Not Another CEO Podcast

Not Another CEO
  • 5.0 (15)
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Our mission is to bend the curve for Founders and CEOs. At Not Another CEO, we know there’s no formula for running a business. Leadership is forged through unique journeys, real challenges, and hard lessons. Our exclusive content showcases unfiltered stories and practical guidance from those who’ve crawled through the trenches. Our platform offers the largest library of CEO insights and how-to guides, sourced directly from a diverse community of leaders. Find our full video library, detailed playbooks, deep dives, and lessons learned on our Substack here ➡️ https://notanotherceo.substack.com/

  1. Data-Driven Predictions - Vanja Josifovski - Kumo - Episode #87

    1D AGO

    Data-Driven Predictions - Vanja Josifovski - Kumo - Episode #87

    Can experience truly make a difference in the startup world? In this episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, David Politis speaks with Vanja Josifovski, Co-Founder and CEO of Kumo, to explore the journey of leading a cutting-edge AI enterprise.  From his prestigious roles at Pinterest and Airbnb to founding Kumo, Vanja shares the lessons learned, the dilemmas faced, and the excitement of turning vast amounts of relational business data into actionable predictions. Takeaways:  The Importance of Co-founders: Vanja emphasizes the critical role of choosing the right co-founders. He stresses the importance of complementary skills and experiences that create a sustainable and successful leadership team.Understanding Market Adaptability: A major challenge for technical founders can be the transition to understanding the go-to-market strategies. Vanja shares the struggles of innovating while aligning with market needs and effectively communicating product value.The Journey From Idea to Reality: Vanja sheds light on how Kumo's idea sprouted from a simple yet groundbreaking aspiration to simplify the process of turning enterprise data into predictions without the complex machine learning cycle.Raising Capital in the Current Climate: Although initially easy due to Vanja's background, he warns about the “honeymoon phase” in fundraising and the necessity of making money quickly, even when resources are abundant.The Art of Unlearning: As Vanja continues his journey, he highlights unlearning as key to adapting to new challenges. The ability to let go of old practices and adopt new methodologies is vital for growth and evolution. Quote of the Show: “It’s always easier to watch somebody do things and criticize… if somebody’s watching you from the side, they’ll always find something wrong." - Vanja Josifovski Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjosifovski/  Website: https://kumo.ai/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #Kumo Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:24 The Importance of Choosing the Right Co-Founders 04:44 Defining Roles Among Co-Founders 06:49 Challenges of Being a CEO 10:22 Hiring and Building a Team 12:54 Raising Capital and Investor Relations 15:21 Kumo's Product and Market Fit 18:57 Pricing Models and Strategies 24:28 Acquiring the First Customers 28:28 The Intensity of Starting a Company at 50 32:33 The Importance of Unlearning as a CEO 37:13 Challenges in Go-to-Market and Fundraising 39:14 Kumo's Vision for the Future 42:28 From Macedonia to Silicon Valley 52:54 Advice to My Younger Self 53:39 Outro

    54 min
  2. Organizational Efficiency Machines - Amish Jani - FirstMark - Episode #86

    FEB 10

    Organizational Efficiency Machines - Amish Jani - FirstMark - Episode #86

    How do founders navigate the intricacies of investor relationships to scale iconic companies? In this episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, David Politis speaks with Amish Jani, co-founder and partner at FirstMark Capital, about key considerations for both investors and founders in the venture ecosystem.  Amish discusses his criteria for investment, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind a founder's journey, and the strategic approach to board meetings. He also sheds light on the dynamics of venture partnerships, the evolving focus of SaaS in the AI era, and the burgeoning startup ecosystem in New York City. Takeaways:  The Power of the “Why”: Amish emphasizes the importance of understanding the founder’s unique perspective on their problem. The "why" behind their journey not only reveals their depth of understanding but also what drives them to pursue their vision.Investor-Entrepreneur Fit: Amish highlights that mutual compatibility and alignment of values between the investor and the entrepreneur significantly enhance the collaboration's success over a long-term journey.The Role of Trust in Board Meetings: Amish underlines the shift from treating board meetings as sales pitches to forums for discussing challenges. Developing high trust levels allows for openness and constructive problem-solving, which can propel the company forward. Adaptability and Focus as Key Ingredients for Success: While having a clear vision is significant, the ability to adapt and listen to market feedback can sometimes pivot a company to more promising directions.Product-Market Dynamic and Competitive Edge: Amish talks about the emphasis on distribution, data acquisition, and building unique advantages that distinguish companies from competitors who may quickly replicate similar functionalities. Quote of the Show: “ We're not in a control business, we're in an influence business. And if you lose someone's ears, that's just as bad as not saying something at all." - Amish JaniLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amishjani/ Website: https://www.firstmark.com/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #FirstMark Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:19 Amish’s Investment Philosophy 02:38 The Importance of 'Why' in Founders 03:40 Evaluating Founders and Their Vision 05:08 The Role of Product and Market Understanding 06:13 Challenges and Insights in Venture Capital 08:30 Investor-Founder Fit and Long-Term Relationships 21:07 The Importance of Choosing the Right Investor 21:56 The Role of Founders in Shaping Company Culture 23:09 Navigating Hard Conversations with Founders 25:54 Effective Board Meetings: Moving Beyond Sales Pitches 30:04 The Current State of AI and Market Dynamics 37:06 The Evolution of New York's Tech Ecosystem 41:26 Why Amish Became an Investor 43:47 Outro

    45 min
  3. February Pulse - Handling Imposter Syndrome - Episode #85

    FEB 5

    February Pulse - Handling Imposter Syndrome - Episode #85

    Can imposter syndrome drive you to succeed? In this solo episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, David explores his personal experiences with imposter syndrome and shares valuable insights gathered from countless conversations with leaders who have faced similar challenges. Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #FebruaryCEOPulse Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:51 Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome 03:04 Defining Imposter Syndrome 04:56 The Two Paths of Imposter Syndrome 06:48 Channeling Imposter Syndrome for Growth 09:02 Practical Advice for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 13:28 Outro

    15 min
  4. Organizational Efficiency Machines - David Karandish - Capacity - Episode #84

    FEB 3

    Organizational Efficiency Machines - David Karandish - Capacity - Episode #84

    Have you ever wondered how leaders manage to scale their organizations without being involved in every intricate detail? In this week’s episode, David Politis welcomes David Karandish, Founder and CEO of Capacity. Together, they delve into the art of building compound startups, scaling intricately interconnected businesses, and the profound role AI plays in today's market dynamics. David introduces the idea of building "machines" within your organization. While this doesn't refer to physical machines, it's about creating efficient processes that can operate independently of constant human intervention.  Takeaways:  The Compound Startup Strategy: David Karandish introduces the concept of a "compound startup," a term coined by Parker Conrad that he has effectively applied at Capacity. The premise revolves around integrating various point solutions into a cohesive platform, reducing costs while maximizing the bundle's value.Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions: Handling 14 company acquisitions in just three years, David shares his approach to successful mergers. He emphasizes the importance of each acquisition fitting into the broader company mission, fostering synergy rather than assembling a mere collection of brands.Building Machines in Business Processes: David advocates for creating “machines,” repeatable processes that enhance efficiency and scalability within an organization. Impact of AI on Business Operations: The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of AI solutions. While initial efforts centered around point solutions, the trend is shifting towards platform consolidation.The Role of Communication Frameworks: David reflects on how establishing a structured cadence for goal setting and meetings has been vital at Capacity, ensuring alignment across 350+ employees worldwide.Cultivating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: David discusses his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth within St. Louis. Despite the city's historical challenges in securing late-stage funding, there is a burgeoning potential with the rise of local talent and incubation initiatives, ultimately aiming to transform St. Louis into a thriving tech hub. Quote of the Show: “By machine, I don't necessarily mean how you think like a physical idea, but I mean more repeatable processes that scale and remove as much human decision making outta the process as possible." - David KarandishLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkarandish/Website: https://capacity.com/ Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #Capacity Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:43 The Concept of a Compound Startup 04:09 Strategic Acquisitions and Integrations 05:41 Challenges and Solutions in M&A 09:24 The AI Revolution and Market Trends 13:01 Implementing EOS and Organizational Frameworks 17:38 Building and Operating Effective Machines 21:12 Hiring for Stage Fit and Problem Solving 27:57 St. Louis Entrepreneurial Scene 33:39 AI and Market Noise 38:53 Big Breaks and Business Models 41:28 Managing Energy and Time 43:34 Balancing Work and Family 47:35 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 48:31 Outro

    49 min
  5. Creating Leverage with Speed - Jeff Morris Jr. - Chapter One - Episode #83

    JAN 27

    Creating Leverage with Speed - Jeff Morris Jr. - Chapter One - Episode #83

    How do you know if a company is actually building momentum, or just looking polished on the surface? In this episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, David sits down with Jeff Morris Jr., Founder and General Partner at Chapter One, to break down what truly matters at the earliest stages of building a company. Jeff invests at pre-seed and seed, where ambiguity is high, data is limited, and speed of learning is often the only real signal. Before becoming an investor, Jeff was an early product leader at Tinder, helping scale the product to hundreds of millions of users, an experience that deeply shapes how he evaluates founders today. Jeff shares how he thinks about product velocity, founder self-awareness, team dynamics, and why the individual partner matters far more than the firm logo. This conversation is a masterclass for CEOs building from zero to one and choosing who they want in the trenches with them.   Takeaways:  Product Velocity Matters: Jeff emphasizes the importance of product velocity, especially in the early stages of a startup. He explains that founders need to run numerous experiments to achieve product-market fit, often partnering with technical leaders to accelerate this process.Building the Right Team: According to Jeff, a strong indication of a founder's potential is their ability to attract a talented team. He believes that successful founders often draw in colleagues from their previous ventures, creating a "band" that's been together through various challenges.The Sales Dilemma: Founders with technical expertise often lack strong sales skills. Jeff looks for self-awareness in founders, assessing if they can identify their weaknesses and augment them with the right partners or co-founders.The Importance of Early Impressions: First impressions are crucial in the VC world. Jeff and David both agree that initial meetings often determine whether an investor leans in. Founders should craft a compelling story and use the first few minutes to capture interest.Aligning with the Right Investor: For Jeff, investing is akin to a decade-long partnership. He advises founders to seek investors who align with their vision and are genuinely interested in their success, rather than just providing capital.Preparation and Self-Awareness: Founders need to be brutally honest about their strengths and weaknesses. Jeff advises preparing thoroughly before meeting investors and leveraging one's unique strengths while addressing weaknesses to form a complete leadership package. Quote of the Show: “We talk a lot about product velocity being the most critical metric we look for." - Jeff Morris Jr. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmorrisjr/ Website: https://chapterone.com/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #ChapterOne Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:10 Key Metrics for Early-Stage Investments 02:37 Assessing Founders and Teams 07:51 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Founders 10:38 The Founder-Investor Relationship 14:34 Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape 19:12 The Dynamics of Fundraising 27:36 The Current Investment Climate 41:44 Jeff Morris, Jr.'s Journey to Venture Capital 44:39 Outro

    46 min
  6. Pioneering Tech and Culture - Donna Dubinsky - Palm & Handspring - Episode #82

    JAN 20

    Pioneering Tech and Culture - Donna Dubinsky - Palm & Handspring - Episode #82

    How do you create a work culture that stands out and inspires team loyalty across multiple companies? In this episode, we gain valuable insights on this and more from the illustrious career of Donna Dubinsky.  Known for her pivotal roles at Palm Computing and Handspring, Donna offers a rare long-term perspective on leadership, culture, and the technological landscape that has spanned decades.  Takeaways:  The Importance of Building a Strong Culture: Donna emphasizes that a great company starts with great people. She shares the crucial role a positive culture played in her companies, stating that when you foster an environment people love, they follow you from venture to venture.Adaptability is Key: One of the most sought-after traits in employees, according to Donna, is flexibility. She highlights the importance of hiring individuals who are not rigid in their thinking but can pivot and grow with the company.Challenges of Raising Capital: Donna recounts the struggles in securing investment for Palm, despite her extensive network. She faced skepticism from investors due to previous failures in handheld computing and the prioritization of internet ventures over hardware.Reflective Organizational Planning: Donna shares her strategic approach to planning through biannual offsites, fostering a culture of reflection and adjustment. These sessions not only solidified strategic objectives but also enhanced team camaraderie through collaborative efforts and fun activities.Maintaining Integrity and Respect: Donna’s overarching advice is to treat everyone with respect. This principle was foundational in building the cultures of her companies and remains a critical lesson for sustainable leadership. Quote of the Show: “I really appreciated people who could deal with change. Changing circumstances, changing environment, changes within the company, as opposed to people who were rigid." - Donna Dubinsky Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #Handspring #Palm Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:30 The Importance of People in Building Companies 03:42 Creating and Maintaining Company Culture 16:00 The Palm Story: Revolutionizing Personal Computing 37:09 Frustrations of Being an Employee 37:44 Challenges of Selling a Company 39:02 Balancing Structure in Big Companies 40:55 Starting Handspring and Product Focus 45:03 Biggest Mistake at Handspring 49:00 Advice for Fast-Growing Companies 50:28 Impact of AI and Market Dynamics 55:05 Personal Background and Career Beginnings 57:33 Big Breaks and Mentorship 01:03:06 Government Service and National Impact 01:07:49 Outro

    1h 10m
  7. Investing in the Next Chapter - Jules Maltz - IVP - Episode #81

    JAN 13

    Investing in the Next Chapter - Jules Maltz - IVP - Episode #81

    How do great founders use their best moments, not their hardest ones, to build the future of their company? In this episode, Jules Maltz shares the mindset that has guided him through decades of backing generational companies like Slack, Dropbox, Grammarly, MuleSoft, G2, and Buddy Media. For Jules, the brightest periods in a company’s journey are the moments to build aggressively: to hire exceptional executives, deepen product moats, and prepare for act two and act three long before the market forces the issue. Jules also opens up about what he looks for in founders, why authenticity matters more than pitch polish, and how trust is built in the first months of an investor–founder relationship. He reflects on his own misses, the evolution of venture capital, and the emotional clarity that underpins his earliest investment decisions.   Takeaways:  Authenticity and Passion are Essential: Jules emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in founders. He looks for individuals who have a genuine drive and a personal connection to the problem they are solving.Beyond the Metrics: When evaluating potential investments, Jules seeks stories that transcend traditional metrics. He recalls his first investment in Twitter, where the pitch focused more on the transformative potential of the platform rather than immediate financial returns.Building Trust Early On: Establishing trust during the initial months after an investment is crucial. Jules believes that consistently delivering on promises and being genuinely helpful builds credibility.Adapting Communication Styles: Jules adapts his communication style based on the needs of each CEO. Some prefer regular updates, while others might communicate only during key events.Sustaining Growth Through Strategic Hiring: Jules advises companies to recruit strong executives and think ahead about their business strategies during periods of growth. By doing so, businesses can better navigate market changes and sustain their growth trajectory.Nurturing Relationships for Long-Term Success: Relationships are at the heart of venture capital. Whether it's trust between founders and investors or maintaining connections with past business partners, nurturing these relationships can lead to long-term success and learning. Quote of the Show: “When the sun is shining on your business, that’s a great time to recruit super strong executives and think about act two and act three." - Jules Maltz Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesmaltz/ Website: https://www.ivp.com/  Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #IVP Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:25 Key Traits of Successful Founders 03:52 The Importance of Authenticity 06:17 Evaluating Investment Opportunities 10:59 The Twitter Investment Story 21:57 Building Trust with Founders 27:11 Trusting Your CEO's Vision 29:31 Navigating Hypergrowth and Market Changes 33:53 The Excitement and Challenges of AI Investments 41:51 Teaching and Sharing Venture Capital Insights 47:24 The Role of Trust in Venture Capital 50:35 Biggest Investment Regrets 53:31 Outro

    55 min
  8. December Pulse - Maximize Your Year-End - Episode #80

    12/18/2025

    December Pulse - Maximize Your Year-End - Episode #80

    How can you get the most out of your year-end? In this solo episode of Not Another CEO Podcast, David explores how leaders can leverage the end of the year for reflection, rallying their troops, and recharging for what lies ahead. Ways to Tune In: Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/  #NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #DecemberCEOPulse Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:22 Reflect: Assessing Achievements 05:15 Rally: Energizing Your Team 11:14 Recharge: Taking Time to Rest 13:33 Outro

    15 min
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About

Our mission is to bend the curve for Founders and CEOs. At Not Another CEO, we know there’s no formula for running a business. Leadership is forged through unique journeys, real challenges, and hard lessons. Our exclusive content showcases unfiltered stories and practical guidance from those who’ve crawled through the trenches. Our platform offers the largest library of CEO insights and how-to guides, sourced directly from a diverse community of leaders. Find our full video library, detailed playbooks, deep dives, and lessons learned on our Substack here ➡️ https://notanotherceo.substack.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Not Another CEO
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024

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