The Silicon Valley Podcast

Tyler Marin, CPA https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinktyler/   Have you ever felt like your business is capable of more but just can't seem to break through to the next level? I'm Tyler, and I turn those "almost there" businesses into flourishing success stories. With more than two decades in finance and entrepreneurship, I specialize in propelling businesses with revenues between $1 million and $15 million to new heights. My Approach: One Clear Path Imagine a system so clear and effective that your business's financial uncertainties turn into milestones of success. That's One Clear Path for you. It's a six-step journey tailored to stabilize and amplify your cash flow. Our monthly color-coded scorecard (green for thriving, yellow for caution, and red for critical areas) simplifies complex financial data, ensuring we're always moving forward. How I Propel Your Business: * Transforming inconsistent cash flow into a consistent positive cash flow * Cultivating financial strategies for both short-term and long-term goals. * Elevating your profit margins beyond just 'good enough'. * Aligning your business's financial trajectory with your personal vision. * Streamlining financial processes for efficiency and innovation. * Strategic financial forecasting to prepare you for what's next. * Personalized, experience-backed advice to tackle your unique business challenges. My Credentials: * Founded a CPA firm to grew to 200 clients that led to a successful exit. * Grew a staffing firm from $5 million to a $25 million in revenue that led to a successful exit. * Served as a financial leader in a major non-profit organization. * Active associate board member at a Northern California Credit Union. * Advisory roles in multiple multi-million dollar companies.   Jane Beule https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebeule/ Founder and CEO, Griffin Black, Inc. | NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Over the years I have worked on Wall Street and I have worked in tech, but it is my current job that I find most fulfilling. Griffin Black, the company I founded in 2001, is a Registered Investment Advisor. We bring together a love of finance and passion for leveraging technology to help individuals and families make the most of their money and live the kind of lives that they envision. Delivering great financial advice and service, however, requires more than good tools and technical expertise. It takes a real understanding of each individual client’s values, personality, and long-term goals. This human element is what distinguishes a great advisor from the pack, and what enables the creation of a personal financial strategy that has the potential to be implementable and fulfilling, as well as financially sound. Are you hesitant to talk to a human advisor because you think it will be too expensive? (Hint: it needn’t be.) Are you looking for financial support and advice that is truly you-centric? Are you overwhelmed and confused by all of the automated financial tools and investment choices that are being pitched to you these days? If so, we’d be happy to hear from you.   Sheri Pan, CFP® https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheripan/   As the founder and CEO, Sheri brings her breadth of knowledge as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner to clients, so they can make informed decisions when planning their financial future. Also, her Master’s Degree in Taxation gives her a unique advantage to advice on tax planning. Her many years of experience and education offer her clients many benefits, as Sheri is able to tackle multifaceted tax situations and minimize liabilities. This enhanced expertise makes her an asset to those seeking in-depth tax advice during their careers, before and after retirement, and while they form estate plans. Prior to founding Pantheon Wealth Planning, Sheri Pan took a position at Morgan Stanley. Before long, she realized that while she enjoyed asset management, something was missing in her work. Instead of serving clients through a one-dimensional approach, she came to appreciate the value of building a comprehensive and personalized financial plan to address all of her client’s needs. Sheri’s primary focus is to work with high net worth individuals and families, business owners, executives, and pre-retirees. She’s also a specialist in small business succession planning and employee benefit plans. Her primary role is to be your personal CFO, affording you a stress-free and simplified financial portfolio. Sheri H. Pan is an LPL Registered Representative with and securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.For hyperlinks to FINRA and SIPC, please refer to website section above. Third-party posts found on this profile do not reflect the view of LPL Financial and have not been reviewed by LPL Financial as to accuracy or completeness. She may only discuss and/or transact business wih residents of the following states: AZ, CA, MD, OH, TX, UT, VA, and WI. Financial planning offered through Pantheon Wealth Planning, a Registered Investment Advisor and a separate entity.   Anna Vorontsova https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-vorontsova-65a4213b/   CFA Candidate (level I, June 2016) Business Evaluation, Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance, Financial Planning Master in Economics (2012, Moscow, Russia)   We talk about   Let's start with each person on the panel giving a 30-second intro on who they are and their focus. If someone is looking to sell their company, how long in advance should they start to prepare? Is one year enough time, or how long? What needs to be done before one decides to put one’s company up for sale?  In each of your professions, how would you help a seller prepare?  How long beforehand would this take place? How does waiting to talk to a financial planner or anyone else on the panel impact the sellers’ options? What key questions should a wealth advisor ask a seller about their transaction when they talk? Why is the pre-deal valuation important, and what does it involve? What are the steps business owners can take pre-deal to reduce taxes during transactions?  How can valuation help with that? How does one “clean up” their financials? What are some accounting “tricks” the business owners might try to play to make their financial numbers look better? From working with clients or personal stories. With an exit, do you ever hear people saying that they wish they had prepared more, that they wished they had done things differently? We talked about preparing for a sale in many areas, but what about the mental and emotional areas that one needs to prepare? How does this come into play when preparing a business? Considering the unique dynamics involved, how do you approach preparing a family-owned business for sale? What story can you share that has a lesson that our audience can take away with them?  

 Show notes for Amman Ahmed. Amman Ahmed is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in e-business, venture-backed startups, and brand building. With a keen eye for identifying market niches and driving business growth, Amman brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.   Background   The Story of "Petflix", a crazy idea born in Manchester and acquired in Hollywood for 8 figures. Founded by Amman Ahmed, who built 'The 'Netflix for Pets' - relaxing Music and TV created in house based on 8 years of research. RelaxMyDog and RelaxMyCat are the two brands now consumed by 50 million pets around the world.   With an insanely wild idea, Amman would get laughed at by investors so his only option was to use his own money of £1000 to get this idea off the ground in a lean way.    By creating his own researching, his own team of international producers and marketers. He scaled the business to a multiple million pound international business without investors. Until catching the eye of a major Rap/Hip-hop record label in Hollywood who went on to buy the business.    RelaxMyDog and RelaxMyCat was a side hustle for years while he was the founder of another VC backed music discovery app that failed.    He has experience both sides of the coin, VC backed founder and a bootstrapped founder.    Questions and Topics covered   Can you give us a brief overview of your career journey leading up to this point?   What does it mean to be an "E-Business Specialist," and how did your experience in that role shape your entrepreneurial path?   Let's talk about venture-backed versus non-venture-backed businesses. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?   When is the right time for a founder to consider pivoting a business versus closing it down entirely?   What conversations did you have with investors when you knew it was time to step away from a business as a founder?   How did you discover your niche with Roundwaves, and what aspects of that business did you find most rewarding?   Building a business on a platform like YouTube can be challenging. What were your experiences and concerns during that journey?   As a founder, what were the major value drivers of your business that you emphasized to investors?   Can you shed some light on the role of a brand ambassador and how one can secure such a position?   MusicForPets versus Roundwaves—what lessons did you carry over from one venture to the other?   Reflecting on MusicForPets, what aspects of the business do you think could have been improved?   How was the transition period for you when your company was acquired?   What advice would you give to a founder transitioning from business ownership to employment in a larger company? Looking back at your journey, how would you describe yourself personally during each business endeavor?   Lastly, what exciting projects or ventures do you have planned for the future?   Connect with Amman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammanahmed/   https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13000305/la-hip-hop-producer-pet-musician-record-deal.html  

Board Dynamics and Advisory Roles with Louise Broekman In this episode, we dive deep into the world of corporate governance and advisory boards with esteemed guest Louise Broekman. Louise brings a wealth of experience and insights gained from her extensive career in board advisory roles. Here's a breakdown of the intriguing topics covered in our conversation: Introduction to Louise Broekman's Career Louise provides a brief overview of her career journey, highlighting key milestones and experiences that have shaped her expertise in the field. Understanding Board Dynamics We start with the basics, exploring how boards are set up and the distinct roles each member typically plays within the boardroom. Differentiating Observer, Consultant, and Advisor Roles Louise clarifies the differences between observers, consultants, and advisors in the context of a board, shedding light on their respective contributions. Enhancing Board Member Skills and Continuous Improvement Discussing the importance of continuous improvement, Louise shares valuable insights on how individuals can enhance their skills to become more effective board members or advisors. Compensation for Advisory Board Members Louise addresses the compensation aspect, explaining how advisors typically get compensated for their time and expertise. Positive Impact of Advisory Boards on Company Performance We delve into the positive changes expected in a company when an advisory board is performing optimally. Key Distinctions between Private and Public Company Boards Louise outlines the key differences between serving on private boards versus public company boards, providing valuable insights into each setting. Barriers to Joining Large Public Company Boards Exploring potential barriers, Louise discusses qualifications that might hinder someone from joining the board of a large public company. Creating Diversity Within Boards Louise shares insights into the process of creating diversity within a board and its significance for effective decision-making. Success Stories and Impact of Strong Advisory Boards Louise shares a compelling success story where the presence of a strong advisory board led to significant positive outcomes for a company. Evolution of Advisory Boards and Future Trends Reflecting on the evolution of advisory boards, Louise discusses emerging trends and future projections for the role of advisory boards. Challenges for Startups in Managing Advisory Boards We explore unique challenges faced by startups when establishing and managing advisory boards. Assessing Advisory Board Effectiveness and Governance Best Practices Louise provides valuable advice on assessing advisory board effectiveness and optimizing board structures for governance best practices. Practical Steps for Aspiring Board Members Closing on a practical note, Louise offers actionable steps for individuals aspiring to serve on a board in the future. Learn More About Louise Broekman  Louise Broekman | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-broekman/ https://www.advisoryboardcentre.com

Show notes Joe Siencinski 2nd interview https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesiecinski/       My passion is mentoring CEOs and Executive Teams who want to be in control of the growth and expansion of their business. My clients develop and grow in confidence, agility, awareness, and leadership essentials. One thing is for sure, they expand their influence, communicate more effectively, cultivate strong business and personal relationships, and develop a powerful team so the company can focus on exponential growth. WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU: --------------------------------------------------------powerful tools, time-tested processes, and comprehensive resources, I guide my clients to a great business -- one that is achieving optimal success, as defined by them. MY APPROACH: Exponential growth is attainable. My role is to help you strip away the confusion of constantly changing economic, regulatory, personnel, supply chain, and cash flow issues that can cripple a business. I help you dive deep into the bones of the organization – the framework around which you can set the policies, procedures, systems, strategies, tactical plans, marketing initiatives, sales campaigns, hiring & firing processes, and much, much more. Just like building a house, we’ll start with laying the foundation upon which a sturdy, strong, long lasting, profitable, ethical, respected business can be built.       We talk about   The DISC personalities When to raise capital The power of communication and leadership in a business Setting personal goals before business goals AI and how it will impact business owner.   And much more       Connect with Joe   ✅Email me at joe@brainsharecoach.com ✅Schedule a call https://my.timedriver.com/VNTR6 https://www.brainshare.online/pages/3-paths-page    

Ep 217 Silicon Valley and The Middle East with Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards Guests: Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards Topic: Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities for startups in Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia, and how collaboration between these two regions can drive innovation and growth. Intro: Briefly introduce the hosts and the episode's topic. Highlight the expertise of the guests, Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards, in the startup ecosystems of Saudi Arabia and Silicon Valley respectively. Career Journeys and Regional Insights: Invite Fouad and Stephanie to share their career paths and experiences in the startup scene. Discuss the distinct strengths and challenges faced by startups in Saudi Arabia compared to Silicon Valley. Venture Capital Landscape and Investment Strategies : Compare the availability of venture capital and investment opportunities in both regions. Explore the differences in investment styles and priorities between Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia. Discuss the role of angel groups and recent developments in the funding ecosystems. Growth Trajectory and Global Collaboration: Analyze the typical growth trajectory of startups in Saudi Arabia and their preferred expansion strategies. Emphasize the importance of global collaboration and partnerships for startups in today's interconnected world. Discuss the potential benefits and opportunities of connecting startup ecosystems on a global scale. International Collaboration and Initiatives: Highlight existing initiatives or programs in both regions that promote international collaboration among entrepreneurs and tech companies. Share specific examples of successful collaborations between startups from Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia. Regulatory Considerations and Areas of Collaboration: Discuss the regulatory landscape for startups in Saudi Arabia and potential challenges entrepreneurs might face. Identify areas where Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia can collaborate more effectively to drive innovation and growth. Challenges and Success Stories: Invite Fouad and Stephanie to share personal challenges they have encountered in their roles and how they overcame them. Discuss their approach to measuring the success of companies they work with. Share inspiring examples of successful startups that have emerged from Saudi Arabia and the problems they solve. Connecting with the Guests and Conclusion: Provide information on how listeners can learn more about Fouad, Stephanie, and their work. Briefly summarize the key takeaways from the discussion and reiterate the importance of collaboration between startup ecosystems. Additional Questions: Discuss the current emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and its potential impact. Explore the role of universities and research institutions in supporting the local startup ecosystem.   