In this episode, I sit down with Bill Binch, an early team member at Marketo and current operating partner at Battery Ventures. Bill shares his journey of working inside high-growth startups—what it takes, what most people get wrong, and how to stand out when the pace is relentless.

You’ll learn the difference between founders and operators, why being an “A player” is essential in a startup environment, and how to bring real value from day one. Bill also dives into the power of simply asking, how to land mentors who can change your trajectory, and why cultural fit is just as important as skillset.

If you're a student, recent grad, or someone curious about breaking into startups, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world perspective from someone who’s been in the trenches.