The Bob Johnston Podcast

The intricacies of entrepreneurship and scaling a startup are massive – from hiring talent to raising capital to securing customers, the clock is often the enemy. Today, we dive into the life of launching and running a startup with Eleonore Crespo, CEO of Pigment, a fast-growth company based in Paris. Eleonore and I discuss the rewards of leadership and taking care of your teams (and yourself and family!), aimed at providing valuable insights, whether you sit in the founder's seat at a startup or are scaling a new project within a Fortune 100 company. We cover the following topics: Work-Life Balance:Motivation and Growth:Leadership Philosophy:Team Dynamics:Long-Term Vision:I hope you enjoy the insights and experiences from one of my inspiring leaders, Eleonore Crespo! ‍ About Eleonore: Eléonore Crespo is a dynamic leader and co-founder of Pigment, a cutting-edge business planning platform designed to empower organizations to make better, faster decisions in an ever-evolving landscape. Pigment harnesses the power of data analysis, intuitive design, and sophisticated modeling, enabling finance and business professionals to focus more on strategic thinking and less on number-crunching. The platform serves a diverse range of clients, including renowned companies such as Figma, Gong, Carta, Deliveroo, ManoMano, and WebHelp. Before launching Pigment, Eléonore was an investor at Index Ventures, where she collaborated closely with entrepreneurs and led investments in innovative companies such as Alan, Spendesk, Swile, and Slite. Her prior experience includes a significant role as a senior analyst at Google, where she reported directly to the EMEA president and CFO, focusing on strategic planning and initiatives. Eléonore holds a background in quantum physics and engineering, having studied at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure and the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines, two of France's most competitive institutions of higher education. Her unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight positions her as a prominent figure in the business planning landscape.

How’s your approach to leadership and organizational culture going? Navigating these aspects can be challenging, especially with the rapid changes in work environments. So...in today’s episode, Wonzie Gardner and I delve deep into the complexities of modern leadership and organizational dynamics. Of note, we explore the following areas and try to address the evolving landscape of work culture: Personal Influence and Values:Community and Connection:HR’s Evolving Role:Transparency and Vulnerability:Future of Work:Enjoy the insights and reflections on navigating these critical aspects of leadership and workplace dynamics! ‍ About Wonzie: Wonzie Gardner serves as the Office Head and Chief Human Capital Officer in the Office of Information and Resource Management (OIRM) at the National Science Foundation (NSF). In this position, Mr. Gardner coordinates agency-wide administrative and general management activities while providing leadership and direction for human resources, information systems, and administrative services at NSF, ensuring all organizations within OIRM work in unison to support the agency and its customers. In August 2018, Mr. Gardner was appointed as the NSF Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). In this capacity, he reports directly to the NSF Director and is responsible for carrying out the Foundation's OSDBU functions and duties in accordance with the Small Business Act and Federal Acquisition Regulation. Wonzie L. Gardner, jr. joined NSF as the Deputy Division Director for the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) in November 2014. In May 2016, he was appointed Division Director for DAS. Starting in January 2018, Mr. Gardner served as both Acting Deputy Office Head and Acting Office Head for OIRM. In February 2019, Mr. Gardner was selected as OIRM Office Head. Prior to coming to NSF, Wonzie Gardner served as the director for Logistics and Facilities Management at the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. He has a distinguished military career, retiring as a U.S. Air Force Colonel in August 2010 and as the Inspector General for the Air Force District of Washington. ‍ Childhood and Family Values [6:05] The Importance of Communication and Community [10:35] The Evolving Role of HR in a Remote and AI-Driven Workforce [14:30 - 18:00] Challenges of maintaining corporate culture with remote work [25:34] Trust and transparency in leadership [32:40] Role of HR in shaping organizational culture [36:43] Mental health and vulnerability in leadership [38:09] Leadership and empathy [44:22] Talent Marketplace Concept [49:50] Details and Domino Effect [51:00] Maintaining the fabric of American business [1:01:29] Importance of transparency and trust [1:04:58]

How's your nutrition discipline and exercise routine going this Summer? If you're anything like me, it's been up and down due to loads of travel and too many restaurant meals. So...in today’s episode, Dr. Joey Mattina and I go down the rabbit hole to cover our current exercise, nutrition and supplement strategies and see where we can get optimized. Of note, we dive into the following areas and try to demystify and distill all of the noise we hear in the media, particularly social media: Resistance training: Why it's crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density as we age. He emphasizes the importance of challenging your body with heavier weights to trigger essential hormonal responses and maintain overall health. Data, data, data: Comprehensive blood tests and scans designed for early detection of health issues. Tests Joey and I have done and want to do. Supplements: Do they matter? How do we know if they're working? ‍ We cover a ton of topics for busy people, regardless of whether or not you want to get started from a standstill and little knowledge, are hoping to get back on track, or are pretty optimized and want to level up. Enjoy! About Joey Dr. Joey Mattina, DC earned his doctorate from Southern California University of Health Sciences where he graduated magna cum laude and salutatorian. He has extensive training and experience in myofascial release and osteopathic manipulation of both the soft tissue and skeletal systems. Dr. Mattina aims to improve tissue function through manual techniques that typically involve slow, firm, compressive pressure in very specific anatomical locations and positions. Through this direct pressure he is able to reorganize the skeletal system while simultaneously treating the overlying tissue layers. Treating in this way helps joints move properly, stimulates the secretion of synovial fluid, improves glide and lubrication between tissue layers, and decreases inflammation that has become trapped in taut or damaged tissue. Dr. Mattina began his professional career as an intern studying under Dr. Dennis Colonello. In that role, he honed his craft at Peak Wellness working side-by-side with Dr. Colonello for 7 years. Dr. Mattina served as the team chiropractor for the Los Angeles Clippers for 4 years and the LA Kings hockey team for 2 years. Known for his keen clinical acumen and deft diagnostic and treatment skills, Dr. Mattina has been entrusted to care for a plethora of important clientele.

Philip Rowley, CFO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, might just win the award for The Most Interesting CFO in the World. Aside from having amassed decades of knowledge about his industry and craft, he's also extremely well-read and and has an incredible knack for leadership, based in part, at least, on his breadth of reading (Side note on reading: Mark Twain once said, "The man who does not read had no advantage over the man who cannot read."). Philip and I cover a lot of ground, including: • How he became a company President at age 29 • Navigating the complexities of supply chains in the Music industry • Leveraging technology and AI as a lens into data standardization and integration One of my biggest takeaways is the importance of adapting one's leadership style over time – i.e. don't be rigid, be flexible – and emphasizing continuous learning. (Note: Philip's reading list has been widely circulated at his company. See show notes). He also shares his belief in managing for value rather than short-term metrics, providing contrasting examples from his time at AOL Europe and Sony Pictures. Bill highlights the significance of balancing short-term and long-term goals and describes his approach to leadership as one that fosters intrinsic motivation and trust within teams. Additionally, he touches on the challenges of avoiding overwork and the importance of leveraging coaching to empower employees. And, a lot more! Enjoy! About Philip Philip Rowley is Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). Mr. Rowley is responsible for all of the Company’s financial affairs and oversees SPE’s information technology, facilities, procurement, security, and health and safety divisions. Rowley was at AOL Europe in London from 2001-2007. As CFO, he was instrumental in moving the company into profitability and was in due course named COO, and later CEO. Before AOL, Rowley was at Kingfisher PLC, where he served as Group Finance Director; at Golden Books Family Entertainment as COO and CFO, and was co-founder and Managing Director of Tribeca Technologies in New York, a technology company specializing in ISDN connectivity and sound compression technologies. Rowley was based in New York as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EMI Music Worldwide, where he was responsible for finance, strategic planning, information technology, human resources, and the studio's group (which included Abbey Road). During the six years in that role, he led the acquisition of Virgin Music, Chrysalis Records, and IRS Records. Before that, Rowley served in several senior roles at EMI Music including Finance Director for Europe. He was Vice President for Finance at Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment in Los Angeles; and Vice President for Finance and Planning for Thorn EMI Video in New York. Since 2007, Rowley has held several non-executive board seats including Promethean World plc, where he served as Non-Executive Director and then Chairman from 2010-2015; HMV Group plc, where he served as Non-Executive Director and then Chairman from 2007-2013; MISYS Plc and Tradus PLC; and ARM Holdings plc, where he served for over nine years, during which time he successively chaired the audit and remuneration committees. Rowley is known for his strong leadership skills, strategic mindset, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. He is highly respected within the industry for his financial acumen, business acumen, and commitment to driving value for shareholders. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rowley is also actively involved in various industry associations and community initiatives. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from a prestigious university and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His dedication to excellence and passion for the entertainment

Everybody is talking about longevity nowadays…such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, supplements such as NAD to Rapamycin, and various blood tests and full body MRI scans. How does one sift through the noise and make sense of what’s what? Dr. Bill Kapp, CEO of Fountainlife, lays it out for us in layman’s terms. We discuss: And a whole lot more! Enjoy! Dr. Kapp's Bio: Dr. Kapp is a dynamic entrepreneur who has founded several healthcare start-ups, ranging from surgical centers and hospitals to electronic health record systems and medical real estate developments. He is passionate about introducing cutting-edge technology to enhance both the facilities and operations of healthcare organizations. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former USAF Flight Surgeon, and type-rated jet aircraft pilot, Dr. Kapp has a unique combination of medical expertise and aviation knowledge. Moreover, he is dedicated to advancing the new healthcare paradigm that focuses on the detection and reversal of asymptomatic diseases. Dr. Kapp is deeply committed to this cause and strives to improve patient outcomes by leveraging the latest advancements in medical technology and innovation.

Summary Have you ever wondered what kind of companies are being created in the Space industry, outside of the one or two that you've heard about such as SpaceX? It's a $500Bn market today (and trillions over the next couple of decades). You're invited to listen and absorb the knowledge of Space Capital's founder, Chad Anderson, as he takes us on the journey and provides a roadmap of what's in store. Chad has real vision and we discuss his career evolution in finance to creating the UK's first Space innovation center to ultimately shifting directly into launching a fund with an exclusive focus on the Space space. We discuss the emerging potential of the industry, navigate the challenges of investments in the sector during the early days, and how it's evolved now that the likes of Musk, Bezos, Branson and others are putting their weight behind the industry. One of my biggest takeaways is the the importance of recognizing trends, overcoming obstacles, and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry. Through Chad's perspective, our audience gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and complexities within the space investment landscape, painting a vivid picture of the future possibilities in the space economy. Enjoy! About Chad Chad Anderson is a pioneering figure in the space investment industry, as highlighted by TechCrunch calling him "among the best-positioned people to weigh in on the current and future state of the space startup industry." As the founder and managing partner of Space Capital for over a decade, Chad has been instrumental in driving investments in the Space Economy. He is also the author of "The Space Economy: Capitalize on the Greatest Business Opportunity of our Lifetime," published by Wiley. With a strong media presence, Chad has been featured in reputable outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Financial Times. Apart from his work at Space Capital, Chad serves on the board of the Satellite Applications Catapult, contributing to the growth of the UK's space sector. He is also on the board of the Explorers Club, a nonprofit promoting scientific exploration, and has been a member of the User Advisory Committee for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory. Prior to founding Space Capital, Chad had a successful tenure at JPMorgan Chase, managing a $50-billion real estate portfolio during the Great Recession. He holds an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation from the University of Oxford, showcasing his diverse expertise and experience in finance, entrepreneurship, and the space industry.

Summary CHROs are having a special moment right now – and rightfully earned, given that HR is arguably the most important role in an organization. As such, I'm excited to share my conversation with Michael Fraccaro, who currently serves as Mastercard's Chief People Officer. We discuss Michael's early career, which began as a high school teacher in Sydney as well as where his interest in HR was sparked (in university and beyond). Michael and I cover the evolving role of the CHRO, particularly the emphasis on adaptability over the past few years. He points out the importance of lifelong learning and how Mastercard's internal talent marketplace facilitates this ethos for employee career growth and development. The platform allows employees to showcase their skills and interests, matching them with relevant projects and mentorship opportunities, ultimately enhancing the employee experience. Michael also underscores the necessity of executive support as a strategic approach to successfully implement such initiatives. We also discussed implementing new initiatives at a company the size of Mastercard. Michael highlights the need for clear objectives, executive buy-in, and meticulous program management to ensure success. Moreover, he hits on the significance of measuring outcomes and shares metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives such as the talent marketplace (these include: employee engagement, utilization rates, and career mobility, illustrating the tangible benefits derived from its adoption). We then jump into organizational culture and Michael underscores its critical role as the essence and DNA of Mastercard. He outlines the company's approach to fostering a strong culture aligned with its purpose and mission, emphasizing values like decency and transparency. Michael elaborates on the Mastercard way, a framework comprising pillars of creating value, growing together, and moving fast, which are embedded into various aspects of the organization, including recruitment and performance management. Additionally, he discusses the development of a culture health index, demonstrating the company's commitment to monitoring and nurturing its culture at all levels, from the frontline to the boardroom. We also cover key principles guiding his leadership philosophy, emphasizing trust, adaptability, and the importance of letting go, at times, to foster shared accountability. Drawing from his experience as a school teacher and various mentors throughout his career, he highlights the significance of feedback and learning as essential components of effective leadership. Additionally, he touches on the discipline of effective communication, stressing the enduring impact of written language and the importance of clarity and precision in conveying messages. Shifting the conversation to the role of AI in HR and organizational operations, Michael shares his insights into Mastercard's approach to integrating AI technologies. He discusses the widespread adoption of AI across product development, fraud detection, and customer care, highlighting its role in enhancing efficiency and productivity. We also discuss the importance of responsible AI practices, including human oversight in decision-making processes. Michael also explores the potential of AI in improving workplace satisfaction and well-being, illustrating initiatives such as integrating well-being reminders into daily workflows to promote mental health and work-life balance. On that point, Michael rightfully feels that the beset way to address mental health and well-being in the workplace is to emphasize the importance of open communication and vulnerability, particularly among executive leadership, to de-stigmatize mental health issues. Through initiatives like the mental health champions program and holistic well-being seminars, Mastercard aims to provide comprehensive support to employees worldwide. Michael also highlights

Summary One of the most important roles in the C-suite is ownership of company ethics, culture, and policy. Who better to give us insights than someone who spearheads this role at a company that’s navigated these waters for over 123 years?! Enter Beth Rose, Chief Compliance, Ethics, & Integrity Officer at Ford Motor Company. Beth and I sit down to discuss the career and personal path – and, importantly, key choices along the way – remember every decision we make is, in fact, a “choice” – that propelled her into the C-suite at Ford. Beth learned the ropes by tackling multiple in-house Legal responsibilities, gradually moving from general litigation to being a corporate law specialist at Ford. We discuss how compliance and ethics are viewed at Ford which, despite being a large, family-owned enterprise, stands out for its ethical corporate culture. We also cover the complexities of developing and launching compliance policies, administering integrity training, and running Ford’s “speak up” hotline. Further, we hit on technology and regulatory issues that are a constant in the industry, both in the US and globally. Beth also touches on the importance of clear and effective corporate communication, especially in a multinational environment with a diverse workforce. For example, maintaining consistency in company policy and culture across different geographical regions can pose challenges, particularly in a hybrid work setting and during times of corporate shift like we all are experiencing. As such, Beth emphasizes the necessity of strong internal relationships and effective communication to manage through these challenges. Using data and feedback to measure the success of compliance programs is crucial, moving beyond simplistic metrics that may not capture the full context of an issue. We wrap up our discussion with Beth’s personal reflections on career development, the value of mentoring, and the significance of vulnerability, all of which lead to growth and provide insights into the human aspects of how you can navigate your own company’s ethics, integrity and compliance program. Bio Beth Rose joined Ford Motor Company as an attorney in 1995 after graduating from Wayne State University Law School. Throughout her career with Ford, she has managed various aspects of the Company’s litigation and compliance program. Beth previously served as Assistant General Counsel with responsibility for the Product Litigation Group, comprised of the Product Litigation, Asbestos, and Discovery teams. In 2019, Beth became Ford’s Chief Compliance, Ethics, and Integrity Officer and Assistant General Counsel, responsible for the Company’s global ethics and compliance program. In addition to a juris doctorate, Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Beth is also a board member of Vista Maria, a Michigan non-profit that provides residential and support services for girls and young women dealing with trauma. Beth is a champion for the development of women, particularly within the legal profession. She has experience curating and delivering career development programming within Ford and the broader legal community. In 2016, Beth established the Legal Alliance for Women (LAW) at Ford, creating a forum for members of OGC to work together on leadership, service, and networking initiatives. Beth also led the OGC Diversity Committee for several years, with a focus on developing and fostering a pipeline of diverse talent within the legal profession. She is actively involved in pro bono, community service, and mentoring projects. Beth is married and has two daughters.

Summary In the course of this in-depth conversation, Larry McDonald – author of How to Listen When Markets Speak and CEO of Bear Traps Report – delves deep into the financial insights acquired from his global network, discussing the major economic shifts and their impact on financial markets, as captured in his latest book. His intention is to democratize financial information, moving away from traditional, bank-dominated imprints on markets. This democratization is partly driven by technological advancements that increase access to critical financial data. Our conversation broadens into the implications of recent economic upheavals such as the COVID-19 pandemic, hinting at persistent inflation and the need for strategic financial planning, going forward. We further explore passive investing's role in current market dynamics, highlighting how long-term disinflationary trends have buoyed such investments, which now face risks from potential normalization of inflation rates. Larry is rightly concerned about heavy investments in financial assets like growth stocks and bonds, favored from 2010 to 2020, that might not perform well under high inflation. Our conversation then transitions into a review of macroeconomic trends, government debt, and the implications of current fiscal and monetary policies. Each topic uncovers deeper concerns about the sustainability of current financial strategies and the potential need for drastic changes in the face of evolving global economic conditions, such as shifts towards multipolarity and its impact on commodity markets. Finally, we dig into some of Larry's go-to websites and resources for information and news. Enjoy! Larry's Bio Larry McDonald, a New York Times bestselling author and a seasoned CNBC contributor, excels as a Political Risk Expert. He founded The Bear Traps Report, an independent weekly Macro Research Platform that delves into global political and systemic risks, providing subscribers with actionable trading insights. Larry is renowned for his ability to intertwine humor with critical analyses on topics such as the Trump Administration, the U.S. Financial Crisis, European Sovereign Debt issues, and the economic challenges facing China. In 2016, Larry took on a partnership role at ACG Analytics in Washington D.C., leveraging his expertise as one of the foremost political policy risk consultants and strategists. His professional journey includes significant tenure as Managing Director and Head of U.S. Macro Strategy at Société Générale from 2011 to 2016. Furthermore, he founded an investment research firm in 2010 that publishes The Bear Traps Report, focusing on political and systemic risks, complemented by actionable trading strategies. Larry is also a frequent presence on CNBC, where he discusses political and economic risks and opportunities. Before his current endeavors, Larry McDonald made notable contributions to the finance world as Vice President at Lehman Brothers. There, he successfully led his team in capitalizing on the subprime mortgage crisis, securing over $2 billion in profits for the firm prior to its collapse. This experience formed the basis for his international bestseller, A Colossal Failure of Common Sense: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Lehman Brothers, which has been translated into 12 languages and sold over 400,000 copies. Earlier, Larry co-founded Convertbond.com, an innovative resource for convertible securities, which was later acquired by Morgan Stanley in 1999. His insights are not only sought after in financial circles but have also featured in documentaries such as the Academy Award-winning "Inside Job" and National Geographic’s "The 2000’s." Larry continues to contribute regularly to Bloomberg TV and Radio, Forbes, and Fox Business. His keynote speeches, which now exceed 125 worldwide.

