Why are engineers and startup founders so excited about Artificial Intelligence? Is that because the field is hyped up, is that because we can ask ChatGPT all kinds of questions and get instant answers, or is it because of some deeper connection? 

My friend Bijan came to talk about his experience starting EventMobi at the time when mobile web was just getting started, and how he is seeing many parallels between those days and AI today. 

Bijan is smart, highly technical, and is full of energy, and while he could be doing anything else with his time, he is currently heads down, building a new company in AI. Why is that?

So many great lessons in this episode. You’ve got to listen to it!

Thanks for reading The Novice! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Bijan shares his journey from successfully bootstrapping EventMobi while still in college, to his current ventures in the AI, and how the best entrepreneurs and early stage employees are doing it all for fun and curiosity, as opposed to a big paycheck.

Throughout the episode, Bijan's experiences highlight the realities of startup life beyond the glamorized stories often portrayed in media. His journey from a bootstrapped startup to exploring AI ventures offers valuable lessons on persistence, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Key Highlights:

The EventMobi Journey: Bijan recounts the early days of EventMobi, which he started with his brother in 2009. They identified an opportunity in the mobile space for conferences and events, navigating through challenges like explaining the importance of mobile technology to skeptical event planners.

Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital: Bijan discusses the pros and cons of bootstrapping EventMobi versus raising venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your industry and market potential when making this decision.

Scaling Challenges: As EventMobi grew, Bijan faced challenges in transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager. He candidly shares his experiences with burnout and the difficult decision to step away from his CTO role.

Post-EventMobi Career: After leaving EventMobi, Bijan explored various roles, including being a fractional CTO for startups and working with a venture capital firm. These experiences gave him a comprehensive view of the startup ecosystem from different angles.

Entering the AI Space: Bijan talks about his current focus on AI, particularly in solving data management problems for retailers and distributors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding deep customer problems and finding the right intersection between AI capabilities and market needs.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Bijan offers valuable insights for young entrepreneurs, especially in the context of the current AI boom. He stresses the importance of being a builder in these early stages of AI development and embracing the challenges that come with it.

The Cyclic Nature of Tech: The conversation touches on how tech cycles repeat, with periods of building followed by periods of sales and incremental improvements. Bijan notes that we're currently in a building phase for AI.

This podcast provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a realistic view of the startup world, emphasizing that success often comes through years of hard work, pivots, and a willingness to embrace new challenges and technologies.

🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe now and hit the bell icon to stay notified about our latest content.

Connect with the guest:

• EventMobi

• Bijan Vaez

Connect with the host:

• The Novice Newsletter

• The Novice on Facebook

• Kirill Zubovsky

Episode Sponsored by: Breckworks.com

Last but not least, I am also working on something new in AI.

If you are curios, here is our deck, and a demo. We'd love to surround ourselves with really smart people. If you are one of them, say hello.

Welcome to The Novice. Today it is my pleasure to share with you my interview with Harley Sitner, the amazing Seattle entrepreneur and driving force behind Peace Vans, a company that embodies the spirit of adventure and community. This episode will show you what it takes to take the leap and to leave a comfortable office job in the pursuit of happiness, even if that means stress and long hours for miles on end.

If you want a shortcut to decide whether you want to hear the full episode, take a look at my collection of Harley Sitner shorts on YouTube from the first 30 minutes of the interview. If you like ‘em, please give them a thumbs-up and help me share the episode. Every listener counts, and that means you!

Harley’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. After a successful stint at Microsoft, where he honed his skills in marketing and small business engagement, Harley purchased a struggling VW repair shop in Seattle, transforming it into the thriving business it is today.

In this episode, Harley talks about:

• His love for Burning Man and how it inspires his business 🌟

• The rollercoaster ride of running a small business with epic highs and challenging lows 🚀

• Hilarious and heartfelt stories from the van life community 🚐❤️

• The importance of creativity and personal connections in entrepreneurship🎨

Under Harley’s leadership, Peace Vans has grown exponentially, now employing around 30 people across multiple buildings and managing a fleet of vans that delight customers with both nostalgic charm and modern upgrades, including electric conversions. The company generates approximately $10 million in revenue annually, showcasing Harley’s acumen in scaling a business while maintaining a strong sense of community and customer satisfaction.

Peace Vans is not just a business for Harley; it’s a creative outlet and a way to build meaningful relationships. His commitment to customer service is unparalleled, often going above and beyond to ensure his customers have memorable experiences. This dedication is reflected in stories where he personally addresses customer issues, even if it means driving through the night to deliver a replacement van.

