The Angel with Michael Conniff

Hosted by Michael Conniff

Business Entrepreneurship

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Apr 2024

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About the show

The Angels with Michael Conniff is a podcast showcasing the journey of angels, venture capitalists, investors, and family offices. Also, check out The Accelerator, the companion podcast from Michael Conniff, aimed at founders, startups, and entrepreneurs.

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13 recent

April 12, 2024Episode 1530 min

Insights from the Investment Trenches with Christopher Zook

In this episode, we host Christopher Zook, the founder, chairman, and chief investment officer at CAZ Investments. The episode delves into Zook's journey in finance, his collaboration with Tony Robbins, and the release of their book, "The Holy Grail of Investing." Zook shares how his life has transformed since the book's release and emphasizes the importance of providing access to alternative investments for a broader audience.The conversation explores the significance of persistence in investment strategies and the role of consistency in navigating volatile markets. Zook reflects on his experiences during the subprime mortgage crisis, highlighting the need for rational decision-making amidst market euphoria. He shares valuable insights into sizing investments appropriately and discusses the key principles that drive success in alternative investments.Throughout the episode, Zook emphasizes the importance of learning from successful investors and applying their strategies thoughtfully. He underscores the need for investors to evaluate risk-adjusted returns and maintain a disciplined approach in their investment decisions. Zook's wealth of experience and practical wisdom offer listeners valuable guidance in achieving financial success in any market environment.Takeaways'The Holy Grail of Investing' provides access to alternative investment opportunities that are typically inaccessible to most people.Setting goals is crucial for achieving success in investing.Persistency and consistency are key traits of successful investors.Risk management and sizing investments correctly are essential for long-term investment success.

April 8, 2024Episode 1427 min

Lessons from Disney's Global Streaming to Coaching with Alina Doran

In this episode of The Angel with Michael Conniff, Alina Doran, an executive coach and advisor, joins Michael to discuss strategies for success in matrixed organizations and coaching. Alina shares her journey from a corporate career at the Walt Disney Company to pursuing her lifelong dream of coaching. They delve into the challenges of working in matrixed organizations, the importance of influence and visibility, and the dynamics of cross-functional teams.Alina also reflects on her experiences at the New York Times during a tumultuous period of transition in the media industry, where she witnessed the evolution of digital strategies and the implementation of paywalls and subscription models. Throughout the conversation, Alina emphasizes the significance of authenticity, trust, and kindness in fostering productive work environments and achieving business results.Key themes include:The intersection of personal and professional growth in coaching sessions.Strategies for building trust and influence in matrixed organizations.The impact of toxic behaviors on individual well-being and organizational performance.The evolution of digital media and the challenges of adapting to changing business models.The role of honesty, integrity, and authenticity in leadership and team dynamics.3 Lessonsa. The Intersection of Personal and Professional Growth: Alina's journey underscores the importance of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. By pursuing her lifelong dream of coaching, she found fulfillment and success in a new career path. This highlights the significance of integrating personal growth with professional endeavors, emphasizing authenticity and staying true to oneself.b. Building Trust and Influence in Matrixed Organizations: Alina discusses the challenges of working in matrixed organizations and emphasizes the importance of building trust and influence across diverse teams. This lesson underscores the value of effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills in navigating complex organizational structures.c. Impact of Toxic Behaviors on Individual Well-being and Organizational Performance: Throughout the conversation, Alina stresses the detrimental effects of toxic behaviors on both individual well-being and organizational performance. This lesson highlights the importance of fostering positive work environments characterized by authenticity, trust, and kindness. Leaders and team members alike must prioritize creating a culture that promotes psychological safety and supports employee growth and development.Alina shares insights from her journey and highlights the importance of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. As she continues to expand her coaching and advising business, she remains committed to helping individuals and organizations thrive in today's complex and dynamic work environments.

March 15, 2024Episode 1331 min

How Melissa Withers is Cultivating Companies Beyond Exits

In this episode of "The Angel" with Michael Conniff, Melissa Withers, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of RevUp Capital, joins as a guest to discuss their unique approach to investing in startups.Melissa shares insights into RevUp's non-dilutive revenue-based investment model, which focuses on long-term growth rather than short-term exits. Unlike traditional equity models, RevUp invests in companies based on their revenue potential, allowing for flexibility and support throughout the journey. With a track record of almost a decade, Melissa emphasizes the importance of a diversified capital toolkit for early-stage companies.The conversation delves into the nuances of RevUp's investment strategy, highlighting the benefits for founders, such as non-dilution and flexibility in capital usage. Melissa breaks down the repayment structure, emphasizing the alignment of interests between RevUp and the companies they invest in.She also discusses the selection criteria for investments, focusing on factors beyond just revenue, such as team dynamics and unit economics. Melissa emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with founders, likening the investment process to a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.Furthermore, Melissa shared examples of success within RevUp's portfolio, ranging from companies with unconventional exits to those still in operation today. She stressed that success is defined more broadly in their model, often reflecting the founder's goals and aspirations rather than solely focusing on financial returns.Throughout the conversation, Melissa highlighted RevUp's commitment to supporting founders and building long-term relationships, challenging the cynicism often associated with traditional venture capital models. She emphasized the importance of aligning with founders' interests and goals, promoting flexibility, engagement, and a broader understanding of success.Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of startup funding and the role of alternative investment models like RevUp Capital in supporting entrepreneurial growth.

March 4, 2024Episode 1230 min

Decoding Angel Investing: Insights from GitHub's Growth Director, Chiedo John

SummaryIn this episode, Chiedo John, Director of Growth at GitHub and active angel investor shares his journey and insights into angel investing. He discusses his background in startups and entrepreneurship, the challenges of running a web development consultancy, and his role at GitHub. Chiedo also explains his criteria for investing in startups, including the importance of a burning problem and high problem frequency. He shares his experience investing in AI startups and the circular economy's potential. Chiedo discusses his plans to launch a venture fund and the opportunities it will provide. He offers advice for aspiring angel investors, including joining syndicates and angel groups, and recommends resources for learning more about angel investing.TakeawaysAngel investors should look for startups that solve burning problems with high problem frequency.Investing at the MVP stage allows a better evaluation of a startup's potential.Joining syndicates and angel groups can provide access to deals and opportunities for learning.Launching a venture fund allows for larger investments and a more focused investment thesis.Aspiring angel investors should read books, listen to podcasts, and learn from experienced investors.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:15Chado's Journey as an Angel Investor03:16Challenges of Running a Web Development Consultancy05:26Chado's Role at GitHub and its Relation to Investing06:38Investing in AI Startups07:09Criteria for Investing in Startups08:50Ticket Size and Collaborative Investing09:35Investing at the MVP Stage10:06Getting Started as an Angel Investor17:01Launching a Venture Fund20:56Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem21:31Exciting Startups Chado Has Invested In28:13Advice for Aspiring Angel Investors29:44Closing Remarks

January 26, 2024Episode 1129 min

From Criteria to Collaboration: Scott Jablonski's Guide to Angel Investing

Welcome to another episode of "The Angel with Michael Conniff.” We are joined by Scott Jablonski, founder and CEO of 77 Analytics. A company that provides strategic guidance and mentorship to startups and established brands. This marks Scott's second appearance on our show. You might recall him from our sister show, The Accelerator, where he recently shared insights on how 77 Analytics is helping startups reach their full potential.In this episode, Scott shares his insights into navigating the world of angel investments. He underscores the importance of accelerators and networking in identifying promising companies.Scott discusses the criteria that guide his investment decisions and these include:Product-market fitThe potential for collaboration with the founder.He elaborates on how he contributes expertise, influence, and credibility to enhance a founder's journey.Reflecting on his experiences as both a consultant and an angel investor, Scott highlights the depth and gratification of relationships formed in the latter role. He concludes by sharing key attributes he believes successful founders possess: Determination Emotional intelligenceSocial intelligence.TakeawaysAccelerators and networking are valuable resources for finding and choosing angel investments.Investors should consider product-market fit and the potential for collaboration with the founder when deciding to invest.Angel investors can amplify a founder's work by providing expertise, influence, and credibility.The relationships formed as an angel investor are often deeper and more rewarding than those formed as a consultant.

January 19, 2024Episode 1029 min

Decoding Hypernomics: A Conversation with Doug Howarth

In this podcast episode, Michael Conniff interviews Doug Howarth, CEO of Hypernomics Inc. Doug is an Author, Inventor, and Discoverer of Hypernomics. In this episode, he talks about the application of hypernomics in the startup and investment world.Hypernomics is a parametric modeling approach that analyzes the demand, value, and pricing of products. The conversation covers topics such as understanding economic systems, applying hypernomics to electric cars and Tesla's market position, the study of cost, schedule, and risk, real-world applications of hypernomics, and advice for entrepreneurs and investors. The episode provides insights into how hypernomics can help businesses make better pricing and product decisions based on customer demand and value.TakeawaysHypernomics is a parametric modeling approach that analyzes the demand, value, and pricing of products.Understanding economic systems and demand frontiers is crucial for making informed pricing and product decisions.Hypernomics can be applied to various industries, including electric cars, aerospace, and consumer electronics.Entrepreneurs and investors can benefit from using hypernomics to identify market opportunities and avoid competition.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:24 Introduction to Hypernomics04:05 Understanding Economic Systems05:20 Applying Hypernomics to Electric Cars08:24 Analyzing Tesla's Market Position10:42 Parametrics and the Study of Cost, Schedule, and Risk11:45 The Importance of Understanding Demand and Value17:54 Real-World Applications of Hypernomics19:57 Understanding Demand Frontiers21:35 Applying Hypernomics to Startups and Investors25:13 Accounting for Technological Progression27:33 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Investors29:06 Conclusion and Book Availability

October 22, 2023Episode 930 min

The Intersection of Sports, Finance, and Service with Ben Garland

Imagine bringing together an NFL star, an Air Force academy graduate, and a genuine finance enthusiast. Well, that's exactly what we've got in this episode of "The Angel with Michael Conniff." Our guest, Ben Garland, breaks the mold of your average athlete. He is the CEO of Wingman63, 11 year NFL Vet, Maj. Air National Guard, Keynote Speaker, Investor and Mental Health AdvocateDuring our conversation, Ben takes us on a remarkable journey, detailing his transition from the military to the NFL and how his deep-seated interest in finance and investment emerged along this unique path.But this is more than just a sports story. It's a story of service, discipline, and impact. Ben tells us how he learned to love numbers and manage his money at the Air Force Academy, where he also acquired skills that would help him in his future endeavors. As we dive deeper into Ben's investment strategy, we discover that he's a fan of low fees and ETFs. He explains how he diversified his portfolio during his NFL career and how he leveraged his social capital to access unique opportunities and partnerships. He also shares his vision of creating generational wealth and financial freedom for his family and spreading financial literacy among fellow athletes.But what about the financial challenges that NFL players face? How do they plan for their future after their playing days are over? Ben gives us an insider's look into the financial world of NFL players, where there's a wide range of approaches and levels of literacy. He also offers some valuable advice on how to gain knowledge, seek mentorship, and make smart choices.And what about the power of athletes as influencers and entrepreneurs? How do they align their brand with their values and negotiate the best deals? Ben sheds some light on this topic, as he compares the different types of deals that athletes can pursue, from cash-based to equity-based. He also emphasizes the importance of mastering the industry terms and reaching out for guidance and support.This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn from Ben's inspiring journey from athlete to investor and entrepreneur. You'll get insights into the world of finance, investing, and innovation from someone who has lived it.

July 17, 2023Episode 731 min

How to Drive Change in Gaming Advertising and Investments: Insights from Christian Facey

Today's guest is Christian Facey, the founder, and CEO of AudioMob, a startup that has created the world's first non-intrusive audio ad solution for the mobile gaming sector. Christian is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a Forbes 30 Under 30 list, an investor, and a mentor.In this episode, Christian shares with us his fascinating journey from working at Google and Facebook to creating his own mobile video game and finding a huge opportunity for audio advertising. He also reveals how he met his co-founder and CTO, Wilfred, and how they built innovative technology that allows mobile gamers to enjoy audio ads without pausing their game. Christian explains how AudioMob works, the advantages for both game developers and advertisers, and his vision and goals for the company's future.But that's not all—this episode goes beyond AudioMob. Michael delves into an intriguing discussion with Christian about ChatGPT. Christian gives insights into the potential impact of ChatGPT on Google's search advertising dominance. Will Google create a competitive product or acquire ChatGPT to safeguard its market share? Christian shares his predictions, highlighting the short-term revenue implications without posing a fatal blow to the tech giant.Christian also shares with us his criteria for investing in other startups, as he is also an angel investor himself. He says that he looks for scalable ideas in growing markets, but also for detail-oriented founders who can provide data and feedback. He also reveals his unique thesis which is based on analyzing how much a founder has struggled and overcome obstacles in their personal and business life. He believes that this is a key factor for success that many VCs overlook. He says that his investments so far have been very successful because of this approach.Don't miss out on this gripping episode of "The Angel with Michael Conniff." Join us as we delve into the extraordinary world of Christian Facey and his awe-inspiring journey. From groundbreaking innovations to invaluable investment strategies, prepare to be enchanted by a tale like no other.

June 23, 2023Episode 630 min

Mastering the Founder to CEO Leap with Katy Trost

Get ready for another insightful episode of "The Angel with Michael Conniff". This time, we sit down with Katy Trost, an accomplished business coach, and advisor. Renowned across Europe and North America, Katie specializes in guiding tech founders and CEOs through the intricate stages of business development, particularly focusing on transitioning from startup to established enterprise.In their discussion, Michael and Katie delve into the unique challenges founders face when transitioning to the role of a CEO, addressing how only a small fraction of founders manage to maintain their leadership roles up to the IPO stage.Here's a peek at the insights from the chat, and five critical considerations for all you aspiring leaders:The Shift from Founder to CEO: It's akin to scaling Everest without an oxygen tank - an intense, demanding process. Remember, you don't magically morph into a seasoned CEO overnight. So, if you're a founder, don't beat yourself up over the growing pains. You're evolving, and that's all part of the ride.The Magic of 'Founder DNA': Katy shares some eye-opening stats – companies with founders at the helm often perform 4-5x better than their counterparts. It's as if there's a special kind of mojo that gives them an edge.The CEO as a Maestro, Not a Superhero: Katy’s golden advice for new CEOs is to view themselves as conductors of an orchestra rather than superheroes who save the day. It’s about helping each team member to hit the right notes, not doing all the heavy lifting yourself.The importance of a healthy organization: Building a resilient and healthy organization is critical to navigating the challenges of scaling. A CEO needs to create an environment that fosters collaboration, trust, and high performance.From Founder to CEO Mentality: A Seven-Step Transition Plan: Katy gives us a tantalizing teaser about her comprehensive transition plan. This proven blueprint is designed to help founders smoothly sail through the often-stormy seas of becoming a CEO.So, guys, don't miss this opportunity to pick up priceless insights from the stellar Katy Trost. Whether you're a founder, a wannabe CEO, or a startup enthusiast, you'll find her wisdom invaluable. And don't forget, Katy runs through her "From Founder to CEO Mentality: A Seven Step Transition Plan" in the episode. We guarantee you’ll want to hear all about it, so tune in

May 26, 2023Episode 431 min

The Think8 Transformation Process: An in-depth discussion with Mark Shekter

Today's guest is the multitalented Mark Shekter, a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, Co-founder and CEO of Think8 Global Institute, Speaker, Educator, and Business Design Strategist. Known for his trailblazing book, "Think8: 8 Steps to Ignite Your Creative Genius in Business, Career, & Life", Shekter is a leading voice in business innovation and creativity.In this insightful episode, Michael and Mark, who are both seasoned writers, delve into the power of writing as a valuable skill in the business sphere. They explore the genesis of Think Eight, both as a philosophy and a transformative program.Mark’s journey with creativity started in his youth. He was composing music and playing piano at just 11 years old, and by 15, his songs were being played on the radio. His early taste of creative success led him to a guest composer slot on a national TV show, catapulting him further into the creative world. This experience sparked a deep fascination with the creative process, a fascination that would go on to shape his life and career.With an impressive stint in Hollywood working alongside industry heavyweights, Mark seamlessly transitioned his rich creative experience into the business arena through Think 8. His groundbreaking program is designed to unlock an individual's full creative potential, channeling it to foster a thriving, sustainable career or business.At Think8, the journey starts by guiding individuals in uncovering their true life purpose. From this profound foundation, a dynamic structure is created to bring their vision to fruition. It’s all about 'new thing for the new possible', which emphasizes the unlimited potential of a cohesive, aligned, and dedicated team.Throughout their conversation, Michael and Mark discuss real-world examples of how Think8 principles have catalyzed profound professional transformations across various industries. From doctors to business professionals, Mark’s innovative approach to business strategy and personal development has left a lasting impact.Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how you can harness your creativity to redefine your professional life and beyond. You can get Mark's Copy of Think8: 8 Steps to Ignite Your Creative Genius in Business, Career, & Life Here: amzn.to/4295fk2