He also shares insights on the value of resilience in founders and Team8's collaborative operations with LPs, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* What major trends are Team8 currently seeing in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, fintech, and digital health* Does Roy prefer first or second-time entrepreneurs? * How does Roy rank the following when investing; team, market, traction and technology?* What is your favourite business book? – Zero to one* What is your favourite online tool? –Gemini* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Build structure differentlyTimestamps06:18 - Roy’s involvement in M&A at Checkpoint.07:05 - Team8’s approach to investing and venture creation.10:05 - How Team8 assesses startup ideas and founders.10:55 - Importance of market sizing and timing in investments.12:20 - The significance of ownership in venture returns.15:20 - Discussion on the preference for first-time vs. experienced founders.16:20 - What Team8 looks for in potential team members.18:45 - Building and maintaining relationships with LPs.19:40 - Advice for emerging VC managers in the current market.21:00 - Israel’s unique startup ecosystem and its global impact.22:30 - Israel's strengths in cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health.23:10 - Emerging trends in energy and food tech in Israel.Roy’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-heldshtein-5370441Website – https://team8.vc/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am thrilled to have Julia Sarfrati, Chief of Staff at Shipup. Shipup helps online retailers around the globe to deliver consistent and proactive communication that delights customers at every stage beyond purchase, from delivery to returns.In this episode, Julia Safrati, Chief of Staff at Shipup discusses her journey from studying international relations to working in startups, her experience at HEC Paris, and her time as a consultant at Frog. She highlights the use of data to enhance post-purchase experiences and AI's impact on e-commerce. Julia also shares advice on the chief of staff role, hiring processes, alignment with the CEO, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How does Shipup leverage data to enhance the post-purchase experience?* What does the role of Chief of Staff mean to Julia?* How would you structure the process of hiring a Chief of Staff?* What is the right relationship between the CEO and the Chief of Staff?* What is your favourite business book? – Loudest duck* What is your favourite online tool? –Klaviyo* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – FocusTimestamps00:05:00 - Julia’s experience at HEC Paris during COVID00:09:30 - Julia’s work at Frog and lessons learned from consulting.00:12:00 - Transitioning from consulting to startups and joining Shipup.00:16:00 - Use of data in enhancing post-purchase experience at Shipup.00:18:30 - Trends in e-commerce logistics and Shipup’s preparations.00:20:45 - Role of AI in e-commerce and Julia’s perspective on job automation.00:25:30 - Advice to founders on hiring a chief of staff.00:28:00 - Structuring the process of hiring a chief of staff.00:30:00 - Importance of the relationship between the CEO and the chief of staff.00:34:00 - Common growth mistakes founders make.00:36:00 - Challenges in achieving product-market fit.Julia’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-sarfati-529904133Website – https://www.shipup.co/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

Today I am excited to have Monik Pamecha who is one of the co-founders of Toma, helping auto dealerships automate phone calls with AI.  Toma offers AI agents that can autonomously handle phone calls, provide a natural voice experience, design call flows, integrate with existing software, and perform tasks on and off calls.In this episode Monik Pamecha, co-founder of Toma, leveraging AI to enhance customer calls for auto dealerships shares his journey from India to the US, his early fascination with technology, and the transformative impact of Y Combinator on his entrepreneurial path. Monik elaborates on Toma’s pivot to focusing on the auto dealership industry, the challenges faced, and the rapid traction gained. Monik also provides insights into the future of AI in customer service, its impact on the BPO industry, and essential advice for early-stage startup founders, and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* Why did Monik decide on a specific niche in auto dealerships* What approaches are used to design and manage the AI call flows and agents?* How does Toma ensure transparency that customers are interacting with an AI agent?* What is your favourite business book? – Zero to One* What is your favourite online tool? –Jira* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Be bolderTimestamps6:15 - Comparison between New York and San Francisco tech scenes.8:45 - Overview of Y Combinator's philosophy and process.12:15 - Pivoting during YC and the support for such changes.13:30 - Finding a product-market fit in auto dealerships.15:00 - Initial traction and customer feedback.17:45 - Regulations and business dynamics in the automotive industry.19:00 - Onboarding first customers across various states and brands.21:30 - Developing natural-sounding voice interactions and product iterations.23:30 - Metrics for judging call performance and business impact.24:45 - Potential impact of AI on the BPO industry in India and the Philippines.27:30 - Addressing AI bias and design solutions for inclusivity.Monik’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikp/Website – https://tomato.ai/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube: youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