In addition to Peace Vans, Harley has just expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by acquiring Sekr, an innovative app designed to connect van enthusiasts and provide a platform for sharing travel experiences. This acquisition aligns perfectly with his passion for building communities and enhancing the travel lifestyle for van owners.

Harley’s story is a testament to following one’s passions and the rewards of taking risks. Whether he’s mentoring small business owners, engaging with customers, or innovating within the van life community, Harley Sitner remains a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. His journey continues to inspire many, proving that with vision, creativity, and a bit of tenacity, dreams can indeed become reality.

Connect with Harley • Peace Vans• Harley SitnerConnect with Kirill• Encourage your friends to sign up for the The Novice Newsletter• Kirill ZubovskyReady to Dive In?

Listen to the full episode here, on YouTube, on Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

* Listen: Your future startup life depends on it.

* Like: Show us some love if you found this episode enlightening.

* Subscribe: Keep up with our latest episodes and never miss a beat.

* Share: Spread the word. This knowledge is too good to keep to yourself.

* Buy a van: If you need a daily driver that can also double as a camper, and you don’t go too far or plan on doing extreme off-roading, Peacevans might be right for you.

If you liked this episode, you will probably like the one before it where Stewart Alsop talks about buying exotic birds, living in South America, learning “readneck science” and much more.

If you know a little bit about startup life and venture capital, you might also enjoy this episode with a fake VC. He’s a comedian. He’s got 20k followers on LinkedIn. He sounds incredibly real, and yet, it’s a long running joke.

Lastly, if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or you just need to get something off your chest, feel free to email me. I’d love to hear from more of my readers.

Stay awesome!

Kirill Zubovsky

Stewart Alsop III is not just the host of The Crazy Wisdom podcast; he’s a friend and a fellow adventurer in the wild world of podcasting. Our paths first crossed when Stewart invited me onto his show to dive into the magic behind Smashnotes.com. Since then, he’s embarked on an epic journey, recording nearly 400 episodes, quenching his insatiable curiosity, and even discovering a unique way to monetize his passion.

Today, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Stewart to The Novice. Our plan was to explore the nuts and bolts of producing countless episodes, staying motivated, and all things podcasting. But, as often happens with Stewart, the conversation took a thrilling detour. We plunged into the depths of San Francisco’s underground culture, reminisced about his wild farm life with goats, and the vibrant mix of truck-driving Trump supporters and perpetually-high, earth-loving hippies.

Thanks for reading The Novice! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Highlights of this episode:

🌟 From San Francisco to Buenos Aires: Stewart traded the tech hustle of San Francisco for the tango rhythms of Buenos Aires. Why? Because why not!

🦙 Farm Life Follies: Ever thought you’d need an emu to guard your goats? Neither did Stewart. Discover his wild farm adventures that involve mountain lions and some very confused animals.

🎧 Podcasting Wisdom: Stewart’s done nearly 400 episodes and counting. He shares how spontaneity became his new best friend and why scheduling is soooo last year.

💡 Redneck Science: Yes, it’s a thing. And it’s surprisingly effective. Stewart dives into the quirky world of country ingenuity.

💰 Argentinian Economics: Forget your high school econ class. Stewart explains the wild world of pesos, Bitcoin, and why the black market rate is the real MVP.

Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and join us for a rollercoaster of an episode that covers everything from the spiritual crises to the secret to surviving San Francisco’s tech scene (hint: it’s all about the parties).

Catch the full episode here!

Connect with the guest:

• Stewart on X: https://x.com/StewartalsopIII

• The Crazy Wisdom: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

• Stewart on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartal...

• Crazy Wisdom en Espanol

Connect with the host:

• Kirill’s Home (https://kirillzubovsky.com)

• Kirill on X (https://x.com/kirillzubovsky)

• Kirill on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillzubovsky/

• The Novice on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNoviceMedia

Stay curious,

Kirill Zubovsky

P.S. Ever tried to buy an emu? Stewart has, and it’s as wild as it sounds.

→ https://youtube.com/shorts/eYkW44IJfo0

Hey there, Curious Minds,

Have you've ever wondered how to make startup equity distribution way less stressful, protecting the founders and enabling employees to have more? This episode of "The Novice" is for you. We're diving deep into the future of startups with Rafal Dittwald, the masterminds behind Venture Hub.

What’s Venture Hub?

Venture Hub is a game-changer, an online community and platform designed for asynchronous venture creation with three core innovations:

* Dynamic Equity: Say goodbye to rigid equity splits and hello to a flexible, contribution-based equity model.

* Streamlined Legal and Software Infrastructure: Simplifying the legal and operational hurdles of issuing equity to multiple participants, contributing at random intervals and times.

* A Thriving Community: Connect, collaborate, and create with like-minded innovators from all over the globe, on any projects open to contributors.

Why Should You Care?

Founder breakups are the leading cause of startups going belly up because traditional startup equity models are not designed for change, they try to predict the future with a crystal ball, and often fail to adopt when founders change their minds. Venture Hub flips the script, allowing equity to be distributed based on actual contributions over time. This means less guesswork, fewer disputes, and a more dynamic, fair way to reward those who put in the work.

Why do I care?

Raf is a good friend and a fantastic engineer and he’s been working on this concept for a very long time. While I have my own concerns about this model, I also see the benefits, and I think it’s important to know and understand what other people might want to see in the world, in order to help shape my own narrative.

Highlights from the Episode:

* Dynamic Equity Explained: Rafal and Kirill break down how Venture Hub's dynamic equity model can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of startup contributions.

* Real-world Applications: Learn how this model has already helped their team manage equity in a fair and flexible way across multiple projects.

* Community Power: Hear about the potential for a marketplace where skilled professionals can contribute to various startups and earn equity, just like an open-source software community.For better or worse, I cut out about 10 minutes of the interview, primarily around legal compony structure aspects. You can find more on that in the Venture Hub explainer on their website.

Why You Need to Tune In:

This episode isn’t just for founders—it’s for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an investor looking for innovative models, or just someone curious about the future of work, Rafal and Kirill’s insights are invaluable.

Connect with the guest:

• Venture Hub (vntrhb.com)• Rafal (https://rafd.me)• Rafal on X (https://x.com/rafd)

Connect with the host:

• The Novice Podcast (https://novicemedia.com)• Kirill (https://kirillzubovsky.com)• Kirill on X (https://x.com/kirillzubovsky)

Ready to Dive In?

Listen to the full episode here, on YouTube, on Apple Podcasts, and wherever yo get your shows. Discover how Venture Hub is paving the way for a more equitable and dynamic startup world, and while you're at it, don’t forget to:

* Listen: Your future startup self will thank you.

* Like: Show us some love if you found this episode enlightening.

* Subscribe: Keep up with our latest episodes and never miss a beat.

* Share: Spread the word. This knowledge is too good to keep to yourself.

* Repeat: Got a startup idea? Venture Hub might be your next step. Re-listen and get inspired.

Stay curious and keep innovating, Kirill.

P.S. If this episode doesn’t make you rethink how startups handle equity, tune in for the next one. We promise there’s always something new to learn.If you think you know someone real interesting that I should interview, please let me know, I want to know them too.

Gooooood Morning, Internet!

Prepare for a rollercoaster of wit, insight, and a sprinkle of absurdity in my latest episode of "The Novice"! This week, I sit down with the enigmatic Jack Kuveke, a startup founder whose recent claim to fame was his masterful act as a Venture Capitalist from Jabroni Capital. Just hit that play button and you will see what I mean.

As Jack shares his "insights" on raising funds, his disdain for non-Stanford graduates, and the peculiar importance of having a pickleball partner over an actual investment strategy, you are guaranteed to be entertained.

But wait, there's more! Halfway through the show, we drop the act and reveal the real Jack Kuveke—a brilliant startup founder turned comedian with a knack for satire and a sharp take on the tech industry. From poking fun at the absurdities of Silicon Valley to dropping truth bombs about the venture capital world, Jack keeps you entertained and enlightened.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:

* Jack's unique (and hilarious) approach to investing that prioritizes Twitter over term sheets.

* The Art of Lying: Why sometimes, telling the right story is more important than cold, hard facts.

* Insider Secrets: How to break into the elite circles of venture capital by literally breaking down doors.

* Sex and Sandwiches: the ultimate motivators behind every decision.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this episode is a must-listen. Jack's comedic take on the high-stakes world of venture capital will leave you in stitches and maybe even make you rethink your next pitch.

Don't miss out on this wildly entertaining and informative episode of "The Novice"! Tune in now, and don't forget to:

* Listen: Your ears will thank you.

* Like: Show us some love and keep the laughs coming.

* Subscribe: Never miss a beat or a punchline.

* Share: Spread the word. The more, the merrier.

* Repeat: When in doubt, hit play again.

Catch the episode on YouTube, or where ever you get your podcasts, and join us on this delightful journey of learning and laughter.

Stay curious and keep laughing,

Kirill Zubovsky

P.S. If this episode doesn't make you want to tune in for more, the next one will. Or at least, it’ll be a good excuse to eat a sandwich. If you are on X, you can also follow me there @kirillzubovsky

Ladies, gentlemen, and intellectually curious souls of the internet,

I am thrilled to announce a new chapter in the grand pursuit of knowledge. Welcome to The Novice Podcast a podcast where I, alongside my brilliant friends, embark on a quest to learn from the most interesting people on the planet, or maybe just your neighbor or something.

Picture this: a world where ignorance is not a burden but a starting point, where curiosity leads the charge, and where every episode leaves us all a little bit smarter (or at least more entertained, or just gives you something to do while doing the dishes ). That's the world I am building with "The Novice."

Why "The Novice"? Because it's time to embrace the fact that we don't know everything, and that's perfectly okay. I tested the water with this newsletter, and now it is also a podcast, and a YouTube Channel. Each episode, we'll dive into fascinating conversations with experts, visionaries, and all-around interesting folks who will generously share their wisdom. From cutting-edge science to timeless philosophy, no topic is too big, too small, or too outlandish.

But here's the kicker—I can't do it alone. I need you, yes you, dear reader, to join me on this journey. Here's how you can be part of our noble quest, that doesn’t require wiring millions of dollars to an offshore account:

* Listen: Tune in to our episodes and soak up the knowledge. Your brain will thank you.

* Like: Show us some love on social media. Every like fuels my determination to keep learning.

* Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button (YouTube is the best) so you never miss an episode. FOMO is real, folks.

* Share: Spread the word. Tell your friends, your family, your mail carrier. Knowledge is best when shared.

* Repeat: If all else fails, just listen to the next episode. I promise it will be worth it. It’s HILARIOUS (or offensive, depends on who you ask).

So, are you ready to embrace your inner novice and join me in this grand adventure? Let's get smarter together, one episode at a time.

Stay curious, Kirill Zubovsky

P.S. The first episode is dropping soon. Don't miss it!

p.p.s. You might notice that I already have a bunch of episodes in this podcast. That’s because I imported my old podcast so I don’t lose any of that grand knowledge. You can always listen to the library of the old episodes!

For example, tech folks would like my interview with DHH, or a chat with Anthony Eden, if you like art and music you’d enjoy the interview with Chris Ballew (aka Caspar Babypants), and a bunch more.

Paul Davis was once a 2nd employee at Amazon, on track to earn millions. Instead of sticking around to get filthy rich though, Paul decided he did not want to wait for the life to pass him by. He chose to spend time with his family, left Amazon, and twenty years later still has no regrets. His life has been nothing but wonderful. This is Paul’s story.

This is a story of how Anthony Edent founded DNSimple to become the fastest DNS management solution provider in the world. He built himself a company that not only cares about their customers, but also created the perfect place for their employees. They work hard, but they also do it remotely, from around the globe. How did he do it, and what lessons does Anthony have for fellow founders and entrepreneurs? It’s all in this podcast!

A few few additional resources you might enjoy:

1. How DNSimple was founded, a cartoon!
2. How HTTPS works, a comic!
3. How DNS works, a comic too :)

Lastly, if you are thinking of buying a domain or switching your DNS provider, here's $5 you can use right away.

Paul Orlando is a startup founder, entrepreneur, Director of USC Incubator Program & Adjunct Professor for the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. Paul also has an avid interest in history, which he explores though his blog called Unintended Consequences.

Paul's writing is a delight in the times of clickbait and social media. His blogs explore peculiar concepts and require the read to think and to wonder of what is possible, without giving a clear answer.

Some popular posts include: Risk and Autonomous Vehicles, the Cobra Effect, and Don’t Touch Anything.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Rise and Fall of American Growth
• Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
• Don't make me think
• Trust me, I am lying
• The Box

Find Paul online:

• Paul on USC Marschall website
• Unintended Consequences Blog by Paul Orlando

Enjoyed this podcast? Please share with your friends

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• Find more podcasts on Smash Notes
• Take a class at Sudden Schools

David Woodland is currently a Product Manager at Facebook, previously Head of Product at Palm.com and a Product Manager at Pebble. He is a father of 4, and a Management Consultant who found product-building life in Silicon Valley to be way more attractive than spreadsheets.

On this episode we talk about his work and life balance, what it was like to work at Pebble, how his consulting career prepared him to be a great product manager and a tinkerer, how a team of 12 can launch a bran new smart phone from scratch,  how David got Stephen Curry, his childhood hero, to be the face of their company, and lastly, what it was like for him to be a Mormon in Silicon Valley.