The Startup CEO Show

Former Dribbble CEO Zack Onisko discusses leading a profitable social network without VC. Key topics: leaving for personal growth, Silicon Valley growth reflections, email for acquisition, transition to coaching, and self-driven success.

Want to receive the best Startup CEO Insights? SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/ ------------------------------In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, explore the power of long-term vision and work-life integration with our host Mark MacLeod and the inspiring Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of the innovative estate planning platform, Willful.Tune in as Erin sheds light on rejecting hustle culture, creating ease for families with online wills, and steering a startup alongside her spouse. Discover how Willful is simplifying end-of-life planning and Erin's unique approach to leading a consumer brand and fostering a startup that values both profitability and a balanced lifestyle.Make sure to like, share, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with more fascinating episodes like this one from the Startup CEO Show!-----------------------------------------⏰Timestamps: 02:20 - 05:49: Rejecting "Hustle Porn" for Work-Life Balance05:50 - 08:33: Willful's Origins and Market Disruption08:34 - 12:05: Overcoming Investor Doubts 12:06 - 15:40: The Joys and Juggles of a Spouse-Run Startup15:41 - 18:15: Erin's CEO Strategy: Hiring, Vision, and Financial Stability 18:16 - 22:10: Personal Time Management22:11 - 26:00: The Willful Couple's Work-Life Blend 26:01 - 29:35: Startup Ecosystem as a Consumer Brand29:36 - 33:08: The Canadian Startup Scene33:09 - 36:45: Fostering a Sustainable Business36:46 - 40:25: Young Parents and Elderly Individuals40:26 - 43:10: Strategic Partnerships and Marketing in Estate Planning43:11 - 46:55: Life, Legacy, and Running a Startup46:56 - 50:26: The "Unicorn" Potential50:27 - 55:00: Intentional Living and the Reality of Entrepreneurship---------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, join Mark MacLeod and Elizabeth Caley for an insightful discussion with Elizabeth Caley, co-founder and CEO of Poppy. Learn how Poppy is revolutionizing indoor air quality with cutting-edge technology and bold leadership.Gain strategic insights as Elizabeth shares her journey from corporate to startup life, navigating product development, and embracing the chaos of entrepreneurship. Discover the power of clear communication, remote work culture hacks, and the magic of co-founder synergy.Don't forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more insightful episodes like this!-----------------------------------------⏰Timestamps: 04:33 - 07:01: How the Pandemics Shifted Businessess07:01 - 11:11: Strategic Moves: Meta.com Acquisition11:11 - 14:54: Startup Success: Pandemic Agility14:54 - 18:55: Energy Efficiency: HVAC Optimization20:06 - 25:20: Seamless Transition to Remote Work25:20 - 28:01: Collaboration & Resilience28:01 - 31:50: CEO's Time Management: Maximizing Availability31:50 - 36:24: Inclusive Leadership: Empowering Sales38:06 - 42:34: Embracing Change: COO to CEO42:34 - 45:24: Career Evolution: Shedding Norms45:24 - 49:02: Diverse Journey: Consulting to Product Leadership---------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, join us as Mark MacLeod welcomes special guest Amar Varma, co-founder and CEO of Mantle, for a captivating discussion. Discover how Mantle is revolutionizing private asset tracking through innovative AI integration and fresh approaches. Gain strategic insights from Amar as he explores market opportunities for startups and the transition to an enterprise-driven model. Explore the complexities of investment strategy and the transformative potential of AI, all while delving into Amar's invaluable firsthand experiences in the startup world.Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on how to become a successfull startup CEO!-----------------------Key moments:00:00 - 04:39 Reimagining market with fresh approach and AI.04:39 - 08:23 A dominant player in finance.08:23 - 13:03 Becoming investor after previous experiences with no regrets.13:03 - 16:25 Invest wisely, be mindful about timing and luck.16:25 - 20:26 Embracing feedback, self-awareness, and professional growth.20:26 - 23:54 Understanding my process and transparent communication23:54 - 26:46 Identify winners by DNA and winning consciousness.26:46 - 29:29:Obsessive people find success in various domains.32:00 - 37:14: Considering alignment before investing in overpriced companies. 37:14 - 41:05: AI progress with potential misuse concerning.41:05 - 43:11: Founder-led company going public. ------------------------------------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Welcome to The Startup CEO Show with Mark MacLeod. In this episode we are diving into a truly enlightening conversation with none other than Chris Savage, the co-founder and CEO of Wistia.This time, we unpack the deeply rooted values that have shaped Chris's company, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections, personal growth, and integrity in leadership.We also explore into the importance of personal branding in today's social media landscape, with Chris explaining why CEOs should be building genuine profiles that resonate with their community. So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy this in-depth episode. Don't forget to subscribe to learn the best advice from the best startup CEOs.------------------------------------------------------Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Welcome back to the Startup CEO Show with Mark MacLeod. In this episode, we dive deep with Jason Smith, CEO of Klue, into the gritty details of building and leading a tech company in the Competitive Enablement space. Connect with his story as we unravel the nuanced strategies of convincing C-suite executives of your product's value, the science of proving ROI through innovative attribution models, and the brave new world of AI's integration in business operations.Whether you're a startup CEO, a product marketer, or just someone passionate about the intersection of technology, leadership, and growth, this is an episode packed with wisdom you won't want to miss. So plug in and get ready to take notes - this is Startup CEO Show.---------------------Key moments:00:00 - 04:21 How AI is facilitating the transition from raw intel to insight.04:22 - 08:48 Networking and promoting innovative thinkers for change.08:50 - 14:01 In a world with competitive radar, investors see potential.15:35 - 19:01 Comparing sellers' adoption of clue for sales.19:21 - 22:00 Focusing on building culture and customer satisfaction.22:08 - 24:40 Productivity at home, missing human connection.24:43 - 29:50 Leaders learn from mistakes, delegate for growth.30:00 - 33:01 Experience navigating VC world during COVID challenges.33:10 - 36:10 Harnessing competitor data, leveraging AI for insight.36:14 - 38:01 Platform insight still needed for specific competitive edge.41:11 - 45:01 CEO key advices on managing and growing a SaaS company45:02 - 48:15 Balancing work and family life with focus.------------------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Welcome to the Startup CEO Show, where we dive deep into the heart of startup leadership and growth. In this episode, join our host Mark MacLeod as he engages on a thrilling conversation with Notch's CEO, Jordan Huck, regarding the critical decisions and pivots that shape a startup's journey.We will explore the dynamic world startup leaders navigate daily and take a closer look at the challenges faced by companies as they brave new markets. We'll also focus on the relevance of sales and venture capital savvy in the Canadian startup scene.From discussing the emotional rollercoaster of passionate leadership to the cutthroat venture capital markets, we tackle the nuances of growth, value alignment, and the crucial need for personal growth outside one's comfort zone. Get ready to aprehend valuable lessons from a resilient startup CEO! And don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this.----------Chapters:00:00 - 8:50 How to face challenging times while building a startup09:00 - 18:00 Honest journey, relationship building, finance automation.18:33 - 30:00 Adaptation is vital for business survival.30:09 - 45:00 Raising venture capital fuels growth.46:20 - 48:00 Challenges drive success, belief in ethical leadership.-----------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Welcome back to the Startup CEO Show, where we delve into the minds and experiences of successful startup leaders! In today’s episode, we're joined by Aydin Mirzaee, CEO of Fellow.app, a company on a mission to make meetings more productive. Tune in as Aydin shares his journey from bootstrapping his first startup to a stellar exit, and the shifts in his entrepreneurial approach since diving into the world of venture capital. Our host, Mark MacLeod, explores practical tips from Aydin on schedule management, energy audits, and embracing the unconventional. For an insightful blend of big-picture dreaming and operational tactics, this episode is a must-listen for every high-growth CEO out there! And don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this!Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Welcome back to the Startup CEO Show! In this episode, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Kyle Braatz, founder and CEO of Fullscript. From competitive hockey to shaking up the healthcare industry, Kyle's path exemplifies the crossover between sports and entrepreneurship, highlighting the power of teamwork and competitive spirit.We'll uncover the inner workings of building a billion-dollar company, Fullscript, which is revolutionizing whole person medicine by championing natural alternatives. Kyle shares the strategic choices that set Fullscript apart – shunning venture capital, focusing on a niche market, and prioritizing capital efficiency and organic growth.Stay tuned as we skate through the highs and lows of startup growth, strategic investment decisions, and the qualities of empathetic leadership with Kyle Braatz. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established CEO, you won't want to miss the wisdom Kyle drops on this episode of the Startup CEO Show.Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this.Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

In this new episode, our host Mark MacLeod sits down with Robbie Bent, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Othership, a transformative space that combines sauna, ice baths, breathwork, sound, and community to redefine wellness in urban settings. Bent's innovative approach to tackling loneliness and fostering genuine connections in major cities through unique physical experiences is nothing short of revolutionary.Robbie Bent's story is not your average entrepreneurial tale. With a background marked by personal challenges, including a battle with substance abuse, Bent's mission with Othership is deeply personal. His commitment to creating a healthy, inclusive space where individuals can meet, heal, and grow together is the foundation of Othership's rapid growth trajectory. Bent's insights into the power of community, health, and wellness as tools for transformation are both inspiring and instructive.Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this.Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/