Managing Tech Millions

Ryan Gallego, Founder and Chief Video Architect at Media Pouch, shares his entrepreneurial journey that began at age 17 with a photography business. He discusses financial strategies for tech employees, emphasizing the importance of stock investments and long-term planning. Ryan highlights his transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, revealing how equity can serve as a valuable income stream. Listeners gain insights on managing stock options, negotiating equity, and the critical role of customer obsession in achieving business success.

Episode 56: Learning to Manage Tech Wealth with Fred DeWorkenReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!Frederick DeWorken grew up on a 3-acre poor farm in Amarillo, Texas, and would travel to Santa Cruz, California every summer with his grandmother. In 1989 his step-father bought him his first computer. He has been hooked on "high-tech" ever since. Connect with Frederickhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/data-cloud/In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, host Christopher continues the conversation with Fred DeWorkin, the CEO and founder of Blue Yeti. In this part 2 episode with Fred, he shares his experiences in the Peace Corps, as well as his involvement in IPOs with Tableau and Snowflake. The episode focused into the emotions and significance of going through the Snowflake IPO, offering insights into the world of investing and what it takes to be a successful investor.Fred shares his journey from gaining P&L experience at major tech companies to becoming an investor in various real estate syndications and private companies like data.world. He discusses the emotional rollercoaster of experiencing sudden wealth, particularly during the Snowflake IPO, and the challenges of managing newfound financial success.In this episode, we talk about:Experiencing IPOs with Tableau and SnowflakeOvercoming sudden wealth syndromeImportance of diversification in investmentsBuilding a business legacy and putting people to workFinancial education and wealth-building strategiesEpisode Timeline:00:00:00 - Introduction and Career Background00:00:24 - Podcast Introduction00:00:45 - Guest Introduction: Fred Dworkin00:01:08 - Fred's IPO Experiences00:03:07 - Sudden Wealth Syndrome00:05:09 - Navigating Sudden Wealth00:06:07 - Tax Concerns and Strategies00:08:38 - Building Confidence Over Time00:09:09 - Managing Equity and Cash00:11:26 - Investment Strategies and Learning00:13:31 - Experiential Learning in Investments00:14:26 - Current Learning and Business Ventures00:16:11 - Blue Yeti and Latin American Talent00:18:12 - Building a Legacy00:19:26 - Wealth Journey Advice00:20:48 - Closing Remarks and Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com

Episode 55: Navigating Equity in Tech Companies with Fred DeworkenReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!Frederick DeWorken grew up on a 3-acre poor farm in Amarillo, Texas, and would travel to Santa Cruz, California every summer with his grandmother. In 1989 his step-father bought him his first computer. He has been hooked on "high-tech" ever since. Connect with Frederickhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/data-cloud/In this episode Fred DeWorkin, founder and CEO of Blue Yeti, who shares his journey from working in the Peace Corps and as a claims adjuster to transitioning into the tech industry. Fred discusses the value of storytelling, building relationships, and articulating one's worth in career transitions. He highlights the importance of investing in oneself and the foundational role of training in shaping his successful tech career. Join them as they explore strategies for career growth, building wealth, and achieving financial and lifestyle goals in the tech industry.Fred's experience highlights the importance of self-discovery, belief in oneself, and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone to pursue new opportunities. His journey serves as a testament to the possibility of successfully transitioning into the tech industry, even without a traditional tech background. Fred's story also underscores the value of mentorship, networking, and continuous learning in navigating a career transition.In this episode, we talk about:Belief in Yourself: Fred's journey highlights the importance of believing in your own value and skill set. By investing in himself and having the confidence to pursue opportunities in the tech industry, Fred was able to carve out a successful career path.Focused Approach: Fred's strategic approach to targeting specific companies and industries, such as pre-IPO growth companies in Latin America, showcases the power of focus and determination. By narrowing down his options and honing in on key opportunities, Fred was able to make significant strides in his career.Learning from Experience: Fred's experience working with both Tableau and Snowflake taught him valuable lessons about the dynamics of hyper-growth companies, leadership changes, and the importance of understanding equity and tax implications. His ability to adapt and learn from each experience contributed to his overall success.Episode Timeline:00:00:00 - Introduction to Personal Value and Investment in Self00:00:29 - Building a Career Foundation in Sales00:00:47 - Welcome and Podcast Overview00:01:08 - Guest Introduction: Fred DeWorkin00:01:47 - Fred's Career Transition and Value Articulation00:02:12 - Importance of Personal Stories in Career Advancement00:02:53 - Realizing Opportunities in Tech00:04:03 - Decision to Pursue a Tech Career00:04:25 - Job Search and Strategic Focus00:06:57 - Learning from Industry Leaders00:08:20 - Reality Check and Adjusting Expectations00:09:11 - Professional Development through ProLango00:10:07 - Effective Job Search Techniques00:11:37 - Narrowing Down Job Targets00:12:40 - Joining Tableau Software00:13:46 - Leadership and Product Impact at Tableau00:16:15 - Belief in Self and Skill Set00:18:02 - Receiving an Offer and Equity at Tableau00:20:33 - Learning from Tableau's Operational Excellence00:24:10 - Transition to Snowflake and IPO Preparation00:27:36 - Emotional Impact of Career Transitions00:30:46 - Joining Snowflake and Recognizing Opportunity00:32:53 - Equity Strategy and Financial Planning at Snowflake00:36:18 - Observing Leadership Changes and IPO Strategy00:38:44 - Wrap-up and Reflections on Career and Equity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com

