75. Marc Schneider on Empowering Entrepreneurs and Building Mission-Driven Companies
Release Date: 12/02/2024
97. The Modern Boardroom Playbook with Jonathan Foster
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, Jonathan Foster joins hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh to discuss what makes a board effective in today’s evolving governance landscape. Jonathan is the founder and managing partner of Current Capitals Partners. Drawing from his experience serving on more than 50 boards, Jonathan’s book, On Board: The Modern Playbook for Corporate Governance, shares lessons on board evaluations, activist thinking, shareholder accountability, and why the best directors listen first. The conversation also explores how boards should approach CEO activism, director...
info_outline
96. Board Matchmaker: Building Global Networks with Mark Hamill
On Boards Podcast
In this episode, Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Mark Hamill, CEO of The Naked Headhunter and co-founder of the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB). Mark shares the origin story of VAB from its start during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it scaled into a global network of over 1,300 members spanning 4,000 boards. The conversation dives into the power of peer-to-peer networks, the mechanics of building effective boards, and the tangible ROI that strong boards can deliver. They also unpack the realities of board recruitment, what it takes to land a first board seat, and why clarity of expertise...
info_outline
95. Curiosity, AI, and the Future of the Boardroom with Rod Adkins
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh speak with Rod Adkins, board chairman, former IBM executive, and author of Curiosity Redefines the Limits. Rod shares insights from nearly 25 years of board experience, focusing on how directors can effectively oversee risk in an era of rapid technological disruption. The conversation explores how boards are evolving their governance structures to address increasingly complex risks tied to technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Rod explains why traditional audit committees are often no longer sufficient on...
info_outline
94. Bringing Good Governance Home: Inside Co-op and Condo Boardrooms with Tina Larsson
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh speak with Tina Larsson, a former Wall Street analyst, co-founder of The Folsom Group, and author of Living The High Life. Tina works with co-op, condo, and other HOA boards to improve governance to reduce costs, manage major building projects and oversee their shared residence effectively. Tina shares how she and her husband became involved in board governance after discovering that their New York City co-op board was poorly managed and incurring significant unnecessary expenses. After organizing their co-op neighbors...
info_outline
93. Multi-generational family businesses with David Karofsky
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome David Karofsky, a principal consultant with The Family Business Consulting Group and co-author of So, you're in the Family Business: A Guide to Sustainability. David brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the discussion, having grown up in a multi-generational family business and later building a family business consulting practice alongside his father. Most recently, his son Adam has also joined David in his consulting practice. He shares how family businesses operate at the unique intersection...
info_outline
92. AI vs. Humans in the Boardroom: Whom Do You Trust, with Babs Ryan.
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh speak with Babs Ryan, an innovation executive, board director, and AI strategist with experience spanning global technology, marketing, consumer products, and financial services. Ryan discusses the evolving role of artificial intelligence in governance, the future of AI on boards of directors, and realistic scenarios for AI adoption, in a discussion about the possible ways AI can be integrated into boardrooms. The episode also explores broader governance issues, including board refreshment and oversight responsibilities, and how AI...
info_outline
91. Reinforcing Board Cybersecurity with Gary Evee
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Gary Evee, cybersecurity leader and founder and CEO of Aprivé. His company is pioneering a concierge approach to cybersecurity protection, providing services that protect high-value individuals and families from the digital threat landscape. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across IBM, cybersecurity leadership, and board service, Gary explains how breaches increasingly originate through individuals rather than systems. He highlights how personal devices, home networks, and online data exposure create...
info_outline
90. Building an effective board for post-restructured companies with Jon Weber
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Jon Weber, founder of the Jon F. Weber advisory firm and an experienced board leader in operationally intensive, post-restructured companies. Jon has served on over 50 boards. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience at institutional investors, including Icahn Enterprises, Goldman Sachs, and Elliott Investment Management, Jon shares what distinguishes a board that genuinely drives change. The conversation explores how boards are rebuilt following restructurings, why these roles demand significantly more engagement...
info_outline
89. Building early stage boards with Firas Raouf
On Boards Podcast
In this episode, Joe and Raza speak with Firas Raouf, co-founder and general partner at Companyon Ventures, a Boston-based VC firm specializing in early-stage B2B software and AI startups. Firas shares insights from 25 years as a founder, operator, and venture investor—helping companies transition from founder-led sales to scalable, operationally disciplined organizations. The conversation focuses on how early-stage founders should think about creating their first board, the mistakes to avoid, and why great board dynamics depend heavily on execution. Key takeaways Career beginnings 25...
info_outline
88. Global board leadership with Linda McGoldrick
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh speak with Dr. Linda McGoldrick, an international board director, strategy leader, and policy expert in healthcare and life sciences. With 30 years of global experience across the U.S., U.K., and European boards, Linda shares what defines high-performing boards, the importance of trust and diversity of thought, and how geopolitical and technological shifts are transforming governance today. Key takeaways Traits of high performing boards Regardless of size or geography, effective boards are well-prepared, prioritize...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this episode of On Boards, Joe and Raza welcome Marc Schneider, an accomplished e-commerce and fintech executive with decades of experience building and scaling mission-driven companies.
Marc shares his entrepreneurial journey, including his tenure as co-founder and CEO of Zebit, a transformative e-commerce and fintech platform, and his current role as an Operating Venture Partner at Ulu Ventures.
The discussion dives into governance challenges in venture-backed startups, the evolution of boards from early-stage to IPO, and how founders can effectively leverage board expertise. Marc also discusses Ulu Ventures' commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs and shares insights into his innovative role as an “active” board observer and mentor to founders.
Key Topics Discussed
1. Marc Schneider’s Career Journey
- Background and Passion for Mission-Driven Companies: Marc’s journey began with his personal experience of financial hardship, which inspired his work at Zebit to provide credit-impaired consumers with fair access to products without interest or penalties.
- Key Roles: From managing customer service operations at ProFlowers to leading Zulily and founding Zebit, Marc’s career has been defined by innovation and scaling impactful businesses.
2. Zebit’s Business Model and Mission
- Zebit’s Unique Value Proposition: Providing underserved consumers with fair, interest-free payment options for e-commerce purchases.
- Challenges: Operating efficiently without typical revenue streams like interest or penalties, while predicting customer payment behavior with data-driven models.
- IPO Journey: Zebit went public on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to access liquidity, even though the process posed significant challenges, including valuation issues and market unfamiliarity with its business model.
3. Board Governance in Startups
- Evolution of Boards: Marc discusses the progression of boards through funding stages, from limited investor involvement in early rounds to more structured and diverse boards in public companies.
- Lessons for Founders:
- Understand the dual role of investors as board members and stakeholders.
- Take an active role in shaping board dynamics and agendas.
- Prioritize chemistry and diverse perspectives in board composition.
4. Ulu Ventures and Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs
- Ulu Ventures’ Mission: Backing women, minority, and diverse entrepreneurial teams using decision analytics to assess investments.
- “Active” Board Observer: Marc’s role involves mentoring founders, facilitating board discussions, and bridging gaps between management and governance.
5. Lessons Learned and Giving Back
- Persistence and Adaptability: Marc’s reflections on navigating challenges, from startup struggles to delisting Zebit, emphasize resilience.
- Mentorship and Legacy: By supporting young entrepreneurs, Marc hopes to inspire a cycle of giving back within the startup ecosystem.