Welcome to Ideas Last, the podcast about turning initial sparks into big results. On today’s episode, we have Sam Zimmerman. Sam is currently CEO and co-founder of Sagewell Financial. Sam founded Sagewell because he wanted his parents and the 57,999,996 other Americans like them to feel confident about their financial futures. Confident they are saving as much money as possible. Confident they are getting everything they have earned as seniors. Confident they are safe and protected from scammers who take advantage of folks their age. Confident they are going to be able to pass as much as possible to the next generation. 

Sagewell is an institute that specializes in banking for seniors. Sam shares his journey of how he came up with the idea and has built the company to where it is today. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Sam says, “Pay careful attention to who your primary customers base is. Your customers are the one that guide what products you build and will make your business model function. If you get feedback from the wrong customer segment, you will build the wrong products."

CONNECT WITH SAM 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Jennifer Gomez is a tech founder and public speaker from Brooklyn, NY. Throughout her professional and entrepreneurial career, she’s helped innumerable brands and startups leverage data-led strategy and creative storytelling to launch products and build authentic relationships with their consumers. 

Today, she is Co-Founder & CMO of oneKIN Inc., a mission-driven, retail-tech company powering the future of e-commerce for small businesses. From their award-winning curated e-commerce marketplace for diverse retailers to our soon-to-launch livestream shopping app, oneKIN live, they are hyper-focused on providing small businesses tech-enabled solutions to increase their visibility and grow sustainably. 

In addition to scaling oneKIN, she is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs of color, women, small businesses, and tech professionals around the country via workshops, panels, and various on/off-air speaking engagements. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Jennifer says, “Most entrepreneurs think that everything has to be perfect when you launch. The first iteration of your product is not going to be perfect. And that's part of the process. The journey of those future optimizations is what's beautiful."

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Nathan Beckford helps startups with strategy, finance, BD, and venture/exit issues. Described as the “wingman to startup CEOs” and as “Biz Dev / CFO to go”, he specializes in pitching deals, raising capital, and getting sh*t done. Nathan is the CEO of Foundersuite, used by 2500+ startups worldwide to bring structure, speed, and efficiency to fundraising and investor relations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Nathan says, “One of the mistakes I see founders make is that they don't prioritize fundraising. Fundraising is painful. It takes a lot of time and you face a lot of rejection. But if really want to see results, it takes  a full-time commitment of three months for most startups."

CONNECT WITH NATHAN

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Gary Goldberger is President and Co-Founder at FableVision, an award winning multi-media development and publishing company specializing in educational interactives for children. He oversees the production of FableVision’s award-winning media products. Since the company's launch, Gary has held many positions, and he approaches each project with a multi-faceted perspective. Gary is an expert in designing and developing innovative games for learners of all ages, and is a frequent speaker nationally on the role of games in education. Gary’s unique blend of technical and creative leadership has been a key reason many FableVision projects have won awards.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Gary says, “Creators tend to fall in love with with their own ideas, however it is crucial as new entrepreneurs to let their guards  down and be willing to accept criticism and feedback."

CONNECT WITH GARY

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Alisha is the co-founder and CEO of Rainstick, a clean technology company committed to cutting residential water usage in half. Rainstick is a high-flow shower system of 3GPM that saves 80% water and 80% energy through point-of-use recirculation and real-time cleansing. Alisha holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development and a Bachelor in International Business, majoring in Sustainability. In 2020, she came first place in the Communitech's Fierce Founder's Competition and is also the recipient of the Caldwell Partner's Future CEO Award, Royals Roads Leadership Award, and the TD Sustainability Award. She has spent time working, studying and living in Kenya, China, The Netherlands, the United States and Canada, where she currently lives today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Alisha says, “Startups can be slow and challenging, however it is important to believe in your startup, build the team and constantly reiterate and update the technology as needed."