Barak Turovsky is Executive in Residence at Scale Venture Partners, a leading Enterprise venture capital firm. Barak spent 10 years at Google as Head of Product and User Experience for Languages AI and the Google Translate teams, focused on applying cutting edge Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies to deliver experiences across Google Search, Assistant, Cloud, Chrome, Ads and other products. Prior to joining Google in 2011, Barak was Director of Product in Microsoft’s Mobile Advertising team, Head of Mobile Commerce at PayPal and Chief Technical Officer in an Israeli start up. Most recently, Barak served as Chief Product Officer – responsible for product management and engineering at Trax – a leading provider of Computer Vision AI solutions for the Retail and Commerce industries. He lived for more than 10 years in Russia, Israel and the US and speaks three languages fluently. Barak earned a Bachelor’s of Law degree from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. Barak’s recent work on AI: for evaluating Generative AI use casesBarak's interviewKeynote at CES 2021Talk at CES 2020Google AI work with Google Ads team to improve ads targeting Great AI awakening story with Google Translate Indian Prime Minister Modi Google campusGoogle Translate vs. La BambaCool investment thesis resource: Y Combinator Investment Thesis Map for AI (Note: once again, “Productivity” hardly a big theme)

My guest today is Lara Abrash, Chair and CEO of Deloitte. She is a true leader and I really enjoyed our time together. We discussed her personal journey and path, particularly an impressive trajectory in her career and how she has navigated it from a perspective of constantly evolving. Curiosity is a driver for being willing to evolve and an important tenet for any leader.

My guest today is Alan Patricof, founding father of venture capital and author of a new book entitled, "No Red Lights: Reflections on Life, 50 Years in Venture Capital, and Never Driving Alone." Alan and I dig into the book and we also cover a potpourri of topics that had me feeling inspired for many days after our conversation.

Amir Hemmat is Co-Founder and CEO of Welcome Technologies (Welcome), the “digital Ellis Island '' and future operating system for immigration. Welcome is a venture funded technology platform that is building innovative financial solutions for this cohort, including a digital wallet, to ensure access to previously elusive opportunities and to propel this consumer sector, and our society, forward. Welcome is currently focused on the Hispanic community, the largest immigrant group in the world, through its consumer platform SABEResPODER® (SEP). The platform reaches over 9 million immigrants a year across 50 US markets and connects these consumers to custom financial services. To date, Welcome has raised $50 million from TTV Capital, Owl Ventures and SoftBank’s Opportunity Fund, with participation from Crosscut Ventures, Mubadala Capital, Next Play Capital and Owl Capital. Prior to Welcome Tech, Amir co-founded an educational platform also called SABEResPODER (SEP). SEP provided informational content to the Hispanic community and produced comprehensive and practical information for navigating life in the United States, including topics such as healthcare, financial services, education, technology, and governmental services. Through SEP, he conducted in-depth market research on the U.S. immigrant market and co-authored educational guides on financial literacy, with millions of copies distributed nationwide.

Donato J. Tramuto is the author of The Double Bottom Line, How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results. Donato joins Bob to discuss his new book along with a superstar panel including Kurt Small, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for the Government Business Division at Anthem, Inc., Tom Riley, Chairman of the Board of Seniorlink, Laurie Cameron, Founder of PurposeBlue, and Phil Johnston, President & CEO of PWJ Associates.

My second guest of the new season is Ken Goldman, who currently serves as President of Hillspire, which is Eric and Wendy Schmidt’s family office. Eric, of course, being the former executive chairman of Google and its parent company, Alphabet. Ken is widely known in Silicon Valley and the broader business world, as well, having served as CFO of Yahoo, Fortinet, Siebel, and currently sits on a number of corporate, startup and non-profit boards. Ken and I cover his high school days in Peabody, Mass. – where only 25% of his graduating class went to college, yet he managed his way to Cornell through grit and a competitive spirit – to his time at Cornell and Harvard Business School, and why he chose the technology industry as a career path at a time when it was an outlier. We also discuss why picking the right place to work when first starting out can make a huge difference (and the advice he gave his kids on this front). Ken also provides his views on why Silicon Valley is still a meritocracy (hint: there’s a lot of money around for the right ideas) and industries where he feels entrepreneurs should consider creating new companies, such as the political arena. As a longtime observer of the political sector, I agree completely. Of note, there are nearly 100 “decacorns” roaming around – unicorns with over $10Bn in value – and this number is growing every quarter. As such, Ken discusses his own investment philosophy as an angel investor as well as the focus at Hillspire, ranging from environment to human rights to non-profits. Finally, Ken and I dig into the notion of ethical businesses (and the importance of transparency with your boards), the non-profits that he’s involved in…what’s on his browser (fun fact: he’s a big weather buff)...and more. PS: You’ll notice a trend with Ken and the conversation with my first guest of the season a few weeks ago, Mark Hawkins – both Ken and Mark have developed a widely respected personal and business ethos and have imbued this ethos in their teams, industry peers, and startups in which they invest. Dissecting this ethos is an overarching theme in both podcasts. Ken and Mark are leaders to whom other leaders look up. Lots of great learnings! Ken’s Bio Ken Goldman is the current president of Hillspire, a family office responsible for financial and administrative functions, along with real estate, aviation and maritime activities. Goldman is the former chief financial officer of Yahoo. He joined Yahoo in 2012 and throughout his five-year tenure was responsible for Yahoo’s global finance functions, including financial planning and analysis, controllership, tax, treasury and investor relations.

Mark Hawkins is an award-winning executive who, for four decades, has led finance organizations at global software and technology companies including Salesforce, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard. Raised in Michigan, Mark attended Michigan State where he studied operations management. His first job was at Hewlett-Packard where, at just 21, he was a buyer for the supply chain by day and getting his MBA in finance from University of Colorado Springs by night. Hewlett-Packard later sponsored him to attend the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Mark was the President and CFO of Salesforce until 2021 and is currently a board member at Toast, Plaid, DataRobot, Secureworks, and sits on the NYSE Listed Company Advisory Board.

Hi Gang, we’re kicking off the Fall podcast season with a deep dive discussion around longevity and anti-aging with Elysium Health’s Co-founder and CEO, Eric Marcotulli. I interviewed Eric at the Executive Council’s annual Health & Biotech Summit in 2017, which feels like forever ago, particularly given all of the buzz around anti-aging regimens and the popularization of the space from various industry leaders and mainstream press. To start off, Eric and I discuss why it’s important to track aging. This might seem like a basic questions but the idea of “aging” isn’t so much about “old age” as it is about addressing health in a more holistic manner, as you’ll learn. Chronological age is only a number, in a sense, and what might matter most is cellular age. More on that in our discussion. We also talk about quantifying and measuring products such as Elysium’s Basis, which is Eric’s core product. Elysium also has a product called Index which measures your biological age and also tracks your cumulative rate of aging which may be the most important metric of all. Absorption rate of products like Basis is also an important factor and we hit on that, as well. On the personal front, we touch on Eric’s evolving daily regimen vis a vis supplements and routines (AM/PM, exercise, diet, etc.). It’s always fun to discuss this particular topic with guests because I personally get tips that I can use and of course you can hopefully gain some actionable tips, too. Finally, we talk about what’s coming down the pipeline for Elysium and across the industry and what Eric is most excited about. Eric Marcotulli, Elysium Health co-founder and chief executive officer, graduated from Harvard Business School and joined Sequoia Capital as its youngest partner to lead growth investing in mobile technologies. While in Silicon Valley, Marcotulli realized that despite the significant, positive impact of new technologies on our understanding of health and disease, there remained a lack of innovation in the consumer-facing portion of the healthcare market beyond wearables and basic mobile apps. With a keen interest in aging research and its potential to have a profound impact on the most important areas of health, he wanted to create a company focused on developing compelling compounds found in nature that support long-term health.

Nimit Sawhney is Co-Founder and CEO of Voatz, Inc, an elections platform that uses identity proofing, biometrics, and blockchain technology to enable end-to-end verifiable and accessible remote voting via smartphones and tablets. Voatz has run more than 76 elections in partnership with both major political parties at the state level, as well as with state/county governments, towns, cities, universities, professional organizations including the country’s first mobile voting project with West Virginia in 2018. Nimit’s background is in mobile security and software development, previously serving as Director of R&D at Oberthur Technologies, and prior to that, as Director of R&D at MoreMagic Solutions. Nimit holds a graduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Business Management and is an alumni of the Harvard Business School’s YALP (Young Americans Leadership Program) Class of 2019.

Donato Tramuto is CEO & Founder of Health eVillages. Founded in 2011, Health eVillages bridges that gap in health education with mobile technology. Our lifesaving resources include medical reference and clinical decision support tools for medical and public health professionals in the most challenging clinical environments in the U.S. and abroad. It is our belief that by delivering technology, facilitating access and empowering health care providers, we can help “heal the villages” and move the needle on global health care. Donato recently retired as CEO of Tivity Health, one of the largest health improvement, nutrition, fitness and social engagement platforms in the world and parent company of Nutrisystem. Donato is one of my favorite people – he talks about compassionate leadership and lessons for CEOs, regardless of the times. He’s had his fair share of adversity (legally deaf, schedule to be on a 9/11 flight, etc.). Yet, despite all of that, he started and sold two businesses to Merck and United Health, became a public company CEO, launched several not-for-profits and was a recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. Most importantly, he has led with compassion. We also discuss his theories around "Herd Kindness," giving back/legacy, and a phrase he's coined called "collab-ovation.” Donato is an all-around exceptional human being. Donato J. Tramuto is the former CEO of Tivity Health, Inc (NASDAQ: TVTY), a leading provider of fitness and health improvement programs, with strong capabilities in developing and managing network solutions in healthcare. A recognized innovator and industry leader, he has more than 35 years of healthcare experience, with a deep commitment to global healthcare access, a steadfast focus on patient outcomes and a keen understanding of digital solutions. In less than a year after being named Tivity Health’s CEO, Tramuto executed a turnaround of the company’s performance by harnessing the lessons he learned through various adversities and “bulldozer” moments, and engineered a creative sale of one of the company’s non-performing divisions, adding nearly $1 billion of valuation to the company. In 2008, Tramuto founded Physicians Interactive Holdings (now known as Aptus Health), a global provider of insight-driven digital engagement solutions for healthcare professionals and consumers. There he served as CEO and chairman prior to joining Tivity Health, Inc. In 2011, Tramuto founded Health eVillages, a non-profit organization which provides state-of-the-art mobile health technology in the most challenging clinical environments. He is also the chairman and founder of the Tramuto Foundation, which helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and healthcare goals.

It’s no easy feat starting a business. Are entrepreneurs born fearless or can this mindset be tapped into and developed through life experiences? Today’s guest, Erica Liu Williams, founder of Gr8nola, is a driven founder, yet it took her a few steps to get there from A to B. Erica attended Stanford on a swimming scholarship and, upon graduation, wasn’t particularly career-driven. Instead, her ambition was to be a homemaker. However, after her parents divorced, she decided that she wanted to be financially independent. She watched others build their passions and decided, “if they can do this, why not me?” Erica and I dig into the mindset of an entrepreneur, her intense (and frankly grueling!) schedule as an elite swimmer from the age of 13 onward, how she thinks about work-life balance, her work cadence on a given day on the weekends – something that all founders struggle with – along with other personal daily rituals. On the biz front, we cover Erica’s thoughts around growth and raising outside capital vs. growing your business from customer revenue. We also discuss an epiphany that she’s had this year, managing challenges (and why they should be meaningful challenges…). And, finally, we cover her personal and business metrics for success, the importance of mentorship, and tools and platforms that she uses on a daily basis. Erica’s Bio Erica Liu Williams is a former Olympic Trials swimmer and Silicon Valley techie-turned-food-entrepreneur. She came up with the idea for gr8nola by accident when she was searching for a delicious, yet healthy snack for a post-Super Bowl "cleanse" she and her NFL hubby do each year. Stuck with few options, she created her own low-sugar granola recipe using clean ingredients and unique and functional superfoods. Her granola was such a hit that she created a side business out of it in 2013, selling it at the farmers market while working full-time. 4+ years later, Erica officially left her 10-year tech career to pursue gr8nola full-time and has hustled her way into becoming Silicon Valley's favorite granola, supplying gr8nola at some of the biggest tech companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Linkedin and more. The gr8nola line features seven superfood flavors (The Original, Cacao Crisp, Cinnamon Chai, Black Coco Chia, Matcha Vibes, Golden Spice and Peanut Butter) that are free of soy, dairy and refined sugars and have only 5g sugar per serving. You can find gr8nola on Amazon Prime, gr8nola.com and 100+ grocery stores. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Castbox, or your preferred podcast platform.