CEO.com Podcast | Dispatch from the frontier of leadership

CEO.com
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Daily

Unfiltered conversations with public and private company CEOs. Navigating the AI shift. How they lead themselves and others. The people who gave them a chance.

  1. Blueprint Equity Managing Partner Sheldon Lewis - Is the SaaSpocalypse Real?

    4d ago

    Blueprint Equity Managing Partner Sheldon Lewis - Is the SaaSpocalypse Real?

    Sheldon Lewis, Managing Partner at Blueprint Equity, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on venture capital, growth equity, AI, SaaS, startup investing, and the future of software businesses. Blueprint Equity manages more than $600 million and specializes in helping bootstrapped and lightly funded vertical SaaS companies scale from early traction to sustainable growth. In this episode, Sheldon shares why he believes we're living through both the most exciting and most uncertain period in software investing history. The conversation dives into AI's impact on startups, whether the so-called "SaaSpocalypse" is real, the future of venture capital, and what investors are looking for in founders today. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Blueprint Equity00:00:50 - Blueprint Equity's Investment Focus00:01:56 - The State of SaaS and SaaSpocalypse00:03:41 - Public Market SaaS Companies00:05:05 - Efficiency and AI in Series A Funding00:08:09 - The Future of Venture Capital00:12:22 - The Potential of Software and AI00:14:08 - Exciting Investment Verticals00:17:10 - What Blueprint Equity Looks for in Founders00:20:29 - Effective Board Meetings and Communication00:23:25 - Public Sentiment on AI00:26:29 - A Day in the Life of Sheldon00:29:00 - The Importance of Giving and Receiving Chances If you're interested in venture capital, startups, SaaS, AI, entrepreneurship, investing, or the future of software businesses, this conversation is packed with valuable insights from one of the industry's leading growth investors. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    31 min
  2. A Place for Mom CEO Tatyana Zlotsky - Solving America’s Growing Caregiving Crisis

    5d ago

    A Place for Mom CEO Tatyana Zlotsky - Solving America’s Growing Caregiving Crisis

    Tatyana Zlotsky, CEO of A Place for Mom, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on caregiving, aging, leadership, AI, healthcare, and one of the biggest demographic challenges facing America. As the first wave of baby boomers turns 80, millions of families are being thrust into caregiving roles with little preparation, enormous financial burdens, and difficult decisions about senior care. A Place for Mom helps families navigate those challenges by connecting them with trusted advisors and care solutions tailored to their unique situations.In this episode, Tatyana shares why caregiving is becoming one of the defining issues of our time, how AI can support both families and businesses, and what leaders must do to navigate uncertainty and change. The conversation also explores immigration, resilience, company culture, healthcare innovation, and the future of senior living. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Career Journey00:01:11 - Mission of A Place for Mom00:02:44 - Caregiving Crisis and Statistics00:03:55 - A Day in the Life of a CEO00:05:06 - Optimism and AI00:07:04 - Leadership and Decision Making00:09:05 - Company Values00:10:18 - Balancing Efficiency and Compassion00:13:02 - Inspirational Leaders00:14:42 - Managing Company Culture00:17:04 - Future of Senior Living Industry00:19:05 - Influence of Immigrant Experience00:20:38 - Acknowledging Mentors and Supporters00:22:07 - Conclusion and Gratitude If you're interested in leadership, healthcare, AI, aging, caregiving, entrepreneurship, or building mission-driven organizations, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of society’s most important challenges. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    22 min
  3. Prowler Founder & CEO Toni De La Fuente - Why AI Security Is Really Cloud Security

    5d ago

    Prowler Founder & CEO Toni De La Fuente - Why AI Security Is Really Cloud Security

    Toni De La Fuente, Founder & CEO of Prowler, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on cloud security, AI, open source software, cybersecurity, and building one of the world's fastest-growing security communities.What started as a personal project to secure cloud environments has evolved into Prowler, an open-source security platform approaching 50 million downloads and helping organizations secure AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Microsoft 365, GitHub, Cloudflare, and more. In this episode, Toni explains why AI security and cloud security are rapidly converging, how open-source communities are shaping the future of cybersecurity, and why organizations must rethink security as AI-generated software becomes commonplace. The conversation also explores startup building, venture capital, remote work, leadership, cloud infrastructure, and what it takes to transform an open-source project into a venture-backed company. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Toni00:00:20 - Founding of Prowler00:01:25 - Transition from Open Source Project to Company00:02:52 - Importance of Security in the Age of AI00:05:21 - Opportunities in Cloud Security00:07:24 - Concerns about Security Vulnerabilities in Old Code00:10:01 - Growth and Adoption of Prowler00:12:02 - A Day in the Life of a CEO00:13:41 - Decision to Go Fully Remote00:15:02 - Moving to San Francisco00:16:41 - Reading Recommendations for CEOs00:19:44 - Leadership Lessons and Challenges00:21:07 - Macroeconomic Environment and Planning00:23:52 - Funding and Venture Capital00:26:10 - Balancing Community and Company Needs00:28:33 - Community Reaction to Paid Features00:30:03 - Future Growth Potential of Prowler00:31:28 - Competitors in the Cloud Security Space00:34:39 - Thoughts on Quantum Computing00:35:31 - Reflecting on Opportunities and Support00:37:12 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude If you're interested in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, open source software, startups, or the future of technology infrastructure, this conversation is packed with insights from one of the industry's leading builders. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    38 min
  4. Torch CEO Heather Conklin - Why Human Leadership Matters More in the AI Era

