Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Invites
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Invites is a podcast featuring inspirational conversations with exceptional entrepreneurs and innovators about the strategies they used, lessons they learned, and what makes them stand out.
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Crypto Explained
03/19/2024
Crypto Explained
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host Denise Silber welcomes recent HBS MBA, Kai-Tai Chang, General Partner at a quantitative crypto fund. Kai-Tai Chang explains, step by step, how cryptocurrency works and presents the key components and stakeholders in a session sure to interest crypto beginners and enthusiasts alike. Specialized in Alpha research, or detecting opportunities that offer returns above the market average, Kai-Tai Chang shares his journey from engineering to the world of cryptocurrencies, highlighting technology’s potential to redefine financial systems. He addresses misconceptions about crypto currency, its uses, and the importance of regulation. He dives right into the environmental impact of crypto mining, describes his experience at Binance Labs, and explains how he managed to do his MBA at HBS while simultaneously working in crypto. The conversation also touches on the future of cryptocurrency and the importance of education and community engagement for those interested in entering the field. GUEST BIO: A newly-minted Harvard MBA graduate, Kai-Tai Chang is a tech-driven serial entrepreneur and investor actively exploring opportunities in the blockchain and digital verticals. A French-born Chinese, he embraces diverse paths, prioritizing a life without regret. Transitioning from a data scientist role in Paris to entrepreneurship, and later serving as a PE manager in Beijing, he pivoted to a web3 VC investor position at Binance Labs. There, he invested in impactful ventures and steered strategic projects, leading growth initiatives and fostering collaborations for synergies. Currently, he serves as the General Partner at Emergence Capital, a quantitative crypto fund.
/episode/index/show/harvardae/id/30436513
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From Startup to Fortune 100 Executive
02/28/2024
From Startup to Fortune 100 Executive
IN THIS EPISODE: In this podcast episode, Anthony Soohoo, an entrepreneur with experience in both startups and Fortune 100 companies, shares his insights on the value of corporate skills for entrepreneurs and vice versa. He discusses the differences between startup and corporate work environments, emphasizing the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in large organizations for innovation and nimbleness. Anthony also reflects on his board experiences and the role of entrepreneurs in governance. Anthony Soohoo discusses how corporate skills can benefit entrepreneurs, touching on empathy and understanding organizational dynamics. Anthony talks about his advisory roles, including his involvement with Spryker and AI Fund, and his upcoming participation in a case study discussion at his alma mater. GUEST BIO: Anthony Soohoo is an entrepreneurial leader who has led businesses from zero to billions. Over his career, Anthony has led some of the largest business and digital transformations across media, retail, and tech. As EVP at Walmart, he helped lead the company's omnichannel transformation as they merged their physical and digital businesses together. At CBS, Anthony launched the company's first over-the-top streaming service, catapulting CBS.com into the largest television network site in the industry in the late 2000s. He has served as a co-founder & CEO at Dotspotter, acquired by CBS and at Dot & Bo, now part of Alibaba. He is currently a board member at Spryker Systems, Venture Advisor with AI Fund, and an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Harvard Business School.
/episode/index/show/harvardae/id/30147668
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From India to Korea: This HBS MBA will inspire you!
01/17/2024
From India to Korea: This HBS MBA will inspire you!
IN THIS EPISODE: In this inspiring episode, host Denise Silber sits down with HBS MBA Pankaj Agarwal, an EdTech entrepreneur who was born in an Indian village and developed a deep desire to pay it forward. Today he and his team are optimizing the education process in thousands of Indian and Korean classrooms thanks to the low-tech invention from Taghive, his Samsung-backed startup headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Because Panjak is a keen observer and deep thinker, you will learn as he shares his story, how simple technology can impact students and teachers in a big way and create remarkable outcomes. Discover how his company, TagHive, is bringing solutions to one of the biggest problems for teachers: knowing which students have understood the lesson and are ready to move on. This episode is for any entrepreneur looking for inspiration and a new way of thinking about his or her life, goals, and hopes. GUEST BIO: Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, an alumnus of HBS is the Founder & CEO at TagHive, a Samsung funded education technology venture with operations in South Korea and in India. He is an inventor on over 75 international patents and was on the list of Fortune India 40 Under 40 in 2021. He was also one of the 10 winners of MIT TR35 India (Innovators Under 35) Award in 2017. Prior to TagHive Mr. Agarwal was with Samsung Electronics for over a decade. Mr. Agarwal is the Founder and Chairman of the IIT Alumni Association of South Korea since 2015. He is also a board member of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea and an adjunct professor at the Ewha Woman’s University. Mr. Agarwal is a trained magician and is fluent in Korean. He has a Bachelor of Technology degree in EE from IIT Kanpur, an MS from Seoul National University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
/episode/index/show/harvardae/id/29525218
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Empowering Youth To Accelerate Change
11/21/2023
Empowering Youth To Accelerate Change
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host Philip Guarino is joined by Dr. Eric Dawson, CEO of RIVET, a company which channels the economic power of young people to fund their work as social innovators. Representing over three trillion dollars in consumer spending, today’s youth are a powerful economic force that is ever more committed to social causes. They don’t lack ideas- they lack resources. Eric discusses the vast potential and creativity of today’s young generation and how RIVET’s innovative microfinancing program empowers them to effect change. This inspiring conversation highlights the potential of today's young minds in shaping a better future. GUEST BIO: Dr. Eric Dawson has led organizations and research at the intersection of youth culture, social innovation, and brands. Currently, he serves as the CEO of RIVET, the world’s first consumer-facing, social impact brand that leverages the collective consumer power of GenZ to fund young social innovators through a micro-financing platform. Dr. Dawson holds three degrees from Harvard University: a B.A in social studies; M.Ed in human development psychology; and an M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling. His doctorate is in Leadership and Innovation from New York University; his research focused on founder transitions and the relationship between founders and their successors
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GenAI for Wealth Management Is Now!
11/06/2023
GenAI for Wealth Management Is Now!
IN THIS EPISODE: Listen in on this week’s episode, as host Denise Silber sits down with HBS MBA and world class entrepreneur, CEO Deborah Yang, to discuss the new world of finance in which GenAI-driven innovation helps us instantly visualize the characteristics of our investment portfolios as never before. Deborah Yang heads up Daizy, a revolutionary AI-powered platform for advisors and wealth firms. As the recipients of the greatest wealth transfer of all time and key drivers of sustainability, Millennials and Gen Z will demand and command the integration of sustainability in their investing – And since Deborah Yang shares how Daizy answers the investor’s demands for personalized information that GenAI now makes possible, this is a can’t-miss conversation. The new access, via Daizy, to a more complete narrative of the investment portfolio than ever before (and ready to integrate new future criteria as they unfold), will help unlock untold value to investors everywhere. GUEST BIO: A seasoned veteran of the financial services industry, Deborah Yang is the CEO of , a beneficial AI communications platform for advisors and wealth firms. Deborah Yang, a worldclass expert in sustainable investing, has served as the Global Head of ESG Index for MSCI and led many high growth franchises including factor indexes and regions including EMEA index and Asia over her 18 years at MSCI. A Harvard Business School MBA, Deborah was named to Financial News 100 Most Influential Women in European finance for six consecutive years. She is also the Co-President of Women in ETFs EMEA. Finally, Deborah Yang is a frequent conference speaker and interviewee in the leading financial and tech media.
/episode/index/show/harvardae/id/28526717
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AI Transforming Decision-Making for Banking and Fintechs
10/18/2023
AI Transforming Decision-Making for Banking and Fintechs
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Maik Taro Wehmeyer, Co-Founder & CEO at Taktile. Maik shares his journey from engineering and statistical optimization to pioneering machine learning in finance. In this segment, Maik explains the gap in decision infrastructure for platforms used in accounting, banking and other industries. This gap led to the creation of Taktile, a low-code/no-code platform which empowers credit and risk teams to generate highly accurate automated underwriting decisions more efficiently and at scale. Join us to learn how this innovative firm is using artificial intelligence to revolutionize decision-making technology for fintechs, banks and insurance companies alike. GUEST BIO: Maik Wehmeyer is the CEO and Co-Founder of Taktile, a leading decision engine software that is empowering fintechs and banks across the globe to make smarter, faster, and more accurate automated risk decisions. Taktile’s low-code platform makes it simple for business teams to build, test, and optimize powerful automated decisions in a data-driven way. Prior to founding Taktile, Maik was an early member of QuantCo, McKinsey, and SAP. He has significant experience in the machine learning and financial services spaces, serving as a member of the EU Commission’s AI Alliance and the German AI Alliance.
/episode/index/show/harvardae/id/28353926
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Don’t Launch your Startup Without these 3 Things
09/25/2023
Don’t Launch your Startup Without these 3 Things
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host Denise Silber sits down with Matheus Riolfi HBS MBA and YC alum, the very grounded and yet visionary Co-founder and CEO of Tint. Matheus Riolfi who hails from a small city in Brazil, has developed an ability to observe, analyze and put into practice which has enabled him to build a success story, step by step through the learnings from his past failures and victories. Catch the pearls he distills about what it takes to launch a first-in-class startup, through this captivating episode featuring a dynamic founder with a very human touch. Have you asked yourself how you could best define the clients, before you define your product or service? Or who might support your launch before you even define your company? Join us as Matheus shares invaluable insights for founders and future founders, addressing the essential elements required to start a successful venture. GUEST BIO: Matheus Riolfi, a 2013 MBA graduate of the Harvard Business School, has over 15 years experience at high-growth technology companies. A seasoned entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, he is the Co-founder and CEO of Tint. Before this, Matheus Riolfi was the Director of International Expansion at Turo and launched the company in Canada, the UK, and Germany. He pioneered the operations, including designing risk management in different stages of the company and sourcing insurance in various countries. He is a licensed insurance broker in all 50 US states.
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From Serial Entrepreneur to Global VC
09/12/2023
From Serial Entrepreneur to Global VC
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Jahn Karsybaev, a Managing Partner at Big Sky Capital, a VC for B2B enterprises in emerging markets. Together they discuss Jahn’s journey as an immigrant from entrepreneur to venture capitalist, his firm’s unique focus on emerging markets and how founders can best navigate the challenging funding environment. In this installment, Jahn sheds light on what he looks for in founders and how the right venture capital firm, board and advisors can play a crucial role in accelerating growth. Jahn discusses the importance of a right product-market fit and go-to-market strategy, the value of networking and how entrepreneurs can best future-proof their operations to propel long-term success. GUEST BIO: Jahn Karsybaev is a Managing Partner at , an early-stage fund investing enterprise SaaS companies. He is a former Technology Executive for Fortune 100 companies and a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits. Jahn is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, University of Montana and NSU. He holds multiple Board positions at various companies like mgBasePay, Cerebra AI, HBS Alumni Angels, Tarlan Payments and many more. Jahn is also a founder and executive host on . Jahn Is a published author and his most recent book “: Guide for Leading and Managing Projects & Delivering Value” is on Top 50 Amazon's Global Business Books. He is originally from Kazakhstan and currently resides in South Florida with his wife and three children.
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Design your Business to Fit your Life!
06/19/2023
Design your Business to Fit your Life!
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Jenny Woo, alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and founder/CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, a company that was born at the renowned Harvard Innovation Lab. Together they discuss how Jenny Woo designed and built her company to not only generate income but also, and amazingly so, to solve many of the pain points she identified in her own life and in the business world. How did Jenny Woo achieve what seems to be impossible? What does it mean for you? Incredible as it sounds, Jenny Woo created her business and evergreen product line, while completing her PhD. By identifying a major 21st century market need, and through an astute use of Kickstarter, she was able to simultaneously raise the necessary cash and get all the market feedback she needed to launch. And there’s much more to learn from this episode, whether you are seeking to rethink your current venture or to come up with a new one. This episode will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge to build a profitable business that aligns with your values and, most importantly, allows you to thrive.Tune in and embark on a transformative journey towards a more fulfilling business and life. GUEST BIO: Dr. Jenny Woo, the Founder/CEO of , is an alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the creator of award-winning card games and mental health tools to help children and adults build emotional intelligence and social mastery. Her bestselling games, and for families, schools, and workplaces, have been featured by The Harvard Gazette, Business Insider, and Forbes. She is passionate about helping people realize their potential from classroom to boardroom. She has worked as a School Director, Cognitive Science Researcher, MBA Career Coach, Management Consultant, and HR professional in Talent & Succession Planning.
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Tech for a Healthier Self and Planet
05/23/2023
Tech for a Healthier Self and Planet
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Vanessa Westphal, the co-founder of Choosy. Together they talk about the trends in food consumption, sustainability and biodiversity, and how artificial intelligence can help us make better decisions for our health and that of the planet. Consumers are paying more attention to what they eat. Although this isn’t a new trend, with the food industry responsible for over 1/3 of CO2 emissions, consumers are more conscious than ever of the environmental impact of what we eat. There is a shift towards consuming more plant-based, organic and sustainable foods. Yet making good decisions can still be complex, with opaque labeling and heavy industry marketing. Choosy is a novel solution, an AI-powered app that learns from our personal tastes and nudges us to eat better and sustainably. GUEST BIO: Vanessa is an entrepreneur, innovator and thought leader. She studied electrical engineering and holds an MLA in Management with focus on Organizational Behavior from Harvard University. After nearly 10 years in the corporate environment, she has (co-)founded two companies and combines knowledge from the corporate & startup world. She has built an incubator, led an intrapreneurship program and coached founders. As co-founder of the German Tech Startup Choosy, Vanessa aims to make healthy, planet-friendly eating enjoyable for everyone. Choosy leverages AI to help individuals improve eating habits and tackling two of the most significant topics of our time with tech: planetary & human health.
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He’s Bringing Transparency to the Art Market
05/02/2023
He’s Bringing Transparency to the Art Market
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by David Kusin, Harvard MBA, a man whose passions for art and capital markets, led him to found Kusin & Company, the first ever established art economics firm. Together they discuss how his company is bringing liquidity and transparency to the art market, by painstakingly collecting millions of data points on valuable art assets and building a 21st century trading platform. The global art market is traditionally known for its opacity, innumeracy, and lack of data. And although they said it couldn’t be done, David undertook, over a decade, with the help of connoisseurs and quants, to make possible the sorting of some of the most valuable works of art in the world. These unique art-price observations led to the identification of 150 art submarkets, a revolution for the art market. Learn how he did this, what it means for the world of art, and how you might use this model to identify other untapped opportunities. GUEST BIO: David Kusin, Harvard MBA, former curator and investment banker, has devoted the past two decades to decoding the buying and selling of art. As David Kusin observes, “Stagnant since 2014 and barely profitable, the global sector of art as a financial asset can revive only with the adoption of IP and a newly envisioned definition of asset trading platforms that did not exist 20 years ago.” His business, the first art economics firm, Kusin & Company has developed unique datasets and competency that underpin his new book, Art as an Asset in the 21st Century. The centrality of art and the daily collaboration of art connoisseurs and mathematicians set his firm, and this book, apart.
/episode/index/show/harvardae/id/26704758
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The Key to a More Collaborative Workforce
04/18/2023
The Key to a More Collaborative Workforce
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Juan Betancourt, the CEO of Humantelligence, an HR enterprise software solution. They discuss how the pandemic has greatly affected how employees think and behave amidst a significant rise in employee dissatisfaction with work. The rise of work from home and hybrid work and an increased reliance on technology has provided many opportunities but it also poses new challenges. How can leaders encourage engagement and improve productivity in an increasingly diverse and virtual workforce? Humantelligence aims to bridge those gaps by using psychometric tools that sync to different organizational platforms. By acknowledging that there is no universal way of managing people and teams, Humantelligence helps team members gain a better understanding of their co-worker's personalities. This new technology is paving the way for leaders to drive inclusivity and productivity by knowing what motivates their people and how they prefer to engage with one another. GUEST BIO: Juan Betancourt is the CEO of Humantelligence, an HR enterprise software solution like Grammarly, but instead of writing tips, it surfaces tips for communicating and collaborating. This major innovation, impacting the way distributed knowledge workers collaborate, earned HRO Today's Top HR Tech for Collaboration and TalentCulture’s Top HR Tech for Employee Collaboration awards. Juan also founded Gonza Executive Search and served as a client partner for both Korn Ferry International and Heidrick & Struggles. He was an executive at Procter & Gamble, Decathlon, Siebel Systems, Reebok, and Puma. Recently named a Top 30 HR Tech Influencer, Juan is an expert in helping organizations build high-performing teams, while operationalizing inclusion & belonging.
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Can her AI software forecast your next deal?
03/27/2023
Can her AI software forecast your next deal?
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Harvard Law School alumna Heidi Messer, a serial entrepreneur who successively co-founded Linkshare and Collective [i]™, and made successes of them despite the critics who said it could not be done. Together they discuss the benefit of using AI-powered software to significantly reduce the time that sales people devote to data entry and forecasting and not actually selling. By re-allocating this valuable 70% of work-time previously spent on data entry and forecasting, Heidi’s technology allows businesses and sales people to focus on revenue generation and automate tedious tasks. Tune in to hear why AI isn’t going to take people’s jobs… but companies who work with AI will replace those who don’t. GUEST BIO: Heidi Messer is the co-Founder and Chairperson of Collective[i]™. Prior to Collective[i], Ms. Messer co-founded and served as President of LinkShare, host to one of the world’s largest online affiliate networks until its sale to Rakuten for USD $425m. She received her B.A. from Brown University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Collective[i] uses AI to help businesses forecast, manage, and grow revenue. By leveraging data, human talent, and social connections, Collective[i] empowers sales and other revenue-generating functions, to optimize their activities and processes, driving global prosperity for companies and sales professionals alike.
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Sustainable Fashion: Creating Value, Reducing Externalities
03/14/2023
Sustainable Fashion: Creating Value, Reducing Externalities
IN THIS EPISODE: There has been an increasing level of attention paid to the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry. And as consumers increasingly seek out brands that are environmentally conscious, change is in the making. In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Stephanie Sarka CEO & Co-Founder of 1 Atelier. Together they talk about these trends and how her innovative handbag company is addressing this increasing opportunity- and delighting customers. 1Atelier’s is out to build a stronger connection with their market by extending the joy of creation. Their customers are able to design a one of a kind bag made from sustainable materials and methods. With the fight against global warming, consumers are now more conscious of how products are made and how they can decrease their carbon footprint. It's no wonder that business models and value chains are evolving to meet these demands. Tune in to hear from this retail expert and entrepreneur on the pathway to making your venture more sustainable — and how to attract customers while you do it! GUEST BIO: Stephanie Sarka is the Co-Founder & CEO of 1 Atelier, where they are leveraging technology to reinvent luxury.Graduating from Stanford, Stephanie started in M&A at Goldman Sachs. Realizing that she is a builder, not a banker, she spent a year running marketing for IFF in Paris before getting her MBA at HBS. She then worked at Coach for 7 years as Handbag Product Manager and GM of Mark Cross, the American luxury goods brand. Stephanie co-founded in 1998, where they invented the “Paid Search” business model. They took the company public in 1999 and grew it to ~$1 billion in revenue before selling it to Yahoo for $1.6 billion in 2003.
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Are You a Gender-Savvy Entrepreneur?
02/27/2023
Are You a Gender-Savvy Entrepreneur?
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber is joined by Françoise Bouyer, a Harvard Business School Amp alumna, a self-described gender-free entrepreneur, with expertise in the luxury industry and in HR. Together they discuss how gender inclusivity and understanding in the workplace has become crucial for the entrepreneur interested in building a richer sense of self, engaging a more fulfilled and successful team, and producing relevant goods and services for the customer of today As CEO of BeThe1, an international consulting firm in human relations and recruitment of middle and senior managers, Françoise is an expert on all things diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity in the workplace. Françoise reminds us that the binary gender identity is a cultural convention, that sexual orientation and gender are distinct, and that a gender savvy leader will foster a richer company culture and brand following. With new generations becoming more engaged in the societal evolution regarding gender, value-driven, inclusive companies are being rewarded with more loyal customers. Tune in to find out how your business can join the global shift towards creating a more inclusive workplace and innovative products and services. GUEST BIO: Françoise Bouyer is CEO of BeThe1, an international consulting firm in human relations and recruitment of middle and senior managers. She has two complementary expertise: extensive managerial experience in the fashion, luxury, beauty and retail industries with brands including Celine, Christian Lacroix, Nina Ricci, and as an HR consultant in recruitment, gender and gender identity, diversity, equity and inclusion. Freed from the binary feminine/masculine norm of gender identity, Françoise is engaged with the public and organizations to share her understanding of what gender is, and advocate for a more open and inclusive culture, attitude and behavior towards gender.” HBS AMP 156 (’99), Françoise Bouyer leads the HBS Club of France Career Commission, supporting HBS alumni with career advice.
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Succeeding as an Independent Consultant
02/14/2023
Succeeding as an Independent Consultant
IN THIS EPISODE: With an evolving business and societal context more and more people are seeking to become independent professionals. One industry that has undergone significant changes is management consulting. In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Will Bachman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Umbrex. Together they share the trends, opportunities and challenges that come with being an independent consultant. Independent consultants are in ever higher demand. Will explains why it takes a global community to thrive as an independent professional, and the resources available to those looking to grow their brand. This episode provides advice for all entrepreneurs looking to build their network, find unique work opportunities, and connect with like minded professionals. With individuals placing more emphasis on autonomy and independence, there has never been a better time to make the leap and thrive as an independent consultant. GUEST BIO: Will Bachman was recently named one of 38 "Power Players of Consulting" by Business Insider. A McKinsey alum, Bachman is a co-founder and the Managing Partner of Umbrex, the world's first global community connecting top-tier independent management consultants. He hosts the popular podcast Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional. Bachman created The Umbrex Guide to Setting Up Your Own Consulting Practice, which is based on over 1,000 discussions with independent management consultants and 300 episodes of his podcast. Bachman is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Business School. Before becoming a management consultant, Bachman served as a nuclear-trained submarine officer in the U.S. Navy.
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Why Pitching Your Values is Key
01/16/2023
Why Pitching Your Values is Key
IN THIS EPISODE: As a founder, you can probably present your company pitch in your sleep by now, but did you know that if you want to connect with your audience, it is essential to lead with your values? In this episode, leadership coach, speaker and writer, Beth Fukumoto, joins our host, Denise Silber, to peel back the curtain on why and how to lead with your core values. She shares the best ways to determine what your core values are, and how business leaders can make the jump to integrate personal values into a company. Beth pulls from her experiences in the Hawaiian House of Representatives, the Kennedy School, and her current career to provide advice for founders at any stage, interested in leading with values and mobilizing social change. So tune in, and learn why the best way to achieve new successes is by ensuring that you express your values regularly and set goals that align with them. This increased personal and professional satisfaction you and your team will experience will create a virtuous circle. GUEST BIO An experienced political leader and leadership coach, Beth Fukumoto, a Harvard Kennedy School alumna and teaching fellow, works with civic-minded organizations and businesses to mobilize for social change. She is completing a book entitled Red Lines: Postcards from Partisan Purgatory that draws leadership lessons from her own political experiences. In 2017, Beth was the youngest woman in the U.S. to lead a major party in a U.S. legislature and the first elected Republican to switch parties after Trump’s election. She served 3 terms in the Hawaii House of Representatives where she was recognized as one of Washington Post’s “40 under 40″ rising stars and Apolitical’s “Most Influential Young People in Government".
