RESET with Tonya

RESET with Tonya

By Tonya J. LongSociety & Culture
Download on the App Store

RESET with Tonya episodes

  • The Vinyl Revival: 30 Years at Streetlight Records

    Send us Fan Mail

    Behind every thriving cultural institution lies a story of passion, resilience, and community. For Paige Brodsky, now marking 36 years at Streetlight Records, that story unfolds through decades of music industry transformation that would have shuttered lesser establishments.

    "We're the cockroaches of the business world," Brodsky explains with a smile, describing the remarkable adaptability that has kept independent record stores alive through seismic technological shifts. From vinyl's dominance to cassettes, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming, Streetlight Records—now celebrating its 50th anniversary—has transformed each potential threat into an opportunity for connection.

    What emerges from Brodsky's journey is a profound lesson in creating community through shared passion. When young fans gather for pre-release listening parties, strangers become friends through their love of an artist. When customers browse vinyl records—some without even owning turntables—they're participating in a multisensory ritual that digital platforms simply cannot replicate. The colored vinyl, gatefold artwork, and warm analog sound represent more than nostalgia; they're artifacts that connect people across generations.

    Perhaps most remarkable is Streetlight's ability to respond to its specific communities, with distinct musical preferences between their San Jose and Santa Cruz locations. This local connection, combined with the national network of independent record store owners sharing strategies and support, creates a resilience that corporate chains never achieved.

    Join us at Streetlight Records' 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 26th at both locations, featuring DJs, giveaways, and a special book signing of "South Bay Flashback" about San Jose's psychedelic underground. Whether you're a vinyl aficionado or simply curious about how some businesses stay vibrant for half a century, you'll discover how passion makes work feel like anything but.


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    49 min
  • From AI Pioneer to Community Building Top Voice: Piyush's Journey

    Send us Fan Mail

    What happens when an AI pioneer discovers his true purpose lies in building human connections? Piyush Malik's journey from IBM Watson innovator to community builder reveals how technology and spirituality can beautifully intertwine to create meaningful impact.

    Our paths crossed through a Pomeranian named Sushi, but our connection deepened through shared values about leadership, wisdom, and purpose. Piyush opens up about his 15-year mindfulness journey that began with watching his grandmother meditate in lotus position as a child. This foundation shaped his approach to technology leadership at IBM Watson and beyond, where he learned to see the goodness in people's souls instead of only their professional capabilities.

    The conversation takes fascinating turns through the evolution of AI – from Watson defeating humans at Jeopardy to today's transformative applications. As someone who witnessed AI's commercial birth, Piyush dismisses fears that it will end humanity. Instead, he envisions technology eliminating mundane tasks to elevate our uniquely human qualities: "The future of work will be more human-centric than people expect."

    His work transforming the American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin from virtually no gender diversity to chapters with over 50% women leaders demonstrates his commitment to inclusion. This same dedication drives his mentorship of young people, which has grown from annual talks to weekly engagements with students who lack adequate guidance.

    It's very interesting to understand Piyush's holistic perspective on success. While technically brilliant, he thinks about being creative again (painting) and recently joined a drum circle to nurture his artistic side. "Embrace your wholeness, bring your whole self to work," he advises, revealing that authenticity trumps perfection in both leadership and life.

    For anyone navigating today's rapidly changing technological landscape while seeking deeper meaning, Piyush's wisdom offers a refreshing north star. Follow his journey on LinkedIn and discover how treating failures as "stepping stones to the next big success" might be the reset you've been looking for in your own path.

    CONNECT WITH PIYUSH 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://piyushmalik.substack.com/podcast
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malikpiyush/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    59 min
  • [NorCal Narratives] Trusting the Call: Megan Lambert on Intuition, Motherhood, and Eros

    Send us Fan Mail

    When was the last time you truly listened to your body's wisdom instead of your conditioned "shoulds"? Megan Lambert, author of "Eros: The Journey Home" and creator of the Los Gatos Mama's Circle, offers a compelling perspective on reconnecting with our intuition and desires.

    "Guilt is the moment when your desire runs contrary to your conditioning," Megan shares, articulating why so many women—especially mothers—struggle to trust their inner knowing. From early childhood, we're taught to follow rules and put others first, creating a disconnect between our authentic selves and our learned behaviors.

    But what if our desires aren't selfish indulgences but sacred guidance? Megan reframes Eros not simply as romantic love but as "the feminine embodied soul, creative life force" that brings color to our existence. This life force speaks not through logical pros and cons lists, but through our bodies—our gut, heart, and pelvis—and learning to listen requires reconnecting with ourselves below the neck.

