Titans of Today

🚀 Titans Then, Titans NowWhat does it mean to be a Titan in the 2020s? On Episode 59, I sat down with Itamar Novick, General Partner at Recursive Ventures, serial entrepreneur, and a 25-year veteran of building and investing in technology. We explored everything: AI, moats, hypergrowth, mentor leverage, the next wave of job displacement, and the hard truths most VCs won’t say in public.If you want the edge the real edge, not LinkedIn theater, this episode delivers.The Prime Directive: Jump Into the Wave“When you see the start of a new technological cycle, you jump whatever it takes. Take the pay cut, move continents, start from scratch. The upside is global, not local. Don’t miss it.”Itamar’s advice, if he were 16 today with all his experience? Ignore “safe” career moves. Pick the sharpest wave, right now, it’s AI and agents. Get in at the bottom. The upside compounds at the global maximum, not the local max.Lesson:The only way to matter in tech is to run toward discomfort. Relocate. Re-skill. Rebuild your context. That’s the cost of admission.Moat or Die“You’re not looking for purpose. You’re looking for a moat. If you don’t have one, you’re a commodity. Commodities die.”We talked at length about the moat question, not just in startups, but in everything. Itamar’s billion-dollar outcome at Life360 was not luck. It was relentless focus on building what others couldn’t copy, holding the line for years in the face of 77+ VC rejections, and never deviating from the pursuit of differentiation.Lesson:Moat is your only insurance in an infinite-iteration economy. Moat is pricing power, margin, and the right to exist.AI: The App Layer Is Where Trillions Will Be MadeItamar draws a hard line:* The LLM/infra layer is getting commoditized (think “AI OS”).* The application layer: domain-specific, verticalized, high-leverage services, is where the next titans will be minted.Most current “AI SaaS” plays are building in the wrong quadrant: automating jobs no one wants automated, chasing low-value use cases.The gold is in vertical AI that owns data, embeds workflow, and compounds advantage with every user. Example? Legal, accounting, energy, massive service businesses that will see margins jump from 15% to 50%+ as AI eats the labor cost.Hypergrowth, Distribution, and the End of Top-Down* PLG is no longer a tactic, it’s the substrate. If you can’t get bottom-up fanatics, you’re replaceable.* Pricing will move from per-seat → usage → value-based, finally aligning incentives across the value chain.* Open source is now a core distribution weapon, especially for developer- and scientist-facing products.* The new playbook: Build for the sharpest users, let them drag you into the enterprise. Ignore this at your peril.On Job Displacement and Societal Friction“AI won’t just change jobs, it will erase millions, fast. Most people won’t upskill fast enough. UBI is only a half-measure; it doesn’t solve for meaning or impact. If we don’t get radically honest about this, we will fracture.”Itamar is one of the few Silicon Valley VCs willing to say this on record:* There will be massive dislocation.* Capitalism and government must both act—re-skilling, safety nets, and new capitalist models where companies pre-fund education and get a share of future upside.Lesson:The time to prepare is now, not after the break. If you’re a builder, your real advantage is in helping people cross the chasm, not pretending the chasm doesn’t exist.The Founder X-FactorWhat does he look for in the founders who go the distance?* Uncommon charisma* Infinite curiosity* First-principles thinking with radical humility* Coachability and the ability to metabolize direct feedbackIf you’re a builder reading this, this is the checklist.Edge Insight: The Service-as-Software RevolutionItamar’s forward thesis:* AI will not just automate; it will transform services into high-margin, tech-driven businesses.* If you can take a 15% margin service and turn it into a 50%+ terminal margin machine, you’ll build the next $100B company.The opportunity is not in automating the edge cases. It’s in becoming the AI-native replacement for white-collar incumbents at massive scale.Final Word: We’re in the First Inning“This is bigger than the invention of the personal computer. The only way to lose is to stand still. Jump into the storm. The rewards accrue to the relentless, not the comfortable.”🧠 For the Builders* Get inside the AI application layer, not the infra layer.* Build raving fans. PLG or die.* Focus on verticalized, data-compounding, service-disruptive plays.* Embrace mentors and metabolize pain as feedback.* Moat is everything.* If you’re not building, be re-skilling. There will be no third option.🎧 Listen, Share, BuildCatch the full episode for every edge, every tactical story, and every uncomfortable truth:Comment below:What was your #1 insight? What’s your edge play for the next decade?Subscribe to Titans of Today for more edge conversations with the founders, investors, and builders who are actually shaping the future.Let’s build what only Titans dare imagine.— Jake Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