Episode 54: RSU Strategies for Tech Professionals with Landon LoveallReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!Landon Loveall is a certified financial planner and dedicated advocate for tech professionals to increase their wealth through financial, tax and stock option planning. He is a partner of KB Financial Advisors which has been specializing in maximizing stock options for tech employees since 2014.Landon regularly shares his thought leadership on the KB Financial Advisors blog about the unique scenarios presented by employee stock options. When he's not assisting clients, Landon enjoys kayaking down the Duck River with his wife Melissa and their three children in Columbia, TN.Connect with Landonhttps://kbfinancialadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonloveall/In order to maximize the value of RSUs over time, it is important to understand the vesting schedule and how the shares become taxable. Typically, RSUs have a time-based vesting schedule, where a certain percentage of shares vest each year over a four-year period. The key events to pay attention to are the vesting date, when the shares become yours, and the settlement date, when the shares are transferred into your ownership and become taxable.Before an IPO, RSUs may have a double trigger, where the shares vest based on time and an event trigger, such as the company going public. After an IPO, vesting and settlement typically occur at the same time. It is important to be aware of the tax implications of RSUs, as the value of the shares becomes taxable at the settlement date.In this episode, we talk about:Understanding RSU Vesting Schedules: Landon emphasized the importance of not just focusing on the volume of stock you receive but also paying close attention to the vesting schedule. The vesting schedule and what you receive over time are critical aspects that can impact your financial planning significantly. Knowing when your RSUs vest and how they become taxable is crucial for maximizing your returns on time and talent.Pre-IPO RSUs vs. ISOs: We discussed the differences between pre-IPO RSUs and ISOs, shedding light on the tax implications and risks associated with each type of equity compensation. Landon highlighted the complexities of incentive stock options and the importance of understanding the tax implications, especially around an IPO event.Pay Stub Analysis for RSUs: Landon shared valuable insights on how tech professionals should analyze their pay stubs when it comes to equity compensation. Understanding supplemental withholding rates, federal and state taxes, and the implications of RSU settlements on tax liabilities is crucial for effective financial planning and tax management.Episode Timeline:00:00:00 - Introduction to Equity Compensation00:01:02 - Guest Introduction: Landon Lovell00:02:06 - Understanding RSUs and Their History00:03:26 - Tax Implications of RSUs00:05:20 - RSUs in Public Companies00:06:55 - Options for Handling RSUs at Vesting00:09:01 - Variations in RSU Packages00:11:31 - Negotiating Equity Compensation00:13:07 - Immediate and Front-Loaded Vesting Trends00:15:05 - Importance of Equity Compensation Strategy00:17:00 - Risks and Rewards of Equity Compensation00:18:04 - Personal Strategy for Managing Equity00:19:12 - Transition from ISOs to RSUs in Private Companies00:22:04 - Pre-IPO RSUs and Tax Considerations00:24:31 - Understanding Pre-IPO Share Values00:29:17 - Pay Stub and Tax Implications for Equity Compensation00:34:23 - Conclusion and Further Resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com

Reflecting on one year of podcasting, host shares 10 lessons for personal growth. Emphasizes consistency, learning from failures, and embracing vulnerability. Future episodes will cover tech equity, portfolio management, and expert insights.

Episode 52:Critical Money Lessons for Tech Employees with Landon LoveallReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, host Christopher Nelson speaks with certified financial planner Landon Loveall about managing equity compensation for technology employees.Landon Loveall is a certified financial planner and dedicated advocate for tech professionals to increase their wealth through financial, tax and stock option planning. He is a partner of KB Financial Advisors which has been specializing in maximizing stock options for tech employees since 2014. Landon regularly shares his thought leadership on the KB Financial Advisors blog about the unique scenarios presented by employee stock options. When he's not assisting clients, Landon enjoys kayaking down the Duck River with his wife Melissa and their three children in Columbia, TN.Connect with Landon Loveallhttps://kbfinancialadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonloveall/Traditionally, employees have been taught to focus on their paycheck as the primary source of income. However, with the rise of equity compensation in the tech industry, it is essential to understand that owning equity in a company is a form of ownership and an opportunity to build wealth. Instead of solely relying on a paycheck, tech employees should view their equity compensation as a valuable asset that contributes to their overall financial health.By shifting from paycheck to balance sheet mindset, tech employees can take a more holistic approach to managing their finances. They can focus on growing and nurturing their balance sheet by making strategic decisions about their equity compensation, investments, and financial goals. This shift in perspective allows employees to see the bigger picture of their financial situation and make informed decisions that align with their long-term financial objectives.In this episode, we talk about:Shift from Paycheck to Balance Sheet: Landon emphasized the importance of moving beyond the bi-weekly paycheck and focusing on building and managing a comprehensive balance sheet. This mindset shift is crucial for tech employees who often receive significant equity compensation.Treat Your Career Like an NFL Contract: Understanding the value of your career and treating it like a professional athlete would handle a sports contract can lead to more strategic financial and career decisions. This involves knowing when to push for more and when to transition.Professional Financial Guidance: As tech professionals advance in their careers, the complexity of financial management increases. Landon advises against a purely DIY approach to financial planning, highlighting the benefits of engaging with professional advisors to avoid costly mistakes and optimize financial growth.Don’t Overprioritize Taxes: While taxes are important, Landon warns against letting them dictate major financial decisions. The focus should first be on the stock price and the number of shares, with taxes coming into consideration afterward.Prepare for Catastrophic Loss: Understanding the impact of significant market drops on personal wealth is crucial. Setting target sell prices for stocks and having a clear action plan can mitigate the risk of emotional decision-making during market downturns.Episode Timeline:00:00:00 - Introduction to Financial Management for Tech Employees00:01:23 - Expert Insights with Landon Loveall00:02:07 - Landon's Experience and Client Demographics00:02:39 - Five Critical Money Lessons00:03:08 - Lesson One: Rethinking Financial Priorities00:04:36 - The Impact of Financial Awareness00:06:25 - Managing Wealth Beyond Income00:08:17 - Lesson Two: Career Valuation Like NFL Contracts00:12:17 - Lesson Three: Professional Financial Guidance00:14:46 - Integrating Financial and Tax Planning00:17:36 - Building Trust with Financial Advisors00:19:13 - Comprehensive Service Approach00:23:50 - Lesson Four: Rational Approach to Taxes00:26:12 - Lesson Five: Avoiding Catastrophic Loss00:30:40 - Setting Financial Goals and Targets00:34:25 - Fire Round: Quick Insights and Advice00:38:10 - Closing and Additional Resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com