    Through her Mama's Circle gatherings, Megan creates spaces where women can share without judgment, be witnessed in their stories, and remember parts of themselves they thought were lost. Using the beautiful metaphor of redwood trees that appear separate above ground but remain connected through their roots, she illuminates how women can support each other while maintaining their unique identities.

    Whether you're a mother by birth, adoption, or through nurturing projects, communities, or creative works, Megan's wisdom offers a path back to yourself. Follow her on Instagram @MeganDLambert or explore her book to discover practices that might help you reconnect with your own intuition, desire, and the full spectrum of your being.

    What forgotten parts of yourself are waiting for an invitation to emerge? When might you create space to listen to your body's quieter voice?


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    40 min
  • Rock Tours, Rejection, and Reinvention: A Journey to AI Entrepreneurship

    Send us Fan Mail

    Imagine a world where AI doesn't just respond to your commands but proactively handles entire business processes without supervision. That's the promise of agentic AI, and few understand its revolutionary potential better than Jim Recker.

    After decades in the tech industry working with giants like WebEx and BlueJeans, Jim has embarked on his most ambitious journey yet – building Invenir, a company leveraging agentic AI to transform how businesses bring products to market. "I've never been so excited to be involved in technology as I am now," Jim says with genuine enthusiasm that's impossible to miss.

    In our conversation that originally aired on KPCR 92.9FM, the distinction he draws between generative and agentic AI crystalizes what makes this moment so pivotal. While generative AI requires human prompting for each task, agentic AI works autonomously toward objectives. This shift from reactive to proactive technology promises to accelerate business processes dramatically, potentially cutting go-to-market cycles by 60% by Jim's estimates. "This will be a revolution larger than the industrial revolution in the 1800s," he declares, predicting business processes will be unrecognizable within 4-5 years.

    What's particularly fascinating is how Jim's varied career experiences – from sales engineering to product management to marketing – have converged to inform his vision. Each role provided unique insights into the challenges of bringing products to market efficiently. Even his early stint touring with the Grateful Dead (yes, really!) contributed to his adaptable mindset. His journey demonstrates how accumulated wisdom can spark innovation at any life stage, challenging conventional narratives about entrepreneurship being exclusively for the young.

    When asked what signals it's time to move on from a job, Jim's answer is refreshingly simple: "When I'm not having fun anymore." This philosophy of pursuing meaningful work that brings joy grounds his approach to business building and serves as a powerful reminder for anyone contemplating their next career move.

    Ready to witness the future of business automation? Follow Jim's journey on LinkedIn or visit invenir.ai to learn how agentic AI might transform your industry sooner than you think.


    CONNECT WITH JIM 🎙️

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/recker/  
    • Invenir: https://www.invenir.ai/ 


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    1 hr
  • Code, Community, and Cowboy Boots

    Send us Fan Mail

    This week's RESET with Tonya shares a story about a lifelong technologist building a sanctuary for Silicon Valley's brightest minds to escape the digital world. Mike Prince, serial entrepreneur and AI pioneer, takes us on a fascinating journey from his early programming days to his vision of our AI-powered future.

    Originally broadcast on Pirate Cat Radio 92.9FM, the episode reveals how Mike began programming an Atari 2600 at age 10 and recognized something profound that would shape his career: "I could teach one person to do a job, or I could write a program that does the work of a thousand people." This insight led him through decades of innovation, from automating restaurant systems to developing cryptography for the armed forces.

    Mike focuses on what he calls "the end of the digital dark ages" - building AI agents that genuinely represent human interests instead of corporate goals. He explains how in the near future, each of us will have dozens or hundreds of digital agents working on our behalf, negotiating with other agents, filtering information, and arranging meaningful human connections. But this future depends on something critical that few are discussing: trust protocols that allow agents to securely identify and authenticate each other.

    Mike is also building "The Decelerator" at an 1838 ranch where technologists reconnect with analog skills like milling lumber, cooking over open fires, and engaging in deep fireside conversations. This beautiful counterbalance to our digital lives reminds us that true innovation will serve human connection, not replace it.

    Mike's philosophy is captured in his guiding principle: "Live long and prosper." He believes technology should extend our lives and enhance our well-being while giving us more time for authentic human experiences and nature. As he puts it, "If we embrace technology in the correct way, with it being benevolent to us, it'll give us more time to be human and to talk to each other in real life."

    Explore how technology can enhance rather than diminish our humanity. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn to follow his work on AI agents, trust protocols, and creating spaces where technology serves our deepest human needs.

    CONNECT WITH MIKE 👨🏼‍🌾

    • "Agentic Profile" Blog: https://www.agenticprofile.ai/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-prince-7713/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    1 hr
  • What 25 Years with Cisco Taught Vladimirs About Building Trust & Long-Term Vision

    Send us Fan Mail

    Technology partnerships don't just happen — they're carefully cultivated through trust, long-term thinking, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes. Vladimirs Sazonovs brings 25 years of Cisco wisdom to this fascinating conversation about what makes transformational partnerships work in an era of unprecedented technological change.

