Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

In this episode, we answer this question! Rob is joined, from Madrid, Spain, by the Deputy Editor of Opinion at El Pais, Pablo Ximenez de Sandoval. El Pais is the largest Spanish language news media company in the world, also known as the “paper of record” for the Spanish speaking world, much the same way that the New York Times company is to the USA. Together they explore and dissect the media industry's evolution over the last 30 years, particularly delving into the fate of print and traditional media, the effect of “internet business models” and what the next 30 years holds.

Pablo brings his years of covering politics, industry and culture in California, for El Pais, as well as his decades as an on the ground reporter and journalist, to this conversation among friends, which highlights the necessity for media organizations to adapt and refocus on customer needs and their value propositions amidst changing consumption patterns. They explore the rise of independent journalists alongside traditional media entities, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurial spirit.

The episode concludes with practical advice for journalists and media owners on thriving in the dynamic landscape, underscoring the enduring value of impactful journalism in today's society.

Feel free to follow and engage with PABLO here:

The one and only "NetWorthNurse," Savannah Arroyo, Founder of Willow Investment Group and emerging fintech, InvestHealth, and accomplished Speaker and Author of "Passive Profits" on the topics of Real Estate Investing to create time-freedom, financial flexibility and wealth, joins our show.

In this episode, Savannah explores the forefront of empowering healthcare professionals to seize their own financial independence through Real Estate Investing. Together they delve into Savannah's captivating narrative as she shares invaluable lessons gleaned from her journey, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration for healthcare professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

This episode quickly becomes a fast paced mini-masterclass on the "How To" and the "Whys" of Real Estate Investing for everyone and anyone, with practical steps, lessons and opportunities. She is a master teacher on the ins and outs of how any of us can invest in real estate, and we're inspired through the transformational success that she and her husband have created in their own lives in just the last three years.

For any industrious and aspirational mom, or parent, she also explores her profound insights into overcoming obstacles, mastering life's delicate balance, and igniting empowerment among fellow healthcare professionals.

Join us for a transformative exploration into the realm of financial freedom! Feel free to follow and engage with SAVANNAH here:

Join us as we dive into AI policy, governance and regulatory considerations for founders, investors and policymakers! We talk all things AI governance, plus highlight some tips and best practices for Founder, Investors and PolicyMakers, plus we explore unique cross-border legal intricacies from Juan's experience fostering growth between the US and Mexico. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with a leader at the forefront of law and technology!

In this episode, Rob is joined by Juan Conde, Founding Partner, at Mexican firm, Novus Concilium. He’s a legal powerhouse, technologist and proud graduate of UC Berkeley Law School. Juan brings 13+ years of experience, specializing in corporate law, Intellectual Property and data protection for technology and high growth companies.

In this episode, Rob and Courtney explore the similarities between traditional “entrepreneurs” and the entrepreneurial life of a successful Singer/Songwriter. Courtney’s musical journey began as a child in her Church and musical theater in school, in New Orleans area where she grew up, then exploded during her years in Nashville, America’s heart of Country music. She put in the work, studying Music at Belmont University, and rose within the industry via an internship with a startup record label, learning the entirety of the business, writing her own songs and building key relationships. Her star shone brightly as she toured the United States, with icons like Miranda Lambert and Kane Brown and her audience grew through her live appearances and streaming on Spotify.

But it was while playing the Main Stage at Stagecoach Festival in Southern California, broke and struggling emotionally, that she realized she wasn’t living the life she aspired to and needed to make some big changes- She did just that, moving to Los Angeles, teaching herself to Paddle Board and overcoming a personal fear, reconnecting with her love for Yoga, building new relationships and creating a more authentic life. Her transformation eventually led to her successful EP, “Earthquake” in 2020, which tells her own story of transition and growth. She encourages listeners to follow what brings them joy rather than societal expectations and to listen to our hearts in order to “Get out of our Way.”

Feel free to follow and engage with COURTNEY here:

“One young woman of color can affect change in 5 generations of her family by deciding to go through our program.” In this energizing episode, Rob is joined by Loretta Williams Gurnell—an educator, former professional basketball player and Founder behind the SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation, a Houston, Texas based STEM mentorship program for young women of color. You’ll want to hear about her vision for transforming young woman, and corporate workforces by mentoring young women to pursue education and careers in STEM. With her background as a Research Scientist in the Biological Sciences and a Master’s in Education, she is not just a leader in her field but she’s a leader by example, within her community.

Rob explores Loretta’s own inspired story from Ohio to Texas, her family and her keys to unlocking any girl's full potential. From diversity and equity in STEM to powerful leadership strategies, business development, and impactful mentorship, this episode covers it all. Tune in and be part of a transformative journey that goes beyond STEM and business—it's about building a future where every girl feels like a superhero.

Feel free to follow and engage with LORETTA and the SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation here:

Rob is joined by the remarkably energetic Mica Le John, an entrepreneurial thinker at the intersection of identity, culture and technology. The conversation dives immediately into how we gain and share knowledge around Race, Class, Gender, Sexuality and Ability lenses with young people. Mica proudly continues a global multicultural legacy of incredibly strong women in their family, and brings a level of thoughtfulness and insight borne of their own life experiences plus their progressive liberal arts education at NYC’s New School.

Mica's story paints a vivid picture of their multifaceted creative identity in the Arts, Acting, a family of musicians and now as a millennial entrepreneurial bridge builder. As an executive leader with the Irregular Hours company now, and formerly a Co-Founder of Idoru, a creative tech company that merged identity and culture, Chair of the Board of Directors at viBe Theater Experience, co-creator of the "Collective Media" community, and a delegate to the C100 Canadian entrepreneurship mission, Mica's energy resonates across a range of communities.

Rob and Mica’s natural rapport creates a fascinating exploration between new friends about some really important sociocultural ideas in today’s world. Don't miss out!

