From Prosecutor to Founder with Robbie Crabtree - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Ep. 10
In this captivating podcast, Steve interviews Robbie Crabtree, a former trial lawyer who has transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship. Robbie candidly shares his motivations for becoming a trial lawyer, drawing inspiration from his childhood love of comic book heroes and the desire to fight for justice.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Robbie opens up about the emotional toll of handling cases involving child abuse, which eventually led him to reevaluate his career path. Robbie’s insights into the challenges of embodying the emotions of his clients and the lingering impact of these cases provide a sobering look into the realities of being a trial lawyer.
Robbie and Steve discuss the art of communication and the importance of being genuine when pitching to a potential client. In addition, they talk about the different techniques you can use when storytelling and how they can influence a pitch.
The discussion also explores the parallels between acting and the art of persuasion in the courtroom and in being an entrepreneur, as Robbie reveals his unique ritual of using a specific playlist to help him transition into the right mindset before trials. This podcast offers a unique glimpse into the life of a former trial lawyer turned entrepreneur, highlighting the personal and professional transformations that can occur along the way.
AI Investing Insights with George Bandarian - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Ep. 9
In this insightful podcast, the host sits down with venture capital leader George Bandarian the General Partner at @georgebandarian . Bandarian shares his journey from successful entrepreneur to venture investor, with a focus on artificial intelligence startups. He discusses the importance of identifying top-tier founders who don’t necessarily need hands-on guidance and the strategy of being a “small follower” investor alongside leading VC firms. Bandarian provides valuable insights into the venture capital landscape, the dynamics of different funding rounds, and his mission to invest in AI startups that positively impact humanity. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the world of AI-focused venture capital from an experienced practitioner.
Leveraging IP to Raise Capital with Alex LePage - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Ep. 8
In this captivating podcast episode, join Steve Distante as he sits down with Alex LePage, founder of MillerHill IP, a prominent intellectual property consulting and valuation firm. Discover the fascinating world of IP and its role in company valuation, market protection, and raising capital. From patents and trademarks to intangible assets, explore how businesses can leverage their intellectual property for growth and success. Gain valuable insights into the strategic use of IP as collateral and its impact on investor confidence. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that sheds light on the hidden value of ideas and innovation.
In this podcast, you will discover:
Licensing: Businesses can license their IP to other companies, allowing them to use their patented technology, trademarks, or copyrighted content in exchange for royalties or licensing fees. This enables businesses to generate additional revenue streams without the need for extensive production or distribution.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with other companies through strategic partnerships can be a powerful way to leverage IP. By combining complementary IP assets, businesses can create innovative products or services, access new markets, and enhance their competitive advantage.
Branding and Marketing: Strong IP, such as trademarks and brand names, can differentiate a business from its competitors and build brand recognition and customer loyalty. Businesses can leverage their brands to attract customers, enter new markets, and command premium pricing.
Securing Financing: Intellectual property can serve as collateral for securing loans or attracting investors. Lenders and investors may be more willing to provide capital if a business has valuable IP assets that can be used as security or demonstrate the potential for future revenue generation.
Defensive Positioning: IP can be used defensively to protect a business from competitors. By obtaining patents or trademarks, businesses can establish barriers to entry, deter potential infringers, and safeguard their market position.
Technology Transfer: Businesses can monetize their IP by transferring their technology or know-how to other companies or industries. This can involve licensing, joint ventures, or even spin-off companies that commercialize the IP in new applications or markets.
Research and Development: Investing in R&D and continuously developing new IPs can fuel business growth. By creating a robust IP portfolio, businesses can introduce innovative products or processes, stay ahead of market trends, and capture new market opportunities.
The Role of Filmmaking in Entrepreneurship with Akira Chan - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 7
In this episode, Steve sits down with filmmaker and Documentarian, Akira Chan and we dive into the fascinating world of filmmaking and entrepreneurship. Discover the power of creative storytelling, the impact of documentaries, and the connection between art and entrepreneurship. From igniting social change to highlighting inspiring stories, Akira shares his experiences and collaborations with entrepreneurs, artists, and change-makers. Get inspired and gain insights into the art of storytelling and its ability to create a ripple effect in the world.
