The Silicon Valley Podcast

In this episode, Shawn sits down with Paul Adler, a veteran strategist in global revenue growth and a trusted advisor for companies entering the complex world of Federal Government markets. With decades of experience guiding businesses through the intricacies of federal contracting, Paul shares practical insights, battle-tested strategies, and hard-won lessons for founders and executives ready to scale through government channels. Whether you’re a startup looking for your first pilot program, or a scaling company considering the government as a strategic customer, this episode offers the clarity and context you need to succeed. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: Why the Federal Government "market" is very different from a government “contract” What makes the U.S. Government a unique and relationship-driven buyer Why commitment and focus are non-negotiables when entering this space The best first steps a company should take—and the common mistakes to avoid How to think about networking, certification, and timing in your market entry Why subcontracting often beats aiming for the "prime" position from day one A real-world success story of an entrepreneur who pivoted to win federal business The truth about lobbyists, political shifts, and procurement dynamics 🔍 Topics Covered: Strategic entry points into government markets Building trust and brand in a relationship-first ecosystem Targeting decision-makers and navigating procurement The role of mentors and proven success stories in early wins Long-term thinking in a highly regulated, highly competitive environment 📌 Guest Links: 🌐 Website: www.thepauladler.com 📧 Email: linkedin.com/in/pauladler1

In this episode, we’re joined by Stan Christensen, a veteran dealmaker, negotiation expert, and founder of Arbor Advisors. With over two decades of experience teaching negotiation at Stanford University and leading high-stakes transactions in the tech world, Stan offers a masterclass in how to navigate complex deals, align incentives, and come out ahead—whether you're raising capital, selling your company, or simply trying to keep a negotiation from falling apart. Stan shares his career-defining moments, hard-earned insights from the front lines of investment banking, and why most founders misunderstand who really does the work behind the scenes. This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, operators, and anyone who wants to become a better negotiator. 💡 Topics Covered Stan’s journey from educator to investment banker The single biggest myth about great negotiators Advice for founders raising venture capital (hint: think twice) Why the best companies are sold—not bought How to renegotiate the preference stack and protect your payout Tactics to keep a counterparty at the table when they threaten to walk What separates good negotiators from bad ones Choosing the right investment banker (and what red flags to avoid) Are lawyers actually good negotiators? A behind-the-scenes look at a $70M deal that started with a $15M offer Stan’s favorite negotiation books, movies, and frameworks 📚 Recommended Resources Influence by Robert Cialdini How to Know a Person by David Brooks Film: 12 Angry Men 🔗 Connect with Stan Stan Christensen on LinkedIn

Episode Overview Today’s guest is Shalabh Gupta, a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of a publicly traded company. With deep experience in both public and private markets, Shalabh brings a mission-driven mindset to solving complex problems through innovation. In this episode, he shares his journey to the public markets, lessons learned from operating in the spotlight, and what it really takes to drive long-term shareholder value while staying true to your company’s core mission. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring public company executive, this conversation is packed with insights into what it means to lead boldly in the public eye. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why Shalabh chose to take his company public earlier than most The tradeoffs between staying private vs. going public Insights into IPOs, SPACs, and reverse mergers — and why his company took its specific route The biggest surprises and challenges of running a public company How to prepare for shareholder meetings (including the hardest questions he’s been asked!) Strategies for balancing quarterly pressures with long-term vision What it takes to personally transition from private leadership to the public stage The core mission of his company — and why it matters now more than ever Advice for future public company CEOs What’s next for Shalabh’s company and how you can follow the journey 🔗 Connect with Shalabh 📍 LinkedIn – Shalabh Gupta

Rahul Pangam — Entrepreneur, AI Strategist, and Founder 🎧 Episode Overview: In this episode, we’re joined by Rahul Pangam, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI leader who successfully built and exited a company during its Series B round. Rahul takes us through the pivotal moments of his entrepreneurial journey — from raising capital to navigating a strategic sale — and shares his deep insights on how AI is reshaping industries, businesses, and the future of work. This candid conversation covers the evolving dynamics between humans and AI, what businesses need to do to stay competitive, and the most common missteps leaders make when adopting new technologies. 📝 Discussion Topics: ✔️ Rahul’s Entrepreneurial Journey — From Silicon Valley to AI leadership ✔️ Navigating a Raise-to-Sale Conversation at Series B ✔️ The Biggest Differences Between the Pre-AI and Post-AI World ✔️ Where Humans Still Outperform AI ✔️ How AI Can Benefit Traditional Industries Slow to Adopt Technology ✔️ Ways AI Can Level the Playing Field for Small Businesses ✔️ AI Readiness: How Companies Should Assess and Prepare ✔️ Common Mistakes in AI Integration and How to Avoid Them ✔️ Measuring ROI on AI Investments ✔️ AI’s Role in Global Geopolitics, Deep-Tech, and Economic Shifts 🎙️ Who Should Listen: 📌 Connect with Rahul Pangam: LinkedIn Profile

In this episode, we sit down with Manish Patel, whose career has spanned Google, venture investing, and product innovation. From playing a pivotal role in scaling transformative products like AdWords and Google Maps to shaping Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem, Manish brings invaluable insights from the front lines of technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Listeners will hear about his inspiring journey — from growing up in a family business to navigating the world of big tech and early-stage investing — and get practical advice on building startups, raising Series A rounds, and preparing for the future of business. 📝 Discussion Topics: ✔️ Lessons from Manish’s Early Career and Leadership Journey ✔️ How OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) Powered Google’s Growth ✔️ The Role of Luck, Timing, and Preparation in Career Success ✔️ Why Series A Funding Is a Make-or-Break Moment for Startups ✔️ The Biggest Trends and Disruptions Shaping the Next Decade ✔️ Practical Advice for Founders Navigating the Venture Capital World 🎙️ Who Should Listen:

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk, to discuss the transformative power of AI Agents, the evolving landscape of M&A, and the future of customer experience. Tom shares his insights on how businesses can leverage AI to drive growth, the decision-making process behind strategic acquisitions, and what’s next for Zendesk. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ AI Agents vs. Traditional AI – What sets them apart and how they’re reshaping customer service. ✅ The Role of AI in Business Growth – How AI can enhance both customer and employee experiences. ✅ M&A Strategy at Zendesk – The company’s approach to acquisitions and lessons from past deals. ✅ AI's Impact on Competitive Advantage – Will AI adoption create stronger moats or increase disruption risks? ✅ Zendesk’s Future Vision – What innovations are coming and where the company is headed in the next decade. Key Questions We Discuss: 🔹 How are AI Agents revolutionizing customer service, and how do they differ from traditional tools? 🔹 What are some real-world examples of businesses benefiting from AI adoption? 🔹 How can businesses balance AI-driven efficiency with personalized customer experiences? 🔹 What metrics should companies track to measure AI's impact on operations? 🔹 What’s Zendesk’s M&A playbook, and how does it guide acquisition decisions? 🔹 How can AI enhance the employee experience, not just the customer experience? 🔹 What groundbreaking innovations is Zendesk unveiling at Zendesk Relate? 🔹 What’s Tom’s vision for the next 5-10 years in AI and customer service? 🔹 How does a CEO continually adapt and grow in a fast-changing market? Connect with Tom Eggemeier & Zendesk: 🔗 Tom’s LinkedIn 🔗 Zendesk Website Email: Tom.eggemeier@zendesk.com

