Sit Down Startup podcast

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محتوای ارائه شده توسط Adam O'Donnell. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Adam O'Donnell یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal

This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil

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QUALIFIED: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work with Shari Dunn | 284 33:58

۹ روز پیش33:58

پخش در آینده

لیست ها

پسندیدن

دوست داشته شد

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

Sit Down Startup

اشتراک گذاری

خانه سری•Feed

Here’s how to startup. Even when the world goes topsy-turvy. From one home office to another, Zendesk leaders chat with founders, CEOs, and makers on their startup journey. There’s rule-flipping, new dogma and recycling failure into growth. Plus, why customer experience is at the heart of success, as told by people who know unpredictability inside out. (That seems pretty helpful right now.)

105 قسمت

Sit Down Startup

updated 23 روز پیش

اشتراک گذاری

خانه سری•Feed

105 قسمت

همه قسمت ها

1
[$10M+ Raised] Mark Doble, Co-Founder of Alexi, on Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Product-Market Fit in Legal Tech 18:47

23 روز پیش18:47

18:47

Welcome back to this week’s episode of Sit Down Startup! Today, host Adam O'Donnell sits down with Mark Doble, Co-Founder of Alexi, to explore his inspiring journey in the legal tech space and the challenges of achieving product-market fit while raising over $10 million in funding. Join us as Mark shares his experiences transitioning from law to entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that tested his resolve, and how Alexi is revolutionizing legal research through innovative AI solutions. He emphasizes the importance of conviction, adaptability, and understanding market needs in building a successful startup. (00:00:00) The Low Points: Overcoming Adversity in the Early Days of Alexi (00:03:40) From Law School to Startup: Finding the Path to Entrepreneurship (00:09:23) The Turning Point: Achieving Product-Market Fit with Customer Validation (00:15:40) First Principles Thinking: Innovating in Legal Tech Beyond Conventional Wisdom Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[Harnessing AI Technology for Business Growth] Founder Daniel Saks Discusses Persistence, Overcoming Rejection, and the Evolution of AppDirect and Landbase 22:23

۵ weeks پیش22:23

22:23

In the latest episode of Sit Down Startup, Adam O'Donnell sits down with Daniel Saks, co-founder and CEO of Landbase, to delve into his entrepreneurial journey, including the successes and challenges he faced while building AppDirect. Daniel shares invaluable insights into the evolution of AppDirect, which has grown into a unicorn valued at over half a billion dollars, and how those experiences shaped his current venture, Landbase. Discover the pivotal moments during the early days of AppDirect, including the struggle to achieve product-market fit and the lessons learned from facing rejection. Daniel discusses the transformative potential of agentic AI in generating predictable pipelines for businesses and how his team is working to address the pain points of lead generation for startups. Tune in for an engaging conversation about resilience, innovation, and the importance of maintaining conviction in your vision as a founder. (00:00:19) The Early Entrepreneurial Spirit and Building AppDirect (00:10:05) Overcoming Challenges on the Path to Product-Market Fit (00:19:18) The Role of Agentic AI in Modern Business Strategies (00:23:08) Insights on Conviction, Resilience, and the Future of Startups Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[Sustaining Competitive Edge] CEO Randy Wootton of Maxio on the Dynamics of Product-Market Fit in a Changing Landscape 22:51

۷ weeks پیش22:51

22:51

Welcome back to this week’s episode of Sit Down Startup! Today, host Adam O'Donnell sits down with Randy Wootton, CEO of Maxio, to delve into the intricate dynamics of sustaining product-market fit in the ever-evolving landscape of B2B SaaS. Join us as Randy shares his unique journey from military leadership to the helm of a transformative billing and revenue management company. He discusses how Maxio is redefining the standards of product-market fit, particularly in a market increasingly influenced by AI and changing customer needs. Randy highlights the critical importance of continuous adaptation, competitive differentiation, and the metrics that truly matter for long-term success. (00:00:15) The Journey of Maxio: Merging Innovation with Customer-Centric Solutions (00:04:39) Understanding Product-Market Fit: A Continuous Journey, Not a Destination (00:12:29) Metrics that Matter: Navigating Growth and Retention in B2B SaaS (00:21:31) Listening to the Market: How Maxio Adapts to Changing Customer Demands Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[$121.5M in Funding] Efficient Capital Labs' Kaustav Das on Bridging the Funding Gap and Achieving Product-Market Fit 24:31

12 weeks پیش24:31

24:31

Welcome back to Sit Down Startup! In this week's episode, host Adam O'Donnell sits down with Kaustav Das, co-founder of Efficient Capital Labs, a pioneering venture focused on transforming funding for SaaS founders. Join us as Kaustav shares his remarkable journey in navigating the complexities of cross-border financing and the critical importance of achieving product-market fit. Discover the invaluable insights Kaustav gained about understanding customer pain points, the challenges of raising capital, and the strategic pivots that led to his company's success. Learn how Efficient Capital Labs, which has raised over $120 million, is bridging the funding gap and empowering SaaS founders to thrive in a competitive landscape. (00:01:10) The Journey Begins: Researching the SaaS Landscape (00:07:45) Understanding Customer Pain Points: The Key to Product-Market Fit (00:15:20) Navigating Cross-Border Funding Challenges (00:22:00) The Transformative Moment: From Idea to Execution Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[Pioneering Retail Innovation] CEO Angie Westbrock on Standard AI's Journey from Autonomous Checkout to Computer Vision Insights 27:35

14 weeks پیش27:35

27:35

Welcome back to this Thanksgiving week's episode of Sit Down Startup! Today, host Adam O'Donnell sits down with Angie Westbrock, CEO of Standard AI, to explore her inspiring journey from the manufacturing sector to leading a cutting-edge retail technology company. Discover how Standard AI pivoted from autonomous checkout to leveraging computer vision for retail analytics, unlocking valuable insights for retailers. Angie shares her experiences navigating the challenges of product-market fit, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the strategic decisions that led to their recent success. (00:00:15) The Evolution of Standard AI: From Autonomous Checkout to Computer Vision (00:04:39) Navigating the Pivot: Lessons Learned as a New CEO (00:12:29) The Discovery Phase: Balancing Research and Execution (00:21:31) Understanding Customer Experience: Shifting Focus in B2B Markets Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[$30M Raised] Transforming Legal Tech: Spellbook Co-Founder & CEO Scott Stevenson on Achieving Product-Market Fit 24:18

16 weeks پیش24:18

24:18

Welcome back to Sit Down Startup! In this week's episode, host Adam O'Donnell sits down with Scott Stevenson, co-founder and CEO of Spellbook, the first generative AI copilot for lawyers, to discuss his remarkable journey in the legal tech space. Uncover the invaluable insights Scott gained about resilience, the struggles of achieving product-market fit, and the transformative power of large language models in revolutionizing legal document management. Learn how Spellbook, which has raised over $30 million, found its breakthrough after years of iteration and perseverance. (00:01:12) Overcoming Legal Fees: The Inspiration Behind Spellbook (00:06:30) The Loneliness of the Founder: Facing Investor Pressure (00:12:28) The Aha Moment: Discovering the Power of LLMs (00:19:40) The Importance of a Clear Marketing Message Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[Transforming Crypto Access] Co-Founder/CEO Driss Benamour on Building Exponential.fi and Overcoming Crypto Winter 25:20

18 weeks پیش25:20

25:20

In this episode, Adam O'Donnell sits down with Driss Benamour, co-founder and CEO of Exponential.fi, to explore the journey of building a decentralized finance platform amidst the challenges of the crypto winter. Driss shares his insights on achieving product-market fit by focusing on user needs and simplifying access to DeFi investments. He discusses the importance of maintaining conviction during tough times and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of their innovative risk assessment tool, "Rate My Wallet." Tune in to learn how Exponential.fi is transforming the investment landscape for crypto holders. 00:00 - Introduction to Exponential.fi and its mission to simplify DeFi access 01:17 - Driss shares a low moment during the crypto winter and how they pivoted 05:57 - The development and impact of the "Rate My Wallet" feature 15:25 - Insights on achieving product-market fit and the importance of user feedback Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[Navigating the AI Landscape] Co-Founder and CEO Jensen Harris on Textio's Journey and the Future of AI in Management 25:37

21 weeks پیش25:37

25:37

In the latest episode of Sit Down Startup, Adam O'Donnell sits down with Jensen Harris, co-founder and CEO of Textio, to explore his remarkable journey in the world of AI-driven management solutions. Jensen shares how Textio has evolved over the past decade, transforming the way managers deliver feedback and recruit talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Discover the challenges Jensen faced during the early days of Textio, including navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, and learn how he and his team pivoted to adapt to a rapidly changing market. Jensen emphasizes the power of storytelling in marketing and how utilizing data-driven insights helped Textio connect with major enterprise clients. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about resilience, innovation, and the continuous quest for product-market fit in the tech industry. (00:00:19) AI Solutions for Feedback and Team Management (00:10:05) Enhancing Recruitment and Team Management Through AI (00:19:18) Data Storytelling for Customer Engagement Strategy (00:23:08) Personalized Enterprise Sales Approach with Data-Analytics Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[~$100M Raised] Transforming Talent Assessment: Co-founder and CEO Tigran Sloyan on Building CodeSignal 26:24

23 weeks پیش26:24

26:24

Welcome to the latest episode of Sit Down Startup! Today, host Adam O'Donnell sits down with Tigran Sloyan, an MIT alumnus and the co-founder and CEO of CodeSignal, to discuss his remarkable journey to the forefront of innovation. Uncover the invaluable insights Tigran gained about resilience, adaptability, and the necessity of continuous product evolution. Learn how CodeSignal, which has raised almost $100M, achieved product-market fit by shifting focus to advanced talent assessment tools. Here's the takeaway: navigating the path to product-market fit is a dynamic process that demands a clear long-term vision and the agility to pivot in response to market needs. Stream this episode of our Zendesk for Startups podcast for an inspiring dialogue on the future of talent discovery and the power of embracing change in entrepreneurship. (00:12:53) Balancing Supply and Demand in Talent Marketplaces (00:14:04) Transitioning to Software for Sustainable Growth (00:16:29) Navigating Founder's Identity Amid Company Pivots (00:18:41) Iterative Evolution to Achieve Product-Market Fit Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk for six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[Revolutionizing Climate Tech] Sealed’s co-founder and CEO Lauren Salz on Raising ~$100 Million and Finding Product-Market Fit 21:50

25 weeks پیش21:50

21:50

In the latest episode of Sit Down Startup, Adam O'Donnell chats with Lauren Salz, co-founder and CEO of Sealed, about her unexpected journey from aspiring musician to leading a revolutionary home energy startup. Discover the invaluable lessons Lauren learned about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous product evolution, and hear how Sealed found its product-market fit by transitioning from in-person sales to a streamlined phone-based sales process. The lesson? Sometimes you need to pivot from even successful ventures to better align with market demands. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the future of home energy and embracing change in entrepreneurship. (00:10:25) Resilience and Adaptability in Entrepreneurship (00:14:53) Continuous evolution for product-market fit success (00:19:23) Embracing Change for Business Growth Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[$300M Raised] Mapping the Human Immune System for Drug Discovery: Noam Solomon on Building Immunai 23:45

27 weeks پیش23:45

23:45

In this latest episode of Sit Down Startup, Adam O'Donnell chats with Noam Solomon, CEO of Immunai, about his incredible journey from academia to building a groundbreaking biotech startup. Hear Noam's fascinating backstory growing up in Israel and his move to the U.S. for a postdoc at MIT and Harvard, and how that paved the way for the creation of Immunai. Learn about the challenges of navigating product-market fit in the deep science space and the responsibility that comes with managing significant funding. Noam also shares insights on the crucial balance between building innovative technology and staying closely connected with customer needs. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the future of drug discovery and the importance of humility in research and entrepreneurship. 00:01:49: Noam’s Academic Journey and Move to the U.S. 00:08:16: The Weight of Managing Large-Scale Funding 00:16:46: Balancing Innovation and Customer Feedback 00:19:26: Advice for Founders and Navigating Challenges Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[90% of Co-Founder's Time Spent Speaking to Customers] How Inspectify has Navigated Startup Success 20:27

29 weeks پیش20:27

20:27

Welcome to the latest episode of Sit Down Startup! This week Adam O'Donnell hosts Inspectify co-founder and CEO Josh Jensen who leverages his diverse background in engineering and real estate to revolutionize property inspections for single-family homes. Josh brings a unique perspective to the tech space, emphasizing the importance of capturing comprehensive home data to support decision-making. His journey, marked by early-stage company experiences and real estate investment, shaped his belief in the necessity of efficiency and transparency, especially in startup operations. Despite setbacks, Josh remains committed to iterating based on customer feedback and actively engaging in sales to ensure Inspectify meets market needs effectively. (00:03:34) Navigating Layoffs: Lessons for Founders (00:07:19) Iterative Evolution of Target Customer Fitting (00:14:01) Direct Founder Sales Engagement for Startup Success (00:18:24) Operational Success through Transparency in Startups Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[$0 to $20M ARR in 1 year] Creating a Path to Financial Empowerment with Brigit's co-founder and CEO Zuben Mathews 25:21

31 weeks پیش25:21

25:21

Host Adam O'Donnell is back with this week's episode of Sit Down Startup with guest Zuben Mathews, co-founder and CEO of the financial health app Brigit. Mathews draws from his own experiences of financial hardship and his background in economics to address the critical issue of product-market fit in financial technology. He also emphasizes the importance of listening closely to the core pain points of customers, such as financial stress from living paycheck to paycheck, lack of credit score, and insufficient savings. Learn more about how Mathews advocates for swiftly transitioning from extensive research to real-world testing, as real-world feedback offers invaluable insights that can refine and perfect the product. Moreover, the founder stresses the need for truly understanding market needs and gaining customer trust, seeing these as essential components for achieving product-market fit and creating impactful financial solutions that can alleviate financial stress. Stream the full episode now. (00:08:15) Employee Job Security Amid Covid Crisis (00:12:45) Data-Driven Overdraft Solution Development Journey (00:16:24) User Engagement through Market Research for Growth (00:20:41) Targeted Online Advertising for Financial Stress Relief Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

1
[$150M Raised] Navigating Product-Market Fit in Healthcare: Ashok Subramanian on Building Centivo 23:54

33 weeks پیش23:54

23:54

In this insightful episode of Sit Down Startup, Ashok Subramanian, founder of Centivo, shares his incredible journey from immigrant roots to becoming a successful startup entrepreneur. With $150 million raised, Ashok discusses the challenges and triumphs of disrupting the traditional employer health insurance market to make healthcare affordable for all. From his early days in Buffalo, New York, to obtaining his MBA at Stanford, and eventually founding Centivo, Ashok's story is a testament to perseverance and innovation. He also delves into the nuances of achieving product-market fit, the importance of character and integrity in business, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune into Adam O'Donnell's latest founder interview to gain valuable insights and inspiration from Ashok's remarkable entrepreneurial journey. (00:04:37) Affordable Healthcare Solutions for Underserved Americans (00:11:29) Scaling Success: A Multi-Year Journey (00:16:02) Optimizing Founder Time Allocation for Growth Strategy (00:20:58) Navigating Entrepreneurial Hurdles for Startup Success Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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[$3 Trillion Market Revolution] Democratizing Structured Notes with Halo Investing 23:54

36 weeks پیش23:54

23:54

Join host Adam O'Donnell on the latest episode of Sit Down Startup. This week, Jason Barsema, a former financial advisor specializing in managing portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, has emerged as a groundbreaking figure in disrupting the structured notes market. Barsema initially sought to eliminate the counterparty risk of big banks by using listed options and cash to replicate structured notes, but faced challenges in product adoption due to custodial limitations. Undeterred, he strategically pivoted to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of structured notes, much like Netflix adapted its model in response to technological constraints. This shift led to the creation of Halo, a platform that democratizes access to structured notes, making them available to retail investors and addressing the savings crisis, thus revolutionizing a $3 trillion market. (00:03:18) Revolutionizing Structured Notes Accessibility Through Innovation (00:08:45) Efficient Structured Notes Revolutionize Financial Products Market (00:13:24) Structured Notes: The Path to Profitability (00:18:23) Leveraging Financial Advisors for Business Growth Strategy Apply to the Zendesk for Startups program. Qualifying startups can use Zendesk six months for free. Click to learn more: https://www.zendesk.com/lp/startup-partner/?ref=gen&partner_account=0016R00003GUn7OQAT…

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