Beyond the Blue Badge Podcast

Oct 18, 2023 - Corporate investing with Adam Coccari

I spoke with Adam Coccari about corporate investing for startups eyeing corporate venture capital. Adam, leading Intuit Ventures and formerly part of Microsoft Ventures and a startup founder himself, shared his insights on the differences between venture capital and corporate venture capital, along with advice for startup leaders.

Jun 7, 2023 - Hallucinating the future with Rahul Sood

If you're into AI and what’s possible, you’ll want to hear my latest episode of Beyond the Blue Badge where I talk to Rahul Sood. Rahul, a serial entrepreneur who founded the Bing Fund and Microsoft Ventures, and later Unikrn, discusses using generative AI at Irreverent Labs and plans to disrupt movie making.

Apr 5, 2023 - Advice to entrepreneurs with Soma

I sat down with S. “Soma” Somasegar to discuss his work as a partner at Madrona Venture Group after a 27-year career at Microsoft. Soma, a legend especially among Microsoft developers, shares his decision-making process in leaving Microsoft, the transition from operator to investor, and essential qualities for entrepreneurial CEOs.

Aug 17, 2022 - Unlocking startup success with Robert Wahbe

In a discussion with Robert Wahbe, co-founder of Highspot, we dive into the creation of a new industry category, the trials and triumphs of breaking into a new space, achieving desirable business outcomes, and advice for other startup leaders.

May 18, 2022 - Creating great company culture with Anoop Gupta

Growing a company culture where both people and business thrive is crucial. I explore this topic with Anoop Gupta, co-founder and CEO at SeekOut. Anoop, recently named CEO of the Year, discusses lessons from his time as Bill Gates’ technology assistant and pivotal decisions leading to SeekOut’s success.

Feb 23, 2022 - Creating Convoy with Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis, CEO and founder of Convoy, shared his startup journey with me, including disrupting an industry, building trust, securing investors, and adapting to change. Dan’s insights from his time at Microsoft and his approach to entrepreneurship are invaluable.

Oct 6, 2021 - Startup secrets with Eugenio Pace

Eugenio Pace, founder and CEO of Auth0, talks about building his company from the ground up, the influence of Microsoft on Auth0, and advice for others wanting to launch their own company.

Jul 29, 2021 - Breaking barriers with Daniela Braga

I sit down with Daniela Braga to discuss her two decades in cognitive technology, founding DefinedCrowd, her life as a female founder, and advice for early-stage entrepreneurs.

May 5, 2021 - Using data to save lives with Terry Myerson

Terry Myerson shares his journey from Microsoft to launching Truveta, a health tech startup aiming to improve U.S. health studies with de-identified patient data. Terry discusses leveraging his network and the mission behind Truveta.

Feb 17, 2021 - Entrepreneurship in China with Kai-Fu Lee

Dr. Kai-Fu Lee discusses the entrepreneurial landscape in China versus the U.S., health tech innovations, and insights from investing in over 350 companies.

Dec 09, 2020 & Dec 16, 2020- Wrangling a unicorn with Manny Medina

Manny Medina talks about leading Outreach.io, his approach to fundraising, and how his experience at Microsoft has aided his journey as an entrepreneur.

Oct 14, 2020 - Words matter with Textio Co-founder Kieran Snyder

Kieran Snyder shares her experience of starting Textio with her spouse, promoting diversity, and building a strong company culture.

Aug 5, 2020 - Founder to Financier with Kai Bond

Kai Bond and I discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of diversity in investment, and tips for early-stage founders meeting with VCs.

May 27, 2020 - Fundraising in a time of COVID-19 with Claire Lee

Claire Lee and I delve into fundraising during a pandemic, focusing on current market trends and advice for entrepreneurs seeking investment.

Apr 8, 2020 - Starting up your startup with Diego Oppenheimer

Diego Oppenheimer discusses the inception of Algorithmia, the transition from a side project to full commitment, and insights on enterprise sales. We discuss his ah-ha moment, when was the right time to go “all in,” raising money, shifting a business model, decoding enterprise sales, and the beauty of hearing “No.”

Apr 10, 2019 - T.A. McCann,

I reflect on my driving forces as an entrepreneur, the realities of startup life, and offer advice for those considering starting their own company.