Startups Decoded

Send us a textIn this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh sits down with Jay Erickson, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Modus, to explore why most digital strategies are already outdated, and how to fix them.They dive into emergent strategy: a flexible, human-centered approach to navigating today’s breakneck pace of change. Drawing on systems thinking, design, and culture, Jay shares how resilient teams can adapt in real time, address bias, and build strategies that evolve as fast as the world around us.Jay EricksonJay Erickson is a digital strategist, product leader, and purpose-driven entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience guiding organizations through innovation and transformation. As Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Modus, he brings a human-centered approach to digital strategy, helping mission-driven companies design impactful products and experiences. Jay is passionate about ethical innovation, team culture, and using technology as a force for good.Modus DigitalModus is a global digital consultancy that partners with organizations to unlock growth through innovation, strategy, and design. With expertise across product development, UX, engineering, and transformation, Modus helps companies—from ambitious startups to Fortune 500s—build digital experiences that matter. The firm is known for its collaborative, purpose-led approach and commitment to delivering lasting impact in complex environments.TakeawaysDigital strategy must evolve rapidly due to technological changes.Design thinking is a timeless framework for innovation.Understanding human behavior is crucial in digital product design.SMBs face unique challenges compared to larger corporations.Organizations are shifting from hierarchical to complex systems.Emergent strategy allows for adaptability in uncertain environments.Building a resilient team culture is essential for success.Generalists bring valuable skills to modern teams.Addressing unconscious bias improves decision-making processes.Transparency fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Strategy Evolution01:06 Jay's Journey: From Computer Science to Digital Innovation06:19 The Shift from Web 1.0 to Web 2.008:02 Design Thinking: A Framework for Digital Strategy11:59 Understanding Human Behavior in Digital Products13:49 Challenges for SMBs vs. Large Corporations15:44 The Shift from Hierarchical to Complex Systems19:00 Emergent Strategy: Adapting to Change21:32 Nimble Product Development in a Fast-Paced World24:57 Building a Resilient Team Culture29:04 The Importance of Generalists in Modern Teams30:30 Addressing Unconscious Bias in Decision Making35:10 Creating a Safe and Transparent Work Environment39:50 Resources for Developing Digital Strategy46:04 Conclusion: Modus Digital and Client EngagementMusic Credit:"Forget what you know about non-alc beer, Heaps Normal is here to blow your mind. Aussie-made, purpose-driven, and built for founder life. Pick up a can in select Bay Area spots, including Whole Foods.HeapsNormal.comSupport the show

Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh speaks with Zoya Lehrer, founder of Orgo, about the challenges and opportunities in the startup landscape, particularly in the realm of product development and parenting logistics. Zoya shares her personal journey from immigrating to the U.S. to launching her business, which aims to streamline the logistics of youth sports for parents. The conversation delves into the importance of community feedback, the need for future-proofing products in a rapidly changing market, and the balance between innovation and consumer needs.Zoya Lehrer Zoya Lehrer is the co-founder and CEO of Orgo, a family scheduling and logistics app that helps busy households streamline calendars, travel, and coordination. Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn after immigrating to the U.S. in 1993, she holds a Computer Science and IT degree from Rutgers University and spent 20+ years in executive roles in digital innovation, fintech partnerships, and strategic planning.Frustrated by the complexity of managing her own family’s schedule, Zoya built Orgo to combine calendar management, navigation, and communication in one seamless platform, reducing chaos and saving families time.About OrgoShort for “organization on the go”, Orgo is a mobile app for family time management, offering advanced calendar features, prep time tracking, travel estimates, and caregiver coordination. With smart notifications and turn-by-turn directions, it’s the “Waze for family schedules”, giving parents clarity, control, and peace of mind.TakeawaysZoya Lehrer immigrated from Ukraine and has a tech background.The challenges of parenting and sports logistics inspired Orgo.Orgo aims to simplify the logistics of youth sports for parents.Community feedback is crucial for product development.Future-proofing products is essential in a fast-paced market.Choosing the right technology stack is critical for scalability.AI integration should be approached cautiously and thoughtfully.Understanding consumer needs is vital for product success.Bootstrapping requires careful financial management and capital efficiency.Engaging with the community helps in refining the product.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Chapters00:00 Introduction to Startups Decoded01:21 Zoya's Journey: From Ukraine to Entrepreneurship05:18 Identifying the Problem: The Challenge of Parenting and Sports08:10 Introducing Orgo: A Solution for Sports Parents11:55 The Importance of Logistics in Parenting15:55 Refactoring: Future-Proofing the Product20:34 Analyzing Current Tech Stacks and Future Needs23:25 Empowering Founders with New Tools27:27 Navigating the Challenges of New Technologies29:01 Understanding Consumer Needs in Product Development34:08 The Role of AI in Modern Startups39:08 Capital Efficiency and Budgeting Strategies45:28 Full end card - SD Podcast.mp4Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh sits down with Adrian Fagerlund, Co-Founder and CRO of Linkby, a performance PR platform connecting advertisers with premium publishers. They explore Adrian’s unconventional path, the evolution of content commerce, and the systems Linkby used to scale globally without breaking.From team building and capital efficiency to culture and market expansion, this is a practical playbook for the messy middle—what happens after product-market fit and before true scale.Adrian Fagerlund - LinkedInAdrian leads global growth and publisher partnerships at Linkby. With a background at Nine and Pedestrian.tv, he’s built a career at the intersection of media, affiliate innovation, and storytelling. A regular speaker at DealMaker AU and PI LIVE, Adrian is reshaping how brands and publishers collaborate.Linkby Linkby connects brands with top-tier publishers to create native, shoppable content—briefed in real-time, paid only on results. Trusted by over 1,500 brands and 250 publishers, Linkby turns product features into meaningful media moments, blending affiliate economics with brand storytelling.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)TakeawaysLinkby is a performance PR platform that connects advertisers with premium publishers.The platform allows brands to create tailored content that engages audiences effectively.Adrian's journey includes unconventional sales experiences and a strong partnership with co-founder Chris.Linkby started in Australia and has expanded to markets like the US and UK.The platform enables smaller brands to compete with larger advertisers by providing measurable results.Content creation should be engaging and tailored to the audience's preferences.The importance of building a strong company culture as the team grows.Diverse perspectives within the team lead to better innovation and problem-solving.Strategic use of capital is crucial for scaling and growth post-Series B.The future of content distribution will involve adapting to new mediums and maintaining trust. Chapters00:00 The Journey of a Founder02:28 Understanding Linkby's Value Proposition05:08 The Evolution of Content and Advertising08:10 Linkby's Impact on Different Business Sizes10:42 Navigating Growth and Market Expansion13:46 Best Practices for Using Linkby16:13 Funding and Scaling Challenges18:04 Strategic Planning for Capital Utilization22:53 Harnessing Generative Engine Optimization for Advertising25:58 Strategic Prioritization Post-Funding28:31 Building a Diverse and Talented Team31:37 Cultural Adaptation in a Global Team34:49 Fostering Innovation Through Open Communication37:12 The Future of Content Creation and Distribution42:58 Empowering Brands with Scalable SolutionsSupport the show

Send us a textMost startup advice focuses on product, pitch, and traction. But there’s one skill that fuels them all: trusted relationships.In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh sits down with David R. Homan, master connector, strategic advisor, and author of Orchestrating Connection, to explore how founders build the kind of trust that drives real outcomes.We cover:How to network with intent (not desperation)Why AI might make human connection stronger, not weakerHow to build a community that opens doors at scaleDavid shares the mindset shift that helped him grow a global network of 2,100+ founders, VCs, and family offices, and what most startup leaders get wrong about influence.Plus: Insights from his platform SOAR, and how to create value-driven asks that actually get answered.Preorder the book: [orchestratingconnection.com]David R. Homan – LinkedInDavid is the founder of Orchestrated Connecting and a trusted relationship broker to some of the world’s most influential leaders across business, media, philanthropy, and public policy. With a background in classical music, nonprofit leadership, and strategic advisory to family offices, startups, and impact funds, David helps people unlock transformative opportunities through curated, values-driven introductions rooted in trust and shared purpose.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)In this conversation, David Homan shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a connector and community builder. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, resilience in the face of challenges, and the role of technology in facilitating connections. David discusses the principles of purposeful networking and how to navigate the complexities of human relationships in a world driven by social media and superficial interactions. He advocates for a mindset of generosity, curiosity, and vulnerability in networking, and highlights the significance of community in achieving personal and collective goals.Sound bites"I wanted to live a life without regret.""We all think we can just do that slam dunk.""The world works on introductions."Chapters00:00 The Journey of Connection06:22 Building Authentic Relationships11:48 The Power of Community and Tribe16:48 Resilience Through Adversity22:35 Navigating Morals in Networking25:25 The Reality of Startup Failures26:57 Building Trust and Authentic Connections29:20 The Importance of Vulnerability and Curiosity32:02 Honoring the Chain of Connections35:26 Creating Purposeful Communities39:08 Leveraging Technology for Meaningful Connections43:06 Key Principles for Networking SuccessExplore"The Currency of Trust: How Great Founders Build Unfair Advantages Through Relationships"“David Homan reveals how purpose-driven relationships, AI-enabled networks, and trust-based strategies fuel real startup growth.”Blog Recap “Why Founders Need to Master Relationship Building”“The Framework David Homan Uses to Vet Connections”“How to Use AI to Strengthen (Not Replace) Your Network”Support the show

Send us a textDiscover how effective storytelling captivates investors and builds a compelling personal brand. Join us as we unpack the strategies founders and leaders use to craft narratives that drive investment and inspire action. Whether you're looking to secure funding, attract customers, or refine your startup’s story, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your brand and make a real impact.Dr. Ankur PathakFounding Principal at London Real Ventures, the first media-powered investment firm blending media and finance. After transitioning from medicine, Ankur led investments in Web3 and AI projects like Shrapnel, Story Protocol, and NAYMS. Leveraging London Real’s platform of 5M+ subscribers, he connects founders and investors, offering strategic insights, media exposure, and capital. Ankur’s focus is on building long-term, value-driven relationships across AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.London Real VenturesInvests in cutting-edge Web3, AI, and Metaverse companies, offering more than just capital. They leverage their global network of 5 million subscribers to rapidly build brand visibility, drive customer acquisition, and foster partnerships.Their process includes:Production: A custom, high-definition interview with the CEO/Founder to promote the brand and secure funding.Distribution: Broadcasting the interview and clips to a global audience, creating media buzz.Connection: Linking companies with influential guests from various industries for strategic opportunities.Expansion: Providing capital and continuous support to grow the business until exit.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)SummaryIn this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Ankur Pathak, exploring the significance of storytelling in startups, the journey from healthcare to investment, and the role of media in amplifying founder narratives. Dr. Ankur shares insights on personal branding, the importance of building relationships over mere transactions, and the long-term value approach in investing. The discussion also delves into crafting and communicating compelling stories that resonate with investors and audiences alike, emphasizing the human element in the investment process.TakeawaysStorytelling is crucial for startups to connect with audiences.Dr. Ankur transitioned from healthcare to investment, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy.The media platform plays a vital role in amplifying startup stories.Investors are more likely to support founders they have a relationship with.Personal branding is essential for founders to stand out.Documenting the entrepreneurial journey builds trust and engagement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Startups03:44 Dr. Ankur Pathak's Journey from Healthcare to Investment06:10 The Role of Media in Startup Success08:54 Understanding the Audience and Investor Dynamics11:12 Building a Community of Angel Investors14:08 The Syndicate Investment Process Explained16:41 The Importance of Relationships in Fundraising19:23 Documenting the Founder Journey21:58 The Mindset Shift in Fundraising23:22 The Art of Pitching and Relationship Building27:41 Long-Term Value and Trust in Investments31:53 The Importance of Storytelling and CommunicatSupport the show

Send us a textIn this episode of Startups Decoded, Michael Landers shares why culture isn’t just an HR function; it’s a startup’s competitive edge. We’ll explore how founders can intentionally shape company culture from day one, avoid common leadership pitfalls, and navigate cross-cultural challenges as they scale globally.Key discussion points:Why culture is the foundation of startup success, not an afterthoughtHow to build and scale a company culture that aligns with business goalsThe role of founder leadership in shaping team dynamics and company valuesCross-cultural challenges in hiring, partnerships, and expansionLessons from working with global organizations on culture-driven leadershipMichael’s insights will help founders think beyond strategy and execution, because in the end, a strong culture is what sustains high-growth startups.Michael Landers.Speaker, Author, and Founder of Culture Crossing.Michael Landers is a globally recognized speaker, author, and consultant specializing in organizational culture, leadership development, and cross-cultural communication. With a career dedicated to empowering organizations to reach their full human potential, he has worked with leaders and teams worldwide to cultivate purpose-driven cultures that foster awareness, alignment, and growth.A Global Perspective on Culture and LeadershipHaving grown up in Latin America and later lived in Japan, Michael developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of working. These experiences shaped his understanding of how culture influences leadership, team dynamics, and business outcomes. His insights have guided leaders in navigating complex, multicultural environments and building high-performing, inclusive organizations.Founder of Culture CrossingAs the founder of Culture Crossing, Michael helps organizations cultivate intentional cultures that align with their values, vision, and goals. Driving Impact Through Thought LeadershipMichael is the author of Culture Crossing: Discover the Key to Making Successful Connections in the New Global Era, a practical guide to navigating cultural differences in business and leadership. SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Chapters00:00 Understanding Culture in Startups02:33 Michael Landers' Journey and Expertise04:36 The Evolution of Corporate Culture06:13 Observing Culture: The Gap Between Intent and Reality10:56 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture13:17 Defining Culture in Early-Stage Startups15:49 The Importance of Language in Cultural Frameworks18:52 Behavioral Modeling and Leadership Influence20:50 Transforming Culture: Is It Too Late?22:27 The Impact of Managers on Employee Retention25:04 Hiring for Culture vs. Skills27:17 Celebrating Growth: The Founder’s Perspective29:16 Integrated Excellence: A Framework for Success29:22 Transforming Organizational Culture and Productivity31:32 The Interconnection of Culture, Alignment, and Customer Centricity34:03 Internal Customer Service as a Reflection of External Experience37:45 The Importance of Constructive Feedback41:03 Navigating Leadership and Feedback Dynamics46:42 Cross-Generational Support the show

Send us a textMany founders are chasing scale, but at what cost? In this episode, Leila Lahbabi shares how purpose-driven leaders can grow thriving companies without burning out or losing themselves in the process. We explore the real tension between being a present parent and an ambitious entrepreneur, and how to build high-performing teams that unlock freedom rather than dependence.Leila LahbabiLeila Lahbabi is a trusted advisor to purpose-driven founders and CEOs, helping them scale their companies without sacrificing their freedom, values, or well-being. With a background in strategy consulting for Fortune 100 companies, five years as an entrepreneur, and a deep foundation in psychology, mindfulness, and personal development, Leila brings a holistic, high-impact approach to leadership and business growth.Her work focuses on building high-performing teams and fostering leadership autonomy, enabling founders to step out of the operational grind and into sustainable, values-aligned growth. Leila is also the author of the upcoming book The Billion Dollar Purpose, which explores how mission-driven leaders can unlock talent, scale impact, and build thriving businesses from the inside out.https://www.leilalahbabi.com/impact-at-scaleSHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh speaks with Leila Lahbabi about her journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of scaling without sacrificing personal well-being. They discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the significance of mindfulness and prioritization, and the need to focus on the hard work that truly drives business success. Leila shares her insights on transitioning from being a Chief Everything Officer to a CEO, highlighting the importance of delegation and adaptability in scaling a business effectively.TakeawaysStarting a business is challenging, especially when balancing multiple roles.Mindfulness can help manage stress and improve focus.It's crucial to prioritize actions that drive results.Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and planning.Entrepreneurs often face burnout due to overwhelming responsibilities.Delegation is essential for scaling a business effectively.Understanding the difference between working hard and doing hard work is key.Investing time and intention in your business leads to growth.Adaptability is a critical factor for business success.Reflection and feedback are vital for continuous improvement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scaling Without Sacrifice02:20 Leila's Journey: From Consulting to Entrepreneurship04:54 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Balancing Roles09:42 Catalysts for Change: The Impact of COVID-1913:00 Finding Purpose and Direction in Business16:14 Juggling Parenthood and Entrepreneurship20:33 The Importance of Mindfulness and Strategy23:15 Recognizing Burnout and Its Effects25:00 Challenging Startup Norms and Expectations25:27 The Hidden Struggles of Founders28:20 Reframing Hard Work vs. Doing Hard Work36:20 Transitioning from Chief Everything Officer to CEO42:26 Investing Time for Business Growth43:53 Scaling with Adaptability and ReflectionSupport the show

Matthew Burris, Partner at Venture Studio Associates, dives into the evolving world of venture studios, emphasizing their transition from misunderstood models to formal asset classes. He discusses the critical balance between intuition and market feedback in startups, and the importance of standardization to attract institutional investments. Burris also sheds light on the newly launched Venture Studio Forum, designed to foster a thriving ecosystem for these innovative entities, ensuring they become a recognized staple in the startup landscape.

