Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders (ETL)

Shai Agassi discusses his entrepreneurial journey from the enterprise software industry to his current work in clean energy. In the process, he describes the "physics of startups", drawing parallels between principles of business and the laws of physics. He emphasizes the importance of acting on an idea before it's adopted by the mainstream and navigating the inevitable uncertainties that can result in success or failure.

Mark Jung, former internet CEO and entrepreneur, discusses the personal and professional challenges in the five phases of a startup. Jung explores these phases, namely inception, growth, setback, rejuvenation and transition. He advises that the first stop is not the last stop, and an entrepreneur should continuously share confidence and faith with the organization while facing challenges.

Dr. William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense discusses lessons in leadership reminding us that a pivotal point in management is realizing that "It's your ship" and your own "crew". Perry draws parallels from his experience in business as an entrepreneur and in the government in various critical technology development roles and most recently as the Secretary of Defense (1994-1997). Perry ends with an incisive management principle applicable both in the corporate world and the government - "Take care of your troops and they will take care of you."

Prominent industry leaders team up with Stanford Faculty to discuss entrepreneurial solutions to problems in the areas of international affairs, human health and the environment. They tackle world issues from a global and technical perspective beyond the usual bureaucratic approach with a special focus on developing nations.

Steve Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Co., provides an overview of the life sciences industry, reflecting on insights he has gained throughout his career. Along the way, he shares his laws of survival and anecdotes that relate the keys to his success in the areas of biotechnology, venture capital and merchant banking.

Greg Waldorf, CEO of the online matchmaking service eHarmony.com, describes the essential components of a successful entrepreneurial career. He believes that working with great people, taking risks, adaptability, passion and timely execution of plans can lead to success for entrepreneurs. He draws parallels between the satisfaction found through finding the right career path and a fulfilling relationship.

In this candid entrepreneurial narrative, Reid Hoffman describes his journey from academia to PayPal, to finally founding the professional networking site LinkedIn. Hoffman suggests that to be a successful entrepreneur you have to take risks where others wouldn't and be willing to deviate from the beaten path.

Ray Lane, General Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Ron Bloom, CEO of PodShow, describe their relationship in building an online media entertainment company focused on meeting the fast-changing demands of today's web users.

Tien Tzuo, Chief Strategy Officer for Salesforce.com, describes seven lessons for transforming an enterprise software business from a traditional direct sales model to one which leverages the internet to produce in-bound sales. He stresses the awareness cycle for Salesforce.com's products, free-trial offers, onion-based product design and the continuing importance of events in the complex enterprise software industry.

Janice Roberts, General Partner at Mayfield, discusses how Mayfield is going global and carefully evaluating opportunities in countries like India and China. She stresses the importance of accessing the needs of young customers who are embracing new technologies at an extremely fast pace and demanding more products and services.