Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

In this episode, Rob hosts the show while Ileana enjoys her Summer break. He is joined by a remarkable, inspiring self made Colombian American, Liz Bazurto, from the fast growing fintech company, Coinbase. She shares her incredible story growing up in and making it out of Medellin, Colombia, a city made infamous to most of us, by Pablo Escobar. She is a strong, self made, confident Latina who lives to inspire and empower other Latinas! She has resiliently made herself into a highly accomplished professional with a uniquely diverse background spanning business development, sales, consulting, Civil engineering and the entertainment industry. Currently holding a leading position in Strategy and Market Development team at Coinbase, Liz brings her wealth of experience from previous roles at Tesla, Merrill Lynch and as an actor to her skill for building strong human relationships and appreciating what clients want and need.

During the interview they explore Liz's life story where she shares personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of resilience and self belief. Her experiences have taught her that there is nothing she cannot achieve, and she is grateful for every day of life.

Inspired by her father's teachings, and family values of discipline, education, and hard work, Liz carries a passion for reinvention and empowering other women into her work and passion for women’s leadership, sustainability, climate change , ESG and financial inclusion principles.

Feel free to follow and engage with LIZ here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizbazurto/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbazurtolb/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.bazurto 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizabazurto 

Website: https://www.coinbase.com

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this special pilot episode of our new “Mentors Today Live” format, Rob and Ileana are joined by former Mentors Today guest, Tadashi Takaoka, (Episode #35, May 9, 2022) General Manager of Socialab Chile and former Entrepreneurship Manager at CORFO, an agency of the Chilean Government.

In this enlightening live conversation on Twitter Spaces, Tadashi updates Rob and Ileana on what he’s working on now and how his thoughts have evolved on issues discussed in his original episode #35/May 9, 2022. Notably, he reveals his new role as Director, Metro de Santiago, and Director, Arrigoni Ambiental, and how he has grown his presence on social media, further solidifying his influence and reach in the digital realm.

Very importantly, Tadashi shares his thoughts on what “entrepreneurship” means now in a post pandemic world, what purpose is entrepreneurial economic development supposed to serve in Chile and any country in today’s world and he also deeply discusses the dramatic changes and challenges to democratic life in Chile, the public pursuit of a new Chilean Constitution, and the inevitable frictions between public discourse and political and economic developments.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with one of MentorsToday's most inspiring guests.

Feel free to follow and engage with TADASHI here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tadashitakaoka?lang=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tadashitakaoka/?originalSubdomain=cl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tadashi.takaoka/?hl=en

Website: https://www.socialab.com/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by the dynamically talented Ariana Gómez, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming individuals and organizations into global agents of peace, prosperity, and positive impact. As the Founder and CEO of Technology for Impact and Alterleap, Ariana spearheads a next-generation boutique consulting firm that empowers boards, companies, institutional entities, private equity and venture capital funds, and international organizations to transition to a stakeholder and sustainable mindset and business model.

During the interview, Ariana shares her profound insights on several crucial topics. She delves into climate action and biodiversity conservation, offering her perspective on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, and the preservation of biodiversity. She explores the roles of businesses, governments, and individuals in driving positive environmental change.

Another significant aspect discussed in the interview is female empowerment, leadership and diversity. Ariana passionately talks about her work in promoting gender equality and diversity across various sectors. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices, representation, and the empowerment of women for achieving sustainable development goals. Ariana underscores the significance of building a strong, resourceful community that offers support and resources "freely" to enable individuals to contribute to the environmental cause while also nurturing personal growth. According to her, we cannot effectively help Mother Earth if we are not well ourselves.

Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding and be inspired to make a positive impact on the world around you.

Feel free to follow and engage with ARIANA here:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisarianagomez⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/arianagomezig/⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/arianagomezf⁠

Alterleap Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alterleap/⁠

Alterleap LatAm: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alterleap_latam/⁠

Website: ⁠https://technologyforimpact.com⁠

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by our guest Mónica Campos. Mónica is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Innovation Ecosystem Head at Nestle Mexico, located in Mexico City, she leads the "All-In" ecosystem, connecting top startups with Nestle to co-create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for their customers.

During the interview, Mónica shares her inspiring journey and early exposure to entrepreneurship, highlighting her passion for working in the industry in Mexico, having found opportunities from her hometown in Morelia, all the way to Mexico City. The conversation delves into her role where she discusses her responsibilities, challenges, and notable achievements in leading the innovation ecosystem at Nestle Mexico and with other leading companies such as Coppel S.A., and Bluebox Ventures, throughout her career.

Mónica's expertise in managing corporate acceleration programs and fostering entrepreneurship is highlighted. The conversation explores the vital role of these programs in nurturing startups, driving innovation, and creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The "All-In" program at Nestle takes center stage as Rob, Ileana, and Mónica discuss its purpose, objectives, and its role in fostering innovation. They share success stories and notable examples of startups that have collaborated with Nestle, co-creating innovative solutions that have made a significant impact.