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Cameron Herold, a world-renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and the mastermind behind the explosive growth of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he scaled the company from $2 million to $106 million in just six years. From launching businesses as a teenager to coaching top CEOs—including Kimbal Musk—Cameron has mastered the art of scaling operations, creating high-performance cultures, and driving business success. He’s also the founder of COO Alliance, the only peer group dedicated to helping Chief Operating Officers excel in their roles. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Cameron transformed 1-800-GOT-JUNK? into a global brand ✅ His Sunday Night Planning Method for a productive week ✅ The DORAGI Coaching Framework and its impact on leadership ✅ The secret behind Vivid Vision and how it fuels business growth ✅ How to delegate effectively without micromanaging ✅ The TORC Hiring Method to ensure you build an A+ team ✅ The power of daily huddles in maintaining team alignment ✅ Real-life strategies for handling workplace conflict and fostering company culture Cameron also shares actionable insights on project management, hiring strategies, and leadership development, making this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone looking to scale a business effectively. Resources & Links: 🔗 Connect with Cameron: CameronHerold.com 🔗 Learn more about COO Alliance: COOAlliance.com If you're looking for proven leadership strategies to take your company to the next level, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Episode Summary: Shutting down a business is a complex and often overwhelming process—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we sit down with Dori Yona, Co-Founder & CEO of SimpleClosure, a venture-backed startup using technology to streamline business closures. Dori shares his personal journey as a founder facing the challenges of winding down a company, what he learned, and how those experiences led to building a solution that reduces a months-long process into days or weeks. From understanding the legal and financial considerations to ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders, this conversation is packed with practical advice for founders, investors, and anyone involved in the startup ecosystem. Guest Bio: Dori Yona is a seasoned entrepreneur and startup founder who understands firsthand the challenges of shutting down a business. During his previous venture, his company came close to closing, and he was tasked with navigating the shutdown process—only to find a lack of clear information, guidance, and support. After dealing with lawyers, accountants, and endless confusion, he realized that 90% of startups that raise capital will eventually shut down, yet the process remains a daunting mystery. That experience led him to co-found SimpleClosure, a company dedicated to helping startups wind down properly and efficiently through technology-driven solutions. Key Topics Discussed: ✔️ The step-by-step process of winding down a business ✔️ The do’s and don’ts of business closures and why they matter ✔️ The timeline and costs associated with shutting down a company ✔️ Best practices for ensuring fair treatment of employees, investors, and creditors ✔️ How founders can turn a difficult shutdown into a learning experience Guest Website & Links: 🔗 Dori Yona on LinkedIn 🔗 SimpleClosure Website Questions Covered in This Episode: If you could give one piece of advice to a founder facing the decision to shut down, what would it be?

Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with legendary entrepreneur and scientist T.J. Rodgers, the founder of Cypress Semiconductor, investor in clean energy, and advocate of free-market principles. With a career spanning decades in Silicon Valley, Rodgers has been at the forefront of technological innovation, business strategy, and corporate governance. We dive into his experiences building and leading companies, his views on boardroom dynamics, and his insights into the future of entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and clean technology. Guest Bio: T.J. Rodgers is a pioneering scientist, entrepreneur, and investor known for founding Cypress Semiconductor and making transformative investments in SunPower and Enphase Energy. With degrees from Dartmouth and Stanford, Rodgers has played a key role in shaping the semiconductor and renewable energy industries. He has also been active in corporate governance, leading successful proxy fights and serving on multiple boards. Beyond tech, Rodgers is a passionate winemaker and a strong advocate for laissez-faire capitalism. Topics Discussed: Links & Resources: More about T.J. RodgersEnphase EnergyClos de la Tech Winery

Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Gil Feig, co-founder of Merge, to explore the challenges and innovations in API integrations. Gil shares his journey from software engineering to entrepreneurship, the technical hurdles faced while building Merge, and the strategic decisions that drive the company’s success. We also dive into team building, financial strategy, and the future of Merge’s platform. Topics Covered: Bonus Questions: Where to Learn More: For more on Merge and their latest updates, visit Merge.dev or connect with Gil Feig on LinkedIn.

Episode Summary: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA, one of the world's largest venture capital firms. In this episode, Vanessa shares her career journey from working at leading tech companies like Microsoft, to becoming a prominent VC investor. She dives into her investment philosophy, the importance of strong leadership, leveraging data-driven decisions, and fostering diversity in venture capital. Whether you're an entrepreneur, aspiring VC, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights on building successful businesses and networks while taking calculated risks. Key Discussion Points: Highlighted Questions: About Vanessa Larco: Vanessa specializes in Series A and B investments in both B2B and B2C companies. She’s passionate about leveraging technology to empower people and has led investments in innovative companies like Assembled, Mejuri, and Cleo. Her background in product management at companies like Box, Twilio, and Disney provides her with a unique perspective in evaluating businesses. Event Details: This episode was recorded during a live event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 1895 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, California. The event featured networking opportunities, an in-depth interview with Vanessa, and an engaging audience Q&A session. Connect with Vanessa Larco: Vanessa Larco | LinkedInhttp://www.nea.com

Show Notes for "The Silicon Valley Podcast" – Dave House Interview Guest: David House, American Engineer and Computer Designer Bio: David House, also known as Dave House, is a distinguished American engineer and computer designer renowned for his significant contributions to Intel, where he was pivotal in developing the company's microprocessor product line. He is widely recognized for coining the slogan “Intel Inside,” a marketing campaign that transformed Intel into a household name. Career Highlights: Interview Topics: Vision and Mission: Integral to leadership and decision-making with culture being a fundamental aspect, often summarized as “Culture is the rules for when there are no rules.” Key Interview Questions: Mentorship: Management Focus: Overspecifying Results: Decision-Making Process: Constructive Confrontation: Roles of a CEO: Career Reflections: . Key resources referenced: - The book "High Output Management."

Show Notes: Featuring Adam Coffey About Adam Coffey Adam Coffey is a dynamic CEO, Board Member, best-selling author, and international speaker renowned for driving transformative growth and fostering high-performance cultures. With over 21 years of experience, Adam has built three national service companies for nine private equity sponsors, completing 58 acquisitions with outcomes measured in the billions. His books, "The Private Equity Playbook," "The Exit Strategy Playbook," and "Empire Builder," are #1 Amazon Best Sellers. A former GE executive and US Army veteran, Adam now consults through CEO Advisory Guru. Topics Covered in This Episode Connect with Adam Adam Coffey Join us as Adam Coffey dives deep into these topics, sharing his expertise and insights that can help you navigate the complexities of business growth and private equity!

Guest: David Hamilton Nichols Bio: David Hamilton Nichols is an American speaker, author, investor, and producer. Hailing from a prominent California farming family, David is best known as a global investor with a diverse portfolio spanning industrial and retail real estate, fast-growing startups, and impact investments across North America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa. His focus sectors include climate change, renewable energy, blockchain, AI, EdTech, and healthcare in Africa. David has served as a board member and advisor for various startups and has been featured in media outlets such as Entrepreneur, The Jerusalem Post, and Yahoo Finance. He was awarded the Global Impact Champion 2020-2021 by India Needs You (INY) and was listed among the “Top 10 Investors and Investment Companies to Follow in 2022” by the International Business Times. An accomplished speaker, David has delivered keynotes and participated in panels at prestigious venues including the Nobel Peace Center, the United Nations Association, and various family office summits. He has also been a transformational speaker in the personal development field across the United States. David is a published poet and article writer, currently working on a book titled "Mastering the Madness: Live Your Best Life, and Create a Better World." Additionally, he is a producer and executive producer on multiple entertainment and media projects. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, joining illustrious individuals such as Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, and Stephen Hawking. David is also an Eagle Scout from his youth in the Boy Scouts of America. Areas covered: Closing: We want to thank David, for sharing your insights with us today. It has been a pleasure having him on the show. For our listeners who want to keep up with David's work, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn. Links: LinkedIn Stay tuned for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

From Startup to Exit: Brian Will's Lessons on Building and Scaling Successful Businesses Guest: Brian Will, Serial Entrepreneur, Two-Time Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author, Business and Sales Management Consultant Bio: Brian Will has built a remarkable career creating successful companies across diverse industries. His experience in startups and Fortune 500s offers him a unique perspective on agile processes and their impact on businesses. Currently, he owns various businesses and serves on the city council in his hometown. Key Points and Questions: Connect with Brian: Home New - Brian Will Media Brian Will | LinkedIn Additional Notes:

Guest: Marsha Wulff, Impact investing pioneer with 40 years of experience building corporations, managing investments, and establishing a venture capital firm focused on Africa. Key Discussion Points: Call to Action: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshawulff/ Explore LoftyInc Capital Management: LoftyInc Capital – Backing early stage Afropreneurs building tech-enabled solutions for the "everyday economy"

Bio: Kristi Herold is the founder and CEO of JAM, a multi-million-dollar global business that has connected millions of people through play since its inception as one of the largest adult recreational sports leagues in the world. The JAM team has produced and delivered over 4,000 playful corporate events, in over 30 countries since the summer of 2020 and the JAM team consults organizations helping them integrate fun and play into their “workPLAYce culture”. JAM has been awarded “Canada’s Most Admired Culture Award,” and certified as “Great Places to Work – Canada” multiple times. Kristi is the best-selling author of It Pays to PLAY – How Play Improves Business Culture, a rich resource to help organizations playfully connect with their teams and improve productivity, retention, and workplace culture. Her vision is to get 1 million people playing annually! Awards and Accolades: Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures – Emerging Award (2022) Canada's Most Powerful Women - Top 100 (2020) RBC / Women of Influence - Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards - Momentum - Top 3 (2020) Sport & Social Industry Association - "Industry Impact Award" winner (2020) Great Places to Work - Canada award (2019) Governor General's "Diamond Jubliee Award" in recognition of contribution to community (2009) Features: Forbes Magazine, "Create Teamwork By Doing This,’” (2020) https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephanieburns/2020/03/05/create-teamwork-by-doing-this/#5c10c9c35aff Fast Company, "Corporate Team Building," (2019) https://www.fastcompany.com/90510635/without-team-sports-this-recreational-league-company-is-still-committed-to-boosting-spirits Toronto Star, “Kristi Herold is all about team spirit,” (2021) https://www.thestar.com/life/together/people/2021/02/28/kristi-herold-is-all-about-team-spirit-here-the-ceo-talks-sports-play-and-her-picks-for-the-top-toronto-online-fitness-classes.html We talk about: When you look to acquire a business, what are your minimum expectations for the business you will acquire? How do you know if a target company’s culture fits yours when acquiring a company? What are some strategies for identifying and mitigating potential risks in a main street/lower mid-market business acquisition? Would you happen to have suggestions on going into a negotiation that you can share with us? What are some best practices for communicating with employees and maintaining morale during the M&A process? How do you ensure a smooth transition of key personnel and talent retention post-transaction What role does strategic planning and long-term vision play in the success of a business's mergers and acquisitions? How important is it to join mastermind groups and organizations outside of work? And much more Connect with Kristi https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-herold/ https://jamgroup.com/

Guest Speakers: About the Guests: Dario Fusato is the CEO of Savvly, a platform revolutionizing personal pensions and long-term financial security with market-driven solutions. He has extensive experience in building fintech solutions aimed at removing financial uncertainty. Tony Derossi is the co-founder of Savvly, an online platform designed to optimize retirement savings through innovative risk-sharing algorithms. With a background in insurance, technology, and strategic consulting, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge to the fintech and retirement planning industries. Episode Overview: In this episode, we dive into the innovative approach Savvly is taking to reshape retirement planning and financial security. Dario and Tony share their journey from successful corporate careers to entrepreneurship, the challenges of pioneering a new market, and their vision for the future of Savvly. The discussion covers key lessons learned, strategies for balancing innovation with risk management, and the importance of building a community around a startup. Key Questions Discussed: Connect with the Guests: LinkedInLinkedInwww.savvly.com Closing Notes: If you’re interested in learning more about Savvly’s approach to financial longevity and retirement planning, be sure to visit their website or connect with Dario and Tony on LinkedIn.

Guests: Episode Summary: Join us for a fascinating conversation with John Lenker and Kevin deLaplante, two experts from LENKER, as they delve into the world of marketing, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. John, a seasoned marketing strategist with a passion for ethical marketing, shares his insights on developing and promoting products and services that resonate with audiences. Kevin, a former philosopher turned marketing specialist, brings a unique perspective on critical thinking and decision-making in the business world. Together, they discuss: Resources: https://lenker.comhttps://kevindelaplante.com/my-writing Call to Action: If you're looking to enhance your marketing strategies, refine your critical thinking skills, or navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with John & Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlenker/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevindelaplante/

Show notes Mark Kleyner Mark is the co-founder of Dream VC, an entrepreneur, ecosystem builder and early-stage investor in Emerging Markets. Mark has worked within VCs in the UK, US, Europe and Africa and actively advises, coaches and mentors several very early stage West & East African startups - who have gone on to raise upwards of $10m in Venture Financing, and joined programs like Google's Black Founders Fund Africa, PioneerApp, TechStars and Y Combinator. Mark is passionate about empowering the private sector to take responsibility for making people's lives better and is a big advocate for Consumer and Enterprise Software Startups as mediums to improve lives around the world. Mark is also a co-founder of Dream VC, a leading remote program, helping founders, entrepreneurs and working professionals across the African continent and among the diaspora to break into the Venture Capital industry as emerging investors. Beyond these activities, Mark is an active startup mentor in 9+ Accelerators and Incubators at Startupbootcamp, Impact Hub Lagos, Seedstars, Founder Institute and Village Capital. Mark is also a startup mentor with FasterCapital and StartupLoungeAfrica. Dream VC and the mission you are on. The current investment landscape in Africa and some key trends shaping it? The role of diaspora investment in driving economic development and entrepreneurship in Africa? The unique opportunities that investors can find in African markets compared to other regions? How do political stability and regulatory environments impact investment decisions in Africa? How necessary is local knowledge and partnerships when investing in African markets? What are some key resources or sources of information that investors can leverage to stay informed about investment opportunities and developments in Africa? Connect with Mark https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkleyner/ https://www.dream-vc.com/