Executives Uncut

Sarah and Sarah met through a mutual friend, David Serafine, who was on our podcast a few weeks prior to this episode. David and Sarah S. have been collaborating on a film “Before the Ashes Fall” and Sarah has written the screenplay with David and will be directing the film. She talks about her process of raising capital from investors and how her relationship based approach is the only one she can get behind. Sales pitches and automated networking is lame and the best way to network, especially within LinkedIn, is to be genuine and care for other people. She mentions the example of a particular investor who she got to know beyond the surface, she learned that he had a passion for creating music and ended up asking him to compose the soundtrack for her film.

Sarah S. emphasizes to not beat around the bush, but don’t make it a money grab. She really believes the approach has to be direct and genuine, while presenting your product as an opportunity rather than an ask. Overall you have to believe in your product and be excited because people are looking for something to be excited about.

Dan and Sarah met on Twitter. Yes, you read that correctly, Dan and Sarah met on Twitter. They don’t get into details how or why but they can assure the audience that it was a safe encounter. Dr. Dan Ratner refers to himself as a Therapist, the line between physical and mental therapist gets a bit blurry when Dan describes the work that he does. He treats chronic physical pain by shifting people's emotions and mindset. Sounds crazy right? Dan goes on to explain his research and work that argues that someone's emotional status has a huge impact on physical pain. Tying into the episode’s topic of “uncovering truth” Dan encourages people to rethink our emotional lives and how we prioritize them.

Dan’s podcast is called “Crushing Doubt” and can be found on YouTube. The podcast, and much of this episode’s theme, is based around one mindset going into any situation, not just chronic back pain. This is something that needs to be consciously practiced, and Dan provides the audience with practical steps to take in order to implement his work. The episode is kept somewhat broad for lack of time to get into specifics. Towards the end Sarah provides the audience with a coaching challenge and Dan adds some wisdom to it, so stick around.

Sarah is joined by David Grasso, the Executive Director of BOLD TV. Together they're talking about intuitive competition by using media to stand out and connect with your audience and consumers.

Sarah is joined by Medina Jett of Jett Speaks LLC. They're talking about self-promotion, how to think like a boss and walk the talk within the workplace. Take a listen to find out more.

Sarah is joined by another guest that she has not met in person but has enjoyed chatting with over LinkedIn, Jim Tenzillo. Jim is the Vice President of Invest Michigan, a venture capital firm focused on tech companies throughout the Midwest. Jim and Sarah talk about the booming venture capital scene in Michigan and the Midwest. With the emergence of COVID-19 and the help of technology, new startups are able to grow and put themselves on the map, regardless of geography. Jim talks about some of the “unicorns” in the Midwest as well as that time he forgot his suit during a job interview.

Putting on some long term glasses, Sarah and Jim get into their predictions about the future of technology and venture capital. We are living in a “YouTube Era” where anybody can start a business and see rapid growth with the advancement of tech. We also get an inside look of the conversations happening within the colleagues of venture capital. Jim’s closing statements include tips for startups from the eyes of a venture capitalist and his personal tips for the general audience. Jim’s tips emphasize themes of digital content and community as well as following one’s passion.

Jim's Medium:
https://jtenzillo.medium.com/
Twitter:
@forrealjim
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtenzillo/