From Zero Equity to Founder—Victoria Vaughan on Betting on Yourself

Incorruptible: Eric Ries on Why Most Startups Lose Their Soul—and How Yours Won't

Eric Ries Bio Over the last two decades, Eric Ries’s ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader’s Guide; and The Startup Way. As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; the Lean Startup Co, which teaches and supports the implementation of Lean Startup; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU, where the ideas that became the Lean Startup method were forged. On his podcast, The Eric Ries Show, he talks to guests including world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives working to build profitable companies for the long-term benefit of society. Eric has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Harvard Business School and IDEO. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Summary Eric Ries, the esteemed author of "The Lean Startup," expounds upon the paramount significance of mission-driven enterprises as a formidable competitive advantage. He elucidates that a compelling mission not only attracts talent and early adopters but also fundamentally underpins a startup's worthiness of investment. Throughout this discourse, we explore the notion that traditional metrics for measuring profitability may be fundamentally flawed, prompting a reevaluation of what constitutes true profit. Ries posits that profit should be reconceptualized as the maximization of human flourishing, rather than mere financial gain. This episode serves as a clarion call for founders to assert their influence in the startup ecosystem, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a steadfast commitment to their mission amidst the challenges of growth and external pressures. Conversation The dialogue with Eric Ries, a luminary in the realm of entrepreneurship, unfolds profound insights regarding the intrinsic value of mission-driven startups. We delve into the notion that a company's mission is not merely an ancillary aspect of its operations but rather a formidable competitive advantage. Ries asserts that a compelling mission attracts not only talent but also customers who are willing to invest their faith in the nascent enterprise. This foundational discussion is pivotal as we explore how purpose-driven organizations consistently outperform their counterparts across various metrics. Ries elucidates that the essence of a startup's journey is often obscured by conventional profit-focused metrics, and he challenges us to reconsider our definitions of success and profit. Through empirical data and case studies, we are encouraged to understand that the real profit lies in fostering human flourishing rather than merely maximizing financial gain. The episode ultimately serves as a clarion call for founders to embrace their power and leverage their missions to resist external pressures that threaten to dilute their vision. Takeaways * Eric Ries asserts that a startup's mission serves as a vital competitive weapon, attracting talent and customers alike. * The concept of 'pivot' was popularized by Eric Ries, providing essential vocabulary for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty. * Data overwhelmingly indicates that purpose-driven companies consistently outperform their peers across various crucial metrics. * Ries emphasizes that true profit should be redefined as maximizing human flourishing rather than merely extracting revenue. * Founders possess more influence than they often realize, enabling them to resist detrimental forces within the startup ecosystem. * In his new book 'Incorruptible', Ries argues for a paradigm shift in how we define and measure profit in business. * Twitter [https://x.com/ericries] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/] * Who Says You Can't Startup | Full Bundle | Incorrigible Entrepreneur [https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com] - The online course for startup founders * Jothy's TEDx talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A] - On why those with disabilities tend to overachieve * Our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups] * Designing Successful Startups — Jothy Rosenberg | Author | Speaker | Podcaster [https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast] - Site with all podcasts * Tech Startup Toolkit book [https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/] * Please leave us a review [https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups]

