The Jess Larsen Show on Innovation & Leadership

In this episode, Spencer Skates, CEO of Amplitude, reveals how product analytics provide a window into user behavior, enabling companies to create better digital experiences. Discover the insights that helped Amplitude grow to a $1.4 billion market cap and learn how you can leverage analytics to drive your product's success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go behind the scenes of how Gary Kusin systematically built Babbage's, which later became GameStop, into a market leader and how Gary led a major turnaround of Kinko's, taking EBITDA from -$11M to +$180M in just 3 years. Learn how he made difficult decisions like closing stores and reducing headcount, while aligning the team around new leadership principles and business lessons learned directly from iconic leaders like Fred Smith of FedEx, Jack Welch of GE, and Ross Perot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the key principles of the venture mindset is the ability to say no to seemingly good opportunities in order to maintain flexibility. In this episode, Stanford professor Ilya Strebulaev explains why venture capitalists turn down over 100 deals for every investment they make and how this approach can benefit your own decision-making process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dave Batstone shares his insights on the potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel source for vehicles. Discover how companies like Hydro Energy are working to convert existing diesel engines to run on hydrogen, reducing carbon emissions by up to 50%. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in building a hydrogen distribution infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Innovation & Leadership, Jess welcomes Yushiro Kato, founder and CEO of CaDDi See how CaDDi’s innovative software is transforming the procurement process in the manufacturing industry. By focusing on the needs of procurement officers, such as cost reduction and supplier consolidation, CaDDi has developed a powerful tool that helps companies identify pricing inconsistencies and drive down costs. Learn how this technology can streamline your procurement processes and improve your bottom line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Brant Pinvidic transformed his life from feeling stifled in Canada to achieving remarkable success in the U.S. entertainment industry. Learn the secrets behind his journey and how to present your ideas with clarity, confidence, and a deep understanding of your audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to succeed in Hollywood? In this inspiring episode, Justin Bursch shares the personal qualities and mindset that have helped him thrive in the movie industry. From persistence and passion to finding your niche, discover the keys to unlocking your potential as a movie producer. Justin discusses the importance of finding the perfect writers, directors, and actors to bring a story to life. Learn how to assemble a dream team that can take your movie from good to great. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune into a fascinating discussion on "Innovation and Leadership," where we're joined by Jack Reins, an inspiring young editor and Columbia MBA student making waves in the finance sector. Featuring co-host Ted Merz, we uncover the evolution of business communications and the role of digital media in shaping financial discourse. Jack shares his journey from starting the "Young Money" blog out of necessity to becoming a sought-after voice in financial media, and now, landing a pivotal role at a renowned financial company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the inspiring story of entrepreneur Damion Lupo, who bounced back from losing $20 million to build multiple $100M+ businesses. Learn how shifting his focus from money to mission and purpose helped him persevere through setbacks and achieve massive success. Damion shares valuable lessons on narrowing focus, building genuine relationships, and creating unique products that deeply resonate with the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve Munford, CEO of Trulioo, reveals the key factors behind the company's impressive $1.75 billion valuation and shares insights into the complex world of digital identity verification. Trulioo's platform aims to reach 5 billion people across 195 countries, performing 200 million verifications annually. Discover the challenges and opportunities in establishing trust and enabling global commerce in the digital age. Learn how Trulioo navigates the ever-changing landscape of regulations, fraud prevention, and user experience to provide secure and seamless identity verification solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices