Between Two COO's with Michael Koenig Michael Koenig

Shanaz Hemmati is the co-founder and COO of ZenBusiness, a company that makes it simple for people to start their businesses and run their G&A. We chat about how AI will automate G&A, building a $1.7B company that thrives in both up and down times, being a technical COO, and growing HomeAway through M&A to IPO to more M&A with Expedia.

What if you could get a hold on your SaaS governance and optimize how you manage your applications with AI? That's exactly what we're exploring in our riveting conversation with Munish Gandhi, co-founder and COO of Productiv. Munish's deep insights into SaaS portfolio governance and ways to rationalize SaaS spend will help you rethink how you approach purchasing and implementing applications. We also tackle the issue of SaaS underutilization, considering the mismatch between what people need and what they end up purchasing.

Now, imagine using generative AI to streamline your contract renewals and procurement. Munish and I delve into how technology can revolutionize the procurement process, enhancing your workflow tenfold. We discuss Productiv's product, designed to educate everyone involved in the software buying process, reducing friction and enhancing efficiency.

Finally, what are the key lessons from Munish's journey to his COO role and his time at LinkedIn? We cover it all! From selling a product that doesn't contribute to top-line revenue to creating a platform that enhances productivity. We also discuss Munish's approach to crisis management and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of communication and risk management during turbulent times. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the modern software landscape.

Ever wondered what it takes to thrive in the gig economy arena? Hold on to your seats as we discuss the intricate world of the gig economy with none other than Allen Narcisse, the former COO at Workrise and the brain behind Gigs. Together, we traverse his career landscape, from his initial venture, eBuyLine, through his time at Uber and Lyft, to his current endeavor, Gigs. He unpacks lessons learned along the way and shares profound insights on the significance of an outstanding first impression, building powerful marketplaces, and the inspiration that gave birth to Gigs.

As we progress, the conversation takes an exciting turn. We delve deep into the mechanics of operating a gig economy platform like Gigs. Allen details the unique three-step process Gigs employs to source jobs and engage job seekers, underlining the importance of having a team that carries the DNA of previous founders, Lyft and Uber. Allen also sheds light on his understanding of prioritization, emphasizing the need to ensure that the team is adequately resourced to make winning moves.

Lastly, we address the big elephant in the room: the future of the labor market amidst automation and AI. Allen articulates his thoughts on the necessity for job seekers to be equipped with the right information and tools to navigate this rapidly changing job market. We dissect Gigs’ business model, the cost-per-application model that ensures employers only pay for qualified applicants. Finally, we touch on the effects of automation on the labor force and the urgent need for improved communication between employers and workers. This is a conversation you wouldn't want to miss!

Discover how indoor urban farming changes how we grow and consume food in our captivating conversation with Tobias Peggs, co-founder and CEO of Square Roots. As climate change threatens traditional agriculture, innovative solutions like Square Roots are making their mark by bringing sustainable, local food production to the heart of urban areas. You don't want to miss this fascinating exploration of their cutting-edge farming technology and its impact on communities.

Join us as we venture into the world of urban farming, discussing the complexities of constructing and operating an indoor farm in New York City. Tobias shares the challenges and rewards of pleasing chefs with their unique produce, commercializing the farm, and the crucial role of COO Amanda Lufkin. We also dive into the environmental side of things, examining a Square Roots farm's carbon footprint and how they reduce their impact through design, energy, and distribution.

But it's not all about the technology; maintaining a strong focus on the company's mission and values is vital to its success. Tobias and I discuss how to stay grounded and ensure decisions align with the company's mission and how Square Roots adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, paving the way for a new go-to-market strategy. So sit back, relax, and explore the future of urban farming together!

Stephan Jacob, Co-founder and COO of Cotopaxi, joins Michael to talk about building an impact-driven business to $100M in revenue, how sustainability drives Cotopaxi’s product development, managing a CEO transition, the proliferation of certified B Corps, donating revenue to fight poverty in developing countries, brand building and taking on North Face and Patagonia, and taking llamas on college campuses.

Woody Hartman, COO of Lime and former VP of Global Operations at Lyft sits down with Michael to talk about the challenges in scaling a micromobility company, how Lime’s gained a competitive advantage over other players in the market, and why he chose to summit Mount Everest following his time at Lyft!