In this explosive episode of Titans of Today, Jacob Vandersteen sits down with global finance insider and former banker Eduardo Rodriguez, a key architect behind emerging crypto and fintech regulations across the U.S., UK, EU, and Latin America.Eduardo pulls back the curtain on:* 🏛 The real reason governments are slow-walking crypto legislation (and why that may change soon)* 🧠 Why financial “inclusion” is more than a buzzword, and how it could 3x generational wealth for billions* ⚖️ The dangerous myth of “fair share” taxes, and how the ultra-wealthy legally shield assets across borders* 💥 Why most blockchain projects are failing to deliver on the promise of decentralization* 📉 What the collapse of public trust in regulation means for founders, builders, and VCs* 🇺🇸 What a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) actually threatens, and how it could upend the U.S. ConstitutionFrom Bitcoin and banking to Satoshi and the IRS, this is not just a conversation about technology, this is a global finance masterclass on the future of money, freedom, and the role entrepreneurs must play in shaping it.If you’re building in crypto, banking, fintech, or simply want to understand what’s really coming, this episode is required listening.🎧 Listen now and prepare to think differently about everything you thought you knew about money.—Subscribe to stay ahead of the Titans.New episodes weekly featuring the builders, leaders, and rebels shaping the future of global systems.#TitansOfToday #EduardoRodriguez #FinTech #CryptoRegulation #CBDC #DigitalDollar #Satoshi #BankingReform #TaxStrategy #FreedomFinance Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in private equity and leadership psychology: Dr. Ted Bililies, Managing Director & Partner at AlixPartners, global co-leader of their Transformative Leadership Practice, and the architect behind their 10th Annual Private Equity Leadership Survey.With a PhD in clinical psychology and decades of experience advising billion-dollar CEOs and top-tier PE firms, Ted delivers a masterclass on why AI alone won’t save your company—but culture, emotional intelligence, and aligned leadership will.In this episode:* The real reason companies fail to scale in the AI era* How Gen Z is reshaping leadership expectations—and what CEOs must do to keep up* Tactical methods to audit your company culture and build elite teams from the inside out* Why private equity firms are finally realizing that talent and team dynamics create the real ROI* Stories of redemption: how feedback, coaching, and reverse mentoring transformed toxic leaders* Ted’s vision of AI as a human enabler, not a human replacerPlus: we go deep on the psychological frameworks, leadership tools, and transformation metrics you need if you’re building, buying, or leading a company in today’s high-stakes landscape.This is not just another leadership chat—this is a future-proofing blueprint.🔗 Listen now and share with anyone building a serious business in the age of AI, disruption, and generational change.#TitansOfToday #Leadership #PrivateEquity #AITransformation #TedBililies #JacobVandersteen #HumanCapital #OrganizationalCulture #FutureOfWork #ExecutiveCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #GenZLeadership #ReverseMentoring #AlixPartners Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

In this electrifying episode, Jacob sits down with Alice Chen — a powerhouse entrepreneur turned investor and biohacker — for a conversation that spans sovereignty, AI, biohacking, and first-principles innovation.Alice has built, scaled, and exited multiple companies across industries including private equity, fintech, consumer goods, and M&A. Today, she’s focused on transforming analog industries with AI while designing a sovereign, high-performance life from the inside out.You’ll hear about:* Her definition of true sovereignty — and how to build it across business, body, and mind* How she uses fasting, energy rituals, and caffeine-free living to unlock stable, high energy* The “lofty questions” method for identity reprogramming and self-expansion* Why first-principles thinking is her greatest business edge* Her approach to launching a new AI agency aimed at transforming real estate and private equity* The power of living between extremes: high-tech innovation and off-grid wellness in Costa Rica* Her thoughts on AGI, transmutation, growth mindset, and conscious leadership in the age of disruptionWhether you’re scaling a startup, reinventing your identity, or preparing for the AI-driven future, this is a masterclass in clarity, alignment, and execution.Listen in and learn how to become the sovereign creator of your own life and impact.🔗 Connect with Alice:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceychen/Website: https://alicechencompanies.com/—Follow & Subscribe for more interviews with high-level builders, disruptors, and sovereign leaders. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when a high-maintenance client, a hunting trip in Mexico, and border security collide? You get handcuffs, shackles, and one wild story. In this episode, Justin Jewell-Richins, founder of SubMOA Firearms, MX Hunting Co., and R&K Hunting Company, shares: ✅ How to operate under high-stakes uncertainty ✅ The reality of hunting in Mexico & dealing with the cartel ✅ Why risk-taking & adaptability define success ✅ How his journey in firearm manufacturing & long-range shooting began Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 43 of Titans of Today, we sit down with Kasem Rodriguez Mohsen, investor, entrepreneur, and leader in the social impact space. Kasem shares powerful insights on navigating the intersections of venture capital, government funding, and social entrepreneurship to drive real change. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

Venture capital investing is not the stock market... and it is more than just funding—it's about strategy, timing, and making the right bets. In this deep dive, Greg Baker, Executive Partner at Alumni Ventures, one of the world’s most active VC firms, breaks down the future of investing, AI startups, IPO trends, and the shifting dynamics of the stock market. Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about how the biggest deals are made, this is a must-watch. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

Disruptive Innovation & The AI Revolution | Titans of Today | Ep. 44 Welcome back to Titans of Today! In this hard-hitting episode, we sit down with Ajay Malik, a true pioneer in AI and IoT, often dubbed the “Edison of AI.” With 100+ patents to his name and decades of experience building cutting-edge AI solutions, Ajay shares groundbreaking insights on the future of intelligence, AI’s impact on jobs, productivity, and the next wave of disruptive innovation. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

Watch now as we dive deep into the world of banking innovation, cybersecurity, and AI-driven finance! In this power-packed episode, we sit down with Dhrubojyoti Das Deb (Dhruv)—Senior Vice President of Software Engineering & Technology at JPMorgan Chase—to explore the past, present, and future of banking, fintech, and innovation. With 20+ years in the financial industry, Dhruv shares insider insights into how banks leverage cutting-edge technologies to serve millions worldwide. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

How do polymaths thrive in a world of deep specialization? How will AI reshape collaboration, execution, and innovation? Roy Vella, CEO of NextCollabs and a true polymath, joins host Jacob Vandersteen on Titans of Today to explore the intersection of curiosity, leadership, and cutting-edge technology. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

From Fighter Pilot Dreams to Acting & Trading Success 🔥 In this electrifying episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with Vladlen Vronsky—an entrepreneur, futures trader, actor, and self-made success story. Vladlen shares his unconventional journey, from aspiring fighter pilot to navigating the worlds of finance, business, and entertainment. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Titans of Today Podcast - Episode 38 | Shital Mars on Leadership, Corporate Culture & Personal Growth In this episode of Titans of Today, host Jacob Vandersteen sits down with Shital Mars, an accomplished CEO, entrepreneur, and leadership consultant. With experience leading Progressive Care Inc. and now heading Mars Corporate Advisors, Shital shares powerful insights on leadership, corporate culture, personal resilience, and the evolving business landscape. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Titans of Today, I sit down with Charles Denson, a serial entrepreneur who built a highly scalable property tax business by mastering sales, marketing, and operational efficiency. From working 80+ hour weeks to bootstrapping his company and taking bold risks, Charles shares the gritty reality of entrepreneurship, the power of persistence, and the strategies that helped him scale. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Titans of Today Podcast - Episode 37 | Dr. Robert Radi on Leadership, Innovation & Organizational Strategy In this episode of Titans of Today, host Jacob Vandersteen sits down with Dr. Robert Radi, an accomplished entrepreneur, leadership expert, and founder of Integral Advantage. With a career spanning consumer product innovation, executive leadership development, and organizational strategy, Dr. Radi shares his Inception Mindset framework and insights on how leaders can navigate complexity, risk, and innovation. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

Titans of Today: Noah Sanborn Friedman on Building a Life on Your Terms 🌟 In this powerful episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with Noah Sanborn Friedman, a visionary leader blazing his own path to success. Noah shares his journey of building a life that aligns with his values, empowers others, and creates a lasting positive impact. 💡 Discover how Noah balances ambition with purpose, builds meaningful relationships with business partners and friends, and inspires others to pursue their dreams on their own terms. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

How soon will AI and robotics take over aspects of healthcare? 🤖💉 In this episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with Amita Soni—an experienced investor, board member, and digital health leader—to explore the future of AI, wearables, telemedicine, and robotics in healthcare. 🔹 How AI is reshaping patient care and medical diagnostics 🔹 The future of robot-assisted surgeries and AI-driven mental health 🔹 The biggest opportunities for healthcare startups today 🔹 Why AI-powered doctors may be closer than you think 💡 What’s your biggest takeaway? Drop a comment below! 📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into entrepreneurship, tech, and innovation. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

Want to scale revenue and master Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy like the pros? In this episode of Titans of Today, we dive deep into GTM success strategies with Kunal Mehta, former Bain Partner and CEO of The Pipeline Group. 🔹 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How the best companies structure GTM for hypergrowth ✅ Sales-led vs. product-led vs. hybrid GTM models ✅ The secret to high-performing SDR organizations ✅ Propensity modeling: How to target high-intent buyers ✅ Sales compensation, incentives, and performance metrics that work✅ The biggest GTM myths debunked and must-have frameworks Kunal brings battle-tested insights from Bain, TCV, and The Pipeline Group, breaking down the exact frameworks used by elite private equity firms and high-growth SaaS companies to drive predictable and repeatable revenue growth. 🔥 Watch now to learn how to engineer GTM success for your business! 💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway! 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on scaling revenue, leadership, and business strategy. #GTM #SalesStrategy #RevenueGrowth #SaaS #BusinessGrowth #B2BSales #TitansOfToday Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with Max Koutny, founder of 57 Capital, to discuss building, scaling, and exiting businesses, navigating acquisitions, and the future of onshoring, automation, and manufacturing. Max shares his journey, from starting five businesses to successfully scaling and exiting companies. 🔹 Topics Covered: 📌 How Max built and scaled a specialty chemicals business 📌 The role of networking in entrepreneurship & deal-making 📌 Lessons from acquisitions and exits (mistakes & successes) 📌 The rise of onshoring & automation in manufacturing 📌 How to mitigate risk in acquisitions & investments 📌 The key to raising capital & building relationships 📌 Leadership insights: communicating effectively & driving innovation Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

Titans of Today: Noah Sanborn Friedman on Building a Life on Your Terms 🌟 In this powerful episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with Noah Sanborn Friedman, a visionary leader blazing his own path to success. Noah shares his journey of building a life that aligns with his values, empowers others, and creates a lasting positive impact. 💡 Discover how Noah balances ambition with purpose, builds meaningful relationships with business partners and friends, and inspires others to pursue their dreams on their own terms. Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe

What if your mind, body, and spirit are more connected than you ever imagined? In this episode of Titans of Today, we sit down with Sterling Cooley, a leading researcher and entrepreneur in the fields of consciousness, quantum reality, and human optimization. We explore: 🔹 The Power of Vagus Nerve Stimulation & How It Can Transform Your Mind 🔹 Quantum Consciousness: How Reality May Be Shaped by Your Mind 🔹 How to Tap Into Hidden Potential & Reach Peak Human Performance 🔹 Microtubules & the Science Behind Your Brain’s Quantum Computation 🔹 Unlocking Breakthrough Thinking: How to Prime Your Brain for Genius 🔹 How to Train Your Mind to Tap into Deep Intuition & Creativity 🔹 Why AI & Quantum Biology Will Shape the Future of Human Evolution Get full access to True Dopamine at jacobvandersteen.substack.com/subscribe