Technology Episodes
Explore how technology leaders are using innovation to solve societal challenges and improve lives.
108: Jeremy Gardner on Founding Mystic Ventures, Crypto's Evolution & Ethical Psychedelic Investing
SHOW NOTES: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ywqLDnnvNB0 Jeremy Gardner is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Mystic Ventures, a venture fund focused on psychedelic medicine. In this episode, Jeremy joins the podcast to share his journey from rebellious youth to impactful investor. He discusses his early work in crypto, passion for psychedelics, views on masculinity, and the importance of empathy in leadership and life. We also explore his filmmaking journey and direct philanthropic work that’s changing lives around the world. Chapters: 00:00 – Existential Drive & Crypto Disillusionment Jeremy talks about being driven by impact, not money, and shares insights from the crypto industry. 07:25 – Van Life & Love for Colorado Jeremy discusses traveling in a camper van, visiting Colorado, and enjoying nature and freedom. 11:02 – Childhood & Upbringing in Northampton He reflects on growing up in a progressive town and how that shaped his worldview. 18:40 – School Struggles & Formative Japan Experience Jeremy shares about getting arrested, ADHD, and a life-changing stint in Japan as a kid. 26:25 – College Chaos & Rediscovering Purpose Stories of dropping out, psychedelic revelations, and developing a self-designed major at Bard. 34:15 – Political Internship & Occupy Wall Street Roots Jeremy details his work at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and how Occupy led him to crypto. 42:50 – Founding the Blockchain Education Network How Jeremy launched a global student movement that became foundational in crypto education. 50:00 – Reflections on Crypto’s Evolution He critiques the industry’s trajectory, Wall Street influences, and his return to crypto with a new company. 55:42 – MadeMan Skincare & Positive Masculinity Jeremy shares the vision behind his skincare brand aimed at redefining masculinity. 1:00:05 – Psychedelics, Purpose & Mystic Ventures His lifelong relationship with psychedelics and launching Mystic Ventures to support ethical psychedelic businesses. 1:10:50 – Investing Ethically & Impact Over Profit Jeremy discusses founder alignment, success metrics, and why impact drives his portfolio decisions. 1:18:15 – Filmmaking & Crypto Castle Productions From dream to reality—producing films, lessons from Cannes to Netflix, and staying creatively fulfilled. 1:28:50 – Making Impact Tangible Stories of helping people directly, including funding food aid in Afghanistan and empowering entrepreneurs. 1:36:40 – Global Empathy, Conflict & Perspective Deep dive into Middle East politics, the need for empathy, and perspectives on conflict and identity. 1:45:35 – Legacy, Gratitude & What Matters Most Jeremy reflects on life satisfaction, fulfillment, and what he’s most grateful for if it all ended tomorrow. Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jg1578/ https://www.instagram.com/gonzogardner/ https://x.com/Disruptepreneur Mystic Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mystic-ventures/ https://venture.angellist.com/v/back/mystic-ventures-2 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 6/16/25
105: Bennie Fowler on NFL Transition, Leadership, and Finding Purpose After Football
SHOW NOTES: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Eu4LRqArAj4 Bennie Fowler is a Super Bowl-winning former NFL wide receiver turned leadership coach, speaker, and author. Drawing on his experience with elite teams and iconic quarterbacks, he now empowers individuals and organizations through mentorship, mindset training, and purpose-driven communication. Chapters: 0:58 - Intro 2:33 - What Motivates You? 7:07 - Where Did You Grow Up? 10:42 - Giving Back 16:00 - Collegiate Ball 21:53 - Peyton Manning's Last Career Pass 23:32 - Denver 26:12 - Sports Retirement 29:21 - Silver Spoon: The Imperfect Guide to Success 32:35 - Life After Retirement 37:06 - Entrepreneurship 39:04 - When Work Affected Change 40:24 - Mentors 44:12 - Staying Involved with the Broncos 47:26 - Most Grateful for 48:40 - Snap Your Fingers 51:23 - How to Support Bennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennie-fowler-iii-a43027173/ https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/silver-spoon-the-imperfect-guide-to-success_bennie-fowler/26139897/item/53977891/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=low_vol_backlist_standard_shopping_retention_17605068861&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=606977662558&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z22cnMpSd6JxaINLz3xMZpYNXt9ShwBCuoRKPRiL0Zzbmg1Fe9GUn8aAmBkEALw_wcB#idiq=53977891&edition=27636296 CapRock: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caprock-alignedwealth/ https://caprock.com/ Other resources: Broncos podcast - https://thednvr.com/broncos/podcast/page/2/ Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/8/25
101: Cortney Woodruff on democratizing world class education
Show notes: In this episode, Cortney and Jeffrey discuss his learnings in his grandparents grocery store as a kid, his dedication to academics, how he sometimes spent years opening up opportunities, building and growing a business that helped fitness trainers build thriving businesses, living all over the world, changing education, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qknWDZeSCDw Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/31/24 Cortney Woodruff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-woodruff-7182222b/ https://www.instagram.com/tvcort/ Assemble: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assembleftobegreat/ https://www.assemble.fyi/ https://www.instagram.com/assemble.fyi/ https://x.com/AssembleFYi Bio: Cortney Woodruff is the American tech investor, entrepreneur, and founder, CEO of Trainersvault as well as the Co-founder & CEO of the online education platform, Assemble. The international businessman and former Division 1 athlete integrates fitness, finance, tech, and entertainment to empower Black and brown youth through instruction. Woodruff’s mission merges worlds and creates opportunity by connecting Black thought leaders across industries to a broad learning community. The Jackson, Mississippi native has lived in over 10 cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia throughout a self-started career raising seed capital. Dedicated to normalizing success in the Black community, his work combines an expansive worldview with a thriving professional network. Woodruff lives in Los Angeles, California. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:36 - What motivates you? 4:35 - Early Life 9:01 - Success in Mississippi 11:59 - Education 17:10 - First Start Up 19:11 - Trainer's Vault 44:13 - Assemble 56:12 - How to Access Assemble 56:59 - How Does Assemble Recruit Experts? 59:54 - Future of Assemble 1:02:59 - Evolution of Education 1:09:16 - When Work Affected Change 1:12:39 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:16:30 - Snap Your Fingers 1:20:06 - How to Support
99: Bill Hughes on creating education-to-workforce models and removing barriers to jobs for those qualified but lacking degrees
Show notes: In this episode, Bill and Jeffrey discuss his unique path from Harlem through prestigious educational institutions, ultimately leading him to degrees at Harvard and MIT and working in software. After spending 9 years helping an education business with their digital transformation, he created JobReady, developing career-aligned course collections, enabling job seekers to follow pathways that lead to jobs and promotions. We discuss the company’s exit, how he found Education Design Lab, the lives changed along the way, and much more! Learn more: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/W2fW6ZpF_2o Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/10/24 Bill Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhughes316/ Education Design Lab: https://www.linkedin.com/company/education-design-lab/ https://eddesignlab.org/ https://www.instagram.com/educationdesignlab/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vgVHYOkJk6RIY6HJnyQBA Other resources: https://www.open4learning.com/ https://innovationlabs.harvard.edu/ https://www.edc.org/careers-edc?utm_source=edc&utm_medium=LN&utm_content=job&utm_campaign=smedcorg Bio: Software executive focused on new ventures, strategy, innovation, and product management. As CEO and Founder of JobReady, his goal is to deliver high-quality, affordable, relevant career pathways and credentials for the 21st century to a million job seekers and career shifters. JobReady is developing career-aligned course collections from the thousands of courses available, enabling job seekers to follow pathways that lead to jobs and promotions. Initial pathways will include cybersecurity, data science, project management, leadership, IT skills, business skills, and certification prep. Message Bill directly for more information about JobReady and how you can learn more. Expertise: Corporate strategy, business development, new ventures, win-win deals, software product management, new product development, venture capital, entrepreneurship, strategic consulting, project management, software development, financial analysis, analytical modeling, software patents. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:37 - New Majority Learner 4:51 - What Motivates You? 11:37 - Education 12:55 - Pearson 17:29 - Job Ready 21:59 - Education Design Lab 37:08 - Generative AI 49:54 - Why Can't We Get Re-Routed? 57:53 - EDL's Future 1:07:14 - When Work Affected Change 1:09:48 - Most Grateful for 1:12:53 - Snap Your Fingers 1:16:28 - How to Support
93: Steven Mosier on his upbringing, design, hockey, and his podcast
In this episode, Steven and Jeffrey discuss his hard-working upbringing in Michigan as a prolific art student, how he got into hockey, his move east in 2000, his hockey story, starting his podcast, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/iaqvClKaJ-k Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/30/24 Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smosier/ https://www.instagram.com/coach_steve94/ Cross Ice Pass & SYP: https://www.crossicepass.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CrossIcePassNYC https://podcasts.apple.com/hu/podcast/cross-ice-pass/id1702436506 https://open.spotify.com/show/0wUaK9BvEU5w1ozAz4xQH8?si=e5b27af44fd74aab&nd=1&dlsi=ed7329adbc1146a8 https://twitter.com/CrossIcePassNYC https://www.instagram.com/crossicepassnyc/ https://www.instagram.com/sypartners/# https://www.linkedin.com/company/sypartners/ https://www.sypartners.com/ Bio: I am a graphic designer that has worn many hats throughout my career as a director, senior, production specialist, and even a brand consultant, among other titles. The art industry has been a large part of my in-house and client focus until I found my current role at a renowned transformation consultancy as a “maker” Senior Studio Designer and Studio Manager of various experiences and printed matter for Fortune 500-based transformation work. As of May, I also manage our department in our New York office. Recently, I started a passion project to talk about my favorite activity that I coach, play, and enjoy. Hockey has been a big part of my life outside of design, and I have been looking for a platform to talk about all aspects of the sport. So I started a podcast called Cross Ice Pass. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 6:18 - S.Y. Partners 10:00 - Education 14:43 - Intro to Hockey 19:21 - Relationship with Hockey 23:42 - Experiencing 9/11 29:49 - Getting Involved in Local Hockey 38:46 - Cross Ice Pass 43:36 - When Hockey Changed Lives 47:33 - Mentor 49:30 - Most Grateful for 54:52 - Snap Your Fingers 57:01 - How to Support
91: Brian Abrams on AI for peace building and conflict resolution
In this episode, Brian and Jeffrey discuss his career path, the evolution of his world view, and approaching all things with curiosity. He shares poignant quotes and references that serve to frame his thought processes Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/C0OjL7cq-No Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/8/24 Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btabrams/ B Ventures Group: https://www.bventuresgroup.com/ Bio: Having managed over $1 billion in assets, seen nearly 10,000 startups, sat on over 15 boards of directors, and generated top-tier returns, I’ve learned that a human-centric approach to investment is not only the right way but also the best way. “Who?” and “Why?” are much more important questions than “What?” and “How?”. At its best, venture capital should be a financial means to a human end, not the other way around. Today I’m working to discover and connect with great human beings around the world in emerging regions such as Southeast Asia (e.g. Vietnam) and Central/Eastern Europe (e.g. Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria) as well as “hot spot” ecosystems (e.g. Tel Aviv, Berlin, Tallinn, Reykjavik, and many others). I also have a passion for peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and I’m exploring ways to apply the venture capital model toward a more peaceful world. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:20 - What Motivates You? 6:40 - Early Life 9:49 - Education 13:55 - Early Career 28:07 - Shift in Career 31:32 - B Ventures Group 38:31 - AI 43:55 - Peace and Conflict Resolution with AI 47:58 - Sourcing Deals 52:41 - Future of B Ventures Group 55:24 - When Work Affected Change 57:19 - Mentor 59:04 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:11:25 - Most Grateful for 1:13:06 - Snap Your Fingers 1:15:52 - How to Support
89: Kevin Lavelle on creating comfy shirts, building better baby monitors, and more.
In this episode Kevin and Jeff discuss his lead up to becoming an entrepreneur, including living in Dubai, his ultimately getting the itch to do his own thing, endless searches for perfect fabrics, the difficulty of getting good sleep as a parent, and so much more! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FSwf_RSbvhI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/2/24 Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlavelle https://kevinslavelle.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kevinslavelle/ https://twitter.com/kevinslavelle Harbor: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harborsleep/ https://harbor.co/ https://www.instagram.com/harborsleep https://www.facebook.com/HarborSleep/ https://twitter.com/harborsleep Other resources: https://www.mizzenandmain.com/ Bio: Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his role as the Founder and Chairman of Mizzen+Main, having invented the world’s first performance fabric dress shirt. With a successful growth round raised from L Catterton, partnerships with world-renowned athletes like Phil Mickelson and JJ Watt, and a background in omnichannel retail, Kevin is not only a dedicated entrepreneur but also a loving husband and father of two. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 11:00 - What Motivates You? 18:10 - Early Life 21:17 - Giving Back 23:17 - Early Career 32:53 - Mizzen + Main 48:27 - Stepping Down 58:29 - Stand Together 1:03:57 - Harbor 1:21:57 - Future of Harbor 1:27:54 - When Work Affected Change 1:31:06 - Most Grateful 1:34:56 - Snap Your Fingers 1:37:45 - How to Support
78: Braden Fineberg on making it easy to create and manage non-profits
In this episode, Braden and Jeffrey discuss Braden’s founding of Ribbon, a platform that makes it easier to start nonprofits while efficiently managing their complexities. They discuss his upbringing in Texas, his time at companies like Matterport and Tesla, his founding of Round Up, and how his mom’s diagnosis led him through a struggle-filled attempt to start a non-profit, ultimately culminating in Ribbon… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgwYsfh6o18 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/27/23 https://getribbon.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/getribbon/ https://www.facebook.com/ChooseRibbon Bio: 0:00 - Intro 3:39 - Education 9:07 - Early Career 25:29 - Engineers without Borders 27:09 - RoundUp 34:24 - IRS 39:16 - Ribbon 50:58 - Damar Hamlin Foundation 53:03 - Non vs For Profit 1:01:58 - Food Deserts 1:15:58 - When Work Affected Change 1:18:20 - Mentor 1:21:35 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:24:28 - Most Grateful for 1:27:17 - Snap Your Fingers 1:31:36 - How to Support
S7E10 (episode #70): Jason Mendelson on applying VC skills to Criminal Justice Reform
