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Spotlight E29: Ryan Hughes - From Tech Giants to AI Frontiers
In this compelling episode of The Gildre Spotlight, we sit down with Ryan Hughes, the innovative founder of Fan Peir Labs and former Snapchat executive who witnessed the company's historic IPO firsthand. From his impactful tenure at Google to his entrepreneurial journey, Ryan shares invaluable insights from the frontlines of tech innovation. Join us for an illuminating conversation that bridges past and future as we explore Ryan's remarkable career trajectory and dive into his fascinating perspective on AI's transformative role in shaping our future workplace and society.
Spotlight E28: John Graham - From Diplomat to Hero-Maker
Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Graham. From navigating diplomatic missions to transforming entrepreneurs' lives, John shares his extraordinary journey of becoming a "hero-maker." Discover how his unique experiences in international relations shaped his approach to leadership and mentorship. This episode is packed with practical wisdom on building meaningful connections, fostering trust, and empowering others to reach their full potential. Perfect for founders and leaders who want to expand their influence and create lasting impact in their communities.
Spotlight E27: Amit Guruprasad - Founder and CvO of Devan MedTech Solutions
Join guest Amit Guruprasad on the Gildre Spotlight podcast for a captivating exploration of India's multifaceted landscape. Amit, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate life to the startup ecosystem, shares his unique insights on India's rich tapestry of culture, religion, and societal dynamics. From the enduring influence of Hinduism to the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in India, Amit offers a nuanced perspective on the country's past, present, and potential future. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that delves into India's political scene, societal transformations, and the philosophical outlook that shapes Amit's approach to life and business. Visit Gildre.com to learn more about Amit and the Gildre Spotlight podcast.
Spotlight E26: Nathan Beckord - Founder and CEO of Foundersuite and Fundingstack
Join us for an engaging conversation with Nathan Beckord, a Silicon Valley veteran and expert in startup fundraising. Nathan shares his journey in capital raising, reflecting on networking strategies from the early 2000s and offering tips for building connections in a pre-social media era. He discusses his transition from investment banking to entrepreneurship, candidly addressing mistakes made while pitching to investors and sharing valuable lessons learned. As CEO of Foundersuite.com and Fundingstack.com, he provides insight into operating and growing innovative platforms that streamline fundraising for startups. Nathan also explores the founder mindset, emphasizing resilience and adaptability while discussing the global nature of entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this enlightening episode filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned founders alike!
Spotlight E25: Aytekin Tank - Founder and CEO of Jotform
Join us for an engaging episode of the Spotlight Podcast featuring Aytekin Tank, the visionary Founder and CEO of Jotform. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into Aytekin's formative years in Turkey, exploring how his background shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He shares insights from his childhood in Istanbul, where frequent relocations instilled adaptability and a love for diverse cultures. Discover how Aytekin transitioned from a side project to leading a successful company, including the challenges and triumphs of bootstrapping versus fundraising. He also discusses essential management strategies and team dynamics that have propelled Jotform to success, highlighting effective meeting structures and decision-making processes. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the tech industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Tune in to hear Aytekin's remarkable story and gain insights that could help shape your own journey!
Spotlight E24: Mike Reilly - Founder of Poached to Perfection
In this inspiring podcast, Mike Reilly, founder of Poached to Perfection, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation following a life-altering accident that left 60% of his body burned. As he embarks on a new venture with his business, Poached to Perfection, Mike dives deep into themes of finding purpose, navigating career transitions, and cultivating a positive mindset. Listeners will be captivated by Mike's candid discussions about overcoming adversity, where he shares how he faced challenges head-on and turned a traumatic experience into a source of strength and motivation. Discover the steps Mike took to pivot from being an iconic race announcer to launching a culinary business, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and passion. Learn about the mental strategies that helped him maintain a positive outlook during recovery and how these can apply to everyday life. Join Mike as he interviews guests from various backgrounds, sharing their stories of struggle and triumph. This podcast is not just for athletes; it's for anyone looking to ignite their own journey of self-discovery and resilience. Tune in for uplifting conversations that remind us all that it’s never too late to find your finish line.
Spotlight E23: John Kennelly - Public Speaking and Startup Exit Strategies
Join us for an inspiring spotlight episode featuring John Kennelly, a remarkable journey from a shy student to a charismatic commencement speaker at UCLA. In this episode, John shares his transformative experiences as he navigated the startup world, contributing to three innovative companies—one of which was acquired by Google and another by Apple. Discover how John launched B8ta, a groundbreaking retail concept that soared to $20 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). He candidly discusses the challenges he faced while pivoting the business and ultimately embracing his identity as an entrepreneur. Tune in to hear John's insights on overcoming self-doubt, seizing opportunities, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the journey of personal growth, this episode is sure to motivate and inspire!