    Jun 18

    Torch CEO Heather Conklin - Why Human Leadership Matters More in the AI Era

    Heather Conklin, CEO of Torch, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on leadership, coaching, AI, personal growth, and what it takes to lead effectively during times of rapid change. Torch helps organizations develop leaders through a combination of human coaching, AI-powered coaching, and leadership development programs designed to align leadership behavior with business outcomes. As AI transforms nearly every industry, Heather believes leadership is becoming more important—not less. In this episode, Heather explains why leadership isn't a title, why organizations are facing a leadership deficit, and why the most valuable skills in the AI era may be the deeply human ones.The conversation also explores self-awareness, coaching, organizational culture, leadership development, and the balance between performance and empathy. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Torch00:01:02 - Integrating AI into Leadership Coaching00:02:31 - Defining Leadership00:04:28 - Common Traits of Effective Leaders00:06:17 - The Role of AI in Modern Leadership00:07:07 - The Necessity of Leadership in the AI Era00:10:04 - Challenges in Developing Great Leaders00:12:12 - Personal Leadership and Self-Management00:14:20 - A Day in the Life of Heather00:16:33 - Building and Growing a Coaching Business00:20:00 - Becoming a Coach at Torch00:21:51 - Reading Recommendations00:23:49 - The Importance of Giving and Taking Chances00:25:37 - Conclusion and Gratitude If you're interested in leadership, AI, management, personal growth, company culture, or developing high-performing teams, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of leadership. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    26 min
  5. Ampleo Chief Growth Officer Joe Grover - Why Failure Is Every Entrepreneur’s Greatest Teacher

    Jun 17

    Ampleo Chief Growth Officer Joe Grover - Why Failure Is Every Entrepreneur’s Greatest Teacher

    Joe Grover, Chief Growth Officer at Ampleo, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, acquisitions, marketing, and the lessons that come from failure. After building businesses, working in venture capital at Mercato Partners, leading marketing teams at venture-backed companies, serving as a turnaround CEO, and helping scale companies like Homie, Joe has spent decades helping businesses grow through both success and adversity. Today, Joe helps lead Ampleo, a firm providing fractional finance, marketing, HR, and executive leadership services to growing businesses. In this episode, he shares how AI is changing professional services, why trusted advisors still matter, and why entrepreneurs learn more from failure than success. The conversation also explores acquisitions, executive decision-making, startup leadership, productivity, and how AI is reshaping knowledge work.In this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Joe's Background00:00:14 - Early Career and Venture Capital Experience00:00:35 - Turnaround CEO and Homey Experience00:00:56 - Sabbatical and Joining Amplio00:01:17 - Amplio's History and Services00:01:55 - Impact of AI on Business00:02:11 - AI in Board Meetings and Strategy00:02:42 - AI Adoption in Small to Mid-Sized Businesses00:03:04 - Early Adoption of ChatGPT and Custom GPTs00:03:47 - AI in Professional Services00:04:50 - M&A Strategy and AI Integration00:05:11 - Value of Executive Experience vs. AI00:06:04 - Identifying AI-Disruptable Verticals00:07:10 - Preference for Claude and Co-Work Over ChatGPT00:07:39 - Use of Various AI Tools for Content Creation00:08:54 - Automating Daily Work Life with AI00:09:47 - Typical Workday Routine00:10:20 - Use of ClickUp and AI for Team Management00:11:54 - Reducing the Need for Meetings00:12:32 - Integration of Various SaaS Products00:13:04 - Future of SaaS and AI Integration00:14:56 - SaaS Market Trends and HubSpot's Position00:16:11 - Uncertainty in SaaS Platforms' Long-Term Position00:17:15 - Technology Adoption in SMBs00:18:08 - HubSpot's Market Penetration00:19:12 - Leadership Philosophy00:22:08 - Recommended Reading00:25:29 - Common Marketing Mistakes00:27:19 - Effectiveness of Billboards and Owned Media00:29:09 - Owned, Earned, and Paid Media Strategies00:31:02 - Experience with Homey and Billboards00:31:27 - Launching a Podcast on Failure00:34:55 - Mental Health and Entrepreneurship00:36:04 - The Fail Club Concept00:36:46 - Final Question: Who Gave You a Chance?00:39:02 - Junto Program and Early Entrepreneurship00:40:13 - Equity and Investment in Junto Program00:40:44 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude If you're interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, venture capital, AI, business growth, marketing, or executive decision-making, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    41 min
  6. HopSkipDrive Co-Founder & CEO Joanna McFarland - How Transportation Shapes Educational Opportunity

    Jun 16

    HopSkipDrive Co-Founder & CEO Joanna McFarland - How Transportation Shapes Educational Opportunity

    Joanna McFarland, Co-Founder & CEO of HopSkipDrive, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on education, transportation, AI, entrepreneurship, and creating access for millions of students. What began as a solution for busy working parents evolved into one of the largest student transportation networks in the country. Today, HopSkipDrive partners with approximately 700 school districts across 17 states, helping schools safely transport students who often fall outside the reach of traditional bus systems. In this episode, Joanna shares how transportation impacts far more than getting from one place to another—it affects educational outcomes, workforce participation, foster care stability, special education access, and economic opportunity. The conversation also explores startup pivots, leadership, AI-powered route optimization, scaling mission-driven companies, and surviving the challenges of COVID. 00:00:00 - Introduction to HopSkipDrive00:00:29 - Identifying the Problem00:01:01 - Founding Story and Initial Solution00:01:43 - Evolution to School Transportation00:02:47 - Differentiation from Uber and Lyft00:03:29 - Safety Measures and Technology00:05:13 - Impact on Parents and Special Needs00:05:46 - Realizing the Business Potential00:06:57 - Serving Vulnerable Populations00:09:15 - Current Reach and Scale00:09:32 - Typical Day for the CEO00:10:53 - Utilizing AI in Operations00:14:34 - Funding and Financial Challenges00:15:31 - Navigating COVID-1900:18:39 - Leadership and Company Values00:21:05 - Final Thoughts and Mentorship If you're interested in education, AI, entrepreneurship, public policy, transportation, leadership, or building companies that create meaningful social impact, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    22 min
  7. Branch CEO David Karnstedt - How AI Agents Will Transform Marketing

    Jun 15

    Branch CEO David Karnstedt - How AI Agents Will Transform Marketing

    David Karnstedt, CEO of Branch, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on AI, mobile marketing, deep linking, digital privacy, and the future of customer acquisition. Branch powers the infrastructure behind mobile experiences for many of the world's leading brands, helping marketers understand which channels drive results while ensuring users land exactly where they intend to go inside apps and digital experiences. In this episode, David shares why AI is rapidly reshaping marketing, how personal AI agents could become the next major platform shift, and what businesses need to do to stay relevant in a world where discovery, engagement, and decision-making are increasingly automated. The conversation also explores leadership, remote culture, fraud prevention, creator economies, and the future of digital advertising. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Branch00:00:49 - David's Background and Role at Branch00:01:10 - Impact of AI on Marketing00:02:20 - Future of AI and Personal Agents00:03:34 - Social Media in the Age of AI00:04:40 - Employee Empowerment and Efficiency with AI00:05:34 - Building Company Culture Post-COVID00:07:06 - A Day in the Life of a CEO00:07:49 - Reading and Podcast Recommendations00:09:02 - Funding and Financial Strategy00:10:05 - Macroeconomic Environment and Business Strategy00:11:08 - Privacy and Security in Marketing00:12:37 - Best Paid Marketing Channels00:14:10 - Growth of TikTok and Influencer Marketing00:14:47 - Qualities of a Great Leader00:15:56 - Reflecting on Career Opportunities and Mentorship00:16:51 - Conclusion and Thanksgiving Wishes If you're interested in AI, marketing, mobile technology, digital advertising, leadership, or the future of customer engagement, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the fastest-changing areas of technology. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    17 min
  8. Savvi Financial Co-Founder & CEO Gina Mourtzinou - How AI Is Transforming Financial Wellness

    Jun 12

    Savvi Financial Co-Founder & CEO Gina Mourtzinou - How AI Is Transforming Financial Wellness

    Gina Mourtzinou, Co-Founder & CEO of Savvi Financial, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on financial wellness, employee benefits, AI, retirement planning, and helping people make smarter financial decisions. Savvi Financial helps employees navigate some of the most important financial decisions of their lives—from selecting healthcare benefits and retirement plans to building long-term financial security. Through analytics and personalized guidance, the company helps individuals optimize their financial journeys while helping employers improve benefits utilization and employee well-being. In this episode, Gina shares why financial planning matters more than investment performance alone, how AI is changing financial services, and why privacy and trust remain essential in an increasingly data-driven world.The conversation also explores behavioral finance, personal financial planning, startup leadership, workplace benefits, and lessons learned from decades in asset management. In this episode:00:00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Savvi Financial00:01:52 - Impact of AI on Workflow and Industry00:04:30 - Drawbacks and Cautions of AI in Financial Services00:05:21 - Gina's Background and Inspiration for Founding Savvi Financial00:08:06 - Financial Planning Advice for CEOs and Leaders00:09:47 - A Day in the Life of Gina, CEO of Savvi Financial00:10:22 - Reading Recommendations and Interests00:11:32 - Data Privacy and Security in Fintech00:13:06 - Hybrid Work Model and Company Culture00:14:50 - Macroeconomic Environment and Future Outlook00:15:59 - Reflecting on Opportunities and Mentorship00:17:19 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude If you're interested in fintech, personal finance, retirement planning, AI, leadership, or employee benefits, this conversation offers practical insights into building financial confidence in an increasingly complex world. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology.

    18 min
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Unfiltered conversations with public and private company CEOs. Navigating the AI shift. How they lead themselves and others. The people who gave them a chance.

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