In this episode, Jeffrey sits down with Jason Mendelson, a recovering Venture Capitalist, attorney, CJR advocate, musician, producer, and all-around badass changemaker and entrepreneur. They discuss his upbringing, the injury that led him away from music for a time, becoming a venture capitalist, and more. He’s written and recorded his own album, played in various bands, and produced for stars like Aloe Blacc, Payge Turner, and many more and also founded CJR organization Breakthrough. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zrppDxI_5T0 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/24/23 Breakthrough: https://timetobreakthrough.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/timetobreakthrough/ Books: Venture Deals - https://a.co/d/38pCzmM How to Be a Lawyer - https://a.co/d/cCAQ2TQ Jace Allen music: https://jaceallen.com https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PbQjHVCUrghNLctvGturu https://jaceallen.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@jaceallen https://www.instagram.com/jaceallen_music/ https://www.facebook.com/jaceallenmusic https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jace-allen/1365882791 https://soundcloud.com/user-949081121 Gen3 Music: https://gen3band.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TPAYfqlShQs2XeMXHOil3?si=OolkMYJISuy14EUj2k0vJw https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gen3/1561047640 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhSEHtaWhSwVG3-MlenEIg Bio: Jason: I am a musician and work in the criminal justice reform ecosystem. I've written a best-selling book (Venture Deals) and will release my second book "How To Be a Lawyer" in Q2 2022. In my past, I have been a venture capitalist, startup co-founder, adjunct professor and part-time author in Boulder, CO. Previously, I was an attorney at a large tech Law firm and prior to that, a software engineer. I won't answer LinkedIn requests for anything pertaining to my tech-world background. If you want to chat about something in the criminal justice reform space or musical (and not music tech / startup), I'm all ears! Jace Allen Music Bio 0:00 - Intro 8:59 - Importance of Giving Back 11:01 - Education 12:56 - Early Music Career 15:29 - Injury 18:31 - Corporate Life 24:40 - Venture Capital 26:37 - Venture Deals, How to Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist 30:47 - Breakthrough 40:29 - Law Professor 41:14 - How to Be a Lawyer: The Path from Law School to Success 44:04 - SRS Aquium 47:20 - AI 53:11 - Jace Allen 55:08 - Good Noise Studios 1:00:47 - Gen3 1:02:42 - Art Creating Impact 1:08:15 - Stand Together Foundation 1:16:40 - When Work Affected Change 1:21:20 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:23:05 - Most Proud of 1:24:44 - Snap Your Fingers 1:25:54 - How to Support
S7E8 (68): Salen Churi, VC, on supporting innovation through policy change
In this episode, Jeff sits down with his friend Sal Churi, Founder and General Partner at Trust Ventures, a VC firm that helps portfolio companies navigate and change regulatory issues that are impeding their progress and their positive impact on society. They discuss Sal’s family history that includes surviving the holocaust and fighting in wars, his growing up in Ohio, and how he transitioned from a law professor to a policy-focused Venture Capitalist, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l7a5QrV8-YY Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/11/23 https://www.trustventures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustventures/ Bio: Salen is a leading expert on navigating the collision points of innovation and regulation. A former law professor at the University of Chicago and founder of its Innovation Clinic, he has advised startups on regulatory strategy across industries. Previously, Salen practiced law at the international law firms of Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin, and advised low-income entrepreneurs in overcoming barriers at the Institute for Justice. 0:00 - Intro 5:19 - Upbringing 13:35 - Early Career 29:56 - Trust Ventures 35:25 - Financial Success vs Policy Success 44:23 - Business as a Vehicle for Change 50:36 - Clean Energy and Affecting Policy Change 53:16 - Oklo Energy 58:46 - Antora Energy 1:02:27 - AI 1:06:22 - Future of Trust Ventures 1:07:57 - Mercatus Center 1:10:42 - When Work Effected Change 1:14:12 - Mentor 1:18:56 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:20:45 - Most Proud of 1:24:24 - Snap Your Fingers 1:26:03 - How to Support
S7E6 (episode #66): Daniel Emr on rescuing and restoring victims of human trafficking
In this episode, Dan and Jeffrey discuss Dan’s spending most of his teenage years in Ukraine, why he left a cushy engineering job to tackle human trafficking, whether legalizing and regulating sex work will help to alleviate the issue or not, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MqBP6BqW8hE Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 6/7/23 Dan’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-emr-29b06335/ Worthwhile Wear: https://worthwhilewear.org/ https://www.facebook.com/worthwhilewear/ https://www.instagram.com/worthwhilewear/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOEGKGe7AVpKX_qXaPFoidg https://www.linkedin.com/company/worthwhile-wear-inc./ Bio: Dan is an experienced Executive Director with a heart to provide hope and restoration to women affected by human trafficking both globally and in the US. Dan is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Business Planning, Entrepreneurship, Volunteer Management, and Public Speaking. He has a strong business development background and graduated from Clearwater Christian College. He is also fluent in Russian as he grew up in Ukraine as the son of missionaries. 0:00 - Intro 4:03 - Growing Up in Ukraine 11:10 - Education 12:12 - Early Career 23:56 - Worthwhile Wear 30:24 - Worth It 39:26 - The Well 50:24 - Revenue vs Donors 53:45 - Act Challenge 1:01:43 - When Work Affected Change 1:04:20 - Mentor 1:06:02 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:09:57 - Most Grateful 1:11:45 - Trafficking Stats 1:18:11 - Snap Your Fingers 1:20:10 - How to Support
S7E5 (65): Barb Clapp on jointly creating jobs and improving senior care
In this episode, Barb and Jeffrey discuss her career and entrepreneurial journeys, starting and growing Dwyer Workforce Development to improve senior care and provide job opportunities, including facilitating a $590 million business acquisition and conversion to non-profit, her passion for helping animals, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FdS-rz9okm0 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 6/6/23 Barb: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-clapp/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/barbclapp/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/barbclapp Dwyer Workforce Development: Website - https://dwyerworkforcedev.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dwyerworkforcedev/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dwyerworkforcedevelopment LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/dwyer-workforce-development/ Bio: Barb Clapp joined Dwyer Workforce Development as CEO in 2021. In her role, she leads non-profit program development, operations, strategic partnerships, marketing tactics and board development while leveraging past entrepreneurial and non-profit success to develop an immediate and sustainable market presence. A successful entrepreneur and national business leader, Clapp was the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an international communications company that she sold in 2019 with the goal of taking her expertise into the nonprofit world. Barb has received numerous awards for her leadership. Committed to give a voice to the voiceless, Barb shares the Dwyer family’s passion for building stronger communities through workforce development and improving senior care.
S7E4 (episode #64): Renée Rosillo on supporting founders from underserved communities
In this episode, Renée and Jeffrey discuss her growing up in Mexico City, Venture Capital, AI, Web3, the importance of propping up underserved founders, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yKCMLk2vj1Y Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/31/23 https://www.reneerosillo.com/ https://twitter.com/rerosillo https://www.instagram.com/0xrerosillo/ https://www.joinprism.xyz/ https://www.founderfamilia.com/ https://twitter.com/founderfamilia https://minervarobotics.com/ https://www.beondeck.com/ Bio in Renée’s words: I am an entrepreneur and a technical founder. I specialize in business, technology, art and culture. I live in San Francisco and work as an activist for underrepresented founders. I co-founded an api engine for open banking solutions in Latin America—an initiative that was widely adopted across the region. Previously, I worked at the UN managing global youth initiatives and was a delegate at international events. My collection of Latin American art is growing fast; I am building up my portfolio of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) from Latino artists.
S7E3 (episode #63): Lindsay Siegel on early stage impact investing, tackling racial wealth gap
In this episode, Lindsay and Jeffrey discuss her early career and how a few different leaps of faith had incredible impact on her career path and world view, her work with early-stage start-ups and helping them engrain impact and good values into their businesses, tackling the racial wealth gap, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3WoKZXWQzbw Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 5/3/23 https://www.lindsaymsiegel.com/ https://twitter.com/lindsaymsiegel https://www.companyventures.co/grand-central-tech Other resources: http://www.blacksheepinn.com/ Eco-lodge in Ecuador https://venturebeat.com/enterprise/how-vc-capital-can-create-a-better-more-equitable-future/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/letslevel/ https://www.levelleaders.com/ Bio: I am working towards systems change. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of social good, business and technology, notably as an executive coach to startup founders and leading the Zahn Innovation Center at The City College of New York (CUNY). At Company Ventures, I created our North Star program to support founders to codify their values and purpose, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and I run our workforce development efforts. Throughout my career I’ve worked across sectors - corporate, nonprofit, university, government. Early in my career, I managed The Black Sheep Inn, an ecolodge in rural Ecuador, learning the true impact of responsible business. I’ve earned an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BS from Northwestern, and I sit on the advisory boards of CUNY Tech Prep and the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership’s MPA program. Pronouns: she/her/hers
S6E9 (episode #59): Ibrahima Souare on empowering community entrepreneurs
S6E9 (episode #59): Ibrahima Souare on empowering community entrepreneurs In this episode, Ibrahima and Jeffrey discuss Ibrahima’s immigration at a young age from Guinea, Africa and navigating his new home, his educational and career journeys, how he helps small businesses, the incredible number of acronyms in the non-profit and government worlds, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qs_Dcfs8Gis Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/28/23 NYPACE: https://www.nypace.org/ https://www.instagram.com/nypacenews/ https://twitter.com/NYPACEnews https://www.facebook.com/NYPACE https://www.linkedin.com/company/2890448/ https://www.youtube.com/user/NYPACE Other resources: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2021/10/2021-new-york-city-40-under-40/185868/ Bio: Ibrahima Souare is the Executive Director of NYPACE. Previously, Ibrahima worked as a Senior Community Development Officer at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC NYC) where he was responsible for managing a portfolio of programs in economic development, affordable housing, health equity, and financial opportunity across the New York City local market. Ibrahima’s pillar accomplishment while with LISC NYC was the successful launch and management of a small business relief & recovery fund that awarded over $1.1 million in direct grants to 112 minority owned businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he successfully advocated for funding and managed a network of 16 community-based organizations across New York City to provide ongoing technical assistance and business development support to small, women, and BIPOC owned businesses. Prior to LISC NYC, Ibrahima had served as Assistant Director at LaGuardia Community College’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center, where he supported a number of small businesses to become responsible vendors for government agencies, and before that, he served as Business Development Associate working with MWBEs at New York State’s Chief Economic Development agency, Empire State Development, where he led statewide efforts to increase utilization of MWBEs on procurements opportunities. Within each of his capacities, Ibrahima has intentionally positioned himself to support the launch, growth, and sustainability of small businesses and entrepreneurs access resources. In 2021, City & State, a renowned multimedia news organization, recognized Ibrahima as one of its distinguished honorees for the NYC 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. Ibrahima holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lehman College, and a Master’s degree in public administration from CUNY Baruch College’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, where he was a National Urban Fellow. 40:18 - NYPACE
S6E6 (episode #56): Dr. Kortney Ziegler on transactivism, financial assistance software, and more…
In this episode, Dr. Ziegler and Jeffrey discuss Kortney’s growing up in Compton, his journey as a trans man, getting multiple degrees including the first Northwestern PhD in African American studies, being a software entrepreneur, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rDFVbNiMn-c Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 4/25/23 Kortney: http://kortneyrziegler.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kortney-ziegler-65885845/ Well-Money: https://well-money.com/ Ideas 42 Ventures: https://www.ideas42ventures.com/ Other resources: http://www.stillblackfilm.org/ https://www.transhack.org/ https://www.fastcompany.com/40517779/now-you-can-help-bail-people-out-of-jail-every-time-you-buy-something https://www.diablomag.com/people-style/people/40-under-40/article_752da883-d569-575d-a6d3-bdb46f615da9.html Bio: Meet Kortney Ziegler, PhD, a serial entrepreneur who develops simple tech solutions that increase financial and social prosperity for users. Before WellMoney, Kortney co-founded a crowdfunding platform – Appolition – that raised over $1 million to pay bail for people who couldn’t afford it. It was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by FastCompany. In following this success and with the support and investment from the ideas42 Ventures Studio, Kortney launched WellMoney to provide communal financial support for those who need it. “I’m passionate about using simple but proven technologies for social good.“
S6E3 (episode #53): Jason Radisson on unicorns and making jobs more people-focused
In this episode, Jason and Jeffrey discuss Jason’s journey from a tough, rural upbringing to being a seasoned entrepreneur, serial unicorn breeder, and making jobs more accessible and people-focused. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SmiFu0xp3FE Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 3/15/23 Jason: Twitter - https://twitter.com/jasonradisson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jradisson/ Kitcaster - https://kitcaster.com/jason-radisson/ Shift One: Website - https://www.shiftone.net/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shift1app/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sh1ft1/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shift1app/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/sh1ftapp Jason learned startup skills early in life. He was born to a 16-year old single mom, and worked blue-collar jobs from short order cook to HVAC technician to fund school and climb out of poverty. From that inauspicious start, he went on to Harvard, a Fulbright Scholarship, and McKinsey & Company. Since becoming an entrepreneur, Jason has worked with more than a dozen first tier VCs, firms like Softbank, Accel, DST, Andreessen Horowitz, Monashees, and Sequoia. Together he and his teams have built and scaled multiple tech unicorns, platforms that today provide work and improved living standards to millions of workers, from Bogota to Boston. His latest venture is Shift One, where he is Founder & CEO, is a platform that is helping solve the global shortage of skilled front line workers, with more than 300,000 users from nurses to solar technicians.
S5E10 (episode #50): Meredith Olson on transforming education through entrepreneurs
In this episode, Meredith and Jeffrey discuss how she went from being an off-shore oil and gas engineer to eventually becoming entrenched in the education space and making it more effective, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Recording date: 3/1/23 Meredith: https://twitter.com/mereolson VELA: https://www.Velafund.org https://www.instagram.com/velaedfund/ https://www.facebook.com/VelaEdFund https://twitter.com/VelaEdFund https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCEts4U-PzzulEsSpuC9dA Bio: Meredith leads VELA Education Fund, where she is determined to serve brave, creative people who are boldly reimagining education in their communities and beyond. Meredith is inspired by everyday entrepreneurs who are willing to let go, listen, and learn from children as they discover their magic spark. Meredith and her husband are raising their family of four children in Wichita, Kansas.
