Inside CVC by u-path

u-path

Welcome to Inside CVC —Inside CVC by U-Path is the podcast where corporate venture capital meets strategy, leadership, and systemic change. Hosted by Philipp Willigmann and Steve Schmith, the show brings senior voices from across corporate venture, startups, investment, academia, and policy to the table. Each episode goes beyond buzzwords to explore how capital, technology, and leadership shape the future of business and society. From AI and robotics to geopolitics, board governance, and inclusive innovation, Inside CVC is designed for executives and policymakers who want to understand not just what’s happening — but what to do about it.

  1. 1d ago

    Inside CVC: Values Aren't Just Pretty Words on Paper: Lynda Mansson on Leadership, Trust, and Escaping Burnout

    Send us Fan Mail Lynda Mansson spent close to thirty years in the nonprofit sector, most recently as Director General of the MAVA Foundation, a large family philanthropic foundation. She started her career about as far from philanthropy as it gets: as a stockbroker. Today she's a leadership coach for mission driven leaders, working from a framework of six practices that separate those who sustain impact from those who burn out chasing it. Lynda walks Steve and Philipp through why transformation problems almost always trace back to leadership rather than strategy, citing a study MAVA commissioned with Cambridge University's Conservation Evidence group that found over 85 percent of failed projects came down to people issues. She makes the case for stakeholder capitalism over shareholder value, unpacks what happens when a leader's personal values collide with their organization's stated ones, and explains why stated values without follow through are just pretty words on a piece of paper. The conversation closes on what boards should screen for in a new CEO, and why the pressure leaders feel today is never going away, so the real work is changing our relationship to it. If you're trying to sustain impact without burning out your team or yourself, this episode will give you language for it. Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    35 min
  2. Boardrooms in Transition: Start Here

    Season 2 Trailer

    Boardrooms in Transition: Start Here

    Send us Fan Mail Boardrooms in Transition is a five-part special series from Inside CVC by U-Path on how boards make decisions when the information is incomplete and the stakes are real. Start with Episode 1 and listen in order.   All five episodes are live now.  Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    1 min
  3. Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 1/5 | Didier Cossin | Failure to Act

    Jun 29

    Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 1/5 | Didier Cossin | Failure to Act

    Send us Fan Mail  This is episode 1 of 5 in Boardrooms in Transition, a special series from Inside CVC by U-Path. Start here and listen in order.  In the opening chapter of Boardrooms in Transition, IMD professor and globally recognized governance expert Didier Cossin examines why so many boards fail—not because they lack information, but because they fail to act on what they already know. Drawing on his experience advising boards around the world, Didier explores the human dynamics that prevent organizations from making difficult decisions and the courage required to lead through uncertainty. We also discuss: • Why governance structures alone do not guarantee better decisions • The "gray rhino" risks boards see but fail to address • Why information—not talent—is often the weakest link in governance • The role of AI in helping boards become better sensing organizations • Why courage and psychological safety matter more than compliance • How the best boards move from deliberation to action As we begin the series, Didier reminds us that boards rarely fail because they lack data. They fail because they hesitate. In a world moving faster than ever, the greatest risk may not be making the wrong decision—but failing to make one at all. Boardrooms in Transition: www.boardroomsintransition.u-path.com Inside CVC: www.u-path.com/podcast U-Path Venture Advisors: www.u-path.com Acknowledgments Special thanks to Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Wayne Escoffery for lending his music to the soundtrack of Boardrooms in Transition. A member of the Yale School of Music faculty and one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz, Wayne's work helps bring this series to life. Learn more about Wayne and his music at www.wayneescoffery.com. Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    35 min
  4. Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 2/5 | Larry Quinlan | Risk and Speed

    Jun 29

    Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 2/5 | Larry Quinlan | Risk and Speed