I am excited to have Leor Catalan who is the CEO of Corporate Ventures at DavidShield - PassportCard Group. He attended The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.In this episode, Leor Catalan, CEO of David Shield Passport Card Group shares his journey from management consulting to leading innovations in the travel insurance sector. He discusses how David Shield differentiates itself by processing claims in real time and offering unique services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also explores the future of insurance with AI, the rise of digital nomads, and the impact of remote work. Leor offers advice on pivoting business strategies, the significance of team fit in M&A, and the evolving role of AI in customer service and much more!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on iTunesLearn* How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the insurance industry* How do M&A teams like to get to know startups that they could invest in or acquire?* How does Leor think AI will change the world of Insurance* What is your favourite business book? – Zero to One* What is your favourite online tool? –LinkedIn* If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Be bolderTimestamps01:05: Leor’s start in the tech world02:00: Discussion on the role of management consulting in entrepreneurship.03:30: Leor explains how David Shield differentiated itself in the insurance industry.05:00: Impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry06:15: Insights on remote work trends and the future of hybrid work models.09:00: Overview of Corporate Ventures' role within David Shield and their approach to scaling.11:00: How David Shield processes insurance claims in real-time.13:20: Adapting to the rise of digital nomads and remote work during the pandemic.15:30: Challenges and strategies for integrating acquisitions and maintaining team alignment.16:20: Leor’s views on Israeli startup culture and its success in fostering innovation.18:00: The importance of team-to-team fit in successful M&A integrations.19:00: How David Shield scouts for new technologies and startups.21:30: The evolution of AI and its applications in insurance and fintech.23:30: The significance of listening to customer feedback in product development.Leor’s Links LDN– https://il.linkedin.com/in/leor-catalan-entrepreneurWebsite – https://www.passportcard.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube: youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.comNewsletter:  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, Aakash Shah, founder of Wyndly discusses his entrepreneurial journey, influenced by his immigrant father, and his own struggles with allergies that inspired him. He talks about the challenges of allergy care in the US and UK and how Wyndly uses AI and telehealth to improve patient experiences. Aakash shares insights on revenue models in healthcare startups and his positive experience with Y Combinator. He also discusses Wyndly's future growth plans, including international expansion, and much more!Timestamps02:46 Childhood experiences05:01 - Beginnings of Wyndly08:16 Indian immigrants in the US.13:31 Identifying the market need for allergy care.16:01 The most effective treatment for allergies19:21Challenges faced by patients in getting proper allergy care22:31 Use of AI and telehealth at Wyndly25:01Complexity of the US healthcare system28:46 Experience with Y Combinator31:16 Future growth plans34:01 Advice for pre-product-market fit founders37:01 Next billion-dollar companiesAakash’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/mraakashshah/Website – https://wyndlypr.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com Newsletter: https://partnergrow.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, Simon Holland, founder of Vance, a back-office service for startups and SMBs shares his entrepreneurial journey from his diverse upbringing in Peru, Australia, and Spain to founding his first business, Papercloud. He discusses differences in the tech ecosystems of Australia, London, and the US, and explains Vance’s focus on SMBs and the impact of AI on the SaaS industry. Simon covers identifying ideal customer profiles, effective growth channels, hiring challenges, company culture, and much more!Timestamps3:31 Australian tech ecosystem4:31 Vance and its focus on SMBs and startups5:31 Differences in definitions of enterprise and mid-market between Europe and the US.6:31 The success of companies like HubSpot and Gusto in the SMB market7:31 When and why a company might decide to move up market and target enterprise customers.8:31 The future of SaaS and the impact of AI on the industry.9:31 The current state and future of foundation models in AI.11:31 The ease of building new products with AI and how to differentiate in a competitive market.13:31 The importance of focusing on quality customers and effective growth channels for startups.14:31 Challenges of hiring at an early stage and the importance of company culture.16:31 Simon's approach to creating a product vision and the importance of customer feedback.18:31 When to pivot or close shop if product market fit is not achieved.20:31 Future plans for Vance, including automating administrative tasks for SMBs.Simon’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-holland-00710b13Website – https://www.hirevance.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, Mila Khrapchenko, co-founder and co-CEO of Ameetee shares her journey from public market investments to startups, discussing her 18-year career at Alpha Bank. She provides insights on investing in derivatives and highlights her focus areas like Edtech and Fintech. Mila explains the creation of Ameetee, aimed at facilitating late-stage private equity investments for banks and financial institutions. We talk about Israel's unique startup culture, the future of fintech, AI's impact on financial services, and cryptocurrency regulation, and much more.TimestampsMila's Investment Journey (01:21)Career at Alpha Bank (04:56)Advice on Investing in Derivatives (08:11)Sectors of Startup Investments (11:21)Investment Portfolio Diversification (13:31)Building Ameetee (15:31)Challenges in the Current Market (17:51)Israeli Startup Culture (20:46)Future of Fintech and Crypto Regulation (24:11)Impact of AI on Financial Services (29:01)Mila’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/mila-khrapchenko-76aa511Website – https://ameetee.io/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, Arshad Hisham, founder of inGen Dynamics shares his insights on his MBA journey, building executive teams, and the importance of investor-friendly funding. He discusses the mission to enhance human life through AI, automation, and robotics, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and much more.TimestampsStarting in Startups (1:31)Choosing an MBA Program (5:41)Building an Executive Team (9:46)Funding and Investor Relations (17:11)AI, Automation, and Robotics (22:46).Industry Risks and Deployment Timelines (27:51)Future Job Skills and Market Changes (31:01)Cultural Differences in Startup Ecosystems (36:01)Arshad’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshadhisham/Website – https://ingendynamics.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

