The Entrepreneur Ethos

By Blue Wire, Jarie BolanderBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement

The Entrepreneur Ethos episodes

June 16, 2020Richard Reis -- Lots of Small Projects
Today I talk with Richard Reis, co-founder of Most Recommend Books, a website that tells you which books have shaped the world’s most successful people. Before Richard learned to code at Lambda school and started Most Recommended Books, he worked in LA at a movie studio with his dad, which was his first experience at a startup.
Those five years working with his dad making movies was a baptism by fire to the realities of what it’s like to create something from nothing. He learned that distribution is something that is really tough to get right -- even tougher than creating something from nothing. He learned that once you build it, you’re only half done. Then you have to sell it.
This is why having a co-founder that complements you is so important. If one of you can build it, then the other should be able to sell it. That’s a powerful combination. that’s rare to have in one person. He learned to make sure you think about how to sell what you create sooner rather than later. He is also a big believer in doing lots of small projects to see what sticks.
We talk about how he came up with the idea for Most Recommend Books and how he has built it into a nice business. Most Recommend Books is a perfect example of scratching your own itch and testing an idea by just trying things and seeing what happens.
Now let’s get better together
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Making movies is the ultimate serial entrepreneur job.
You have to be able to build and sell all of your ideas.
Think about selling sooner rather than later.
Experiment: Build lots of different projects and see what hits. Try them for 3 months or so. Then, double down on the ones that work.
Atlas Shrugged and Fountain Head were the two surprises to his list.
Success has a lot to do with luck and being able to take advantage of it.
The one book that everyone reads Man’s Search for Meaning and Sapiens.
Most tech founders read the same books but with Steve Jobs he was completely different from everyone else. Most of his list was not common to these other tech founders.
Patterns: Richard likes to look for patterns among the archetypes of people. That’s what fascinates him about what people recommend to read since if you can see, for example, what writers read, then you can become a better writer.
Build a skill stack: Always be learning new skills that can build on each other and stack up to something better.
Links to Explore Further
Most Recommended Books
Richard on LinkedIn
Lambda School
DataDrivenTransit
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR

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55 min
June 11, 2020Anupam Kundu -- Go All In
On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Anupam Kundu, founder of RealValue.ai, which is building a visual intelligence platform to measure and optimize human experiences. He is a trained engineer and soon realized that he was not that great at programming but loved thinking up new ideas, building products, and solving problems.
After taking an AI course at MIT, he realized that he wanted to build his own company so he quit his job to pursue that dream even though he did not have a product in mind. That led him to start offering consulting services to figure out the problems that customers were running into and how AI could solve them.
He soon realized that the rat race of silicon valley was not making him or his family happy. That realization led him to move to France where his lives now and runs his company with his co-founder and wife. We talk about the challenges of running a company with your spouse as well as living in a foreign country all while trying to build a company.
Now let’s get better together
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
You have to figure out what’s important in your life and adjust your life around what’s important to you.
If you want to start a company, go find a group of customers that has a problem and solve it. Sounds obvious but not a lot of entrepreneurs do that.
If you work with your spouse, you have to have boundaries to keep your personal and professional lives as compartmentalized as possible. It’s actually super hard to do but it does make life a lot smoother.
The best co-founders complement each other’s skills and the same goes if your spouse is also your co-founder.
All startups have to figure out where to spend their money and it can be a difficult conversation if you’re not aligned on shared goals.
You might go faster alone but having more people around will allow you to go longer.
Don’t do anything your spouse is against. They are one of the few people who have your best interest at heart.
Links to Explore Further
RealValue.ai
Anupam on Linked In
ThoughtWorks
Founders Network
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR

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49 min
June 08, 2020 Black Lives Matter and Must Prosper
On this episode of the podcast, I wanted to share my thoughts, experiences, and insights on how to live the entrepreneur ethos, especially as it relates to women and minority entrepreneurs, especially African-Americans. I’ll also give you some back story as to why I starting writing the book back in 2015 and what entrepreneurs, especially those in the majority, need to do to realize the vision of building a more ethical, inclusive, and resilient world.
17 min
June 04, 2020Nathan Beckord -- Always be Nurturing
Today I talk with Nathan Beckord, co-founder and CEO of FounderSuite as well as a podcaster over at How I Raised It, which I had the honor of being on -- episode 5 to be exact. We talk about the fundraising process and why he feels it’s just like any other B2B sales process that needs to be nurtured.
His background in investment banking is what led him to build products around how to help founders raise funds. Raising money is all about building and cultivating relationships with investors. It’s a lot of nurturing and letting investors know what you are up too even when you’re not raising.
When you are raising, then things switch to a traditional sales process of trying to close the deal with a little bit of FOMO. It really is all about the process you use.
We talk about how to nurture leads and the power of a respectful cold email to get you on an investor’s radar. For Nathan, it’s all about communications, consistency, and being helpful.
Now let’s get better together
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Elizabeth Yin’s Series on raising money.
Startups go into accelerators to learn how to raise money, so Nathan goes to them and talks to them about how to raise money.
Raising money is a nurtured sales process. In the vast majority of cases, investors will invest in you once they get to know you.
One school of thought is to go all-in for months for the raise. Others suggest a slow burn as a constant nurturing process.
Regular Updates: It’s critical to do a regular update to investors and potential investors. You always want to add to your distribution list and have regular updates.
Ask for advice, get funding. Ask for funding, get advice.
Be useful and pay it forward to investors. Realize that they are running a business as well and you want to be valuable to them as well.
If you limit your work hours, you’ll figure out what is important. Work expands with the time given.
Nathan is a big believer in loading up your subconscious with a couple of problems to solve.
Links to Explore Further
FounderSuite
Nathan on LinkedIn
How I Raised It Podcast
Founders Network
Pinewood Social
Barista Parlor
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR

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49 min
May 28, 2020Amandeep Khurana -- Coachable
On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Amandeep Khurana. Right now, he’s helping me out with the San Francisco Chapter of Founders Network while he is plotting his next move. We talk about as a kid, how he wanted to be an industrialist, which back then, he didn’t even know what that meant.
He came to the US for grad school (in Computer Science) and decided that he wanted to build stuff instead of getting his PhD. His first job was at AWS when it was around 100 people and as it grew, he realized he wanted to do more. That led him to found his first company to solve the problems he saw customers facing.
His curiosity, hunger to solve problems, and more importantly, the chip on his shoulder to be successful, is what led him to the entrepreneur path. That inner force, which is hard to see, is what drives him to this day to build solutions to customer problems. The hunger to succeed has been with him since he was a kid. His peer group is what brings it out in him.
Being around other people who have the “we can do this” is one of the most powerful motivators for an entrepreneur. He also feels that his secret to success is that he is coachable and solicits feedback from people around him. This is especially important when you don’t know what you don’t know and you’re a pathfinder blazing a trail forward. This is both a gift and a curse because he does not know when to stop.
Now let’s get better together
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Even though he went to engineering school, he did not enjoy the actual engineering. What he really enjoyed was solving problems for customers.
Being in front of customers is what drives me. It’s his favorite part of the business.
You can’t tell if someone will be successful but you can usually tell if an entrepreneur will not be successful because they lack hunger or curiosity or desire.
Solicit Feeback: Be active in soliciting feedback from the people around you. Be open to what they have to say even if it’s hard to hear. This feedback, from trusted sources, will help you get better.
Have people you trust to give you input in tough moments. These coaches are invaluable to tell you when you’re being an ass.
Trust needs to be built over time. A new manager will be tested by the current staff to see how far they can push it.
It’s hard to be open as a boss. What you say as a boss will be amplified by 10 worst than you except.
Every word you say is going to be amplified and taken out of context every time.
Context is extremely important. As a leader, you need to make sure to meter your comments when it’s a work in progress.
Links to Explore Further
Amandeep on LinkedIn
Cloudera: We deliver an enterprise data cloud for any data, anywhere, from the Edge to AI.
Anandeep’s company Okera: Enable self-service analytics responsibly to unlock the full potential of your company’s data.
Founders Network
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR

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51 min
May 21, 2020Amy Wister -- The Perfect Fit
On this episode, I speak with Amy Wister, co-founder of RevShopp. RevShopp is a platform that helps retailers and customers reduce the number of returns on clothing. They do this with their unique shape intelligence software that makes it easier to know ahead of time if something will fit.
Amy and I talk about her journey from ski bum to MBA to Intel to windows to fashion. It’s a fascinating discussion about how our lives can take us to unexpected places doing unexpected things. The many forks in the road that her career has taken have been a source of inspiration as well as some great opportunities.
We discuss the roadmap that she helped develop to help stylists and their clients find their right clothes that fit your ideal body type and how that idea created RevShopp.
We talk about how to find the right co-founder for your company, especially if it’s a technical co-founder. We talk about how hard it is to introduce a new concept into an established market where they really don’t want to change -- even if it’s in their best interest.
Her experience working retail at an early age gave her some great insights that she never knew she would use until later on. Amy’s experience as a B2B customer also gave her the knowledge to know that your B2B customer might not be the same at every company.
You’ll also hear some household background noise in this one since we’re both working from home. So apologies for that in advance.
Now let’s get better together
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Persistent and Persuasive are key traits of entrepreneurs that Amy learned on her eclectic journey to co-founding a fashion company.
Fashion Fit is more important than size.
The end customer is going to be the one who gives us the laundry list of what is required. It’s a fools errand to think you know what to build without pressure testing it.
Do Your Homework: You’ll need to figure out who to actually talk to when doing a B2B sale is because everyone’s titles are so different.
Building a network is supercritical -- no matter where they work or what they do. You never know who might be able to give you an in.
Authenticity and Reciprocity are critical to cultivating relationships.
You never know where you might land so be open to all sorts of opportunities.
Do you really need the money to build something or do you need a co-founder that can build it with you?
Most companies fail because the founders don’t agree along with running out of money.
What to look for in a Technical Founder
Can they explain technology in kindergarten terms? If not, then it’s probably a bad fit.
Do they focus on why it won’t work? Do all they do is “bag” on the last person?
Compassionate person
Get’s what you’re talking about
True to their word
Never Speak Ill of the Dead: You never know what others went through to get to where they got.
Links to Explore Further
RevShopp: Deliver the right purchase the first time with shape intelligence.
Amy on LinkedIn
Founders Network
Dezen -- Anj’s fashion startup.
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR

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49 min
May 14, 2020Mark Strathdee -- Monumental Moments
Today I’m talking with Mark Strathdee, founder of Sherpa Digital Media, a video platform designed to engage and entertain your audience. Think of a webinar platform that’s engaging and catered to the individual. Mark and I talk about some of his daily habits, notebooks, his background in journalism, and how COVID-19 has made Sherpa insanely busy.
We discuss the history of video and how it’s changed over the last ten years. As an example, YouTube has taught us that content does not need to be perfect to make an impact. Everyone can have a voice and that voice can come from anywhere. His passion is to make tools for people to find and share their voice.
We talk about why he still likes quality journalism as well as the importance of being responsible for using your voice and influence. Now more than ever, COVID-19 is accelerating the move to more media experiences that are customized and streamed right into your living room.
Attention is the most valuable commodity that media creators need to try and capture. At Sherpa, they use Artificial Intelligence to look for trends and opportunities to craft a unique experience for individuals that are looking for information about a brand or product.
Mark uses physical notebooks and time management to make sure that he’s working on the right things. In particular, he likes to write down the night before what he has to do the next day so that he’s focused on that instead of the 100’s of emails in his inbox. Mark does not want his inbox to dictate his day. He also uses his notebook as something that’s just for him and will not distract him when he’s creating something in it.
Now, let’s get better together.
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Time management is all about where your boundaries are. You need to manage your endless todo list.
Literally schedule the time to turn off your work and remind you to spend time with those you love.
Write down your next day’s focus: Before bed, write down what you need to focus on the next day and what you are concerned about. Then, focus on that before you read any email.
An email is a communication tool (kinda cold) as opposed to a physical notebook that allows you to use your free hand to create something for you and only you.
Read a physical book at night: A physical book is for you and only you. It won’t distract you and will calm your mind.
There are no distractions in your notebook. Your notebook is only for you.
Get out and walk the dog in the fresh air and leave your phone behind.
Sherpa takes a consultative approach and they never demo during the first contact. This takes longer to work with Sherpa but this allows them to figure out what keeps them up at night.
Video and live events are stressful and unique moments in time for most people and that makes it fearful. Sherpa wants to reduce that.
Links to Explore Further
Sherpa Digital Media
Mark on LinkedIn
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR

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56 min
May 07, 2020Marvin Raab -- Bridge the Gap
Today on the podcast, I interview my good friend Marvin Raab, who is doing something pretty amazing stuff with of all things Bridge. Marvin is an avid board and card gamer with a collection of over 250 games in his living room and recently discovered Bridge as an avenue to increase his social circle. He relocated to Las Vegas in 2014 after 26 years in Silicon Valley.
When not thinking about how to start the best bridge club on the west coast, he’s the IT Manager for a startup in the SF Bay Area and is the owner of Genarian Tech, a one-man tech consulting company where he provides on-demand support to small businesses and individuals all over Las Vegas and the country.
Marvin and I have been at four startups together so we have been through some tough times together. Right now, he’s into the card game Bridge and is trying to bring all his bridge friends online to play.
I consider Marv an expert in genarian technology or how all those silver surfers use technology and the internet. This is especially important now that we have to be physically distant from each other and a lot of our socializing is online. This is particularly hard for seniors since they are used to getting together -- especially if they play bridge.
We talk a lot about Bridge and the challenges he has seen getting the older generation to use technology and play online. In particular, some of the assumptions that us Gen-Xers make about simple things like how to use a mouse, browser, or even right-clicking.
I always like talking with Marv and this conversation is a great one to understand how the older generation is handling shelter in place, what opportunities there might be, and why you should play bridge.
Now, let’s get better together.
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Patience is an important trait to have when dealing with folks that don’t understand technology as well as you do.
Bridge is a large part of some older people’s lives. For some, it’s their only source of community and connection.
Poker is a lot more popular that Bridge and the main reason is probably the complexity of Bridge and the fact that you need a partner. Marv’s trying to figure out how to make it more accessible.
Many Bridge players don’t have smartphones or if they have a smartphone, they don’t know how to use it. A lot of what Marv has done is educate them on how to use technology to do things online.
The challenge in getting older people online is many don’t have computers. Mostly, they have smartphones or even tablets.
For Bridge, you must have a partner. This provides a unique challenge for online playing because some partners don’t want to play online.
Links to Explore Further
Marv on LinkedIn and Genarian Tech
American Contract Bridge League
Trends.co
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn

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48 min
May 04, 2020Jerod Morris -- A Sense of Belonging
On this episode, I speak with Jerod Morris. Jerod is a podcaster, entrepreneur, and all-around awesome community organizer. I met Jerod as a member of The Unemployable Initiative which is a place to build your perfect business in a community of like-minded people and expert coaches. Jerod runs it along with Brian Clark of Copyblogger fame for those of you who are Gen-Xers like me.
Jerod and I cover a lot of ground about how to be productive while working from home and for yourself. The real cool story is how he got to be working with Brian Clark as well as how his podcast has evolved over time. We talk about the power of community and the best ways to build an audience and the value of an audience that finds what you do helpful and valuable.
If you’re wondering how to build great online communities, then Jerod is your guy. The unemployable initiative is a master class in how to build a community and give those community members value as well as a sense of belonging. Community building has always been important. It’s now even more important in a world with all these digital distractions. We also talk about the four things that are important for a podcast to do as well as the three reasons someone listens to a podcast.
I’m always fascinated about how people come to do what they do. Jerod’s journey is fascinating and filled with all sorts of great lessons and insights about how to take your own path -- all while serving a community.
Now, let’s get better together.
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
Unemployable people are folks that can get a job but choose not too. These people tend to be solopreneurs and creatives who want to do their own thing.
Prioritize what’s important by thinking about what’s the most important 3 things to get done today. Be ruthless on what’s important.
Communities matter and belonging is the most important part of being a community member.
Have a level of self-compassion if things don’t always go according to plan. Your plans might not always work out. Be able to change.
Find things to do that build momentum.
Allow the day to flow as it flows. Each day is its own thing.
If you’re on a roll, get the minimum done so you have a place to start when you get back to it.
How will this community help me get better? That’s the question to ask.
A sense of belonging is what keeps people around in the long term.
How can I be helpful, useful, and valuable? Then, how can I take it to the next level of belonging?
Four important things for a podcast: Authentic, Useful, Sustainable (show up over time), and profitability, which does not mean money.
People come to a podcast for three reasons: Education, Inspiration, and/or Entertainment.
Links to Explore Further
Jerod’s Linked In
A podcast about IU Basketball Assembly Call
A community for those that seek their own path Unemployable
A better what to think with Thinkers Notebook
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn

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54 min
April 30, 2020Greg Marcus -- Practice Good Actions
Today on the podcast, I have a conversation with Greg Marcus. Greg and I have known each other for the better part of ten years. Greg is one of the most thoughtful and introspective people I know. I always love talking to him about life. Currently, he’s studying to be a Rabbi after a career in biotech that left me struggling to find balance. His website, American Mussar, is a great resource for the Jewish self-help tradition of Mussar.
Greg talks about the soul traits of Mussar and why the goal is never to be at extremes -- it’s all about balance. Our discussion goes deep into the various spiritual traditions and some of the things people can do today to strive towards balance. His approach to life always gives me the inspiration to strive for balance in my own life. Greg’s Molecular Biology background is relevant to what we’re going through right now and he gives us some ways to determine what might information to trust.
I think the best part of our conversation was around how to handle stressful situations, like what we were going through when we recorded this episode. Greg’s approach is kind, considerate with a little kick in the rear to challenge you to be your best self. He wants to reach out to those of all faiths but in particular, the people who identify as Jewish but don’t participate in the religion.
I always find these discussions about the deeper meanings of life to be the ones that change me for the better. We’re all a work in progress and Greg’s approach to life and American Mussar gives us the tools to strive to be our best selves.
Now, let’s get better together.
Actions to Try or Advice to Take
So often a crisis in one’s life turns into a turning point. The hope is that you can not have a crisis to turn yourself around.
Mussar teaching you how to look inside and strive to achieve balance and healing.
Mensch: A person of integrity and honor.
Listening is the greatest gift you can give someone.
Mussar is not just for Jewish people. About a third of Greg’s email list is non-Jewish.
Greg’s approach has had mixed feelings -- like so many “entrepreneurs” trying to change the status quo.
Links to Explore Further
Greg’s website American Mussar and LinkedIn
Busting Your Corporate Idol
The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions
Keep In Touch
Book or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn

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52 min

About The Entrepreneur Ethos

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The Entrepreneur Ethos Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur and author Jarie Bolander, will dig deep into the traits, values, and beliefs that drive entrepreneurs to create an independent life that…

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