Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders (ETL)

Latest Episodes:

Dan Berkenstock, Julian Mann, John Fenwick, and Ching-Yu Hu (Skybox Imaging) - Launching into Uncharted Space Feb 27, 2013

Show notes

The co-founders of Skybox Imaging, Dan Berkenstock, Julian Mann, John Fenwick and Ching-Yu Hu, realized early on they had one thing in common: they don't take no for an answer. Here the team of Stanford alumni explain their passion to disrupt the satellite imaging industry and share engaging tales of launching their unique venture.

Stephen Cohen (Palantir) - The Path to Palantir Feb 20, 2013

Show notes

Stephen Cohen reflects on his journey from Stanford computer science student to co-founding and building Palantir Technologies. Cohen extolls the joys of hacking projects in school, shares thoughts on the future relationship between man and machine, and shares stories from the colorful early history of Palantir.

Cindy Padnos (Illuminate Ventures) - An Enterprising Approach to Investment Feb 13, 2013

Show notes

Illuminate Ventures Founder Cindy Padnos talks candidly with Stanford Consulting Professor Tom Kosnik about the value of leveraging advisor relationships, the sometimes surprising responsibilities of a CEO, and the fundamental differences between the roles of entrepreneur and venture capitalist.

Tim Draper (Draper Fisher Jurvetson) - Calling All Entrepreneurial Heroes Feb 06, 2013

Show notes

In this lively presentation, Tim Draper, managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, shares his global experiences funding entrepreneurial heroes who "break down walls." Draper shares attributes that support viable entrepreneurial environments, and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to attack established monopolies and to never fear making mistakes.

John Lilly (Greylock Partners) - White Space is Everywhere Jan 30, 2013

Show notes

Entrepreneur and investor John Lilly makes a sound pitch for why this moment in time is full of promise for passionate entrepreneurs willing to charge into the current white space of opportunity. Lilly also explains the idiosyncratic nature of investors and the goal of creating large, durable companies with the capacity to change the world.

Steven McCormick (Moore Foundation) - Drive Change Through Entrepreneurship Jan 23, 2013

Show notes

Steven McCormick, president of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, discusses the value and continued need of an entrepreneurial approach in the philanthropic sector. McCormick also shares lessons learned on staying obsessively focused on outcomes, the critical need to measure success, and how to create change by being a 'positive deviant' inside organizations.

Hank Wuh (Skai Ventures) - Disruptive Innovation Can Happen Anywhere Jan 16, 2013

Show notes

Surgeon, inventor and entrepreneur Dr. Hank Wuh shares examples of how his firm, Skai Ventures, based in Hawaii, takes a hands-on approach to launching high-growth businesses. Wuh explores the challenges of identifying disruptive innovations that are commercially viable and building profitable companies that aim to do good in the world.

Sue Siegel (GE) - A Healthy Respect for Innovation Nov 28, 2012

Show notes

Sue Siegel, CEO of GE's healthymagination unit, offers sound advice from her experiences commercializing new technologies and innovations in the fields of biomedicine and healthcare. Siegel also explains how innovation is created in organizations of all sizes, how values impact the quality of team performance, and ways for evaluating career decisions.

Melinda Gates (Gates Foundation) - Pursue Passions with a Vengeance Nov 14, 2012

Show notes

Through stories of creating meaningful impact around the world, Melinda Gates explains how the Gates Foundation seeks to solve global challenges through innovation in the areas of health and education. Gates also shares life experiences and insights gained on working with others, pursuing life passions, and being committed to volunteerism.

Jess Lee (Polyvore) - Path and Purpose of a First-TIme CEO Nov 07, 2012

Show notes

In this insightful conversation with investor Peter Fenton of Benchmark Capital, Polyvore CEO and co-founder Jess Lee talks about her personal and professional transition from working at a large organization to a becoming an entrepreneurial, first-time CEO. Fenton and Lee also examine the priorities of the CEO role, founder and investor relations, and creating the right team to build the product.