Looking towards the future, the discussion shifts to emerging trends in the innovation ecosystem. Mónica provides valuable insights on the impact of new technologies, the significance of sustainability, and the evolving dynamics of startup-corporate collaborations. Listeners gain an understanding of how Nestle stays ahead of the curve and anticipates future industry trends.

Feel free to follow and engage with MÓNICA here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonicampos/?locale=en_US 

All In Website: https://www.all-in.com.mx 

B2B xponencial Website: https://www.all-in.com.mx/b2b-xponencial

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by a distinguished guest, Diego Serebrisky. Diego is a deeply experienced investor and is one of the first old guard of venture investors in Latin America. Currently overseeing Dalus Capital, a venture and early growth stage fund based in Mexico. His investment focus lies in high-growth Latin American companies with innovative technology and now more recently, climate technology innovators. Diego shares his understanding of and vision for the entrepreneurial economies of the Americas. With his extensive experience in the field, he provides valuable insights into the evolution of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mexico, shedding light on the country's progress and potential.

Diego has played a crucial role in supporting and investing in some of the region's most well-known brands and important companies, such as Clip, Kubo Financiero, Cultura Colectiva, Technisys, Xertica, and Sirena. Beyond his investment endeavors, Diego shares his wisdom on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and climate issues through his blog at http://serebrisky.com/ and various social media platforms.

Rob and Ileana delve into several engaging topics including exploration of his own origin story, his journey, career, education, and upbringing, and how he first became exposed to entrepreneurship and later ventured into the investment world. Diego's passion for the climate emerges as a focal point, as he discusses the importance of taking action to mitigate climate change.

A notable highlight of the episode is Diego's discussion of the Dalus Capital story. He reveals intriguing details about his early investments, including his involvement with Clip, a company dedicated to providing digital payment solutions for businesses. Tune in to this captivating episode as Rob and Ileana engage in an enlightening conversation with Diego Serebrisky.

Feel free to follow and engage with DIEGO here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegoserebrisky/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/serebrisky

Website: Dalus: https://daluscapital.com/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by René Lomelí, the Director of Operations at 500 Startups LATAM, a renowned venture capital firm in Mexico City. With over 10 years of experience at the company, René has played a crucial role in creating and leading the 16-week program for investments in Spanish-speaking Latin America, known as Somos Lucha, and has been involved in over 240 investments in the region.

During the interview, René shares his inspiring origin story, growing up on the east coast of Mexico in Merida, and not being a "big city kid, and not being a Stanford or Harvard guy." He discusses his move to Mexico City and how it marked a significant serendipitous turning point in his life.

The conversation delves into René's "entrepreneurial origin story" and experience organizing and facilitating Startup Weekends across Mexico, showcasing his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in his City and now Mexico. He also shares valuable insights about his journey with 500 Startups, explaining how he met his partner at 500 Startups, Santiago Zavala, and how he became involved with the company. René sheds light on the inner workings of 500 LatAm and its mission to assist early-stage startups in various aspects such as business strategy, marketing, fundraising, and team building.

One of the highlights of the conversation is René's reflection on the most memorable startups he has worked with and why they stood out to him. He offers a unique perspective on the role of technology, innovation, and capital in driving economic growth in emerging markets, emphasizing the potential for transformative change.

Throughout the interview, René's genuine enthusiasm for the industry and positive energy shines through. His journey from witnessing the nascent stages of the Mexican entrepreneurial landscape to actively contributing to its consolidation, showcases his determination and commitment. Additionally, his passion for marathon running, having completed 10 marathons, offers a unique lens through which he has learned to endure pain and experience greater satisfaction upon reaching the finish line.

Don't miss this captivating episode with René.

Feel free to follow and engage with RENÉ here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlomeli88/?originalSubdomain=mx 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlomeli88/?hl=en 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rlomeli88?lang=en 

Website: https://500.co

Website for LATAM: https://latam.500.co/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by a special guest, James Cummings, the Vice President of Business Development at London & Partners. James is a passionate advocate for promoting London's culture, creativity, and energy, and he has played a crucial role in establishing connections between the United States and the UK through his work at London & Partners.

During the interview, James shares his inspiring story, discussing his upbringing and professional experiences that have shaped his career. He highlights the importance of fostering international business relationships and emphasizes the significance of collaboration between different regions, countries, and industries, particularly focusing on the connections between London and Los Angeles.

