Italian entrepreneur Carlo Vivaldi has led a diverse and dynamic life. Despite his initial aversion to banking, he ended up working in the industry for nearly three decades, eventually reaching the C-suite of a trillion-dollar behemoth. He shares personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight the role of chance in shaping one's career trajectory and emphasizes the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities. Despite his success, Vivaldi eventually left the corporate world behind to pursue his passions. Combining his love for people, innovation, and transformation, he embarked on a new journey as an entrepreneur. Vivaldi now focuses on a venture that aligns with his genuine interests. Through his varied experiences and determined spirit, Carlo Vivaldi continues to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Key Quotes Becoming a Global CEO: "I've been growing the organization up to the level of being almost the global CEO in the last round two times, and then has been chosen in both cases and external." 00:01:40-00:01:55 "Many things are happening because you are there in that moment and because you are there in that moment is because you decided to focus on that specific thing…when things happen by chance like this one, then I value more because it means that I was open to listen or to see an opportunity and it was not pushed by anyone but it was going to happen because of destiny." 00:06:05-00:06:23 The Importance of Choosing the Right People Around You: "And so I always told my daughters, I have two daughters, that the most important thing in life is to learn who to choose around you. Because if you are able to choose the proper people around you, then you are safe. And to choose the right people, it's something that school is not telling you how to make this selection. And this is the most important decision you have to do in life, choosing the right people around you." 00:14:44-00:15:09 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Victor Brailiou's career has spanned a vast array of experiences and roles, from working as a Strategy Consultant for Monitor Deloitte in Dubai to volunteering as a business coach in Philadelphia. His time in Dubai allowed him to gain valuable insights into the cultural, art, and tourism sectors and develop effective solutions to unique challenges. As a volunteer business coach with SCORE in Philadelphia, he has dedicated himself to helping local small businesses thrive. Key Topics Art Commissioning Start-up Journey: Victor walks us through the thrilling trajectory of his art commissioning platform, highlighting its inception, funding, growth, challenges, marketing strategies, pivot attempts, and eventual shutdown. Supporting Small Businesses & Cultural Insights: Hear how Victor's passion for supporting local economies led him to coach small businesses in Philadelphia and learn about his unique experiences in the Middle East, shedding light on how these varied cultural encounters shaped his business approach. Lessons Learned & Future Possibilities: Victor shares crucial lessons from his venture's failure, emphasizing the need for organic growth and cost-effective customer acquisition. He also highlights potential opportunities within the massive $70 billion art industry. Consultancy Experiences & Quantifying the Intangible: We explore Victor's consultancy background, delving into the difficulties of quantifying the economic value of art in data-limited regions. Victor shares his creative problem-solving approaches and his experience across various business stages, demonstrating how structured thinking can be applied in subjective business areas. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

In this episode, we have with us two extraordinary individuals, Rafaell Caldas and Zach Krumholz, co-founders of Long Horizon Partners. These ambitious Columbia MBA graduates took the leap immediately after graduation and plunged headfirst into starting a traditional search fund. Zach, a Yale grad, transitioned to the high-stakes environments of Goldman Sachs and Crestview Partners before joining Columbia Business School. It's here he met Rafaell, a Rio native with notable stints at Boeing, Shell, and Bain, as he pursued his MBA. Together, they share their vision of identifying growth-oriented companies with high resilience, barriers to entry, and returns on investment. They speak about their future plans as co-CEOs, their commitment to their chosen business, the cultural perspective they bring to the table, and their preferred company culture. Key Quotes The Impact of Small Businesses: "So my godfather had a small restaurant. My older brother, as I mentioned, has started his own real estate brokerage firm. And so we know the impact that a small business can have in one's life and in the community and in people's careers." 00:07:57-00:08:13 Learning from the Field: "I think it was the first time that I realized that when you're sitting on a desk, and you're designing something, or you're coming up with ideas, you can never truly appreciate how hard it is to implement those ideas. Until you go down to the factory shop like I had to do and talk to the people, the operators in the factory and really understand that your drawing doesn't make sense or the sequence of assembly that you put together. It's not feasible." 