Bench-Warm Your Team Before You Need Them

Michael Krause Bio Michael Krause is a technology founder, CEO, and Enterprise /Federal AI strategist with over 25 years of experience spanning military intelligence, Big Tech platforms, and high-growth SaaS companies. Michael’s career began in the U.S. Navy intelligence domain, where he worked at the intersection of mission systems, analysis, and national security. That early educational experience shaped a career-long focus on secure, scalable platforms and decision-critical technology across the defense and intelligence landscape. Following his military service, Michael became a design engineer at Microsoft, helping build and ship core components of the .NET platform, including early work on C#. He went on to serve in senior leadership roles across multiple software companies, including helping scale Acquia from under $5M to over $185M in revenue, and holding executive roles—CTO, Chief Growth Officer, and COO—at Tovuti, a global learning platform serving enterprise and U.S. federal customers. Today, Michael is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dark Yeti Inc., where he advises startups, scale-ups, and federal contractors on AI strategy, product architecture, go-to-market execution, and federal expansion. He is also the Co-Founder and CEO of ScormBench, an AI-powered platform for validating, testing, and certifying digital learning content at enterprise and government scale. In addition, Michael serves on multiple SaaS company boards, providing strategic oversight on growth, product, and governance. Intro Communication, when fostering teamwork, emerges as both the paramount risk and the most significant reward, a notion eloquently articulated by Michael Krause during our enlightening dialogue. Michael, a seasoned professional with a storied career spanning roles at Microsoft and Acquia, transitions into a novel venture: creating a family business alongside his wife and children. Their enterprise, an AI-powered SaaS product named Scorm Bench, has already garnered attention from the U.S. Navy, illustrating the promising intersection of familial collaboration and technological innovation. Through the course of our conversation, Michael elucidates the invaluable lessons derived from his experiences, particularly emphasizing the critical importance of communication in ensuring the success of a team. We delve into his reflections on the explosive growth witnessed at Acquia and his desire for earlier solo endeavors, all while contemplating the profound impact of effective communication in the realm of entrepreneurship. Conversation The conversation delves into the remarkable journey of Michael Krause, whose diverse professional experiences span from the Navy to notable tech companies such as Microsoft and Acquia. Krause reflects on the significance of effective communication in teamwork, identifying it as both a potential risk and a pivotal reward. He shares insights gained from his tenure at Acquia, where he played a crucial role in scaling the company from modest revenues to over 200 million dollars. His transition from corporate environments to founding a family business, Scorm Bench, is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights his commitment to integrating family dynamics into entrepreneurship. The episode further illuminates the challenges and triumphs of bootstrapping a SaaS startup alongside his family, each member contributing their expertise to create a cohesive and innovative business model. Krause's narrative serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of strategic communication in fostering successful collaborations. The lessons learned from his past experiences inform his current approach, emphasizing the need for intentionality and planning in every aspect of business development. Takeaways * Effective communication is paramount within a team, serving as both a significant risk and an immense reward. * Michael Krause transitioned from a Navy career to the tech industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability. * He launched an AI-powered SaaS product, Scorm Bench, emphasizing the necessity of strategic planning in scaling businesses. * The family business model, incorporating various professional skills, demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared vision. * Krause reflects on his desire to have pursued solo ventures earlier in his career, advocating for early entrepreneurial exploration. * The podcast underscores the critical role of proactive relationship building prior to necessity, ensuring one is prepared for future growth. * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelokrause/] * Dark Yeti Consulting [https://darkyeti.com/] * ScormBench – Online Course Performance Benchmarking and Load Testing [https://scormbench.com] * Who Says You Can't Startup | Full Bundle | Incorrigible Entrepreneur [https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com] - The online course for startup founders * Jothy's TEDx talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A] - On why those with disabilities tend to overachieve * Our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups] * Designing Successful Startups — Jothy Rosenberg | Author | Speaker | Podcaster [https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast] - Site with all podcasts * Tech Startup Toolkit book [https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/] * Please leave us a review [https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups]

No Code, No Problem—How a Speech Pathologist Built an AI Startup

Amy Briggs Bio Amy Briggs is the founder and CEO of Aviva, an AI-powered scheduling app designed specifically for parents to lighten the mental load and free up time for more joy and connection in parenthood. Amy is a licensed and certified speech and language pathologist, and has spent her career supporting parents and children. Intro Amy Briggs, a speech pathologist by profession, embarked on an audacious journey to create an AI-powered application, despite possessing no formal background in technology. Her insights into the pervasive mental load faced by modern parents inspired her to develop Aviva, a solution aimed at alleviating the burdens of scheduling and logistics inherent in family life. Through her participation in the 1871 tech incubator in Chicago, she transformed her idea into a tangible prototype, utilizing resourcefulness and determination to validate her concept without incurring marketing costs. The episode unfolds as Amy shares her experiences navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of resilience, adaptive learning, and the importance of community support in fostering innovation. Her story resonates deeply with aspiring founders, reinforcing the notion that a lack of technical expertise should not deter one from pursuing visionary aspirations. Conversation Jothy Rosenberg engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Amy Briggs, a speech pathologist who has successfully ventured into the tech world with her app, Aviva. The discussion commences with Amy reflecting on the overwhelming burden of parenting, characterized by what she describes as 'invisible labor.' Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by parents in managing myriad schedules, activities, and appointments, Amy became determined to create a solution. Her journey to entrepreneurship began at the 1871 tech incubator in Chicago, where she was encouraged to develop a minimal viable product (MVP). Jothy and Amy explore the initial stages of her venture, including the challenges of building her app without a technical background. Through her narrative, Amy illustrates the importance of resilience and the ability to pivot while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to an insightful exploration of the methodologies Amy employed to validate her app concept. By conducting trials with her family and early users, she gathered crucial feedback that informed the app's development. This iterative process, coupled with her unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of parents, underscores the essence of successful entrepreneurship. Jothy emphasizes the significance of community engagement and organic growth, as Amy recounts the immediate downloads her app received upon launch, attributed to the genuine need for such a solution. The conversation culminates in a compelling discussion about the broader implications of Amy's work, touching on themes of empowerment and the transformative power of technology in improving everyday lives. Listeners are left with the inspiring message that one need not possess a traditional technical background to innovate — rather, it is the passion for solving real problems and the willingness to learn that can drive success. This episode serves as an energizing reminder for aspiring entrepreneurs that grit, adaptability, and a keen understanding of user needs are essential ingredients in the recipe for building a meaningful business. Takeaways * Amy Briggs, a speech pathologist, successfully transitioned into the tech industry despite lacking formal coding skills. * Her startup, Aviva, addresses the mental load parents face by automating family scheduling tasks through AI technology. * The journey to building Aviva emphasized the importance of resourcefulness, grit, and a willingness to learn new skills. * By leveraging community support and organic marketing, Aviva achieved initial success with immediate downloads upon launch. * Briggs' experience illustrates that a non-traditional background can foster innovative problem-solving in technology. * The MVP development process for Aviva taught the significance of testing ideas manually before investing in technology. * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-briggs-87b59a94/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/with_aviva/] * Aviva | Smart Family Calendar App Powered by AI [https://www.withaviva.com/] * Who Says You Can't Startup | Full Bundle | Incorrigible Entrepreneur [https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com] - The online course for startup founders * Our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups] * Designing Successful Startups — Jothy Rosenberg | Author | Speaker | Podcaster [https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast] - Site with all podcasts * Tech Startup Toolkit book [https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/] * Please leave us a review [https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups]

Paper Walls—Jermaine Ee on Pushing Through the Limits You Think Exist

Jermaine Ee Bio Short Bio: Jermaine Ee is a founder and storyteller obsessed with how we spend our time, the work we do, and what we leave behind. He’s currently building HeirLight, a simple & smart will maker that turns avoided conversations about family, money, and legacy into a calm, 30‑minute guided experience. Longer Bio: Jermaine Ee is a founder and storyteller interested in three things: how we spend our time, the work we do, and what we leave behind. His career has zigzagged across ed‑tech, logistics, toys, political campaigns, executive search, and impact projects, but the through‑line has always been the same: helping people make better decisions about their money, careers, and futures. He’s run financial aid workshops in low‑income high schools, built a startup to help kids confront their fear of math, and worked inside the VC/PE ecosystem studying how talent shapes enduring companies. Through Rotary and other efforts, he has helped lead humanitarian projects from Los Angeles to Colombia, Mexico, and Ukraine, where he worked on refugee housing, medical transport, and frontline logistics. Today Jermaine spends most of his time on HeirLight, a simple & smart will maker designed to turn one of adulthood’s most avoided tasks into a fast, modern, emotionally intelligent experience. Born in Los Angeles and raised between LA and Malaysia, he thinks a lot about belonging, identity, and the quiet instructions we leave behind for the people we love. With HeirLight, he’s on a mission to help more families move from fear and procrastination to clarity and calm, starting with a 30‑minute guided conversation that ends with a legally binding will and a little more peace of mind. Intro Jermaine Ee's journey as an entrepreneur is marked by a profound understanding of the significance of clarity in planning for the future. During a pivotal lunch conversation with his mother, he discovered that her greatest apprehension was not financial insecurity, but rather the uncertainty surrounding her retirement and estate planning. This revelation propelled him to create Air Light, an innovative platform aimed at simplifying the will-making process through AI technology, thereby alleviating the confusion that often accompanies estate planning. Throughout our dialogue, Jermaine candidly reflects on his diverse entrepreneurial experiences, from launching a toy company at the age of 17 to navigating the complexities of augmented reality and political campaigns. His commitment to fostering understanding and clarity in an often daunting landscape serves as a testament to his resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Conversation The discussion with Jermaine Ee, a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background, reveals the profound insights he has gained from his extensive entrepreneurial journey. Jermaine's narrative begins with his early ventures, including a toy company he launched at the age of seventeen, which provided him with foundational skills in product placement and retail strategy. His experiences span various industries, from augmented reality to education, each shaped by pivotal moments that tested his resolve and adaptability. A key theme emerges as Jermaine recounts a lunch conversation with his mother, which exposed a deeper fear of clarity rather than financial insecurity. This realization propelled him to develop Air Light, an innovative platform focused on estate planning and personal asset management, addressing a significant gap in the market where a staggering 70% of Americans lack a will. Jermaine's candid reflections on his past mistakes, particularly his conflict avoidance, underscore the importance of communication in leadership. He emphasizes that real success lies not in chasing accolades, but in creating meaningful impact and nurturing relationships, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape. Takeaways * Jermaine Ee's journey reflects the importance of learning from mistakes, emphasizing the necessity of confronting issues promptly to foster growth. * The concept of grit is central to entrepreneurship, where resilience and the ability to show up daily are crucial for overcoming challenges. * Jermaine's perspective on cultural influences highlights how diverse backgrounds shape entrepreneurial mindsets and approaches to business. * Air Light, Jermaine's startup, addresses the critical need for clarity in estate planning, particularly emphasizing the emotional aspects of financial security. * Conflict avoidance can be detrimental to business success, as it often leads to unresolved issues that can accumulate over time, causing greater harm. * The practice of maintaining a gratitude journal can help entrepreneurs manage uncertainty and align their expectations with reality. * LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/eejermaine] * Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/eejermaine] * Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/eejermaine] * X [https://x.com/eejermaine] * Who Says You Can't Startup | Full Bundle | Incorrigible Entrepreneur [https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com] - The online course for startup founders * Our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups] * Designing Successful Startups — Jothy Rosenberg | Author | Speaker | Podcaster [https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast] - Site with all podcasts * Tech Startup Toolkit book [https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/] * Please leave us a review [https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups]

