Growing Pains

Hosted by Sean Languedoc

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Latest episode

Jun 2025

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About the show

Welcome to “Growing Pains,” the podcast that cuts through the tech hype and gets real about what it takes to “grow up” with Venture and PE backing. Candid conversations, practical solutions, and a lot of “tell it like it is”. This Podcast prepares you for the changes from new, professional investors. The good the bad and the very ugly. Guests include CEOs, GTM experts, Operators, and Investors who talk about rapid scaling, changing leadership, ripping apart the tech that got you there, while not missing a beat to keep customers happy, disciplined reporting and forecasting with stories and anecdotes that make it real. We’ll chat with experts who’ve crossed the scaling chasm and experts in PE and VC who about what they’ve seen post-investment and what they look for based on that experience. So, if you’re ready for some honest, no-nonsense insights and maybe a chuckle or two, join us! This is “Growing Pains” by Outforce, subscribe today, and let’s get started.

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16 recent

June 17, 202536 min

DAVID HORNIK, Lobby Capital and his 5x Billion dollar picks

Meet David Hornik, the Silicon Valley legend who turned 5 companies into billion-dollar powerhouses—including Splunk's $28B exit to Cisco What You'll Learn: • From Courtroom to Cap Table: How a lawyer pivoted into one of tech's most successful investors (and why his legal training became his secret weapon) • The People-First Formula: Why Hornik backs entrepreneurs, not just business plans—and how this philosophy created billions in value • AI Revolution Insights: What the investor who spotted enterprise software gold early thinks about the current AI boom • Work-Life Integration: How a top-tier VC actually manages to be present for his family (spoiler: it's not what you think) • Raising Creative Kids: The unconventional parenting strategies of someone who spots innovation for a living • Diversity = Dollars: Why inclusion isn't just nice to have—it's a competitive advantage that drives returns The Bottom Line: David doesn't just invest in companies; he invests in people solving problems that matter. After 25+ years in the game, his track record speaks for itself: Splunk ($28B to Cisco), GitLab ($15B peak), Bill.com ($5B), and counting. Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build game-changing companies in Silicon Valley. Warning: Contains zero startup clichés and 100% authentic insights from someone who's actually done it. Chapters 00:00 Intro and Beginnings with Yahoo 01:52 Missing Uber 03:48 Other Bets, Splunk, Bill.com, Faros.ai 09:28 How David assesses the Entrepreneur and the Biz 10:50 How AI changes the pitch 12:59 Data + AI = Moat 19:14 Lobby Conference 21:26 DEI today 22:25 From 2000-2025 what's old is new again 25:08 Humans and Ai 27:56 David and the Arts 31:04 Life Lessons on Balance and attention to life For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

June 10, 202548 min

Chris Hood: AI Hype vs Reality

Summary Would you want a human brain surgeon or the latest AI robotic surgeon to perform surgery? In this episode of Growing Pains, Chris Hood former director of innovation at Google, author of Inf-AI-lable , talks about AI's implications for businesses, particularly in customer-centric approaches. Chris presents a contrarian view that while AI has made significant strides, it is not near where the hype claims it to be. Chris argues that what has really changed is distribution to consumers - but not the science. He talks about the ethical considerations surrounding its use in critical fields like law and medicine and the importance of self-knowledge in navigating its future implications. Takeaways AI has been around for over 60 years, but its accessibility has changed recently. The hype around AI (promoted by investors and AI companies) often overshadows its actual capabilities. Starting with technology (often thin wrappers) rather than customer needs and deep domain knowledge can lead to failure. Companies should provide options for customer interactions, balancing AI and human support. Understanding the limitations of AI is crucial for businesses. Context sharing in AI interactions is crucial. Rapid AI advancements outpace regulatory measures. Bias in AI tools can affect decision-making. Diverse AI perspectives can enhance creativity. Self-knowledge is vital in understanding AI's impact. For more information visit Chrishood.com Outforce.ai For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

