Real growth investing creates durable outcomes when disciplined capital allocation is matched with operator-level rigor and clear value creation.

In this episode, Joe Kaiser, CEO and Managing Director at Mercato Partners, shares how his experience at Blackstone and in operating roles, including scaling Vivint Solar from zero to $200M in revenue through an IPO and a $5B exit, shaped his “show me” mindset, quantitative rigor, and focus on unit economics. He explains Mercato’s heartland thesis, how geography affects founder incentives, talent development, and board dynamics, and what coastal investors often misunderstand about scaling outside major hubs. Joe outlines Mercato’s “head in, hands out” board approach, when engagement is most critical in balance sheet decisions, and why respectful, direct communication matters. He also critiques growth equity overcapitalization, warns against spreadsheet-driven projections, and shares views on AI, deep tech diligence, hardware-enabled moats, and hiring leaders who’ve done it before.

Tune in and learn how to build and fund enduring companies without chasing hype or relocating to the coast.

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Strong decision-making systems are built when data quality, human behavior, and trust are treated as inseparable.

In this episode, Ken Fine, CEO of Affinity, shares how his career path from naval engineering and physics to enterprise SaaS leadership shaped his thinking about data, systems, and decision-making. He reflects on designing high-stakes systems in the Navy, applying behavioral economics at Financial Engines, and learning how to separate signal from noise at Medallia. Ken explains why differentiated data matters more than algorithms alone, how speed and accuracy work together to build trust, and why transparency is essential as AI becomes more embedded in workflows. He also discusses leadership, emphasizing accountability balanced with empathy, and introduces his “nail it, then scale it” framework for building sustainable companies.

Tune in and learn how data, trust, and human judgment come together to power better decisions at scale.
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What if treating tremor meant personalizing therapy to your exact physiology, every single day?

In this episode, Deanna Harshbarger, CEO of Cala Health, discusses how precision neuromodulation is transforming care by measuring each patient’s unique tremor and tailoring therapy in real-time. She explains why millions of essential tremor and Parkinson’s patients are left undertreated under today’s pharma-first, procedure-heavy system. She shares how Cala’s wearable, watch-like device restores daily function and dignity without habituation or invasive surgery. She also explains why modernizing reimbursement, regulation, and clinical workflows is crucial for digital therapeutics to scale.

Tune in to discover how electricity is becoming medicine.

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What if the future of health starts not in a pharmacy, but in the food we eat?

In this episode, Dr. Ilias Tagkopoulos, chairman and founder of PIPA, professor at UC Davis, and director at the USDA AI Institute, talks about how academia shaped his pursuit of long-term, high-impact innovation and how that led him to build AI platforms reshaping food, nutrition, and health. He shares a personal story that shifted his company's focus from broad AI applications to the power of diet and lifestyle. He explains how AI-as-a-service has evolved, why global talent has been crucial to scaling, and where AI can have the most immediate impact on nutrition. He also explores the future, from personalized diets based on biomarkers to the rise of agentic AI.

Tune in to hear how AI is redefining the way we nourish and care for ourselves!

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The most valuable breakthroughs in drug development come from finding the right direction before picking up speed.

In this episode, Viwat Visuthikraisee, Co-Founder and COO of Auransa, discusses his journey from studying theoretical physics in Japan to building an AI-driven biotech company in the Bay Area. His early fascination with computers led to a career in software and, ultimately, to applying computational power to biopharma using human-derived molecular data to identify promising drug candidates early. He reflects on the role of large language models like ChatGPT as productivity tools that expand human capabilities without immediately replacing core programming skills. Viwat also discusses the challenges of drug discovery and advises founders to raise funds whenever possible, build the right team, and focus on long-term success.

Tune in and learn how AI is transforming drug discovery, why direction matters more than speed, and what it takes to lead innovation in a high-stakes industry

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Scientific integrity, mission-driven purpose, and great teams are the true drivers of innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Murphy, CEO and founder of Ocular Services on Demand, a distinguished veterinary ophthalmologist and serial healthcare entrepreneur, shares his journey from veterinary ophthalmology into entrepreneurship and medical innovation. He describes how his early curiosity about raptor eyes led to a passion for research and business, influenced by his academic foundation at Cornell. Dr. Murphy explores the comparative anatomy of vision across species and how animals adapt their sight for survival. His work on ocular wound healing expanded into broader medical ventures, resulting in companies like Imbed Biosciences and OSOD. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes integrity in leadership, science-driven innovation, and the importance of building teams for societal good.

Tune in and learn how one man bridged the gap between science, startups, and service to leave behind a legacy that truly heals!

Resources:

Connect with and follow Dr. Christopher Murphy on LinkedIn.

Follow Ocular Services on Demand (OSOD) on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Learn more about Imbed Biosciencies on their LinkedIn and explore their website.

Read Confucius: The Secular As Sacred by Herbert Fingarette here.

The future of innovation depends not just on breakthroughs in research but on the ecosystem that translates them into impact.

In this episode, Michael Lemcke, Associate Director of the Venture Catalyst program at UC Davis, shares how the university helps turn research into viable startups. He explains how initiatives like proof-of-concept funding, incubators, and investor networks support innovation from idea to company. Michael also highlights the strengths of the Sacramento region for startups in health, food, agriculture, and biotech, and how UC Davis fosters cross-disciplinary partnerships. He discusses the One Health initiative, the $1B Aggie Square project, and offers advice for startups seeking university collaboration: be intentional, clear on value, and focused on the long term.

Tune in and learn how ecosystems are what truly launch the future of health and tech innovation!

Connect with and follow Michael Lemcke on LinkedIn.

The future of personalized medicine hinges on developing high-resolution, home-based biosensors that provide the continuous, high-fidelity data needed to power foundational AI models.

In this episode, Rich Yang, CEO of Biolinq, shares his 27-year journey in diabetes and biosensing, beginning with the first FDA-approved CGM and leading to his current role. He describes the ambitious goal of building a novel semiconductor biosensor that combines five complex disciplines: semiconductor manufacturing, software, material science, consumer electronics, and scaling. Rich highlights Biolinq’s unique value proposition, which includes metabolic tracking, real-time LED feedback, and multi-electrode reliability. He also reflects on the future of multi-analyte sensing, the importance of hiring resilient talent, and how deep tech is shaping proactive health management.

Tune in and learn how deep tech is revolutionizing metabolic health and what it takes to lead a team through unprecedented technological hurdles!

The best venture capitalists combine strong business strategy with smart financial discipline, an increasingly vital mix in today’s AI-driven world.

In this episode, Brian Flucht, Head of the US Region for Global Brain, reflects on his 20-year venture capital journey, comparing his strategic corporate VC experience at Nike with his current financially-driven global role. He shares how his investment approach shifted from being a generalist to developing deep, thesis-driven convictions, particularly in deep tech and solutions that act as "painkillers" rather than "vitamins." Brian also offers practical advice for founders, highlighting the importance of storytelling, audience awareness, and qualities like persistence and a strong say-do ratio. He discusses the growing influence of AI in both venture capital and healthcare and shares his optimistic view of the current VC landscape and exit opportunities.

Tune in and learn how to navigate the evolving venture landscape, from pitching corporate VCs to understanding the transformative power of AI in both investing and healthcare!

Resources:

Connect with and follow Brian Flucht on LinkedIn.

Follow Global Brain on their LinkedIn and visit their website.

Email Brian directly here.

Combining a lifelong passion for science and business with personal experiences can fuel groundbreaking innovations in cancer therapy. 

In this episode, Brad Niles, CEO of ARIZ Precision Medicine, shares his entrepreneurial journey, from quirky early ventures like breeding mice and wedding pigeons to co-founding a biotech company. Motivated by a personal connection to cancer, he discusses ARIZ’s development of siRNA-based therapies targeting genetic drivers like the Prdm2 gene in lung cancer, aiming for precision treatment with fewer side effects. Brad reflects on the challenges of biotech entrepreneurship, including securing funding, building expert networks, and working within regional innovation ecosystems. He also explores regulatory shifts, drug pricing complexities, and how environmental and demographic changes are reshaping cancer trends.

Tune in to explore the journey from early ventures to cutting-edge cancer therapies, and discover the power of resilience, networking, and precision medicine in shaping the future of cancer care!

Resources:

Connect with and follow Brad Niles on LinkedIn.

Follow ARIZ on their LinkedIn and visit their website.

Email Brad directly here.