Ventures & Visionaries Podcast with Mordy Hackel

Is the tech world finally moving beyond Silicon Valley's shadow? In this episode, Mordy Hackel speaks with Dr. Oksana Malysheva, a physicist-turned-venture-capitalist who shares her journey from the Soviet Union to leading Austin’s Sputnik ATX VC. Oksana reveals how her unconventional path has equipped her to nurture startups outside the Valley, emphasizing why grit, adaptability, and gratitude are vital for entrepreneurs. Her unique perspective on innovation, why she believes Austin is an emerging startup powerhouse, and her advice on finding joy and sustainability in the entrepreneurial grind is a must-watch.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com
 
Takeaways
 
Embrace serendipity and hard work:
Oksana emphasized that true success is often a mix of serendipity, dedication, and careful planning. While setting goals is essential, staying open to unexpected opportunities can shape your path in profound ways.
 
Gratitude fuels sustainable growth:
Gratitude is highlighted as a vital mindset for entrepreneurs. Oksana shared how practicing gratitude not only enhances creativity but also helps build meaningful alliances and sustain resilience during challenging times.
 
The power of 'pockets of nothingness':
Oksana discussed the importance of carving out time for reflection, emphasizing that moments of stillness can recharge energy and provide clarity, a practice crucial for leaders and innovators.
 
Austin as a fertile ground for startups:
The episode shed light on why Austin has emerged as a vibrant hub for innovation. Its blend of top engineering talent, an inclusive community, and affordable living creates an ecosystem ripe for startup growth, distinguishing it from Silicon Valley.
 
Startups are built on resilience, not just breakthrough ideas:
Success stories rarely come from single, heroic moments. The episode reinforced that building a successful startup is a process filled with continuous learning, adaptation, and overcoming countless challenges.

What if identifying ONE key constraint could unlock massive efficiency in your business? In this episode, Dave McFarland takes us through his unexpected journey from biologist to expert in the Theory of Constraints (TOC). With years of experience consulting across 150 factory floors, Dave shares how TOC transforms business by eliminating bottlenecks and boosting productivity. His insights offer practical advice for anyone looking to streamline their operations and embrace smarter problem-solving. This is a must-listen for leaders ready to make meaningful improvements in their processes.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com

How can families effectively navigate the complex dynamics of running a business together while fostering innovation and maintaining harmony? It's not easy, but it is worth it. Today's guest is Jeff Savlov, the founder of Blum & Savlov, a consulting firm specializing in family business dynamics and wealth management. Jeff’s extensive experience—spanning over 30 years—provides him with a unique vantage point from which he offers deeply insightful advice on everything from managing family relationships in business to mentoring the next generation for sustainable growth.
 
To contact Jeff Savlov please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsavlov/
To support our show please visit our sponsor:Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com

How can mastering operations drive significant growth in your organization? In this episode Mordy Hackel sits down with Naima Jinnah, a dynamic leader in the technology and investment sectors, to uncover the secrets behind her operational success. From her early experiences in the legal industry to leading roles in tech startups, Naima shares invaluable insights on creating effective processes, fostering a culture of intelligent failure, and leveraging AI to optimize team performance. With a strong emphasis on communication and goal alignment, this conversation provides a roadmap for leaders aiming to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth. Tune in to learn how Naima's strategic approach to operations can transform your business.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit ⁠https://kjtechnology.com⁠
 

How can we leverage innovation to transform the energy sector? Today Mordy Hackel is joined by Catherine Flax, a founding member and President of Private Markets at X Machina Capital Strategies (XMC). Catherine also serves on several prestigious boards, including Zefiro Methane Corporation, Gradient Geothermal, Abaxx Technologies, ISO New England, Base CarbonBase, and Amperon.  Today Catherine shares her journey from banking to leading innovative energy solutions and discusses the significance of distributed energy generation, the role of geothermal technology, and the importance of sustainability in human resources. Catherine's insights into entrepreneurship, the evolving energy landscape, and the critical need for scalable solutions provide a roadmap for future innovation in the industry.
To support our show please visit our sponsor:Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com

How do you decode the secrets of future-proof leadership in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape? In this episode Mordy Hackel sits down with Kevin Goldstein, a former Wall Street executive turned fintech and blockchain entrepreneur, to uncover the answer. Kevin shares his eclectic career journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing the journey, combining IQ with EQ, and the relentless nature of hard work. He provides insights into the evolving tech economy, the transformative potential of blockchain, and the critical role of customer service. To support our show please visit our sponsor:Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com
 

Are you ready to unlock the secret to scaling your business sustainably? Join Mordy Hackel as he explores transformative strategies with Roy Peter, a seasoned EOS implementer, and Larry Garcia, the innovative co-founder of Strety. In this episode we explore how EOS and Strety's advanced business tools can align your team, streamline processes, and create a resilient, thriving work culture. Tune in to discover practical insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of growth and building a scalable organization.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com

Today we explore the transformative power of financial leadership with Nelson Tepfer, the co-founder of Pro CFO Partners. Nelson’s unique journey from a full-time CFO to a pioneer in the fractional CFO space offers invaluable insights into optimizing financial performance and achieving sustainable business success. Discover how the fractional CFO model can provide strategic financial guidance without the full-time cost, and learn the keys to navigating your company’s financial future with confidence. Don’t miss this episode with show host Mordy Hackel —it could be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com

Imagine a world where innovation isn’t just a buzzword but a driving force that shapes industries, transforms lives, and redefines the future. In this episode Mordy Hackel explores the dynamic world of business innovation with two extraordinary guests: JD Morris, a seasoned private equity professional and strategic consultant, and Steven Etienne, a versatile entrepreneur with a rich background in finance, real estate, and emerging technologies. Together, they unravel the complexities of fostering innovation within organizations and share invaluable insights on navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com

In this episode of "Ventures & Visionaries," Mordy Hackel is joined by David Acharya, Managing Partner of Acharya Capital Partners (ACP), to explore the intricacies of private equity, building resilient organizations, and leveraging AI in business. With over 25 years of investing and transacting experience, David brings a wealth of knowledge on private equity, capital markets, and portfolio value creation. We delve into his journey, the evolving role of AI, and actionable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Join us for a deep dive into the strategies that drive success in the competitive world of private equity.
 
To support our show please visit our sponsor:
Ventures & Visionaries is delivered to you by KJ Technology. Having the right managed IT partner will help you navigate technological complexities with confidence. To drive innovation, enhance security, and streamline operations please visit https://kjtechnology.com