Cold Call

Jo Tango, a Senior lecturer at Harvard Business School with a rich background in venture capital, and Christina Wallace, an author and expert on tech ventures, dive into the evolution of Sequoia Capital. They discuss the balance of nurturing unicorns while navigating recent shifts in leadership and investment strategies. The conversation covers the impact of COVID on industry dynamics and the importance of sustainable growth strategies amidst a changing economic landscape, highlighting lessons for future leaders.

Brooke Boyarsky Pratt, the founder and CEO of KnownWell, and Jon Jachimowicz, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, engage in a heartfelt discussion about addressing obesity care. They explore Brooke’s personal battle with weight stigma and her mission to create an inclusive healthcare option. The duo weighs the challenges of scaling her venture against personal passion and the intricacies of navigating career transitions. They also touch on the stigma surrounding obesity in healthcare and the emotional toll of starting a new chapter in one's career.

Fawn Weaver, an entrepreneur and founder of Uncle Nearest, shares her inspiring journey in the spirits industry, facing hurdles as a Black woman in a male-dominated market. She discusses innovative strategies and the power of storytelling in building her award-winning whiskey brand. With plans to expand into the cognac sector, she reveals her vision for disrupting a traditional industry. Throughout the conversation, leadership, community ties, and the importance of human connection are emphasized as keys to her entrepreneurial success.

Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, discusses her pivotal role in authorizing $39 billion for semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing innovative funding strategies. She highlights the significance of the CHIPS Act in revitalizing the U.S. semiconductor industry post-COVID. The conversation dives into the challenges of risk management in government funding and the necessity of a transparent application process. Raimondo also shares insights on balancing technological leadership with responsible taxpayer funding.

Kara Nortman, a venture capitalist, Julie Uhrman, an entrepreneur, and Natalie Portman, an actor and activist, co-founded Angel City Football Club to revolutionize women's sports. They discuss their innovative business model that prioritizes gender equity and community engagement. The trio shares insights on balancing brand-building with player development and the club's rapid rise, achieving a market valuation of $250 million. Their commitment to pay equity and inclusivity in sports challenges traditional norms and inspires a new era of women's athletics.

Jeff Maggioncalda, the CEO of Coursera, shares insights on integrating generative AI into education. He reveals how four key projects are reshaping content delivery, enhancing personalized coaching, and automating course creation. The conversation dives into the competitive landscape, urging companies to continually innovate to stay ahead. Maggioncalda also discusses the balance between rapid tech adoption and ethical concerns, emphasizing the importance of providing accessible education in a fast-evolving digital world.

Nadine Vogel, CEO of Springboard Consulting, shares her journey in advocating for disability inclusion. Topics include challenges in creating inclusive workplaces, personal career decisions, navigating difficult decisions regarding disability services, and transforming workplaces for growth. The podcast emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizations.

Robin Kovitz, CEO of Baskits, shares her journey of buying a seasonal business, offering insights on investment criteria, risk management, and transitioning to entrepreneurship. The episode explores challenges of acquiring a business, managing a seasonal operation, and analytical methods for business growth. Kovitz's triumph as a novice CEO highlights the complexities and considerations of owning a seasonal business.

Harvard Business School professor and tech entrepreneur discuss NFTs, focusing on the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs' rise and brand-building model. They explore the impact of NFTs on digital ownership, brand loyalty, and societal evolution, emphasizing the importance of understanding NFT technology for engaging consumers in the digital space.

In 2018, artisanal Italian vineyard Frank Cornelissen was one of the world’s leading producers of natural wine. But when weather-related conditions damaged that year’s grapes, founder Frank Cornelissen had to decide between staying true to the tenets of natural wine making, or breaking with his public beliefs to save that year’s grapes by adding sulfites. Harvard Business School assistant professor Tiona Zuzul discusses the importance of staying true to your company’s principles while remaining flexible enough to welcome progress in the case, “Frank Cornelissen: The Great Sulfite Debate.”