S5E8 (episode 48): Andre McGregor on activating safety data to improve communities
In this episode, Andre and Jeffrey discuss how ForceMetrics is activating public safety data to better serve our communities, being the son of Jamaican immigrants, his journey to the IVY league, FBI, and beyond, including time as an EMT and Firefighter. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pvcezujteG0 Learn more: Recording date: 1/27/23 Andre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andremcgregor/ ForceMetrics: https://www.forcemetrics.ai/ Other resources: https://elkkids.org/ Mr Robot Season 2 (“Andre” character in S2 eps 2 and 8): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B01H4KWUEC/ref=atv_dp_season_select_s2 FBI Cyber Special Agent turned tech entrepreneur in data analytics. Over the last decade, I have developed, managed, and secured diverse enterprise network and computer systems and led several large-scale, complex, and high profile FBI cyber cases as a certified NSA Blue Team cyber responder having started it all at Brown University. Oh, and I was technical consultant for the TV show Mr. Robot.
S5E7 (47): Lydiah Kemunto Bosire on the importance of African youth to our future
Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case In this episode, Lydiah and Jeffrey discuss Lydiah’s journey through her life and career, starting 8B, and why this cause is so important to the future of our world. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dH-JA4F4xrk Learn more: Recording date: 2/6/23 Lydiah: https://www.instagram.com/drlydiahkbosire/ https://twitter.com/drlydiahkbosire/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlydiahkemuntobosire/ 8b: https://www.8b.africa/ https://www.instagram.com/8beducation/ https://twitter.com/8B_AfricaEdu https://www.facebook.com/8BEducationInvestments/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/8b-education-investment-fund/ Other resources: International Student Places of Origin - https://opendoorsdata.org/data/international-students/all-places-of-origin/ ‘Youth Bulge’ Can Promote Security And Prosperity In Africa - https://adf-magazine.com/2022/08/experts-say-youth-bulge-can-promote-security-and-prosperity-in-africa/ Job creation for youth in Africa - https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2019/12/16/job-creation-for-youth-in-africa-assessing-the-employment-intensity-of-industries-without-smokestacks/ Bio: Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire is the Founder and CEO of 8B Education Investments, a VC-backed technology company with a mission to enable African brilliance to have a global impact. 8B has built the first end-to-end platform that enables African students to identify best-fit global universities and level up their applications, access affordable financing, and connect with career support for job placement, thereby providing colleges, universities and employers access to the world’s fastest-growing talent pool. 8B was recently featured on CNN International announcing Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter joining the Board. 8B also made a commitment at the 2022 Clinton Global Initiative for a $30m partnership with Nelnet Bank, a subsidiary of publicly-traded Nelnet, Inc., in a first lending partnership of its kind with a US bank. Born and raised in Kenya, Lydiah brings personal experience to the field of innovative finance, along with two decades of working on issues of international politics, development, and human rights, including at the United Nations, the World Bank, and leading global NGOs. Lydiah completed a doctorate in politics at the University of Oxford. She holds additional degrees from Cornell University.
S4E5 (episode 35): Eli Dourado on increasing innovation and economic growth
In this episode, Eli and Jeffrey discuss Eli’s life and career journey, and his massive efforts and impact in internet, energy, and aerospace policies, among other sectors. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Eli: Website - https://elidourado.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/elidourado The CGO: Website - https://www.thecgo.org/ Donate! - https://www.thecgo.org/donate/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/centerforgrowthandopportunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/cgousu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_0YjJx74BtrGylUp9PXEw LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-growth-and-opportunity-at-utah-state-university/ Medium - https://medium.com/@cgousu Eli Dourado is a senior research fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University. His work focuses on identifying and eliminating the barriers to the hard technology innovations needed to drive large increases in economic growth. He has worked on a wide range of technology policy issues, including aviation, space, geothermal energy, and cryptocurrency. His popular writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Foreign Policy, among other outlets. Prior to joining the CGO, Eli was the first policy hire at a supersonic aviation startup. Before that, he was a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and director of its technology policy program. He received a PhD in economics from George Mason University and a BA in economics and political science from Furman University.
S4E3 (episode 33): Harley Blakeman on creating job opportunities for fellow people with convictions
In this episode, Harley and Jeffrey discuss Harley becoming homeless as a teenager, turning to drugs, spending over a year in prison, and his journey through education and founding a company that helps people with convictions find jobs. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Honest Jobs Website Twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin Harley’s Instagram Twitter Book - Grit: How to Get a Job and Build a Career with a Criminal Record Harley Blakeman is the Founder and CEO of Honest Jobs, Inc., the nation’s largest fair-chance employment platform. Formerly incarcerated himself, Harley knows how hard it is to get a job when you have a felony, as 19 million Americans do. He collaborates with partners across the private, public, and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of helping people with criminal records have ample opportunity to thrive at work, at home, and in their communities.
