Not Another CEO Podcast

THE FIRST EPISODE OF INVESTORS UNFILTERED!What do venture capitalists really look for in founders, and how can CEOs build strong, lasting relationships with their investors? In this episode, Chip Hazard, Co-Founder and General Partner at Flybridge, offers an inside look at how VCs think about evaluating founders, funding opportunities, and long-term partnerships. He shares the traits that consistently stand out and explains how these factors matter as much as business metrics, especially in the early stages.Chip also unpacks the evolution of fundraising, from vision-driven early rounds to later stages where metrics and revenue quality become critical. He reflects on the dynamics of board relationships, the importance of clear alignment on strategy, and why constructive feedback and ongoing communication are vital to scaling effectively. Takeaways:Ambition is Key: Chip emphasizes the importance of passion and ambition in founders. He's looking for those with domain expertise and unconventional thinking.Alignment on Strategy: For founders, aligning on strategy with investors is crucial. Chip notes that understanding an investor’s vision for the company can prevent conflicts and foster a positive partnership.Ongoing Communication: Chip discusses the importance of consistent communication between founders and investors, particularly in the early stages. Regular check-ins on strategy, challenges, and progress help maintain alignment and support.Insightful Board Interactions: The role of a board is to offer perspective and support strategic decision-making. Chip highlights that effective board meetings should align on strategy and not create unnecessary work for the company.Balancing Metrics and Vision: As companies evolve from pre-seed to later stages, the focus shifts from purely vision and team to include metrics and financial performance.The Value of Constructive Feedback: Constructive, honest feedback is essential. Chip stresses that a good VC relationship involves recognizing challenges, offering guidance, and maintaining trust without dictating to the founder.Quote of the Show:“ Startups win on speed. They don’t have anything else other than the ability to execute fast." - Chip HazardLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiphazard/ Website: https://www.flybridge.com/ Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #FlybridgeChapters:00:00 Intro02:11 The Key Traits of Successful Founders04:09 Assessing Founders Beyond the Pitch06:04 Stages of Investment and What VCs Look For15:36 Working with Founders Post-Investment22:08 The Importance of External Perspectives25:52 Challenges in Board Dynamics30:37 Aligning with Venture Capitalists37:55 Geographical Differences in Startups40:13 Reflections and Regrets in Venture Capital43:18 The Passion for Investing45:47 Outro

What does it take to reinvent an entire industry that’s been rooted in tradition for decades? In this episode, Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, shares his journey from corporate consulting to transforming the floral business.Michael explains how he grew a single 3,000-square-foot location into a $9 million operation by modernizing systems, cutting inefficiencies from the supply chain, and infusing emotion into every part of the customer experience. He also reflects on the challenges of scaling in a traditional industry, the decision to franchise, and the importance of mentorship, high standards, and culture in building a business that lasts. Takeaways:Develop a Strong Brand Identity: A major part of Jacobson’s strategy was creating branding that emphasizes emotional connection, redefining flowers as essential expressions of love rather than luxury items. Listen to Your Employees: Before anything else, Jacobson prioritized understanding the needs of the staff already working in the flower shop. Their insights provided critical low-hanging fruit, such as switching outdated and costly phone systems, which paved the way for larger innovations.Direct-to-Source Supply Chain: By eliminating unnecessary intermediaries in the supply chain, French Florist improved both the quality and cost-efficiency of their products. Direct relationships with flower farms allowed the business to offer fresher flowers with longer shelf life at competitive prices.Prioritize Customer Experience: French Florist’s focus on exceeding customer expectations through personalized service has been crucial. They constantly seek ways to enhance customer satisfaction, such as offering unique video card messages to accompany floral deliveries.Strategic Hiring and Internal Culture: Hiring talented individuals who align with the company’s values and culture has been a priority. Jacobson emphasizes unconventional and thoughtful interview processes to ensure new hires share the company’s vision and drive.Quote of the Show:“ If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it is one of my least favorite sayings. If there’s a better way, I want to find it." - Michael JacobsonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrichardjacobson/ Website: https://www.frenchflorist.com/ Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #FrenchFloristChapters:00:00 Intro01:38 Transformative Leadership and Infusing Emotion03:22 Building a Culture of Love and Excellence08:25 Hiring for Values and Unconventional Interviews14:51 The Origin Story of French Florist19:19 Initial Challenges and Early Improvements24:36 Revolutionizing the Floral Industry with Technology31:43 Revenue Growth and Optimization33:15 Supply Chain Innovations35:15 Direct Importing from Farms37:36 Challenges in the Floral Industry40:28 Franchising and Expansion48:18 Personal Reflections and Motivation1:01:01 Outro

How can CEOs stay adaptable while leading through pivots, growth, and constant change? In this episode, Scott Voigt, Founder and CEO of Fullstory, shares his journey from a failed first product to creating the leading digital analytics platform used by thousands of companies worldwide. Scott dives into the tough realities of leadership, from making difficult people decisions to evolving as a CEO as the company scales. He opens up about the power of storytelling in fundraising and leadership, the importance of mental well-being, and the lessons he’s learned from being an early builder in Atlanta’s thriving tech ecosystem. Takeaways:The Power of Storytelling: Scott Voigt emphasizes the significance of storytelling in his role as CEO. It's not just about what you say but how you say it. Through effective storytelling, he energizes and aligns his team, creating a shared vision and purpose.Hiring and Building a Strong Team: Voigt discusses the challenges of hiring and the importance of finding the right fit. He stresses the necessity of moving people out quickly if they are not a good fit, even though it can be difficult.Navigating Investor Relations: Scott’s journey of securing funding for Fullstory involved both challenges and triumphs. He shares the importance of being strategic and deliberate in choosing investors and board members.The Journey of Fullstory's Market Fit: Voigt candidly reflects on the evolution of Fullstory's product-market fit. Initially, as the team worked on a different product, they faced numerous rejections. However, the pivot to Fullstory's current offering brought about an immediate and undeniable product-market fit.Overcoming Internal Challenges: Discussing exits, Voigt argues that the company's mission should transcend any individual's role, ensuring continued alignment and progress regardless of internal changes.Quote of the Show:“When your spidey sense tells you something isn’t working with a person, make the change fast. It only gets harder the longer you wait." - Scott VoigtLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmvoigt/ Website: https://www.fullstory.com/ Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #FullstoryChapters:00:00 Intro01:36 The Biggest Impactful Decision at Fullstory03:35 The Challenges and Lessons of Letting People Go08:38 Hiring Philosophy and Interview Techniques18:56 The Importance of Storytelling as a CEO24:54 Fundraising Journey and Product Pivot33:38 Reflecting on the Early Struggles37:14 The Importance of Team Chemistry43:28 Navigating the Atlanta Tech Scene48:20 Biggest Challenges and Lessons Learned51:01 Future Vision for Fullstory57:15 Personal Reflections and Advice01:07:53 Outro

How do you scale a global company while transforming an industry as traditional as law?In this episode, Max Junestrand, Co-Founder and CEO of Legora, shares how he’s building the world’s first truly collaborative AI platform for legal services.Max reflects on his unconventional path from engineer to entrepreneur, what it took to win over law firms as an outsider, and why ambition and adaptability matter more than experience in fast-scaling environments. He also opens up about navigating hypergrowth, hiring with intention, and the cultural values that drive Legora’s mission to reshape how legal work gets done. Takeaways:Pioneering Global Expansion: Max's approach to expansion defies conventional paths. Instead of focusing solely on local markets like many Swedish companies, Max boldly decided to expand globally. The Power of Collaboration: Max stresses the importance of a shared mission between stakeholders and service providers, focusing on delivering unparalleled value and continuous improvement in legal services. Hiring and Culture Building: Max places a strong emphasis on ambition and cultural fit when hiring, believing these attributes are crucial for scaling a company. He maintains personal involvement in the interview process to ensure new hires align with the company’s high standards and growth trajectory.Learning and Growing from the YC Experience: Max’s experience with Y Combinator (YC) was transformative. Despite the complexities of maintaining operations during this period, the experience underscored the importance of mentorship and networking.Pushing the Envelope: Max underscores the importance of maintaining a proactive stance in innovation. By consistently exploring new pathways and pushing boundaries, he ensures the company remains at the forefront of technological advancements.Quote of the Show:“ There's a real value in actually being the second mover, and the value comes from two things... You get to see what is the right path and what is the wrong path." - Max JunestrandLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxjunestrand/ Website: https://legora.com/ Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #LegoraChapters:00:00 Intro01:41 Founding and Early Challenges02:42 Sales Strategy and Growth06:40 Building a Strong Team13:55 Global Expansion29:43 Expanding Beyond Local Markets31:13 Challenges of Going Global33:40 Product Development and Iteration37:08 Competing with Industry Giants42:43 YC Experience and Early Challenges49:52 Personal Background and Motivation1:00:48 Outro

Ever wondered what to consider when hiring your first key employees beyond the founding team? Or what are the secrets to successful fundraising for startups? In this solo episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, David shares his insights from CEO gatherings, trends he’s noticed in the community, and a recent family trip that emphasizes the importance of origin stories.Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #AugustCEOPulseChapters:00:00 Intro02:55 Hiring Your Founding EA13:08 Fundraising Isn’t Fair18:55 The Importance of Origin Stories23:55 Outro

What does it take to build and scale a company while staying grounded in your values? In this episode, Flint Lane reflects on his journey founding and growing Billtrust and coming out of retirement to start Major League Table Tennis. He shares lessons on resilience, leadership, and the balance between personal integrity and business success. Flint also discusses the challenges of navigating growth, what he has learned about himself along the way, and the importance of staying true to purpose even in difficult times. Takeaways:Scaling Begins with Small Wins: Flint emphasizes the importance of "stacking wins" in business, where each small victory propels you forward. He believes the key to success lies in maintaining momentum and making rapid, intelligent decisions.The Role of Mission and Values: For Flint, defining mission and values within a company is crucial for guiding decision-making processes. These elements serve as the company's moral compass, helping employees make decisions aligned with the organization's goals.Navigating Executive Leadership: Flint shares insights into the dynamics of leadership and succession planning. He describes the challenging process of evolving leadership roles to meet the company's growing demands.Overcoming Cybersecurity Challenges: Flint recounts a severe malware attack that tested the company's resilience. He stresses the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures and learning from such incidents to better protect critical business assets.The Power of Transparency: Flint argues for fostering trust and collaboration within the organization. By openly communicating challenges and strategies with his team, Flint was able to cultivate an environment of honesty and collective problem-solving.The Entrepreneurial Lifecycle: Flint illustrates the different stages of a company's growth, each with unique challenges and opportunities. From startup to public company, the journey requires adaptation and learning.Transitioning from Software to Sports: After two decades at Billtrust, Flint embarked on a new venture with Major League Table Tennis, driven by his passion for the sport.Quote of the Show:“Any business is a combination of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of decisions, millions of small, little victories." - Flint LaneLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flintlane/Website: https://www.mltt.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #MajorLeagueTableTennisChapters:00:00 Intro01:23 Flint Lane's New Venture: Major League Table Tennis01:56 The Importance of Stacking Wins04:06 Effective Communication and Decision Making06:30 The Role of Transparency in Leadership14:51 Hiring the Right People21:06 The Evolution of Executive Teams27:17 The Importance of a Strong Board31:53 Navigating the Startup Journey33:19 The Decision to Go Public36:34 The Acquisition Process39:06 Cybersecurity Crisis43:54 Transition to Major League Table Tennis49:33 Reflections on Entrepreneurship56:46 Final Thoughts and Advice57:48 Outro