CONNECT WITH ALISHA

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Steve Hoffman is the CEO of Founders Space, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators, with over 50 partners in 22 countries. Hoffman is also a venture investor, founder of three venture-backed and two bootstrapped startups, and author of several award-winning books. Hoffman went on to launch Founders Space, with the mission to educate and accelerate entrepreneurs. Founders Space has become one of the top startup accelerators in the world. Hoffman has trained hundreds of startup founders and corporate executives in the art of innovation and provided consulting to many of the world’s largest corporations. He currently resides in San Francisco but spends most of his time in the air, visiting startups, investors, and innovators all over the world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Steve says, “The brilliant ideas don’t always have to come from the CEO of the company, rather it needs to be a shared collaboration of the entire team to ideate and drive change"

CONNECT WITH STEVE

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Alessandra Henderson is the Co-Founder & CEO of Elektra Health, a next-gen women’s health platform on a mission to smash the menopause taboo. Elektra empowers the 50M women in the US navigating menopause with evidence-based education, virtual care, and a supportive community. Prior to Elektra, Alessandra began her career in technology as the sixth employee at Artsy, where she built the content partner business from the ground up. From there, she went on to found and serve as Executive Director of the MIT NYC Startup Studio, and VP of Network at Human Ventures. She has been featured in leading publications including Fast Company, Forbes, Techcrunch, and more. She has also been a recipient of quite a few laurels like the Martin Trust Community Fellow Award '16 and the Patrick J. McGovern, Jr Entrepreneurship Award '16. Beyond the office, Alessandra is passionate about taboo-smashing, all things art, and supporting & elevating women. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Alessandra says, “Understanding and paying attention to people and the level of interest and curiosity they bring to the table helps to build the right team and culture in any startup." 

CONNECT WITH ALESSANDRA 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Leon is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bloom, the world's first self-guided therapy platform on a mission to empower 1 billion people to be their own therapists. Leon was born in Germany, taught himself design in high school, and became a product designer. He built several businesses from HR tech to Voice Technology and Mobile Apps. His company Bloom builds tools to unlock human potential. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Leon says, “It is important to think what we as humans have always done and what can we do even better - making therapy accessible and affordable" 

CONNECT WITH LEON 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #LeonMueller #MentalHealth #Bloom #Therapy

Chris Yeh is the co-author of Blitzscaling, the book that explains how to build world-changing companies like Amazon, Alibaba, and Airbnb in record time. A writer, investor, and entrepreneur, Chris has had a ringside seat in the world of startups and scaleups since 1995. His books help founders, venture capitalists, corporate leaders, policymakers, and everyday people better understand how the internet has changed the way we work together to build amazing organizations. Chris is also the founding partner of Blitzscaling Ventures, which helps rapidly growing companies in winner-take-most markets become global leaders by providing in-depth scaling advice and capital. Hundreds of companies, from garage-dwelling startups to Fortune 50 titans have tapped his knowledge and insights to accelerate and transform their businesses. Chris holds a BS/BA from Stanford University and MBA from Harvard. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Chris says, “A key nugget for entrepreneurs is that it's so important to have an orientation towards action. One of the things that holds people back is this belief that they have to get everything right before they do anything, but the most important thing is to just do stuff." 

CONNECT WITH CHRIS 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #Danie

Yaniv Kalish is a solar energy veteran, with over 15 years of developing more than $200M valued solar projects. He is the founder & CEO of SolarKal - the largest B2B solar marketplace in the United States. SolarKal streamlines the switch to solar energy for organizations across the U.S. while saving them time, money and internal resources. With dedicated advisory services powered by the largest marketplace of over 125 vetted solar providers across the U.S., SolarKal empowers organizations to go green with ease. Yaniv is a Boston Consulting Group Alum and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School focused in Energy and Entrepreneurship. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Yaniv says, “Every entrepreneur starts off being a "jack of all trades" in the beginning. It is important to transition towards delegating and building your team as you grow so that you don't become a bottleneck to the growth." 

CONNECT WITH YANIV 

SolarKal - www.solarkal.com 

Connect with Yaniv on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanivkalish/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 

Email Danielle - [email protected] 

Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 

Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #Entrepreneurship #YanivKalish #SolarKal