Liftoff with Keith Newman: For Founders looking for a new growth playbook and further inspiration.

Former Journalist, Startup + GTM exec Keith Newman
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Former journalist turned Silicon Valley dealmaker and entrepreneur Keith Newman talks with Founders, Innovators and Influencers who share their stories of success, pain and impact with a bit of humor and nostalgia mixed in. Hear from Maverick Mark Cuban, SuperAngel Ron Conway, Ann Winblad, Mitch Kapor, Steve Blank and Founders of GameStop, Ancestry, JotForm, Fry's, Intuit, and many more. Find 80+ Episodes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-look-back-a-free-flowing-interview/id1560219589

  1. 4D AGO

    The Scaler Mindset: How Elite Operators Build Hypergrowth Companies with Casey Woo

    Scaling is not about working harder — it’s about thinking differently. In this episode, Keith sat down with Casey Woo, former operator at WeWork, OpenAI, Flexport, and Zappos, founder of Operators Guild, and Managing Partner at FOG Ventures, to break down what it really takes to scale a company. Casey introduces the concept of the “Scaler” — the operator who thrives in complexity, builds systems that evolve, and helps companies move from chaos to clarity. He shares how the world’s fastest-growing startups fail not because of bad ideas, but because they lack the operating structure needed for sustainable growth. They dive into: Why scaling is a discipline, not a phase How great operators think across product, people, and processWhat founders misunderstand about growth- Why systems—not heroics—create durable companiesHow AI is changing the way companies scaleWhether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode is a masterclass in building companies that don’t just grow — they scale. Connect with Casey Woo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywoo/ Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com #TheScaler #StartupScaling #Hypergrowth #Operators #StartupOperators #Founders #VentureCapital #FOGVentures #OperatorsGuild #BusinessGrowth #ScalingStartups #Leadership #SaaS #TechStartups #FutureOfWork

    27 min

  2. FEB 10

    Scaling With Intelligence, Not Headcount: The Autonomous Business Era with Amos Bar-Joseph

    In this episode of Liftoff, Keith sits down with Amos Bar-Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO of Swan AI, to explore a radical shift in how modern companies scale. Amos shares why the traditional belief that growth equals headcount is breaking down—and how AI is enabling a new model: the autonomous business. At Swan, scale is no longer about adding people—it’s about increasing ARR per employee by embedding intelligence directly into workflows. They unpack: Why the old “cog culture” model is collapsing What collaborative autonomy really meansHow Swan’s AI GTM Engineer turns ideas into live go-to-market workflowsWhy execution—not creativity—is what AI should automateAnd why go-to-market innovation is now more important than product innovationThis is a must-listen for founders, operators, and GTM leaders navigating the AI-native era. Connect with Amos Bar-Joseph: Website: https://getswan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amos-bar-joseph/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com #AutonomousBusiness #AIinBusiness #CollaborativeAutonomy #FutureOfWork #GTMInnovation #SaaSFounders #StartupScaling #AIWorkflows #AgenticAI

    26 min

  3. JAN 27

    Why AI Still Lacks True Agency — And What Founders Must Build Instead

    In this episode of Liftoff, Keith sat down with Arshavir Blackwell, PhD, AI researcher, founder, and author of The Creative Agency’s Guide to AI, to unpack what’s really happening behind today’s AI boom.With decades of experience building neural networks—from Ask Jeeves to enterprise AI—Arshavir explains why most so-called “AI agents” still don’t have real agency, why vertical focus is the only way startups can survive Big Tech competition, and how the next generation of companies will be smaller, faster, and radically more capital-efficient.They explored AI interpretability, local vs frontier models, privacy-first AI, and what founders should actually be building over the next 24 months.Connect with Arshavir Blackwell: - Newsletter: insidetheblackbox.ai- Book: tinyurl.com/creativeagencybook- App: yourvoicecraft.ai- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshavirblackwell Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com#Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AITrends #AIStartups #Founders #TechLeadership #FutureOfWork #LiftoffPodcast #AIInnovation

    34 min

  4. JAN 20

    Why Cold Email Still Wins in 2025 (And How to Do It Right)

