The Founders' Fable

On episode 31, we're talking with Ben Smock. They're a motivated connector who’s passionate about social enterprise. Ben is the Director Of Development at Canopy Kentucky as well as President at Venture Connectors.

Topics we discuss include the year of the rabbit, the progression of entrepreneurship, the art within startups, startups as more than profit, being a sponge, helpful advice versus relevance, purpose-driven business, joining a business from the jump, startups for societal success, the connective tissue between founders and community, a ‘no-wrong-door’ policy, balance is key, and not being defined by just one thing.

Check out Slingshot Ventures at ventures.yslingshot.com. If you want a look at all our episodes, visit our website's podcast page.

On episode 30 of the Founders’ Fable, we're talking with Steven Plappert. They're a 2-time Founder and 2-time Techstars Alum. Steven also just completed a fundraising round of $4.5 million!

Topics we discuss include growing up in an entrepreneurial family, taking a crack at it early on, trial by fire and experiential learning, co-founder dynamics, being careful with investor choice, life being bigger than capital and startups, better data access meaning better decisions, the mental toll of failure, decision fatigue, the baggage of a second-time founder, being a founder isn't for everyone, the difficulty of getting product development just right, and the power is in the people.

Check out Slingshot Ventures at ventures.yslingshot.com. If you want a look at all our episodes, visit our website's podcast page.

On episode 29, we're talking with Andrew McIntosh. He’s a multi-time founder with an exit in his pocket and great hair. Andrew’s current project is 1st Gen Entrepreneurs: a platform where first-generation founders can get advice, mentorship, and support.

Topics we discuss include Midwest blue-collar mentality, from passion to business, bootstrap vs capital raise, treating people with kindness, the mirage of financial security, entrepreneurship is not for everyone, the 4-minute mile, impostor syndrome, self-compassion for support, don't let the size of the mountain stop you from starting the hike, 1st gen entrepreneurs, the power of connection, and get out there and do it.

Check out Slingshot Ventures at ventures.yslingshot.com. If you want a look at all our episodes, visit our website's podcast page.

On episode 28, we're talking with Mandy Ralston. She's been certified as a behavior analyst since 2002, and her most recent venture is NonBinary Solutions.
Topics we discuss include: Do it yourself and competitiveness, sports and resiliency, keep failing upward, Nexus of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment, early-market ideas, constant change in your space, service versus product startup, leaning on what exists, gender, age, and queer divide in startup ecosystems, clinical decision support systems, getting investors on board, just keep swimming, the benefits of hands-on experience, drowning in feedback, and #itsnotbinary meaning two things can be true.

Check out Slingshot Ventures at ventures.yslingshot.com. If you want a look at all our episodes, visit our website's podcast page.

In our final episode of 2021, we look back at our first year of The Founders' Fable. We'll discuss what we've learned, and what our guests have shared with us.
Specifically, we'll discuss: the past year with Slingshot Ventures, take your time, failing fast, the importance of feedback and vulnerability in research, separating yourself from your business, being self aware in building partnership, exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking, believe in yourself and find your way, the human experience, writing your own story, and find what success means to you.

Check out Slingshot Ventures at ventures.yslingshot.com. If you want a look at all our episodes, visit our website's podcast page.