    Send us Fan Mail This is episode 2 of 5 in Boardrooms in Transition, a special series from Inside CVC by U-Path. We recommend starting with Episode 1 and listening in order. This episode opens with a short recap. If you are listening to the full series in one sitting, use the chapter marker to jump straight to the conversation.  In the second chapter of Boardrooms in Transition, former Deloitte Global CIO and seasoned board director Larry Quinlan explores what it means to govern in an AI-driven world. Drawing on decades of experience leading technology transformations, Larry argues that AI is not simply a productivity tool—it is a force that could fundamentally reshape business models, risk profiles, and competitive advantage. We also discuss: • Why speed—not technology—is the defining challenge of the AI era • How boards should rethink risk and strategy in an AI-driven world • Why governing AI is different from directing IT implementation • The role of data, cyber resilience, and board education • The human capacity required to absorb transformational change • Why optimism—not fear—should guide leaders through the AI transition As the series continues, Larry reminds us that velocity is ultimately a human problem. Organizations rarely fail because technology moves too quickly. They fail because people, processes, and governance cannot adapt at the same pace. Boardrooms in Transition: www.boardroomsintransition.u-path.com Inside CVC: www.u-path.com/podcast U-Path Venture Advisors: www.u-path.com Acknowledgments Special thanks to Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Wayne Escoffery for lending his music to the soundtrack of Boardrooms in Transition. A member of the Yale School of Music faculty and one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz, Wayne's work helps bring this series to life. Learn more about Wayne and his music at www.wayneescoffery.com. Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    39 min
  5. Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 3/5 | Karen Francis | Investment Under Uncertainty

    Jun 29

    Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 3/5 | Karen Francis | Investment Under Uncertainty

    Send us Fan Mail This is episode 3 of 5 in Boardrooms in Transition, a special series from Inside CVC by U-Path. We recommend starting with Episode 1 and listening in order. This episode opens with a short recap. If you are listening to the full series in one sitting, use the chapter marker to jump straight to the conversation.  In the third chapter of Boardrooms in Transition, seasoned public company director and Chair Circle co-founder Karen Francis explores what it takes to lead through uncertainty. Drawing on decades of experience across automotive, mobility, technology, and healthcare, Karen examines how boards weigh transformational opportunities, allocate scarce capital, and maintain confidence when the future is anything but clear. We also discuss: • The tradeoffs boards face when pursuing major transformations • Why timing matters as much as conviction when placing strategic bets • How investor trust influences a company's ability to execute • The distinction between board oversight and management execution • Why broad experience around the board table matters in times of uncertainty • How trust between directors and management enables better decisions As the series reaches its midpoint, Karen reminds us that transformation is rarely a straight line. Success depends not only on making the right bet, but on having the confidence and discipline to stay the course when the road ahead disappears into the fog. Boardrooms in Transition: www.boardroomsintransition.u-path.com Inside CVC: www.u-path.com/podcast U-Path Venture Advisors: www.u-path.com Acknowledgments Special thanks to Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Wayne Escoffery for lending his music to the soundtrack of Boardrooms in Transition. A member of the Yale School of Music faculty and one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz, Wayne's work helps bring this series to life. Learn more about Wayne and his music at www.wayneescoffery.com. Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    42 min
  6. Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 4/5 | Barry Salzberg | Leadership Under Pressure

    Jun 29

    Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 4/5 | Barry Salzberg | Leadership Under Pressure

    Send us Fan Mail This is episode 4 of 5 in Boardrooms in Transition, a special series from Inside CVC by U-Path. We recommend starting with Episode 1 and listening in order. This episode opens with a short recap. If you are listening to the full series in one sitting, use the chapter marker to jump straight to the conversation.  In Part Four of Boardrooms in Transition, former Deloitte Global CEO and longtime board leader Barry Salzberg explores what leadership looks like when organizations are operating under prolonged pressure, uncertainty, and scrutiny. Drawing on decades of experience leading through crises and transformation, Barry argues that a board's greatest responsibility isn't simply managing risk—it's signaling confidence. From his memorable "flight attendant" analogy to the lessons behind building Deloitte University during one of the worst economic environments in decades, he explains why calmness, trust, and resilience are strategic assets. Barry also challenges leaders to rethink short-term decision making. Cutting recruiting, R&D, or innovation investments to protect quarterly results may provide temporary relief, but it can create leadership and capability vacuums years later. His message is clear: long-term stewardship requires protecting the seeds during the winter. We also discuss: • Why leadership is fundamentally about signaling confidence under pressure • The balance between quarterly performance and long-term investment • Why boards should resist turning off the "innovation spigot" • How involving skeptics early can turn critics into champions • Lessons from creating Deloitte University and building board alignment • Why trust, transparency, and resilience matter more than ever If previous episodes focused on sensing disruption and allocating capital, this chapter examines what happens after the bet has been made—and why the most resilient organizations are the ones that keep investing when others retreat. Boardrooms in Transition: www.boardroomsintransition.u-path.com Inside CVC: www.u-path.com/podcast U-Path Venture Advisors: www.u-path.com Acknowledgments Special thanks to Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Wayne Escoffery for lending his music to the soundtrack of Boardrooms in Transition. A member of the Yale School of Music faculty and one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz, Wayne's work helps bring this series to life. Learn more about Wayne and his music at www.wayneescoffery.com. Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    37 min
  7. Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 5/5 | Penny Herscher | Board Dynamics