Feel free to follow and engage with MICA here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Jean Michel Habineza, Founder/CEO of iDebate Rwanda, who is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and peace-building through meaningful dialogue. His motivation and life experience was shaped by the infamous Rwandan Genocide which unfolded during his childhood. Jean Michel's impactful journey proves that not all entrepreneurs have to build billion dollar “unicorns” to succeed or make an impact. We explore his work as an “entrepreneurial thinker” and “social entrepreneur” as CEO/Founder of this fast growing, scaled up Non-Profit organization. From co-founding 'Peace and Love Proclaimers: Youth for a Change' as a High School teen to spearhead initiatives for unity in Rwanda's Post-Genocide Generation and later founding iDebate Rwanda, his journey has always challenged conventional wisdom.

He is an accomplished debater, public speaker, and advocate for a more creative, entrepreneurial use of “Education” as a Catalyst for Change and the development of future leaders, which has been a thematic foundation of his life’s work. The interview's key takeaways revolved around Jean Michel's leadership philosophies, the importance of mentorship and the role of conversations to build the better world we desperately need. Join Rob and Jean Michel in this thought-provoking episode.

Feel free to follow and engage with JEAN MICHEL here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Cristian Lara, an unintentional entrepreneur, with no resources and now a dynamic young leader in the field of sustainability and recycling in Chile, now Mexico and across Latin America. His “aha” moment hit while playing a match of futbol with friends at university one night, and began his rise to prominence. His inspiring story emerges from his unconventional origins from a working class family, and later dropping out of University to pursue his dreams! As the CEO and Founder of Reciclapp, Cristian has played a pivotal role in building the largest recycling community in the region, dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Cristian shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey and that of Reciclapp, innovations in sustainability, the environmental impact of recycling, sustainable entrepreneurship, and future vision and sustainability goals.

One of the key takeaways from the interview was Cristian's emphasis on trust as the cornerstone of the recycling industry. Cristian believes that building trust is essential for people to genuinely engage individually, as well as strategic corporate partners. He also highlighted the importance of valuing the "green" movement today, as what may seem like a voluntary act now could soon become a mandatory obligation in the future. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on sustainability, recycling, and the future of environmental responsibility across Latin America from one of the region’s young leaders.

Feel free to follow and engage with CRISTIAN here:

Every once in a while we believe we need to slow down, sit with friends, and have long, wide ranging conversations. This episode with Rob and Jessica O'Leary, is that cross generational conversation; we discuss politics, parents, science, immigration, the last 100 years and the next 50 years of innovation as a species. Rob shares advice and perspective shaped by Jessica’s own heartfelt stories and she shares inspiring simple wisdom and advice for young peers of hers. She is a former athlete, coach, and writer with a diverse career background in Community, Strategy, and Corporate Development. Professionally, as the VP of Corporate Development at Issuance in Los Angeles, she played an important role in guiding the company through a successful Series A funding round. Jessica's expertise extends to branding and strategy, gained through her experiences at Midas Brands, Inc in Austin, Texas.

During the interview, we delve into Jessica's fascinating journey from Ireland to the USA, exploring the intersections of her career and personal life and her millennial perspective, shaped by her extensive travels since childhood. This episode promises a blend of inspiration and practical wisdom, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves great human conversations.

Feel free to follow and engage with JESSICA here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Sofia Haq, an aspiring millennial Investor, and a true Southern Californian whose life is a unique tapestry of multicultural experiences. Born to a Pakistani father, from Lahore, and Mexican mother, from Leon, who met in Downtown LA, Sofia is a proud 1st Gen advocate for those whose voices need to be heard. She is the Founder and CEO of Muslim Women Professionals (MWP), a community centered resource for Muslim women globally, and presently a Fellow at Included VC and a Venture Partner at Republic. She's a passionate advocate for diversity, for under-represented communities and for broader inclusion in the venture capital industry.

Throughout the interview, Sofia and Rob delve into essential topics of the day such as Venture Capital and Diversity, the impactful initiatives of MWP’s work for young Muslim women across the world, the intersectionality of advocacy, community building, and leadership. This episode is a compelling exploration of how diversity drives success and how Los Angeles serves as an inspiring market for diverse innovators!

Feel free to follow and engage with SOFIA here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Ali Jamal, one of the most plugged-in young seed stage investors in Latin America’s entrepreneurial economy! He is a seasoned corporate guy turned investor, built upon his upbringing in small-town Minnesota, to his studies at Stanford and then working at some of the world’s fastest growing companies around the world. His story is a classic one of self discovery, from small town Minnesota to his life today in Latin America at First Check Ventures. He tells entrepreneurs- “Raise less, build more.”

Ali's professional path criss-crossed Mergers and Acquisitions, Data Science and Product Management, where he honed his skills and perspective. Over the last decade, he has held various roles at big growth companies such as Zynga, RockYou, Agoda, Rappi, and Clip, one of Latin America's fastest-growing FinTech companies. His extensive experience in consumer-facing companies has allowed him to become a thought leader in the evolving landscape of the industry. As the founding partner of First Check Ventures, Ali plays a crucial role in nurturing and supporting early-stage startups and budding entrepreneurs.

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in the dynamic world of Latin America, technology and startups. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Ali Jamal, a true bridge builder.

Feel free to follow and engage with ALI JAMAL here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Kennith Burks, CEO/Founder at CarKenny, an aspiring builder in the world of mobility and ai based telematics software. Kennith’s entrepreneurial story takes us from hustling at the Corner Store in Newark, New Jersey as a kid, where he watched too many friends go to jail for stealing cars, to Corporate roles at Bridgestone, Hyundai, then his MBA at Pepperdine University and eventually life here in Southern California. He’s a bright, big hearted founder who wants to build for others beyond himself and he is a great personality to follow on social media and, as you'll hear in this episode.