    Cold email isn’t dead — but doing it the old way is. In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, we sit down with AJ Cassata, Co-Founder of Revenue Boost, to break down what’s actually working in outbound lead generation today. AJ has helped 440+ startups, agencies, and SaaS companies build predictable revenue pipelines without relying on paid ads, social media algorithms, or massive budgets. We dive into: Why cold email still works — and why most people fail at itHow to build the right outbound list (and why tools matter less than strategy)Writing cold emails that stand out in crowded inboxesThe role of AI in personalization, research, and outbound scaleHow to turn cold outreach into a reliable top-of-funnel growth engineIf you’re a founder, marketer, consultant, or agency owner looking to generate leads consistently — this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to master outbound in today’s competitive market. Connect with AJ Cassata: Website: https://revenueboost.net/Podcast: How to Scale an Agency: https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6g4luPhyXLocfjIH1JKC Facebook Group: Join our community of 10,000+ in B2B Sales And Marketing Secrets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/b2bsalesandmarketingsecretsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcassata/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajcassata1/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajcassataofficial Client Case Studies & Testimonials (440+ clients and students served): https://promotion.revenueboost.net/our-results Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com AJ’s Previous podcasts & press: Foundr (In-Person Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9u206Zkb1A- Digital Marketer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZfW3UkaWQ&t=1s&pp=ygUKYWogY2Fzc2F0YQ%3D%3DSystemology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eu_Iunl_n4Instantly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTMapO0Xg_wOutbound squad: https://www.outboundsquad.com/podcast/aj-cassata- CEO Sales Strategies: https://ceosalesstrategies.com/mastering-sales-outreach-best-practices/ s#ColdEmail #OutboundMarketing #LeadGeneration #B2BMarketing #SaaSGrowth #StartupSales #RevenueGrowth #GoToMarket #MarketingStrategy #PodcastEpisode

    29 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    Agentify: How AI Agents Are Reshaping Companies, Careers, and the Future of Work | Michael Palmer

    2025 has officially become the year of AI — and the pace isn’t slowing down. In this episode of Liftoff, we sit down with Michael Palmer, CEO & Chief Scientist of Taos Research Corporation and author of the new book Agentify: The Art, Science, and Engineering of Successful AI Agents. Michael brings decades of experience spanning Silicon Valley startups, venture capital at Kleiner Perkins, and leadership roles at Yahoo and U.S. Bank, where he led AI, data, and digital transformation. We dive deep into how AI agents are evolving beyond simple prompts into systems with real agency, autonomy, and initiative — and what that means for startups, enterprises, and solopreneurs alike. Michael explains why vertical focus matters, how companies should rethink org structures in an AI-first world, and why the next billion-dollar company might be built by just one person and a fleet of AI agents. If you’re a founder, operator, or builder trying to understand what’s next in AI — this conversation is essential listening. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - Why agents without agency are about to be replaced - How AI is changing org design, productivity, and hiring- What founders must get right to build durable AI companies - Why execution, adaptability, and specialization matter more than ever Connect with Michael Palmer: - Website: https://taosresearch.ai - Agentify Book: https://taosresearch.ai/learning/agentify-the-art-science-and-engineering-of-successful-ai-agents - Substack: https://substack.taosresearch.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellpalmer Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com #AI #AIAgents #Agentify #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork#Startups #SaaS #TechLeadership #Innovation #Founders#AITransformation #EnterpriseAI #Solopreneur #Podcast

    31 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Reinventing Back Surgery: Dr. Steve Falowski on SynerFuse’s Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Treatment

    Chronic back pain affects more people than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined — yet treatment hasn’t meaningfully changed in decades. In this episode of Liftoff, Keith talks with Dr. Steven M. Falowski, MD, FAANS — Director of Functional Neurosurgery and Strategic Advisor at SynerFuse, the company pioneering a transformational approach to spinal surgery. SynerFuse’s patented e-TLIF procedure blends spinal fusion + neuromodulation in a single surgery, placing electrodes during the operation to prevent the chronic pain that affects nearly 30% of fusion patients today. Early proof-of-concept results show over 80% improvement — a milestone that could reshape the future of spine care. Dr. Falowski breaks down: - Why traditional fusion fails so many patients - How neuromodulation evolved into a proven, minimally invasive therapy - The entrepreneurial challenge of competing with med-tech giants - How a 15-person company is preparing for a nationwide U.S. clinical study - Why AI is accelerating breakthroughs in chronic pain treatment If you're interested in med-tech, innovation in regulated markets, or the business of healthcare, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Dr. Steven M. Falowski: - Website: www.SynerFuse.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-falowski-876926118/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #ChronicPain #BackPainRelief #Neuromodulation #SpineSurgery #SynerFuse #MedicalTechnology #Entrepreneurship #HealthTech #WellnessInnovation #PodcastEpisode #LiftoffPodcast #HealthcareFuture

