Hacking the Hustle with Benji Sklar

Hosted by Benji Sklar

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119

Latest episode

May 2025

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About the show

Benji Sklar is a corporate attorney based in NYC and host of the Hacking the Hustle podcast, where he interviews CEOs and industry professionals on navigating the path to going public.

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60 recent

May 26, 202533 min

Faith, Fortune, and the Hustle: A Conversation with Mark Gerson - Ep. 120

In this episode of Hacking the Hustle, I sit down with Mark Gerson, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and co-founder of GLG, Thuzio, United Hatzalah, and African Mission Healthcare. We talk about how he helped build one of the most influential expert networks in the world, why he believes Israel is a breeding ground for innovation, and what drives his deep commitment to medical missions in Africa. Mark shares his unique perspective on interfaith philanthropy, the power of Jewish values, and how business can be a vehicle for doing real, lasting good. This conversation made me think differently about success, service, and what it means to lead with purpose.

May 7, 2025Episode 11930 min

How to Prepare for an Audit with Chase Bush, CPA - Ep. 119

In this episode of Hacking the Hustle, I sit down with Chase Bush, Managing Partner of Bush & Associates CPA LLC, a Nevada-based audit firm specializing in public companies. Chase and I have worked together on numerous public offerings, and today he shares invaluable insights for founders and CEOs looking to raise capital, navigate audits, and go public.We cover what auditors look for, the biggest accounting mistakes startups make, and what life is really like post-IPO. Whether you're raising a SAFE, preparing for an S-1, or just want to run a tighter ship, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay investor-ready.Follow Hacking the Hustle for more real talk with the people powering the capital markets.

October 6, 202417 min

How to Create Your Investor Deck with Nina Raab | Ep. 118

In this episode of Hacking the Hustle, Benjamin Sklar interviews Nina Raab, CEO of Lionrun Consulting, who specializes in helping startups craft compelling investor presentations. Nina shares her advice on how to communicate your vision, structure your pitch, and stand out to investors. Whether you're an entrepreneur preparing for your first pitch or a seasoned founder looking to refine your message, this episode is packed with insights to help you secure funding and drive growth.

September 5, 202438 min

117. The CEO’s Guide to Winning Proxy Battles

In this special episode of Hacking the Hustle, Benjamin Sklar interviews Donna Ackerly and Keith Haynes, the CEO and COO of Lioness Consulting LLC, a leading proxy solicitation firm based in New York. Designed for public company CEOs, this episode delves into the critical role effective communication plays in proxy battles and shareholder meetings. Hear firsthand from Donna and Keith as they share their expertise on how Lioness Consulting drives successful outcomes in the boardroom.

February 11, 20242 hr 26 min

116. Breaking Down the ICJ's Landmark Decision: South Africa vs. Israel

Welcome to Hacking the Hustle. In this episode, join us as we unravel the intricacies of the recent decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the dispute between the State of Israel and South Africa. Our guest, Gurney Pearsall III, Esq., brings his expertise to the forefront, breaking down the court's decision with clarity and insight. From the historical context to the legal arguments presented in the courtroom, this episode sheds light on the complexities surrounding this critical international case. Whether you're a legal enthusiast, a global affairs follower, or simply someone intrigued by the intersection of politics and law, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of a pivotal moment in international relations. Gain a deeper understanding of the implications, reasoning, and potential ramifications of the ICJ's decision as we explore the nuances of the case. Subscribe now to stay informed on our latest developments and join us on this journey through the intricacies of the ICJ's decisions that shape the world we live in.

January 22, 202437 min

115. The Art of Buying a Business with Richard Parker

Welcome to Hacking the Hustle! In this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Richard Parker, the CEO of Diomo, to unravel the mysteries of buying a business. Richard is a seasoned expert and thought leader in the realm of buying businesses. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, Richard has successfully navigated the intricate process of acquiring businesses and has become a beacon of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs. In this episode, Richard shares invaluable insights into the art of buying a business. From identifying lucrative opportunities to negotiating deals, he walks us through the entire process, demystifying the complexities for our listeners. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur looking to expand your portfolio or a first-time buyer, Richard's wisdom is a compass in the vast landscape of business acquisition. Key Takeaways: - The crucial steps to take before entering the business-buying arena. - Strategies for identifying businesses with untapped potential. - Insider tips on negotiating deals and maximizing value. - Common pitfalls to avoid during the acquisition process.

August 18, 202329 min

114. Launching a Two-Sided Marketplace with Cassel Shapiro, CEO of Skillr

On today's episode of HTH, Cassel Shapiro, CEO of Skillr, shares his story from working on Wall Street to launching Skillr, a software platform where you can video chat with an expert instantly.

June 8, 202327 min

113. Why the SEC is Cracking Down on Crypto with Michael Handelsman, Crypto Law Expert

On today's episode of Hacking the Hustle, Benjamin Sklar interviews Michael Handelsman, a securities lawyer who is an expert at crypto law. Michael is a partner at Kelman PLLC, a law firm exclusively focused on the cryptocurrency industry. Michael helps issuers, exchanges and payment processors navigate U.S. securities laws and state money transmission regimes. This is a great episode to listen to if you're in the DeFi space. Enjoy!

December 15, 202226 min

112. Transforming Illiquid Private Assets with Dave Hendricks, CEO of Vertalo

Dave Hendricks is the CEO of Vertalo, an SEC-registered transfer agent for security token offerings. Vertalo is enabling the digital asset ecosystem, democratizing access to secondary liquidity for private assets. More than 70 clients and partners rely on Vertalo's B2B SaaS platform to support low-friction primary capital formation, on-chain share registry, and access to secondary liquidity through its APIs that connect to major alternative trading systems and other marketplaces.  If you want to manage your digital asset shareholder registry on something better than a spreadsheet, you should consider Vertalo, who can help you manage the pre and post-issuance chaos related to investor relations.  Learn more at www.vertalo.com.

December 8, 202215 min

111. How Drones Will Change Everything with Roy Shmuel, CEO of Sightec

Roy Shmuel is the CEO of Sightec, an Israeli company that empowers drones with the ability to analyze and respond in real-time to what they see, enabling them to autonomously perform complex tasks that were previously impossible.  https://www.sightec.com/