00:18:11-00:18:35 Growing Leaders: "The most exciting thing about leadership to me is seeing people grow." 00:25:00-00:25:04 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Joh Olson began his career in healthcare, starting as an operating room nurse and working his way up to upper administration. He retired from Stanford Healthcare after successfully contributing to the construction of a children's and adult hospital. As his wife led their e-commerce company, Joh joined as the COO and helped it grow. He then ventured into real estate, investing in residential and commercial properties in the (San Francisco) Bay Area. He also had a stint as a venture capitalist before realizing his passion for being an operator. Joh invested in a healthcare software company, became its COO, and successfully scaled it up. Now, he focuses on serving other proven leaders, providing coaching and support to help them accelerate their growth and transition into leadership roles. Joh shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences as a member of multiple peer groups, including the prestigious TIGER 21. joe@peoplefirst.team Timestamps [00:00:43] Joh's healthcare background, transition into ecommerce, venture capitalism, and servant leadership in current work. [00:05:56] Bravery, community, and opportunity define American culture. [00:10:54] Peer groups: Vistage supports problem-solving for executives, while Tiger 21 aids wealthy individuals in managing wealth and family dynamics. [00:17:52] Peer groups and classic coaching for navigating business. [00:20:25] Blind spots, Black Swan events, and group decision-making. [00:26:35] Choosing the right group requires research. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Emma Richmond is an experienced business professional with over 20 years of industry knowledge. Her career began in London, UK, where she specialized in PR and marketing. In 2004, Emma relocated to Vancouver and continued her work in PR and marketing. However, she soon ventured into entrepreneurship and co-founded a market research business that achieved impressive success. This endeavour provided Emma with invaluable learning experiences and paved the way for her current role as the chair of a TEC CEO Forum. Joining the TEC Canada community in September last year, Emma has been diligently building her group and embarking on an incredible journey in the world of technology. Timestamps [00:02:18] Entrepreneur turned coach finds support in tech. [00:03:53] Neuroplasticity and good habits lead to positivity. [00:07:11] Business leader with helpful nature helps others. [00:12:38] Psychological safety and openness encourage innovation. [00:15:11] Teams need coaching and monthly workshops. [00:16:36] Cognitive bias: Ask questions, learn, be curious. Key quotes: Cultural Differences: "Yeah, it was quite a different experience, that's for sure. My parents are British, so I moved over there sort of naively thinking I would understand the culture and fit right in, but it was really quite different." 00:01:29-00:01:40 Lonely at the Top: "And in that, there was definitely that sense of lonely at the top. I really, really needed and wanted some people just to turn to for support questions and have an impartial ear. And that was very, very hard to find." 00:02:39-00:02:54 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership: "I think a certain amount of vulnerability as a leader is very powerful. Sharing some of the issues and struggles and some degree of transparency can be incredibly beneficial to building a culture of honesty, inclusion, collaboration and trust." 00:11:50-00:12:05 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Warren Jonas is a dynamic entrepreneur known for balancing business success with family life. He co-founded Wild & Stone, addressing environmental issues by transforming everyday items into sustainable products. Starting with eco-friendly toothbrushes, their catalog now boasts 110 products sold globally. Warren's marketing acumen and dedication to sustainability have driven the brand's expansion and product innovation, overcoming challenges to establish a unique, eco-friendly range across China and India. wildandstone.com jonaspartners.co.uk Timestamps 0:01:56 - Warren describes the founding of Wild & Stone, its eco-friendly vision, and its mission to eradicate single-use items. 0:03:31 - Warren outlines their goal to be known as a luxury eco-friendly brand providing sustainable household item alternatives. 0:06:27 - Warren highlights the key role of manufacturers in product creation, advising to stick with the good ones. 0:08:02 - Warren defines the product development timeline, ranging from six months to a year. 0:13:44 - Warren shares his early interest in property investment, leading to his property business, Robert Lloyd, specializing in UK properties and managing global Airbnb locations. 0:16:11 - Warren recounts his 13 years at Rackspace, roles in operations, and initiatives across Europe, including launching OpenStack in the EMEA market. 0:18:39 - Rackspace's partnership with NASA and the creation of OpenStack, the cloud launch was Warren's most memorable project. 0:22:03 - Google Migrations Partner of the Year Award in 2018. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

While at Harvard Business School, Greg Geronemus discovered the concept of entrepreneurship through acquisition, particularly the search fund model. This idea resonated with him, as he saw it as a way to utilize his expertise in private equity and jumpstart his journey toward running his own business. He recognized that the chances of success were higher in this route. This discovery sparked a love for the concept of entrepreneurship through acquisition, leading Greg on a path to becoming a successful entrepreneur. footbridgepartners.com Timestamps [00:01:38] Goldman Sachs job led to entrepreneurial path. [00:05:06] Unexpectedly stumbled upon and acquired tour operator. [00:08:44] Struggled with everything, but learned a lot. [00:10:29] Early entry into Cuba and Egypt, impactful business growth. [00:15:08] Footbridge: Search fund turned investing partnership [00:18:08] Key considerations for searchers during fundraising. [00:22:08] Hybrid model for business; flexible and supportive. [00:25:04] Gender diversity in search stubborn, needs change. Entrepreneurship through acquisition growing, but challenges. Uncertain future with increasing number of searchers. Key Quotes Evolution of a Business Model: “Being able to take what was strictly a B2C business…and build up more of, I guess, what we considered to be a B2B2C model that didn't exist before we bought the business. Selling into universities, selling into retirement communities, chambers of commerce, starting a new business line from scratch that became pretty sizable." 00:11:53-00:12:29 Finding the Right Investor Group: "I would think about really interviewing your investors as much as they are interviewing you and really thinking about what you want and what you think you might need in an investor group and not being afraid to ask hard questions about how investors support searchers." 00:18:08-00:20:13 Accelerator and Traditional Search Investor: "Our model is sort of a hybrid between accelerator and traditional search investor in the sense that I think we draw a lot of inspiration from accelerators in how closely that we work with searchers, the support that we provide, the engagement that we provide." 00:22:08-00:23:28 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Shaun Stimpson is the CEO of Mitten Fluid Power Corporation, a distributor of hydraulic pneumatic and fluor connector products in upstate New York. He acquired the business in December 2022, following an extensive search for a business to buy. Prior to entering the fluid power industry, Stimpson spent over 20 years in the wealth management space, working as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and holding various management positions. In his first six months as CEO, Stimpson has successfully navigated the transition, building trust with the existing leadership team and implementing strategic investments to drive growth. Although the previous owner has stepped back from day-to-day operations, Stimpson has maintained a relationship with him and continues to seek his advice and guidance when needed. Shaun's strengths in leadership shine through as he articulates his vision and builds trust with the team. In this episode, we get insights into his individual approach, taking the time to get to know each team member and even working in the warehouse to understand the grassroots of the business. Shaun's story is inspiring and provides valuable lessons for those considering a career change. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Colin McWhinnie believes that many people have misconceptions about creativity, often associating it solely with idea generation. However, he argues that creativity is really about bringing ideas to life and ensuring they provide value. This unique perspective sparks inspiration and encourages others to see the importance of putting their thoughts into action. In this episode, we dive into the world of startup wisdom with the founder & CEO of Canada StartUp and co-founder of Sales Primer, exploring the importance of being lean and nimble in the business world, especially in times of rapid change. Innovation doesn't always have to be drastic; incremental positive changes can make a significant impact. We also discuss the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize innovation and data analysis. We uncover the benefits of releasing products early to test the market and the importance of helping employees understand the impact they can make in their roles. We explore the power of collaboration, constructive criticism, and creating a positive work culture. Join us in this episode of Horizon Search as we gain insights from an innovation consultant and explore the exciting world of startups and entrepreneurship. Timestamps [00:02:23] Helping startups sell their innovative ideas. [00:05:31] Working with innovative companies solving real problems. [00:09:19] Creativity lost in education, need for change. Impact empowers and motivates employees. Implementing changes can transform a company. [00:12:02] Empowering people leads to unlimited options. [00:17:20] Collaboration and challenging ideas for creative success. [00:20:35] Back to basics, market research, hard work. [00:22:49] Start small for success in the market. [00:26:29] AI adoption increasing, potential paradigm shift, cautious approach. [00:29:51] Empower staff, explain impact, embrace innovation. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

On this episode of Horizon Search podcast, we delve into the world of financing business acquisitions and unlocking dreams with an expert lender. Our guest is Lisa Forrest, Head Sponsor Finance/Search Fund Lending at Live Oak Bank, the number one SBA lender in the United States. Lisa shares her insights and experiences in helping entrepreneurs acquire companies. Exploring the business acquisitions terrain, we debunk myths about mid-career professionals being late entrants and spotlight the advantages of their solid backgrounds. Lisa Forrest sheds some light on the recent shifts in SBA lending, including more flexible financing and provisions for partial buy-ins. She guides budding entrepreneurs through the nuances of self-funded versus traditionally funded searches. With her weekly sessions on SBA's perks, such as lower down payments, Lisa emerges as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dive into this episode for vital insights on acquisitions, finance, and the entrepreneurial journey championed by experts like Lisa Forrest. Live Oak Bank assists traditional searchers, responsible sponsors, and self-funded searchers. Lisa organizes office hours every Wednesday at 8 AM Pacific Standard Time to educate curious newcomers on the vibrant world of self-funded searching. Key Quotes SBA Guarantees: "The idea is that the US. Small Business Administration actually guarantees a portion of the bank lender's loan that they are giving and providing to the business acquirer." 00:02:08 - 00:04:40 SBA Rule Changes: "They've changed the rules where you still need 10% down on the total project cost. You still need 10% down, but now the buyer's equity can be as low as two and a half percent." 00:08:37 - 00:11:40 The Future of SBA Loans: "I just see the runway as just being strong. It's going to continue. It's going to have momentum around it." 00:20:59 - 00:22:36 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.