The Reboot Podcast

What is it like to be part of a group of peers, who meet regularly, to discuss your most vulnerable challenges that may or may not be related to your business? What does that interaction do for you and your leadership? How does that affect your organizations? In this episode, Al Doan (founder of Missouri Star Quilt Company), Christine Carrillo (CEO of JOANY), Keeley Tillotson (CEO of Wild Friends Foods), and Bryan Birsic (CEO of Wunder) come together to talk with Jerry Colonna about how important their peer groups have been for their personal and professional lives. They talk about the bonds that form and connections made beyond company size and title to a shared humanity, and the importance of space to speak honestly about fears and concerns and struggles, as well as wins. They also touch on how supportive conversations and deep listening fosters accountability at one’s growth edges, self-discovery, and a practice of vulnerability that ripples out into their companies, families, and friendships at large. And

Radical honesty - an open and authentic contribution, which lacks the intention of causing unnecessary pain and suffering, but serves to provide a mirror in which we can clearly reflect on the aspects of ourselves to which we are blind. On this episode of the Reboot Podcast, Jerry is joined by Patty McCord, former chief talent officer of Netflix, renowned for pioneering the use of radical honesty in the workplace. With her new book, "Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility", Patty aims to clearly define the best path for creating workplace cultures of high performance and profitability. Jerry and Patty consider how the implementation of radical honesty in our organizations serves to forge solid, supportive spaces where workplace safety is no longer defined solely by the assurance of employment, but contains space for team members to feel seen, heard and nourished to grow, where skill sets are broadened, and diverse people with different ways of thinking come together without fear or expecta

Judson Brewer, Director of Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mindfulness, is a revolutionary thought leader in the field of habit change and the “science of self-mastery.” In this discussion, Judson and Jerry ponder identity, how beliefs about our character might shape the way we show up to meet the world, and the ways in which our perceived identities restrict and confine our sense of self. Links UMass Center for Mindfulness - https://www.umassmed.edu/cfm/ The Craving Mind - https://www.amazon.com/Craving-Mind-Cigarettes-Smartphones-Hooked/dp/0300223242

As leaders, what might happen if we attempted to lead from a place of honesty, equanimity, and compassion? Might we transform our organizations and workplaces into safe oases where our fullest selves emerge, allowing ourselves to step into purpose and the meaningful work of our lives? In this conversation, originally aired on The Interdependence Project Podcast hosted by Tarikh Korula, Jerry and Tarikh tackle the question, “How human can we be as leaders?” We’ve decided this would be a great episode to share with you for the holidays, as we wrap up one year and set out into the fresh tracks of another new season. Links The Interdependence Project Podcast - http://theidproject.org/media/Podcast

On this episode of the Reboot Podcast, Jerry is joined by cinematographer and filmmaker Jeff Orlowski, best known for his critically acclaimed documentary films - Chasing Coral & Chasing Ice. The Emmy Award-winning filmmaker recently received the United Nations' highest environmental honor, the Champions of the Earth award, for his work on spreading powerful environmental messages to a global audience. Believing that film remains one of the best mediums for effecting positive change, Jeff founded Exposure Labs. Self-described as an ‘impact production company,’ their mission focuses on utilizing visceral, honest storytelling to enact change and enable open conversations on tough subjects. In this conversation, Jeff discusses the parallels of filmmaking and serial entrepreneurship, reflecting on how his new projects can generate the same feelings of uncertainty, thrill, and fear that often arise in early-stage startups. Jeff shares his journey into filmmaking and how he sees himself first and foremost as a

Matt Tara is the CEO of an e-commerce fashion company that failed, but is still very much alive in his head. As a former venture capitalist in private equity, Matt thought he’d be swift to success as an entrepreneur. When the road turned rocky, Matt was forced to put his company to rest, and he was left with many multifaceted feelings -- among them: failure, grief, and the understanding of what it means when an entrepreneur says “this is hard.” Most of all, he felt abandoned and at a loss for peers who could really listen to him. In this conversation, Jerry helps Matt conceptualize the latest speed bump in his life. They begin to unpack all of the gifts and lessons received from this experience and propose tactics for keeping Matt’s inner critic at bay as he considers what’s next.

Bobby Brannigan, CEO of Mercato, has built his second company into a steadily growing business in a hard market with narrow margins. While the company is growing strong, he longs for the excitement of his first startup - which he remembers as a thrilling success. In this conversation, Jerry asks Bobby to consider what having high-risk stakes means for him, and how he can connect to that sense of confidence and aliveness in other aspects of his life. They also acknowledge that patience and persistence are integral to affecting the change Bobby wants to see in the market he cares about - and how it’s not so easy being patient when you know where you want to get to. Links Mercato - http://www.mercato.com

How can you expect to serve others, whether it be customers, portfolio companies, or your organization if your own house is not in order? In this episode that we originally ran last summer, we welcome Brad Feld and Fred Wilson back to the Reboot Podcast. Jerry, Brad, and Fred have a friendship and history that goes back 20 years, and the wealth of experience between them as entrepreneurs and investors is truly incredible. Fred, Brad, and Jerry share stories from the past, moments where they were pushed to their limits physically and emotionally. They talk about the critical steps they’ve taken to being an effective and supportive board member and investor, and how the lessons from past painful experiences show up in the values of their firms. This episode also launches our very practical skills course - Reboot Your Board - a collection of the wisdom from Fred, Jerry and Brad on how to create, build and maintain the best board possible. Learn more at http://www.RebootYourBoard.com Links Reboot Your Board - htt

Erin Frey and Ti Zhao are the co-founders of Kip - an app which aids in locating a quality therapist and helps you measure your progress. In this episode they sit down with Jerry to talk about what makes them tick and how they work together as leaders. This includes emotional literacy and helping each other regulate when tough issues arise. What does your cofounder (or partner) do when they are scared, angry, sad, triggered? Do you know what they need in that moment? Making time to discover the operating instructions for your partner solidifies not only your communication with each other, but also, as Jerry notes, tending to good communication sets culture, direction, and creates the conditions in which raising capital is enhanced. Links Kip - Smarter Therapy - https://www.hellokip.com/ Erin Frey - https://twitter.com/erinfrey Ti Zhao - https://twitter.com/ti_am_i

Jason Jacobs, former founder of Runkeeper, pursued being an entrepreneur with passion and maniacal focus. After starting Runkeeper at age 30, he now finds himself on the other side at 41 post-acquisition, finally reflecting back on the last decade of work. Knowing that he wants to experience building the next company differently, in a more healthy way and with more joy, Jason talks with Jerry about the conundrum of getting lost and consumed in the fire of work. And, how to dive into his work without being so unhappy. At this mid-life juncture of Jason’s time before his “Second Act,” they take the opportunity to pause and unpack deeply held notions about how work must be, what success is, and what it means to lead a fulfilling life. Links "The Problem of the Potter" - https://www.themonsterinyourhead.com/2010/01/31/disappearing-into-the-fire/

Ben Rubin and Dan Harris have found themselves as unlikely cofounders in 10% Happier, which came together when Ben’s company, Change Collective, underwent a successful pivot into a new focus, a new name, and a new co-founder. At the time, Ben stared down his biggest fears of failure - that of creating another “smoking black hole” - only to shift the company, raise money and relaunch the product all in a short two month span, pulling off what their investor Matt Harris called “a triple lindy.” Almost two years later, 10% Happier is among the top mindfulness and guided meditation apps. In this episode, Ben and Dan open up to Jerry about what it’s like being cofounders. They shed light on how their mutual anxieties affect their relationship and their company. Links http://www.10percenthappier.com/Reboot

Adeesh Agarwal is an architect who has worked in real estate, med-tech, and had started and managed his own design firm, which recently closed it’s doors. He finds himself soul searching at 40 years old looking back at the choices he’s made to have a job and be a responsible caretaker for his family. He struggles with finding work that isn’t soul-sucking, that creates safety and opportunity for his family, and wanting to have a sense of stability and sense of progress in his life. As he looks at his life and the choices ahead, he asks: Who am I? What are my strengths? Jerry and Adeesh talk about how there’s a much deeper existential question behind those questions, and how a better question is to ask: What am I made of? And how do the aspects of me come together in ways that I am proud of and ways that hold me back?

Derek Flanzraich, CEO of one of the fastest growing health and wellness sites, Greatist, joined Jerry for our very first podcast episode in 2014 to share the story of his personal journey over the last 10 months. His journey of introspection started when he attended the first CEO bootcamp and began to reflect on a personal challenge, which ultimately lead him to a solution to a business challenge that could have destroyed his business. In this conversation, Jerry and Derek talk about how in our challenges at work lies a conversation about what impacted who we are and how we relate to life, work, and money. Derek’s openness and introspection may inspire you to re-examine how your own stories, upbringing and past experiences are impacting your business and your life. Links Greatist - https://greatist.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/derekflanz - https://twitter.com/greatist

Nancy Lublin, CEO of Crisis Text Line, a non-profit that provides free 24/7 support at your fingertips, is a successful serial social entrepreneur. Previously at Dress for Success and Do Something, her journey as a CEO has been one towards a more authentic and human style of leadership. This journey has informed how she see’s her product and the companies she runs. In this candid conversation with Jerry Colonna, Nancy talks about what it means to be a social entrepreneur and being human centric in this world of chat bots, numbers, OKRs and KPIs. Links Crisis Text Line - http://www.crisistextline.org/ Nancy Lublin on Twitter - https://twitter.com/nancylublin

Throughout his life Adi Mashiach has been a brilliant student, a successful doctor, and has experienced two successful company exits. Along with his wife Mirella, Adi has stepped into the world of VC with the creation of Mesia Ventures. Having just moved to the United States less than a year ago with his family, Adi has started to feel the familiar pangs of belonging trying to break into new circles and begin building a new venture fund. Recently, Adi has begun to wonder how to live his passion for helping others, and how to fit in without losing himself in the fire (something he’s experienced twice before in his life). In this episode, Jerry Colonna and Adi discuss how our intellect can help us figure out only so much in life, and how listening closely to our heart can reconnect us with the forgotten parts of ourselves that, once reclaimed, can sit beside us as we endeavor through life. Links Love after Love by Derek Walcott - https://onbeing.org/blog/love-after-love

In an entrepreneurial world where being a billionaire is a yardstick for self-worth, and unattainable goals can give us a false sense of responsibility, control and drive, what is the collateral damage to ourselves? As we chase a sense of perfectionism, and measure ourselves against big goals, how do we counteract the sense of self-loathing we can impinge upon ourselves when we fall short of the images we’re up holding? In this conversation, Jerry sits down with Sharon Salzberg, on her new book "Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection" to discuss the ways in which love might be a counter-intuitive antidote to the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. We learn that as we cultivate a sense of love and compassion for ourselves in our ambitious pursuits and adventures in life, we bolster our resiliency to face life as it is. Links "Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection" by Sharon Salzberg - https://www.amazon.com/Real-Love-Art-Mindful-Connection/dp/1250076501 Sharon Salzberg on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Shar

Sally Spencer-Thomas is a psychologist who found herself in a moment in which she was not prepared when her brother died of suicide. After that significant event in her life, Sally poured much of her life into engaging leaders and finding bold, gap-filling solutions for suicide prevention in schools, workplaces, and communities. Driven by the memory of her brother, Sally dove into her work, and along the way, she found a community and purpose around her brother’s legacy. Over the last 14 years, Sally encountered her own onerous moments of depression. From these moments, she came to understand the power of community and the importance of a caring person. On her journey, Sally has become more attuned to asking, “What is this moment teaching me? What can I do to learn here?” a testament to her resilience. Now, she’s facing big life transitions in both her work and her role as a parent, and she finds herself listening for what her inner voice is saying as she’s wondering, “Who am I, now, in this season of my life

Khe Hy spent 14 years in Financial Services and was successful by all signs, but his work and life felt ‘meh.’ Something felt disconnected from him as he suited up in the morning and turned off the finance switch in the evening. He opted for a life of more meaning, and started RadReads, a passion project now grown into a community of sorts. But something still didn’t feel right for Khe. Even though he preached a lot about what’s important, he found that a hard talk to walk and instead found himself putting the most important things in his life - his wife and daughter - last on his list of priorities. Despite all of Khe’s efforts in meditation, mindfulness and reflection, he struggled to figure out how to be present for his life. Instead he found himself thinking about ideas, people in his network, and ways to improve. As a self-proclaimed life-hacker, he struggled to find the metrics and hacks to be present. As Khe and Jerry discuss, perhaps the answer to being present is deeper than hacks and metrics. Perhap

Al Doan led his family’s fledgling small town quilting shop to a leading online retailer with over 450 employees in just a few short years. To the outside world, this rapid growth established Al has a wildly successful and admired leader, but behind closed doors Al was struggling. He found himself behaving in ways contradictory to his character and struggling to feel happy and content. Sure, he was killing it as an online quilting retailer, but was this really what he wanted his life to be? Recognizing things were not working, he reached out for help from a trusted friend and advisor. This friend connected Al with Jerry, leading to a new journey of self-inquiry and discovery for Al. A journey that has ultimately led him to walk through the fear and challenge of stepping down as CEO, to create the space for the life of his dreams to emerge. Links Missouri Quilt Company - https://www.missouriquiltco.com/ Al Doan on Twitter - https://twitter.com/drbillnye Signs you need to leave your startup - https://goo.gl/Q0Y

Simon Cant’s path to becoming a VC has been a windy road. Building on a career that includes stints as a lawyer, founder, consultant, director of a non-profit and advisor, he is now an LP in Reinventure, an Australian fintech fund. Alongside his meandering career path, Simon has battled to slow the swing between a strong desire to exert control and an acute awareness of his own need to surrender. In this conversation Jerry leads Simon to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect surrender. Instead, surrender is a lifelong practice. Links Grace, VC and Surrender - https://hackernoon.com/grace-vc-and-surrender-4475a6c1e325#.hqn5apr6h Simon Cant on Twitter - https://twitter.com/simoncant