Thomas Ryan is the CEO and founder of Bigly Sales, a startup transforming the sales landscape. Bigly sales have helped others boost marketing and sales with AI-powered solutions.In this episode, Thomas Ryan, CEO of Bigley Sales shares the potential for automation in sales processes. He discusses the limitations of traditional sales methods and the need for efficient tools and AI-driven automation. Thomas emphasizes the importance of integrating various communication channels into a unified platform and the shift towards AI-powered, personalized marketing. He also addresses regulatory challenges, the evolving role of sales development representatives, and the impact of AI on global call centres and enterprise sales strategies, and much more!TimestampsAutomation in Recruiting (00:01:05)Challenges with CRM Integration (00:02:06)The Evolution of Sales Outreach (00:04:28)The Future of SDR Role (00:07:33)Impact on Call Centers (00:14:24)Scaling into Enterprise (00:16:01)Effective Use of Discounting (00:18:47)Discounting and Long-Term Contracts (00:19:34)Impact of AI on Sales Processes (00:21:32)Sectors Most Affected by AI (00:25:24)Skill Set for Future Careers (00:28:32)Transformation of Employment and Business Operations (00:30:29)Regulations and Sales Strategies (00:35:08)Future of Sales with AI (00:32:26)Cold Outreach and Advertising (00:39:34)Targeting Larger Enterprises (00:42:48)Thomas’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-ryan-5302751Website – https://biglysales.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

Bruce Ballengee is a Founder and Director at Pariveda. Pariveda is a consulting firm dedicated to solving complex business, brand, and technology problems from the inside out.In this episode, Bruce Ballengee, founder and director of Pariveda Solutions, discusses his transition from working at major consulting firms to starting his own company, influenced by his family's entrepreneurial background. He emphasizes creating an ESOP company and achieving B Corp certification. Bruce also highlights the significance of managing cash flow, strategic decision-making during tough times, the value of hiring top performers, and much more!TimestampsChallenges in Starting the Firm (00:00:44)Becoming a B Corp (00:06:13)Getting the First Projects (00:10:27)Mistakes in Scaling Up (00:14:02)Hiring Mistakes (00:16:59)Compensation Structure (00:20:01)Higher Base Salary and Performance (00:20:45)Voluntary Temporary Pay Reduction (00:21:47)Challenges of Counter Offers and Bonuses (00:23:08)Scaling and Leadership (00:24:12)Business Model and Scaling (00:27:05)Key Moment for Acceleration (00:28:06)Quality and Speed in Scaling (00:30:00)Assessing Candidate's Attributes (00:33:32)Maintaining Culture and Values (00:36:05)Navigating Challenging Market Conditions (00:39:44)Challenges with Revenue Collection (00:43:24)Evaluating Growth Strategies (00:47:43)Control and Legacy Building (00:49:26)Bruce’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceballengee/Website – https://parivedasolutions.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, Olga Bortnikova, founder of startups YouTravel and Tripsider discusses her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of starting a travel company, and the importance of personalizing travel experiences. She also talks about acquiring customers, raising funding, and the effectiveness of marketing channels like SEO. Olga highlights the impact of AI on travel, focusing on personalization and enhancing customer experiences rather than replacing human jobs, and much more!TimestampsTravel Preparation and Inspiration (00:00:32)Friendliest People and Positive Experiences (00:02:41)Building YouTravel and TripsRyder (00:04:32)Acquiring the First Customers (00:09:30)Raising the First Round of Funding (00:13:28)Marketing Channels and Technology Impact (00:21:54)Personalized Travel Experiences (00:26:59)Real-Time Assistance and Predictive Analytics (00:28:19)Sustainability and Support for Local Providers (00:31:21)Disruption by AI in Travel Agencies (00:35:59)Olga’s Links LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-bortnikova/Website – https://tripsider.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Derek Sivers, talks about his unique approach to life, discussing his book curation process, travel experiences, and his accidental journey into entrepreneurship with CD Baby. Derek shares his philosophy on money, emphasizing intellectual pursuits over financial gain, and offers advice on customer engagement through personalization. He also reveals his efficient email management system that supports his diverse interests, and much more!TimestampsNote-Making Process (00:01:19)Reading Preferences and Travel Experiences (00:03:15)Music, Entrepreneurship, and Success (00:09:15)Relationship with Money and Entrepreneurship (00:11:48)Customer Delight and Personal Touch (00:19:18)Efficient Communication and Multitasking (00:22:31)Assuming You're Below Average (00:25:09)Feedback Loops and Coaching (00:29:10)Measuring Success in Writing (00:35:34)Hell Yeah or No (00:40:22)Living in New Zealand (00:47:22)Prioritizing Fatherhood (00:49:29)Derek's Links Twitter - https://x.com/siversWebsite - https://sive.rs/How to live - https://sive.rs/hMy Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Eugene Malobrodsky, Managing Partner at One Way Ventures, shares his journey from Lithuania to the U.S. and his evolution from founder to venture capitalist. He also covers the strategies for investing in early-stage companies and the challenges that new venture capital managers face. Eugene shares insights on the role of liquidity events like secondaries and M&A in the current market, as well as his perspective on the potential impact of political leadership on the M&A landscape, and much more!TimestampsBuilding and Selling Companies (00:03:51)Transition to Venture Capital (00:08:28)Focus on Immigrant Founders (00:12:21)Pattern Recognition in VC (00:18:20)Early Stage Investments and Ownership (00:22:24)Challenges for Emerging Managers (00:25:09)Valuations and Investments (00:25:36)Founder's Secondary Exits (00:28:21)Liquidity in the Market (00:31:35)Venture Capital Focus Areas (00:32:44)Political Impact on Business (00:33:57)Emerging Managers' Decision-making (00:38:16)Founder's Retreat and Community (00:40:12)Eugene’s LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/afeugene/Website – https://www.onewayvc.