My guest is Cecily Mak, a Silicon Valley confessed bootcamp learner with Listen.com’s Rhapsody Music and Real Networks acquisition of the company before joining Flipboard, a personalized news service voted Apple’s iPad App of the Year. Cecily also teaches Digital Media Law at Hastings Law University in San Francisco. Her approach to helping start-ups and her own company is an evolving answer but at the core is her focus on valuing time and recognizing passion that is not about fireworks but about clarity and resolve. Powerful insights for your next pitch or investment.... let’s get started !

My guest is Kevin Sandlin, author and founder of Pitch Practice located in one of the country’s fourth largest entrepreneurial tech centers in Atlanta, Georgia. I caught up with Kevin during his regular Friday pitch practice sessions that he offers for free to entrepreneurs. His invitation sparked our follow-up conversation that makes for an inspired lesson in the craft of a pitch after hosting nearly 3000 of them over the last 5-years!

My guest today is Porter Bayne - Founder of Antenna.is where he has had multiple rounds of successful capital raising with Accelerator programs, Angels and Venture Capitalists. How has he done it and what are his secrets to these pivotal discussions with his business launch and growth. We are going to find out - together!

CLOSE:

We learned from Porter the importance of a 24-7 ready to pitch story to deliver on a moments notice, the role of tenacity and timing as well as being honest as a founder and CEO about where exactly you are right now, and your next step. The rest of that massive future ahead can just wait.

Peter Krull who has been out in front since 2004 of what is now a $8 trillion dollar market of assets in responsible investing with values focused on social responsibility, people and the planet. We explore the role of B-Corps and acknowledge that when building any business, it’s a slog but when there are values at the core we can find investors who care about that.

CLOSE:

We learned from Pete the inspired growth of values entering the marketplace and the investment community, the importance of alignment and how every business can actively engage practices that support good stewardship, healthy community and the planet.

My guest today is Barrie Barton, a story Choreographer who offers presentation tips for every entrepreneur by inviting us all to acknowledge our past as we look to shape the future ahead of us...and do it with this knowledge in our bones!

Bill Treasurer consults, writes and speaks nationally about the importance of taking that leap; of learning in our discomfort zone and developing courage, that combined, make all the difference for our business, our teams and in our partnerships whether we are an entrepreneur, a large organization or an investor.

Josh Dorfman, CEO of the Collider - a climate enterprise center and former CEO of the Venture South angel investor regional group in Asheville, NC - Venture Asheville. We talked about the alchemy of dreamers, the importance of warm introductions to investors and the need for being a problem solver and a tenacious wall-buster in order to see those dreams realized. Exciting and inspired !

Melody Isis Herman is a force as Asheville, North Carolina's Ambassador for the 1 Million Cups national organization as well as a leader of her own, women-owned business. We explore what ambition and grit is all about as a woman entrepreneur and the importance of balance and personal practices that empower.

Gregg Levoy, is the author of Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life as well as his recent collection of research and explorations, entitled Vital Signs: The Nature and Nurture of Passion. Gregg's discoveries are valuable for every entrepreneur and investor fueled by their passion and how to keep it alive... for their business and investments to succeed.

My guest today is Chrsitoph Sollich - The Pitch Doctor from Berlin...Germany. He works with Start-Up’s and Accelerator programs around the world helping leaders with their pitches that engage the hearts, and brains, of investors. Whether you are pitching in a mankini or sharing a personal story his global experience offers inspired tools for your next WatchPitch.