S2E8 (episode 18): Tabreez Verjee on mission driven tech
In this episode, Tabreez and Jeffrey discuss mission driven tech, the entrepreneurial journey, how people interact with money, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Tabreez Instagram, Twitter Devoted Health Long-Term Stock Echange (LTSE) Kiva.org Watsi.org Tabreez: Greetings everyone! I’m ethnically Indian with a family from east Africa and a Persian name. I grew up first in Brazil and then moved around various cities in the Midwest before settling in the San Francisco bay area before college at Berkeley. I’ve always seen money and business as energy to create and serve a future where all beings can thrive and be fulfilled. I love having the backs of amazing humans who are master artisans and builders of this kind of future. In the last decade, I’ve become increasingly fascinated with the relationship between our inner world and what we manifest in the world around us. Amongst many identities, I am also a three-time entrepreneur and technology start-up investor. We co-founded Uprising to invest in and radically support gifted technology entrepreneurs who see their companies as vehicles to serve the whole. I’m particularly drawn to heart centered, embodied teams with “goosebumpy” missions that not only address big problems and the systems that created them, but who also understand the significance of simultaneously transmuting the stories, culture, and consciousness from which those systems arise. Some of the many real life superheroes we have backed include the teams behind Devoted Health, Long Term Stock Exchange (LTSE), Lyft, Calm, Braintrust, ClassDojo, Virta Health, Good Eggs, Landit, SV Academy, and Change.org.I was also lucky to be a founding board member and funder at Kiva.org where I served for 11 years. The Uprising Crew has also helped catalyze a number of other initiatives including breakthrough treatments for Autism and Type I Diabetes, the Palo Alto Longevity Prize, and funding for several ground breaking non-profits like Watsi.org and CareMessage.
S2E7 (episode 17): Patrick Bryant on entrepreneurs giving back to the community
In this episode, Patrick and Jeffrey discuss Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey, giving back to the community and to entrepreneurs, diving with sharks, and more… Learn more: Patrick Website, Instagram, Twitter Code+Trust Shine Papers GoToTeam Teamphoria Event.Gives The Harbor Entrepreneur Center Patrick Bryant is a co-founder of Code/+/Trust software development firm in Charleston, SC. After co-founding his first company, Go To Team (broadcast video services) and taking it to 20 offices around the US 25 years ago, his bio is then a steady stream of starting new companies in media, rolling papers, and software. As a serial entrepreneur, he continues to start and invest in new startups including, Teamphoria (human resource engagement software), Event.Gives (fundraising event software), ADesk (crew production directory software) & Shine Rolling Papers. Bryant feels strongly about making Charleston and South Carolina a better place to work as an Entrepreneur. He serves as a Trustee of Trident Tech, on the SC Department of Workforce & Employment Workforce Review Committee, chairs the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, and was previously Chairman of Palmetto Goodwill and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. He’s recognized as a Liberty Fellow by Wofford College, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and as a Riley Fellow granted by Furman University. Bryant resides in Isle of Palms, SC with his two sons Pate and Jack. Bryant loves the start-up process… that moment when you create something innovative that can scale… when you see that clear vision of how to get a unique product or service to everyone on the planet. And then build a company around it with talented creative people. After years as a serial entrepreneur, he founded the Harbor Entrepreneur Center to provide a place to help others launch companies and create collision among the other entrepreneurs in the region. The keys to his entrepreneurial success are now the founding principles taught to start-up founders in the Harbor Accelerator, a 14 week program offered to 16 companies a year in Charleston, SC. Each company selected receives free space, mentor-ship, access to investors, and free services like marketing, law, and accounting. His first principal is to think of start-ups as movie scripts with a specific timeline for growing each company and a clear plan to exit. Second, selecting the start-up idea is a clear formula involving scale, innovation, and ability to execute. Scale defines any business idea on a spectrum based on ease of ability to sell it to people multiple times, in multiple areas of the world, and with a small cost of expansion. Innovation comes through deploying new ideas that can be hopefully protected through trade secrets or intellectual property. Ability to execute is the understanding that the members of any team have unique skills suited to the enterprise including network contacts and skill sets. In his current companies Bryant has used all these values to ensure success.
S2E5 (episode 15): Sihyun Choi on investing with an ecosystem view toward impact
Learn more: Stand Together Stand Together Foundation Stand Together Ventures Lab Sihyun LinkedIn In this episode, Sihyun and Jeffrey discuss the state of impact and how to measure it, the role of innovation across for and not-for profits, and so much more. Sihyun Choi leads two groups within Stand Together: (1) Stand Together Ventures Lab (STVL), the early-stage venture investment arm of the Stand Together Community that seeks out disruptive ideas in the market to drive exponential transformations in society and advance its mission; and (2) Stand Together Foundation (STF) to invest in leading social entrepreneurs working in local communities to break cycles of poverty. Sihyun joins Stand Together Ventures Lab after 12 years of client service, most recently with Oliver Wyman, a leading international management consulting firm, and the Advisory Board Company. He has advised executives on their corporate strategy and new business ventures across the public sector, defense, commercial aerospace, national logistics, and healthcare sectors. Sihyun graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Commerce.
