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Paige Finn Doherty is the Founding Partner at Behind Genius Ventures, a fund investing in early-stage product-led growth companies in the future of work & the future of play. Paige is also the author of Seed to Harvest, a book demystifying VC for children and adults. Until recently she was also a Developer Success Engineer at WorkOS.
Takeaways
Event planning is an art that requires attention to detail and thoughtfulness to create an authentic and meaningful experience.
Building an idea from scratch involves flexing the creative muscle and bringing fiction into reality.
Backing the best founder storytellers is a key aspect of venture capital, as storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping the future.
Deep customer empathy and a passion for the market are important qualities in successful founders and investors.
Manifestation and self-discovery are powerful tools in the venture capital industry, allowing individuals to create their desired outcomes and learn more about themselves.
Asking meaningful questions can lead to self-reflection and personal growth. It's important to be honest and authentic in your responses.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:24 Building Ideas from Scratch
07:14 Backing the Best Founder Storytellers
13:39 Deep Customer Empathy
28:30 Embracing Self-Discovery and the Journey of Finding Purpose
33:26 Books That Change Lives and Inspire New Perspectives
37:24 The Impact of Text Messages on Personal Growth and Connection
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): Listen to Podcast
GUEST: Paige Finn Doherty
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigedoherty/
💻 Website: https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/paigefinnn
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: Listen to Podcast
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Spencer Carey is a recent graduate from NYU, a research fellow at Contrary, and an investment banker at Wells Fargo
During his time at NYU, he helped run NYU Stern’s first Venture Capital organization, the Strategic Venture Society. Here, he built out the club’s external partnerships initiative to work with VCs, co-hosted the club’s podcast, Founder Friendly, led NYU’s Venture Capital Investment Competition team in 2023, and helped organize an NYU-only VC pitch competition, NYU VC.
Takeaways
Post-grad life can be a period of reflection and transition, but having a support system and being intentional with time allocation can make the process easier.
Joining organizations and clubs in college can provide valuable experiences and connections that shape your career path.
Investment banking offers opportunities to learn from senior bankers and gain insights into strategic decision-making in various industries.
Being reflective and asking why are important for personal and professional growth, as they help you understand your motivations and make informed decisions.
Seeking mentorship and being kind to others can create a supportive and collaborative work environment.Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:07 Heart and Post-Grad Life
09:41 Future Plans and Living on the West Coast
11:05 Transition from Internship to Full-Time Job
13:38 Insights into Investment Banking
15:44 Learning from Senior Bankers and Management
19:48 The Role of Kindness in Banking
24:27 Choosing Investment Banking as a Career
26:13 Exploring Different Career Paths
30:34 Importance of Reflection and Asking Why
32:17 Earning Your Ask and Learning How to Learn
35:53 Reflecting on Accomplishments and Seeking Mentorship
38:00 The Value of Reflectiveness and Asking Why
44:10 Future Plans and Podcasting
45:11 Contact Information
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear:
https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): Listen to Podcast
GUEST: Spencer Carey
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-carey
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: Listen to Podcast
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Nick Spiller is the host of the Austinpreneur podcast and Principal at Capital Factory, discusses his investment philosophy and the importance of investing in oneself before investing in companies.
He shares insights on finding an information advantage in venture capital and the challenges of identifying genuine founders. Nick also talks about the changing landscape of venture capital and the rise in interest in the industry. He emphasizes the need for hard work and dedication in the field and shares his expertise in fundraising and podcasting.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:32 Investment Philosophy
03:10 Investing in Yourself
04:39 Investing in Startups
05:29 Identifying Genuine Founders
07:25 Developing Skills in Investing
08:21 Uptick in Interest in Venture Capital
09:35 Changing Landscape of Venture Capital
10:44 Investing in Cutting-Edge Technologies
11:17 Investing in Crypto
12:19 Investing in Established Markets
13:15 The Difficulty of Private Market Investing
14:08 The Role of Luck in Investing
15:43 Finding Signal in the Noise
17:05 Importance of Information Sources
18:14 Creating an Information Advantage
19:22 Enjoying the Learning Process
20:42 The Difficulty of Venture Capital
21:45 Building a Unicorn Company
23:41 The Reality of Venture Capital
25:31 Expertise in Fundraising and Podcasting
26:36 Expertise in Early-Stage Startups
28:09 The Therapeutic Aspect of Podcasting
29:24 Favorite Person Interviewed
30:48 Favorite Podcast Appearance
32:16 Approaching Work-Life Balance
36:00 Work Ethic and Service Industry Experience
38:43 The Importance of Work Ethic in Hiring
39:43 The Value of Having a Job
41:38 Where to Find Nick Spiller
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): Listen to Podcast
GUEST: Nick Spiller
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickspiller
💻 Website: https://www.capitalfactory.com/podcast/
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nick_Spiller
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: Listen to Podcast
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Adie Akuffo-Afful is the Managing Partner at The SpiltMilk Company, where they ideate, test, build, and fundraise for concepts the group thinks of.