His startup company, CarKenny, was born out of the hassle of disputing a speeding ticket due to a lack of proof of his actual speed, so Kennith harnessed the power of AI to aggregate automative data so none of us have to suffer such inefficiencies of our own true data history. Today, CarKenny supports data from 33 automotive brands, spanning over 153 million vehicles, ensuring that countless drivers have the security and peace of mind they deserve.

The conversation touches on transit in LA and NYC, mobility, personal resilience and self belief. You won’t want to miss it.

Feel free to follow and engage with KENNITH here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by the force of nature that is Trish Halamandaris, a name synonymous with innovation, strategy, and success here in Los Angeles. She’s true Angeleno and Proud Californian! The two talk about her passion for Los Angeles, for UCLA and for life and curiosity! As the Director of the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson School of Management, Trish has been instrumental in shaping the startup landscape in Los Angeles and beyond in the last decade. Her remarkable career efforts helped generate over $1 billion in sales at dominating consumer companies like Amazon, The Walt Disney Company, Electronic Arts, Procter & Gamble, and XPRIZE and her impact extends far beyond her impressive career, making this a must-listen interview.

One of the highlights of the interview is understanding Trish's unwavering passion for change and her relentless curiosity to explore new ways of doing and improving things. Rob and Trish delve into a variety of topics, including her success at UCLA, and her views of our Venture Acceleration and Startup Ecosystems.

Trish's dedication to Supporting Underserved Founders is admirable, and her insights into advising early-stage startups on pitching and funding strategies are invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs. She holds an MBA from UCLA and a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting from UC Berkeley, and her journey is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, strategic thinking, and passionate self belief. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from a true trailblazer.

Feel free to follow and engage with TRISH here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Christian Narvaez, Managing Partner at Rayo Capital, a dynamic investor and community leader in the web3 world. We delve into a wide range of topics, including the profound impact of mentorship on his life, and how he’s now mentoring others in the growing Latino Web3 community and how that representation will shape the future. We explore Rayo Capital's mission and discover it’s relationship with Web3 Familia, the global community he co-founded during the Pandemic and its pivotal role in building a supportive global community for Latino innovators across the Americas. Christian shares each chapter of his incredible life story, highlighting his place as a First Gen son of Ecuadorian immigrant parents as he narrates how he paved his own unique path to success, one step at a time, from hustling selling sneakers in High School, to Community College, Baruch College in NYC and a career on Wall Street.

Christian's Venture firm, Rayo Capital, and his community Web3 Familia are shaping the web3 landscape so that the future of the web is built for the widest possible audience, by the widest possible array of builders. But it’s Christian's personal journey that is the inspiring foundation upon which it’s all built. He fiercely advocates for inclusion and equality of opportunity and access, not only for his Latin community, in the USA and beyond, but for others as well. Don't miss out on this episode, as he promises to be a game-changer you’ll want to keep track of!

Feel free to follow and engage with CHRISTIAN here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by a remarkable woman, Elianne Rodriguez. Elianne is a serial entrepreneur dedicated to a life’s work of empowering and educating entrepreneurs from under-served communities! She makes a fascinating connection between her deep passion for Los Angeles’ two professional soccer clubs, Angel City FC of the NWSL and LAFC, one of the City’s two MLS franchises. She predicts what Los Angeles will look like 50 years from now, and she shares some amazingly inspired stories about why ACFC has become such an anchor for her (and so many in LA) life. Elianne is a literal DREAMER (DACA recipient) and she shares the resilient stories of that immigrant journey to the USA as a child.

She's a dedicated advocate for equity, exemplified through her work at (LEEAF) at Cal-State Los Angeles. In addition to this pivotal role, she serves as a Managing Partner at the research agency, LIST Ventures, and acts as a Strategic Advisor for the LA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and member at PledgeLA.

Elianne's story is one of resilience, advocacy for herself, and others, and entrepreneurship. Her dedication to equity and access to education and resources, plus her tireless efforts to empower communities of color, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in building a more inclusive and diverse future. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration from a true change-maker and genuinely kind, smart, funny person.

Feel free to follow and engage with ELIANNE here:

In this unique episode, Rob is joined by multi-talented, multi-hyphenate, Natasha Chandel. In this captivating interview, the two delve into a wide range of topics including exploring the surprising similarities between the entrepreneurial industry and Hollywood/entertainment industry, shedding light on how lessons from one world can apply to the other. Natasha shares her captivating career journey and the intriguing transitions she's made along the way. In one thought-provoking segment, Natasha and Rob discuss the recent (WGA) writer's strike in the United States and how the resolution of the strike has significant implications for industry workers. This insightful discussion underscores the importance of advocacy and collective action in the entertainment world.

Her CV includes stints at iconic media giants like MTV, FOX, and Disney, and she continues to excel in her various roles as a writer, actress, stand-up comedian, voice-over actor, and podcaster, creating her wildly popular show, “Kinda Dating”. Podcasting and content creation take center stage as Natasha discusses her experiences in these ever-evolving mediums. The conversation also touches upon the vital issue of representation in the entertainment industry, a cause close to Natasha's heart.

One of the highlights of this episode is when Natasha lends her vocal talents to the podcast, providing a glimpse into the world of voice acting and how it differs from traditional on-screen acting. It's not only informative but also incredibly fun.

Throughout the interview, Natasha's infectious energy shines through, and her advice is both inspiring and practical. Listeners will gain valuable insights into commitment, purpose, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Tune in now!

Feel free to follow and engage with NATASHA here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by Andrea Orrego, Founder of Atelier. She’s a third-generation architect turned tech entrepreneur hailing from Lima, Peru, now living with her family in Colorado, whose journey in architecture and entrepreneurship has not only crafted inspiring spaces but also redefined the notion of an entrepreneurial life and personal resilience. She’s an advocate and strong voice for fellow underdog founders.

In this engaging conversation, Andrea and Rob delve into a variety of compelling topics. They explore the genesis of Atelier App, Andrea's brainchild, and how it is reshaping the world of architecture, interior design and the Home Goods industry in Peru. Sustainability in design is another key focus, as Andrea shares her vision for a greener and more environmentally conscious approach to architecture, emphasizing the importance of using sustainable materials and partnering with green focused vendors.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are themes close to Andrea's heart, as she’s a self described “underdog” and non-traditional founder and she discusses their vital role in the future of entrepreneurship.

Feel free to follow and engage with ANDREA here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by his friend, the remarkably talented Juliana Garaizar, a true trailblazer in the world of venture capital and sustainable innovation. The two enjoy a wide ranging, personal conversation which dives into the topics which Juliana feels most compelled by everyday - Climate innovation, the fundamental value of multi-culturalism and more broadly the importance of Diversity and equality of access in capital and entrepreneurship. She brings an economists lens to the big problems we face and she challenges some standard norms and beliefs of how we should take personal responsibility for solving them.

Juliana's impressive professional and academic background is a testament to her dedication to making a difference in the world at large, and to the value she places on serving under-represented communities. As an active Angel Investor and Kauffman Fellows, she has consistently played a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Venture and Private Capital markets. Currently serving as the Founding GP at Malaika Ventures, the Lead Investor of Rising America Fund within the Portfolia Funds and the Chief Development and Investment Officer and Head of the Cleantech Incubator at Greentown Labs in Houston, Texas, after having received MBA’s at the London School of Business and HaaS School of Business at UC Berkeley, (GOBears) Juliana's influence is truly unparalleled!

But it's not just about business for Juliana; she's a deep thinker, voracious reader, incredible mom and a supportive partner to her two kids, husband, and friends. She leaves a trail of people who love and respect her wherever she goes, including Rob. Her multifaceted journey, inspiring career, and dedication to making a positive impact make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of investment, innovation, and leadership. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and be inspired by Juliana Garaizar's extraordinary story.

Feel free to follow and engage with JULIANA here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by a dynamic new venture investor, Michael Shor, hailing from Miami, Florida. Michael is SHOR Capital, an early-stage venture capital fund with a unique penchant for backing "ruthlessly iterative founders."

In this captivating conversation, Michael delves into his unique investing philosophy, shedding light on his preference for disruptive ideas over conventional ones. You'll gain valuable insights into his portfolio, as he shares stories of his investments, juxtaposed against also really opening up about his own journey with ADHD and how he nows views this as his superpower!

What truly sets Michael apart is his unwavering commitment to family values, and “people,” which serves as the bedrock of his venture capital decisions. It's a thread that runs through every aspect of his life, from his growing family to his leadership in the local Jewish community in South Florida.

Michael specializes in nurturing pre-seed and seed stage startups, offering vital support through investments typically ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. But Michael's entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds. His knack for creating value for partners extends far beyond venture capital. He's dabbled in real estate ventures and consumer electronics.

Feel free to follow and engage with MICHAEL here:

In this episode, Rob is joined by the dynamic and high energy Shirin Salmenia, CEO of PlayWerks. Shirin is an indefatigable example of knowing what your dreams are and then being relentlessly single minded in pursuit of them. Her early career found her working on some of the most iconic toy brands in American history. Shirin is more than just a successful entrepreneur, she’s an anchor of the Los Angeles entrepreneurial economy. She epitomizes a #LongLA having moved to the city when she was 2yrs old and having turned down early career opportunities to move away from LA. She’s building at the Uber creative intersection of interactive media, gaming, technology, childhood development and public policy. Shirin is a fierce advocate for women, women of color, women entrepreneurs and young people.

Before founding PlayWerks, Shirin spent several years as the Research Manager and Bratz Brand Manager at MGA Entertainment, where she seamlessly blended her expertise in child and youth marketing with her deep understanding of the toy industry. She also played a pivotal role in the development of MGA's Play Lab. Shirin's journey into the toy industry began at Mattel, Inc., where she worked in Worldwide Consumer Research for the Barbie/Girls Division. Shirin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child/Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge and is deeply involved in various organizations and initiatives locally, including Women in Gaming, the LA FILM School Video Game Department, Girls in Tech, Women in Film, Next Gen Femmes, and the Entertainment Division of the Jewish Federation.

Feel free to follow and engage with SHIRIN here:

In this special episode, Rob is joined for an impromptu conversation, by a guest who needs no introduction: the one and only Sergio Borromei aka Maxolydian aka the Cowboy Coder. We get together in this informal conversation between Los Angeles, a City globally renowned for it’s creativity, and Maxolydian’s recording studio on his Ranch outside Santiago, Chile. We celebrate a big announcemnt in his music career.

This special moment took us all the way back to his first episode #7, from nearly 3 years ago today, August 18, 2020, where we explored the captivating crossroads of "Creativity and Entrepreneurship." So we’re resharing his story, which unfolded like a symphony, starting as an 11-year-old classically trained musician and evolving into a university graduate/junior software engineer in an Argentine Bank. The crescendo? The awe-inspiring 2020 sale of his and his partners company, Lagash, to the LatAm giant, Mercado Libre. Music and software converged seamlessly in Sergio's world, igniting a blaze of inspiration for our audience to discover their latent creative talents while empowering young entrepreneurs to harness their passion to fuel success.

Tune in to this episode whether you're a die-hard fan of his music, of his previous appearance with us or as a new listener about to embark on an unforgettable auditory adventure, this episode promises to reignite your passion for creativity, entrepreneurship, and the boundless possibilities that emerge at their intersection. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and captivated all over again.