    From opening the Baltics for Cisco in the early 2000s to now leading their Global Infrastructure Funds, Vladimirs has mastered the art of bringing together diverse ecosystem players to solve complex problems. His simple yet profound insight? "Do they do what they say they will do?" This foundational question guides his approach to building partnerships that withstand the test of time and deliver meaningful results.

    The parallels between the networking revolution of the early 2000s and today's AI transformation are striking. Both represent moments when technology enables previously unthinkable possibilities. Vladimirs shares how companies can navigate these shifts by distinguishing between their core competencies (what truly differentiates them) and context (what can be handled through partnerships). This strategic clarity becomes especially crucial as AI, high-performance computing, and NeoCloud providers reshape the technology landscape.

    Perhaps most compelling is Vladimirs' perspective on technology's ultimate purpose — human flourishing. Whether enabling healthcare breakthroughs or improving productivity across sectors, technology serves as a sophisticated tool that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. This human-centered viewpoint provides a refreshing counterbalance to dystopian AI narratives.

    For leaders navigating digital transformation, this conversation offers a masterclass in partnership thinking. You'll gain insights on evaluating potential partners, structuring win-win relationships, and maintaining focus amid rapid technological change. As Vladimirs notes, sometimes the most important strategic decisions aren't about what you do — they're about what you choose not to do.

    Ready to transform how you approach partnerships? Listen now and discover why purpose-driven collaboration might be your most powerful competitive advantage.

    CONNECT WITH VLADIMIRS 🎙️

    •  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsazonov/ 


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    59 min
  • From Rotary Dials to GPT Files: A Life Wired for Wonder

    Send us Fan Mail

    What does it mean to reinvent yourself after decades in the corporate world? John McGowan, a Silicon Valley veteran who helped build Hewlett Packard during its formative years, shares his journey through multiple careers, four retirements, and the pursuit of passions that keep life meaningful at every stage.

    Our conversation begins with John's unconventional path from "really bad engineer" to corporate executive. Despite his father's insistence on an engineering degree, John found his true talents in sales, negotiation, and contract law — ultimately becoming a vice president at Agilent Technologies. Throughout his corporate ascent, he balanced his demanding career with law school, raising children, and cultivating serious hobbies that demanded complete presence.

    These pursuits — flying planes for animal rescue missions, traveling across North America in Airstreams, and mentoring younger enthusiasts — weren't just pastimes. They were deliberate counterbalances to corporate demands, providing what John calls "a way to separate myself from the work world." His perspective on technological evolution is equally fascinating, having witnessed the transformation from "typewriters and mimeograph machines" to today's always-connected reality where work boundaries have virtually disappeared.

    Most compelling is John's approach to retirement and aging. Rather than seeing his seventh decade as a time of decline, he views it as an opportunity to pursue bucket list adventures and contribute meaningfully through volunteer work. His 50-year marriage to Diane, built on complementary strengths and mutual respect, demonstrates how partnership evolves through life's transitions. For those intimidated by AI and emerging technologies, his advice is refreshingly simple: "Just try it. You can't hurt it. Play with it."

    Whether you're contemplating your own career transition or seeking inspiration for life's third act, John's story reminds us that purpose and possibility extend far beyond the corner office. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with thought leaders reshaping how we think about work, technology, longevity, and purpose.

    CONNECT WITH JOHN 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcgowan-539211/



    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    1 hr 3 min
  • Growth Pathways: Small Business, Technology, & Community

    Send us Fan Mail

    What happens when a brilliant mind trained in electrical engineering turns her talents toward community service and humanitarian aid? In this thought-provoking conversation, Harbir Bhatia reveals the surprising connections between corporate experience and community impact.

    Growing up in a Sikh tradition, Harbir was taught from age five that active participation in community service wasn't optional — it was a way of life. This foundation, combined with her father's feminist perspectives and her mother's strength, created a powerful template for leadership that would serve her throughout her career journey from Lockheed Martin to humanitarian aid for Ukraine and leadership at the Central Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

    The most illuminating aspect of Harbir's story is how skills developed in corporate environments become invaluable tools for community service. As she explains, "These are not two separate worlds; it's a continuum." The analytical thinking, crisis resolution, and negotiation tactics she honed in technology companies enabled her to mobilize resources quickly when Ukraine needed generators during wartime. Her ability to frame humanitarian needs in business terms created win-win scenarios that delivered real-world results.

    Harbir and Tonya explore the changing landscape for small businesses in the AI era, suggesting we're at a pivotal moment where entrepreneurial ventures will accomplish more with fewer resources. They challenge the notion that enterprise is king, instead proposing that the pendulum is swinging back toward smaller, nimbler organizations that can leverage technology while maintaining the personal touch that creates community. As Harbir powerfully states, "Small businesses are the heart of any community."

    For those seeking to make meaningful change, whether in business or humanitarian efforts, this conversation offers a masterclass in applying professional skills to community challenges. Harbir's journey demonstrates that purpose and possibility merge when we bring our whole selves—with all our skills and passions—to every endeavor we undertake.

    CONNECT WITH HARBIR 🇺🇦

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hkbhatia/
    • Web: https://www.SVCentralChamber.com/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    57 min
  • Airstreams, Shoes, & Startups: A Silicon Valley Story of Success through Service

    Send us Fan Mail

    What happens when your career path zigzags across continents, disciplines, and roles? In this enlightening conversation, Keshia Theobald-van Gent reveals how her unconventional journey from Middle America to Laos, the Netherlands, and ultimately Silicon Valley shaped her distinct approach to venture capital.

    Named a 2025 Woman of Influence, Keshia shares how studying conflict, religion, and globalization — plus a chance meeting with her future husband — led her through roles in international development, AmeriCorps service, educational entrepreneurship, and eventually to her current position as Vice President at BDev Ventures. "The through line is probably a combination of service and learning," she explains, illuminating how these core values drive her work investing in B2B software companies at the late Series B to Series C stages.

    The conversation explores how Keshia's founder experience provides her with deeper empathy for entrepreneurs, allowing her to ask different questions than colleagues with traditional finance backgrounds. "I've cried those tears," she admits, describing her approach to giving honest, constructive feedback to founders, even when the answer is no. Her insights on navigating different company cultures reveal how her global experiences trained her to quickly adapt to varied systems and organizational dynamics.

    Beyond professional insights, Keshia and host Tonya Long discover delightful personal connections through their shared love of Airstreams, CrossFit, and comfortable yet uniquely stylish shoes. Their candid discussion about women's evolving roles in tech and venture capital highlights how Silicon Valley's culture has matured over the past decade, creating more opportunities for diverse leadership styles.

    Connect with Keshia on LinkedIn to learn more about her investment approach and how BDEV Ventures provides systematic value to portfolio companies through their unique lead generation tools and operational expertise.

    CONNECT WITH KESHIA 🥿 👢👡

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keshia/
    • BDev Ventures: https://www.bdevventures.com/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    58 min
  • Dollhouses, Downshifts, and the Role of Resilience in Transformation

    Send us Fan Mail

    What does it take to go from hauling water buckets in Nigeria to structuring billion-dollar deals on Wall Street to launching a cutting-edge venture capital fund? Belinda Ephraim's journey embodies a masterclass in resilience, strategic reinvention, and challenging conventional wisdom.

    Growing up in Nigeria as the eldest of six children, Belinda's childhood was defined by both privilege and profound challenge. Sent to boarding school at age 10, she learned self-sufficiency by farming her own plot of land and carrying ten-gallon water containers when supplies ran short. These early experiences forged a resilience that would become her superpower through life's unexpected twists.

    When political turmoil forced her family to flee Nigeria and seek asylum in America, Belinda's world changed overnight. From attending private school on her family's dime, she suddenly had to drop out of university and work three jobs at a Marriott hotel to support herself and help her parents. Rather than surrendering to circumstances, she strategically consolidated three positions within the same company and eventually pivoted to wealth management where CNBC sparked her fascination with investment banking.

    The most compelling segment of our conversation challenges popular startup mythology. Drawing from her experience structuring over $37 billion in M&A deals and now raising $50 million for her deep tech venture fund TENSEUR Capital, Belinda boldly asserts that "venture capital is wrong for 90% of startups." She brilliantly illuminates why through the Atlassian case study – explaining how the company operated for eight years, reaching $58 million in revenue before taking venture money, allowing the founding team to maintain 75% ownership at IPO.

    Whether you're building a business, navigating a career transition, or simply searching for inspiration, Belinda's story reminds us that our greatest strength often emerges from our deepest challenges. Subscribe, share, and join us next week for another transformative conversation on Reset with Tonya.

    CONNECT WITH BELINDA 🌍

    • LinkedIn:   /belindaephraim/
    • Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ta9xGMeApvsnHshcdag44?si=32a3033c0a6c4465 


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET 
    • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong
    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

    • Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! 

    #thejourneyisthejob 

    59 min

About RESET with Tonya

From the publisher's feed

Ready to thrive in a world of unprecedented change? Each week, RESET brings you conversations that matter with visionaries, innovators, and bold reinventors who are redefining what's possible in…