May 27, 2025Episode 1443 min

David Rowley Diversis Capital; The first 100 days and (Tech Team) Due Diligence

David Rowley, Operating Partner with Diversis Capital (Diversis.com) discusses the intricacies of private equity, focusing on growth equity and the role of technology in investment decisions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a company's technical leadership and team dynamics during the due diligence process. David also outlines the critical first hundred days post-acquisition, highlighting the need for a transformation plan and the impact of AI on investment strategies. Key Takeaways Private equity firms have unique approaches to investment. Technology can be an asset or a liability in acquisitions. Understanding a company's history is crucial for future growth. Leadership assessment is key during due diligence. The first hundred days post-acquisition are critical for success. AI is becoming integral to investment strategies. Diversity in teams can enhance adaptability to change. Effective communication between engineering and product is essential. Evaluating technical leadership helps in understanding team dynamics. Investment decisions are influenced by market dynamics and company performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Private Equity and Technology 02:54 Understanding the Due Diligence Process 05:36 Market Dynamics and Acquisition Strategies 08:15 Evaluating Technology and Team Dynamics 10:47 The Importance of Technical Storytelling 13:34 Assessing Team Capabilities and Leadership 16:06 Navigating the First Hundred Days Post-Acquisition 18:44 Organizational Design and Conway's Law 23:53 Understanding Conway's Law and Architectural Bias 24:59 The Importance of Diversity in Engineering Teams 26:37 Navigating the First Hundred Days Post-Acquisition 35:27 The Role of AI in Due Diligence and Investment Strategies 39:44 The Future of SaaS in an AI-Driven World Diversis.com Partners with technology companies to accelerate growth For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

March 7, 2025Episode 1333 min

From Consolidation to Acquisition with Tom Altman

This week on Growing Pains..... Altus CXO Chief Technology Officer, Tom Altman! Tune in as we talk about transitioning from consolidation to acquisition, mapping your business process to prepare for AI, and strategies for rolling-up your business. For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

January 31, 2025Episode 1234 min

Venture Capital vs Private Equity: Navigating The Differences with Nick Jain

IdeaScale CEO, Nick Jain provides a unique perspective on key differences between funding from Venture Capital Firms and Private Equity Firms, as well as maintaining profitability when businesses are decreasing their spending on innovation and technology. Bonus Tip: The philosophy behind: “Businesses are explained by numbers, but not run by numbers” For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

September 16, 2024Episode 1149 min

Being Vulnerable To Become Unstuck

This week on Growing Pains...Alicia Farricielli! Tune in as we learn how to feel good about your business and make smart decisions by staying in the present. For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

July 26, 2024Episode 101 hr 0 min

Increasing Revenue By Decreasing Costs

This week on Growing Pains... Matthew Mamet, Chief Product Officier of EnergySage. We are digging into the perfect scenario for a founder, the threat of OpenAI to Google marketplaces, and increasing your revenue by decreasing costs. For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

May 22, 202459 min

Everything You Need to Know About MSPs. How to Win Them and How to Win Their SME Clients.

This week on Growing Pains... Dave Sobel from The Business of Tech! Let's look into the nuances of the critical first customer, long-term lifetime value, and gaining awareness with your target community. For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

May 16, 2024Episode 839 min

$100 Million Dollar Lessons with John St. Pierre.

This week on Growing Pains we are chatting with John St. Pierre, a fellow Canadian, successful entrepreneur, and the author of the $100M Journey. John shares his insights on the tough lessons in early business stages, the ups and downs of VC funding, and leveraging your failures. For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

May 9, 2024Episode 733 min

The Challenges of Selling to Non-Technical Companies - As a Tech Company.

This week we welcome Ryan Matonis, President & CTO of LeadForce360 to the Growing Pains podcast. This week we are getting into CRMs, outbound activities, and the challenges of selling to non-technical companies - as a tech company. Tune in to learn how these insights can ease your growing pains! For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI