Silicon Valley Impact

Silicon Valley Impact S1 E11 with Donna Griffit, Mohammed Aljasser, and Ahmed Bukhamseen.

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact, we have “The Pitch Alcheist,” Donna Griffit; and two amazing founders from Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Aljasser, and Ahmed Bukhamseen.
Donna Griffit is a world renowned Corporate Storyteller, Pitch Alchemist, and Best-Selling Author of “Sticking to My Story” – The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups. Donna has worked globally for 2 decades in over 30 countries with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and investors in a wide variety of industries, helping them create, edit, and deliver powerful presentations, pitches, and messages. She magically spins raw data into compelling stories that captivate audiences and drive results. Through her guidance, clients have raised over $2 Billion.
Mohammed is a software engineer who specializes in blockchain technology. He and his team have created Oumla, a blockchain infrastructure startup that allows governments and businesses to connect, build, and innovate on top blockchain networks using our APIs and SDKs.
Ahmed is an innovative CEO and Co-founder of Quant, a pioneering data and AI company in Saudi Arabia specializing in Real Estate & Retail. With a robust background in Actuarial Science & Financial Mathematics, Ahmed excels in leveraging data visualization and spatial analytics to develop cutting-edge prop-tech solutions. Committed to transforming the real estate sector through AI-driven insights and analytics.
Listen in as Mohammed and Ahmed give their pitch, and Donna gives them insights on how to best pitch their ideas to get results.
This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9FM with Lisa Helfrick, Brian Bernasconi, and myself!
Not in the South Bay (Los Gatos, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Fremont, etc.) you can listen online at: https://kpcr.org/
Follow us on Spotify and listen to all our episodes at: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/68L4RPfMizjxnKBsmcFb1J
Special Thanks to Jeanette Blacy for your support of the show.

Silicon Valley Impact S1 E10 with AJ Thomas, Erika Bahr, and Ling Law

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact, we have AJ Thomas ⚡️, Erika Bahr, and Ling Law from Home By Ling Interiors.AJ is the Founder and General Partner at Good Trouble Ventures; and serves as the CXO and Managing Director at A.Team. AJ speaks on topics related to cultural transformation, human-centered design, and building global teams in the new world of work. In her previous roles, she's shaped corporate cultures and driven talent initiatives that have created massive impact from 0 to 1 builds and enterprise scale. In her most recent corporate role, she led the Global Talent and Human Experience Design teams at X, the Moonshot Factory, formerly Google X.AJ is the author of an award-winning children’s book, which she wrote with her then 10 -year old daughter, "Courage Takes Flight," championing literacy and future possibilities, embodying compassion, curiosity, and courage. Her latest book, “A Kids Book About Teams”, is also available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.Erika focuses on constructing data pipelines and implementing machine learning for Fortune 500 companies. She is the founder of Daxe, secure AI for enterprise, a company recently acknowledged by Y Combinator as one of the top 10% of all applicants in the most recent batch. She is an alumna of the Harvard Business Analytics Program and holds an MSBA from UVA's Darden School of Business. Erika is passionate about empowering female entrepreneur, leveling the playing field for minorities, and manages groups of female founders in the Bay Area. Ling is the owner and founder of Home by Ling Interiors, a brick and mortar shop in downtown Los Gatos, CA. A mother of twin boys, Ling prioritizes her time with her family and wants to help her clients do the same. By using her vast experience and talents as a designer and project manager, Ling is able to thoughtfully guide clients through the complex process of designing and constructing their long term home. She treats each project as carefully as if it were her own home, thoughtfully considering every detail and ensuring that each aspect of the project is overseen to perfection.This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9FM with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi.Not in the South Bay (Los Gatos, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Fremont, etc.) you can listen online at: https://kpcr.org/Follow us on Spotify and listen to all our episodes

