97% Effective

Michael Wenderoth
97% Effective

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com.  97% Effective is dedicated to helping great people get ahead at work and increase their impact – without selling their souls in the process. Season #1 focuses on Power and Influence, two widely acknowledged (but poorly understood) forces that can help you rise, lead more effectively and get big things done. Each week we have candid conversations with an academic, coach, or executive, helping you gain new insights to better navigate your work and career.

  1. Ep 111 - Alvaro Fernandez, CEO at SharpBrains - From SharpBrains Come Great Gains: How to Become the “Go To”

    3 DAYS AGO

    Ep 111 - Alvaro Fernandez, CEO at SharpBrains - From SharpBrains Come Great Gains: How to Become the “Go To”

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com How do you get out of the rat race and live your ideal life? How can you set up a business that aligns with your passions, and provides financial independence? Alvaro Fernandez did just that – turning a blog into SharpBrains, the leading think tank and advisory in brain fitness. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth picks Alvaro’s “sharp brain” to understand the mindset and strategies that transformed SharpBrains into the “go to” – and amplified Alvaro’s influence and impact. What resources are waiting for you to create? What powerful community can you activate to propel you and your ideas? SHOW NOTES: Economics and seeing the brain as an asset A brief history of SharpBrains: from blog in 2005 to leading advisory in 2025“Becoming a platform to add value and fill a needed gap”: The secret sauce that underpins SharpBrains and has powered their successWhat brings credibility and trust?SharpBrains is NOT a non-profit – and did not raise outside capital! How Alvaro created value, but captured value – and made money.Find latent needs + protype and don’t overthink + quickly test: How SharpBrains assessed new business ideasAlvaro’s hard truth: the ability to say no to things you want to do, but may ultimately destroy your coreThe power of creating content: How Alvaro would cut through the noise todayTwo key conditions that causes a community to appear – and power youHow to prevent people from “stealing” your idea: Ideas vs. Execution and knowing your business model  BIO AND LINKS: Álvaro Fernández Ibáñez is CEO of SharpBrains, the leading brain fitness and neuroscience think tank and advisory. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Alvaro has been quoted by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, AP, CNN, and more. He co-authored the book The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: How to Optimize Brain Health and Performance at Any Age, and is the Editor-In-Chief for seminal market reports on neurotechnology and digital brain health. Alvaro enjoys serving in the World Economic Forum’s Council on the Future of Human Enhancement, and in the Global Teacher Prize Academy run by the Varkey Foundation. He holds an MBA and MA in Education from Stanford University and a BA in Economics from Universidad de Deusto, in his native Spain.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarofernandez/SharpBrains Advisors: https://sharpbrains.comHis book, SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: https://a.co/d/gRrA0qCPublic speaking: Alvaro featured on CNN’s Larry King Live and other recent talks: https://sharpbrains.com/about-us/speaking/Pervasive Neurotechnology market report: https://sharpbrains.com/pervasive-neurotechnology/Michael’s book, Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    38 min
  2. Ep 110 - Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer at the Kevin Eikenberry Group - The Power of The Flexible Leader (and How to Become One)

    FEB 12

    Ep 110 - Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer at the Kevin Eikenberry Group - The Power of The Flexible Leader (and How to Become One)

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com How do you lead with confidence in uncertain times, and get the outcomes you seek? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry about his new book, Flexible Leadership (available March 2025). They examine where most leadership training has failed – and where Kevin’s latest work fills a critical gap. In a pointed conversation packed with tips and examples, they discuss the power of the “both/and” mindset and why context is so critical. Michael also has Kevin apply the book’s framework to improve Kevin’s own leadership in 2025. You’ll leave this episode with fresh thinking and a more robust toolkit to power your organization, yourself, and others.   SHOW NOTES: Why Kevin wrote Flexible LeadershipThe “Both/and Thinking” mindset – and a simple way you can start to develop itThe danger of relying on one style and the unintended consequences of applying best practicesThe importance of contextUnpacking the paradox: Everything seems to be changing, yet the most important things aren’t changing at all“Well, I’m an engineer” and other self-limiting labels that can hold us backMichael puts Kevin on the hot seat: How Kevin would use his book to develop his own leadership in 2025Step #1: How Kevin would get data about where he needs to improve in 2025Practical tip (Ensuring Intention and Action): How to make sure Kevin follows through on improving – and isn’t just talking about itStep #2: How Kevin would assess the context – is it clear, complex, complicated, or chaotic?Practical examples: How Kevin’s leadership and his team responded to the context of generative AIStep #3: How Kevin creates the habitsetPractical tip and example: Find the trigger -> replace the trigger -> add a reinforcement mechanismWhat Kevin is readingHow to get a special gift from Kevin for 97% Effective listeners  BIO AND LINKS: Kevin Eikenberry is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group – a leadership and learning company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a team across the United States. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations and leaders from more than 53 countries become more effective. Global Gurus has listed him on the list of most influential thinkers on leadership for the last three years, and his blog and podcast are among the most popular on leadership. The author of several bestselling leadership books, Kevin believes his latest book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence, is his best and most important work yet. Gift from Kevin (mention you heard the episode on 97% Effective): Get for FREE Kevin’s Confidence Masterclass ($79 value): https://kevineikenberry.com/flexible-leadership-podcasts/Kevin’s new book, Flexible Leadership: https://kevineikenberry.com/flexible-leadership/Kevin on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/“The C.E.O’s Are Tripping” (Article in NY Times – paywall): https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/12/business/psychedelic-retreats-ceos.htmlKevin interviews Michael on the Remarkable Leadership podcast: https://remarkablepodcast.com/get-promoted-with-michael-wenderoth/Who is Ani DiFranco? https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ani_DiFrancoThe Cynefin framework (HBR article “A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making”) https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-makingAtomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsMichael’s book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    50 min
  3. Ep 109 - Kane Nakamura, Managing Director at Kane & Partners LLC - Be the Protagonist of Your Story: Keys to Overcoming Obstacles and Setbacks

    JAN 29

    Ep 109 - Kane Nakamura, Managing Director at Kane & Partners LLC - Be the Protagonist of Your Story: Keys to Overcoming Obstacles and Setbacks

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com What does today’s guest have in common with a Japanese manga hero and a world wide wrestler – besides sharing the same name? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth talks with Kane Nakamura, the lifelong learner, about overcoming career obstacles and setbacks. They discuss how Kane convinced Softbank to send him to the USA; how he landed a dream job at Udemy; and why he was unfazed about getting laid off. Kane shares the power of voicing what you want, when and how to break rules – and the benefits of being a community builder, connector and selfless blogger. Kane will get you thinking about what is really holding you back – and the courage and steps you need to take to forge ahead, and become the protagonist of your own story. SHOW NOTES: How 28 moves in 20 cities in 4 countries shaped Kane’s identityKane’s Obstacle/Setback #1: Getting a position in the US when he worked at SoftbankPowered by purpose, how Kane broke the rules and protocolDon’t assume people know what you want – and when to voice what you wantKane’s Obstacle/Setback #2: Staying in the USThe single question that helped Kane get out of his comfort zone to build a network in Silicon ValleyFinding his dream job = Luck + People Connection + TimingHow Kane became a connectorHow blogging about his learning in executive education fueled him – and benefited himKane’s Obstacle/Setback #3: Getting laid offJapanese vs US reactions to Kane getting laid offThe benefits from posting on social mediaDoes Kane’s generosity get taken advantage of it?Kane’s advice to those who feel that “putting yourself out there” is too risky“Let the world discover you”: vulnerability and the power of voicingOn the difference between talking, envisioning and schedulingWhat Kane wants you, and especially his Japanese listeners, to know about risk and failureWhat happens when you Google “Kane Nakamura”  BIO AND LINKS: Kane Nakamura is a Builder of a “Culture of Learning” whose personal and career journey embodies the transformative power of proactive decisions. Hailing from Japan and the USA, Kane spent his career in business development at Cable & Wireless, Softbank, and Udemy. He holds a BA in International and Comparative Law from Rikkyo University, a MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, and is completing his Doctor in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. A lifelonger learner, Kane credits Stanford’s executive education LEAD program for fueling his continued transformation and personal growth. He shares his insights on the LinkedIn newsletter “Why I Keep Learning.”   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane2008/Kane’s newsletter, “Why I keep learning (僕が学び続ける理由)”(most posts are in English): https://tinyurl.com/mr2z74tv Kane’s announcement that he got laid off: https://tinyurl.com/27a2z8fxKane featured by Stanford’s LEAD program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V-4rpcCOI4Harvard Business Review article: “Do You Find Networking Stressful? Try Being a Connector Instead”: https://tinyurl.com/ypf4wadyMichael’s book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    42 min
  4. Ep 108 - Julia Samoylenko, Founder & CEO at Asteri AI: To Upskill the Workforce, How this Startup CEO Transformed Herself

    JAN 15

    Ep 108 - Julia Samoylenko, Founder & CEO at Asteri AI: To Upskill the Workforce, How this Startup CEO Transformed Herself

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Often the most important transformation to your business is transforming yourself. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Julia Grace Samoylenko, founder and CEO of Asteri AI. They speak bluntly about how Julia navigated her transition from big corporate to founding Asteri, an AI startup in Silicon Valley focused on upskilling the workforce. They discuss finding the right environment, putting yourself first, paying attention to emotions – and how to ensure that perseverance and determination work for you, and don't undercut you. SHOW NOTES: Julia’s one hard truth about entrepreneurshipThe price of perseverance and determination3 keys to “Picking the right environment” that gets you real feedback and brings you energyHow rational people can benefit from paying attention to emotions – and treating that as a skill to be developedWhat do others want to see from their leaders?Putting yourself firstAvoiding burnout: looking at your schedule and your built environmentGetting the right people in your orbit: How Julia met KellieHow to identify and communicate when speaking to investorsHow Julia’s “intrapreneurship” most served her as a start-up founderJulai’s 5 points on becoming an entrepreneur  BIO AND LINKS: Julia Grace Samoylenko is founder and CEO of Asteri AI, a startup unlocking workforce potential with AI-driven, industry-specific “skills inference” at scale. Julia’s career has spanned the globe in supply chain, IT, finance, channel management, commercial, and marketing, enabling her to build and deploy innovative IT solutions worldwide. Prior to Asteri, Julia spent 15 years leading transformation for Fortune 500 companies, including Director of Commercial Transformation at Medtronic, where she spearheaded a 100-member global team, secured over $10 million in funding, and was instrumental in setting up an IT hub in Shanghai that drove $50 million in inventory cost reductions. Medtronic recognized her contributions with 7 company-wide awards, including the coveted CIO awards and the Star of Excellence. Julia has lived in Europe, Asia, and the US, and now calls the Silicon Valley her home.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-samoylenko/Asteri AI: https://www.asteri.aiAsteri and Julia in the news: https://www.asteri.ai/companyKellie Romack, VP at ServiceNow https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellieromack/Michael’s book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    35 min
  5. Ep 107 - Jonathan Brill, #1 Ranked Business Futurist - Unlocking Luck: How to Future-Proof Your Career

    JAN 1

    Ep 107 - Jonathan Brill, #1 Ranked Business Futurist - Unlocking Luck: How to Future-Proof Your Career

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Luck. It’s the ingredient that no one wants to admit is a big part of our success. But what if luck wasn’t about chance? What if was more about a choice – choices we could consciously take to generate better outcomes in our work and personal lives? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Jonathan Brill, who Forbes dubbed the #1 business futurist. Their conversation will make you rethink what it means to be lucky – and provide practical steps to generate more of it in your work, and life. Why sit and watch your future happen, when you can take a hand in architecting it? SHOW NOTES: The curious way that Jonathan and Michael first met.How to make the probability of the impossible happening go through the roof: “Shift the dynamics, you shift what is possible.”How networking events differ from “Serendipity Salons.”The key to creating a room of friends.The surprising response Jonathan received from Professor Adam Grant.When framing a question or request, remember that people want to help – but they want to maximize the leverage of their time and effort!How to attend one of Jonathan’s Serendipity Salons.Top tips to building relationships, if you can’t attend a salon.Keys to navigating organizational politics: How a CEO survives while the 10 people who actually did the work did not?The critical high-value help you can provide to others at work.Fun? Treating organizational politics like a game.3 things that senior leaders can do to encourage people to help each other, make unexpected connections, and manage chaos.Focus NOT on what’s there -- but on what’s missing – to best identify opportunity.LUCK = Leverage help, Unexpected connections, Control the chaos, Know what’s missing.Why HP made Jonathan study at Stanford.“The best industrial designers don’t just put shape to an object, they find a new way to solve a problem.”Artists and systemic intuition.The mindset you need to manage the top conundrums that sink businesses in disruptive times.It’s all obvious – except it’s not  BIO AND LINKS: Named the #1 Futurist by Forbes, and “the world’s leading transformation architect,” by Harvard Business Review, Jonathan Brill is a Business Futurist, AI Keynote Speaker, Executive Chairman at the Center for Radical Change, and Author of the bestseller, Rogue Waves. His visionary, yet pragmatic approach to the future is based on years as the Global Futurist at HP where he directed long-term strategy and planning. He is the Senior Fellow at HBR’s China New Growth Institute and Board Advisor at Frost & Sullivan, one of the world’s largest market intelligence firms. Jonathan’s innovation consultancies have developed over 350 products and generated over $27B USD for clients like Samsung, Microsoft, Verizon, PepsiCo and the US government. A frequent thought leader, speaker and contributor to HBR, TED, Global Peter Drucker Forum, Singularity, and Forbes, Jonathan holds a degree in industrial design from Pratt Institute, and spent years as a research consultant to the MIT Media Lab. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrill1/Website: https://jonathanbrill.comJonathan’s bestseller, Rogue Waves: https://jonathanbrill.com/rogue-wavesOur mutual friend, the amazing Dorie Clark: https://dorieclark.comProfessor Don Moore at Cal Berkeley, interview on “Decision Leadership”: https://tinyurl.com/n6cvb2x8Keshav Pitani, VP of R&D at Light & Wonder, interview on overcoming your aversion to office politics: https://tinyurl.com/yhbkcyv2Emily Chang interviews Brian Chesky: https://tinyurl.com/nhkv5muhSteve Caney, inventor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevencaney/Factfulness by Hans Rosling https://a.co/d/66xuLfMHow the World Really Works by Vaclav Schmil https://a.co/d/bx34N09Michael’s award-winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    51 min
  6. Ep 106 - Dr Sarah Buchner, CEO at Trunk Tools - Fueled by a Chip on Her Shoulder: From Carpenter to CEO

    12/18/2024

    Ep 106 - Dr Sarah Buchner, CEO at Trunk Tools - Fueled by a Chip on Her Shoulder: From Carpenter to CEO

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com This episode contains profanity. SHOW NOTES: How do you go from a challenging childhood in Europe to rise within a notoriously tough industry – and then building one the hottest global startups in your sector? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Dr. Sarah Buchner, CEO at Trunk Tools, about the mindset and strategic moves that has put her in the driver’s seat of her career. They discuss how she broke in and stood out in the male-dominated construction industry -- and the ways she harnesses data to increase the odds of success. Dr. Buchner loves the chip on her shoulder and hates labels – and by the end of this episode you will see the power in that too. The two German phrases that embody Sarah’s ethosWhat are the next few steps that seem just out of the realm of the possible?About Trunk ToolsThe chip on Sarah’s shoulder: how being told “you can’t do that” has powered herTurning disadvantage into advantageWhy she hates labelsSeeing vs Looking: where do you want to focus your view?Sarah’s boldness and how being direct and concise was needed to survive as a child – and stills serves herManaging corporate politics vs raising capital – when to dial up, when to dial downManaging backlash and not being invitedHow Sarah found the right mentors, got them on her side and was clear about her goals – and how those mentors could help her“My goal is not to play nice” -- To be or not to be: warmth vs competence“I don’t care about being liked, I care about people trusting me.”Study the path others have taken – then map what you need to do to get from A to BSarah’s most challenging transition when she became CEOForming a Board of Advisors: Would you ask your medical doctor how to fund raise?Most people lack strategy!The importance of pattern of recognition and looking at the data: When Sarah sat down and studied the CVs of top management and their path to the topWhy Sarah has become more careful with the words she uses as CEOBuilding a culture of feedbackLook for the “distance people have travelled” when hiring for gritSarah on keys to building resilience“It’s not about the hours” – think in terms of psychological work life balanceWhy everyone should have a therapist, and how Sarah has used one since she was 18Create a work pre-nup!Sarah’s two keys for success BIO AND LINKS: Dr. Sarah Buchner is the Founder & CEO of Trunk Tools, the AI platform for construction. Trunk Tools is building the brain behind the $13 trillion construction industry by leveraging AI to organize mountains of unstructured data, generate insights, and automate workflows. With deep roots in all facets of construction, Dr. Buchner spent her young life as a carpenter in her native Austria beginning at the age of 12. She advanced in the field through various roles, including superintendent and project manager, on increasingly large and complex construction projects. Her desire to create greater impact in the construction industry led her to attend Stanford's Graduate School of Business, kickstarting her career as an entrepreneur. In addition to her Stanford MBA, Dr. Buchner holds a MS in architectural engineering and a Ph.D. in data science / civil engineering. Dr. Buchner is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and ENR Top Young Professionals honoree. She, and Trunk Tools, are based in New York City, USA.   Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.comSarah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-buchner/Sarah on Forbes 30 Under 30: https://tinyurl.com/3crx5d2xTrunk Tools in the News: https://trunktools.com/resources/category/news/Real and Practical Applications of AI in Construction with CEO of Trunk Tools: https://tinyurl.com/yc456tszMichael’s book, Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min
  7. Ep 105 - John Gates, Founder at Salary Coach - Act Your Wage: How to Master Salary Negotiations

    12/04/2024

    Ep 105 - John Gates, Founder at Salary Coach - Act Your Wage: How to Master Salary Negotiations

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: Most people don’t negotiate their salary offers due to fear, reluctance – or quite simply not knowing what to say. By not negotiating, you are likely forgoing a 10-20% salary increase – and more than $1 million in lifetime earnings. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth demystifies salary negotiations with John Gates, the Salary Coach. John is an industry veteran, having spent his career in corporate recruiting for Fortune 500 companies, and is the author of “Act Your Wage,” a concise and practical guide that helps you overcome negotiation anxiety and get higher compensation. We discuss why you should never accept the first offer, when to start negotiating (it’s not when you think), practical phrases to use, and the “gentle leverage” that gets better results and enhances your future relationships. You’ll leave this episode feeling more confident about how to maximize what you are getting, for what you are giving, at work.   John journey and why he founded the Salary CoachThe #1 reason people don’t want to talk about payWhy you should negotiate: The importance of thinking about lifetime earningsJohn’s hard truth: The top mindset mistake people make in negotiating their salary offerPractical Tip #1: How to make sure you don’t become your own worst enemyThe biggest misunderstanding people have about negotiations“Ultimatum heavy strategies introduce a lot of risk”Practical Tip #2 on making Counteroffers: What to say so you don’t put your offer at riskAsk the right questions and offer multiple choice options to explore what is possible“Negotiation is a process, not an event”Got handed a lowball offer? You probably made this mistake early in the hiring processUse a range: John’s silver bullet on how to respond when you are asked “What’s your salary expectation?”How to gather the best data point on what you are worth that companies cannot argue withPractical Tip #3: Focus on total compensation to improve your negotiation resultJohn on using “gentle leverage”: use it like a pry bar, not like a sledgehammerGender differences in negotiationsNegotiation as a way to build your reputation and relationships as you enter a company – not as a way that put things at riskShowing a path to yes by giving people a reason to adjust to youHow John and his clients use AI to help with interviewing and negotiatingRepeat: Never accept the first offer!Reaching John and the Salary Coach Academy  BIO AND LINKS: John Gates is founder of Salary Coach, where he helps C-suite executives and senior leaders negotiate higher compensation packages without risking their job offers or future relationships. John’s unique approach, born from his extensive experience in corporate recruiting, consistently helps his clients secure 10-20% more in their pay packages, even in challenging job markets. He is the author of Act Your Wage, and brings decades of experience as a global HR and recruiting director with Fortune 500 companies.   John’s Website: https://salary.coach/John’s Salary Coach academy: www.salarycoachacademy.comHis book, Act Your Wage: https://a.co/d/5WKSo40John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates-salarycoach/Reaching John via e-mail: John@Salary.coachMichael’s award-winning book, Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    49 min
  8. Ep 104 - David Harris, Investor at Vista Equity Partners - “Humble & Hungry”: Keys to This Air Force Grad’s Rise in the Investment World

    11/20/2024

    Ep 104 - David Harris, Investor at Vista Equity Partners - “Humble & Hungry”: Keys to This Air Force Grad’s Rise in the Investment World

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: There’s substantial evidence (just look at most of our leaders and politicians today) that humble people DON’T rise – even though research shows they are more effective leaders. Can you be humble and still get ahead, and still get big things done? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks to David Harris at Vista Equity Partners about how being “humble and hungry” has propelled his rise in the investment world – and furthers his impact. Beyond being a sponge that is continually learning, David shares how he built a powerful network that opened doors, cultivated and benefitted from diverse mentors, and leveraged and created opportunities that serves larger goals. Memorable and insightful, David will make you think deeply about what it truly takes to earn your seat at the table -- and the critical steps you need to add to your playbook to get there. David and Michael were born and raised to be mortal enemies: An attempt to deal with their differences.At age 6, why David said he wanted to become a manager at McDonald’s when he grew up.David and the US Air Force Academy: “the reason you come is different than the reason you stay”Is private equity about “serving”? How David sees it.His start in investing began with a terrible LinkedIn profile“Reaching out to someone like you:” the huge impact of Christian Evans, and how David reached out to himThe power of the mindset: “Humble and Hungry”Connecting with Kneeland Youngblood: doing his homework and landing the 60-day summer work at Pharos CapitalKeys to David’s networking: Everyone gets the need to do secondary and tertiary research -- but few people go deeper to create a memorable first impression.Have you ever been in “LinkedIn jail?” and how to flood the market.Planning ahead: Meeting Michael Milken and benefitting from Riordan, MLT, and Tiogo to build a strong network and receive mentoring to accelerate his path into financeThe importance of making lifelong connections to institutionsDavid gives back, and forms “The Club” that helps Air Force grads get into top MBA programsHow power comes when you become a “known quantity”Creating virtuous circles: giving leads to gettingHow David stays grounded and humble? Insight from 3 football coaches, and his wise girlfriend.Why David has little to no social media presence.Lightning round: David’s top influences, a non-business book recommendation, and the one place and one dish he has yet to learn how to makeThe one question I didn’t ask: managing the family divide in the OU – UT rivalry.How to connect with David Harris BIO AND LINKS: David Harris is a software investor at Vista Equity Partners, one the world’s largest private equity firms with more than $100 billion in assets under management. Prior to joining Vista, David worked at Blackstone in the Tactical Opportunities Group, managed a $250 million satellite software portfolio that supported 8,000 users at the National Reconnaissance Office, and led a 30-person team with strategic oversight of the $7.3 billion development phase as Program Manager supporting the U.S. Department of Defense’s Nuclear Cruise Missile. In his first role in finance, David was a summer analyst at Pharos Capita. David is member of the Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle and an active member of Management Leadership for Tomorrow. Originally from Dallas, Texas, USA, David is an avid Cowboys fan. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.   David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harris-aa401912b/Vista Equity Partners: https://www.vistaequitypartners.comThe Cowboys-Eagles rivalry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboys–Eagles_rivalryChristian Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cevans2008/Kneeland Youngblood, Founding Partner, Chairmana & CEO at Pharos Capital Group: https://www.pharosfunds.com/kneeland-youngblood.phpHow to network with powerful people (HBR article): https://changwenderoth.com/articles/Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle: https://milkeninstitute.org/partner/young-leaders-circleManagement Leader for Tomorrow (MLT): https://mlt.orgToigo Foundation: https://toigofoundation.org/education/mba-program/Coach Candace Tumey at MLT: https://mlt.org/mba-prep/coach-candace-headshot-circle/Dr. Wale Lawal, Co-Founder at MesaQuantum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wale-bumaye-lawal-phd/Having a co-pilot: A Chief Pilot’s Insight, interview with Tenille Cromwell on 97% Effective: https://tinyurl.com/ypj99pmtDavid featured in Poets & Quants: From Football to the Military to an MBA at Stanford: https://tinyurl.com/5br498k6David interviewed on For the Zoomies: From the Air Force to Finance: https://tinyurl.com/4t8xpt3tMichael’s award-winning book, Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com.  97% Effective is dedicated to helping great people get ahead at work and increase their impact – without selling their souls in the process. Season #1 focuses on Power and Influence, two widely acknowledged (but poorly understood) forces that can help you rise, lead more effectively and get big things done. Each week we have candid conversations with an academic, coach, or executive, helping you gain new insights to better navigate your work and career.

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