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Thriving to 100: Expanding Life's Possibilities
12/02/2022
Thriving to 100: Expanding Life's Possibilities
IN THIS EPISODE: People are living longer. Almost half of those born today will live to 100. But what does this mean for our future economy? And how does this impact the way we approach our careers and relationships? Thought-leader, writer, and entrepreneur, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, joins our host, Philip Guarino, to answer these questions and more. Together, in this episode, they break down the new “Four Quarters” of life, and discuss the benefits of starting a new career at 50... and what to think about at 25! Avivah pulls from both her personal experience and her research findings to explain the opportunities brought to companies by the “longevity economy”: from untapped market potential in older demographics, to the growing pool of eligible hires. As an expert in the industry, Avivah is putting pressure on old norms and redefining what it means to be in your prime. Tune in, and find out how to rethink the framework of your career and beyond! GUEST BIO: Avivah Wittenberg-Cox is CEO of 20-first, a global consulting firm working with companies interested in capturing the competitive advantage of gender, nationality and generational balance. Her thought leadership is accessible through books, regular contributions to and , and talks. Her book, , was awarded the Manpower Best Book of the Year Prize, and she has been recognized by ELLE Magazine as one of the Top 40 Women Leading Change. Recently she has been a Fellow at Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative, exploring the social and business impact of our ever longer lives.
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Successful Exits: Maximizing Value
10/26/2022
Successful Exits: Maximizing Value
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Rob Follows. Rob’s passion for helping entrepreneurs and family run businesses maximize their venture’s exit led him to found STS Capital Partners, where he has been involved with over 1000 venture deals. By pulling from his experience on both sides of a negotiation, Rob shares what he wishes he had known as an entrepreneur during his first exit, and the value of finding an advisor who aligns with your company values. Philip and Rob discuss the key differences between financial and strategic buyers, and the perseverance needed to build a venture from the ground up. Tune in to this episode to learn how to successfully value your venture, and optimize your exit strategy. And keep an out for HAE’s four-part series on exit strategy, featuring Rob Fellows and the STS Team. GUEST BIO: Rob Follows’, Founder and CEO of STS Capital Partners, passion is to help entrepreneurial business owners achieve successful Exits and support the creation of billions of dollars in philanthropic capital. STS = Success to Significance through Selling to Strategics™. He has been involved in or led over a thousand M&A transactions, with a total transaction value of over $100B. He has held various roles with YPO, including Founding Chapter Chair; former Chair of the Global Deal Network; Founding Chair of the Executive Committee of the Social Enterprise Networks; and, as a YPO Best of the Best Premier Speaker: ‘Everyone has their own Everest, what is yours?’
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A Metaverse for your Business?
10/11/2022
A Metaverse for your Business?
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber is joined by Cecilia Tham, a Harvard Design School alumna, who is an entrepreneur, prize-winning futurist, metaverse designer and hands-on person, all rolled into one! Together they discuss how web 3.0 and phygital environments are revolutionizing product creation and re-inventing retail. This episode even answers the question: “Why would anyone buy a virtual product?” An entrepreneur herself, Cecilia emphasizes the need to “Start small, think big, and move fast” to take your startup to the next level. From programming and selling a self-sustaining plant to creating a high-end shopping experience in an empty store with blank white walls, Cecilia leads us through new scenarios for sustainability and creativity across all industries and price points. Is it time to start piloting a metaverse for your business? Tune in and find out how! GUEST BIO: Cecilia Tham, a Barcelona-based alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, engineers futures, by working at the intersection of science, design, strategy and impact. With decades of experience in innovation, Cecilia Tham collaborates with companies and organizations to provide Futures-as-a-Service via her current role as the founder and director of Futurity Systems, with the goal of building better futures faster. Previously a Social Technologist at Alpha Telefonica, Europe’s first moonshot factory, Cecilia Tham is a serial entrepreneur, having founded multiple companies including Makers of Barcelona, FabCafe and . She serves as advisor to UN World Food Program X, SXSW, National Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) as well as other private companies. We are proud to note that Cecilia Tham has has been named top 100 Women of the Future and Top 40 Futurists in Spain, among other accolades.
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CTO Insights for Founders
09/14/2022
CTO Insights for Founders
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Nuno Godinho joins our host, Denise Silber, to share his perspective on why CEO’s would benefit from gaining the CTO’s ability to understand how to quickly test and revise new products and maneuver rapidly. As Founder and CEO of Diisruptance, a strategic business and technology consultancy, Nuno shares lessons for CEOs, CTOs, and everyone in between, that will help your venture keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in the technology landscape. Tune in to learn how to manage risk within a software company, how to approach crypto, and key strategies for keeping a balanced and sustainable work life in our stressful environment. GUEST BIO: An Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, Nuno Godinho is Founder & CEO of Diisruptance, a strategic business and technology consultancy. He’s an accomplished Board Member and CxO with deep business & technology background, and expertise in areas such as governance, strategic growth, funding strategies and technology. Passionate, globally minded visionary and entrepreneur, he has a proven track record of more than 25 years delivering high quality results. He has worked with world leading organizations such as Microsoft, GE, SAGE and many others, varying in size and complexity, and stretching the globe in industries from healthcare, to pharma, to finance, and beyond.
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Behavioral Insights: A Must Have for Founders
06/21/2022
Behavioral Insights: A Must Have for Founders
IN THIS EPISODE: Behavioral insights have the power to predict, shape, and propel the future of a business or even an entire industry. With them, companies can grow their sales, improve quality control, retain staff. But what are they and how do they work? In this episode, Denise Silber is joined by Darren Frey, founder of Ensemble Insight, whose consulting business integrates machine learning to help founders identify new, relevant data and make more informed decisions. With his extensive professional experience at the intersection of behavioral and data sciences, Darren Frey explains how business owners, when faced with a challenge that is not responding to usual methods, can find new solutions from either existing data or new data that is easy to acquire. In this episode, they cover everything from internal decision making to customer acquisition and retention, all through the lens of behavioral insights. Whether you're a new founder, or a long time entrepreneur, this episode promises to provide new perspectives to business strategies. GUEST BIO: Darren Frey is the Director of Ensemble Insight, an applied decision science consultancy, as well as a lecturer at Science Po’s School of Management and Innovation in Paris. He works at the intersection of the behavioral and data sciences in order to help organizations make evidence supported and behaviorally informed decisions. An American raised in Mexico City, Darren Frey has a Masters in Theological Studies from the Harvard Divinity School, a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh; a Masters in Economics and Psychology (Paris I & Paris V), and a PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Paris. After working at both UNESCO and Sanofi, first as a Senior Data Scientist and then as Director of the Analytics and Data Science Engine, Darren Frey created Ensemble Insight consultancy to provide tailored, behavioral and data scientific expertise to companies from early stage start-ups to the Fortune 500.
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Purposehood: Unleashing Human Potential
06/07/2022
Purposehood: Unleashing Human Potential
IN THIS EPISODE: Purpose. Why is it crucial not just to entrepreneurs but for humanity? Here to discuss his journey, why purpose is inextricably linked to success, and the transformative power of living purposefully is author, thought-leader and entrepreneur Ammar Charani. Our host, Philip Guarino, sits down with Ammar as he recounts his near-death experience and how it led him to find purpose in all aspects of life. They discuss the purpose-to-productivity pipeline and the dangers of living by a “work-life balance” mentality. This episode provides perspective and advice for any busy entrepreneur working to build a meaningful and socially conscious venture. Tune in to learn how you can find and build purpose within yourself, family, work, community, and your environment. GUEST BIO: Ammar sought fulfillment and spent ten years with Sufi masters and religious scholars, studying, teaching, and subsequently serving as a cleric. Later, he focused on entrepreneurship, starting and seed-investing in over thirty businesses with thousands of employees. After a near-death experience, today Ammar is focused on growing Purposehood® University, a non-profit that trains coaches, therapists, business leaders, and professionals to help others live their purpose and unleash their potentiality. Ammar teaches “Engineering Your Life” course based on his Amazon #1 new release: "Purposehood: Transform Your Life, Transform the World”. Ammar holds an engineering degree from the University of Central Florida, and he is a graduate of HBS' "The President's Program in Leadership."
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Unicorn Hunting with Rotem Shacham
05/23/2022
Unicorn Hunting with Rotem Shacham
In this exciting episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Rotem Shacham, Principal at Viola Ventures, Israel’s leading tech investing group, as they explore unicorn hunting! Together they zero in on the challenges of identifying a future unicorn and what it takes to succeed for both a start-up and the investing group building its portfolio. An experienced investor with an international perspective, Rotem digs deep into the key characteristics of a promising start-up and explains why an outlier investment strategy can make the difference for an investment group. Rotem also provides an update on the competitive advantages Israel provides.
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The Blockchain Technology Driving Innovation
05/11/2022
The Blockchain Technology Driving Innovation
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Philip Guarino, is joined by Tom Sylvester, General Counsel for Hedera Hashgraph. As an expert in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Tom demystifies Hedera’s DLT process and dives into the benefits of building a public ledger for the decentralized economy. From transparency to autonomy to security, the two discuss how the crypto landscape has been leading innovation in the global technology sector, from its transition from Blockchain to Hedera, and everything in between. Tom gives an honest account of the challenges and potential drawbacks to a crypto-forward future, and highlights the new opportunities that await in a world that puts the power of data back into the hands of individuals. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the blockchain technology paving the path to a greener, more secure future. GUEST BIO: Tom Sylvester is the General Counsel for Hedera Hashgraph, a sustainable, enterprise-grade public ledger for the decentralized economy. He also serves as the Board chair for Braver Angels, a national nonprofit that brings liberals and conservatives together to reduce polarization. Before joining Hedera, Tom worked in Abu Dhabi as the Senior Director of Policy & Strategy for Tamkeen, the Abu Dhabi government partner to New York University Abu Dhabi, a highly selective liberal arts college with a globally diverse student body. He also worked in New York as an associate at the international law firm Cleary Gottlieb. Tom grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and received a BA in Social Studies from Harvard and a JD from Yale Law School.
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How COVID Changed Customer Experience
04/27/2022
How COVID Changed Customer Experience
In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Christophe Caïs, founder and CEO of CXG. Together they explore the sea change sparked by COVID and the new customer experience expectations for retail brands that have both physical and digital channels. In a word, customer experience must be the same in person and online. After working with over 200 brands, Christophe Caïs explains how and why companies must reorganize their teams and re-invent their marketing, eliminating the traditional silos separating the in-store and on-line strategy and execution. This episode provides actionable recommendations for any entrepreneur seeking to improve their customers’ experience and is not to be missed!
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The Power of Digital Identity
04/13/2022
The Power of Digital Identity
As the world becomes more virtual, the digital identity sector continues to grow rapidly. But what is digital identity, and how can it change the way we live our lives? In this episode of the HAE Invites podcast, our host, Philip Guarino, sits down with Jackie Shoback to answer these questions. As the Co-Founder of 1414 Ventures, Jackie is committed to investing in the digital identity industry in areas such as cybersecurity and blockchain. Tune in to hear how this impressive female founder is investing in the next generation of cutting edge technology, and overcoming obstacles along the way.
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She's Rewriting the Beauty Playbook
03/29/2022
She's Rewriting the Beauty Playbook
IN THIS EPISODE: Join our host, Denise Silber, as she interviews Aisha Dozie, an ex-global capital markets executive who is turning the cosmetics industry on its head. Aisha’s company, Bossy Cosmetics, is inventing products and a brand for a previously unacknowledged customer, the ambitious woman of any age. Learn how Aisha went from burnout in finance to stardom in marketing and social media, even landing her products on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. Together they discuss how Aisha used design thinking philosophy and listening to her future customers to identify an unaddressed pain point in the beauty market. This episode is a must-listen for managers targeting a crowded market. GUEST BIO: Aisha Dozie is a global citizen who has worked/lived in New York, London, South Africa, Nigeria, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. While Aisha holds an MBA from HBS and is an experienced global finance and capital markets executive who has worked on over $130B in deals and led multi-jurisdictional businesses within large international corporations, her current entrepreneurial pursuit is Bossy Cosmetics. Bossy is a digitally-native beauty brand that designs exclusively for ambitious women. In the 3 years since its founding, Bossy Cosmetics has redefined the way beauty companies delight and inspire professional women. When Oprah Winfrey discovered this new brand, guess who was featured on her Favorite Things list!
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Building a Cult Brand
03/08/2022
Building a Cult Brand
IN THIS EPISODE: The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change, and concerns around sustainability and the environment are growing among conscientious consumers. Join our host, Philip Guarino, as he interviews Andrea Baldo, the fashion CEO with a steadfast commitment to social and environmental responsibility. As the CEO of Ganni, Andrea and his team have cultivated a creative and innovative brand through transparent and authentic customer communication. The result? Ganni has built a cult following, a community which has driven its explosive growth. From its humble roots as a Danish company, it is now one of the hottest brands on the international stage. But just how did they do it? Listen and find out. GUEST BIO: Andrea Baldo is CEO of GANNI, the Danish contemporary fashion brand which has developed exponentially over recent years with its Scandi 2.0 sense of style full of personality and contrasts. Andrea received his degree magna cum laude in Economics from the University of Verona and he is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s General Management Program. He has over 20 years of experience in the Fashion and Luxury Goods industry: initially as strategic consultant at Bain & Company and then holding top Management positions at brands including Diesel, Marni, Maison Margiela. Since 2013 Andrea is also Executive Fellow of the Strategic Management Department at IESE Business School in Barcelona where he annually teaches in the MBA program and for which he writes business cases and technical notes on Fashion and Luxury Goods industry.
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De-Risking Your Start-Up
02/22/2022
De-Risking Your Start-Up
IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode our host, Denise Silber, is joined by Jon Hu and Samantha Dale Strasser, PhD, co-founders of Pepper Bio, a Boston-based life sciences start-up expanding the potential for successful drug discovery. By combining their knowledge of industries from venture capital to electrical engineering, Jon and Samantha share lessons that are applicable to almost any start-up. Using transomics technologies, these founders are operating at the cutting edge of the intersection of technology and biology. Jon and Samantha share an honest account of how they have worked to de-risk the building blocks of their company: the product offering, the science behind it, their management team, branding, and more. This episode is not to be missed by any entrepreneur looking to pave a smooth path to success. GUEST BIOS: Jon Hu, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pepper Bio. At Pepper, Jon leads recruitment, partnerships, and investor relations to build the company and achieve its mission to treat the untreatable. Hu is experienced in pharmaceutical research and development (Shire Pharmaceuticals), private equity (Bain & Company), and venture capital (Guild Capital). Jon earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Economics from Northwestern University. Samantha Dale Strasser, Ph.D., Co-founder of and Chief Science Officer of Pepper Bio. At Pepper, Strasser leads the science team and the advancement of transomics for drug development. Strasser developed the foundation of Pepper Bio’s technology during her time as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at MIT, where she earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Strasser’s PhD co-advisor was Pr Kevin Haigis of Harvard Medical School and the research lab was at HMS Teaching Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Strasser earned her M.Phil in Physics at the University of Cambridge, as a Churchill Scholar, and her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University.
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