The Silicon Valley Podcast Shawn Flynn

Martin Tobias: Navigating the Landscape of Investment and Entrepreneurship
In the ever-evolving world of investment and entrepreneurship, few voices resonate with the depth of experience and insight quite like that of Martin Tobias. With a career spanning decades and ventures across various industries, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table.
A Passion for the Formation Stage
"I have always been excited in the formation stage of things," Martin shares. "The early stuff. Who is the customer? What is the product? And how do we sell it? That is the part I like." For Martin, the early stages of a venture present the most intriguing challenges and opportunities. It's where decisions are made, bets are placed, and the course of action is charted. Over the years, Martin has been at the helm of numerous ventures, raising over $500M in equity, project finance, and working capital.
Investor, Mentor, Entrepreneur
Beyond his role as a CEO and investor, Martin's entrepreneurial journey is peppered with diverse experiences. From owning bars and restaurants to venturing into renewable energy and technology investing, Martin's portfolio reflects his insatiable curiosity and drive to solve complex problems. He has personally invested in over 70 startups and led several through venture funds, all while engaging in charitable endeavors through the Martin Tobias Family Foundation.
Exploring Industry Dynamics
In our conversation with Martin, we delved into several key areas shaping the investment and entrepreneurship landscape:
Evolution of Preseed and Seed Stages: Martin shared insights into how these stages have evolved over the years and the implications for founders navigating early-stage funding.
Enhanced Connections Between Founders and Investors: We discussed emerging solutions and trends facilitating better connections between founders and investors, essential for fostering successful partnerships.
AI in Investor Meetings: Martin shed light on how founders are leveraging AI to prepare for investor meetings, streamlining the pitching process and unlocking new efficiencies.
Opportunities Amidst Global Challenges: Despite the current global landscape's challenges, Martin remains optimistic about the unique opportunities it presents for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Connect with Martin Tobias
To learn more about Martin's work and insights, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or visit Incisive VC, where he continues to make an indelible mark on the world of investment and entrepreneurship.
LinkedIn: Martin Tobias
Incisive VC: Explore Here
In a world brimming with possibilities, Martin Tobias stands as a beacon of wisdom and inspiration, guiding entrepreneurs and investors alike on their journey towards success.
 

Michael J. Firestone, CFA 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljfirestone/
Fire Capital Management, LLC is a boutique investment management company that helps people achieve their dreams. We empower our clients to re-imagine what is possible to accomplish with their investments, social impact goals, and family legacy. The firm offers private wealth management and multi-family office services to HNW individuals, families, and foundations. Fire Capital Management is strategically headquartered in the heart of innovation economy, San Francisco, CA.
 
Sophie Tsang, MBA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophietsang/
Sophie’s Civil Engineering background and marketing expertise contribute to her broad understanding and high efficiency in marketing real estate properties. She has been consistently a top performer since 2005, and personally ranks the highest 1% by volume of all Silicon Valley Realtors. Also a WSJ Real Trends 2022 America's Best Honoree.
As a seasoned negotiator, Sophie’s no-nonsense marketing system and meticulous attention to details have been key success factors. She is known as the The Fixer, or Miracle Worker, frequently helps sellers sell their homes when other agents had failed or given up. She helps buyers get into homes when they previously struggled. 20+ years in Real Estate, Sophie has honed her skills on getting the best possible results for her clients. Her trusted network of vendors and use of cutting-edge technology ensure each step of each transaction is executed to achieve next level result!
Sophie is a proud parent of 2 Eagle Scouts (in college). She has done guest speaking at Faith Radio, and written a column for World Journal Newspaper to share her Real Estate knowledge. Sophie is a Palo Alto Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow, also a Golden Gate Keeper (Golden Gate National Park Conservancy).
 
Jeanie (Kim) Colclough
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcolcloughtravel/
In my professional role as a travel advisor, I specialize in creating soft adventure experiences for my clients. My favorite types of trips to book include:
Cultural Immersion Vacations — These trips are designed to get travelers interacting with local people, experiencing cultural events and dining on authentic cuisine.
Culinary Tours — Perfect for foodies and wine lovers, culinary tours allow travelers to experience the unique flavor of their destination.
Active Vacations
As I carve my own path within the travel industry, I have made this quote my motto: "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." These words of Seneca define the need for travel as part of our human experience.
When we book a vacation to a new destination, whether it's a tropical island filled with the potential for relaxation or an ancient city built for learning and exploring, we know we will be changed by the experience. Travelers come home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, while also yearning for more at the same time.
Contact me today to book your next adventure! I look forward to helping you every step of the way.
 
We discuss:
 
What are the most common mistakes people on the panel see people make as soon as they have a large sum of money? 
 
Depending on the exit price, what are some options a seller must know to do the right things to create generational wealth or maintain the exit for a needed amount of time?
 
After they exit their companies or sell a part of them, many people want to diversify their wealth; what are some ways that they choose to do this?
 
What issues do they face if they are looking to invest in real estate?
 
What about if they want to start investing in real estate projects? Are there any problems they might face?
 
If an owner doesn’t properly plan before the sale, what can they do afterward to mitigate taxes?
 
The most common thing owners say the first thing they will do after selling a business is to go on a trip. What are things they should consider?
 
If there are economic changes, how would they i

Karen (Kovaleski) Traversi, SHRM-CP
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmtraversi/
 
I work with CEOs that are going through transitions or disruptive stages due to M&A activity, growth, upscaling markets or are looking to create value, including start-ups. I am a revenue optimization expert that helps leadership make the right decision for solution & client development as well as integration & cross-functional alignment for efficient revenue growth. I have successfully helped companies ranging in size from start-up to >$100 million as well as those looking to monetize assets such as TMP/Monster.com, Ticketmaster, and Revolution Health Group. Call Me When You Have: • Rapid growth (or market adjustments) which create distraction, missing goal targets, etc.• Turnover with customers or teams, interrupting operations.• A need for integrating departments, increasing efficiencies, and reducing department friction ensuring sales, marketing and client delivery play nice in the sandbox.• A startup needing support in terms of growth and addressing the foundational aspects of a changing organization, including HR/benefits. I work with clients to uncover the core issues/opportunities, set strategy, and execute work as either project consultant, in an ongoing engagement or as a fractional role.
 
 
 
Angelo DeSando
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-desando-0b19633b/
 
Commercial Insurance Specialist - Workers’ Comp Insurance Expert - Exclusive Programs
 
DeSando Insurance Services was formed in 1978 by my father, Mark DeSando. I began my career at DeSando Insurance in 2006 assisting my father in varies aspects of the insurance business. I quickly discovered my passion for helping clients protect what matter most to them. In 2008 I transitioned our firm from a captive company to an independent insurance brokerage. I now manage DeSando Insurance Services full time where I have grown the business by offering the best possible solutions unmatched by any of my competitors. I take pride in the integrity and professionalism our firm offers to the marketplace. I greatly appreciate every referral as this has been the building blocks of our foundation. My product of expertise is in workers compensation. I can offer innovative exclusive products that will provide the best solutions for the staffing, construction, manufacturing, distribution, and other blue-collar industries. With this wealth of knowledge, it has helped me dominate and broaden our expertise appetite to include general liability, commercial property, commercial auto, bonding, professional liability and WRAP policies.I take pride in being family owned since our inception and I am grateful it has grown to a second-generation company. My goal is to continue to dominate with our expansion while never forgetting that every client and member of our company is part of the DeSando family. Please contact me if you share my same vision and would like to be apart of the family either as a client, employee, or business partner. We are always expanding!
 
 
 
John Morada
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnvmorada/
 
As an S&O and M&A executive, I love what I do to grow existing corporations. And I am equally as passionate about growing the next generation of corporations. If you are a startup, I would love to hear what you are working on. Please check out my investing requirements at https://bayangels.com/requirements/ since I am a member of the Bay Angels investing group. If you are a VC looking to get into the Bay Angels deal flow then please send me an email to partnerships@bayangels.com. Or if you have a business that you think would be useful to Bay Angels, I would enjoy hearing from you. Let’s start a thread at partnerships@bayangels.com.

Tyler Marin, CPA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinktyler/
 
Have you ever felt like your business is capable of more but just can't seem to break through to the next level? I'm Tyler, and I turn those "almost there" businesses into flourishing success stories. With more than two decades in finance and entrepreneurship, I specialize in propelling businesses with revenues between $1 million and $15 million to new heights.My Approach: One Clear PathImagine a system so clear and effective that your business's financial uncertainties turn into milestones of success. That's One Clear Path for you. It's a six-step journey tailored to stabilize and amplify your cash flow. Our monthly color-coded scorecard (green for thriving, yellow for caution, and red for critical areas) simplifies complex financial data, ensuring we're always moving forward.How I Propel Your Business:* Transforming inconsistent cash flow into a consistent positive cash flow* Cultivating financial strategies for both short-term and long-term goals.* Elevating your profit margins beyond just 'good enough'.* Aligning your business's financial trajectory with your personal vision.* Streamlining financial processes for efficiency and innovation.* Strategic financial forecasting to prepare you for what's next.* Personalized, experience-backed advice to tackle your unique business challenges.My Credentials:* Founded a CPA firm to grew to 200 clients that led to a successful exit.* Grew a staffing firm from $5 million to a $25 million in revenue that led to a successful exit.* Served as a financial leader in a major non-profit organization.* Active associate board member at a Northern California Credit Union.* Advisory roles in multiple multi-million dollar companies.
 
Jane Beule
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebeule/
Founder and CEO, Griffin Black, Inc. | NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Over the years I have worked on Wall Street and I have worked in tech, but it is my current job that I find most fulfilling. Griffin Black, the company I founded in 2001, is a Registered Investment Advisor. We bring together a love of finance and passion for leveraging technology to help individuals and families make the most of their money and live the kind of lives that they envision.Delivering great financial advice and service, however, requires more than good tools and technical expertise. It takes a real understanding of each individual client’s values, personality, and long-term goals. This human element is what distinguishes a great advisor from the pack, and what enables the creation of a personal financial strategy that has the potential to be implementable and fulfilling, as well as financially sound. Are you hesitant to talk to a human advisor because you think it will be too expensive? (Hint: it needn’t be.) Are you looking for financial support and advice that is truly you-centric? Are you overwhelmed and confused by all of the automated financial tools and investment choices that are being pitched to you these days? If so, we’d be happy to hear from you.
 
Sheri Pan, CFP®
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheripan/
 
As the founder and CEO, Sheri brings her breadth of knowledge as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner to clients, so they can make informed decisions when planning their financial future. Also, her Master’s Degree in Taxation gives her a unique advantage to advice on tax planning. Her many years of experience and education offer her clients many benefits, as Sheri is able to tackle multifaceted tax situations and minimize liabilities. This enhanced expertise makes her an asset to those seeking in-depth tax advice during their careers, before and after retirement, and while they form estate plans. Prior to founding Pantheon Wealth Planning, Sheri Pan took a position at Morgan Stanley. Before long, she realized that while she enjoyed asset management, something was missing in her work. Instead of

 Show notes for Amman Ahmed.
Amman Ahmed is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in e-business, venture-backed startups, and brand building. With a keen eye for identifying market niches and driving business growth, Amman brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.
 
Background
 
The Story of "Petflix", a crazy idea born in Manchester and acquired in Hollywood for 8 figures. Founded by Amman Ahmed, who built 'The 'Netflix for Pets' - relaxing Music and TV created in house based on 8 years of research. RelaxMyDog and RelaxMyCat are the two brands now consumed by 50 million pets around the world.
 
With an insanely wild idea, Amman would get laughed at by investors so his only option was to use his own money of £1000 to get this idea off the ground in a lean way. 
 
