

The Startup Podcast
Yaniv Bernstein, Chris Saad
A guide to the unique mindset and approach that drives Silicon Valley style disruption.
Build product, raise money, and scale your startup like the best. TSP hosts Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein share practical advice based on decades of experience at Google, Uber, and their own startups.
Build product, raise money, and scale your startup like the best. TSP hosts Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein share practical advice based on decades of experience at Google, Uber, and their own startups.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2023 • 51min
Edu: Product Experiments - Revealing The Science Behind Successful Apps
Discover the secret to successful app evolution through thoughtful experimentation, with insights from Meetup founder Andres Glusman. Learn the importance of testing specific hypotheses, establishing causation, and exploring tools like Optimizely and Adobe Target. Explore the downstream and upstream effects of experiments and how DoWhatWorks is revolutionizing the industry by turbocharging the learning curve. Decode the art of product experiments and uncover the science behind app success.

Nov 4, 2023 • 55min
Edu: Incredible Product Managers - 17 Traits Of Next Level PMs
Are you a product manager, wanting to become or know more about product management or hire one?
Embark on a riveting expedition into the dynamic world of product management as Chris and Yaniv unveil the 17 extraordinary traits that catapult Product Managers to the pinnacle of success.
🎨 Picture this: Product Managers as the User Whisperers, tapping into the deepest needs and desires of their audience.
💡 They're not just guided by buzzwords but wield the power of common sense, keeping it simple and effective.
🖌️ The aesthetic gurus who can tell a visual story and understand the marriage of design and function.
💻 Tech-savvy visionaries, bridging the gap between code and creative vision.
📊 Number crunchers who navigate the sea of data and transform it into insights that shape the future.
🌟 And that's just the beginning! From diplomatic peacemakers to trend-spotters and marathon runners, these Product Managers are the unsung heroes behind your favorite products.
🎙️ Join us for this enlightening episode as we uncover the traits that set apart the best in the industry. Whether you're an aspiring Product Manager or simply curious about the magic behind your favorite products, this episode is a must-listen!
Episode Links:
Subscribe to Chris’ Newsletter where the concept of this episode originated: https://www.chrissaad.com/startupnewsletter
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Oct 26, 2023 • 45min
Edu: Employee Equity - The Essential Value Of Ownership Culture
🌟 Imagine sharing in the triumph and value of a startup's success! It's the magic potion that aligns every employee's heartbeat with the company's vision. Discover why options, with their tantalizing tax benefits, are the darlings of the startup universe but why they can also screw employees.
In this week's electrifying episode of The Startup Podcast, we dive headfirst into the world of employee equity and ESOP with Jason Atkins, co-founder of Cake Equity - a startup that simplifies how startups and scaleups manage equity and stock options globally.
🔑 Startups play the long game, gifting options with a four-year vesting period and a tantalizingly extended expiration date. But, there's a catch - employees need to make their move to claim their stake.
📈 Early birds can score big with 1% equity, but the real treasure is in the communication and tracking tools to unlock its full potential.
🤝 Learn how equity acts as a powerful talent magnet and the secrets to keeping them hooked with timely updates.
❌ Watch out for warning signs of an equity scheme in peril: lack of transparency, communication, or support. A thriving startup culture thrives on shared ownership!
💻 Pro tip: Ditch the manual labor - unleash the true potential of equity with savvy software.
🚀🎙️ Tune in to this eye-opening episode, and master the art of employee equity, the driving force behind every startup's success story!
Episode Links:
Checkout the Cake Equity toolkit discussed in the episode https://www.cakeequity.com/equity-toolkit
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 2min
Replay: Edu: Product & Product Management - Empowering Your Team to Scale w/ Marty Cagan
Marty Cagan, experienced product builder at Hewlett-Packard and eBay, discusses solution risk as the biggest risk for startups, prototyping and the PM solution discovery toolkit, the role of the Product Manager as CEO of the team, empowering product designers, hiring a PM, coaching Product Managers, and the Domain Dogma trap.

Oct 13, 2023 • 43min
Reacts: Palestinian & Israeli Debate War In Gaza
Gaza Strip.
Events are evolving rapidly.
The Startup Podcast is fortunate to be hosted by Chris and Yaniv who’s personal backgrounds provide a unique opportunity to share both sides of the Gaza War.
This is a raw and unfiltered conversation.
We hope this provides a balanced discussion in the midst of the current conversation.
Our thoughts go out to all who have been touched by this tragedy.
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Oct 11, 2023 • 35min
Q&A: When To Quit Your Job, Truth About Patents, Going Global
We’ve received a lot of questions from the last few episodes. It’s time Chris and Yaniv answer them!
This Q&A episode they explore:
When should you quit your day job to go all in on your startup?
When should we raise? We have got advice from VCs to raise early before it gets complicated to show interest in our platform. I’m sitting on the fence whether we should raise it as it takes a bit of agility and liberty away from us but I understand the benefits that the network accelerators/ VCs could bring.
What do you mean by “going global day one”?
Can you identify a specific moment or experience that made you question your purpose in your professional career? How did it influence your path forward?
Is it worth registering patents as a startup when you know you don’t have the financial capacity or the time to chase up potential infringements?
Engineering and highly technical cultures are often hard to orientate towards customer impact and outcomes. How do you build a strong obsession with customers amongst highly technical organizations?
I am slowly getting stagnant from the lens of learning and growth. There isn’t enough manpower due to cost management, and I am spending a lot of my time working on low value work. There is no clear progression and I have not gotten an increment though it’s been over a year. How do I initiate a conversation with my direct report on this topic again? We have chatted about this but there is still no clear direction. How do I bring this up again without appearing like all I care about is growth and increment
Why do investors require an ESOP pool to be created that they are protected from being diluted by? Why is the dilution not shared for future hires, whose objective is to increase the value of all shareholders? Shouldn’t everyone be treated evenly from this dilution?
How do you know when it’s time to pivot? And what’s a pivot? A complete change of direction or just a change in the business model that would slightly change the product and the way you approach sales? What are the real implications of a pivot for a startup and the founders?
Thanks to Nan, Simon, Henry and anonymous submitters for your questions.
*Get your question in for our next Q&A episode:* https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Oct 4, 2023 • 41min
Edu: Lying To Yourself - Do You Really Dare To Be Great?
Are you lying to yourself?
Are you really aiming for greatness?
This week Chris and Yaniv dive deep into the psyche of startup founders.
Discover the harsh truth that a lack of conviction in your vision can lead to self-sabotage, compromising your business through misalignment, poor decision-making, and lost credibility. Are you settling for "good enough," or are you pursuing greatness with unwavering faith in yourself?
In this thought-provoking discussion, learn why being ruthlessly honest with yourself is the key to building a company of meaningful impact. Once your vision is lost, it's challenging to regain that magic. Now is the time to align your thinking and execution.
Join us as we explore how pragmatic decisions driven by conviction can inspire your team to follow your lead passionately. Don't deceive yourself; pursue your vision with courage and alignment to create a company that leaves a lasting mark. The magic of success is within your grasp - are you ready to seize it? Tune in now and embark on a journey of self-discovery and greatness!
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Sep 27, 2023 • 47min
Reacts: Founder Mental Health - Silent Struggles Of Startup Leaders
Today is a very special episode.
This week on The Startup Podcast, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Mike Filbey, founder of Pepper and former co-founder of ButcherBox.
Mike's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He catapulted ButcherBox to soaring heights, amassing over $500 million in revenue. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour of startup success, lay a harrowing truth.
Driven by relentless ambition, Mike pushed himself to the brink, working grueling hours to meet colossal growth targets. But success came at a grave cost – his health. Multiple trips to the ER, with no physical explanation, were the alarming wake-up call that his body and mind had paid the price of extreme stress and anxiety.
In a gut-wrenching twist, Mike chose to walk away from ButcherBox, relinquishing equity for the sake of his well-being. But the battle didn't end there. Depression loomed in the aftermath, and it took three arduous years to rediscover his purpose. A process he is still working on today.
Join us as we delve deep into the profound lessons from Mike's journey. Discover why money and success offer diminishing returns for happiness, and why seeking help and finding your "flow" activities are vital for your mental health. Listen closely for the warning signs of burnout – they might just save your life.
This episode is a profound exploration of the human side of entrepreneurship, that could reshape your perspective on the startup world. This episode is not to be missed. Tune in now!
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Sep 20, 2023 • 42min
Edu: Monetization - Secret To Success Or Highway To Hell?
Is monetization the secret sauce for startup success, or is it a treacherous highway to failure?
Monetization isn't just about making money; it's about proving your product's worth in the market. Chris and Yaniv unveil the perfect timing for startups to take the monetization plunge and why premature monetization can slam the brakes on growth.
Early-stage founders, take note: Discover why proving product-market fit is your North Star. Timing is everything, and monetizing too soon can slam the brakes on your growth.
It's not just about profits; it's about reinvesting wisely. Explore how to navigate the monetization maze, from charging the right customers to leveraging paywalls and mastering enterprise sales.
Dive into the priorities that propel startups from product-market fit to profitability, each stage an essential chapter in your success story.
Remember, this framework isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a compass for your unique startup journey. Don't miss this episode—use it as your roadmap to monetization success!
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/

Sep 13, 2023 • 36min
Edu: Cross-Functional Squads - Critical Org Chart Mistakes To Avoid
Squads - they’re the “it” way to organise cross-functional teams at Silicon Valley-startups. So why do they often not work?
Unravel the blueprint for achieving organizational excellence through effective squads. With squads, teams transform from mere projects to long-term mission owners. These cross-functional squads, comprised of diverse roles and skills, skillfully navigate the balance between self-management and alignment with company objectives.
Leadership steps in as the guiding force, offering vital support for escalation and resourcing needs. Behind the scenes, functions like product and engineering ensure seamless consistency across squads, fostering collaboration and autonomy.
Discover the financial heartbeat of these squads as they are funded based on their missions, igniting innovation and progress. In this episode, we demystify the true metrics of success: outcomes and objectives. Join us this week as Chris and Yaniv explore the evolution of teams into autonomous, accountable units, all with the guidance and backing of leadership.
The Pact
Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:
Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app
Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Follow us on YouTube
Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following
Key links
Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg
Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A
The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show
Learn more about Chris and Yaniv
Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/
Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/
Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/