    Jun 29

    Boardrooms in Transition Ep. 5/5 | Penny Herscher | Board Dynamics

    Send us Fan Mail This is episode 5 of 5 in Boardrooms in Transition, a special series from Inside CVC by U-Path. We recommend starting with Episode 1 and listening in order. This episode opens with a short recap. If you are listening to the full series in one sitting, use the chapter marker to jump straight to the conversation.  In the final chapter of Boardrooms in Transition, veteran public company chair and former CEO Penny Herscher explores the human side of governance—and why trust, courage, and board composition ultimately determine whether organizations thrive through disruption. Drawing on two decades of board leadership across the U.S. and Europe, Penny shares lessons on CEO succession, recruiting directors, managing board dynamics, and creating the conditions for difficult conversations. She argues that the greatest obstacle to effective leadership transitions isn't a lack of talent, but fear: fear of change, fear of making the wrong decision, and fear of the unknown. We also discuss: • Why board composition is an M&A deal for talent • The tension between investor returns and founder vision • Why smaller boards often make better decisions • The importance of trust between directors and the board chair • How board principles and psychological safety improve performance • Why boards that "cook dinner together" make better decisions As we conclude the series, Penny reminds us that data may be your baseline, but character is your edge. Because when the stakes are highest, trust isn't a soft skill—it's the only currency that matters. Boardrooms in Transition: www.boardroomsintransition.u-path.com Inside CVC: www.u-path.com/podcast U-Path Venture Advisors: www.u-path.com Acknowledgments Special thanks to Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Wayne Escoffery for lending his music to the soundtrack of Boardrooms in Transition. A member of the Yale School of Music faculty and one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz, Wayne's work helps bring this series to life. Learn more about Wayne and his music at www.wayneescoffery.com. Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    38 min

  8. Jun 29

    Inside CVC: Hayley van Loon on the Illegal Empire, Supply Chain Crime, and Corporate Accountability

    Send us Fan Mail Hayley van Loon is the CEO of Crime Stoppers International and spent the first eight years of her career in counterterrorism operations in Australia. She joins Inside CVC to explain why criminal networks are not a parallel economy. They run directly through yours. In this conversation, Hayley walks Steve and Philipp through what Crime Stoppers calls the Illegal Empire: a $4 trillion ecosystem where counterfeit goods, human trafficking, illicit tobacco, firearms and scam compounds share the same financial trails, the same laundering systems and the same physical logistics. Follow one tip far enough, she says, and you don't find a guy. You find a supplier, a bank and an investor. The conversation goes deeper into where corporate exposure actually lives. Not in the company itself, but four tiers upstream, in a supplier no one has ever laid eyes on. Hayley makes the case that "we don't see it" and "it isn't there" are not the same thing, and explains why criminal networks are adapting to capital markets, crypto and AI faster than corporations and governments can respond. She also addresses what boards should be asking, why not knowing stops being a defense the moment the question is put in front of you, and where public-private partnerships are the real edge in fighting financial crime. If you sit on a board, run a supply chain or approve capital allocations, this episode will reframe what due diligence actually means. Related Links: Learn About The Illegal Empire:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7k9_VMjb6UCrime Stoppers International: https://www.crimestoppersinternational.org/Support the show Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

    39 min
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About

Welcome to Inside CVC —Inside CVC by U-Path is the podcast where corporate venture capital meets strategy, leadership, and systemic change. Hosted by Philipp Willigmann and Steve Schmith, the show brings senior voices from across corporate venture, startups, investment, academia, and policy to the table. Each episode goes beyond buzzwords to explore how capital, technology, and leadership shape the future of business and society. From AI and robotics to geopolitics, board governance, and inclusive innovation, Inside CVC is designed for executives and policymakers who want to understand not just what’s happening — but what to do about it.

Information

  • Creator
    u-path
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inside CVC by u-path
  • Show Website
    Inside CVC by u-path