Delivering Value with Andrew Capland

Elena Luneva, VP of Product at GoFundMe, opens up about the hard-earned lessons that shaped her leadership journey—from navigating layoffs early in her career to building a business unit from scratch at Nextdoor. In this episode, Elena shares how receiving career-altering feedback about her confidence changed her trajectory, why moving from “being right” to “being effective” became a career mantra, and how she learned to lead through massive uncertainty.Elena opens up about:The feedback that hit her “like a freight train” and what she did nextHow growing up as an immigrant shaped her relationship with vulnerabilityWhy psychological safety and hiring rigor became non-negotiables for her as a leaderThings to listen for:(00:00) Learning tough career lessons through feedback(01:16) Growing up between Russia, Canada, and New York(04:29) Early signs of curiosity and connecting different worlds(07:01) Perfectionism and cultural expectations(11:20) Building a new business unit at Nextdoor(13:39) Processing painful feedback and working with a coach(15:35) The shift from being “right” to being “effective”(29:08) A hiring mistake and its fallout(35:23) How to speak up when it’s hard(40:37) Leading a business unit through the COVID-19 crisis(49:04) What’s missing from a LinkedIn-perfect career story(50:18) How reframing fear helped Elena move forwardThis episode is presented by:Navattic: Interactive Product Demo Software - https://navattic.com/value Appcues: User Engagement for SaaS - https://appcues.com/value Resources:Connect with Elena:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenalunevaSubstack: https://elenaluneva.substack.com/aboutElena’s Maven course: https://maven.com/elena-luneva/business-impactConnect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Substack: https://media.deliveringvalue.coHire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

This episode is presented by:AppUnite: The right dev partner can make or break your product. AppUnite embeds with your team to build apps that scale. - https://bit.ly/3QOKHtTFullstory: Behavioral data that empowers - https://fullstory.com/valueApril Dunford, author and globally recognized expert on product positioning, reflects on her unconventional journey from aspiring doctor to tech executive to in-demand consultant. In this episode, she shares what made her finally walk away from VP marketing roles, how she reinvented her career in her late 40s, and why teaching, not advising, is at the heart of her business today.April opens up about:The burnout and politics that pushed her to “fire herself” and leave startup lifeHow imposter syndrome nearly kept her from recognizing her true superpowerWhat she learned from one of her toughest client sessionsThings to listen for:(00:00) The challenges of a VP of Marketing role(08:14) Breaking into product marketing(09:25) Thank you to our sponsors, AppUnite & Fullstory (12:01) Navigating career decisions and public speaking(19:33) Transitioning to consulting(31:38) The importance of disqualifying bad clients(33:39) Handling political traps in big companies(38:45) Transitioning from startups to big corporations(42:14) The importance of management training(45:47) Navigating layoffs and job security(54:59) Managing up and leadership skillsResources:Connect with April:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildunford/April’s official website: https://www.aprildunford.com/ April’s newsletter: https://www.aprildunford.com/newsletter April’s podcast: https://www.positioning.show/ Connect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Substack: https://media.deliveringvalue.coHire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

Amaan Nathoo is a former VP of Growth turned fractional growth advisor, with deep experience navigating fast-growing startups and the emotional rollercoaster of career transitions. In this episode, Amaan opens up about how a founder’s offhand remark early in a new role shook his confidence, how imposter syndrome shows up in subtle ways, and why he ultimately chose to walk away from a full-time leadership role to build a consulting practice from scratch.Amaan opens up about:- What happened when a founder questioned if he’d ever “built anything”- Why unchecked frustrations almost cost him his job—and how he turned it around- How childhood dynamics and survival mindsets shaped his risk toleranceThings to listen for:(00:00) A founder’s surprising comment and redefining what it means to build(00:22) Meet Amaan: from durable growth roles to going solo(07:14) Learning empathy and resilience through door-to-door sales(09:26) Thank you to our sponsors, Navattic & Appcues(12:24) A failed startup and the founder who believed in him anyway(15:56) The moment Amaan realized his work environment wasn’t working(20:12) Building is subjective—so is value(24:29) Dealing with imposter syndrome and second-guessing yourself(28:50) A recurring early-career mistake: letting frustration fester(43:36) Navigating the decision to leave a role(52:44) Knowing when discomfort is productive and when it’s not(56:06) Time, autonomy, and the dream of doing work you love(59:03) The value of perspective and what makes a truly great leader(01:00:52) Book recs: Trillion Dollar Coach and Principles by Ray DalioThis episode is presented by:Navattic: Interactive Product Demo Software - https://navattic.com/value Appcues: User Engagement for SaaS - https://appcues.com/value Resources:Connect with Amaan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaannathoo/Website: https://revenuegrowth.tech/Connect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Substack: https://media.deliveringvalue.coHire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

This episode is presented by:AppUnite: The right dev partner can make or break your product. AppUnite embeds with your team to build apps that scale. - https://bit.ly/3QOKHtTFullstory: Behavioral data that empowers - https://fullstory.com/valueJohn Bonini, founder of Content Brands, opens up about his early struggles building an audience—before realizing the power of original thinking, consistency, and fully owning his voice. From navigating burnout to taking a bold leap into his own creative studio, John shares how publishing online changed the trajectory of his career and personal life.John opens up about:- The moment that sparked his shift from passive creator to publishing consistently- How being a parent shaped his time management and career goal- The power of being “creatively selfish” and trusting your unique voiceThings to listen for:(00:00) The unexpected layoff(03:17) The power of content marketing(07:39) Thank you to our sponsors, Fullstory & AppUnite(10:15) The Lady Gaga incident(15:38) Navigating career challenges(28:39) The decision to join Databox(34:03) Going solo: The leap to full-time consulting(36:53) First week wins(38:51) Building resilience and overcoming doubts(40:54) Navigating early career challenges(50:53) The importance of preparation(58:55) Handling tough conversations(01:10:40) Building legacy through personal growthResources:Connect with John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbonini/Content Brands: https://www.contentbrands.co/Connect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Free 5 day growth leadership program: https://deliveringvalue.co/growth-leadership-toolkitSubstack: https://media.deliveringvalue.coHire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

Maja Voje, a go-to-market consultant and bestselling author, shares her impressive journey from Slovenia to advising over 800 companies, including Google. She dives into the challenges of knowing when to leave a role and how personal values influence career transitions. Maja discusses the evolution of marketing strategies and the importance of overcoming constraints while maintaining work-life balance. Listeners can expect valuable insights on proactivity, self-reflection, and finding harmony between ambition and personal well-being.

Yue Zhao, a former PM at Meta and Instagram and founder of The Uncommon Executive, shares her journey from feeling overlooked to mastering corporate politics. She discusses the realization that hard work alone doesn’t guarantee promotions. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of building influence and strategically framing her goals. Yue also addresses challenges in early startup roles and the significance of relationships in career advancement, revealing how understanding workplace dynamics can lead to leadership success.

Mackenzie Hughes, Co-Founder of GoldHue and former Product Ops Leader, shares how she navigated career pivots, overcame self-doubt, and ultimately built a business rooted in purpose. From knocking on doors as a political canvasser to leading product teams at high-growth startups. Mackenzie reflects on the pressures of leadership, the identity shifts that come with climbing the corporate ladder, and the moment she realized she had been contorting herself to fit an environment that was never built for her.Mackenzie opens up about:- The gut feeling she ignored when stepping into a leadership role - Why corporate “professionalism” often reinforces bias and how she stopped playing the game- The hard-won lesson that success isn’t about making more money, it’s about aligning with what actually mattersThings to listen for:(00:00) Changing yourself to fit in (02:06) Why Mackenzie values vulnerability and honest conversations (08:45) Early career: Political and nonprofit campaigns (09:10) Thanks to our sponsor, Fullstory(14:30) Overcoming fear of public speaking (23:35) A career low point: Feeling disillusioned in her last role (29:19) A coach’s insight that helped Mackenzie find authenticity (32:32) Enabling the patriarchy vs. staying true to herself (36:29) The challenge of under-resourcing and lack of support (46:38) Losing herself in a money-driven mindset (51:00) Creating a vision board and defining her ideal state This episode is presented by:Fullstory: Surface User Sentiment with Behavioral Data - https://fullstory.com/valueResources:Connect with Mackenzie::LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzierhughes/ GoldHue: https://www.goldhue.co/ Connect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Hire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

Pranav Piyush, CEO and Co-Founder of Paramark, shares the moments that shaped his journey from scaling a YC startup to facing a co-founder breakup and battling imposter syndrome while fundraising. He reflects on the tough feedback that shook his confidence at Dropbox, the mindset shifts that kept him moving forward, and why resilience isn’t just about working harder, it’s about trusting your instincts, staying clear-eyed under pressure, and embracing the uncomfortable moments that lead to real growth.Pranav opens up about:The wake-up call that forced him to rethink how he navigated internal politicsHow his first startup experience ended in heartbreak but led to an even bigger opportunityWhy founders need a “reality distortion field” to sell their visionThings to listen for: (00:00) Pranav discusses his experience with YC and an unexpected rift with his co-founder (03:39) Developing persuasive skills through debate and their benefits in tech leadership (06:29) The accidental start of an entrepreneurial journey with a student job platform (08:05) Thanks to our sponsor Fullstory (10:08) Receiving tough feedback at Dropbox and its personal impact (24:27) The highs and lows of Pranav's first venture and parting ways with his co-founder (38:21) Viewing setbacks as part of the journey to success (39:36) Handling imposter syndrome during a challenging fundraising period (49:18) The role of manifestation and goal-setting in Pranav's life and work This episode is presented by: Fullstory: Surface User Sentiment with Behavioral Data. - https://fullstory.com/valueResources: Connect with Pranav: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranavp/ Paramark: https://paramark.com/Connect with Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Hire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

Tiffany DaSilva – SEO and PPC consultant, Founder of DaSilva Consulting, and educator with programs at McMaster University and Grow Class, shares the defining moments that shaped her career and personal growth.From breaking into the male-dominated tech space to starting her own business after a near-death experience, Tiffany reflects on her journey with honesty and resilience. With 19 years of experience, over 500 websites, and 300 clients under her belt, she opens up about her struggles, victories, and the lessons learned along the way.Tiffany opens up about:Walking out of a toxic unicorn startup and rebuilding her career from scratchThe importance of creating a “Shine Crew” for support and accountabilityHandling harsh feedback and learning to discern what’s worth changingThings to listen for: (00:00) Tiffany standing up for herself after being overlooked (04:36) Joining a unicorn startup and facing cultural clashes (10:28) Thanks to our sponsors, Navattic & Appcues (21:05) Building a “Shine Crew” to create a support network (26:47) Handling tough feedback and deciding what to change (36:20) Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry (47:49) Aligning your business with personal values (53:22) Managing imposter syndrome and rebuilding confidence (56:55) Using mindfulness to reset after tough moments (59:07) Listening to her gut and charting her own pathThis episode is presented by: Navattic: Interactive Product Demo Software - https://navattic.com/value Appcues: User Engagement for SaaS - https://appcues.com/valueResources: Connect with Tiffany: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanydasilva Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetiffdasilva/ DaSilva Consulting: https://www.tiffanydasilva.com/Connect with Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Substack: https://media.deliveringvalue.co Hire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

Austin Hay, co-founder of Clarify, dives into his provocative journey through the hectic startup world and personal loss. He discusses the importance of not taking work too seriously while maintaining ambition and self-care. Hay candidly reflects on navigating grief and how it influences resilience in high-pressure roles. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability and shares valuable lessons from his challenging career transitions. This conversation is a heartfelt blend of professional wisdom and personal insight, perfect for any aspiring founder.