How does an aspiring product leader transition to the helm of a successful tech company? In this episode, Nick Patrick shares his unique perspective on leadership and growth in the tech industry.Nick discusses critical insights on how Radar's unique product strategy, company culture, and operational practices have driven their success. Takeaways:Multi-Product Strategy Innovation: Nick emphasized Radar's growth through expanding their product offerings rather than focusing on a singular solution. By catering to diverse customer requests, Radar transitioned from a geo-fencing platform to a comprehensive location service provider.Customer-Centric Approach: Nick underlined the importance of being customer-driven in product development. Radar has prioritized building what customers request, as long as it aligns with their overall vision.Modernizing Company Culture: Radar has seen increased cohesion and morale by embracing a focused mission and maintaining a workplace culture that emphasizes teamwork over rigid organizational roles.Leadership through Uncertainty: Leading through the pandemic, Radar faced significant challenges with clients from the travel and retail sectors. The company pivoted by redefining its strategy, focusing on delivering multiple product solutions, strengthening its market position.The Shift from Remote Work Culture: While embracing remote work during the pandemic, Nick advocated for in-person collaboration as a competitive advantage. By returning to office-based work, Radar has fostered a more cohesive culture and quicker iteration of ideas.Strategic Fundraising Tips: Nick shared valuable insights into securing investment, noting the importance of creating urgency during fundraising and finding investors who truly “get” the company's vision.Quote of the Show:“Either people happen to Radar or Radar happens to them… you wanna hire people like they happen to Radar." - Nick PatrickLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaspatrick/ Website: https://radar.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #RadarChapters:00:00 Intro01:12 The Impact of Multi-Product Strategy03:16 Challenges and Management of Multi-Product Approach07:43 Product Involvement and Team Structure12:30 Customer-Centric Engineering14:42 In-Person Collaboration and Office Culture19:52 Founding Radar and Early Challenges28:36 Fundraising Journey and Investor Relations34:55 Navigating Business Through Uncertain Times35:47 Adapting to Market Changes and Setting Expectations38:20 Cultural Shifts and Social Issues41:21 Future Vision for Radar43:24 Personal Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit47:38 Balancing Work and Family Life51:03 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs54:25 Outro

What happens when you jump from a career in finance to tackling the beauty industry? In this episode, Natalie Mackey shares her reflections on building Winky Lux, from bootstrapping to private equity. She opens up about the importance of core values, the challenges of fundraising as a female founder, and the lessons she learned navigating through different growth stages. Takeaways:Importance of Core Values: Natalie emphasizes the transformative impact of clearly defined core values in the evolution of Winky Lux. The company started with general ideals, but crystallizing specific values became vital as the company scaled.Consumer-Centric Approach: A pivotal moment in Winky Lux's development was the decision to pivot from a marketplace to a full-fledged brand. This shift was entirely consumer-driven, based on insights gathered from direct customer interactions.Fundraising Challenges: Natalie candidly discusses the journey of fundraising, particularly as a female founder. Despite the competitive landscape and systemic biases, she underscores the importance of perseverance and strategic financial planning.Brand Aesthetics and Market Trends: Natalie delves into the significance of aesthetics in the beauty industry. She describes Winky Lux's vibrant, art-inspired branding, which aligns with current market trends.Embracing Community and Collaboration: Natalie credits a considerable part of her success to the entrepreneurial community, highlighting how networks like YPO foster invaluable support and collaboration.Quote of the Show:“I don't mind swinging and striking out, but I really, really, really hate not having swung." - Natalie MackeyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mackey-15169370/  Website: https://winkylux.com/  Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #WinkyLuxChapters:00:00 Intro01:23 Core Values and Company Culture at Winky Lux11:28 The Importance of Customer Feedback24:38 Challenges and Insights in Fundraising33:32 The High Stakes of Venture Capital35:06 The Changing Landscape of Entrepreneurship36:37 The Role and Structure of YPO40:00 Challenges and Resilience in Business45:03 Future Prospects for Winky Lux48:17 The Journey from Finance to Entrepreneurship51:27 Mentorship and Community Support59:11 Final Reflections and Advice1:00:55 Outro

What does it take to leave a high-profile role at Tesla and start your own electric vehicle company? In this episode, David talks with Toby Kraus, Co-Founder and CEO of Lightship, about his journey from working on Tesla’s Model S to building an innovative electric RV startup. Toby shares insights on taking big risks, scaling early teams, and navigating the challenges of a hardware business in the EV space. They dive into lessons learned at Tesla, the importance of building trust with investors, and the unique market opportunity Lightship is chasing. Takeaways:The Importance of Coaching: Toby emphasized the value of having a co-founder coach to strengthen the relationship between company leaders. He and his co-founder began working with a coach from the beginning, which Toby credits with helping them maintain a strong partnership and navigate the pressures of building Lightship.Adapting to Growth: As Lightship expanded, managing a larger team and aligning everyone with the company’s mission became a significant challenge. Toby learned that relinquishing control and trusting team experts were vital to maintaining momentum and effectiveness.Venture Capital Challenges: While their early seed round was successful, each subsequent round of funding became increasingly difficult, highlighting the unique challenges hardware companies face compared to software firms, as venture capitalists often favor faster software cycles.Creating a Culture of Ownership: Creating opportunities for team members to take ownership of projects fosters an environment of trust. By delegating responsibilities and empowering team members, leaders convey confidence in their team’s capabilities.Grateful of the Bumpy Path: Despite the mistakes and challenges he faced, Toby insists that changing any aspect of his journey might not have led to the founding of Lightship. Each experience, no matter how difficult, contributed to his current success and perspective.Quote of the Show:“My hidden agenda is I want to know why you wanna work here." - Toby KrausLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobykraus/  Website: https://www.lightshiprv.com/  Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #LightshipChapters:00:00 Intro01:46 The Importance of a Co-Founder Coach02:28 Building a Strong Co-Founder Relationship07:15 The Tesla Connection14:38 Raising Capital During COVID16:20 Challenges of Hardware Startups24:00 Demonstrating Commercial Traction26:50 Sales and Marketing Strategy28:22 Hiring for Innovation30:05 The Importance of Interviewing Candidates30:39 Understanding the Common Failure Mode32:02 The Value of Authentic Motivation33:38 Emotional Runway vs. Cash Runway34:31 Challenges in Building Lightship37:38 Managing a Growing Team40:40 Relinquishing Control and Trusting Your Team44:00 Future Vision for Lightship50:03 Balancing Work and Family Life56:41 Reflecting on the Journey58:21 Outro

What does it take to drive significant transformation in a tech company? In this episode, David interviews Bryan Murphy, the seasoned entrepreneur and current CEO of Smartling. Murphy shares insights into his strategic decision to integrate AI rapidly at Smartling, the challenges faced in execution, and the creation of a separate R&D function to innovate without disrupting core operations. Murphy discusses his approach to leadership, the impact of meeting with hundreds of customers, and the critical role of operational discipline. Additionally, he reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from his early ventures to his mentoring experiences and the factors driving his unyielding ambition.  Takeaways:Embracing Innovation and AI: Bryan emphasizes the importance of being early adopters of AI in order to remain competitive. He recounts how Smartling's leadership team proactively engaged with AI technologies as soon as they became available. Cultivating Customer Obsession: A significant part of Bryan's approach as CEO involves a deep focus on understanding and anticipating customer needs. He actively engages with customers, often initiating conversations with questions about the primary problems they are trying to solve.Building a Robust Operating Rhythm: Bryan highlights the critical role of a structured operating rhythm in executing plans effectively. Weekly leadership and management council meetings at Smartling help streamline processes and keep initiatives on track.Strategic Decision-Making in Remote Work Setup: With over 200 employees across 20 countries, Bryan holds annual gatherings and regular meet-ups to foster team cohesion while accommodating the global distribution of the workforce.Clarifying Business Metrics and KPIs: To Bryan, measuring success involves defining clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are aligned with customer value. These metrics directly inform product development and strategic priorities, ensuring the company remains focused on delivering value to customers.Overcoming the Innovator’s Dilemma: Bryan explains the challenge of balancing innovation with existing successful practices, a common issue known as the innovator's dilemma, by systematically integrating new technologies like AI to improve its service offerings without destabilizing its well-established operations.Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Bryan advises newcomers to the industry to always meet their obligations first and then seek opportunities to contribute more broadly, ensuring career advancement and sustained organizational impact.Quote of the Show:“[CEOs] have that latitude to run across the organization and dive down into each one of the respective parts of the organization, no one else can do that or does do that." - Bryan MurphyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmurphy2/Website: https://www.smartling.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #SmartlingChapters:00:00 Intro01:36 Embracing AI at Smartling02:43 Implementing AI in a Production Environment07:29 Customer-Centric Innovation11:01 Understanding Customer Needs24:25 Balancing Leadership and Involvement31:37 Weekly Operating Rhythm33:58 Strategic Planning and Key Initiatives35:43 Balancing Focus and Resources48:52 The Importance of Mentorship51:40 Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Journey54:06 Outro

What’s it really like to build a SaaS company from scratch, not just once but twice? In this episode, David talks to Thomas Pedersen, the serial entrepreneur who co-founded OneLogin and now leads Bunny, a bootstrapped billing platform for B2B SaaS.Thomas also opens up about co-founding two companies with his brother, surviving a major security breach, and how he’s approaching company-building differently this time around. Takeaways:Why Thomas Is Bootstrapping This Time: After raising $175 million for OneLogin, Thomas opted to bootstrap Bunny, focusing on control and long-term product quality. He discusses how this choice affects hiring, spending, and overall company culture.Bringing the Band Back Together: Bunny’s small but mighty team includes engineers from OneLogin. Thomas shares why working with trusted colleagues has helped them execute quickly and avoid early hiring pitfalls.The Grind Creates the Bond: Reflecting on the early OneLogin years, Thomas explains how hard work and shared struggle helped forge lasting relationships and why people often want to work with him again.Building with His Brother, Again: Thomas co-founded both of his startups with his brother. He explains how they complement each other technically, navigate disagreements, and have grown even closer through the experience.Remote from Day One: From commuting weekly between LA and San Francisco during OneLogin’s VC-fueled growth to now working from a boat in the Mediterranean, Thomas discusses why Bunny is remote-first and when in-person still matters.Lessons from a Security Breach: A major breach at OneLogin could have destroyed the company. Thomas details how transparency and direct communication with customers helped them retain trust and bounce back.Quote of the Show:"It’s really hard to get a design partner… I wish every Saas or every startup could find a customer like that." - Thomas PedersenLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbpederWebsite: https://bunny.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #bunnyChapters:00:00 Intro01:32 Building Bunny: Lessons from OneLogin02:39 Team Dynamics and Hiring Strategies05:59 Working with Family: A Brother's Partnership10:55 Remote Work and Company Culture16:40 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital23:37 Marketing and Personal Branding28:46 Passion for Solving Business Problems31:21 The Importance of Solving Business Problems31:38 Challenges and Solutions in Billing33:24 Early Days of OneLogin33:40 Building SAML Integrations36:20 Acquiring First Customers for Bunny37:35 The Role of Design Partners41:28 Handling Security Breaches45:04 Transparency and Customer Trust48:09 Future of Bunny50:46 Entrepreneurial Journey and Background54:45 Mentorship59:13 Advice to His Younger Self01:03:04 Outro