Spotlight E22: Zach Beegal - Fueling Success and Overcoming Pressure
In this engaging episode, we delve into the journey of Zach Beegal, former CEO of Strive and current strategic advisor. Zach shares insights from his formative years and the principles that shaped his career: passion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. With over a decade of experience in strategy and operations, he simplifies complex topics in finance, economics, and investing. Zach offers practical advice on leadership challenges, including structuring productive meetings, scaling companies, and managing the pressures of being a CEO. His commitment to people-first leadership and transforming organizational culture makes this episode a must-listen for aspiring leaders and professionals looking to enhance their impact.
Spotlight E21: Daniel Blumin - Business is Blumin!
Get ready for an exciting episode of our podcast as we welcome Daniel Blumin, the host of the popular "Business is Blumin" podcast! Born in Israel and raised in America, Daniel brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurship. In this episode, we explore his journey into the world of business, the distinctiveness of his podcast, and effective strategies for growing and marketing your own podcast. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind having great guests and the art of storytelling. Plus, learn about optimal morning routines and tips to stay at your best. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you elevate your podcast game. Don't miss it!
Spotlight E20: Carol Palombini - From Brazil to Portugal, Clinical Psychology to Entrepreneurship
Join us for an insightful episode of the Gildre Spotlight Podcast featuring Carol Palombini, founder of Palombini Coaching and former tech executive. In this engaging discussion, Carol shares her unique perspective as a psychologist turned tech leadership coach and entrepreneur. She delves into crucial topics for tech leaders, including her experience moving from Brazil to Portugal, balancing personal and professional life in the startup world, establishing a business, strategies for overcoming burnout, and essential skills for future-ready tech leaders. This episode offers valuable insights on personal growth and navigating the challenges of the tech industry, providing practical advice and inspiration for both seasoned entrepreneurs and aspiring company leaders.
Spotlight E19: Brittany Fowler - From Teacher to Executive Coach
Join us in this captivating episode as we explore the remarkable journey of Brittany Fowler, an executive coach who began her career in education. Brittany's story is one of transformation and resilience, taking her from traveling the country as a dance choreographer to becoming a full-time teacher, and ultimately, building a thriving coaching business. Discover how Brittany transitioned from the world of dance to education and then to executive coaching, and gain insights into the mindset required to excel as a top leader and performer. Additionally, understand Brittany's decision-making process behind buying a house in Thailand and embracing a nomadic lifestyle. This episode is packed with valuable content that you won't want to miss. Whether you're interested in career transitions, leadership, or the adventurous life of a digital nomad, Brittany's story offers inspiration and practical advice. Tune in to hear Brittany Fowler's inspiring journey and learn how you can apply her insights to your own life and career. Don't miss out on this amazing episode!
Spotlight E18: Andy Karuza - Marketing Leader and Entrepreneur
Andy Karuza is an experienced and accomplished entrepreneur who has founded and led several successful companies, with a particular focus on innovative consumer products and marketing strategies. He currently serves as the Marketing Lead at NachoNacho, a leading B2B SaaS marketplace. In this episode we dive deep into Andy's upbringing, his inspiration into marketing, how he was able to source big clients like Ducati and Microsoft, and much more!
Spotlight E17: Joh Olson - From Healthcare Admin to Entreprenuership
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Joh Olson, a seasoned entrepreneur, executive coach, and the Chair of the prestigious Tiger 21 peer group. Joh shares his remarkable journey, from being in the frontlines of healthcare to building successful businesses to guiding other high-net-worth individuals through the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
Spotlight E16: Mike Spidaliere - CEO of First Time Founder Capital
Mike Spidaliere is a serial entrepreneur and founder of First Time Founder Capital. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this podcast episode will provide you with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a glimpse into the mindset of an entrepreneurial trailblazer. Join us as we explore the ever-evolving business landscape, uncover new opportunities, and learn how to navigate the challenges of building a successful venture.
Spotlight E15: David Adeleke - Shaping Fintech in Africa
In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of David Adeleke, the visionary founder of Zeeh Africa, who is reshaping the fintech landscape in Africa with a vision akin to CreditKarma. Unveiling David's inspiring narrative, we explore his humble beginnings in Nigeria and how his passion for entrepreneurship, music, and finance blossomed from a young age. Discovering David's extraordinary trajectory, we learn that he embarked on his university education at a mere 15 years old, setting the stage for a series of bold ventures and academic achievements. By the age of 23, he had not only obtained a degree in civil engineering but also secured a master's degree in business, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind David Adeleke's journey to becoming a trailblazer in Africa's fintech revolution.
Spotlight E14: James Corwin - Wildlife Artist and Entrepreneur
James Corwin is a wildlife artist from Montana. He has had his art shown in over 30+ galleries across the country and owns two Art Gallaries of his own. In this episode we dive deep into his background, how he got a passion for art and how he became a savvy business owner.