James sheds light on the role of government agencies in driving economic growth and explains how private sector leaders can collaborate with these agencies to maximize opportunities. He delves into the key industries that drive London's economy and emphasizes their impact on the city's overall prosperity.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of James' role in promoting London and why entrepreneurs and business leaders should consider London as a prime destination. Simultaneously, they discover James' dedication to promoting Los Angeles, as it holds a special place in his heart. His enthusiasm for both cities and his deep knowledge of their economic potential make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in international business growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the strategies behind city promotion, this episode offers invaluable insights from an industry expert.

Feel free to follow and engage with JAMES here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cummings-90b04514/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/westwoodla?lang=en

Website: https://www.business.london

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by successful entrepreneur and angel investor, Jeffery Potvin. With investments in over 70 companies and a member of multiple angel groups and screening committees, including York, Spark, and GTAN, Jeffery brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

During the interview, Jeffery shares his background in software engineering and e-commerce management and discusses his passion for discovering early-stage companies with innovative solutions to solve real problems. He also discusses his love for travel and how it informs and connects to his investment funds.

One of the key topics covered in the interview is the Canadian entrepreneurial economy, their national entrepreneurial mission and StartUp Visa programs discussed through Jeffery's lens of experience as both a founder and investor. Additionally, He shares insights into his role as the driving force behind Open People Network (OPN), a group of angel investors that helps accelerate the growth of early-stage startups through The Supporters Fund and Pitch-it Series.

Perhaps most notably, Jeffery emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurs and founders supporting one another to create a strong community and drive economic growth. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested the entrepreneurial and investor life anywhere, but especially in Canada!

Feel free to follow and engage with JEFFERY here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferypotvin/?originalSubdomain=ca 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferypotvin/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JefferyPotvin 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffery.potvin/ 

Website: https://www.openpeoplenetwork.com

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by their great friend, Cuco Vega, LEAP Global Partners, Head of Platform, in a very personal conversation, including his unique perspective on innovation, entrepreneurship and his own founder journey, which is a health/wellness journey many entrepreneurs will deeply identify with. Cuco has a well-rounded experience in International Operations, having founded and represented Mexico's Jalisco Government's business and tech promotion office in San Francisco and collaborating with similar programs in Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.

During the interview, Cuco shares his own entrepreneurial journey, which ended exactly one year prior to the day we recorded this conversation together, including his experience founding Bexi and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's health over work and the need to connect with one's co-founder to avoid potential pitfalls. He reflects on the entrepreneurial economies in Mexico, Latin America, and the USA, highlighting both the good and the bad.

The conversation tours Cuco's personal life journey, especially his sabbatical the past 12 months, and his professional transition to venture capital and LEAP Partners, where he is committed to helping portfolio companies thrive. He shares the story of LEAP Partners' history and future and offers insights into what it's like to be a bi-national/multi-cultural (Mexican American) with deep roots in both countries.

Overall, Cuco's experience, skill set, and ambition make him an incredibly valuable asset for startups and venture capitalists alike.

Feel free to follow and engage with CUCO here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cucovega/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cucovega/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cucovega 

Website: http://www.leapglobalpartners.com

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Heather Carter, co-CEO at The Riveter.

Heather is an experienced startup operator and natural relationship developer who has spent the past decade taking nascent concepts from vision to fruition. Heather shares her circuitous, serendipitous personal journey from the UK to Arizona and ultimately Los Angeles, where she lives today with her partner and their daughter, and how her career has allowed her to manage work stress and pressure in stride.

During the interview, Heather discusses her time as the former VP of Operations for The Riveter, and how she used her knowledge gained in co-working to launch The Coterie Club, a smart and more efficient business for the new work from home/hybrid work landscape that emerged alongside our pandemic. She then shares how that vision came full circle with Riveter founder and Co-CEO Amy Nelson, to rebirth a thriving new “The Riveter” post pandemic.

The conversation explores the importance of places like The Riveter, both virtual and physical, for women professionals and entrepreneurs, and the biggest obstacles to greater inclusion and representation of women in executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and investment support. Heather also shares her beliefs about the "future of work" in a post-pandemic/new normal world.

Throughout the episode, Heather emphasizes the importance of empowering women to generate their own income and creating spaces to empower women. She encourages listeners to always be open to opportunities and to ask themselves "what's the worst that can happen?" when considering new paths. Heather also advocates for the role of Co-CEO, noting that being a CEO can be a lonely path. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Heather Carter!

Feel free to follow and engage with HEATHER here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-carter-03706557/ 

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/HeathrCartr⁠ 

Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/theriveterco/

Website: https://theriveter.co 

TikTok Business: https://www.tiktok.com/@theriveterco

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors, builders, influencers and those interested in the entrepreneurial economies of Latin America and the under-represented entrepreneurial communities in the USA!

Plug in, relax and enjoy some Spanish, English and a fun dose of spanglish as always. We're here to help inspire, educate and empower you, so that you can build the future!

¡Salud y gracias!,

Mentors Today's Team