Startup Science Podcast with Gregory Shepard
The Startup Science Podcast, hosted by Gregory Shepard, and produced by ForbesBooks, focuses on conversations in the cross-section of foundership and investing and features best-selling authors like Oren Klaff (Pitch Anything & Flip the Script), David Allen (Getting Things Done), and David Covey COO of FranklinCovey and author of Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success. Investing giants like Tim Draper, Leaders like NBA Coach Phill Weber, and newly exited founders like you. With a focus on the common mistakes founders make, perspectives from investors, and founder’s tools, tips, and tactics. Conversations are real, honest, and unfiltered to expose th...
The Business of Open-Source: A Conversation with Heather Meeker (Part Two)
In the second half of this episode, Greg continues his illuminating open-source conversation with Heather Meeker, General Partner at OSS Capital. With her deep expertise on both the legal and business strategy sides, Heather shares invaluable insights for investors evaluating commercial open-source startups. Heather outlines key factors investors should consider when assessing these unique companies. She also dives deeper into one vertical she sees as a major open-source opportunity right now. Tune in to hear Heather's guidance for open source investors on what metrics matter most as well as where she sees fertile ground for new commercial open source ventures...
The Business of Open-Source: A Conversation with Heather Meeker (Part One)
Heather Meeker, a leading expert on open-source software licensing and business strategy, joins Greg on the podcast. Heather is a General Partner at OSS Capital, an early-stage VC fund investing exclusively in commercial open-source startups. In this episode, Greg and Heather discuss her latest book, "From Project to Profit: How to Build a Business Around Your Open Source Project." They explore Heather's insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by open-source founders seeking to create sustainable businesses. Heather shares her valuable perspective, gained from nearly 30 years of experience advising companies on open source strategy and licensing. Whether you're thinking about...
Paving the Way in Canadian Tech: A Chat with Owen Matthews (Part Two)
In part two of their talk, Owen provides background on the Canadian Fulbright Entrepreneur Initiative, which enables Canadian entrepreneurs to study approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship in leading ecosystems. Owen also touches on his aim to serve as a "humble thought leader" seeking to make meaningful contributions rather than pursue status or fame. He discusses the responsibility he feels to give back by helping develop future generations of entrepreneurs and technology talent capable of driving continued innovation.
About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the...
Paving the Way in Canadian Tech: A Chat with Owen Matthews (Part One)
This week on The Startup Science Podcast, Greg is joined by pioneering technology entrepreneur and investor Owen Matthews. As Chairman of Alacrity Canada, Owen has made major contributions to Western Canada's tech ecosystem through his ventures and his work with Alacrity. As Chairman, Owen has helped bring over $225 million into Western Canada's tech ecosystem and employed 300+ people. He is a true community builder, supporting technology education initiatives, serving on numerous boards, and giving back through philanthropic organizations. On the show, Greg and Owen discuss his varied career, lessons learned along the way, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the future of...
Rising from Adversity to Trailblaze the Future: The Incredible Journey of Tech Visionary Victorio Pellicano (Part Two)
In Part 2 of Victorio Pellicano's conversation on the Startup Science podcast, Greg and Vic go deeper into the mindset and motivation of this tech pioneer. They discuss how Vic stays focused when facing life's turbulence and keeps moving forward with resilience. He shares how he fights adversity and uncertainty as an entrepreneur while maintaining balance as a father and husband. Vic reveals how he handles the constant juggle of managing a startup while being present for his family. He opens up about his techniques for minimizing stress, practicing mindfulness, and achieving work-life harmony. Through stories and insights, Vic paints...
Rising from Adversity to Trailblaze the Future: The Incredible Journey of Tech Visionary Victorio Pellicano (Part One)
In this episode, Greg sits down with Victorio Pellicano, a modern phoenix who overcame homelessness and loss to become a leading tech entrepreneur. After growing his compassion-driven software company Verenia and selling it to Oracle, Pellicano now leads Avianna, merging AI and robotics to transform the world. Beyond his triumphs, Pellicano finds balance as a devoted family man and through Tao spiritualism. His winding journey reveals the power of human resilience and using technology to create a better future. Pellicano shows that with passion and conviction, an entrepreneurial spirit can overcome any odds to achieve greatness. Greg and Vic...
Crossing the Chasm Between Markets and Meaning with Geoffrey Moore (Part Two)
In part two of his talk with Greg, Geoffrey Moore reveals the two critical mistakes that often trip up startup founders. He outlines how to avoid innovation adoption pitfalls and successfully cross the chasm from early adopters to mainstream customers. The conversation centers on Moore's pioneering frameworks for crafting compelling narratives during industry disruption. He also shares tips for adapting your narrative as new competitors emerge, while still appealing to increasingly diverse customers. Moore downloads decades of wisdom on leveraging storytelling to accelerate through the tornado phase when niche markets go mainstream. Gain a masterclass from Geoffrey Moore on building...
Crossing the Chasm Between Markets and Meaning with Geoffrey Moore (Part One)
Buckle up for an electrifying conversation with Geoffrey Moore, the guru behind seminal works like Crossing the Chasm and Inside the Tornado. Drawing on decades advising leading companies, Moore downloads his wealth of wisdom about navigating disruptive innovations and bridging the chasm between early adopters and the mainstream market. You'll get a masterclass in Moore's pioneering frameworks for technology adoption lifecycles, spotting tectonic market shifts, and leveraging disruptions. Whether you lead a startup or a giant enterprise, this episode will rewire your perspective. You'll gain invaluable principles and mental models applicable to business today and the deeper meaning we seek...
Crafting Compelling Narratives That Transform Brands: A Chat with Park Howell (Part Two)
The brand storytelling continues as Park explains how Joseph Campbell's Heroes Journey theory can transform B2B company narratives. Going beyond product features and benefits, you'll learn how to craft a compelling origin story that emotionally resonates with your audience. Park also dives into the necessary ingredients for an engaging brand narrative, from defining your core values and purpose to introducing an adversarial force that helps your customers defeat their challenges. You'll come away with actionable tips for architecting a strategic brand story that feels like a heroic myth. Also, Park tackles how to bounce back from mistakes through ABT...
Crafting Compelling Narratives That Transform Brands: A Chat with Park Howell (Part One)
What story does your brand tell? This week on Startup Science Podcast, Greg talks with Park Howell, the world's most industrious storyteller. Park has spent over 35 years growing purpose-driven brands by up to 600% through strategic storytelling. As host of Business of Story and author of Brand Bewitchery and The Narrative Gym for Business, he's helped thousands clarify their brand narrative to connect authentically. His illustrious client list includes Dell, The Home Depot, Hilton, and Walgreens. Recognized as Advertising Person of the Year, Park consults, teaches, and speaks globally about the immense power of stories to build brands and amplify their...
