Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders

Silicon Slopes
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Feb 7, 2025 • 27min

Unit City Managing Partner Constantine Yevtushenko

In this compelling episode, we sit down with a remarkable guest who shares his journey from Ukraine to Utah, managing the largest innovation park in Eastern Europe, Unit City. Discover how he and his team have navigated the challenges of war, continued to innovate, and built strong connections with the global tech community, including a special bond with Utah.00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background00:14 - Managing Unit City During the War00:47 - U.S. Delegation Visit to Unit City01:30 - Stand-Up Comedy During the War02:59 - Building Friendships and Connections05:06 - Current Situation in Ukraine07:02 - Adapting to War Conditions08:18 - Hope for the Future and Rebuilding10:05 - War's Impact on Business and Society11:33 - Daily Life and Work at Unit City12:50 - Composition of Companies at Unit City13:35 - Personal Routine and Resilience14:50 - Renewable Energy Projects15:04 - Becoming an EV Advocate17:02 - Promoting Electric Vehicles in Ukraine19:00 - Impact of EV Legislation20:24 - Elon Musk's Controversial Role23:33 - Connection Between Utah and Ukraine24:01 - Importance of Tech Conferences25:40 - Building Trust with American Companies26:59 - Closing Remarks and GratitudeIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://unit.city/en/Social:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 4min

Peterson Ventures Managing Director Ben Capell

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of venture capital, AI, and the tech ecosystem with our special guest. We reminisce about the early days of Beehive Startups and discuss the transformation of Provo's startup scene.00:00 - Reminiscing Beehive Startups and Provo's Evolution00:01:06 - Peterson's 15-Year Journey and 2025 Outlook00:02:08 - Evolution of the Venture Capital Ecosystem00:03:46 - JobNimbus and Utah's Unique Series A Rounds00:05:02 - Utah's Capital Efficiency Heritage00:05:59 - Venture Capital Trends and Market Shifts00:08:23 - Series B Challenges and AI's Impact on Fundraising00:09:37 - AI Infrastructure and Investment Strategies00:12:12 - AI's Effect on Consumer Businesses00:15:22 - Changing Search Dynamics and Consumer Discovery00:17:43 - AI's Role in Disrupting Established Industries00:18:40 - Opportunities in FinTech and Healthcare00:21:04 - Disrupting Distribution in Financial Services00:24:02 - Modernizing Banking and Financial Services00:25:08 - Government Tech and Energy Sector Innovations00:27:29 - Government Efficiency and Tech Infrastructure00:31:13 - Job Market Realities and Efficiency Trends00:33:29 - Founders' Involvement and Vision in Companies00:40:03 - Founders vs. Hired CEOs: Vision and Execution00:42:08 - Preparing for IPOs and Executive Team Changes00:46:07 - Private Market Capital and Liquidity ChallengesIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.petersonventures.comApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3eSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Jan 22, 2025 • 28min

Philo Ventures Managing Partner Chad Staheli

Welcome to another episode of our podcast! In this episode, we sit down with the visionary behind Philo Ventures, a unique startup studio based in Utah that's making waves in the entrepreneurial world.00:00 - Introduction and Utah Sports01:13 - Founding of Philo Ventures02:24 - Philo Ventures' Unique Model03:22 - Scrappy Beginnings and Capital Partners04:19 - Real Estate Development Focus05:55 - Pre-Philo Ventures Career07:13 - Low Profile Strategy in Utah08:14 - Idea Generation and Validation Process09:27 - Team Size and Structure10:11 - Founder in Residence Recruitment12:20 - Pitching and Recruitment Process13:24 - Industry Agnosticism and Focus14:28 - Future of SaaS and AI Integration15:02 - AI Specialization and Value Creation17:29 - Success Stories and Studio Model19:16 - Challenges and Exciting Projects21:16 - Outreach and Collaboration Opportunities22:48 - Challenges in Finding Founders in Residence24:12 - Importance of Utah and Office Location25:13 - Conclusion and Future PlansIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.philo.venturesSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 5min

OrcaPanda Founders Sunny Washington and Zach Holmquist

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of AI and human interaction with the founders of Orca Panda, Sunny and Zach. Join us as we explore how AI can make our lives more human by eliminating mundane tasks and allowing us to focus on what truly matters. From the chaos of form validation to the revolutionary potential of conversational AI, this episode is packed with insights and forward-thinking ideas.00:00 - The Tyranny of Inputs: Frustrations with Form Validation02:52 - Introduction of Guests: Sunny and Zach03:41 - Meeting at Edison House: How Sunny and Zach Met05:06 - Zach's Journey: From WeWork to New Ventures07:04 - Tech Illiteracy in Politics: Discovering Google Docs08:20 - AI and Human Interaction: Making Technology More Human09:26 - What is Orca Panda?: The Vision and Mission10:42 - Orca Panda's Origin: From Domain to Company12:19 - Pivoting to a Broader Market: Beyond Politics14:08 - Tech in Education: The Digital Literacy Test16:19 - Silicon Slope Summit: Announcement and Details18:03 - Repetition of the Tyranny of Inputs: Frustrations with Form Validation (Revisited)21:36 - Humans vs. Machines: The Struggle with Technology22:11 - AI in Education: Augmenting Good Teachers23:04 - The Death of Community: Technology's Impact on Social Spaces24:07 - Orca Panda's Vision: Simplifying Human Tasks25:04 - Practical Applications: Automating Workflows26:40 - Empowering Users: Building AI Agents28:05 - Challenges with AI: Agentic Architecture30:54 - Broader Applications: Beyond Legislative Databases33:10 - Sales Teams and CRM: Reducing Administrative Work34:27 - CSVs as Currency: The Importance of Data Exports36:20 - User Experience: Frustrations with State Forms38:05 - Early Success: Customer Stories40:02 - Raising Funds: Challenges with Local VCs41:25 - The Future of AI: Beyond Traditional Software44:45 - Paradigm Shifts: Historical Tech Innovations46:45 - Seeing the Future: Zach's Vision48:29 - Tech Trends: Cloud, Apps, and AI49:08 - Changing the Way People Work: Orca Panda's Impact50:03 - The Bright Future: Gen Z and TechnologyIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.philo.venturesSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Jan 8, 2025 • 42min

RevRoad CEO Jenney Rees

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of RevRoad, a venture firm based in Provo, Utah, that is redefining the traditional venture capital model. Instead of just writing checks, Revroad deploys human capital to help startups navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.00:00 - Introduction and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Provo00:32 - Overview of RevRoad's Unique Venture Model01:23 - Mentorship and Human Capital in Venture02:18 - Vision and Founding of RevRoad03:11 - Attraction to RevRoad and Darren Hill's Vision04:07 - Previous Career in Government and Transition to RevRoad05:03 - Experience in Politics and Working with Spencer Cox07:00 - Relationship Between RevRoad and RevRoad Capital08:34 - Homegrown Utah Venture Model09:15 - Learning from Y Combinator and Business Model Evolution10:49 - Co-Investment Strategy with RevRoad Capital12:34 - Equity Terms and Transparency13:44 - Preparing Founders for Next Funding Rounds15:02 - Remote Work and COVID-19 Adaptations16:13 - Utah's Venture Community and Attracting Outside Investment18:20 - Building Utah's Tech and Business Ecosystem19:46 - Types of Companies Receiving Venture Funding20:47 - Big Swings in Utah's Energy Sector21:52 - Technology and Sales Skills in Utah Founders22:38 - Potential of Energy Sector in Utah23:43 - AI and Technical Founders25:06 - Provo as a Hub for Entrepreneurship27:13 - Impact of Universities on Provo's Entrepreneurial Scene29:02 - Community and Mentorship in Provo31:02 - Collaboration Between RevRoad and iHub34:00 - Partnership in Startup Alley34:53 - Future Integration of RevRoad and RevRoad Capital36:03 - Government Support for Startups38:20 - Application Process and Ideal Candidates for RevRoad39:46 - Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs40:30 - Importance of Adaptability in EntrepreneurshipIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.revroad.comSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Jan 6, 2025 • 44min

Founder/Editor In Chief of IMPACT Magazine Tunisha Brown

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tunisha Brown, the visionary founder of Impact Magazine, to discuss her journey of empowering, encouraging, and educating Black communities and their supporters. Tunisha shares her experiences from starting the magazine 17 years ago to building a platform that celebrates Black excellence and fosters understanding across diverse communities.00:00 - Introduction and Event Purpose01:04 - Partnering with Josh James and Hosting Events01:45 - Origin of Impact Magazine03:09 - Learning the Magazine Business04:01 - Early Challenges and First Advertisers06:10 - Writing and Editing the Magazine07:31 - Importance of Controlling Your Own Narrative08:06 - Owning Your Story10:52 - Consistency and Growth of Impact Magazine12:41 - Moving to Utah and Initial Impressions16:38 - Experience Living in Utah17:30 - Key People and Networking in Utah20:38 - Empowering Black Teens and Career Exploratory Summit22:15 - Health and Wellness Issues in the Black Community23:26 - Mental Health During the Pandemic28:14 - Identity and Success in Business29:52 - Authenticity and Influencers31:47 - Faith and Interfaith Interactions in Utah33:07 - Seeing Everyone as Human34:02 - Politics and Business in Utah36:29 - Admired Writers and Their Influence38:01 - Power of Writing and Media39:34 - Bridging Divides Through Events41:48 - How to Connect and Partner with Impact Magazine42:55 - Gratitude and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.theimpactmagazine.com/Social:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Dec 30, 2024 • 42min

Bestselling Author of Iterate Ed Muzio

In this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, we dive deep into the intricacies of effective human systems within organizations with our special guest, Ed. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and organizational consulting, Ed shares his unique insights on what makes a company thrive.00:00 - Introduction to Effective Human Systems01:17 - Guest Introduction and Background02:17 - The Concept of Iterative Management03:46 - Examples of Effective Companies04:33 - Discussion on OpenAI and Executive Turnover06:10 - Silicon Slope Summit Announcement07:54 - Characteristics of Great Leaders09:33 - Managing Company Silos11:01 - Leadership Styles: Brutal vs. Diplomatic14:04 - Success of Brutal Leaders like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs15:55 - Impact of AI on Human Systems17:55 - A Day in the Life of the Guest's Consulting Work19:04 - Guest's Background and Connection to Texas19:50 - First Steps in Implementing Iterative Management22:43 - Writing and Response to the Book "Iterate"24:07 - Grading Today's Leaders26:32 - Challenges in Public Sector Leadership29:48 - Guest's Visit to Silicon Slopes and Thoughts on Utah30:05 - Comparison of Austin and Utah as Startup Ecosystems32:00 - How to Get in Touch with the Guest33:37 - Life Under Iterative Management35:56 - Paul Graham's Essay on Founder Mode and BureaucracyIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.iteratenow.comSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Dec 23, 2024 • 55min

Element Ventures Jeff Burningham, Jeff Danley, and Jamie Dunn

In this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Jeff Burningham and his partners as they transition from Peak Ventures to Element Ventures. Join us as we explore their experiences in the world of real estate, venture capital, and politics.00:00 - Jeff Burningham's Governor Run: Initial Thoughts01:10 - Big Announcement: Element Ventures03:03 - Meeting and Starting Peak Capital04:38 - Founding Peak Capital Partners During the Great Recession07:49 - Early Success and Challenges09:36 - Transition to Venture Capital: Peak Ventures12:21 - Utah Tech Boom in 201415:18 - Evolution of Peak Ventures to Album and Element16:00 - Investing Through Family Offices17:51 - Flexibility of Family Offices18:28 - Silicon Slope Summit Announcement20:12 - Reflecting on Jeff B's Governor Run23:21 - Surprises and Reactions to the Governor Run23:50 - Current Exciting Sectors in Utah: AI and Pre-Seed Investments24:41 - Investing in Mid-Sized Companies and Aggregation25:59 - Energy Investments and Future Prospects26:16 - Reflecting on Key Years in Utah Tech: 2014, 2017, 202529:45 - Reasons for Optimism in 202531:22 - National Tech Influence in Government32:21 - Government Efficiency and Innovation34:06 - Elon Musk's Influence and Government Spending35:31 - AI's Impact on Venture Capital36:04 - Building Generational Companies in Utah38:32 - AI's Role in Venture and Investment Decisions41:03 - The Future of AI and Solo Founders42:24 - The Role of AI in Real Estate42:45 - Web 3 and Blockchain: Trends and FutureIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://element.ventureshttps://peakcapitalpartners.com/team/Social:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Dec 18, 2024 • 45min

The Light In Us & Heare Co-Founder Mike Allen

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative work of "The Light in Us" and the "HEARE Brotherhood" with our special guest. Discover how these initiatives are creating spaces for deeper connection, vulnerability, and personal growth through retreats and community-building activities.00:00 - Introduction00:14 - The Light in Us: Origins and Purpose00:57 - The Power of Intentional Community Building01:29 - Applying Branding Principles to Personal and Family Life02:00 - Exploring Men's Retreats03:03 - The Evolution Project and Brian Hurd's Influence04:06 - Creating the First Men's Retreat05:09 - The Birth of HEARE Brotherhood06:25 - Curating Retreat Groups07:36 - The Light in Us: Faith-Centered Retreats08:04 - Integrating Mindfulness and Spirituality09:07 - Personal Journey and Need for Deeper Connection10:10 - Christ-Centered Yoga and Spiritual Practices11:27 - Defining Family Values and Purpose13:01 - Retreat Formats and Activities14:01 - Making Retreats Accessible and Affordable15:44 - Locations and Unique Retreat Experiences18:30 - Challenges in Building HEARE Brotherhood19:41 - Managing Online Community Growth22:06 - Financial Sustainability and Business Models25:25 - Subscription Models and Community Offerings28:02 - Global Reach and Community Impact34:42 - Mental Health and Vulnerability in Men40:25 - Naming the Initiatives: HEARE and The Light in Us42:01 - How to Get InvolvedIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://hearebros.comhttps://www.thelightinus.orgSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
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Dec 16, 2024 • 50min

Intermountain Healthcare CEO Rob Allen

In this insightful episode, we sit down with the CEO of Intermountain Health to discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare. With over 28 years of experience at Intermountain, our guest shares his journey from Chief Operating Officer to CEO, the challenges and opportunities that come with the role, and the unique history of Intermountain Health.00:00 - Competing in Healthcare: Focusing on Disease00:55 - Transition to CEO: Experience and Challenges02:16 - New Children's Hospital and Rebranding04:15 - History of Intermountain Health08:39 - Community Engagement and Sponsorships10:24 - BYU's New Medical School and Doctor Shortage12:08 - Healthcare Staffing Shortages14:01 - Impact of the Pandemic on Healthcare Workers18:27 - Collaboration with the University of Utah21:23 - Silicon Slope Summit Announcement23:03 - Partnerships with the University of Utah23:39 - AI and Technology in Healthcare30:47 - Intermountain Ventures and Health Tech Innovation38:29 - A Day in the Life of a CEOIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://intermountainhealthcare.orgSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

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