Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders (ETL)

Latest Episodes:

Ben Horowitz (Andreessen Horowitz) - Nailing the Hard Things Nov 19, 2014

Show notes

Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Ben Horowitz shares which entrepreneurial skills truly matter, and why learning to manage well may be the most critical skill of all. Horowitz, a founding partner of Andreessen Horowitz, discusses the value of learning inside a large company, some of the exciting technology frontiers ahead, and the purpose and philosophy of his firm, in conversation with Stanford Engineering Professor Tom Byers.

Tina Wells (Buzz Marketing Group) - Consumers and Brands in the Digital Age Nov 12, 2014

Show notes

Tina Wells, founder and CEO of Buzz Marketing Group, answers questions on trend-spotting, ethics in marketing, and new approaches to audience engagement. Wells also tells the story of her journey from school-age entrepreneur to leading a firm that helps companies create ways for consumers to express their true experiences with brands.

Jennifer Carolan (New Schools Seed Fund) - Seeking the Full Potential of Education Nov 05, 2014

Show notes

Jennifer Carolan, managing director of the NewSchools Seed Fund, talks about the opportunities for technology companies interested in contributing to the changing landscape of education. In conversation with Stanford Engineering Consulting Associate Professor Steve Blank, Carolan discusses common mistakes of ed-tech founders and the need for engineers and consumer technologists in creating innovation in education.

Lewis Cirne (New Relic) - Life is Too Short for Bad Software Oct 29, 2014

Show notes

Lew Cirne, founder and CEO of New Relic, discusses his experiences as a serial entrepreneur, in conversation with Stanford Engineering Professor Tom Byers. Cirne talks about finding one's strengths as a leader, the challenge of discovering a company's second act, and why the best engineers must possess real empathy for the users of their products.

Matt Rogers (Nest) - Tackle Projects Others Don't Want Oct 22, 2014

Show notes

Nest Co-Founder Matt Rogers explains why careers can be made on taking on the challenges and projects unloved by others. Rogers discusses what he learned working at Apple on the original iPod and iPhone, the importance of not chasing the money when raising capital, and how he and Nest Co-Founder Tony Fadell went about building an innovative consumer electronics company.

Tina Seelig (Stanford Technology Ventures Program) - From Inspiration to Implementation Oct 15, 2014

Show notes

Tina Seelig, Professor of the Practice in Stanford's School of Engineering, describes how imagination leads to entrepreneurship, charting the course from rough ideas to polished ventures. Introducing a new framework called the "Inventure Cycle," Seelig captures the attitudes and actions necessary to foster innovation and bring breakthrough ideas to the world.

Liz Wiseman (Author) - The Power of Not Knowing Oct 08, 2014

Show notes

Author and leadership educator Liz Wiseman shares why cultivating a "rookie mindset" is an advantage in a rapidly changing world. Wiseman presents insights from her books, Rookie Smarts and Multipliers, including frameworks and techniques for how entrepreneurs, leaders and employees can embrace a life of constant learning and build a passion for multiplying the genius of those around them.

Kevin Hartz and Julia Hartz (Eventbrite) - Optimal Traits and Sustainable Advantages Oct 01, 2014

Show notes

Kevin and Julia Hartz discuss what it really takes to be a thriving startup organism in challenging ecosystems. As well as sharing insights from the early founding days of Eventbrite, the husband and wife co-founders explain the importance of continual focus on cultivating talent, maintaining sustainable advantages, and driving relentless evolution inside a company.

Heidi Roizen (Threshold) - Adventures in Entrepreneurship May 28, 2014

Show notes

Heidi Roizen, operating partner at Threshold (formerly DFJ), shares personal and professional truths learned from her career as an entrepreneur, investor, and educator. Among other topics, Roizen examines the need for resiliency, the importance of valuing relationships over transactions, and why ethics should never be compromised.

Leah Busque (TaskRabbit) - Do Something You Love May 21, 2014

Show notes

TaskRabbit Founder and CEO Leah Busque tells how a need for dog food on a snowy night in Boston turned into a rapidly growing venture connecting people in neighborhoods around the country. Busque also explains the value of sharing your idea freely and the importance of cultivating an atmosphere of mentorship and collaboration.