Behind Genius
Behind Genius
Joshua C Schlisserman
Behind Genius helps shed light on individuals, small and large, who spearhead the success of startups, VC firms, and others. In turn, listeners will learn how to be a great value add to their company, what it takes to build a startup or fund, and how to develop into a strategic and operational master.
Dave Koslow - How to Get a Startup Off The Ground
In today's episode, I talk with Dave Koslow, Co-Founder of DocSend, about how to get a startup off the ground. We explore the following topics: 1.   What are some of the biggest problems that Co-Founders should address early on in forming a startup? 2.  How do non-technical co-founders align expectations and incentives with Technical co-founders? 3.  Besides putting together a founding team, what are the most pivotal first steps towards building a startup? Where should founders begin? 4.  Why does Dave believe that, "Build it and They Will Come" is terrible advice for a first-time founder? 5.  When should a startup focus on developing strong unit economics with an eye towards profitability versus hyper-growth?
Jun 19, 2020
35 min
Brendan Rogers - How to Build a Workplace Culture
In today's episode, I discuss with Brendan Rogers, the Co-Founder of Wag and 2 a.m. Ventures, how to build a workplace culture and hire talent. We also discuss: 1. Is workplace culture built top-down or bottom-up? 2. How does the way you conduct recruiting and layoffs affect your long-term brand? 3. What are the best ways to source and identify talent? 4. How should startups handle an abundance of job applications? 5. Do startups hire too quickly?
Jun 15, 2020
31 min
Ashley Ramirez - How To Build a Brand at a VC Firm
In today's episode, Ashley Ramirez, the Chief of Staff at Halogen Ventures and I discuss how to build a brand at a VC Firm. We explore the following topics: 1.  How does the Chief of Staff role differ from a strictly investment professional role? 2. Do you think every VC Firm should have a Chief of Staff? 3. What is your opinion on the importance of Branding for a VC Firm?  4. How does a VC Firm successfully brand themselves? 5. Why now, more than ever, is it important to have funds specifically focused on diversity and gender inclusivity?
Jun 10, 2020
25 min
Marczell Klein - How to Build Self Confidence
In today's episode, I talk with Marczell Klein, a self made entrepreneur, how to build self confidence. In doing so, we examine:  1. Why hypnotism is a powerful tool for building self-confidence? 2. How his practices and belief are applicable to a corporate workplace culture? 3. How does an individual identify their superpower, and use it as a value to not only generate cash flow, but benefit society? 4. What are some immediate ways that individuals, who lack self-esteem, can start building up confidence?
May 28, 2020
32 min
Abby Lyall - How to Break Into Venture
In today's episode, I discuss with Abby Lyall, the Program Director at Big Idea Ventures, how to break into venture. We explore the following topics: 1. What are the different paths into VC? 2. How do you add value to a VC firm as an analyst or associate? 3. Why can an associate be a Founder's greatest champion? 4. What is her opinion on age discrimination in VC when it comes to hiring? 5. How should founders change their demeanor towards analysts/associates? Amongst more...
May 26, 2020
32 min