Silicon Valley Impact with Shawn Flynn, Edward Sullivan, and Dariusz Paczuski

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact, we have Shawn Flynn, Edward Sullivan and Dariusz Paczuski.
Shawn Flynn mid-market investment banker and Podcast Host. Shawn started his career as a business owner, founding, and growing a successful company in Beijing China before returning to the US to work with companies ranging from fast growing Silicon Valley startups to established overseas public companies. He brings his international experience working with all stages and sectors of businesses to his role as Principal at a premier middle market investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, raising growth capital, and secondaries. Shawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD, and speaks Mandarin and Spanish (lived abroad for almost 8 years) and he is the host of the award-winning Podcast "The Silicon Valley Podcast"
Joining us from New York is Edward Sullivan! Edward is the CEO of Velocity Coaching and the co-author of WSJ Bestselling Leading with Heart. For over 10 years, Edward has coached clients ranging from startup founders to Fortune 100 CEOs to help them build heart-led cultures and deliver world-class results. Finally, in studio is Dariusz Paczuski. Dariusz is the CEO and founder of Rocket Works, creator of Rocket Vodka, a long-time Silicon Valley CMO, and a Polish/Norwegian immigrant. He came to the US from Norway on a swim scholarship to study business. His drive to compete in and out of the water has fueled his passions and professional life since – and even earned him the nickname the Polish Rocket, the inspiration for our brand name. As a lifelong athlete, he brings a growth mindset and extreme collaboration with peers and teams to always improve, grow, excel, and win! Looking up and to the future, he’s putting his business, branding, and marketing experience and expertise to work for Rocket Vodka and their aspiration to create the fastest-growing vodka in California.
This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9 FM with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.
If you're not in the South Bay (Los Gatos, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Fremont, etc.) you can listen online at: https://kpcr.org/
Special Thanks to Jeanette Blacy for your support of the show.

Silicon Valley Impact S1 E9 with Mariane Bekker, Viktorija Pashuta, Lucy Park, and Aileen MacLeod

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact, S1E8, Mariane Bekker is back in the studio for our monthly "Woman in Leadership" episode.
On todays show we have Viktorija Pashuta, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of BASIC Magazine, an esteemed international fashion publication headquartered in Beverly Hills. Viktorija is also Co-Founder of FemFounders, a startup dedicated to empowering women founders through learning, networking, and access to capital. She is passionate about fostering a supportive entrepreneurial community. Listen as she describes her journey from Latvia, where she started as a Fashion Journalist and marketer before earning an MSc in Marketing from Oxford Brooks University. She is a trailblazer in the fashion world, awarded the International Rising Media Star Award in New York and the Best Fashion Photographer Award from the Los Angeles Fashion Awards. Listen in as we discuss the crossover of marketing and startup.
Also joining us is Lucy Park, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Upstage. Upstage boosts work efficiency with industry-leading document processing engines and large-language models (LLMs). Their flagship large language model Solar defines the benchmark for cost-effective and powerful AI solutions for enterprises. Additionally, our Document AI boasts a proven track record in automating documents through advanced AI OCR technology. Listen in as Lucy describes her startup experience and fast growing strategy into the market
Finally, in studio is Aileen MacLeod, Co-owner of Black Cat Hats in Los Gatos California, a town staple for years. Get insights into how this small business owner has made an endearing mark on her community and why Black Cat Hats is tops in hats and accessories
This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9 FM with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.

Silicon Valley Impact With Dasha Shunina, Matt Bauer, and Sudha Reddy

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact we talk with Dasha Shunina. Dasha is the Founder of a massive network, Women Tech Meetup, a regular monthly event held in San Francisco, Miami, and NYC, bringing together female professionals in the spheres of technology entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture capital. She is a fabulous leader and super connect for woman in the tech space. Her meetup series spans different cities in the USA, gathering over 150 individuals per event and co-hosted in partnership with leading players in the tech ecosystem such as Microsoft, Google, Brex, Puzzle, Gusto, Techstars, SVB, Codi, Mindspace, and others.
Dasha is a Venture Capital Contributor to Forbes, covering the latest trends in the venture capital world and major tech conferences. She also hosts her own podcast show, Talks with Dasha, where she delves into tech news, startups, innovation, and venture capital. Dasha has been featured in Forbes, Euronews, Inc., Grit Daily, Link to Leaders, and The Business Times.
Dasha is passionate about building communities that empower visionary leaders to solve global challenges.
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Also joining the show is Matt Bauer, Co-Founder of Outhire. Matt is disrupting Employer Brand with a unique AI-driven approach. Outhire excels in crafting compelling brand stories, engaging both active and passive talent. This innovative platform streamlines employer brand campaign creation, enabling companies to produce targeted employer brand campaigns and distribute them globally across professional networks and social channels. Its focus on authentic employer branding through employee narratives sets it apart in the market.
In addition to Outhire, Matt is an angel investor, involved in supporting early-stage startups, blending his technical knowledge with a talent for spotting and nurturing entrepreneurial potential.
Finally, in the studio is Sudha Reddy, Co-Founder and CMO of Rava. Sudha has worked for companies such as GoDaddy, Roku, Intel and worn quite a few hats in the corporate world – from solving problems as a solutions architect to steering the ship as a head of product and owning all the marketing products at GoDaddy. She loves the creative hustle it takes to make things happen and problem solving is her passion. She has immense experience working with big name clients like Toyota, Paramount, WellsFargo, Disney, and McDonald's. Now on a mission to empower the small and medium-sized brands – to find their success story and build attractive brand. She loves helping startups with marketing strategies, brainstorming ideas that fit market trends, and figuring out how to solve the trickiest business and marketing problems. Today she shares her insights with us.
This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9 FM with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.
The purpose of this show is to provide access and insight into Silicon Valley business. We promise it's going to be messy and fun ... much like launching or growing a business. Topics include: Startup, Small Business, Big Business, HR Strategies, Leadership, Funding and Financing, Communication, GTM, Building Culture, Sales, Marketing, and much more!
Special Thanks to Jeanette Blacy for your support of the show.

S1 E6 - Lindsey S. Mignano Co-founder and Shareholder, SSM

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact, Tuesday at 3pm on KPCR 92.9 FM, we talk with Lindsey S. Mignano Co-founder and Shareholder, SSM. Lindsey counsels national and international startups regarding business formation and expansion into US markets, commercial contracts, venture financing, and M&A. Prior to founding her women-owned law firm in 2016, Lindsey practiced at an international law firm. Originally from Hawaii, she graduated from Iolani School (H.S.D., 2003) before heading to California to attend Stanford University (B.A., 2007) fand University of California, San Francisco fka Hastings College of the Law (J.D., 2010).
Also joining the show Loriana Sardar. Loriana is a serial entrepreneur, she started her first company in 2014 and has co-founded one of the largest European car-sharing companies, with an annual revenue of $75m and CF positive. Then in 2023, together with her co-founders, Loriana launched a new company in the United States - Rexalto, they offer an AI dynamic pricing engine for the vehicle rental industry. Listen in as she describes her remarkable startup journey.
This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9 FM at 3pm (Tuesday), with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.
If you're not in the South Bay (Los Gatos, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Fremont, etc.) you can listen online at: https://kpcr.org/event/silicon-valley-impact/2024-04-09/
Listen to all past episodes Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/68L4RPfMizjxnKBsmcFb1J
The purpose of this show is to provide access and insight into Silicon Valley business. We promise it's going to be messy and fun ... much like launching or growing a business. Topics include: Startup, Small Business, Big Business, HR Strategies, Leadership, Funding and Financing, Communication, GTM, Building Culture, Sales, Marketing, and much more!

Silicon Valley Impact: Innovation Edition With Erika Bahr

On this special edition of Silicon Valley Impact: Innovation Edition, we have a short conversation with Erika Bahr. Erika is the Founder and CEO of Data Pulse, an innovative AI data security platform that bridges the gap between technology and finance and legal data. She focuses on encrypting machine learning models to enhance investment security and reduce financial risks. Erika's leadership has steered Data Pulse toward redefining investment strategies, opening new markets, and fostering diversity and equal opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her extensive experience includes over a decade of developing sophisticated data systems and AI solutions for Fortune 500 companies. Erika holds an advanced degree from the Harvard Business Analytics Program and an MSBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Silicon Valley Impact S1 E5 - Zamir Shukho, Founder and General Partner of Vibranium VC