Do you know the key factors for successful leadership in high growth tech companies? In this episode, CEO of commercetools Andrew Burton shares his extensive experience in building and scaling tech companies. With over 25 years in the industry, Burton details his approach to leadership since becoming CEO of commercetools in 2024. He emphasizes the paramount importance of maintaining customer focus, building strong team culture, and aligning company goals.  Takeaways:Understanding Customer Needs: Andrew highlights the importance of stepping into customers' shoes to understand their challenges and measure success through their lens. He emphasizes starting conversations by asking customers about their challenges and how they define success.Aligning Around an Ideal Customer Profile: A crucial step Andrew implemented at commercetools was refining their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). He stresses the necessity of focusing on where the company can deliver the most significant value and understanding why they're uniquely positioned to serve that particular segment.The Role of Leadership in Team Development: Andrew believes in playing as one team and ensuring a unified direction across the organization. He discusses the importance of testing for cultural and operational inconsistencies as a new CEO and aligning the team around shared objectives and metrics. Strategic Planning and Adapting to Change: Andrew shares insights into effective strategic planning by decoupling it from the stress of annual closing and starting a new fiscal year.Curiosity as a Driver for Success: Andrew describes how a curious approach to understanding problems and developing solutions leads to personal and organizational growth, making it a critical quality he looks for when hiring team members.Balancing Passion and Work-Life Integration: Andrew touches on the concept of work-life balance, suggesting that it is deeply connected to one's passion and motivation. He encourages individuals to be mindful of what genuinely drives them and to regularly assess whether their professional and personal lives are aligned with these motivations.Mentorship and Learning from Diverse Experiences: Andrew reflects on his journey and the importance of mentorship, emphasizing that learning from a variety of experiences and colleagues, regardless of hierarchy, contributes to a well-rounded leadership style.Quote of the Show:"Anybody that's really, I would argue successful… in their space, is going to know or have an appreciation for, at the core, the customer." - Andrew BurtonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burtonandrew/Website: https://commercetools.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #commercetoolsChapters:00:00 Intro01:58 The Importance of Customer-Centric Leadership04:21 Engaging with Customers: Strategies and Insights09:36 Aligning Company Mission and Team Goals13:10 Defining the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)17:50 Building Trust and Credibility as a New CEO23:15 Strategic Planning and Measuring Success31:50 Monthly Cadence and Operational Efficiency33:05 Reflections on Planning and Offsite Meetings34:50 Journey to Becoming a CEO35:58 Curiosity and Leadership43:44 Mentorship and Influences46:24 Hiring and Growth Mindset51:43 Future of Commerce Tools53:36 Personal Background and Motivation56:59 Work-Life Balance and Career Advice01:01:48 Outro

What happens when you commit to shipping a podcast episode every week for an entire year? In this solo episode, David Politis reflects on 12 months of building Not Another CEO Podcast, from humble beginnings to an ever-growing audience of Founders, CEOs, and leaders. David shares 10 of his favorite highlights from the journey so far, covering everything from guest stories and personal milestones to the behind-the-scenes evolution of the show. This episode is a heartfelt thank-you to the community that has grown around the podcast and a look ahead at what’s next. Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/#NotAnotherCEO #Podcast #1YearReflection

What does it take to transform a scrappy logistics startup into a leading supply chain platform trusted by Fortune 500 brands? In this episode, Sean Henry shares the story of founding Stord, dropping out of college to build it, and scaling a distributed logistics network from zero to national reach. He opens up about fundraising setbacks, building conviction in tough moments, keeping customer experience front and center, and navigating the pressure of rapid growth while staying anchored in purpose. Takeaways:Dropping Out to Go All-In: Sean left college to pursue Stord full time, driven by a conviction that there was a better way to manage logistics in a fragmented industry. That early decision required grit and belief before traction or investor backing.Turning Cold Outreach Into Capital: Sean shares how his early fundraising relied on writing 150 cold emails a day. Persistence and storytelling helped him break through, eventually leading to key early checks that helped kickstart Stord’s growth.The Importance of Mission and Mindset: Through tough moments and early challenges, Sean and his Co-Founder stayed grounded in their mission. He talks about the psychological weight of leadership and the discipline required to keep moving forward.From Scrappy Marketplace to Full Stack Platform: Stord started as a logistics marketplace but pivoted into a fully integrated supply chain solution. Sean explains how that shift allowed them to deliver better customer experience, tighter control, and long-term defensibility.Customer Experience Is the Product: Even as a logistics company, Sean believes customer experience is the most important differentiator. He shares how Stord built systems and culture that put CX at the center of every part of the business.Navigating the Growth Curve Without Losing Focus: Sean discusses what it’s like to scale quickly while holding on to high standards. He shares lessons around team building, leadership habits, and making time for clarity amid the noise.Believe, But Be Realistic: Sean reflects on the importance of conviction, but also warns Founders to avoid believing their own hype. He recommends surrounding yourself with people who keep you honest and grounded as you grow.Quote of the Show:"If we don't have a customer, we don't have employees. If we have a vision but have no customers, that vision means nothing." - Sean HenryLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenry96/Website: https://www.stord.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #StordChapters:00:00 Intro01:49 The Importance of Customer Obsession05:44 Hiring for Customer Obsession10:19 Scaling and Company Culture21:30 Early Challenges and Pivots39:26 The Rise and Fall of the Trucking Network40:23 Navigating Hard Decisions and Growth42:50 Investor Relations and Fundraising Journey44:11 Mentorship and Early Influences45:33 Strategic Partnerships and Business Alignment51:23 Overcoming Challenges and Turning Points56:10 Future Vision and Expansion Plans01:03:51 Personal Background and Entrepreneurial Spirit01:13:14 Advice to His Younger Self1:14:40 Outro