Episode 51: 5 Remote Work Insights for 2024 from Founder and Venture CapitalistReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, host Christopher Nelson introduces Brett Martin, a multi-talented executive involved in Kumo Space and Charge Ventures. Martin discussed the current state of the remote work market and how companies are adapting to the new normal of hybrid work environments.Brett Martin is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Charge Ventures, an NY-based venture fund (70+ portfolio companies), as well as the President & Co-Founder of Kumospace (24M+ from Lightspeed), the leading business communication tool for remote teams. He’s also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, where he teaches data analytics and technology strategy.Connect with Brett Martin: https://www.kumospace.com/https://www.kumospace.com/podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brettlucasmartin/https://twitter.com/brett1211Remote work is here to stay, and companies that embrace this new way of working will be better positioned to thrive in the future. As technology continues to advance and remote work tools become more sophisticated, the possibilities for remote and hybrid work arrangements are endless. It is an exciting time for companies and employees alike as we navigate this new era of work.One of the key challenges for companies transitioning to remote work is finding the right tools and technologies to support collaboration and communication among remote teams. This is where companies like Kumo Space come in, providing virtual spaces for remote and hybrid teams to connect and collaborate effectively.In this episode, we talk about:Market Insights: We discussed the current venture market in 2024, the impact of AI, and the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the current environment.Remote Work Trends: Explored the evolving landscape of remote work and hybrid companies, especially in the post-pandemic era.Investing in AI: Insights on VC investing in the age of AI, navigating valuation challenges, and making informed decisions in the AI space.Multimodal Executive Life: Delved into the world of being a multimodal executive, balancing roles at Kumo Space and Charge Ventures, and the rewards and challenges of wearing multiple hats.Rest and Unplugging: How do you find time to rest and unplug in a busy schedule? Brett shared his approach to rejuvenation through skiing and mountain climbing.Episode Timeline:00:00:00 - Venture Market Analysis00:01:09 - Introducing Brett Martin00:02:05 - The State of Remote Work00:03:40 - Customer Demographics for KumoSpace00:04:03 - Success Factors for Remote Work Companies00:05:51 - Traits of Successful Remote Employees00:06:09 - Unstructured Conversations in Remote Work00:07:48 - Remote Work Equity and Visibility00:08:06 - Engaging as a Remote Employee00:09:07 - The Importance of Physical Interaction00:11:02 - The Second Half: VC Investing in AI00:12:57 - Raising Capital in High Interest Rate Environment00:14:42 - Multimodal Executive Lifestyle00:17:29 - The Benefits of Remote Work00:19:01 - The Second Half Continues: AI and VC00:21:30 - Current VC Environment and AI Investments00:24:56 - Filtering AI Companies for Investment00:27:14 - Investment Criteria in Today's Market00:30:42 - Managing Financing Risk in Early-Stage Investing00:32:47 - Being a Multimodal Executive00:37:56 - The Joys and Challenges of Multimodal Work00:41:04 - Legacy and Impact Work00:41:56 - Resting and Unplugging Strategies This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com

Career planning expert Mark Herschberg discusses the importance of prioritizing skills over titles, influential leadership, strategic career planning for tech professionals, navigating career challenges, embracing leadership qualities, career transitions, ethical considerations, non-technical skills, and compounding theory for career development.

Episode 49: Navigating Career Growth: Expert Mentoring Strategies with Ritendra DattaReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!One of the effective mentoring strategies is knowing the importance of the mentor-mentee relationship. It is a shared responsibility. Both parties have a role to play in fostering a successful and meaningful mentorship dynamic. Mentees should approach their mentors with energy, ambition, and clarity about their goals and needs. By being proactive and engaged, mentees can create momentum in the relationship and demonstrate their commitment to growth and development.Mentors can add value to their mentees by showing empathy, checking in on their well-being, and offering support in return. By demonstrating care and concern for their mentees, mentors can strengthen the bond and create a more reciprocal relationship. This not only benefits the mentee by providing them with emotional support and assistance but also creates a more fulfilling and rewarding mentorship experience for both parties.In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, host Christopher welcomes Ritendra Datta back to discuss the important topic of mentorship. Both emphasize the significance of mentees in their own careers and highlight the value of understanding how to be good mentors.Tune in to gain insights on how to maximize the mentor-mentee relationship for successIn this episode, we talk about:Selecting a Mentor:Emotional Connection: Choose a mentor who makes you feel good about yourself.Technical vs. Broader Relationships: For technical skills, personality may not be as crucial, but for long-term mentorship, compatibility is key.Mentor's Career Trajectory: Study potential mentors' paths to ensure alignment with your goals.Be a Good Mentee: Position yourself to help your mentor assist you, and don't be afraid to check in on them too.Being a Good Mentee:Proactivity: Seek out mentors early in your career for faster growth.Clear Asks: Approach mentorship with specific questions and goals.Reciprocity: Find ways to add value to your mentor's life, even if it's just showing empathy.Being a Good Mentor:Empathy: Listen intently and validate your mentee's feelings.Knowledge: Be honest about the limits of your expertise and avoid giving generic advice.Diversity: Engage with mentees from various backgrounds to enrich your perspective.Energy: Bring enthusiasm to your mentorship sessions to keep the relationship dynamic and effective.Episode Timeline:00:00:00 - Selecting the Right Mentor00:01:05 - The Importance of Mentorship00:02:11 - Becoming a Good Mentee00:04:06 - Building a Relationship with Mentors00:05:12 - Adding Value to Mentors00:07:43 - Checking in on Mentors00:08:01 - Reciprocity in Mentor-Mentee Relationships00:10:14 - Identifying Suitable Mentors00:13:36 - Mentor-Mentee Dynamics00:16:04 - When Mentees Surpass Mentors00:18:33 - Lifelong Mentor Relationships00:20:34 - Seeking New Mentors with Experience00:23:19 - Learning from Mentees00:25:46 - The Transition from Mentee to Mentor00:28:14 - Part Two: Being a Great Mentor00:29:00 - Common Issues with Mentorship00:31:17 - Empathy in Mentorship00:34:08 - The Value of Being a Mentor00:35:59 - Knowledge and Diversity in Mentorship00:38:58 - Avoiding Generic Advice00:40:31 - The Mentor's Learning Opportunity00:42:05 - The Importance of Diverse Mentorship00:43:27 - Proactive Diversity in Mentorship00:44:06 - Characteristics of a Great Mentor00:47:59 - Keeping Mentorship Engaging and EnergeticConnect with Ritendra Datta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritendradatta/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com