Spotlight E13: Fritz Lanman - CEO of ClassPass and Mindbody
Explore the remarkable journey of Fritz Lanman, the youngest Microsoft executive in history turned current CEO of ClassPass and Mindbody. Delve into his Silicon Valley roots, growing up as the eldest of five brothers, and his trajectory from Yale to becoming a Microsoft executive by the age of 25. Join us for an intimate conversation that traces his path, including leading the Microsoft deal team to invest a quarter of a billion dollars into Facebook in 2007, selling his first startup to Pinterest, and leading ClassPass to it's unicorn valuation in 2019 as CEO.
Spotlight E12: John Ignacio - From NYC Teacher to Manila Founder
Join us on a captivating journey through the inspiring life of John Ignacio, a New York City native raised by Filipino immigrant parents. His story unfolds from his humble beginnings as an innovative educator in NYC, where he pioneered the integration of Google Classroom in his teachings, setting the stage for modern educational methods. Transitioning from the classroom to the dynamic realm of technology, John's trajectory evolved into a trailblazing venture into entrepreneurship. His ventures include the groundbreaking startups Pepperva.com and Hiraya MNL, testament to his visionary spirit and commitment to impactful innovation.
Spotlight E11: Sher Downing - From Education to Entrepreneurship
Sher Downing, Ph.D., a trailblazing EdTech Strategist and CEO of Downing EdTech Consulting, boasts 30+ years in higher education and corporate training. She's a digital learning guru, guiding global organizations through successful transformations while championing accessibility. Recently, her company was named an EdTech Trendsetter Finalist by EdTech Digest and she earned spots in prestigious lists like The Top 50 Women Leaders in Arizona 2022 and the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year Women in IT USA Awards. Sher's unwavering dedication remains a beacon of inspiration in the EdTech sphere.
Spotlight E10: Chase Brignac - From Cancer Alley to NASA and Y Combinator
Chase Brignac has a unique journey from Cancer Alley Louisiana to working at NASA, Target, Apple, and being admitted into Y Combinator as a first time startup founder. His story is fascinating and inspiring.
Spotlight E9: Toni Witt - The Power of Community and Moving Across the Globe
Toni Witt dropped out of college and moved to Chicago with little to no resources or connections. After a few months he now runs and operates two startups Sweet and Genesis.
Spotlight E8: Diana Stepner - From Silicon Valley to London
Product Leadership, Scaling Startups, and the Future of EdTech
With 15+ years leading global product teams at Salesforce, Cheapflights, Monster, and more, Silicon Valley native and skateboarder Diana Stepner shares her insights on education, AI, and cross-cultural leadership. As Head of Product, Education at Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, she puts people first and focuses on innovation and coaching product leaders. Tune in for Diana's perspectives spanning startups to enterprises.
Spotlight E7: Ranjodh Singh - Exploring Spirituality, Economics, ant Technology in Modern India
Ranjodh has embarked on a journey of mindfulness, beginning with transformative zen meditation and leading to daily rituals like breath work and cold showers. Through professional experiences in software sales and startup leadership, he developed critical business and resilience skills. Psychedelics, exhilarating adventures, and creating educational content sparked spiritual growth and perspective shifts. He now finds purpose in building mental fortitude and supporting others' growth.
Spotlight E6: Melissa Kwan - The Path to Successful Bootstrapping versus Fundraising
Melissa Kwan is a 3X Bootstrapped Founder with an exit from her previous company, Spacio in 2019. She launched eWebinar as a way to give founders and sales teams their time back to pursue passionate and fun endeavors. She is also the host of ProfitLed Podcast where they review and uncover proven growth strategies for bootstrapped entrepreneurs from the people who have done it before.
Spotlight E5: Armando Vera Carvajal - An Immigrant Founder’s Journey Through Ayahuasca, Startups & Self-Discovery
In this episode, Armando will tell his story. As a first-gen immigrant who didn't speak English until third grade, Armando has taken an unexpected path from Mexico to being a tech founder. Facing rejection growing up and wanting to fit in, Armando found the courage to pivot from corporate jobs to launch his own startup Hangtight. We discuss many different topics from plant medicine to the birth of Hangtight.
Spotlight E4: John Lionberger - From Thespian, Engineer, Pro Racer, to Multi-Time Executive
In this episode, John will tell his story, from racing cars, to starting multiple enterprises. He gives a solid background for those learning about ESOPs. John’s background is unique and I can’t wait for ya’ll to learn from his amazing life and career!
Spotlight E3: Luke Aschenbrand - From Student Athlete to Entrepreneur
In this episode, Luke will share more about his journey, his upbringing, life as a D1 college athlete, his experience at Princeton, and how he helps startups now through LVA Startup Enterprises. I can't wait for you all to meet Luke and learn from his wisdom!
Spotlight E2: Robyn Hobson - South African Grit to Global Success
Robyn is the CMO of Remote Vans and previously the VP of Global Marketing and Sales at Mobile Guardian. She earned her MBA from the University of Cape Town in South Africa and has scaled global sales and marketing teams across the UK, Philippines, Thailand, and Spain.
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