What can you learn from someone who built and sold multiple enterprise startups, led teams through acquisitions, and now mentors the next generation of Founders? In this episode, Ellen Rubin shares lessons from her journey as a serial Founder and now Operating Partner at Glasswing Ventures. She talks about building strong cultures, nurturing early career talent, supporting women in tech, and helping startups avoid hype in favor of real-world value. From lunch-and-learns to boardroom decisions, Ellen reflects on what it takes to grow people and companies with clarity and purpose. Takeaways:How to Spot Future Founders Inside Your Company: By encouraging curiosity and inviting team members into strategic conversations, Ellen helped cultivate talent that would eventually become leaders. She looked for people who asked questions, engaged outside their lane, and showed deep interest in how the business works.Practical Support for Women in Tech: Ellen shares her multi-layered approach to supporting women in technology. She has a personal policy of responding to every outreach from a woman Founder or aspiring leader, offering both encouragement and actionable help.Building Strong Local Ecosystems: As a passionate advocate for Boston’s tech scene, Ellen emphasizes the importance of keeping post-exit Founders and big companies engaged with the next generation. She believes physical proximity and local mentorship still matter, even in a hybrid work world.The Value of Regular All-Hands and Real Transparency: At her startups, Ellen hosted weekly all-hands to build alignment and trust. She prioritized consistent updates, company-wide visibility into fundraising stages, and direct Q&A with leadership to keep teams connected and focused.Lessons from Amazon and the PR/FAQ Method: Ellen talks about her time at Amazon and how the press release and FAQ approach to product planning shaped her thinking. She encourages Founders to use writing and storytelling as a way to clarify product vision before building anything.AI That Solves Real Problems: Now an Operating Partner at Glasswing Ventures, Ellen focuses on “intelligent verticals” that use AI to automate industry-specific workflows. She emphasizes the importance of AI being integral to the product, not just a wrapper for marketing.Quote of the Show:"Why wouldn't you wanna be the Founder CEO? That's like the coolest thing in the whole world." - Ellen RubinLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenrubin/Website: https://glasswing.vc/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #CauselyChapters:00:00 Intro01:45 Key to Startup Success: Building the Right Team03:08 Exposing Team Members to the Bigger Picture06:08 Encouraging Curiosity and Engagement09:45 Supporting Women in Technology15:03 Challenges in the Tech Industry17:50 The Boston Tech Ecosystem21:37 Importance of Local Community in Remote Work Era27:08 Customer Engagement and Feedback30:07 Effective Operating Rhythms35:23 Lessons from Amazon37:50 Navigating the M&A Process38:31 Deciding the Right Time to Sell40:59 Taking Calls from Corporate Development44:30 The AI Revolution: A 70-Year Overnight Sensation46:00 The Role of AI in Modern Enterprises01:01:58 The Importance of Mentorship01:06:25 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family01:09:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs1:10:27 Outro

What happens when you try to fund and scale a legal tech company in one of the most rigidly regulated industries in the country? In this episode, Todd Richheimer shares how he grew Lawfty into a tech-powered personal injury platform that has generated over 55,000 cases and nearly a billion dollars in recoveries.From taking his first client calls on his cell phone to surviving a last-minute funding failure, Todd speaks openly about scaling, leadership evolution, and what the legal world looks like as regulation and AI collide. Takeaways:Finding the Right Co-Founder in the Hamptons: Todd met his Co-Founder, a former MIT engineer, in the Hamptons. They spent a year working on ideas every Saturday before launching Lawfty, combining Todd’s legal background with Mike’s technical skills.Building with Complementary Strengths: Todd surrounded himself with people who could help him see around corners. He emphasizes that knowing your weaknesses and recruiting to fill them is the most impactful thing he's done as a Founder.The Power of Shameless Outreach: Todd started the company by emailing every contact in his Gmail account. With no product and no revenue, he relied on personal relationships and a willingness to ask for help to land early clients and supporters.Leading with Empathy and Integrity: Todd acknowledges his struggle with letting underperforming team members go, especially when they're good people. Instead of defaulting to layoffs, he focuses on reshuffling and preserving relationships where possible.From Answering Phones to Scaling Teams: For over a year, Todd personally fielded every intake call. That hands-on experience shaped how he hires and builds processes today, and made him intimately familiar with every part of the business.Navigating Capital Constraints Without Venture Money: Due to legal restrictions, Lawfty couldn’t raise institutional equity. Todd had to get creative with structured finance, high-interest loans from individuals, and careful debt planning to scale the company.Legal Tech’s Big Bang Moment: Todd sees the convergence of AI and regulatory change as a generational opportunity for the legal industry. With non-lawyers now allowed to own law firms in more jurisdictions, he believes the space is finally ripe for innovation and scale.Quote of the Show:"Standing up for individuals always felt right to me… so I didn’t necessarily care about the personal view that people had." - Todd RichheimerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-richheimer-esq/Website: https://www.lawfty.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #LawftyChapters:00:00 Intro01:41 The Importance of Complementary Skill Sets02:41 Finding a Co-Founder in an Unlikely Place03:44 Building Lawfty: From Idea to Execution06:19 Challenges and Strategies in Team Building09:29 Navigating the Interview Process12:47 Understanding Lawfty’s Business Model16:26 Early Customer Acquisition Tactics20:57 Fundraising Journey and Lessons Learned26:38 Scaling as a CEO29:31 The Legal Tech Revolution32:09 Challenges in Legal Services34:52 Building a Tech-Enabled Law Firm37:14 Overcoming Industry Stigma42:35 Fundraising Challenges and Solutions47:01 Personal Journey and Entrepreneurial Drive54:12 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs56:48 Outro

What does it take to lead a global humanitarian organization through a pandemic and beyond? In this episode, Michael Nyenhuis shares how he has led UNICEF USA since March 2020, starting his role just two weeks after COVID shutdowns began. Michael talks about building strong boards and leadership teams, the balance between confidence and humility, and how to create connection in a hybrid work world. With decades of experience in humanitarian leadership, he reflects on his journey from journalist to President & CEO, and how staying close to mission and people shapes lasting impact.Find Michael's Newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/relentless-6990692731056488449/ Takeaways:Rebuilding the Board and Leadership Team: Michael explains how reshaping governance and leadership early in his tenure has been crucial to the success of every organization he has led. He emphasizes getting the right people in place who share the mission and bring diverse skills and chemistry to the table.Evolution Over Revolution: Describing his leadership approach, Michael shares his belief in "relentless incrementalism." He believes consistent, thoughtful progress is more sustainable than sweeping change and that small steps taken regularly are key to building lasting impact.Starting a CEO Role in a Global Pandemic: Michael began his job just as COVID shut the world down. He relied on daily video updates, creative communication, and a golden retriever named Izzy to build relationships remotely. He reflects on the benefits and drawbacks of trying to lead without in-person interaction.Creating Culture in a Hybrid Workplace: UNICEF USA has embraced hybrid work, but Michael is intentional about maintaining connection. From monthly staff engagement days to leadership meetings and all-staff retreats, he builds structured moments for human interaction and relationship-building.Honest Career Advice for Aspiring Humanitarians: Michael stresses that global development is a profession, not just a passion. He shares how expertise, formal experience, and training are key to entering the nonprofit space and why it is important to respect the rigor of humanitarian work.CEO Roundtables and Mentorship by Listening: Michael hosts monthly roundtables with staff based on anniversary dates, offering space for Q&A and storytelling. He also invited youth leaders to mentor him, flipping the script to show respect and learn from the next generation of changemakers.Balancing Confidence and Humility: Michael reflects on the need to balance strong leadership with the humility to listen. Early in his career, he sometimes over-relied on consensus. Today, he sees the value in trusting instincts while remaining open.Quote of the Show:"When you find what you're supposed to do, doors start opening." - Michael NyenhuisLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelnyenhuis/Website: https://www.unicefusa.org/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #UNICEFUSAChapters:00:00 Intro01:28 Key Achievements at UNICEF USA03:18 Building Effective Leadership Teams14:13 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic20:14 Remote and Hybrid Work Dynamics29:31 CEO Round Table and Onboarding30:48 Operating Rhythm and Annual Planning32:18 Monthly Staff Meetings and Engagement36:22 Public Speaking and Media Training39:55 Managing Diverse Constituents42:36 Biggest Challenge: Leading Through COVID-1945:16 Career Journey and Journalism Background51:47 Mentorship and Youth Engagement54:32 Balancing Confidence and Humility in Leadership58:03 Outro

What does it take to walk away from a big idea and start over inside the same company? In this episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, Adam Dell opens up about the journey behind Domain Money. A serial Founder with multiple exits, Adam reflects on making hard pivots, recruiting top talent personally, navigating investor psychology, and why execution, not ego, is what earns the right to exist. He also shares how AI is transforming financial services and why the emotional highs and lows of startup life never really go away. Takeaways:Recruiting Personally, Relentlessly: Adam still personally recruits on LinkedIn, often spending hours each day identifying talent, crafting outreach, and filtering for startup fit. He believes CEO-led recruiting cuts through noise and shows prospects the role's importance.A Pivot Before the Crash: Originally conceived as a crypto banking platform, Domain Money pivoted early. Adam made the call based on market fundamentals and moved decisively, even when his team was still optimistic about the original vision.Transparent, Yet Optimistic Leadership: During the pivot, Adam prioritized honesty with his team while maintaining belief in the mission. He communicated openly about uncertainty and made clear that success was entirely on them.Investor Support Built on Track Record and Clarity: Adam credits his investor relationships and clear, data-backed thinking for enabling a smooth pivot. Though they challenged him, his investors supported the shift and recognized the market opportunity in personal finance.AI as a Backbone, Not a Gimmick: AI plays a major role in Domain Money’s operations, especially in improving planning efficiency. Adam is enthusiastic about AI’s pace and scope of change, calling it central to his product vision.The Mental Game of Being a Founder: The pivot at Domain Money required layoffs and letting go of certainty. Adam talks candidly about staying objective under pressure, fighting through doubt, and surrounding himself with trusted mentors while still waking up every day to earn it.Quote of the Show:"That uncertainty, that thing inside of you that forces you to figure it out, is very motivating to me and I quite enjoy it." - Adam DellLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdell/Website: https://www.domainmoney.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #DomainMoneyChapters:00:00 Intro01:25 Recruiting Strategies for Startups07:15 Fundraising Insights and Market Sentiment11:46 The Evolution of Domain Money16:25 Navigating Pivots and Team Buy-In23:07 Growth Strategies and Partnerships26:20 Acquisitions and Exits29:23 Strategic Partnerships and Revenue Growth30:37 The Impact of AI on Technology and Business35:12 AI in Financial Planning and Wealth Management39:51 Challenges and Pivots in Business49:09 Personal Background and Entrepreneurial Journey57:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:00:30 Outro

What’s it really like to build a billion-dollar business with your spouse, and live to tell the story? In this special live episode, David Politis sits down with Kass and Mike Lazerow, Co-Founders of Buddy Media and authors of Shoveling $H!T: A Love Story About an Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success..They open up about building cult-like culture, radical transparency, co-founder dynamics, fundraising strategies, pivots, parenting, and everything in between. With humor and honesty, the Lazerows share the unvarnished truth of what it takes to build something meaningful, and survive the chaos along the way. Takeaways:Building a Cult-like Culture with Intentionality: Kass shares how she focused on creating a high-trust, high-engagement company culture through rituals, transparency, shared values, and even handwritten birthday cards. The foundation was purpose-driven work, and a lot of cupcakes.Radical Focus as a Leadership Imperative: Mike emphasizes the importance of choosing just 3–5 core priorities each quarter and communicating them relentlessly. He admits that his natural state is distraction, and that focus, both personal and organizational, is what drives growth.Fundraising Is a Relationship Business: Mike describes how he built trust with investors over time by sending updates, even to people who said no, and treating everyone with respect, from analysts to GPs. He reframes fundraising as offering a great opportunity, not asking for a favor.The Power (and Pain) of Pivoting: The Lazerows recount the early missteps at Buddy Media, from virtual currency to raffles, before landing on a scalable SaaS product. They stress the importance of cutting old lines of business fast and committing fully to what’s next.Marriage and Co-Founding: They describe co-founding as an intense version of marriage, with shared values, relentless communication, and radical honesty. Kass encourages couples to embrace their lanes and support each other’s growth, both professionally and personally.Startups and Parenting Don’t Balance, But They Can Work: Kass shares how they intentionally deprioritized social commitments and accepted imperfection at home to build their company. She encourages other founder-parents to aim for 80%, not perfection, and to give themselves grace.Quote of the Show:"Being a founder, there’s no worse way to spend your day. And it’s awesome, right?" - Mike LazerowLinks:Kass’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasslazerow/Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazerow/Get Their Book: https://shovelingshit.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #Shoveling$H!TChapters:00:00 Intro00:46 Podcast Journey and Growth01:41 Acknowledging Sponsors and Supporters03:56 Introducing Cass and Mike Lazaro05:33 Building Buddy Media: Key Strategies and Insights08:19 Challenges and Successes in Leadership14:09 The Importance of Transparency15:19 Husband-Wife Co-Founders: A Unique Dynamic20:09 Fundraising and Building Relationships27:46 Marketing and Branding Strategies34:09 Thought Leadership and Public Speaking36:36 Navigating Business Pivots38:25 The Birth of Buddy Media40:31 Challenges and Successes of Custom Apps45:20 Balancing Family and Business48:50 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs54:58 Building a Positive Company Culture01:02:21 Q&A with the Audience01:11:11 Outro

How do you scale yourself as your company scales? Tien Tzuo, Founder and CEO of Zuora, joins David Politis to share hard-won lessons from his journey building a category-defining SaaS company. In this candid conversation, Tien reflects on early team building, founder growth inflection points, strategic planning, and the leadership gaps many founders face as their companies mature. Drawing on his new book, Founders Keepers, he reveals why great founders often succeed in spite of themselves—and how to turn blind spots into leadership strengths. Takeaways:Category Creation and Team Building: Tien reflects on the impact of coining the term “subscription economy” and credits early success to not just vision, but team-building. He shares how Zuora evolved through multiple “generations” of leadership, and how long-tenured team members were balanced with fresh perspectives as the company grew.Recognizing the Founder’s Growth Curve: Tien describes a critical inflection point when Zuora hit ~150 employees—a moment where personal evolution became necessary. That led him to executive coach Rich Hagberg and a deeper understanding of how personality traits drive both success and failure.The Three Pillars of Leadership: Through data-driven leadership profiling, Tien outlines the three dominant founder traits—vision, execution, and relationships. He shares that most founders score high on vision but often struggle with execution and people management, which can lead to common pitfalls.Owning Your Leadership Gaps: Tien reveals his own leadership profile—high vision, medium execution, low relationship—and how understanding that helped him improve in areas like prioritization, team-building, and relationship development. He even shared his leadership gaps openly with his company to build trust and culture.A Better Way to Do Strategic Planning: Borrowing a method from Brad Smith (former Intuit CEO), Tien walks through how Zuora moved from a 2-day offsite to a 6-month annual strategy cadence. It includes deep research, team ownership of ideas, board engagement, and company-wide evangelism—because a founder’s job is to repeat the story until it sticks.Letting Go Without Losing Drive: He emphasizes the importance of giving leaders autonomy and building space into his calendar—cancelling recurring meetings, avoiding over-scheduling, and giving energy to what matters most. He advises founders to avoid being the bottleneck and protect organizational focus by saying “no” to distractions.Quote of the Show:"The same things that make up a founder, that make us do what we do, ultimately are the seeds sewn of our own destruction." - Tien TzuoLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tientzuo/Website: https://www.zuora.com/Ways to Tune In:Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #ZuoraChapters:00:00 Intro02:00 The Journey of Building Zuora03:59 Scaling and Team Dynamics07:43 Founder's Journey and Coaching22:12 Strategic Planning and Execution30:28 Frameworks for Strategic Alignment32:33 Self-Awareness and Leadership34:10 Execution-Oriented Teams37:03 Lessons from Salesforce38:07 The Power of Storytelling40:59 Advice on Managing Time43:33 Biggest Challenges and Overcoming Them46:24 Future Vision for Zuora48:22 Personal Journey and Motivation52:33 Advice for Aspiring Founders54:13 Outro