Send us a textIn this episode of Startups Decoded, Kevin Jurovich (Founder & CEO of Hubble) joins me to unpack the raw, early-stage lessons no one talks about enough: compromise, confusion, burnout, and the clarity that comes after blowing it all up and starting again.From an NFL career, to winging it and rebuilding from scratch, to embracing paid consulting and learning how to truly see people, Kevin shares the messy truth behind his pivot journey and how he finally stopped trying to be “right” and started building to get it right.We talk about the real hustle behind Hubble, the weight of early inbound growth, and the mindset shifts it takes to survive long enough to build something meaningful.Kevin Jurovich:Founder & CEO of Hubble, a platform helping creators and domain experts turn their knowledge into income, and more importantly, impact.A former NFL wide receiver turned wealth advisor turned founder, Kevin’s journey into startups began in 2013 while serving tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Since then, he’s been all-in on building, scaling, and mentoring within the startup ecosystem. He’s on a mission to inspire others to do more of what inspires them—and to shape a future where expertise becomes a catalyst for opportunity.HubbleEmpowers creators and experts to monetize their knowledge through experiences, services, and products, without needing a massive following. It’s designed for those with real expertise, not just social reach, and gives them the tools to grow, serve, and scale their audience through authenticity and value.At its core, Hubble is about transforming expertise into impact, helping people build meaningful, sustainable income from what they know and love.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)SummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Yurovich shares insights into the mindset and self-awareness required for founders. He discusses his journey from being an NFL player to becoming a startup founder, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and learning from failures. Kevin highlights how leveraging platforms like LinkedIn can foster growth and connections, and he elaborates on the development of Hubble, a marketplace for expert advice. The discussion underscores the significance of adaptability and the iterative nature of entrepreneurship.TakeawaysThe older we are, the more we tend to care less about what other people think.You gotta leave the shore; have the courage to go all in.There's no such thing as a self-made individual; it takes a village.Confidence comes from the little things we tell ourselves.Failure is not finite; it's a point in time where you learn something.We are not here to be right; we are here to get it right.The MVP you launch has to work and solve a problem.If you're passionate about it, start getting it out there.Community and vulnerability are key in building relationships.You never know when your efforts will come back full circle.Chapters00:00 The Mindset of a Founder04:18 Transitioning from Sports to Startups08:26 Reflections on Career Changes13:11 The Importance of Pivots18:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Growth28:07 The Role of Community and Vulnerability31:32 The Shift in Startup Culture34:05 Building Hubble: A Journey of ValSupport the show

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore why the best founders don’t wait for perfect plans—they launch, learn, and build in public. From early growth hacks to fast feedback loops and sales that start before the product’s finished, we unpack what it really takes to grow quickly and stay ahead. If you're stuck planning instead of building, this one will light a fire.Cory BlumenfeldCory Blumenfeld is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a passion for empowering individuals to find their voice and start their own ventures. He has co-founded multiple startups, including CoHealth, a digital platform promoting healthy behavior change, and Caribou, a healthcare planning software for financial advisors that raised over $3 million in funding. Currently, Cory serves in Strategy Operations at LearnLux Financial Wellbeing, applying his diverse experience to enhance financial wellness solutions. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and a Next 36 alumnus, Cory is dedicated to inspiring and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through his insights and leadership.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh and Corey Blumenfeld discuss the concept of building in public, exploring its significance in the startup ecosystem. Corey shares his journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and the power of relationships in business. They delve into the balance between sharing ideas publicly versus keeping them private, the necessity of validation and testing in product development, and the role of trust and vulnerability in fostering a successful team culture. The conversation also touches on how effective storytelling can attract investment and the long-term benefits of building genuine connections within the entrepreneurial community.TakeawaysBuilding in public allows for authentic connections.Storytelling is crucial for engaging with audiences.Validation through testing is essential for success.Trust and vulnerability foster a positive team culture.Investors are interested in the founder's story and decisions.Sharing experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities.Building relationships is key to long-term success.The future of selling lies in genuine storytelling.You can learn from every interaction, regardless of experience.Being respectfully assertive is important in business.Sound Bites"You can learn from every single person.""You need to be respectfully assertive.""The future of selling is storytelling."Chapters00:00 Building in Public: A New Era for Startups05:02 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned08:55 The Power of Sharing Your Story11:41 Learning from Every Interaction14:19 Building Relationships in a Digital Age16:45 Transparency vs. Stealth: The New Norm18:57 Testing Fast: Validating Ideas Quickly23:51 The Importance of Hypothesis Testing in Business25:33 The Power of Storytelling and Sharing in Public28:05 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Authenticity33:29 The Role of Trust and Delegation in Business Growth38:48 Storytelling as a Tool for Investment and Revenue GenerationSupport the show