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:

• Gil’s Career Journey – From software engineer to co-founding Merge
• Overcoming Technical Challenges – Unexpected hurdles and how the team solved them
• Strategic Integrations – How Merge prioritizes new software categories
• Unlocking Business Capabilities – The power of accessing customer data through Merge
• Hiring for Success – The key qualities Merge looks for in technical roles
• The In-Person Work Model – Pros and cons of operating without remote work
• Balancing Growth & Financial Prudence – How Merge manages spending while scaling
• Future Challenges & Opportunities – What’s next for Merge and how they’re preparing
• Lessons in Leadership – Gil’s biggest takeaways since founding Merge

Bonus Questions:

• How does Merge foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement?
• What new markets or sectors is Merge considering for expansion?
• How does Merge ensure data privacy and security?
• What KPIs are most critical to Merge’s success?
• What’s the most unexpected way a customer has used Merge’s platform?

Where to Learn More: For more on Merge and their latest updates, visit Merge.dev or connect with Gil Feig on LinkedIn.

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.

• Vanessa’s career journey: From tech product management to venture capital.
• Lessons learned from her time at Microsoft, Box, and other leading companies.
• How to spot and capitalize on transformative insights in business.
• The critical role of a strong CEO in company success and investment decisions.
• The importance of data, analytics, and metrics in decision-making.
• Balancing risk-taking with calculated strategy in your career.
• Building and maintaining a network outside the VC world.
• Lessons from failure and advice for those navigating similar challenges.

• What led you to pursue a career in venture capital after working in product management?
• How do you evaluate leadership when considering an investment?
• Can you share a time when you took a significant career risk and how it paid off?
• How do you maintain work-life balance in a high-pressure role?
• What advice would you give to those looking to build a career in VC or entrepreneurship?

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.

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.

• LinkedIn: Vanessa Larco on Vanessa Larco | LinkedIn
• Learn more about NEA: http://www.nea.com

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:

• BSEE from Michigan Technological University (1965)
• MSEE from Northeastern University (1969)
• Early career at Raytheon and Honeywell, focusing on computer design and communications systems
• Joined Intel in 1974, eventually becoming the General Manager of the Microcomputer Components Division
• Led Intel's transition towards a marketing-driven approach, launching the “Intel Inside” campaign
• Grew Intel's microprocessor division from $40 million to $4 billion annually
• Served as President and CEO of Bay Systems and later CEO of startup Allegro
• Current Chairman of the House Family Foundation and Chair of the Board at the Computer History Museum
• Developed a theory related to Moore’s Law, identifying an 18-month period for the doubling of transistor capacity on integrated circuits

Interview Topics:

1. Leadership
2. Decision Making
3. Managing for Results
4. Conflict Resolution
5. Meetings

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:

1. Introduction:

• Dave, it's a pleasure to have an industry legend like yourself here. To get us started, could you give our audience a quick 30-second overview of your impressive career?

• During those early years, who were some of your mentors, and how did they shape your path?

• Can we talk about some of the lessons learned? For starters, should a manager focus on managing people or outcomes? And how can they best achieve the desired results?

• Can you elaborate on what you mean by overspecifying results?

• You've talked about the importance of socializing the decision-making process. Can you explain what that means and why it's beneficial?

• You've advocated for a more constructive approach to confrontation in business meetings. Can you share why and suggest alternative strategies for addressing disagreements?

• For aspiring leaders, what do you see as the two most critical roles of a CEO?

• Looking back, which career choices are you most proud of, and what life lessons can our audience glean from those experiences?

.

Key resources referenced: - The book "High Output Management."

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.

• Book Insights: What's changed since his first book, and who his latest editions aim to help.
• Evaluating Private Equity: Tips on assessing private equity groups, especially new firms without established ratings.
• Platform vs. Add-on: Differences, and what companies should strive to become.
• Target on the Back: Explanation of what it means for platforms in the market.
• Evaluating Offers: Balancing higher numbers with potential risks.
• Pooled Investments: Potential issues and pitfalls.
• Old Gomer: Insights into this character mentioned in his book.
• Competent Counsel: Importance during negotiations.

• LinkedIn: 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:

• What exactly is a family office and what are the different types of family offices?
• What is the typical profile of a family that might consider establishing a family office, and how has the family office landscape evolved in recent years?
• What are some of the emerging trends in the family office space, such as direct investing and co-investments?
• How does a family office typically structure its investment strategy?
• Why might a startup seek investment from a family office?
• How important are warm introductions when approaching a family office, and how can startups cultivate those?
• What are the key differences between getting funding from a family office versus a traditional venture capital firm?
• Do venture capital firms like to work with family offices?
• How can startups effectively connect with and pitch to family offices?
• What are some common mistakes startups make when approaching family offices?

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:

• Connect with David Hamilton Nichols on 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:

• Brian's background and how it shaped the lessons in his book: Get insights into the experiences that influenced Brian's approach to business and the advice he shares.
• Delegation and its role in business growth: Understand why delegation is essential, even if it can be challenging, and how to effectively delegate management and tasks.
• Hiring the right people, especially the COO: Learn the importance of strategic hiring and the qualities to look for in a COO.
• Key lessons for scaling a business: Discover strategies to navigate the complexities of scaling a business and ensure sustainable growth.
• Avoiding burnout during business growth: Get practical tips on how entrepreneurs can maintain their well-being while scaling their businesses.
• Personal story illustrating a significant business lesson: Hear a relatable story from Brian's book that highlights a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs.
• Preparing a business for an exit: Learn the key steps to take to ensure a successful exit when the time is right.
• Impact of writing the book on Brian's views on entrepreneurship: Explore how the process of writing the book has shaped Brian's perspective on entrepreneurship.
• Notable reader feedback: Hear about any feedback from readers that particularly resonated with Brian.
• Where to find Brian's book and follow his work: Provide links and information on how listeners can connect with Brian and access his book.
• Final words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs: Share Brian's parting advice for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Connect with Brian:

• Website: Home New - Brian Will Media
• LinkedIn: Brian Will | LinkedIn Brian Will | LinkedIn

Additional Notes:

• Reference to the first interview: Encourage listeners to check out the previous interview with Brian for more context.

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:

• Marsha's Journey: Marsha will share her career path, including her role in building multi-billion dollar corporations and establishing a successful venture capital firm in Africa.
• Global Perspective vs. Afro-optimism: Explore the difference between these perspectives and their influence on African funding and development.
• Hurdles to African Funding: Discuss the primary challenges hindering funding in Africa and potential solutions to address them.
• Value Destruction in Africa: Understand the concept of value destruction and its specific manifestations within the African context.
• Ecosystem Construction for Progress: Identify the key factors that drive progression through ecosystem construction in Africa.
• Government and Charitable Reliance: Analyze whether increased reliance on government and charitable support is the solution to funding challenges or if alternative approaches are more effective.
• The White Savior Complex: Define the concept of a white savior and discuss its implications for development efforts in Africa.
• French-Speaking Africa's Lag: Explore why this region lags behind others in terms of development and funding opportunities.
• Angel Investing in Cote d'Ivoire: Provide guidance for individuals interested in angel investing in countries like Cote d'Ivoire.
• Startups in French-Speaking Africa: Discuss notable startups and the factors influencing their success or challenges.
• Emerging Trends and Sectors: Highlight promising investment and growth opportunities within African economies.
• Secondaries Market in Africa: Explain the existence and functioning of a secondaries market in Africa.
• Afro Hubs and Afrilabs: Understand the roles of these organizations in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
• Learning More: Provide resources and advice for those interested in further exploring African funding and ecosystem development.

Call to Action:

• Connect with Marsha Wulff on LinkedIn: 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/