CXO Conversations Season Finale + AI Tips
CXO Conversations
As CXO Conversations wraps up another season, host Michael Mitchel reflects on the increasing role of AI in our daily lives. From streamlining tasks to enhancing productivity, Michael shares practical examples of how AI is making an impact, both personally and professionally. Join us for a brief yet insightful episode, and stay tuned for the return of engaging interviews next spring! More episodes and resources: Thank you to for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for...
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C Suite Skills for all Industries with John Vranas
CXO Conversations
In this special edition of CXO Conversations, host revisits an engaging dialogue with , who at the time was the Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society of America. This episode covers a breadth of topics that all can benefit from; from program creation to donor ( or sales) engagement and executive leadership preparation. John's insights transcend organizational boundaries, offering actionable strategies applicable to both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. His journey from volunteering to leadership underscores the transformative power of personal experiences, while his emphasis...
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Transforming a Company: From Warehouses to Tech with Food Maven's CEO Ben Deda
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Food for Thought: Revisiting Food Maven's Impact with CEO Ben Deda
CXO Conversations
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CXO Conversations
In this episode of CXO Conversations, host engages with , CEO of , to explore her dynamic journey from the athletic fields through various pivotal roles in the tech industry to her current position at the helm of a leading network-neutral interconnection and Hyperscale Edge data center company. Laura shares her comprehensive insights into the power of teamwork, perseverance, and a broad understanding of business operations that shaped her into a results-driven leader. She delves into the nuances of customer experience, the importance of culture, and the collaborative ethos underpinning...
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From Ambition to CEO: The Role of Resilience in Leadership with Grant Stanis
CXO Conversations
In this episode of "CXO Conversations," host Michael Mitchel welcomes , a dynamic CEO renowned for his resilience and strategic acumen in the corporate world. Stanis shares his compelling journey from his first student council campaign to the helm of major corporations, revealing the pivotal role of resilience in climbing the corporate ladder. Delve into his insightful reflections on the multifaceted challenges of a CEO, from transforming struggling companies to fostering team growth and innovation. Stanis's unique approach, blending disciplined execution with a positive mindset, offers...
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From Soldier to Statesman and Venture Capitalist: Patrick J. Murphy's Journey
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Dive into 'CXO Conversations' with host as he welcomes The Honorable . From a U.S. Army officer to a congressman and venture capitalist, Murphy's journey is a tale of resilience and leadership. In this episode, explore his transition from military service to influential roles in Congress and the private sector. Discover how Murphy's leadership philosophy, shaped by experiences in the armed forces and public office, guides his current role at Stoney Lonesome Group, a venture capital firm supporting veteran-owned businesses. Key highlights include: Murphy's leadership philosophy...
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Season Recap: A Year of Executive Insights and Leadership Lessons
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In this season finale of CXO Conversations, host takes a moment to reflect on the remarkable year of 2023, revisiting the wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences shared by prominent executives, like Eric Lougher, David Cox, Craig Cummings, Janine Davidson, and many more. Michael’s Key Highlights: Stephen Brown's journey to becoming a President at 32, emphasizing confidence, seizing opportunities, and continual learning. Rand Lewis’s insights on the hallmarks of great leadership and his experience as a successful investor. Raphael Crawford Mark's transition from Founder to...
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The Importance of Community Engagement for Your Career
CXO Conversations
As the leader of a large public university and former undersecretary of the U.S. Navy, has dedicated 30 years of her career to academic, civilian, and military service. Since 2017, she has been the President of , where she has been a staunch advocate for underrepresented students, DACA recipients, and military and veteran students. Prior to her work in higher education, she was appointed by former President Barack Obama as the 32nd undersecretary of the . She's also a trailblazing pilot, being the first woman to fly the 's tactical C-130. In today’s episode, Janine reflects on...
info_outlineOur guest today is Steve T. Joanis, CEO of PlanetIQ. He comes on the show to share his experience having served as a CFO, President, board member, and partner through different investment firms.
Don’t miss this episode for some serious tips on how to best appear on VC’s radars and stay top of mind for C-suite recruiting as well as what the most successful CXO candidates share in terms of personality traits.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Mr. Joanis has 25-plus years of management consulting, venture capital, and C-Level management experience in venture-backed companies across many industries. He has served on the Boards of Directors for more than 20 companies and has many successful exits to his credit as both a primary investor and as management. His strength in finance and operations has driven his expertise in scaling businesses with a focus on cash flow and value for investors.
Mr. Joanis managed strategy and M&A consulting engagements at LEK consulting, was a primary investor as a Partner at Wolf Ventures and Roser Ventures, was a Founder and Partner of PE firm HardPoint Capital, and had P&L responsibility as a C-level manager at three different startups, going back to 2003. At T3 Media, his most recent success story, Mr. Joanis led the company from pre-revenue through the high-growth phase and exited by selling to two different PE firms in two separate transactions. Mr. Joanis has raised more than $200MM in venture capital or venture-related debt.
Mr. Joanis has a BS from West Point and an MBA from Wharton. He was a decorated military combat aviator prior to his civilian career.
GET IN TOUCH WITH STEVEN ON LINKEDIN
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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OC Executive Search: OCExecutiveSearch.com
KEY TAKEAWAYS
[1:52] Michael introduces Steve and asks him to share a little bit about what PlanetIQ does.
BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS [4:02] Steven shares what attracts him to any specific company: market size, protected technology, high-profit margins, and a solid team are all part of his checklist. He talks about what PlanetIQ had to offer to get him on board.
SPEAKING VC [8:30] An overarching theme in Steven’s career seems to have been his pull towards high tech. He touches on some reasons that may be as well as how being on the investment side has influenced his style as a CEO.
LOOKING BACK [12:42] Going back to investment? Steven talks about all of the things he loved in the investing world and what being on the entrepreneurial side offers that suits him better.
DECIDING TO BE A CEO [15:39] Steven’s military career helped shape his decisional process and probably played a huge role in him aiming for decisional roles and positions that offer responsibilities.
MILITARY INFLUENCE [20:22] Steven touches on how the military influenced his leadership style as well as the success he’s garnered. He also speaks to his hiring practices and how the military plays into that aspect as well.
PIVOTING TO THE C-SUITE [28:57] After having moved away from VC, Steven found a comfortable space for himself which put him on the fast track to his first C-suite contract. He also explains how having been on various company boards helped him identify how he could best tackle the C responsibilities.
ADVICE FOR VP’S [32:40] Looking at where CEOs come from when it comes to venture-backed high tech companies, most of them come out of sales or tech. Steven explains how you can use this information to build a strategic path to the C-suite. He also shares a few tips on jumping into a CXO role.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES [35:47] Steven touches on what VCs look for, in terms of personality, when searching out new candidates. He also shares ideas on getting onto a VC’s radar.
TIMELESS ADVICE [38:52] Steven shares some early advice he got which is still relevant today, 20 years later.
BEST WORST JOB STEVEN EVER HAD [44:56] Being a dairy farmer!
[47:27] Michael thanks Steven for coming on the podcast to share his insight and closes out the podcast with his favorite takeaways.
We hope you learned something today and enjoyed the conversation. Please give us 5 stars on iTunes and share your comments so we can improve and ask the questions you want to hear.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
SPECIAL THANKS TO