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Vikram Chachra, founding partner of 8i Ventures, delves into the nuances of venture investing in India. He shares his entrepreneurial background and his transition to venture capital, highlighting the cultural and generational shifts shaping the investment landscape. Vikram underscores the importance of understanding consumer pain points and the role of digital solutions in fostering progress. He advises young professionals to work with startups and stresses the need for strategic thinking in early-stage investments, and much more!TimestampsEarly Mobile Internet and Startup Experience (00:01:12)Investing and Operating Startups (00:03:21)Observing Changes in India (00:06:56)Investment Thesis and Fintech Focus (00:11:34)Friction and Digital Acceleration (00:15:51)Scenario Planning and Reserves (00:18:43)The journey of Slice (00:18:54)Market Maps and Generational Companies (00:19:54)Capital and Investment Strategy (00:20:50)Valuations and IPO Market (00:21:59)Startup IPOs and Market Dynamics (00:23:08)Founder Selection and Prioritization (00:26:49)Investment Prioritization and Lessons (00:29:00)LP Relationships and Founder-Centric Approach (00:33:23)Approaching LPs and Trust Building (00:35:20)Building Trusted Relationships in India (00:37:30)India's Wealth and Family Offices (00:38:06)Venture Capital Fund Length in India (00:38:59)Entering the Venture Landscape (00:39:31)Patience and Belief in Startups (00:40:41)Vikram’s LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vchachra/Email – [email protected] - 8ivc.comMy Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Mohammed Khachab, Senior Vice President at BNP Group. his entrepreneurial journey from Lebanon to the thriving startup scene in Dubai. He shares the story of building and selling a company for $200 million, sharing the importance of assembling a complementary team and focusing on distribution before marketing. Mohammed also discusses the supportive Dubai ecosystem and his future endeavours as an angel investor and advisor. He highlights the significance of culture, values, and mental resilience in business, offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs on hiring and scaling their ventures, and much more!TimestampsStarting a Business in Dubai (00:02:24)Importance of Distribution (00:04:31)Selling a Company for $200 Million (00:07:39)Dubai Startup Ecosystem (00:09:39)Lessons from Scaling a Company (00:17:18)Finding the right team (00:17:19)Distribution and marketing (00:18:13)Marketplaces and own distribution channels (00:20:09)Hiring marketing personnel (00:22:03)Fundraising insights (00:24:19)Biggest moment in business (00:26:30)Key traits in hiring (00:29:10)Values-driven leadership (00:33:48)Cultural reflection of leadership (00:34:19)Recruitment process (00:38:04)Mohamad’s LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamad-khachab-581533a7/Website – https://bmbgroup.com/Email - [email protected] Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, John Li, CEO of Vimcal discusses his transition from Twitter to entrepreneurship, detailing the evolution of his startup from AR technology to a fitness venture, and ultimately to a specialized calendar app. He emphasizes the critical role of executive assistants in product development, the necessity of user feedback, and the integration of AI. John also talks about the unique challenges of user acquisition, the strategic shift to a vertical SaaS model, and the company's inclusive hiring practices, and much more!TimestampsThe journey from Twitter to Y Combinator (00:00:02)Pivoting from AR to Fitness to Calendar (00:03:38)Onboarding users and fundraising challenges (00:10:26)Vimcal's focus on meetings, not just a calendar (00:13:26)The role of AI in startups and fundraising (00:15:29)Launching Whimsical E and serving executive assistants (00:17:15)Speed vs Quality in Product Development (00:19:43)Lessons in conducting effective product reviews (00:20:21)The Harmony of Features (00:20:41)Product Teams' Focus (00:21:53)Challenges in User Acquisition (00:22:58)Enterprise and PLG Approach (00:24:49)Traits in Hiring (00:26:26)Assessing Curiosity and Clarity of Thought (00:29:43)Hiring Mistakes and Parting Ways (00:33:19)John’s LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnli611/Website – https://www.vimcal.com/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jaylbird11My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Kyle Forster, CEO of RunWhen, shares his journey from growing up in Silicon Valley to becoming a leader in product management. He discusses the nuances of product management across different customer segments, offering advice on collaboration between product and commercial teams. Kyle also explores leadership roles, the transition from SMB to enterprise clients, and the unique challenges of enterprise product development. He shares his motivation for starting RunWhen, aiming to solve enterprise technology adoption issues and much more!TimestampsGrowing up in Silicon Valley (00:00:25)Transition to Product Management (00:03:10)Different Types of Product Management (00:05:09)Friction Between Commercial and Product Teams (00:07:16)Product Managers' Mistakes (00:10:03)Commercial Leaders and Product Strategy (00:15:24)Transition to Enterprise Sales (00:17:46)Building the Product for Different Users (00:18:42)The Role of AI in Product Design (00:20:48)Measuring Impact and Product Discipline (00:22:34)Emotional Experience of Selling a Company (00:26:12)Transitioning from Startups to Big Companies (00:28:27)Importance of Reference Checks in Hiring (00:30:52)Mistakes in Hiring the First Product Manager (00:36:08)Product Mistakes and Learnings (00:36:51)Kyle’s LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyforsterWebsite – https://www.runwhen.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Alex Twigg, founder of Appeggio, shares his transition from the banking sector to creating a no-code SaaS platform. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style, the impact of AI on jobs, and the concept of "invisible banking." Alex emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent, the role of experience in leadership, and the challenges faced by startups in distribution and customer acquisition. He also touches on the personal toll of entrepreneurship and recommends resources for founders and much more!TimestampsThe Humble Beginnings (00:00:34)The evolution of the banking sector (00:01:58)Generational work ethics (00:05:31)Leadership journey (00:08:38)CEO's nature vs. nurture (00:19:48)Transition to software development (00:23:49)The journey from banker to technologist (00:24:13)Judo Bank's innovative approach (00:25:52)Challenges and success of Judo Bank (00:27:00)Experience as a service (00:31:15)Impact of AI and new code solutions (00:34:33)Invisible banking and customer engagement (00:43:23)Customer acquisition and onboarding (00:42:24)Invisible Banking (00:47:06)Distribution is Key (00:49:22)Choosing Distribution Channels (00:51:44)Balancing Entrepreneurialism and Family Life (00:53:35)Alex’s LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextwiggWebsite – Appeggio.comMy Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Boris Manhart shares his experience leading Codecheck and his journey through the fintech landscape with Numbers. He shares his expertise on team alignment, leadership, and the critical role of market needs in AI startups. Boris emphasizes the significance of product-market fit, sustainable capital use, and the evolving dynamics of seed funding. He also offers advice to young entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of passion, patience, and much more!TimestampsBoris's Journey (00:00:25)Lessons from Numbers (00:03:02)Transition to Code Check (00:05:29)Challenges in AI Startups (00:06:47)CEO Skills and MBA (00:09:21)Team Alignment and Failure Conditions (00:13:06)Product-Market Fit and Startup Funding (00:16:31)Managing Capital and Market Changes (00:20:28)VC Lessons for Founders (00:23:20)Lunch with Founders (00:24:03)Investment Priorities (00:24:26)Entering the Startup Landscape (00:25:51)The Lean Startup (00:27:43)Focus on Product-Market Fit (00:28:42)Boris’s LinksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/borismanhart/Website - growthunltd.com My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Guy Kawasaki, talks about his latest book "Think Remarkable," exploring themes such as marketing excellence, the intricacies of podcast growth, the power of a growth mindset, and the art of finding mentors. Guy shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of quality in product evangelism and the challenges of leveraging a large social media following for impact. Guy also talks about the nuances of remote work management, the value of diversity in hiring, and learning from past decisions, and much more!TimestampsThe Golden Touch (00:01:55)Building a Podcast (00:03:10)Challenges of Growing Social Media Channels (00:05:15)Writing "Think Remarkable" (00:06:39)Growth Mindset (00:07:26)Qualities of Remarkable People (00:09:04)Building Skill Sets (00:10:08)Doing Epic S**t (00:11:31)Creating a Subcategory (00:13:31)Finding Mentors (00:15:27)Effective Storytelling (00:17:41)Pitching Framework (00:18:36)Managing in a Remote Work Environment (00:19:56)Remote Work Management (00:21:12)Diversity in Hiring (00:22:21)Learning from Career Regrets (00:23:55)Lessons from Career Choices (00:24:16)Impact of AI on Creativity (00:25:57)Book Writing Process (00:27:15)Overcoming Challenges (00:28:15)Future Book Plans (00:29:53)Guy’s LinksWebsite - https://guykawasaki.com/Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Remarkable-Paths-Transform-Difference/dp/139424522XEmail – [email protected] Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Josh Muccio, co-founder of The Pitch and a general partner at The Pitch Fund talks about his entrepreneurial background, his ventures in e-commerce and media, and the intricacies of building a successful media company like The Pitch. Josh recounts the show's sale to Gimlet Media and subsequent repurchase, as well as his personal experience pitching on the show. He discusses the challenges faced by emerging fund managers in 2023 and The Pitch Fund's remarkable achievement of raising significant interest from listeners alone. He also covers strategies for growing a podcast in a competitive market, the unique approach of The Pitch Fund in seed investments, and the rise of owner-operator led funds. Josh shares insights on AI startups, emphasizing the need for real-world applications and value creation, and much more!TimestampsJosh's Entrepreneurial Journey (00:00:25) Building and Selling Startups (00:04:19) Challenges of Media Business (00:04:34) Venture Backing for Media Companies (00:06:40) Starting The Pitch (00:08:05) The Journey of The Pitch (00:13:08) Pitching on The Pitch (00:16:23) Fundraising Challenges for Emerging Fund Managers (00:19:02) Raising a Fund from Listeners (00:20:20) Podcast Distribution and Growth (00:22:30)Value of Authenticity in Content Creation (00:25:24) Unique Deal Flow for The Pitch Fund (00:26:35) Selecting VCs and Building Relationships (00:28:46) VC Value Beyond Capital (00:31:09) Portfolio Construction and Investment Strategy (00:33:37) Founder-Led Funds and Operator Expertise (00:36:03) Specific AI Use Cases (00:39:02) Podcast AI Tool (44:54) Starting The Pitch Show (46:17) Josh’s LinksLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshmuccio/The Pitch - https://www.thepitch.show/Pitch Fund - https://www.thepitch.show/p/fund/Email - [email protected] Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Darya Sesitskaya, founder of Shader, shares her entrepreneurial journey and insights into product development. She emphasizes the role of intuition in the early stages of design and the importance of simplicity in product interfaces. Daria also discusses her approach to user feedback, highlighting that not all suggestions are implemented but are carefully evaluated. For fundraising, she credits her participation in an accelerator program for building connections and stresses consistent communication with investors and much more!TimestampsThe journey to Shader (00:00:02)From Belarus to the US (00:02:38)Experience at Snapchat (00:04:50)On Deck