October 18, 2024 – Character Assessment Sean Vassilaros and Taxes on Tips Andrew Wilford

School for Startups Radio

Sean Vassilaros – CEO of KANNY – Character Assessment for Hiring – Jim’s Favorite

Sean Vassilaros is an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to leveraging technology for positive societal impact. At the core of his work is a commitment to character and family, where integrity plays a central role in every pursuit. As the CEO of KANNY, he is leading the charge in transforming hiring practices through peer-driven character assessment. KANNY utilizes advanced technology to gather and verify feedback from previous and current colleagues, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s character while respecting the privacy of both parties. This approach fills a critical gap in talent acquisition, providing both job-seekers and recruiters with a vital tool to build high-achieving teams grounded in integrity and trust because a person’s character plays such a pivotal role in business today. Sean’s entrepreneurial journey began at 21 when he co-founded his first company during the dotcom era. Two years later, he sold the company and joined a prestigious Los Angeles agency to hone his skills in the travel, entertainment, and healthcare industries. His career continued with notable IT and communications consulting roles before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Ignite Health (now part of Syneos Health). In 2012, Sean co-founded THREAD, a company focused on decentralized clinical trials. Under his leadership, THREAD revolutionized healthcare research, collaborating with brands like Apple, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Duke University. Today, Sean remains an owner and board observer at THREAD, maintaining ties to its continued success. Sean also serves on the Board of Directors for Spectrum Science, a healthcare agency focused on health and science communication. As an Adjunct Professor at Lehigh University, he mentors engineering students and leads international projects through the Creative Inquiry program. Philanthropy is central to Sean’s life. He founded the Hailey Mayz Foundation in honor of his daughter, providing therapy to thousands of special needs children for over a decade. He serves as Chairman of the Board, guiding its strategic vision. Sean also chairs the board of OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad), the organization featured in the 2023 film The Sound of Freedom. He led the organization as interim CEO during a critical year, inspiring meaningful global change through his leadership.
Andrew Wilford – Director of the Interstate Commerce Initiative and a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation

Andrew Wilford is the Director of the Interstate Commerce Initiative and a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, where he writes research reports and authors op-eds in various outlets. A columnist for RealClearMarkets and the Daily Caller, Andrew has also been published in Forbes, USA Today, and Investor’s Business Daily, The Bulwark and National Review, as well as numerous other outlets. Andrew has also written frequently for The Hill, the Washington Examiner, and the American Spectator. Wilford graduated from American University with a B.A. in Political Science. The National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) provides crucial, impactful research and analysis showing Americans how taxes, government spending, and regulations affect them. With our unique combination of policy expertise, outreach know-how, and true non-partisanship, we strive to be the number one federal and state source for sound fiscal policymaking.