    34 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    The Remote Intelligence Advantage: How LATAM Talent Is Powering the Future of Global Teams

    Luis Derechin is the CEO or NirYu and is the first Mexican citizen to get US venture capital for his startup and was actually successful selling it, a serial founder now leading Nir-Yu a nearshoring business based in Mexico and focused on staffing services from teams across Latin America but Not Just Staffing—A New Way to Build Remote Teams and Save 70%, - Learn what the acronym: REMOTE stands for? - How to Prevent the 73% Offshoring Failure Rate - Catch the highlights from Luis'#1 Amazon bestseller "The Offshore Team Deathtrap" Building a high-performing team doesn’t require Bay Area budgets anymore. In this episode, Keith sat down with Luis, the founder behind the Remote Intelligence Framework, NIR-Yu to explore how top companies are scaling faster and smarter by tapping into world-class LATAM talent. They dive into: - Why offshore hiring often fails — and how to avoid the “offshore trap” - Cultural alignment and time-zone proximity as competitive advantages- Why execution beats ideas every single time - Lessons from raising capital while everyone said it was “impossible” - The mindset founders need to go from survival to scale Whether you’re a startup founder, team leader, or investor — this episode unlocks a smarter, more resilient way to build global teams that win. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Remote Intelligence is reshaping the future of work. Connect with Luis: - Website: https://www.nir-yu.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisderechin/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com #RemoteWork #LATAMTalent #FutureOfWork #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #TeamBuilding #TechLeadership #HiringStrategies #GlobalTeams #ScalingStartups #LatinAmerica #RemoteHiring #ExecutionMatters

    40 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    From Meta to Taelor AI: How Anya Cheng Is Using AI to Reinvent Fashion for Busy Professionals

    Meet Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor AI — a Silicon Valley startup that’s changing how busy men dress. With a background leading product at Meta, eBay, McDonald’s, and Target, Anya now applies AI to help customers look sharp without the hassle of shopping or laundry. Taelor AI uses artificial intelligence to select outfits that fit your lifestyle, size, and goals — helping you look your best for meetings, dates, or life’s big moments. Beyond personal style, Taelor AI also helps reduce clothing waste and carbon emissions by repurposing excess inventory from fashion brands. In this episode, Anya shares:- -Her unconventional path from Taiwan to Silicon Valley - Lessons learned from working in big tech and applying them to startup life - How AI and human stylists work together to deliver a seamless clothing experience - The importance of using your strengths as your superpower - Why sustainability and personalization are the future of fashion 🎧 A must-listen for entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and anyone who secretly hates shopping. Connect with Anya: - Website: https://taelor.style/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services: Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription. Use code: PODCAST25 Sign up at: https://taelor.style/pages/membership Armoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription. Use code: ArmoirexTaelorSign up at: https://www.armoire.style/refer/ArmoirexTaelorGive the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style:Taelor Gift Cards: Get 10% OFF Use code: PODCASTGIFTPurchase at: https://taelor.style/products/menswear-rental-gift-cardSubscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com#TaelorAI #AnyaCheng #AIInFashion #FashionTech #AIFashion #StartupStory #EntrepreneurJourney #ArtificialIntelligence #AITools #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #AIDriven #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WomenInTech #StartupFounder #SiliconValley #BusinessGrowth #Inspiration #SustainableFashion #EcoFriendly #SmartClothing #ConsciousConsumer #FashionRevolution

    33 min
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Former journalist turned Silicon Valley dealmaker and entrepreneur Keith Newman talks with Founders, Innovators and Influencers who share their stories of success, pain and impact with a bit of humor and nostalgia mixed in. Hear from Maverick Mark Cuban, SuperAngel Ron Conway, Ann Winblad, Mitch Kapor, Steve Blank and Founders of GameStop, Ancestry, JotForm, Fry's, Intuit, and many more. Find 80+ Episodes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-look-back-a-free-flowing-interview/id1560219589

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