Writing Your Book with Leslie Hinson - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 6
In this episode, Steve and writing coach, Leslie Hinson, discuss the excitement, frustration, happiness, and even sadness that comes with writing a book. Join us for an adventure into the heart of storytelling where creativity knows no bounds.
Highlights from this episode:
Dive into the mesmerizing journey of storytelling and book creation with Leslie Hinson, a master of weaving tales that captivate and educate. In this enlightening podcast, we unravel the art of fable writing, explore the transformative power of stories, and discover how ancient wisdom is repackaged for modern audiences.
Leslie shares insights from her unique path to becoming a fiction and fable writing aficionado, the intricacies of crafting stories with moral lessons, and the joy of blending historical facts with imaginative fiction.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a lover of stories, this conversation is a treasure trove of inspiration, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process of bringing tales to life that resonate across generations.
An Interview In Entrepreneurland - Hosted by Kary Oberbrunner
In an interview hosted by Kary Obrbrunner, author Steve Distante discusses the new book, “Once Upon A Time In Entrepreneurland” and how it is full with stories that have lessons that can help the experienced and budding entrepreneur.
Once Upon In Entrepreneurland Book Launch - Full Interview with Author Steve Distante
Hosted by Keira Brinton, Founder & CEO of Joan of Arc Publishing, and joined by the book’s author Steve Distante at the beautiful and historical Oheka’s Castle.
Steve and Keira discuss how “Once Upon A Time In Entrepreneurland” is a great book for all ages, that discusses many topics about being an entrepreneur and gives lessons on what to do and not to do on your entrepreneurial journey. This includes stories about Christopher Columbus and Steve’s own twist on the 3 Little Pigs
Driven to Your Greatness with Salim Ismail - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 5
Steve sat down with friend Salim Ismail, the author of Exponential Organizations and its sequel, Exponential Organizations 2.0: The New Playbook for 10x Growth and Impact, to discuss the ins and outs of Entrepreneurial drive.
Highlights from this Episode:
Your Life’s Work may require money, but it’s never about money. It’s bigger than that. It’s usually visceral, or at your core of being, that is a challenge or opportunity to have a massive impact on both you (the entrepreneur) and many others. In most cases, it becomes your legacy because it’s so beneficial.
For EIs, often the drive of the entrepreneur is more alluring than the company itself — we buy the drive, not the company.
Efficiency and predictability aren’t enough anymore. Salim explains how the old paradigm of a sustainable organization used to be based on efficiency and predictability. Now, he says that organizations need to be architected for agility, flexibility, adaptability, and speed to truly succeed in today’s market.
Evolve to wisdom. Salim and I speak about the thrill of momentum we feel when we have a new idea, or even see a new avenue in the direction of our Life’s Work.
Know your highest and best use for the organization. Sometimes the CEO and president role isn’t where the entrepreneur needs to be forever. This can be a scary feeling for entrepreneurs, so they mess it up so they can find meaning.
Learn how to harness your drive beneficially for everybody. It doesn’t matter how good your ideas are if you’re constantly shifting the purpose of your organization. If you’re repurposing your talent to new roles too often, no one will ever be able to master their position. This will lead to eye-rolling and frustration from your team, or worse—A-players leaving the
organization.
Consider creating an internal research and development team as an explorer. You can create an R&D team that serves that explorative purpose without stressing out your existing business or pulling your nucleus team off their jobs.
Your ideal space may be at the edge. Salim discusses how the entrepreneur/founder maybe happiest existing more at the edges of the company— where they can dabble with new ideas without being a destabilizing force — then at the helm.
Being an “arsonist” can give you the illusion of purpose. They’re intentionally (or subconsciously) messing things up so they can have the opportunity to step in as the hero again. Learn to discern when you’re just looking to mess things up for the thrill of it.
Arson can be a reaction to metamorphosis. Often, when people start lighting their own fires to put out, it stems from the fact that the business has matured to a place where it is no longer dependent on the entrepreneur. This can be a scary feeling for entrepreneurs, so they mess it up so they can find meaning.
The luge can be a good thing. The thing about a luge is there’s no getting off. To accomplish big projects, you may need to have a “leave the world behind” mindset so you can focus intensely on the project at hand. When you’re in a luge, you’re accountable for results and deadlines. When you know how to harness the power
of a luge, you can use it to create periods of commitment and intense focus so you can create BIG things.
Mergers & Acquisitions with AJ Caro - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 4
I sat down with my friend and fellow wolf, AJ Caro, a lifelong serial entrepreneur who truly embodies the benefits of M&A. His strategic acquisitions of a home health aide business and an insurance company served as the inspiration for the Littlepigs story above. Highlights from this Episode:
- Diversification is important. Diversification across different industries should bring longer-term stability, as one economic event would not be destabilizing enough to tank any of your businesses. Diversification allows for a variety of activities. Entrepreneurs tend to get bored easily, so having a lot of different activities can offer longevity in more ways than just buffering for a market downturn.
- Diversification has its cons too. Diversification can take your concentrated growth efforts into multiple industries—which does create multiple streams of income—but not one larger company, which will likely hold a higher value.
- M&A can be a win-win. Looking for companies in their sunset stage can help ensure a win-win. One of the greatest benefits of acquiring a “sunsetting” business is to acquire and mentor the “A player” from the company to manage and ultimately grow that new venture with minimal participation.
- Acquire strategically. The best time to acquire a disaster relief company is before a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake hits, not after. Acquiring a business like this for a reasonable price can pay off immensely in the event of a disaster, or whatever it takes to change the normal market. You can make headway in diversification through M&A, and then develop those businesses under stable circumstances.
- Savings are the first expense. In the world of cycles, never gouge your business. Make saving your first expense. In a downturn market, that is the time to access your savings for an acquisition.
- It is often advantageous to invest (or acquire) during a big market downturn or cataclysmic event. This is why saving for rainy days is always a good strategy whenever possible. Another strategy involves relationships. When you identify businesses that may be good M&A opportunities for you in a few years, keep an open line of communication with the current owners. If something happens and they decide to sell the business, they’ll come to you as a lifeline.
"Who, Not How" with Dean Jackson - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 3
Dean Jackson coined the phrase “Who, not how,” which you might recognize as the title of a well-known entrepreneurial book. Well, Dean’s friend and Strategic Coach founder, Dan Sullivan, resonated with the idea so hard that he and Dr. Benjamin Hardy wrote a book about it. (Who, Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy is dedicated to Dean.) For Dean, the idea is more of a concept by which to live his life. We discuss unique ability, abundance mentality, and the power of sticking with a community for the long run. He also breaks down the concept of a Who. The gist is this: we don’t have to know. Highlights from this Episode:
- No one can do it alone. A Who Hunter is always on the lookout for someone whose unique skill set matches what is missing in the organization. You’re always looking for the person who was literally put on earth to do what you need them to do.
- Often people don’t know their own unique abilities. While a unique ability is certainly something special about an individual, it is often an attribute they come by so naturally that they don’t even notice it. Sometimes, the best way to find your unique abilities is to ask other people what they rely on you for. There are exercises to help you find your unique abilities in “Who, Not How. ”
- Fast track to done. Dean explains how entrepreneurs usually excel at adaptive challenges where the answer is not known. We can figure it out or invent a solution, but we often get caught up in the technicalities of it, or in trying to teach other people how to do it.
- Whos are not always entrepreneurial, but they can be. They are the perfect Whos because they do the role so naturally, that they’ve never even thought of it as a skill.
- A business owner and an entrepreneur are not the same thing. An entrepreneur is usually a business owner, but a business owner is not always an entrepreneur.