Prior to this venture, Adie was the head of venture programming for Wefunder, a Regulation Crowdfunding platform, and currently sits as an advisor and syndicate lead for a few external ventures.
Takeaways
Art has the power to showcase different perspectives and evoke emotions.
Entrepreneurship requires a strong team and the ability to adapt to challenges.
Inequality and the pursuit of happiness are complex issues that impact society.
Water rights and technology are emerging areas of opportunity in Africa.
The next innovation centers may be in Austin, Chicago, Portugal, Turkey, Nigeria, Nairobi, Singapore, and Sydney. Networking and making introductions can be powerful tools for building relationships and helping others.
Opening doors for people and providing opportunities can have a positive impact on both parties involved.
Patience and timing are key in building meaningful connections and relationships.
Kindness and generosity are important values to uphold in professional relationships.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Geeking out about Art
03:11 The Significance of Art
06:25 Favorite Artists and Integration into Business
08:23 Challenges and Motivation in Entrepreneurship
10:29 The Pursuit of Happiness
13:31 Realization of Inequality
16:36 Caste System and Cultural Anthropology
19:24 Entrepreneurial Gene and Family Business
22:19 The Next Big Thing in Africa
25:47 The Impact of Andela on African Technology
28:44 Ramping Up Knowledge Base
31:36 Next Innovation Centers
35:35 The Power of Networking and Making Introductions
36:09 The Kindness of Helping Others
37:33 Opening Doors for Others
38:02 Patience and Timing
38:30 Where to Find Adie Akuffo-Afful
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): Listen to Podcast
GUEST: Adie Akuffo-Afful
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adieakuffo
💻 Website: https://www.tabularasa.ventures/investor/adie-akuffo-afful
🐣 Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adieakuffo/
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: Listen to Podcast
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Discover the Power of Positivity
Our journey through life is often about seeking truth, peace, and alignment with our inner selves. This quest is beautifully reflected in the words of the latest podcast episode, a heartfelt exploration of our divine connection and personal empowerment.
Tune in for an uplifting experience: The Power Within Us
In this episode, the focus shifts to an introspective and spiritual reflection, exploring the profound connection between the self and the divine. Throughout the podcast, the repetitive use of affirmations such as "I am love," "I am light," "I am peace," and "I am truth," emphasizes the power of positive thinking and self-affirmation.
The concept of God is celebrated as not only amazing and great but also as an intrinsic part of our being, as the phrases "I am God," "You are God," and "God is in us" illustrate the belief in unity between the individual and the divine.
The episode serves as a form of meditative commentary on the inherent worth and potential of every person to do the impossible, attract good things, and love oneself. It acknowledges the virtues of gratitude, freedom, and wisdom, which are seen as attainable states of mind and being. In a crescendo of affirmations, listeners are reminded of their divine nature and encouraged to recognize the same in others, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and compassion.
#IAmDivinity #GodIsGreatness #LoveAndLightInUs
Takeaways
Recognize Your Inner Divinity
Embrace Your Limitless Potential
Unravel the Essence of Synchronicity
The Unity of All
Affirming Love
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Introduction: Embracing Positivity and Divinity
(00:02:45) Affirmation of Self-Love and Peace
(00:03:48) Recognizing the Divine Within
Ending on an empowering note, the episode closes with the affirmations of love and purpose. "I am a dreamer. I move with purpose. I love." Join us and let these words inspire your journey toward self-discovery and universal love.
Our latest episode is a tapestry woven with words of love, light, and the truth that bind us all. If you're looking for a sign to step into your power and embrace your inner light, let this episode be it.
Tap into your potential and join us in this symphony of affirmation and empowerment. Listen now and let your soul resonate with the vibrations of love and light.
Spread the love by sharing this episode with someone who could use a dose of positivity and affirmation in their lives.
Remember, you are love, you are light, and you are peace.
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tavamultimediagroup
HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/tavamultimediagroup
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Carl Grant III lives in Austin, TX and is the married father of five adult children. He’s the Author of “How to Live the Abundant Life,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Carl is CEO of Capital Raise and Connexa Holdings, LLC, is Chairman of Cationic Mineral Formulations, Inc., and is a partner in Super Connector, LLC.
Previously, Carl served as global head of business development for Cooley, during which the firm’s annual revenue grew from $310M to over $2B. He was the first business development hire at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he grew revenue 33% in his market. He is the founder of the SxSW Sunday Service and the High Tech Prayer Breakfast – DC Metro, Inc.
Takeaways
Utilizing the workplace as a form of ministry can have a powerful impact on others and create a positive work environment.
Incorporating biblical teachings into business practices, such as treating people with respect and being a servant leader, can lead to success.
Trusting God with finances and giving generously can lead to unexpected blessings and provision.
Balancing priorities of faith, family, fitness, and work is essential for a fulfilling and purposeful life.
TIMESTAMPS:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:05 Realizing the Mission to Use the Workplace as Ministry
03:12 Starting the High Tech Prayer Breakfast
04:33 Trusting God with Finances and Giving
08:16 Balancing Priorities: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Work
36:40 Impact of Wife and Favorite Qualities
39:26 A Terrifying Moment
41:02 Appreciating Life
41:38 Taking Precautions
42:09 A Meaningful Conversation
44:46 The Path of a Connector
45:52 Claiming God's Promises
46:21 Inspiring Faith
47:08 Connecting and Staying in Touch
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): Listen to Podcast
GUEST: Carl Grant III
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgrant
💻 Website: https://connexapartners.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carl.grant.iii/?hl=en
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: Listen to Podcast
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Jonathan Chang is an startup ambassador at Brex where he meets early stage founders & investors all across the country along with throwing 100+ events. He is also the founder of GenZScouts, a program to help students break in to startups/venture and SF IRL, the top newsletter in the Bay Area showcasing the top tech & startup events.
Previously, Jonathan was a VC at GSV. He also invests into preseed/seed startups through his syndicate Daydream Ventures.
In this episode, Tanaka Tava interviews Jonathan Chang, a venture capitalist and startup ecosystem enthusiast. They discuss various topics, including emotional well-being, balancing time zones, setting intentions for the new year, managing events and travel, pursuing hobbies, and the importance of connection and common ground. Jonathan shares his experiences and offers advice on being a super connector, developing emotional intelligence, and embracing change.
Takeaways:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Background
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3S9bnPVHS5bq7BqTNb6R
GUEST:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejonathanchang
💻 Website: https://daydreamvc.com/
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechangj
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@venturecapitalguy
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/tavamultimediagroup
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Josh Cliffords is the founder and CEO of FreeWater, the world’s first free beverage company.
Josh has founded numerous companies, but in 2018, he decided to tackle the world’s water crisis and hasn’t looked back. Josh’s ‘negatively-priced’ business model leverages advertising to make goods and services pay for themselves, and while he is currently focused on growing FreeWater, he has plans to continue expanding this business model into new industries.
He shares his journey of creating Free Water, a company that aims to solve the global water crisis and provide negatively priced products. He discusses his eye-opening experiences while traveling the world, the inspiration he draws from others who have achieved the impossible, and the importance of breaking personal insecurities and glass ceilings.
Josh emphasizes the need for passion and dedication in entrepreneurship and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also highlights the future of Free Water and its potential to disrupt the industry. Overall, his story is a testament to the power of innovation and the impact individuals can make in solving global challenges.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Mission
Order some merch, Iconic Luxury Streetwear: https://www.iconicluxurystreetwear.com/
Podcast & Content Creation Course: https://tanakatava.gumroad.com/l/LVySW
The Download (Keys & Codes) - Newsletter featuring previous episodes of Iconic Conversations and musings of my mind: https://tanakatava.substack.com/
Book a FREE consulting call to discuss your creative strategy or business idea: https://calendly.com/tanakatava/tava-consulting-20-minute-meeting
Listen to this podcast (but in audio form): https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3S9bnPVHS5bq7BqTNb6R
GUEST:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-cliffords-3155247a/
💻 Website: https://www.freewater.io/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freewater.io/
HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/tavamultimediagroup
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava/
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heytanakatava
Blake Weissman is a venture capital associate with 2+ years of experience in venture capital.
He has analyzed and facilitated startup investment opportunities that received $600,000 of funding. Then transitioned to director of a new initiative within the fund where he conceptualized and instituted a venture capital scout training program that trained underrepresented professionals and accelerated their careers to landing venture-related roles now up to $750,000 in salary.
(00:00:01) Introduction: Guest Blake Weissman
(00:03:12) Reflections on the year
(00:11:30) Overcoming Tunnel Vision
(00:17:19) Importance of Family Time
(00:21:33) Search for Greatness
(00:25:31) Defining Personal Greatness
(00:32:05) Money: Evil or Necessary?
(00:39:30) Interconnection of Finance and Spirituality
(00:44:32) Self-Reflection
(00:46:29) Audience Challenge Proposal
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeweissman1/
🎥 Website: https://medium.com/@blakeiw
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weissadvice/?hl=en
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HOST: Tanaka Tava
💻 Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/tavamultimediagroup
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicconver...
🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatva
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tanakatava
🕺 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tanakatava
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