Episode 48: Executive Branding 101: Strategies for LinkedIn SuccessReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at http://www.managingtechmillions.com/!One key aspect of executive branding through storytelling is the idea of being the captain of your own career. Instead of relying on HR or your company to provide you with opportunities, individuals can take charge of their career by sharing their insights, opinions, and experiences online. By publishing content on platforms like LinkedIn, individuals can showcase their expertise and establish themselves as authorities in their field. This not only helps to build trust with potential employers or clients but also opens up a world of opportunities for career advancement and growth.In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, host Christopher Nelson welcomes Belen Wagaw back to the show. Belen shares her journey from intern to chief of staff to running her own storytelling company for CEOs and B2B brands. Tune in for insights on career growth, wealth-building, and achieving financial and lifestyle goals in the tech industry!In this episode, we talk about:The Value of Personal Experience: AI is transforming various tasks, but it cannot replicate individual lived experiences. In a world increasingly influenced by AI, personal stories and insights remain uniquely human and irreplaceable.Storytelling in B2B Marketing: Traditional B2B marketing is faltering due to a lack of storytelling and CEO engagement. Companies that embrace storytelling and personal branding are seeing significant results in creating demand.The Shift to Thought Leadership: CEOs and executives should focus on becoming thought leaders rather than just salespeople. Sharing industry insights and educational content can attract customers and establish authority.Content Strategy for Executives: For executives looking to post online, it's crucial to clarify their goals, identify their audience's pain points, and share their unique perspectives. Contrarian opinions can be particularly engaging.The Role of AI in Content Creation: While AI can generate content, it lacks the personal touch that human experiences bring to storytelling. AI can be a helpful tool for editing and formatting but cannot replace the authenticity of personal narratives.Advice for Aspiring Content Creators: Start by sharing what you know and learn to enjoy the process. Avoid common mistakes like poor formatting, excessive hashtags, and irrelevant tagging. Instead, focus on providing value and lessons learned from your experiences.Episode Timeline:00:00:00 - Embracing Personal Experiences in AI Era00:00:48 - Belen Wagaw's Career Journey00:01:52 - The Shift in B2B Marketing00:03:07 - Storytelling in B2B Marketing00:04:03 - Platforms for Effective Storytelling00:05:21 - CEOs Missing Out on Storytelling Opportunities00:06:13 - The Role of CEOs in Marketing and Sales00:08:41 - Crafting a Personal Brand as a CEO00:10:36 - Thought Leadership vs. Salesmanship00:12:09 - The Importance of CEO Visibility00:14:21 - New Approaches to B2B Marketing00:16:26 - Leveraging Storytelling for Career Growth00:18:32 - Personal Branding for Mid-Career Executives00:20:39 - The Impact of AI on Personal Branding00:22:21 - Writing Online: First Steps and Feelings00:24:09 - The Role of AI as a Writing Partner00:25:16 - Tips for Starting to Write Online00:27:00 - Belen's Personal Experience with Online Content00:29:23 - The Value of Sharing Knowledge Online00:30:10 - Overcoming the Fear of Online Writing00:31:31 - The Role of AI in Content Creation00:33:51 - AI's Limitations and Human Storytelling00:35:36 - Content Strategy for Mid-Level Executives00:37:27 - AI and Personal Lived Experiences00:39:14 - Fundamental Advice for Writing Online00:41:53 - Content Strategy and Goals00:43:49 - Building a Content Library and Swipe File00:44:50 - Encouragement for New Online WritersConnect with Belen Wagaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belenwagaw/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit managingtechmillions.com