Fellowship Experience (00:07:34)Product Management and Design (00:10:17)Hiring the First Product Manager (00:12:59)The Future of Product Development (00:15:15)Core Roles for Product Managers (00:17:03)Working with Design Partners (00:18:55)UI/UX Design Principles (00:21:08)Balancing Intuition and Data (00:23:43)Vision and Prototypes (00:23:56)Simplicity in Product Design (00:24:49)User Feedback and Implementation (00:26:31)Hiring High-Quality Talent (00:29:22)Raising Funding and Building Relationships (00:31:31)Startup Lessons and Growth (00:36:15)Darya’s LinksLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryasesitskaya/Shader - Shaderapp.comMy Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Justin Smith, Managing Partner at Recharge Capital delves into his venture capital journey, his experiences at Recharge Capital and Tusk Ventures, and the intricacies of angel investing and SPVs. Justin shares his transition from auditing to venture capital, his approach to building a sourcing network, and the importance of partnerships in investing. He discusses the strategic role of distribution channels in fintech and healthcare startups, the impact of brand names on cap tables, and the current state of M&A in venture capital. Justin also touches on fund dynamics, such as liquidity events and reserve allocations, and concludes with personal insights on fundraising and relationship building, highlighting the usefulness of AngelList for SPVs and syndications, and much more.TimestampsThe journey to venture capital (00:00:03)Transition to SPVs and Recharge Capital (00:02:56)Differences between SPVs and institutional capital (00:08:45)Building partnerships through angel investing (00:14:35)Diversifying the investment portfolio (00:15:10)Importance of distribution channels in startups (00:18:57)Distribution as a Key Issue (00:18:57)Building Partnerships and Distribution Channels (00:20:07)Brand Names on Cap Tables (00:22:12)Clubbed Rounds and Founder Strategies (00:23:06)M&A Activity in the Next 12 Months (00:25:03)Misalignment Between VCs and LPs (00:26:22)Liquidity and Reserve Allocation (00:29:45)Follow-on Investments and Fund Dynamics (00:31:36)Venture Decision-Making and Postmortems (00:33:59)Ownership Allocation in Companies (00:36:17)Justin’s LinksLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-b-smith/Email - [email protected] Capital - https://www.rechargecapital.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this episode, Stefan Ross, Head of Partnerships at Pigment, shares his journey from sales to partnerships and his experiences in the UK startup ecosystem. He discusses the importance of strategic thinking and curiosity in partnerships, the centralized nature of the UK startup scene, and the misconceptions about partnerships. Stefan emphasizes the need for structural alignment within companies and how to effectively manage and communicate with multiple partners. He also touches on the hiring process for partnership managers, the significance of mentorship, and his favorite tools and resources. Stefan offers valuable insights into building successful partnerships and the internal culture needed to support them, and much more!TimestampsThe partnership journey (00:00:19)Entering the world of partnerships (00:01:13)UK startup ecosystem (00:11:35)Common misconceptions about partnerships (00:16:44)Internal culture for being partner-ready (00:18:32)Understanding the Importance of Executive Buy-in (00:18:49)Transitioning to Multi-Product Platforms (00:21:04)Managing Multiple Product Sales Teams (00:23:49)Scoring and Evaluating Partnerships (00:25:52)Types of Alliances in Business Ecosystems (00:27:00)Choosing the Right Alliances and Metrics for Success (00:29:25)Aligning Incentives for Partner Success (00:32:00)Communicating Metrics to the C-suite (00:34:35)Tools and CRM for Partnerships (00:36:16)The value of structural alignment (00:37:09)Hiring process for partnership managers (00:38:25)Qualities of a great partnership manager (00:41:29)Learning from mistakes in partnerships (00:46:36)Stefan’s LinksLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-ross-83641074Pigment - https://www.pigment.com/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal🎓 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Jonny Miller, founder of Nervous System Mastery, talks about his journey from studying at Durham University to becoming an entrepreneur and eventually creating a course to help others manage stress and enhance resilience. He discusses his startup experiences, including his travel magazine and MapTier, and the lessons learned from those ventures. Jonny shares insights on emotional resilience, the importance of learning and curiosity, and the development of his course. He also covers the impact of technology on well-being, the benefits of meditation and yoga, and strategies for handling emotions and stress in professional settings. Jonny emphasizes the importance of intentionality in technology use and the concept of "emotional debt," advocating for healthy outlets to express and process emotions to prevent burnout, and much more!TimestampsJonny Miller's Background and Startup Journey (00:00:02)Challenges and Learnings from Startup Experience (00:01:55)Advice for Young Entrepreneurs (00:03:08)Creation of Nervous System Mastery Course (00:04:19)Startup Culture in Bali (00:06:52)Managing Nervousness in High-Pressure Situations (00:08:25)Visualization and Present Moment Awareness (00:13:10)Effectiveness of Meditation and Mindfulness (00:15:09)Cultivating Interoceptive Awareness (00:19:20)Technology Detox and Phone Usage (00:19:55)Removing Technology from Day-to-Day Life (00:20:22)Understanding Intention Behind Phone Usage (00:21:32)Managing Emotional Debt (00:29:40)Nervous System Mastery Course (00:32:41)Stress Management Practices (00:36:07)Favorite Business Book (00:38:02)Reflecting on Starting Nervous System Mastery (00:38:35)Jonny’s LinksNervous system course - nsmastery.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnym1ller/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Luca Cartechini, founder of Shopcircle, shares his journey from Italy to the UK, his experience in investment banking and venture capital, and the founding of Shopcircle. He discusses London's vibrant tech scene, the impact of Brexit, and the benefits of corporate experience for entrepreneurs. Shopcircle's focus on the Shopify ecosystem, growth strategies, and product development are also covered. Luca highlights the importance of a high-performing team, the challenges of remote work, maintaining company culture, and much more!TimestampsStudying in the UK (00:00:38)Diversity in the UK Ecosystem (00:03:01)Career Path and Entrepreneurship (00:06:10)Starting Shop Circle (00:09:17)Expanding Beyond Shopify (00:11:02)New Product Developments (00:12:59)Product Growth Strategies (00:14:29)Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy (00:17:22)Building a Team (00:19:06)Remote Work Challenges (00:20:20)Team Growth and Culture (00:21:19)Setting Goals and KPIs (00:22:21)Balancing Innovation and Risk (00:27:12)Cultural Embedding in Growing Teams (00:25:34)Luca’s LinksShopcircle - https://shopcircle.co/LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-cartechini/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Arthur Bernard, General Partner at Athletic Ventures, talks about his transition into venture capital and the role of athletes in this sector. Arthur discusses his early career, experience in sports marketing agencies, and return to venture capital in 2020. He emphasizes the importance of educating the European market on athlete investments in startups, noting the unique value athletes bring beyond mere influence. Arthur also touches on the LP-GP relationship, portfolio construction, and the challenges of raising a first fund. He advises patience for those entering venture capital and highlights the importance of understanding lead investors' motivations and much more!TimestampsArthur's Journey into Venture Capital (00:00:02)Experience Working in Sports Agency (00:02:11)Role of Athletes in Venture Capital Ecosystem (00:05:10)Athletes' Say in Investment Decisions (00:08:05)Closing the First Fund and LP-GP Relationship (00:10:35)Portfolio Construction and Allocation (00:14:36)Efficient Company Building and Funding Environment (00:16:55)What Founders Want from VCs (00:18:52)Investment Success and Impact on Mindset (00:21:46)Evaluation of Startup Growth (00:23:00)Adjusting KPIs for Different Stages (00:23:12)Impact of Missed Opportunities (00:24:18)Importance of Lead Investors (00:25:31)Challenges for Emerging Managers (00:26:48)Patience and Relationship Building (00:27:55)Arthur’s LinksAthletico ventures - https://www.athletico.vc/LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-bernard1984/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Brian Evans, CEO and founder of BDE Ventures, shares his insights into the crypto and blockchain industry. He shares the transformative potential of blockchain in gaming, the integration of NFTs in various sectors, and the importance of building a strong online presence. Brian shares his journey into crypto, the impact of recent crypto developments, and his firm's investment focus. He also explores the intersection of AI and blockchain, the play-to-earn gaming model, and the future of digital assets and metaverses. Brian emphasizes the need for cybersecurity and offers advice on networking and validating startup ideas, and much more!TimestampsInterest in Crypto and Bitcoin (00:00:27)Bitcoin and Ethereum's Future (00:05:07)Potential of Blockchain Technology (00:07:16)FTX Exchange Incident (00:10:29)Gaming and NFTs (00:18:15)Investments and Startups (00:21:12)Web3 Gaming (00:22:36)AI and Innovation (00:27:30)Blockchain and AI Integration (00:27:39)Play-to-Earn Gaming (00:34:21)Gaming and Education (00:36:47)Metaverse and Fashion Brands (00:37:44)Virtual Reality and Social Interaction (00:40:11)Growing Social Media Following (00:44:15)Business Books and Productivity (00:49:56)Startup Challenges and Investment (00:50:59)Brian’s LinksBDE Ventures - https://bde.io/Twitter - https://twitter.com/briandevansLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandevansla/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Ali Jamal, General Partner at First Check Ventures shares his multicultural upbringing and its influence on his interest in startups and venture capital, particularly in Latin America. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in high-growth startups in developing economies and his transition from a full-time job to focusing on his syndicate. Ali provides insights into the venture capital industry, including securing funding allocations, the impact of market conditions on investments, and the potential for increased mergers and acquisitions. He also talks about AI business models, his biggest investment win, the importance of learning in startup roles, and much more!TimestampsChildhood and International Background (00:00:25)Investment Focus on Latin America (00:03:59)Working in High Growth Startups (00:07:10)Syndicating with ShopCircle (00:10:07)Balancing Full-Time Job with Syndicate (00:11:52)Approach to LPs and Sense of Urgency (00:13:32)Multi-Stage Funds and Seed Stage Investment (00:16:51)Access to Hot Deals (00:17:55)Investment Decision-Making (00:18:59)Challenges for Venture Funds (00:19:49)Market Conditions and Fundraising (00:20:17)Struggles for Emerging Managers (00:22:08)Potential Mergers and Acquisitions (00:24:02)Liquidity Decisions in VC (00:25:40)IPO Market Outlook (00:27:21)AI Business Models (00:30:29)Successful Investment and Approach (00:34:13)Challenges in Syndicate Investments (00:35:19)Misalignment Between GP and LP (00:36:12)Ali’s LinksFirst Check Ventures - https://www.firstcheckventures.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralijamal/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFunding talks about e-commerce financing and business strategy. Ricardo discusses his background in finance, the inception of SellersFunding, and the nuances of revenue-based versus seller financing. They explore qualifying criteria for e-commerce companies, the process of obtaining revenue data, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Ricardo advises on scaling, branding, and competing in online retail, emphasizing the importance of culture in his company and the need for alternative capital sources in a challenging investment climate, and much more! TimestampsFounding SellersFunding (00:02:01)Differences in Financing Models (00:05:42)Qualifying Criteria for E-commerce Companies (00:08:39)Turnaround Time for Funding (00:10:42)Obtaining Revenue Data from Merchants (00:11:29)Power of Online Platforms for Direct-to-Consumer Companies (00:12:53)Differences Between Selling on Amazon and Branching Out (00:14:42)Retail Companies' Strategies to Combat Amazon (00:19:23)Effectiveness of Amazon Advertising (00:20:43)Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains (00:23:22)Challenges for Amazon Sellers (00:24:41)Competing with Shein (00:27:26)Challenges of Competing with Amazon (00:27:50)Managing a Growing Startup (00:30:01)Shift in Investment Sentiment (00:33:05)Business Book Recommendation (00:35:41)Balancing Equity and Debt (00:36:33)Ricardo’s LinksSellers Funding - https://sellersfi.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-pero-b7659437/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Shankar Ganapathy, founder of Boomerang, shares his professional journey from marketing to sales and his experiences at MindTickle and Boomerang. He discusses the nuances of sales playbooks and advises on the optimal timing for startup founders to hire sales personnel. Shankar emphasizes the importance of adapting sales strategies to meet individual customer needs and the transition from a broad marketing approach to personalized sales interactions and much more!TimestampsTransition from marketing to sales (00:02:39)Moving from India to the US (00:06:06)Starting Boomerang (00:09:07)Acquiring first customers (00:12:14)Defining a sales playbook (00:14:32)Making the first sales hires (00:18:27)Sales Hiring (00:20:03)Curiosity Assessment (00:24:18)Compensation Negotiation (00:26:48)Title Negotiation (00:29:18)Timing of Sales Hiring (00:30:54)Deal Structuring (00:33:08)Deal Reviews (00:35:07)Multiyear Deals (00:37:12)Experience with Sequoia Surge (00:39:08)Building a Startup Program (00:39:58)Pivoting Decision (00:40:59)Shankar’s LinksBoomerang - Getboomerang.aiLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanksgan/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunesYouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmasteryTwitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Justin Michael shares his unique sales methodology, the Justin Michael Method, emphasising the importance of understanding prospects' needs and building relationships. He discusses strategies for bypassing gatekeepers, the art of discounting, and engaging CFOs by demonstrating ROI. Justin also highlights the role of customer case studies in proving value and addresses the challenges of sales forecasting. He stresses the significance of developing sales talent within organisations and the value of mentorship and apprenticeship in achieving sales excellence, and much more!TimestampsThe start of sales career (00:00:56)Working with Sean Parker (00:01:50)Building a community (00:04:33)The Justin Michael Method (00:05:58)Psychology in sales (00:11:22)Building relationships with prospects (00:14:34)Preventing loss of champions (00:18:53)Morphing and Waterfalling (00:19:53)Discounting Strategy (00:20:45)Creating a Compelling ROI Business Case (00:22:39)Value Demonstration through Case Studies (00:24:43)Approaching Sales Forecasting (00:26:06)Balancing Quotas and Celebrating Wins (00:28:14)Career Advancement and Specialization (00:30:13)Developing Sales Talent (00:32:44)Challenges of Writing a Book (00:34:17)Writing a Business Book (00:35:57)Michael’s LinksAgency - https://hypcccycl.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljustin/Sales Superpowers - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sales-Superpowers-Outbound-Operating-Explosive/dp/1948382687My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Lisa Nestor, Chief Strategy Officer at Airtm, discusses her diverse background and the fintech industry. She shares her passion for crypto, its potential for asset sovereignty, and the excitement around self-custody products. Lisa reflects on the challenges and opportunities CBDCs and stablecoins present and the competition they may bring to international currency markets. She offers investment advice for cryptocurrencies and highlights the qualities of a great growth hire. Lisa also delves into product-channel fit for startups, and much more!TimestampsBenefits of International Experience (00:04:55)Airtm's Differentiation (00:07:42)Airtm's Innovative Payment Rails (00:08:36)Navigating Regulatory Environments (00:11:32)Adoption of Digital Currencies by Companies (00:15:06)Factors Affecting Bitcoin's Price (00:17:58)Lessons from FTX's Implosion (00:19:59)Cryptocurrency and Self-Custody (00:22:26)Regulation and Digital Gold Standard (00:22:59)Central Bank Digital Currency (00:24:38)Stablecoins and CBDCs (00:27:07)Characteristics of a Great Growth Hire (00:32:08)Identifying a Bad Growth Hire (00:34:19)Product-Channel Fit in B2B and Fintech (00:35:50)Marketing Channel Strategy (00:39:24)Lisa’s LinksAirtm - https://www.airtm.com/en/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacnestor/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com

In this podcast episode, Sameet Mehta shares his journey into venture capital, his investment misses with Zoom and Dropbox, and the importance of cautious hiring for startups. He also discusses the decision-making process at his fund, Granite Hill, and the significance of creating a safe environment for open discussion. Sameet emphasizes the role of early-stage investors in a company's growth and shares his insights on the trend of hedge funds investing in emerging countries and also talks about his involvement with Thread Optics, a cybersecurity company, and much more!TimestampsThe world of venture capital (00:00:41)Corporate venture vs. decision-making at own firm (00:03:17)Changes in venture capital over the last two decades (00:05:21)The benefits of going public for consumer companies (00:09:50)Missed investment opportunity in Zoom (00:11:06)Advice on hiring for early-stage startups (00:15:09)Creating an environment of safety (00:18:46)Building trust with younger founders (00:20:09)Hiring mistakes founders make (00:23:29)The trajectory of the industry (00:28:09)The role of investors in early-stage companies (00:28:52)Thread Optics and Cybersecurity (00:32:04)Sameet’s LinksGranite Hill - http://www.granitehill.netThreadOptix - https://www.threatoptix.aiLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameet-s-mehta-09520/My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com