By creating his own researching, his own team of international producers and marketers. He scaled the business to a multiple million pound international business without investors. Until catching the eye of a major Rap/Hip-hop record label in Hollywood who went on to buy the business. 
 
RelaxMyDog and RelaxMyCat was a side hustle for years while he was the founder of another VC backed music discovery app that failed. 
 
He has experience both sides of the coin, VC backed founder and a bootstrapped founder. 
 
Questions and Topics covered
 
Can you give us a brief overview of your career journey leading up to this point?
 
What does it mean to be an "E-Business Specialist," and how did your experience in that role shape your entrepreneurial path?
 
Let's talk about venture-backed versus non-venture-backed businesses. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
 
When is the right time for a founder to consider pivoting a business versus closing it down entirely?
 
What conversations did you have with investors when you knew it was time to step away from a business as a founder?
 
How did you discover your niche with Roundwaves, and what aspects of that business did you find most rewarding?
 
Building a business on a platform like YouTube can be challenging. What were your experiences and concerns during that journey?
 
As a founder, what were the major value drivers of your business that you emphasized to investors?
 
Can you shed some light on the role of a brand ambassador and how one can secure such a position?
 
MusicForPets versus Roundwaves—what lessons did you carry over from one venture to the other?
 
Reflecting on MusicForPets, what aspects of the business do you think could have been improved?
 
How was the transition period for you when your company was acquired?
 
What advice would you give to a founder transitioning from business ownership to employment in a larger company?
Looking back at your journey, how would you describe yourself personally during each business endeavor?
 
Lastly, what exciting projects or ventures do you have planned for the future?
 
Connect with Amman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammanahmed/
 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13000305/la-hip-hop-producer-pet-musician-record-deal.html
 

Board Dynamics and Advisory Roles with Louise Broekman
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of corporate governance and advisory boards with esteemed guest Louise Broekman. Louise brings a wealth of experience and insights gained from her extensive career in board advisory roles. Here's a breakdown of the intriguing topics covered in our conversation:
Introduction to Louise Broekman's Career
Louise provides a brief overview of her career journey, highlighting key milestones and experiences that have shaped her expertise in the field.
Understanding Board Dynamics
We start with the basics, exploring how boards are set up and the distinct roles each member typically plays within the boardroom.
Differentiating Observer, Consultant, and Advisor Roles
Louise clarifies the differences between observers, consultants, and advisors in the context of a board, shedding light on their respective contributions.
Enhancing Board Member Skills and Continuous Improvement
Discussing the importance of continuous improvement, Louise shares valuable insights on how individuals can enhance their skills to become more effective board members or advisors.
Compensation for Advisory Board Members
Louise addresses the compensation aspect, explaining how advisors typically get compensated for their time and expertise.
Positive Impact of Advisory Boards on Company Performance
We delve into the positive changes expected in a company when an advisory board is performing optimally.
Key Distinctions between Private and Public Company Boards
Louise outlines the key differences between serving on private boards versus public company boards, providing valuable insights into each setting.
Barriers to Joining Large Public Company Boards
Exploring potential barriers, Louise discusses qualifications that might hinder someone from joining the board of a large public company.
Creating Diversity Within Boards
Louise shares insights into the process of creating diversity within a board and its significance for effective decision-making.
Success Stories and Impact of Strong Advisory Boards
Louise shares a compelling success story where the presence of a strong advisory board led to significant positive outcomes for a company.
Evolution of Advisory Boards and Future Trends
Reflecting on the evolution of advisory boards, Louise discusses emerging trends and future projections for the role of advisory boards.
Challenges for Startups in Managing Advisory Boards
We explore unique challenges faced by startups when establishing and managing advisory boards.
Assessing Advisory Board Effectiveness and Governance Best Practices
Louise provides valuable advice on assessing advisory board effectiveness and optimizing board structures for governance best practices.
Practical Steps for Aspiring Board Members
Closing on a practical note, Louise offers actionable steps for individuals aspiring to serve on a board in the future.
Learn More About Louise Broekman
 Louise Broekman | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-broekman/
https://www.advisoryboardcentre.com