I Wasted Years Worrying… (Ex-Microsoft Leader)

98% of Venture Capital Money Goes to the Same People...

In this episode of Behind Numbers, Senofer Mendoza — Founder & General Partner of Mendoza Ventures — shares an inside look into the world of venture capital, startup investing, and the challenges of building a fund outside the traditional system.From representation in venture capital to founder psychology, leadership, AI, and the future of innovation, this conversation explores what really happens behind the scenes of the startup ecosystem.Senofer also explains why she believes capital should be assigned to talent, why more women need to write checks, and how diverse perspectives can shape stronger businesses and better outcomes.A powerful conversation on investing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of venture capital.#VentureCapital #Startups #Leadership #Business #BehindNumbers

She Thought She Chose the Wrong Career… Then Everything Connected

Why do some people build successful careers without having everything figured out… while others feel stuck even when they’re doing everything “right”?In this episode of Behind Numbers, Catherine shares how her path evolved from early storytelling to journalism, marketing, and eventually building her own business, without a perfectly planned roadmap.Along the way, she reveals one pattern she’s seen again and again when working with leaders: most professionals struggle to communicate clearly, and it often holds them back more than they realize.But this conversation goes far beyond communication.Topics include:– Navigating career uncertainty and wrong turns– The overlap between journalism, marketing, and leadership– What it really takes to build something on your own– Why many leaders feel pressure and responsibility differently than expected– The role of clarity and brevity in effective communicationIf you’re thinking about your next step, building something, or improving how you communicate your ideas, this episode offers a practical and honest perspective.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of work.#careergrowth #Leadership #Communication #Entrepreneurship #Clarity #BehindNumbers

He Left Google… Then Realized Something Was Very Wrong

He left Google at the peak of his career… but something still felt wrong. Even on a beach in Mexico, the stress didn’t go away. In this episode of Behind Numbers, Julian Pistone (ex-Google leader) shares the moment he realized success wasn’t enough—and what it really takes to redesign your life from the inside out. After nearly a decade at Google leading international teams, Julian walked away from everything to pursue a deeper question: 👉 What if the system you're optimizing for isn't the one you actually want to live in? In this conversation, we explore: * Why high achievers often feel stuck (even at the top) * The hidden cost of success and identity * How to know if you're on the wrong path * The question that can change your life If you’ve ever felt like something is “off”… this will hit home. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders redefining success and the future of work. #JulianPistone #GoogleCareer #CareerChange #Burnout #Purpose #SelfGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Success #PersonalGrowth #LifeDesign #BehindNumbers

I Wasted Years Worrying… (Ex-Microsoft Leader)

What if the key to a successful career isn’t working harder… but worrying less? In this episode of Behind Numbers, I sit down with Monica Pool Knox — former CHRO and Leader at global companies like Microsoft, Twitter/X, Sony, and PepsiCo — to unpack what really drives career success, leadership, and long-term impact. From building high-performing teams across global organizations to transitioning into venture capital, Monica shares the real, behind-the-scenes lessons that most professionals never hear. We dive into: * What it really means to be “great” at your job  * How relationships shape your entire career trajectory  * The truth about company culture (and how to spot the right one)  * What separates good leaders from exceptional ones  * Why talent and people still matter more than AI and tools  * The mindset shift that can change your entire career  And at the end, one powerful reflection: 👉 “I would worry less and have fun more.” If you’re navigating your career, leading teams, or thinking about your next move — this conversation will change how you think. #Leadership #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #BehindNumbers #CareerAdvice #Management #Hiring #CompanyCulture #VentureCapital #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SuccessMindset #HR #FutureOfWork

After Cancer, She Had a Thought Most People Can’t Understand

Most people ask “Why me?” when life breaks them.She didn’t. After being diagnosed with cancer, Asya had a reaction that most people would never expect… and honestly, most wouldn’t understand. In this conversation, we go beyond the surface to uncover:     * How a life-threatening diagnosis reshaped her mindset * Why she prioritizes impact over personal gain * How she approaches decision-making across career and life * The role of gratitude, purpose, and perspective in adversity * Why small actions can create meaningful ripple effects This episode is not just about entrepreneurship or career growth, it’s about perspective, humanity, and how to live a more intentional life. If you’ve ever questioned your direction, your priorities, or the legacy you want to leave behind, this conversation will challenge how you think. #BehindNumbers #Business #Cancer #decisionmaking #impact