Startup Mindsets

Hosted by Dan Gonzales

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149

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Startup Mindsets! Dan Gonzales is your host! Each week, we'll dive into how founders across technology and innovation leaders think about running their business and why entrepreneurship is important in today's world. Subscribe & discover your Startup Mindset today! Enjoy the show! :) -Dan Instagram: @startupmindsetspod Website: startupmindsets.com Linkedin: Startup Mindsets

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60 recent

June 5, 202657 min

Async CEO: Arto Yeritsyan

Popular video editing product founder, Arto, enters the studio for this podcast. As the needs of video creation climb, Async helps creators scale their content with an easy to use video editor. It's what we used for our podcast editing needs. We discussed:Cutting through the noise of being a creator with the science of contentHow living in Armenia influenced his career aspirations from wanting to direct films to creating technology that allows ppl to make videos.A word from our SponsorsStartup Mindsets is sponsored by Gamma.App take your presentation to the next level with an an AI-powered content creation tool that allows users to generate presentations, documents, and webpages from simple text prompts. It eliminates the need for manual formatting by instantly producing polished, visual layouts that can be shared via a web link or exported to PowerPoint, Google Slides. STARTUP MINDSETS is Sponsored by DELVEIf you’ve ever spent hours: clicking through dashboards, taking screenshots, labeling files, and then re-doing it all again for the next audit.…this one’s for you. Today, Delve is launching Delve CUA: a computer-using AI agent that takes compliance screenshots for you.Delve’s agent securely navigates your tools, captures screenshots at the right moments, and attaches them directly to the correct controls, while you focus on actually building security.You build. Delve documents. That’s compliance, finally automated end-to-end.Trusted by 1,000+ of the fastest-growing companies, including 11x, Instantly, micro1, Wisprflow, Greptile, Browser Use, and more.👉 ⁠Book a demo⁠ to see Delve CUA in action and get $1,500 off with code CUA1.5KClick below and Cut hundreds of hours of compliance busywork with Delve⁠https://delve.co/book-demo?utm_source=startupmindsets&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=startupmindsets-primary-feb23-26⁠Connect with Arto on LinkedinWhat'd you think of this episode? Let us know! Leave a rating and write a review. Want more? Read our book and turn your mindset startup like:

May 1, 20261 hr 9 min

Rewriting The Rules with Author Ritu G. Mehrish

This is a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss. In this episode of Startup Mindsets, I sit down with author Ritu Mehrish to unpack the ideas behind her book “Rewrite the Rules and the evolving expectations around work and family. One of the most thought-provoking parts of our conversation explores a cultural shift that doesn’t get talked about enough—why having a family is no longer as universally glamorized as it once was, and how that ties into changing definitions of fulfillment, freedom, and identity in modern careers.We also talk about building startup-style thinking in everyday life, and how questioning traditional “rules” can open up more intentional paths in both business and personal decisions.Read her book https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Rules-changing-leadership-scenario-ebook/dp/B0DKF1XMXKKey Themes we talked aboutWriting booksWork Culture in South East Asia vs. AmericaQuitting Corporate Life to be an EntrepreneurThis episode is brought to you by Gamma.app and Delve —tools helping founders and operators think, build, and communicate faster in today’s startup landscape.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, career reinvention, or how mindset shifts shape modern success, this conversation is for you.Thank you for your continued support over the last 6 years, we've eclipsed 10K downloads on streaming and are looking forward to the future of this show. Startup Mindsets the book is available for purchase only $10!Please like, share, comment etc your thoughts as it helps the algorithm find more listeners and spread good ideas. That was my cousin, Rocko Steady, on the intro song: What I want Them to Know 🎵