Foaud Alnazawi Bio   https://www.linkedin.com/in/fouad-alnazawi-a1175712/   Foaud is the Managing Director of Lamarka Consulting Services   Lamarka is a consultancy firm that provides range of services; we have been helping visionary leaders to unleash growth and development by Crafting Winning Strategies and Implementing them. Lamarka is a group that has 2 companies; Lamarka Consulting Services and Lamarka 700. We offer range of services for our clients to improve their businesses and take it to the next level. Our purpose is to inspire companies and individuals to achieve their highest potential. Our core values are: Elevation of Standards Dreams, Creativity and Innovation Integrity Encouragement of individual initiatives Stephanie Richards https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieerichards/   Stephanie has 20 years of experience at the intersection of national economic development and innovation ecosystems. She focuses on the strategy, policy, intelligent capital and international connectivity needed to accelerate young innovation and startup environments.  With a background in economics, strategy consulting, entrepreneurship and venture capital, and following nearly a decade as a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) emerging markets and economic development specialist at Monitor Group (subsequently Monitor Deloitte), Stephanie founded her own firm in 2013. She advises and partners with mission-aligned venture capital funds, ecosystem builders, academic institutions and government entities to ensure that pioneering IP, innovation and technologies find a path to international markets and global impact. Stephanie has a particular passion for mentoring researcher-entrepreneurs, building innovator-founder communities, and supporting innovation commercialization and ecosystemic transitions from shallower tech to deeper tech. She serves as an advisory board member, mentor and investor for numerous startups and early-stage companies, and is a business supervisor, guest speaker and regular mentor for entrepreneurial talent at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Having been based in MENA since 2005, Stephanie now divides her time between the GCC, the UK (London and Cambridge) and North America (primarily Silicon Valley), actively working to improve collaboration between the diverse set of innovation communities on all three continents.

Building Your Tribe, Unleashing the Power of a Startup Wolfpack with Michael Devellano Topic: Navigating the entrepreneurial journey, fostering strong communities, and leveraging the power of collaboration. Intro: Introduce Michael and his background in startups, investment, and community building. Highlight his book, "Form Your Pack," as a guide for entrepreneurs to create and empower their own support networks. Building Your Wolfpack: Discuss the core concept of the "Wolfpack" and why it's crucial for entrepreneurial success. Explore the book's goal of equipping listeners with tools and strategies to build their own powerful communities. Cracking the Success Formula: Ask Michael to share his personal insights on the elusive formula for success in the business world. Delve into his unique perspective that goes beyond traditional "hustle" or "innovation." Understanding Keiretsu: Briefly explain the history and unique structure of Keiretsu, a venture capital firm focused on community-driven decision-making. Analyze the pros and cons of this model for both entrepreneurs and investors. YC Meets Wu-Tang Clan: Explore the surprising connection Michael draws between Y Combinator, the prestigious startup accelerator, and the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Discuss the common threads of building strong communities and driving impact through collaboration. Power of Public Building: Unpack the potential benefits and challenges of building your company "in public," as Michael advocates. Explore effective strategies for engaging communities and leveraging transparency for growth. Behind the Board Ape Club: Share Michael's perspective on the phenomenal success of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, a community-driven NFT project. Analyze the key factors that contributed to its rise and the valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs. Optimizing Your Wolfpack: Discuss ideal pack size and strategies for ensuring everyone contributes meaningfully. delve into the process of establishing a shared agenda and aligning individual goals with the pack's mission. Beware the Dark Triad: Explain the concept of the "three dark triad" personalities (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and their potential to harm a pack's dynamics. Offer tips for identifying and mitigating the negative impact of these individuals. Embracing Wrong Decisions: Dive deeper into Michael's powerful quote about accepting the risk of making wrong decisions. Discuss the importance of failing forward and learning from mistakes in the entrepreneurial journey. Connect with Michael: (9) Michael Devellano | LinkedIn  

CEO and bestselling author, Adam Coffey, shares insights on private equity, business growth, and strategic acquisitions. He highlights the importance of unit economics, pricing strategies, and successful acquisitions. His expertise in building high-performance cultures and driving revenue growth is evident throughout the engaging discussion.

Paul Epstein, leadership expert, organizational culture guru, and Founder of Purpose Labs. With nearly fifteen years of experience in professional sports management and business coaching, Paul shares his transformative journey and insights with our audience. Career Journey: A brief overview of Paul's career, from his roles in multiple NFL and NBA teams to his current mission with Purpose Labs. The life-changing transformation at the San Francisco 49ers that led Paul to discover his 'Why' and inspire purpose in others. Navigating Corporate Challenges: Selling for a "losing" team and playing "offense" in a "defense" environment. Insights into a competitive corporate environment and rising up in a challenging workplace. Engaging with Professional Athletes: Strategies for founders to capture the attention of professional athletes or teams. Best practices for founders partnering with celebrities for endorsements. Transition from Sports to Purpose Labs: Reasons behind Paul's transition from the world of sports to founding Purpose Labs. Insights and lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners. Exploring the Book "Playing Offense": Understanding "Most Valuable Decision" (MVD) and its significance. Green-light life vs. red-light life, the "Head + Heart = Hands" equation, and the challenge of a "yellow light" situation. Decision-Making and Confidence Building: The 4 Cs for making better decisions faster. Building unshakable confidence and the role of a growth mindset. CEO Traits and Future Goals: Traits observed in the best CEOs. Paul's goals for the scalability of impact in the coming years. Connecting with Paul: How to learn more about Paul, Purpose Labs, and his impactful work. Additional Insights (if time permits): Faking it until you make it vs. real authenticity. Understanding "breaking the needle." Being at peak performance in business when needed. Discoveries from Paul's podcast interviews with exceptional individuals. Tune in to gain valuable insights on leadership, decision-making, and building unshakable confidence with Paul Epstein. Connect with Paul: LinkedIn

Show notes for Jon Staenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/   The Search Fund Model with Jon Smith   Introduction and Career Background Jon shares insights into his career journey leading up to his current role.   Understanding Search Funds Definition and historical context of search funds in the business landscape.   Risks and Challenges A discussion on potential risks and challenges associated with the search fund model.   Evolution of Search Funds Insight into how search funds are evolving and what excites Jon about their future.   Track Record Overview An overview of the track record and success stories associated with search funds.   Participants in the Search Fund Model Exploring who typically opts for the search fund route, including the backgrounds of investors and operators.   Identification and Evaluation The process of identifying and evaluating potential target companies for acquisition.   Exit Strategies and Timelines Addressing whether search funds have specific exit timelines and the parameters involved.   Due Diligence Insights into how search funds approach due diligence and factors considered in the evaluation of potential acquisitions.   Access to Deals How search fund operators gain access to premium deals and compete with larger institutions.   Why Choose a Search Fund as a Buyer? Common reasons why sellers may opt for a search fund as the buyer for their company.   Seller Due Diligence The due diligence process sellers typically undertake when considering a search fund acquisition.   Value Creation and Growth Plans Strategies employed by search funds to create value and drive growth in acquired businesses.   Investor Involvement Post-Acquisition The level of investor involvement and oversight in the operations of the acquired company.   Management Fee Structure and Incentives Explaining the fund's management fee structure and performance incentives for the search fund team.   Investor Communications How communication is managed with investors and the frequency of updates on the search fund's progress.   Closing Remarks and Contact Information Jon invites listeners to connect and learn more about him and his work.   To learn more about Jon and his insights,   Connec with Jon   https://www.agatehound.fund/ https://twitter.com/AgateHoundFund https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/ jon@staenberg.com   Jon’s bio   Founder / Managing Partner   Jon Staenberg   Jon Staenberg has been an active venture capitalist for over 30 years, serving as a General Partner in three Funds managing over $250 million. He is also a venture partner in three Venture Funds. As an angel investor, Jon has made over 250 investments.   Currently, he is focused on building Agate Hound Fund, a fund for Search Funds. This asset class is relatively unknown but has shown exceptional performance over the past 40 years. Additionally, he spends his spare time working on his vineyard in Argentina, www.handofgodwines.com.   In these intriguing times, Jon has a captivating story to share about what lies ahead and why search funds are the new venture capital.

Shownotes for Emily Ward   Join us for an insightful conversation with Emily Ward, Founder and CEO of AlcaCruz, as we explore her remarkable journey from VP and Chief Technology Counsel at eBay to the helm of her own tech startup.   Key Questions and Topics:   Career Overview: Emily shares a summary of her distinguished career leading up to her current role.   Global Market Expansion: Lessons learned from eBay's expansion into China and global markets. Strategies for fast-growing startups planning to enter new markets.   Intellectual Property for Startups: The importance of intellectual property for startups. Insights on filing patents from a legal and technology perspective.   Mergers and Acquisitions: Emily's experiences on eBay's M&A teams and the importance of a strong legal team. Stories and lessons from assessing and acquiring companies like GSI, Bill Me Later, and Braintree.   Diversity on Boards: Emily's thoughts on diversity on company boards. Considerations for founders when creating a board.   Leadership Wisdom: Wisdom on leadership from Emily's extensive speaking engagements in the tech community.   Transition to Tech Entrepreneurship: Emily's decision to start a tech company instead of a law practice. Insights on women CEOs in the tech startup space.   AlcaCruz Overview: Emily provides an overview of AlcaCruz and the problems it aims to solve.   Tech Readiness for Problem Solving: The intersection of technology and problem-solving for AlcaCruz's mission.   Career Transition Advice: How Emily's corporate experience prepared her for entrepreneurship. Advice for individuals transitioning from well-funded companies to starting their own ventures.   Resources for Women Founders: Insights into resources available for women founders. Personal experiences regarding advantages and disadvantages in Emily's career.   Connect with Emily: Learn more about AlcaCruz and connect with Emily.   Closing: Don't miss this enriching conversation with Emily Ward, where we delve into the nuances of tech leadership, entrepreneurship, and the journey from corporate giants to startup dreams.   Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration!     Connect with Emily   https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysward/ com (Company) com (Company) emilyward@gmail.com   Full Bio:   CompetesTV uses our award winning MultiView tech for video competitions. Creators use their videos to showcase their talents and share contests to grow viewership and revenue streams. www.competes.tv. Launching soon!  AlcaCruz created MultiView video streaming technology that live streams multiple camera views or multiple games (sports, esports, concerts, channel programming, etc.) into one interactive screen. Available in IOS & Android as CruzTV. Emily is CEO of CompetesTV & AlcaCruz. Previously, Emily was Vice President & Worldwide Chief Technology Counsel at PayPal and eBay for many years. Legal tech leader for PayPal’s and eBay’s technologies, products and companies. Legal tech lead on eBay’s M&A teams that assessed and bought GSI ($2.4B), Bill Me Later ($1.2B), Braintree ($800M), and many other companies, as well as divested Skype. Split the IP portfolios for eBay and PayPal during PayPal’s spin-off from eBay. Testified on patent reform before Congressional committee. Successfully resolved bet-the-company lawsuits, including Merc Exchange v. eBay (previous unanimous US Supreme Court decision for eBay). She has won numerous awards, including being recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley (SV Business Journal), one of the Top Women Leaders in Technology Law, one of the World’s Leading IP Strategists, Legal Impact Winner, Multicultural Leadership Award, Legal Momentum Women of Achievement honoree and the Direct Women Board Institute program. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and church, and she and her family are avid dog lovers and currently have 4 rescue dogs at home. They also support the Hope Technology School (a full inclusion school for special needs children).