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact we talk with Zamir Shukho, Founder and General Partner of Vibranium.VC. Join as we talk through Due Diligences and what startups can expect as investors determine Fundability.
Also joining the show is Daniel Kozlov – Entrepreneur, Educator, and Managing Partner at Global Innovation Catalyst Daniel is a serial entrepreneur (on his 6th company now) and an internationally known expert on entrepreneurship, corporate innovation and education/Ed Tech. Daniel invests as an angel investor into EdTech startups and builds courses for Entrepreneurs in hopes that by changing people’s minds and abilities we can change the world for the better…
Finally, in the studio all the way from Paris is Eddy Kheloufi. Founder of the Independent group, which includes Podspace, a platform that helps content creators streamline their production and distribution. Recognized for his innovative approach and commitment to developing this enterprise, Eddy was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list. 
This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.
Listen to all past episodes Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/68L4RPfMizjxnKBsmcFb1J
The purpose of this show is to provide access and insight into Silicon Valley business. We promise it's going to be messy and fun ... much like launching or growing a business. Topics include: Startup, Small Business, Big Business, HR Strategies, Leadership, Funding and Financing, Communication, GTM, Building Culture, Sales, Marketing, and much more!

Silicon Valley Impact S1E4

On this weeks episode of Silicon Valley Impact, on KPCR 92.9 FM, we talk with Sherri Douville, CEO of Medigram, Inc., the Mobile Medicine company driving safety, efficiency, and profitability for health systems as well as editor on her 4th book on AI and Cybersecurity for Healthcare Boards (forthcoming). We will dig into her career inflections and what drives her in her work as CEO at Medigram, Inc.; her professional and enduring passions; biggest influences; and why she believe that communication is the supreme skill and practice when orchestrating, managing, & leading in an intensely complex, multidisciplinary, technical field such as healthcare technology.Also joining the show is Roya Kachooei, Co-Founder and CEO of Walletifai. Walletifai is a smart personal financial coach that helps early savers (millennials and generation Z) to understand their financial lifestyle and guides them to build healthy financial habits by providing personalized tips and reminders to reach their ideal financial lifestyle..Finally, our small business guest is Jeanette Blacy, owner of Blacy’s Vault of Los Gatos, will share her story around growing up in Los Gatos and ultimately establishing a trusted business that leads with customer care, respect, and long lasting relationships.This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, KPCR 92.9 FM at 3pm (Tuesday), with Lisa Helfrick and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.If you're not in the South Bay (Los Gatos, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Fremont, etc.) you can listen online at https: https://lnkd.in/gPr9TvidThe purpose of this show is to provide access and insight into Silicon Valley business. We promise it's going to be messy and fun ... much like launching or growing a business. Topics include: Startup, Small Business, Big Business, HR Strategies, Leadership, Funding and Financing, Communication, GTM, Building Culture, Sales, Marketing, and much more!

Silicon Valley Impact S1 E3

TODAY we kick-off our WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP SERIES on Silicon Valley Impact. On every 4th Tuesday of the month, Mariane Bekker will be joining me, and Lisa to spotlight woman who are making an impact. On todays episode we hear about Mariane's amazing story of grit, resiliency and perseverance, and how she is elevating woman with Founders Bay. Also, joining us is Hafsa Tahir, Founder & CEO of Agit, a pioneering AI Sports Tech Startup. Our, local small business guest is Emily Abrams of Bronze Palms LLC in Campbell, California. Finally, you will meet Natalie Pan, who lost her job, but instead of look for another role in a tough market, she started her own business. This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact, with Lisa Helfrick, and Brian Bernasconi on the controls.
The purpose of this show is to provide access and insight into Silicon Valley business. We promise it's going to be messy and fun ... much like launching or growing a business. Topics include: Startup, Small Business, Big Business, HR Strategies, Leadership, Funding and Financing, Communication, GTM, Building Culture, Sales, Marketing, and much more!