February 22, 202650 min

Revolutionizing Deal Flow with Ai & Ali Dastjerdi of Raylu

In this conversation, Ali Dastjerdi, founder of Raylu.ai, shares his journey from being born in Iran to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the AI and venture capital space.He discusses the evolution of his company, the challenges of finding product-market fit, and the unique insights gained from transitioning from an investor to a founder. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing deal flow for venture capitalists, the financial realities of running an AI company, and valuable sales strategies for startups.Connect with Ali via Linkedin. Read about Raylu on Business InsiderSTARTUP MINDSETS is Sponsored by DELVEIf you’ve ever spent hours: clicking through dashboards, taking screenshots, labeling files, and then re-doing it all again for the next audit.…this one’s for you. Today, Delve is launching Delve CUA: a computer-using AI agent that takes compliance screenshots for you.Delve’s agent securely navigates your tools, captures screenshots at the right moments, and attaches them directly to the correct controls, while you focus on actually building security.You build. Delve documents. That’s compliance, finally automated end-to-end.Trusted by 1,000+ of the fastest-growing companies, including 11x, Instantly, micro1, Wisprflow, Greptile, Browser Use, and more.👉 Book a demo to see Delve CUA in action and get $1,500 off with code CUA1.5KClick below and Cut hundreds of hours of compliance busywork with Delvehttps://delve.co/book-demo?utm_source=startupmindsets&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=startupmindsets-primary-feb23-26Time Stamps03:07 Ali's Journey: From Iran to Harvard and Beyond05:49 Understanding Raylu.ai: Revolutionizing Deal Flow09:24 The Role of AI in Venture Capital13:35 The Evolution of Raylu.ai: From Idea to Product18:00 The Dual Perspective: Investor to Entrepreneur21:39 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship26:50 Sales Strategies and Lessons Learned30:46 The Financial Realities of Running an AI Company35:04 The Future of AI in Business37:50 How much do AI native startups spend on AI?Sign up for Startup Mindsets Newsletter on Beehiiv

February 17, 2026Episode 142 min

Ai for Board of Directors: Raffaela Rein

Raffaela is a tech entrepreneur turned board director, with experience on boards including Porsche, €5bn PE firm Mutares, and tech unicorn IU.Her newsletter, The AI Leadership Edge, delivers actionable insights to over 11.000 investors, board and business leaders.Previously, Raffaela founded CareerFoundry and WWV, scaling startups to eight figure revenues and building ventures in frontier technologies.She began her career at BlackRock and launched three companies across Asia-Pacific for Rocket Internet.Recognized by Forbes, Capital’s 40 Under 40, and among Europe’s most influential women in tech and VC, Raffaela has built her career at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and emerging technologies.BoardLens turns post-investment work into momentum — so funds can systematically drive performance after the check clears, not just report it.Startup Mindsets is SPONSORED BY DELVETo say compliance is complicated is an understatement. Constantly worrying about SOC 2, ISO, HIPAA, CMMC, FedRAMP and more can leave your head spinning. Even worse, a misstep can get pretty costly for your startup. That’s why Delve is designed as an AI-native compliance platform.Delve uses AI agents to handle headaches like taking repetitive screenshots for you, monitoring your tech stack for security gaps in real time, auto-filling security questionnaires in your browser or in CSV, and creating secure data rooms to send to prospects and auditors. Their team can personally work with you in Slack to get you 100% compliant, and manage your whole audit for you. Over 1,000 of the fastest-growing companies get compliance done in Delve including Lovable, Bland, Micro1, Instantly, and 11x. For our listeners, they're offering an exclusive $1k discount on any compliance framework.Check out https://delve.co/book-demo and start using AI for compliance. Also a major shoutout to Popup.fm which we used to record and host this live conversation. Popup helps you make money from your live events. Forget juggling dozens of apps. With Popup you can sell tickets or run free events then monetize with products, merch, recordings and offers before, during, and after you go live.The intro music was my cool cousin, Jim Narvios, a person injury lawyer in Houston, Texas if you ever need one.

November 22, 202553 min

Ringing the Nasdaq Bell w/Paul Cecil

It's been a while, I know... but we back in action!Back in September, Paul Cecil, joined us to share his story as VP of Strategy at ReAlpha, the world's first AI-powered, integrated real estate platform. We coverHow AI products like ChatGPT are being used in business and our personal lives for enhanced productivity. A career highlight moment in ringing the Nasdaq bell in Times Square as his company went publicHow ReAlpha is changing the home purchasing experience by taking out the middleman. Corporate Strategy and finance.Skydiving and fun stories along the way. We got our book sold in Walmart! Buy it for the holidays with this link https://business.walmart.com/ip/Startup-Mindsets-A-Blueprint-to-Thrive-in-an-Innovation-Driven-and-Globally-Connected-World-Paperback-9789815204872/14546373834

July 16, 202551 min

Jayla Siciliano on Shark Tank, Real Estate, Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of the beverage industry with Jayla Siciliano, a Shark Tank alum and entrepreneur. Jayla shares her journey from corporate life to launching Bon Affair, a pioneering wine spritzer brand. Discover the challenges she faced in educating the market about a new product category and the successes that followed, including securing investment from Mark Cuban. Jayla's story is a testament to resilience and innovation in an ever-evolving industry. Tune in to learn about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the lessons that can be applied to any business venture.If still haven't read our book, Startup Mindsets, there's still time. Order used copies from Amazon and save some dinero.

June 12, 2025Episode 449 min

Stepping Over Milestones: Stephan Schenk of Stapelstein

Stephan Schenk is the designer-turned-entrepreneur behind Stapelstein, the German startup that is redefining children’s play through vibrant, ultra-light “stacking stones” made from 100 % recyclable EPP. Inspired by a childhood spent in a family of educators, Stephan set out to get kids moving in the classroom; what began as a dynamic chair concept in 2016 quickly evolved into an open-ended play system that lets children (and adults) build, balance, sort, and imagine without limits. Learn more at stapelstein.comToday Stapelstein is a purpose-driven company headquartered near Stuttgart, employing 29 people and posting €40 million in annual turnover. Stephan has hard-wired social and environmental responsibility into the firm through a steward-ownership model, German-made carbon-neutral production, and a commitment to designing products that outlast trends and generations.Under his leadership, the brand’s rainbow-hued elements have earned a string of accolades, including Good Housekeeping’s Best Toy Award 2024 and multiple design honors for their minimalist aesthetic and durability. Stephan’s work has been featured at SXSW 2025, where he spoke on marrying playful design with positive societal impact.Grab a signed a copy of Startup Mindsets: https://buy.stripe.com/5kAaGeddW5tF4WA5kq

May 27, 2025Episode 32 hr 2 min

SDR Manager with No Degree: Alan B.

Alan Bautista is a good friend since high school. His career story is quite inspiring for those who feel stuck at dead end jobs maybe in the restaurant industry. We also delve into politics, family life, and shoot the shit in this unfiltered conversation. Order your copy of Startup Mindsets on Amazon: =https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Mindsets-Blueprint-Innovation-Driven-Connected/dp/9815204874/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TCL9L0EZPI1F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x4QX_wiZMXF5-NRXQnIoccghWJuNE8WRlsD_tNLm5l4.iLyUPuRRmmUiKYfVJpHyA07WmZOQBZDXhOFwhtPvvXc&dib_tag=se&keywords=startup+mindsets+dan+gonzales&qid=1733460395&sprefix=%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1Follow us where you're listening and let us know who you are!

May 3, 2025Episode 254 min

UC Berkeley's Chief Innovation/Entrepreneurship Officer: Professor Darren Cooke

What's up Startup Mindsets Nation! We've been out on the book tour in the Philippines but are BACK and better than EVERIf you've bought a copy of Startup Mindsets already, you don't know how much that means to me, thank you 🙏If you'd like to order a copy, find it on Amazon. Today's guest is Darren Cooke, the Chief Innovation/Entrepreneurship Officer at UC Berkeley. I was honored to have Darren on the podcast. Time Stamps (8:00) What does a CIO do? Coordinates resources(15:00) Working for biotech companies(25:00) How does Berkeley select which startups to work with(36:00) Publishing a book(37:25) Opinion on students pursuing entrepreneurial careers(43:00) Experience at Columbia Law School(45:00) Darren's Big Career Break (47:00) What was your first job(48:42) Book recs

February 27, 2025Episode 249 min

Berkeley Skydeck's Executive Director: Caroline Winnett

Caroline Winnett is the Executive Director at Berkeley SkyDeck, a world leading startup accelerator. We discuss What it is like running a startup accelerator. How academics make the decision to commercialize their ideas and research. What Skydeck looks for in applicants. Advising startups on their best path forward. About their fund _ _ _ _The Berkeley SkyDeck Fund is the investment partner for UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck Accelerator Program. The Fund invests $200K into each startup that goes through SkyDeck, and can participate in later stage investment rounds with Berkeley founders. One of the most active seed investors in the Bay Area, the Fund has made over 130 investments in 3 years! In a first-of-its-kind, public-private partnership, the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund shares one-half of fund profits with UC Berkeley. This unique partnership helps support UC Berkeley education and creates a source of funding for UC Berkeley’s public education mission. The Berkeley SkyDeck Fund is run by Chon Tang, Managing Partner, and Brian Bordley, Partner. It is funded by organizations such as Sequoia Capital, Sierra Ventures, and Canvas Ventures, as well as other VC firms, individuals, and large corporations.Learn more about Berkeley Skydeck: https://skydeck.berkeley.edu/our_teamGRAB YOUR COPY OF STARTUP MINDSETS ON AMAZON, UNLOCK VALUABLE LIFE AND BUSINESS INSIGHTS FROM OUR RESEARCH, PODCAST, AND LIFE EXPERIENCES: https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Mindsets-Blueprint-Innovation-Driven-Connected