- What constitutes a Who is much more comprehensive than their unique ability alone. You have to look into their history, their track record, their personality, the gut feeling you have about them, what other people are saying about them, etc., and draw a full picture before determining whether they’re your Who.
- You often learn more about your values when things don’t go right. Often it’s easier to identify your values when things go tragically wrong and then to reverse engineer them!
Unlocking Your Drive with Dr Doug Brackmann - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 2
Doug and Steve discuss the natural progression many leaders have to go through as they learn how to harness their “inner wolf” for good. It’s easy for us to intimidate others; we have an intense presence. But as we grow, learn, and evolve, we become more effective leaders. Wolves are the villains of so much lore, yet are an incredibly vital part of many ecosystems. As an entrepreneur’s business grows, they have to learn how to select and mentor the people who work with them. Often this takes a few years—and a few alienated employees who may jump ship. The wolf has to learn how to be a shepherd, which isn’t a role wolves perform naturally. As Doug explains in the conversation, there’s a big difference between a shepherd standing behind a flock of sheep, driving them forward by scaring them, and a shepherd whose sheep follow him by choice. Highlights from this Episode:
- Entrepreneurial drive is natural. In my conversation with Dr. Doug Brackmann, we also discuss his first book, Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU. Many of these people have a unique genetic characteristic of having the allele (mutation) genes DRD2-A1 or DRD4- 7R, or both. Our drive is in our DNA! How you channel your energy is your choice. Left unattended or unaware, that drive can turn into negative results, but when harnessed for good, it can change the world.
- Internal drive might come from different sources. There are a lot of Drivens in places of high power; some are driven by heart or by wounds, while others are driven by greed.
- Drivens flock to different careers. Doug explains that there are exceptionally high numbers of Drivens who are high-performing athletes and Navy SEALS. There are also a high number of dictators who are Drivens. Whether it’s for the greater good or not, a lot of Drivens⁺ are on the edge of being superhuman. A Driven⁺ might be attracted to more than one outlet for their energy.
- Don’t try to figure out what inspires people. Hire to it. Don’t try to change someone’s values. Part of surrounding yourself with the right people is finding those whose values already align with the organization and its mission.
- A leader learns to stand in someone else’s shoes. Inspirational leaders learn to put themselves in someone else’s position and to lead them from that person’s point of reference. Evolved leaders understand that what inspires them might not inspire other people.
- Learn to become a servant leader. The act of giving releases serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine for everybody involved, including the giver, the recipient, and anyone else who witnesses the deed. This means that if an employee is aligned with an organization’s mission, any progress the organization makes feels good to everyone within the system.
- Don’t surround yourself with “yes” people. The people in an organization must feel empowered to push back against an entrepreneur who is experiencing destabilizing optimism. That not only means you have to get the right people around you but it also means you can’t be a bully. If your team is afraid to tell you no, that’s a problem that will permeate every level of the organization. Great leaders create a culture in which people aren’t afraid to voice their opinions.
Work, Effort, and Resourcefulness with Joe Polish - The Entrepreneurland Podcast, Episode 1
When I first had the idea for the PIN, I knew I wanted to include Joe Polish in a way that’s more than making an Easter egg out of his ELF acronym. Joe and I had a conversation in which we discussed the benefits of having a network and getting to do your Life’s Work, what we look for in investable entrepreneurs, and much more.: Highlights from this episode:
- Don’t BS people. Your reputation will travel in this community, so you need to build that reputation on honesty and respect. Have the wherewithal to do what you say you’re going to do.
- The importance of being genuine and respectful when asking for (and dealing with) Other People’s Money, especially when working with an Entrepreneur Investor.
- You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room if you’re in a room where everybody is getting smarter. We learn by watching each other, taking advice, and being humble.
– Is the juice worth the squeeze? Joe and I talk about how even if you don’t like someone, you can still make money with them, but as you mature and evolve as an entrepreneur (and as an individual), at some point, you have to ask yourself if the juice is worth the squeeze.