In this episode, Alison DeNardo shares her venture capital journey, highlighting confidence in deal-making and diverse work experiences. She discusses her early life, education, and parental guidance in shaping her career. Alison talks about her time at Atrium, forming Mac Venture Capital, their portfolio, and launching Alden. The conversation covers innovative job application methods, Mac Venture Capital's focus, and Charles King's role in celebrity investments. Alison provides strategies for entering hot deals, building founder relationships, overcoming gender bias, and offers insights on successful founders, networking in VC, and mindfulness.

(0:00) Alison DeNardo on confidence in deal-making

(0:20) Introduction to the podcast and hackathon experience

(1:19) Alison DeNardo's journey into venture capital and professional background

(2:16) Alison's early life, education, and internship experiences

(6:28) Joining Atrium and formation of Mac Venture Capital

(8:59) Overview of Mac Venture Capital's portfolio and launch of Alden

(10:20) Influence of parental guidance on education and career

(13:01) The value of diverse work experiences and leaving college

(15:04) Evolution of education and venture capital hiring trends

(18:38) Innovative job application methods and skill presentation

(21:26) Mac Venture Capital's investment focus with celebrity examples

(25:06) Role of Charles King in celebrity investments and success stories

(28:42) Strategies for getting into hot deals and building founder relationships

(32:18) Leveraging past job experiences and importance of humility in VC

(36:03) Handling difficult people and overcoming gender bias in VC

(47:25) Addressing discriminatory comments and challenges as a young leader

(52:35) Navigating professional relationships and the importance of self-belief

(56:41) Characteristics of successful founders and VC's supportive role

(1:03:32) Networking and breaking into venture capital with actionable advice

(1:08:50) Life nuggets from mentors and the practice of mindfulness

(1:15:28) Audience questions about meditation and mindfulness

(1:17:19) Experiences as a founder, co-founder, and customer charging strategies

(1:25:38) Viability of zero-fee models and challenges in founding a VC firm