026 - Jess Walker - What Happens when your Business Grows 10,000% in 48 Hours, Exiting (Selling) a Business at 25, Dealing with Co-Founder Betrayal, VC Life & Doing What Scares You Unmapped with Mike Kelly

I’m going to put it simply: I think Jess Walker is one of the most brilliant, savvy, wise, beautiful and kind human beings I have ever met. She’s one of those humans who sprinkles gold dust. I had been planning to interview Jess for years because I have always marvelled at how she lives her life. She operates at such a high level in her career and away from it exhibits a kind heart, listens incredibly well, knows how to have fun and can’t help but make you smile. She’s an incredible friend - it’s a privilege to be in her world.


We explore Jess’ journey to her current role at AirTree and dive into her mindset. Here’s a few talking points I really enjoyed:


Processing 10,000% growth in a business in 48 hoursDoing a stand up comedy course to become more comfortable with public speaking The similarities between setting up a fund and starting a businessSome tech entrepreneurs really did sell chocolates on the school bus

Jess was a candid and insightful guest - detailing her process when learning to exit her first business, dealing with a co-founder betrayal and how determination and resilience are founder superpowers are examples of where this conversation becomes a goldmine to anyone in startups or thinking about starting their own business.


Enjoy this one folks: Jess is a superstar and deserves all of your ears.


TIMECODES


00:00 - 08:50 - Intro & Jess’ Origin Story


08:50 - 21:02 - Exiting a Business, Moving to Australia


21:02 - 24:32 - A Co-Founder’s Betrayal


24:32 - 30:22 - Black Nova & AirTree


30:22 - 34:44 - Fishburner’s Board Role, Steep Learning Curves and Comedy Reliefs


34:44 - 41:11 - Facing Your Fears, 10000% growth in 48 hours


41:11 - 48:41 - The hyphen?, Coping with Burnout & The Value of Determination


48:41 - 50:37 - The Billboard & Outro