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VC Brand Feld, Why be on a Board and Advice for First Timers

CXO Conversations

Release Date: 09/06/2022

10 Min CxO Clip- Carlos Perez show art 10 Min CxO Clip- Carlos Perez

CXO Conversations

In “CRO Carlos Perez, Building a Sales Org from Scratch,” shares how he’s grown revenue organizations across startups and billion-dollar companies alike. From his early consulting days to CRO roles at Wowza and now Concept3D, Carlos reflects on the evolving role of the Chief Revenue Officer, aligning sales, marketing, and customer success to accelerate growth. He also discusses how sales has changed post-COVID, why trust and creativity matter more than ever, and how to build scalable sales teams from the ground up. For executives and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with insights...

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2 Min CxO Clip- Heather Callender-Potters show art 2 Min CxO Clip- Heather Callender-Potters

CXO Conversations

What does it take to know when to step aside and hire the right CEO? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Heather Callender-Potters—global investor, co-founder of PharmaJet, and experienced board member—discusses the lessons she’s learned from founding companies, navigating leadership transitions, and serving on boards. From her international upbringing to launching one of the first private equity funds in Eastern Europe, Heather’s journey offers a unique perspective on resilience, cultural awareness, and executive selection. Her advice for aspiring leaders and board members...

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10 Min CxO Clip- Heather Callender-Potters show art 10 Min CxO Clip- Heather Callender-Potters

CXO Conversations

In “Heather Callender-Potters, Founder and Board Member. Hiring a CEO and Board Member Perspectives,” shares lessons from a remarkable career that began in Poland just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, bringing access to capital during a time of historic transformation. Now co-founder of PharmaJet and a seasoned board member, Heather reflects on the challenges of handing over leadership to a CEO, the importance of cultural fit versus just résumé credentials, and why resilience and trust are critical in executive roles. She also offers candid advice for first-time board members on...

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2 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso show art 2 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso

CXO Conversations

What does it mean to lead with authenticity in the C-suite? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Doug Gattuso talks about the importance of leaving ego at the door and focusing on creating value for people and organizations. He shares lessons from building teams, returning to companies multiple times, and leading international initiatives across Europe, Mexico, and India. Doug offers candid advice for those aspiring to executive leadership: don’t chase titles—invest in learning, seize opportunities, and always contribute to the bigger picture.   For the full interview:...

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10 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso show art 10 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso

CXO Conversations

In “C-Suite Perspective in Leading with Authenticity,” shares why true leadership is about focusing on opportunities and outcomes—not titles or ego. A veteran of the Naval Academy and Marine Corps, Doug reflects on a career spanning executive roles including President and Chief Customer Officer. He explains why burning bridges is never wise, the lessons gained from international work experiences in Prague and India, and how patience, teamwork, and humility shape long-term success. Doug’s story is a reminder that authentic leadership and continuous contribution create lasting impact in...

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2 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo show art 2 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo

CXO Conversations

What does it take to admit a prestigious path isn’t for you—and have the courage to pivot? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Casey Woo, CFO of Landing.com, discusses his journey from West Point to Harvard, from Wall Street hedge funds to executive leadership roles at startups like WeWork and Zozi. Casey shares how he found fulfillment in finance by building teams, driving strategy, and embracing the operational challenges of scaling businesses. Along the way, he offers candid advice on following passion over prestige, understanding the differences between CFO and COO roles, and...

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10 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo show art 10 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo

CXO Conversations

In “Making the Hardest Call – Admitting it’s Not for You,” ,  former CFO forLanding.com, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career journey—from starting at West Point and pivoting to Harvard, to walking away from Wall Street to pursue his passion for building and leading companies. With CFO and COO roles at firms including WeWork and Zozi, Casey reflects on following your own path instead of others’ expectations, the lessons he’s learned on his way to the C-suite, and why choosing finance allowed him to combine strategy with impact. His story is a powerful reminder...

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2 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle show art 2 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle

CXO Conversations

What does it take to plan a career all the way to the CEO chair? In this episode of CXO Conversations, John Oechsle discusses the strategic decisions that helped him rise from technology leadership at J&J and IHS to CEO of Derive Systems. He reflects on how international assignments shaped his leadership style, why embracing “crackpot projects” at Kellogg’s accelerated his growth, and the importance of taking roles for the right reasons—not just for compensation. For aspiring executives, John’s story is a roadmap on career planning, resilience, and the values that define strong...

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10 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle show art 10 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle

CXO Conversations

In “Career Planning and Strategic Decisions to Become CEO,” was CEO of Derive Systems and now Bolt On Technology, shares how purposeful choices shaped his path from CIO roles at Johnson & Johnson and IHS to leading multiple organizations, including Swiftpage and now Derive. John explains how he set a goal early to become a CEO, took on challenging assignments others avoided, and leveraged international experiences across Europe, Latin America, and Asia to expand his leadership perspective. He also offers candid insights on why money is the wrong reason to pursue the C-suite and why...

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2 Min CxO Clip- Craig Cummings show art 2 Min CxO Clip- Craig Cummings

CXO Conversations

What does it take to transition from the battlefield to the boardroom? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Craig Cummings—Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Moonshots Capital—discusses the lessons he’s carried from 17 years of military service into the world of startups and venture capital. He shares practical advice on creating a career-defining elevator pitch, supporting veteran entrepreneurs, and building strong networks that accelerate growth. From deploying with Special Operations to scaling tech startups and investing in extraordinary leaders, Craig’s...

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Brad Feld is a successful Venture Capitalist and founding member of the Foundry Group.  Within the Colorado startup scene, Brad is a bit of a celebrity having been part of some well-known successful companies.  

Brad really sees founders and start ups not just investments, but as a community that he supports, sees areas for improvements, mentors and loves. 

In this very personal full-length interview, Brad shares his personal Board experiences, what he looks for in Board Director candidates and advice for first time Board members. 

He also shares his experiences from his Colorado Trail 2021 days as well lessons learned from the first job he was fired from. 

Show Notes

Venture Capitalist Brad Feld of the Foundry Group has invested in many well-known and successful companies. Brad has authored and co-authored several books on leadership for startups.  Recently, Startup Boards, a book he co authored released it’s second edition. 

Today, Brad discusses:

  • Critical and insightful advice for serving on a board

  • Key skills for first time board members

  • Important perspectives on C level hiring

Brad also shares a story or two from his Colorado Trail hiking experience and why he will never serve on 30 boards simultaneously ever again. He closes with a personal experience early in Brad’s life, what he learned from that moment and how it continues to guide him daily. 

Enjoy the show? Review us on iTunes- thanks! 

Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.