From Zero Equity to Founder—Victoria Vaughan on Betting on Yourself

Victoria Vaughan Bio Victoria Vaughan is an award-winning business leader and communication strategist. She is the founder of B612, a New York–based PR agency serving high-growth technology companies. B612 clients are featured in top-tier media outlets such as Bloomberg, NYT, WSJ, TechCrunch, Fortune and have secured over $100m in funding in 2025. With over a decade in tech communications, Victoria has previously served as CEO of a top-tier media company, directly managing media strategy and operations. She was named a Best Business Owner by NYX awards’25. Intro Victoria Vaughan, the founder of B612, a public relations firm inspired by the beloved literary work "The Little Prince," shares her remarkable journey from managing a leading cryptocurrency media outlet to establishing her own agency in New York City. In this enlightening discussion, we delve into the intricacies of effective public relations, especially for early-stage founders, as Victoria elucidates her strategies for achieving substantial media coverage on a limited budget. She provides invaluable insights into the process of building authentic relationships with journalists and explains the significance of personal branding in the digital age. Furthermore, Victoria touches upon the advantages of cultivating a financial buffer to navigate the uncertainties inherent in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure amidst challenges. Join us as we explore the nuances of PR, the power of niche marketing, and the resilience required to thrive as a founder. Conversation In a profound exploration of entrepreneurship and public relations, Victoria Vaughan shares her transformative journey from media executive to founder of B612, a PR firm named after the beloved planet from 'The Little Prince'. This episode delves into the very essence of what it means to take the leap into entrepreneurship, particularly for those who may not traditionally identify as founders. Vaughan's unique perspective, shaped by her experiences in St. Petersburg, Russia, and later in New York, provides invaluable insights into the dynamics of building a successful business from the ground up. Throughout the dialogue, listeners are treated to a wealth of practical advice on executing effective public relations strategies, especially for early-stage startups that often operate on limited budgets. Vaughan emphasizes the significance of a strong personal brand, the advantages of founder-led PR, and the necessity of establishing genuine connections within the industry. Her narrative not only highlights the importance of resilience and resourcefulness but also underscores the power of community among entrepreneurs, offering a refreshing perspective on navigating the challenges of starting a business. This episode serves as an inspiring guide for aspiring founders, illustrating how to harness one's unique background and network to carve out a distinct niche in a saturated market. Takeaways 1. Victoria Vaughan emphasizes the importance of niching down in the PR industry, explicitly stating that by focusing on the blockchain and digital asset sector, she reduced competition from a thousand firms to merely five or ten, thereby enhancing her firm's expertise and reputation. 2. In the podcast, Vaughan advises early-stage founders to engage in founder-led PR initiatives before hiring a firm, suggesting that they should respond to journalist requests and publish thought leadership pieces to build credibility as experts in their fields. 3. Vaughan highlights the significance of financial planning for entrepreneurs, suggesting the creation of a 'fear fund' to manage the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, which allows for clearer thinking during periods of reduced business activity. 4. The discussion reveals that building genuine connections with clients and acting as an extension of their teams is a core value of Vaughan's PR firm, B612, which seeks to foster authentic relationships rather than merely transactional interactions. 5. Vaughan shares her journey of transitioning from leading a successful media company to founding her own PR firm, illustrating the importance of self-belief and recognizing one's own capabilities as a founder. 6. The episode concludes with practical advice for founders on leveraging platforms like Quoted or Help a Reporter Out to secure media coverage, emphasizing the importance of establishing a personal brand and thought leadership in their respective industries. * Your PR partner for driving adoption, growth, and investor trust [https://www.b612pr.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/viquilibrium] * Victoria Vaughan - B612 | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-vaughan-238052a4/] * Who Says You Can't Startup | Full Bundle | Incorrigible Entrepreneur [https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com] - My new online course for startup founders called Who Says You Can't Startup! * Jothy's TEDx talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A] - On why those with disabilities tend to overachieve * Our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups] * Designing Successful Startups — Jothy Rosenberg | Author | Speaker | Podcaster [https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast] - Site with all podcasts * Tech Startup Toolkit book [https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/] * Please leave us a review [https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups]