

The Long Game w/ Elijah Murray
Elijah Murray
Conversations about tech, AI, and startups. Hosted by Elijah Murray.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2023 • 35min
Rich Zazo: CTO-in-a-Box, Pricing Models, and Technical Leadership
Rich Zazo, CEO and Co-founder of Matter Product Studio, discusses their new product CTO-in-a-box, pricing models, technical leadership, and the difference between startups and corporations. They also explore the challenges of finding technical leadership, the limitations of CTO-in-a-box for enterprise companies, and the importance of transparency in business.

Oct 3, 2023 • 51min
Jason Harris: FinTech Mortgage, COVID Impact, and Interest Rates
Jason Harris is the CEO and Co-Founder of Button Finance, a specialized fintech mortgage lender. In this conversation, we explored Button Finance's unique approach, the impact of COVID on their market, and Jason's journey from being an M&A banker to starting his own company. We focus on key topics like the nuances of the fintech mortgage industry, the significance of interest rates, and the challenges of innovation within a regulatory environment.
EPISODE LINKS:
Jason Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonharris7/
Button Finance: https://www.buttonfinance.com/
PeerIQ: https://www.peeriq.com/
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:47) Intro and background
(00:06:21) Entrepreneur vs employee
(00:11:00) Macro constraints
(00:17:42) Support system
(00:21:13) Divergent and convergent thinking
(00:25:52) Regulation & startups
(00:29:28) Defensive Moats
(00:32:41) Mortgage/fintech predictions
(00:37:03) Secondary mortgage markets
(00:45:19) Advice for fintech entrepreneurs
(00:50:47) Closing

Sep 26, 2023 • 1h 18min
Keo Sar: Building Startups, AI Strategy, and The Balkan Ecosystem
Keo Sar is a seasoned startup veteran with over 12 years of deep involvement in various stages of company growth. In this conversation, we explored his experiences in startup ecosystems from Silicon Valley to Serbia, focusing on key topics like building businesses, integrating AI strategies, and the emerging opportunities in the Balkan region.
EPISODE LINKS:
Keo's Twitter: https://twitter.com/keo_sar
Keo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keo-sar/
JICA: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/
Info on Serbia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia
Info on MENA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_and_North_Africa
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:39) Intro and background
(00:01:29) Operator to advisor/investor
(00:06:39) Networking
(00:10:15) On Being Transactional
(00:11:23) San Francisco to Serbia
(00:19:50) Nascent Startup Ecosystems
(00:22:37) Eastern Europe opportunity
(00:26:56) Middle East & North Africa (MENA) startup
(00:33:07) Capital and Innovation
(00:39:44) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(00:46:36) Founder Advice on AI
(00:51:46) Betting on yourself
(00:59:03) Experience shapes us
(01:05:40) Mindset
(01:10:00) Gratitude
(01:16:15) Closing
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Sep 19, 2023 • 1h 6min
Stefan Wirth: Bootstrapped Startups, VC Pitfalls, & AI Bridesmaids
Stefan Wirth, a trailblazer in bootstrapped startups, discusses topics like building in public, the pitfalls of the VC model, and AI writing. He also explores micro acquisitions, getting users and marketing, and his new venture, bridesmaid for hire. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of transitioning from the Silicon Valley model to bootstrapping, marketing strategies for tools, developing a chatbot for speech writing, building software solutions for market pain points, and the importance of diversification and bootstrapping.

Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 25min
Dan Miller: Spora's Vision, Execution in Startups, and Racism in Healthcare
Dan Miller is the CEO and founder of Spora Health. In this conversation, we explored the significance of Spora, emphasizing key topics like its vision, the art of execution in startups, and the challenges of racism in healthcare.
EPISODE LINKS:
Spora Health: https://www.sporahealth.com/
Sivers on Multiplication: https://sivers.org/multiply
Medi: https://themedi.org/
The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment-ebook/dp/B002361MLA
Meditations: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Penguin-Classics-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0140449337
James Baldwin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Baldwin
Principles by Ray Dalio: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:01:01) Intro and Background, Spora Health
(00:02:33) Spora Product Market Fit
(00:08:23) Problem vs. Execution
(00:11:05) Execution is a multiplier
(00:13:34) Storytelling & Startups
(00:18:54) User feedback iteration
(00:22:05) Spora vs. the status quo; why inequities exist
(00:31:22) Vision & Solution
(00:33:52) Who is Spora for?
(00:36:21) Why healthcare?
(00:40:15) Spora Mommas
(00:43:02) Racism and bias in healthcare
(00:49:44) Spora's future
(00:52:41) Thinking in decades
(00:56:19) Being the example I never had
(00:59:29) Finding your purpose
(01:07:37) The discomfort of stillness
(01:10:31) Living in a black body
(01:13:20) How your perceived vs who you are
(01:20:10) Entrepreneurship and self-care
(01:24:32) Closing
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray

Sep 6, 2023 • 50min
Vince Golangco: Building an Online Empire, Entrepreneurship in Manila, and Life Lessons
Vince Golangco is the Founder & Publisher of WhenInManila.com and a serial entrepreneur in Manila. In this conversation, we explored the journey of building WhenInManila.com, the role of luck and timing, and how Vince has diversified his brand into other industries, focusing on key topics like online entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the importance of being present.
EPISODE LINKS:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vincegolangco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincegolangco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincegolangco/
Website: https://www.wheninmanila.com/
Mentioned Book: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Enemy-Great-Kurt-Reece-Peeplez/dp/0977119548
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:38) Intro and background
(00:03:38) Starting WhenInManila.com
(00:05:48) Growth: from blog to business
(00:07:06) The perks, start of a new friendship
(00:10:43) Luck or passion?
(00:13:03) Opportunity is found
(00:15:01) Success
(00:16:12) Adversity and entrepreneurship
(00:18:01) Advice to early stage entrepreneurs
(00:21:36) Staying present
(00:23:54) Location and business
(00:26:43) Growth, investing, diversification
(00:28:34) Social media/personal brand
(00:32:43) What's Next?
(00:35:09) How to slow down
(00:36:41) Be kind
(00:37:54) Seasons of life
(00:39:42) Addiction, video games, motivation
(00:43:05) IRL businesses
(00:49:04) Closing
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Aug 29, 2023 • 48min
Hennesys Disla: Healthcare hardware startups
Hennesys Disla is the founder and CEO of ArmHug, a company that revolutionizes the phlebotomy process with portable kits. In this conversation we explored the complexities of building a physical product, tackled entrepreneurship myths, and discussed the changing face of healthcare. We also touched on the crucial role of relationships and emotional well-being in business success.
EPISODE LINKS:
Guest's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Armhugcare
Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennesysdisla/
Guest's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@armhug
Guest's Podcast: https://apple.co/3qUSsFa
Guest's Website: https://armhug.com/
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:39) Intro and background
(00:00:47) Physical Product Entrepreneurship
(00:02:27) Figure out what you are trying to make
(00:04:10) Prototyping ArmHug
(00:06:27) 3D printing
(00:08:41) Finding your first customer
(00:11:24) Lessons learned
(00:12:31) COVID & Growth
(00:15:48) Future of ArmHug
(00:17:13) Medical insider perspective
(00:18:41) Relationships
(00:20:07) Healthcare 2.0
(00:22:15) Exit strategy
(00:23:16) Entrepreneur therapy
(00:25:18) Relationship + business
(00:27:46) Overcoming fear
(00:30:02) Never enough
(00:31:43) Journey or destination?
(00:32:30) Leading from unhappiness
(00:35:01) Human nature
(00:38:51) Are bad experiences necessary?
(00:41:00) Entrepreneural myths
(00:42:34) Adaptability
(00:43:30) AI
(00:45:28) Final thoughts
(00:46:40) Closing
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Aug 22, 2023 • 1h 40min
Chris DeLorenzo: Art, ambition, and AI
Chris DeLorenzo is a renowned commercial lifestyle photographer from Los Angeles, capturing the profound interplay of light and color. His client list includes Entrepreneur Magazine, Reef, Toyota, Ferrari, Lexus, Jeep, Infiniti, Nissan, Chevy, and Subaru. In our conversation, we explored the world of art, its meeting point with business, the transformative power of AI in creative industries, and the essential principles of growth and dedication. Key topics include the significance of setting boundaries in art, the imperative nature of obsession in success, and the unmatchable value of time in mastering a craft.
EPISODE LINKS:
chrisdelorenzophoto.com
@chris_delorenzo on Instagram
Perpetual Motion
Meditations Audiobook
Midjourney
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:27) Intro
(00:00:46) Entrepreneurship & compounding growth
(00:02:45) Year 5 Inflection Curve
(00:04:11) Finding your voice as an artist
(00:06:15) Are artists entrepreneurs?
(00:07:18) "True art" vs business + art
(00:08:02) Perpetual Motion
(00:11:24) Grit
(00:12:56) Obsession
(00:13:28) Finding "the big why"
(00:15:08) Learn before you teach
(00:16:55) My process
(00:18:15) Equipment doesn't matter
(00:20:56) Finding obsession
(00:23:03) Say no to opportunities
(00:23:57) Everything is time
(00:25:46) Suck, do, repeat, improve
(00:27:00) Art vs money
(00:27:39) What is true art?
(00:28:56) Art needs purpose
(00:30:12) Art needs money
(00:31:33) Art needs constraints
(00:33:17) The non-obvious answer
(00:34:14) Self doubt
(00:36:53) Abundance mindset
(00:39:23) The law of attraction
(00:43:54) Striving vs Being Present
(00:45:44) Living through dead memories
(00:46:40) Stoicism
(00:49:29) Your worries
(00:52:29) Matter Product Studio
(00:54:33) The Matter framework
(00:59:00) How to scale
(01:02:30) Is the risk worth it?
(01:04:25) Try and fail
(01:07:51) Do the work
(01:08:51) Visualization & planning
(01:10:08) Try, fail, try again
(01:10:24) Reflecting on your work
(01:11:46) Unlearning
(01:15:16) Midjourney
(01:17:10) Authenticity
(01:19:57) AI in photography
(01:22:05) CGI
(01:24:28) AI replacing humans
(01:25:28) Beauty
(01:29:05) AI: replace vs enhance
(01:34:40) ChatGPT
(01:38:58) Closing

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 21min
Jared Neutel: Why stealth startups are bad
Spotify Description:
Jared Neutel is the founder and CEO of Neutech, a seasoned product manager, strategist, and entrepreneur. In this conversation, we explored decision-making processes, entrepreneurship, and creative thinking. We dive into starting up, overcoming rejection fears, the interplay of sales and entrepreneurship, and why it’s essential to rapidly iterate and ship products early. We discuss how gamification can enhance products and personal life, the importance of living intentionally, personal growth, and the vital role of relationships in business and life. We also delve into Jared’s approach to running a remote team and how to build a lasting, inclusive culture.
EPISODE LINKS:
Jared's Company: www.neutech.co
Gamification: Wikipedia Page
Barbenheimer: Wikipedia Page
Rate and See: www.rateandsee.com/signin
Unbreakable Book: Google Books
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:00) Intro and Background
(00:00:48) Jared's Rules
(00:03:04) Solution oriented - not always good
(00:05:16) Do decision frameworks kill creativity?
(00:07:12) Big vs small solutions
(00:07:46) Elijah's Rules
(00:09:15) Breaking Rules
(00:12:55) Outside the box & entrepreneurship
(00:17:33) Everybody has a superpower
(00:19:45) Purpose driven work
(00:20:05) Grit, risk, reason, & passion
(00:21:35) Just do it
(00:23:49) Fear of rejection
(00:25:35) Sell before you have
(00:27:33) Validate through cash
(00:30:02) Rapid iterations on client feedback
(00:30:53) Building in stealth is dumb
(00:32:00) Motivation -> action -> result
(00:34:29) Gamification
(00:35:38) Gamification: Example
(00:37:54) The dangers of gamification
(00:38:35) Gamify your life
(00:39:04) Walking for 24 hours
(00:41:54) Hacking your diet
(00:43:36) Living an intentional life
(00:44:34) Overnight oats - Earth Meal
(00:49:42) Lasting change in your life
(00:50:23) Losing 55 pounds through lifestyle changes
(00:52:54) A disciplined life
(00:53:45) Nothing good comes easy
(00:56:31) Support system
(00:57:35) If you succeed, you win; if you fail, you learn
(00:58:59) Personal growth
(01:01:39) Building Neutech on culture
(01:05:16) What culture is
(01:07:26) Finding what works for you
(01:08:57) Finding your tribe
(01:10:42) How to lead remote teams
(01:12:12) Relationships are everything
(01:12:58) Seek others with the same values
(01:15:40) Relationships pt 2
(01:18:25) Success
(01:19:34) Acceptance vs striving
(01:20:08) Closing
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Aug 8, 2023 • 1h 15min
Jon Kinney: The Mistakes Non-Tech Founders Make
Jon Kinney is the Partner & CTO at Headway, boasting over 18 years of experience in web and mobile development. In this conversation, we explored humanity's innate desire for connection through technology, AI ethics, the original vision of an open internet by Steve Jobs, and the power dynamics of progressive web apps vs. native apps. We also touch upon Jon's lessons from building dozens of products, the intricacies of Ruby on Rails, and his experiences at Headway, a leading product studio.
EPISODE LINKS:
Jon's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jondkinney
Jon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkinney/
Headway: https://www.headway.io/
Jon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jondkinney/
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:34) Intro and background
(00:02:24) Human desire to connect
(00:04:33) AI Ethics; Are
(00:07:59) Music, Art, and AI
(00:11:54) Will AI surpass humans?
(00:13:32) AI changing humans
(00:15:18) Progressive Web Apps
(00:20:37) PWAs vs native apps
(00:22:57) When should I go PWA?
(00:25:07) Apple's walled garden
(00:30:10) Advice on building software products
(00:33:30) How to find a trusted tech partner?
(00:38:56) Nontechnical founders
(00:44:28) Ruby on Rails
(00:47:55) Prototyping in code
(00:50:05) Conway's Law
(00:52:47) Rails and Elixir developers
(00:58:17) Consultancy vs startup CTO
(01:01:08) First job as a developer
(01:02:54) Becoming an entrepreneur
(01:06:26) Headway: coworking to cofounders
(01:10:15) Home automation
(01:13:22) Final advice
(01:14:29) Closing
CONNECT:
Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss