Tech Scenes with Jeff James Martin Jeff James Martin

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we connect with Ben Foster, the Co-Founder of Prodify. With a rich background as a Chief Product Officer at leading companies like WHOOP, GoCanvas, and Opower, Ben brings a wealth of experience and insights into the pivotal role of product management in driving tech company success.

Ben's career highlights include expanding teams and company valuations significantly, establishing strong product visions, and championing customer-focused strategies. At WHOOP, Ben grew the team tenfold and the company valuation fifteenfold, hitting record-high retention rates and grooming new leaders. At GoCanvas, he fostered a product-led culture and led the company through hypergrowth, M&A activities, and pricing strategy development. At Opower, he built the product organization from the ground up, contributing to a tenfold revenue increase and taking the company public.

In this episode, Ben shares his key learnings from these roles, such as balancing day-to-day operations with visionary leadership, expanding the definition of "Product" to include pricing and engagement services, and applying behavioral science to drive user engagement. He discusses the importance of vision-led product management, modeling the financial impact of product development, and organizing around customer outcomes to support hypergrowth.

Ben also introduces Prodify, a company dedicated to making product management easier through advisory, coaching, and consulting services. Prodify helps entrepreneurs, startup founders, product executives, and product team leads make strategic product decisions, foster product-driven cultures, and build world-class product teams.
During our conversation, we delve into the importance of product in tech companies, understanding and achieving product-market fit, playing offense in product development, leveraging Peak OS and the significance of a strong product vision.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a product executive, or someone passionate about product management, this episode is packed with actionable insights and valuable advice. Join us for a deep dive into the world of product management and learn how to drive success through a strong product focus.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#prodify #benfoster #productmanagement #productleadership #productroadmap #productcouncil #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #healthtech #SaaS ##entrepreneurshipceo #founder #cofounder #okrs #kpis

Join us for an episode of Tech Scenes Venice Beach, where we go for a ride with Edward Wilson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Impulsum Ventures. Ed and his team at Impulsum are on a mission to solve high-value problems for people and companies, driving cultural shifts toward a more positive future. Impulsum Ventures excels in product innovation and actively investing in new business concepts, developing market-leading companies poised to become iconic household names.



Specializing in complex product experiences, Impulsum Ventures boasts deep expertise in areas such as social networks, eCommerce, digital consumer technologies, secure communication, payments and issuance, and blockchain. The team, spread across the globe, is united by a passion for design, problem-solving, and building companies that make the world smile.



Ed's unique background includes roles as an investor at Anthos Capital and a consultant at BlueRock Consultants. With a wealth of experience in investment and company building, Ed has honed his skills in identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. He has played a significant role in supporting the resilience of founders and high performers, managing chaos with calm, and leveraging the power of a venture technical studio to bring ideas to fruition.



In this episode, Ed delves into the resilience required of founders and high-performing teams, sharing insights on managing calm within the storm and the importance of working within a flow of value. We explore how setting goals and providing context is crucial for success, and how having the right co-founder can make or break a firm. Ed also discusses what to look for in a founder and their team, the importance of being open, and the value of connecting with the right people through transparency.



Additionally, we dive into Ed's personal passion for skateboarding and his role in rejuvenating the Venice Beach skatepark, highlighting how his interests align with his professional pursuits in fostering community and innovation.



Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just passionate about building meaningful connections and innovative companies, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Join us as we explore Edward Wilson’s journey and work at Impulsum Ventures, as we take a ride through iconic Venice Beach.



Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.



Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams



Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com



Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie



#edwardwilson #impulsumventures #venturecapital #jeffjamesmartin #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #healthtech #SaaS ##entrepreneurshipceo #founder #cofounder #okrs #kpis

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we connect online with Kevin Lindbergh, a seasoned leader in driving operational excellence and revenue growth for venture-backed companies. As the Chief Operating Officer of ThalamusGME, Kevin leverages his extensive expertise in leadership, strategy, innovation, business development, and product marketing to refine go-to-market strategies and create exceptional client satisfaction.



Founded in December 2013 and based in Santa Clara, California, ThalamusGME is the premier web-based digital interviewing software designed specifically for graduate medical education (GME) training programs. Created by an anesthesiology residency applicant and a residency program director, Thalamus offers a comprehensive online interview reservation and travel management system. With real-time scheduling capabilities accessible via both online and mobile platforms, residency and fellowship applicants can now manage their interview schedules seamlessly, reducing travel costs and enhancing their overall experience.



For program administrators, Thalamus streamlines the interview process by enabling applicants to self-schedule, thereby eliminating unnecessary phone calls and emails. This allows administrators to focus on personalizing the recruitment experience and optimizing their resident selection process.



In this episode, Kevin discusses the critical aspects of making strategic tradeoffs, the importance of cash flow and key metrics, and the role of transparency in building successful teams. We delve into the benefits of the Operators Guild, fostering alignment within organizations, and the implementation of the Peak Operating System to drive performance and growth.



Kevin’s insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare, operational strategy, and innovative business models. Join us for a deep dive into the operational strategies that have positioned ThalamusGME as a leader in the digital transformation of medical education.



Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.



Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams



Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com



Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie



#thalamusgme #kevinlindbergh #healthtech #healthcarerecruitment #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #PeakOS #VbOS #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #healthtech #SaaS ##entrepreneurshipceo #founder #cofounder #okrs #kpis

In this episode of Tech Scenes Beverly Hills, we take a ride with Winter Mead, the founder and managing member of Coolwater Capital, an investment firm specializing in emerging managers and technology investments. Winter is also the author of the insightful book, "How To Raise A Venture Capital Fund," and operates Coolwater, an academy dedicated to training, building, and scaling emerging managers. With over 240 emerging managers trained in the last four years, Winter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

Winter’s impressive career includes helping build and invest in an evergreen fund at SAP, where he co-founded the LP transparency movement #OpenLP. He has also worked as a private equity and venture capital investor at a large multi-family office in San Francisco, completing seventy-nine institutional investments and over twenty-five additional investments since leaving his institutional allocator role. As junior faculty at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Winter taught Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship, sharing his expertise with the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs.

Coolwater Capital's mission is to create a new model for launching, building, and scaling emerging fund managers. Their programs include Coolwater Build, a virtual cohort program for emerging managers, and Coolwater Explore, a virtual program for angel investors to build and organize their portfolio investments.

In this episode, Winter discusses the inspiration behind Coolwater, the challenges and opportunities for emerging fund managers, and the unique approach of Coolwater cohorts in building VC firms and growth companies. He shares insights from his book, which serves as a comprehensive guide on raising a venture capital fund, revealing the secrets of LP diligence, best practices in fundraising, and the intricate dynamics of the VC world.

Whether you are an aspiring venture capitalist, an emerging fund manager, or simply interested in the venture capital ecosystem, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry's leading experts. Join us as we explore Winter’s journey, the evolution of Coolwater Capital, and the strategies that drive success in the world of venture capital.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#prodify #benfoster #productmanagement #productleadership #productroadmap #productcouncil #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #healthtech #SaaS ##entrepreneurshipceo #founder #cofounder #okrs #kpis

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we connect with Brett Brohl, an investor who has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and supporting early-stage founders. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Bread and Butter Ventures, Brett shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, where he invests in companies that are revolutionizing the world's food system, from robotics and kitchen tech to biotech and supply chain solutions.

Brett’s passion for entrepreneurship is evident in his former work with the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator and the Minnesota Twins Accelerator in partnership with Techstars. With a rich background as both a venture-backed and bootstrapped founder, Brett has experienced the highs of leading companies to acquisition and the lows of encountering failures. His journey underscores the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and passion in this demanding field.

During our conversation, Brett delves into his core investment focus on FoodTech, highlighting the innovative solutions that are transforming the food industry. We explore the intricacies of fundraising, building cohesive teams, and fostering transparency and alignment within startups. Brett also shares valuable insights from his personal experiences, aiming to help founders avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.

In addition to his investment work, Brett actively shares his knowledge through his YouTube channel, "Brett’s Brain," where he discusses best practices for entrepreneurs and investors, and via his blog on Medium, where he writes about FoodTech. His passion for the startup world extends beyond his professional life, as he enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in lobster diving in the Florida Keys.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Brett Brohl as we uncover the strategies and stories behind his successful career in entrepreneurship and venture capital. This episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the dynamic world of FoodTech.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to keep up with all the insights and stories from the cutting edge of venture-backed companies, right here on Tech Scenes.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

#breadandbutterventures #brettbrohl #foodtech #agtech #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #healthtech #SaaS ##entrepreneurshipceo #founder #cofounder #okrs #kpis

This is a Tech Scenes throwback from 2019 - Welcome to Tech Scenes by Collective Genius where we meet up with ceos, founders and investors to learn what makes cities in the startup tech ecosystem thrive.

On this episode we meet up with Sam Yagan CEO of ShopRunner and take a spin through the former ShopRunner offices and head out for pizza at Lou Malnati's (because we are in Chicago).

Along the way we talk about moving ShopRunner to Chicago, the combination of capital + labor + culture, diversity, recruiting and pursuing vision and passion against all odds.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Corazon Capital
Born out of a love for building startups and a passion for backing entrepreneurs with heart, Corazon Capital (spanish for “heart”), a leading Chicago-based venture fund, brings a coastal approach to Seed and Series A investing. With a rare blend of investing experience and operating expertise, Corazon Capital provides unusually pragmatic, actionable counsel to the entrepreneurs it supports.

Corazon Capital believes that the best entrepreneurs and the smartest VCs will intentionally solicit both financial and operating investors in their syndicates, with Corazon Capital recognized across geographies for its deep operating knowledge and reach inside and outside of Chicago.
https://corazon.com/

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza, Lou Malnati's is as rich in history as its pizza is in flavor.
www.loumalnatis.com