In this episode, Roman Axelrod, founder and CEO of Xpanceo, shares the bold vision behind raising capital - $290M to create smart contact lenses designed to expand human capability.

From building prototypes to leading a deep-tech team, Roman opens up about the real challenges of turning science fiction into science fact. He discusses the grit it takes to lead a company operating at the edge of innovation—and how clarity, communication, and conviction become non-negotiables in the process.

We explore:

• The role of storytelling in raising capital for moonshot ideas

• Why prototypes matter more than PowerPoints in deep tech

• How to attract world-class talent in a hyper-competitive market

• What makes co-founder relationships thrive under pressure

• How creativity and discipline coexist in breakthrough innovation

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or future-focused leader, Roman’s journey offers powerful lessons on building what doesn’t yet exist—and getting others to believe in it.

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Chapters

00:00 The Vision Behind Xpanceo

10:16 Challenges and Reactions to the Idea

14:14 Building a Deep Tech Company

17:22 Motivating a High-Stakes Team

21:47 The Importance of Prototypes

23:58 Recruiting Top Talent in Deep Tech

27:35 The Co-Founder Dynamic

31:14 Communication and Leadership in High-Stakes Environments

34:42 Cultivating Creativity and Vision

39:49 Looking Ahead: The Future of Xpanceo

Felicia Shakiba looks back at how far the podcast has come—and sets the stage for an even bolder season ahead. In this special episode, she teases the power-packed stories coming in Season 4, spotlights what leadership really means today, and unveils new tools designed to help leaders rise, adapt, and thrive.

In the Season 3 finale, Pluri CEO Yaky Yanay joins Felicia Shakiba for a powerful conversation on leading transformation through trust, transparency, and bold vision. He shares how he redefined Pluri’s identity—from pharma to cell-based tech innovator—while building a culture that puts people, purpose, and innovation first. A high-stakes, high-insight episode on what true leadership looks like in times of change.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Culture in Leadership

12:11 Navigating Organizational Transformation

17:53 Overcoming Resistance to Change

26:47 Building Trust Through Transparency

31:05 Expanding Vision Without Losing Focus

36:45 Advice for Leaders in Times of Change

Generative AI may be rewriting the rules, but Felicia Shakiba and Claurelle Rakipovic, Chief Product Officer at Pipe, break down what real product leadership looks like. From customer empathy to AI missteps, Claurelle shares sharp lessons on building products that can actually hold their ground.

Chapters

00:00 Building Defensible Products in the Age of AI

01:50 Understanding Defensibility Beyond Automation

04:30 Learning from AI Missteps

09:26 Internal Testing and AI Adoption

14:39 New Competencies for Product Leaders

19:47 The Importance of Unique Data

23:49 Empathy in AI Product Development

27:39 Auditing AI for Value Delivery

In the world of private equity and high-stakes M&A, financials are only half the story. The real differentiator? Leadership. This episode explores what leadership qualities truly drive success in mergers and acquisitions, why most private equity due diligence efforts fall short on the people's front, and how to assess leaders before the deal is signed. Our guest is Cameron Bishop Partner and Managing Director at Raincatcher Investment Bankers.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of People in M&A Success

02:48 Cultural Missteps in Private Equity Acquisitions

05:44 Aligning Leadership Post-Acquisition

08:15 The Role of Communication in Corporate Culture

11:04 Integrating Multiple Cultures

13:37 Data-Driven Decision Making in M&A

16:06 Incentivizing Employees for Success

18:54 Identifying and Nurturing Talent

21:43 Achieving Alignment in Leadership

24:44 The Continuous Journey of Alignment

Matt Lewis unpacks the realities of AI transformation inside organizations — and what happens when AI takes our jobs. He shares stories of employees navigating the emotional fallout of AI, the role of leadership in reducing resistance, and how identity and self-worth shape the success of change initiatives. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for guiding teams through AI-driven transformation with clarity and empathy.

00:00 Navigating Personal Challenges and Professional Growth

05:30 Real Stories of Emotional Fallout

11:42 Subtle Signs of Resistance

19:55 Communicating Change Effectively

27:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics During Transformation

34:38 TransferMental: A New Approach to AI Transformation

40:24 Identity and Emotional Complexity in AI Disruption

AI Implementation rates are shockingly low - but why?

What does it really take to lead lasting change inside an organization? Lyon Kassab, Managing General Partner at BoCG Ventures, breaks it down in this episode on organizational change management and how the lack thereof, can cost millions. From the silent weight middle managers carry to the culture shifts that make or break transformation, Lyon shares sharp insights on trust, transparency, and measuring what matters. If you’re tired of buzzwords and want the real mechanics of driving change—this one’s for you.

Felicia Shakiba and Vikash Jha pull back the curtain on how private equity really sizes up leadership during acquisitions for business growth. From reading the silent signals to decoding executive chemistry, they reveal the high-stakes art of aligning leaders with ambitious growth plays.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Leadership Evaluation in Private Equity Due Diligence

03:07 Identifying Leadership Fit: Early Warning Signs

07:49 The Strategy Behind Leadership Retention

12:16 Cultural Integration: The Key to Successful Acquisitions

14:50 Investing in Leadership Development vs. Replacement

17:12 Communicating Change: Engaging Leadership and Employees

20:44 Best Practices for Retaining Talent Post-Acquisition

22:33 Checklist for Assessing Leadership During Acquisitions

How can executives build authentic confidence and overcome self-doubt? Kip Knippel, President & CEO of KIP Search, shares actionable strategies for navigating imposter syndrome, embracing risk-taking, and leading with clarity. Discover how mentorship, direct communication, and self-awareness help women thrive in male-dominated leadership roles. Learn how to build resilience, strengthen executive presence, and shape a culture where confident leaders grow and succeed.