Feel free to follow and engage with SERGIO here:

In this special end of our Summer Break Series episode, Rob updates us on some of his own summer fun, shares a sneek peak into the future of MentorsToday in 2023-24, and recaps and adds his own takes on the three Summer Break series episodes we just reshared on the critical topics of: Storytelling, Venture Capital, and Mental Health.

Rob explores the power of storytelling and why it’s essential for entrepreneurs and he breaks down 3 practical tips that highlight the importance of authenticity and connecting on a deeper level with your clients, investors, and partners through your story.

He then recaps the always hot topic of venture capital, providing a concise overview of funding options for startups. Rob shares his ‘4 circles” of capital raising thesis he’s used to help thousands of entrepreneurs plan their next moves and he encourages folks to keep in mind that not all businesses are meant for venture capital investment.

Lastly, but most crucially, he summarizes and adds personal context to the ever present worries over entrepreneur’s mental health. He shares practical strategies and tools to cope with stress and pressure, adds a few personal anecdotes from the episode with the one and only Andrea Campos and encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.

Rob also shares some exciting new developments for MentorsToday in the coming months, all centered around various different ways to connect more deeply and live, with you, our audience, everywhere you are.

Feel free to follow and engage with Rob here:

It’s summertime 2023, and just like you and your family are taking some holiday time off to travel, lay by the pool or hangout at the beach, we’ve decided to give our team a short Summer Break too. But since we know you’re still listening, we thought we’d re-share three terrific episodes in July, on the 3 hottest topics which Rob gets asked about most often in our work at GrowthHax. Storytelling, Venture Capital and Mental Health & Wellness.

Today, we drop in to explore the always important business and life topic of our “Mental Health.” Coming out of this pandemic, adjusting to new lifestyles, reacting to the FOMO of making up for lost time and as always, the pressures to grow businesses to investor expectations, today we revisit Andrea Campos, CEO at Yana, one of the fastest growth Mental Health and wellness platform companies in Latin America, which originally aired in Episode 60, on February 21, 2023. So sit back, open a cold drink, put on that sunscreen and enjoy a masterclass refresher in Venture Capital.

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Andrea Campos, CEO/Founder of Yana (You are not Alone) the Spanish language, AI driven mental health and wellness platform in Mexico y LatAm. Andrea shares her unique story of an exceptionally strong, resilient, accidental Mexican entrepreneur,  who struggled with depression and anxiety, dropped out of University and obsessively sought solutions to her own mental health needs. Ultimately she discovered that she was far from alone in the need for better mental health support. That journey led to Yana, which took six + years of trial and error as a solo founder, before exploding in popularity to 12 million + downloads during the last three years! Her company is one of the fastest growing in LatAm, has raised Venture Capital from some of the regions most reputable investors, but it's her incredibly humble and authentic personal story that will be inspiring to any listener. 

Feel free to follow and engage with ANDREA and YANA here:

It’s summertime 2023, and just like you and your family are taking some holiday time off to travel, lay by the pool or hangout at the beach, we’ve decided to give our team a short Summer Break for the next few weeks too. But since we know you’re still listening, we thought we’d re-share three terrific episodes in July, on the 3 hottest topics which Rob gets asked about most often in our work at GrowthHax. Storytelling, Venture Capital and Mental Health & Wellness.

Today, we drop in with “Venture Capital”, a topic that every entrepreneur, investor obsess over no matter what time of year it is, taught to us by Federico Antoni, one of the Old Guard original Venture Capital Investors in Mexico and Latin America, which originally aired in Episode 34, on May 2, 2022. So sit back, open a cold drink, put on that sunscreen and enjoy a masterclass refresher in Venture Capital.

In this episode, recorded in the Fall of 2021, Rob and Ileana are joined by one of the OG Latino American and Mexican Venture Investors, Federico Antoni, founding partner at ALLVP. He has been a leading catalyst and passionate advocate for the entrepreneurial economies of the region for the last 10+ years and joined our show to share his unique perspectives gained over those years when there were very few peers alongside him. If there were a theme of this episode with Fede though, it was not about Fede at all, it was all about "the people, the people, the people." He joins Ileana and Rob to discuss some of the best and brightest young founders in the region. He shares his unique perspective on how the region has arrived at this moment, and what will be required to thrive, as both founders and investors, in the coming years.

In 2012, Federico founded (ALLVP), the first institutional early-stage venture capital fund in the Mexico.  Federico has successfully raised two Funds focused on Seed, Series A, and Series B investments.  His team has overseen 25 investments to-date, with some of the most reputable and leading companies in the region, across four sectors: FinTech, Digital Consumer, Healthcare, and Smart Cities. Federico, who is a husband and proud father, is a frequent TechCrunch contributor, is also an Entrepreneurship and Management Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he received his MBA in 2004. He also holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Economics from Paris Dauphine.

Feel free to follow and engage with FEDERICO here:

It’s summertime 2023, and just like you and your family are taking some holiday time off to travel, lay by the pool or hangout at the beach, we’ve decided to give our team a short Summer Break for the next few weeks too. But since we know you’re still listening, we thought we’d re-share three terrific episodes in July, on the 3 hottest topics which Rob gets asked about most often in our work at GrowthHax. Storytelling, Venture Capital and Mental Health & Wellness.

Today, we start with the “Storytelling,” critical topic for anyone in today’s modern world, as taught to us by Yogi Roth, an Award winning Film Maker, Author and Sports Television commentator in USA, which originally aired in Episode 26, on January 24, 2022. So sit back, open a cold drink, put on that sunscreen and enjoy a masterclass refresher in storytelling.

In this episode, Rob and Ileana welcome a great, long time friend of Rob's, Yogi Roth, from right here in Los Angeles. Yogi is an accomplished professional storyteller, across multiple mediums including his primary work as the Analyst, for American college football, at the Pac 12 networks.

Ileana, Rob and Yogi talk about how critically important effective storytelling is to every entrepreneur and their company and their customers/audience. Yogi highlights that no matter how overused the word "storytelling" may seem in popular culture, it is a required skill in today's content heavy world. He drops some incredible wisdom through his specific coaching on "how to" and "why" as well as his 3 pieces of mentor advice, but he also wows us with some of his own life stories. Just listening to how he communicates on this episode will be an enduring masterclass for anyone who is trying to craft "their story".

Yogi was an American college football player at the University of Pittsburgh, then championship coach at University of Southern California, before embarking on his film/television/writing and media careers. He is an award winning Independent Film Maker (Life in a Walk/link below), NY Times best selling author, and regular television creator/producer, with a new Film releasing in 2022. He's an avid surfer, Yoga practitioner and is a loving husband and dad to his wife Amy and their two boys, here in Los Angeles.

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In this episode, Rob hosts the show while Ileana enjoys her Summer break. He is joined by a remarkable, inspiring self made Colombian American, Liz Bazurto, from the fast growing fintech company, Coinbase. She shares her incredible story growing up in and making it out of Medellin, Colombia, a city made infamous to most of us, by Pablo Escobar. She is a strong, self made, confident Latina who lives to inspire and empower other Latinas! She has resiliently made herself into a highly accomplished professional with a uniquely diverse background spanning business development, sales, consulting, Civil engineering and the entertainment industry. Currently holding a leading position in Strategy and Market Development team at Coinbase, Liz brings her wealth of experience from previous roles at Tesla, Merrill Lynch and as an actor to her skill for building strong human relationships and appreciating what clients want and need.

During the interview they explore Liz's life story where she shares personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of resilience and self belief. Her experiences have taught her that there is nothing she cannot achieve, and she is grateful for every day of life.

Inspired by her father's teachings, and family values of discipline, education, and hard work, Liz carries a passion for reinvention and empowering other women into her work and passion for women’s leadership, sustainability, climate change , ESG and financial inclusion principles.

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In this special pilot episode of our new “Mentors Today Live” format, Rob and Ileana are joined by former Mentors Today guest, Tadashi Takaoka, (Episode #35, May 9, 2022) General Manager of Socialab Chile and former Entrepreneurship Manager at CORFO, an agency of the Chilean Government.

In this enlightening live conversation on Twitter Spaces, Tadashi updates Rob and Ileana on what he’s working on now and how his thoughts have evolved on issues discussed in his original episode #35/May 9, 2022. Notably, he reveals his new role as Director, Metro de Santiago, and Director, Arrigoni Ambiental, and how he has grown his presence on social media, further solidifying his influence and reach in the digital realm.

Very importantly, Tadashi shares his thoughts on what “entrepreneurship” means now in a post pandemic world, what purpose is entrepreneurial economic development supposed to serve in Chile and any country in today’s world and he also deeply discusses the dramatic changes and challenges to democratic life in Chile, the public pursuit of a new Chilean Constitution, and the inevitable frictions between public discourse and political and economic developments.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with one of MentorsToday's most inspiring guests.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by the dynamically talented Ariana Gómez, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming individuals and organizations into global agents of peace, prosperity, and positive impact. As the Founder and CEO of Technology for Impact and Alterleap, Ariana spearheads a next-generation boutique consulting firm that empowers boards, companies, institutional entities, private equity and venture capital funds, and international organizations to transition to a stakeholder and sustainable mindset and business model.

During the interview, Ariana shares her profound insights on several crucial topics. She delves into climate action and biodiversity conservation, offering her perspective on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, and the preservation of biodiversity. She explores the roles of businesses, governments, and individuals in driving positive environmental change.

Another significant aspect discussed in the interview is female empowerment, leadership and diversity. Ariana passionately talks about her work in promoting gender equality and diversity across various sectors. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices, representation, and the empowerment of women for achieving sustainable development goals. Ariana underscores the significance of building a strong, resourceful community that offers support and resources "freely" to enable individuals to contribute to the environmental cause while also nurturing personal growth. According to her, we cannot effectively help Mother Earth if we are not well ourselves.

Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding and be inspired to make a positive impact on the world around you.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by our guest Mónica Campos. Mónica is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Innovation Ecosystem Head at Nestle Mexico, located in Mexico City, she leads the "All-In" ecosystem, connecting top startups with Nestle to co-create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for their customers.

During the interview, Mónica shares her inspiring journey and early exposure to entrepreneurship, highlighting her passion for working in the industry in Mexico, having found opportunities from her hometown in Morelia, all the way to Mexico City. The conversation delves into her role where she discusses her responsibilities, challenges, and notable achievements in leading the innovation ecosystem at Nestle Mexico and with other leading companies such as Coppel S.A., and Bluebox Ventures, throughout her career.

Mónica's expertise in managing corporate acceleration programs and fostering entrepreneurship is highlighted. The conversation explores the vital role of these programs in nurturing startups, driving innovation, and creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The "All-In" program at Nestle takes center stage as Rob, Ileana, and Mónica discuss its purpose, objectives, and its role in fostering innovation. They share success stories and notable examples of startups that have collaborated with Nestle, co-creating innovative solutions that have made a significant impact.

Looking towards the future, the discussion shifts to emerging trends in the innovation ecosystem. Mónica provides valuable insights on the impact of new technologies, the significance of sustainability, and the evolving dynamics of startup-corporate collaborations. Listeners gain an understanding of how Nestle stays ahead of the curve and anticipates future industry trends.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by a distinguished guest, Diego Serebrisky. Diego is a deeply experienced investor and is one of the first old guard of venture investors in Latin America. Currently overseeing Dalus Capital, a venture and early growth stage fund based in Mexico. His investment focus lies in high-growth Latin American companies with innovative technology and now more recently, climate technology innovators. Diego shares his understanding of and vision for the entrepreneurial economies of the Americas. With his extensive experience in the field, he provides valuable insights into the evolution of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mexico, shedding light on the country's progress and potential.

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by René Lomelí, the Director of Operations at 500 Startups LATAM, a renowned venture capital firm in Mexico City. With over 10 years of experience at the company, René has played a crucial role in creating and leading the 16-week program for investments in Spanish-speaking Latin America, known as Somos Lucha, and has been involved in over 240 investments in the region.

During the interview, René shares his inspiring origin story, growing up on the east coast of Mexico in Merida, and not being a "big city kid, and not being a Stanford or Harvard guy." He discusses his move to Mexico City and how it marked a significant serendipitous turning point in his life.

The conversation delves into René's "entrepreneurial origin story" and experience organizing and facilitating Startup Weekends across Mexico, showcasing his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in his City and now Mexico. He also shares valuable insights about his journey with 500 Startups, explaining how he met his partner at 500 Startups, Santiago Zavala, and how he became involved with the company. René sheds light on the inner workings of 500 LatAm and its mission to assist early-stage startups in various aspects such as business strategy, marketing, fundraising, and team building.

One of the highlights of the conversation is René's reflection on the most memorable startups he has worked with and why they stood out to him. He offers a unique perspective on the role of technology, innovation, and capital in driving economic growth in emerging markets, emphasizing the potential for transformative change.

Throughout the interview, René's genuine enthusiasm for the industry and positive energy shines through. His journey from witnessing the nascent stages of the Mexican entrepreneurial landscape to actively contributing to its consolidation, showcases his determination and commitment. Additionally, his passion for marathon running, having completed 10 marathons, offers a unique lens through which he has learned to endure pain and experience greater satisfaction upon reaching the finish line.

Don't miss this captivating episode with René.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by a special guest, James Cummings, the Vice President of Business Development at London & Partners. James is a passionate advocate for promoting London's culture, creativity, and energy, and he has played a crucial role in establishing connections between the United States and the UK through his work at London & Partners.

During the interview, James shares his inspiring story, discussing his upbringing and professional experiences that have shaped his career. He highlights the importance of fostering international business relationships and emphasizes the significance of collaboration between different regions, countries, and industries, particularly focusing on the connections between London and Los Angeles.

James sheds light on the role of government agencies in driving economic growth and explains how private sector leaders can collaborate with these agencies to maximize opportunities. He delves into the key industries that drive London's economy and emphasizes their impact on the city's overall prosperity.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of James' role in promoting London and why entrepreneurs and business leaders should consider London as a prime destination. Simultaneously, they discover James' dedication to promoting Los Angeles, as it holds a special place in his heart. His enthusiasm for both cities and his deep knowledge of their economic potential make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in international business growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the strategies behind city promotion, this episode offers invaluable insights from an industry expert.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by successful entrepreneur and angel investor, Jeffery Potvin. With investments in over 70 companies and a member of multiple angel groups and screening committees, including York, Spark, and GTAN, Jeffery brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

During the interview, Jeffery shares his background in software engineering and e-commerce management and discusses his passion for discovering early-stage companies with innovative solutions to solve real problems. He also discusses his love for travel and how it informs and connects to his investment funds.

One of the key topics covered in the interview is the Canadian entrepreneurial economy, their national entrepreneurial mission and StartUp Visa programs discussed through Jeffery's lens of experience as both a founder and investor. Additionally, He shares insights into his role as the driving force behind Open People Network (OPN), a group of angel investors that helps accelerate the growth of early-stage startups through The Supporters Fund and Pitch-it Series.

Perhaps most notably, Jeffery emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurs and founders supporting one another to create a strong community and drive economic growth. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested the entrepreneurial and investor life anywhere, but especially in Canada!

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by their great friend, Cuco Vega, LEAP Global Partners, Head of Platform, in a very personal conversation, including his unique perspective on innovation, entrepreneurship and his own founder journey, which is a health/wellness journey many entrepreneurs will deeply identify with. Cuco has a well-rounded experience in International Operations, having founded and represented Mexico's Jalisco Government's business and tech promotion office in San Francisco and collaborating with similar programs in Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.

During the interview, Cuco shares his own entrepreneurial journey, which ended exactly one year prior to the day we recorded this conversation together, including his experience founding Bexi and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's health over work and the need to connect with one's co-founder to avoid potential pitfalls. He reflects on the entrepreneurial economies in Mexico, Latin America, and the USA, highlighting both the good and the bad.

The conversation tours Cuco's personal life journey, especially his sabbatical the past 12 months, and his professional transition to venture capital and LEAP Partners, where he is committed to helping portfolio companies thrive. He shares the story of LEAP Partners' history and future and offers insights into what it's like to be a bi-national/multi-cultural (Mexican American) with deep roots in both countries.

Overall, Cuco's experience, skill set, and ambition make him an incredibly valuable asset for startups and venture capitalists alike.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Heather Carter, co-CEO at The Riveter.

Heather is an experienced startup operator and natural relationship developer who has spent the past decade taking nascent concepts from vision to fruition. Heather shares her circuitous, serendipitous personal journey from the UK to Arizona and ultimately Los Angeles, where she lives today with her partner and their daughter, and how her career has allowed her to manage work stress and pressure in stride.

During the interview, Heather discusses her time as the former VP of Operations for The Riveter, and how she used her knowledge gained in co-working to launch The Coterie Club, a smart and more efficient business for the new work from home/hybrid work landscape that emerged alongside our pandemic. She then shares how that vision came full circle with Riveter founder and Co-CEO Amy Nelson, to rebirth a thriving new “The Riveter” post pandemic.

The conversation explores the importance of places like The Riveter, both virtual and physical, for women professionals and entrepreneurs, and the biggest obstacles to greater inclusion and representation of women in executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and investment support. Heather also shares her beliefs about the "future of work" in a post-pandemic/new normal world.

Throughout the episode, Heather emphasizes the importance of empowering women to generate their own income and creating spaces to empower women. She encourages listeners to always be open to opportunities and to ask themselves "what's the worst that can happen?" when considering new paths. Heather also advocates for the role of Co-CEO, noting that being a CEO can be a lonely path. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Heather Carter!

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Oscar Eduardo Santiago Sevilla, a successful industrial engineer and entrepreneur from La Piedad Mexico. Oscar is the Founder and CEO of the Centro de Innovación y Competitividad A.C., where he helps entrepreneurs enhance their skills and fosters a culture of innovation. He is also a consultant, instructor, and external advisor on strategic planning, innovation, and new businesses.

During the interview, Oscar shares his life journey and how he became passionate about entrepreneurship, particularly in the La Piedad entrepreneurial economy. He talks about his various companies and initiatives, including CINCOM, which offers several programs and opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn and get support.

One of the key takeaways from the interview is Oscar's perspective on failure. He believes that it's inevitable and that we shouldn't avoid it. Instead, we should embrace it and learn from it. He also stresses the importance of entrepreneurship in creating economic opportunities for rural towns and cities in Mexico, and how it can break generational cycles.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Stéphanie Bermúdez, Founder and Principal at Startup Unidos, a dynamic entrepreneurial support organization serving the very unique region along the southern border of Arizona, USA/Northern border of Sonora, Mexico. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating binational business opportunities, then you won't want to miss this episode. If you want to hear the stories of entrepreneurship beyond the biggest brand name cities in either the USA or Mexico, you'll want to hear this story.

Stephanie brings a wealth of professional and leadership experience and knowledge to the discussion, including expertise in lean startup methodology, scaling, pitching, and developing business plans. She is passionate about developing and implementing entrepreneurial and workforce education programs for youth, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. Don't miss the chance to learn from Stephanie's years of experience and hear about her unique journey as a LatinX innovator and entrepreneur. Stéphanie previously worked at America's SBDC as a Business Development Analyst in Southern Arizona and began building her experiences while attending the University of Arizona in Tucson. She is a proud Nogales native, of both Sonora Mexico and Arizona, who displays unwavering passion and commitment to make an impact in her communities lives.

We encourage you to follow and engage with Stéphanie here:

In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by one of our most diversely experienced and intellectually intense guests ever, Asher Jay, the Founder/CEO of Henoscene. She's been called by the NY Times, "a modern day Lara Croft." She's takes our audience on her adventure through her stories and cultural analysis of our place on our planet. She's talks about her entrepreneurial pursuits at the intersection of being a dedicated animal rights and climate advocate, professional storyteller and advisor to her Fortune 500 brand clients on their ESG strategies and brand communications. She's led an eclectic upbringing which, she tells us, has informed so much of her life and life's work today. She challenges our audience (and her clients) to live more holistically and authentically to preserve our life and the life of the species we share our planet with.

Henoscene, is the real time blockchain campaign platform for Corporate Brands, to connect with their consumers to drive measurable, better outcomes across an array of climate, animal welfare and public good efforts. Asher is a (literal) National Geographic Explorer turned entrepreneur. She is an international adventurer and public figure whose career arc has taken her from fashion designing in NYC to campaigning against blood ivory on the cities Billboards. Jay’s work has contributed to raising consumer awareness and empowering citizen action for well known brands like Prada, Adidas, Citizen Watches, Loreal and others. She advises corporations and multinational companies on their sense of purpose which informs their ESG program commitments. Asher is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design, The New School, who in addition to her work leading Henoscene, she sits on the Boards of ESG DAO, Wildlife Direct, OneGreen Thing and the Plastic Polution Coalition.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by the Founder of SKNMUSE, Ezinne Iroanya and her Chief Creative Officer, and partner in life, Ambrose Price to hear the story of the building of one of the hottest, fastest growing Black beauty brand companies in the market today. They hit on the difficulties of raising capital as under represented founders and their early success. Ezinne shares her incredible life journey from Nigeria, graduating high school at age 15, entering college to study engineering at age 16, while testing her entrepreneurial chops working numerous side hustles on campus while a student.... She talks about life in the the midwestern USA and now eventually, Los Angeles, as well as Ambrose's creative career and entrepreneurial roots which led him to leave New York City to LA and eventually find Ezinne. The couple brings so much authentic energy, love and wisdom that'll be inspirational and helpful for any founder.

Ezinne comes with over a decade of experience working for brands like Lancome, and Dior, and is the current President of The Black Beauty Club. Her brand, SKNMUSE, has been featured by Beyonce, Issa Rae, Essence, and Vogue, rated top 10 by ELLE USA. She is a recent Glossier and Cantu Grant winner. Ambrose is an experienced brand design and marketing consultant, with a variety of company experiences in both New York City and Los Angeles, and he’s a graduate, with honors, of the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he is of course, the other side of this dynamic duo.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Cristian Raygoza, Founder and Managing Partner at Illuminar Ventures. Great founders in Latin America will want to meet him, and Limited Partner investors interested in diversifying their holdings will want to as well! He sees a massive talent diversity development and company building opportunity in Latin America. He is a dynamic young Venture Capitalist, and leader in the LGBTQ+ community across the US. He's a self described finance nerd turned great company finder and investor and shares his specific theses on "developing talent and teams" to build better companies, from his own life experience and having worked inside the one of the world's biggest angel investment community, Gaingels.

Borne and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, he built his early professional experience in Big Finance in New York City working in portfolio management at AIG Asset Management. He returned to the West Coast as an early team member at one of the world's largest Angel Investment groups, Gaingels, and has now spun that off into his firm, Illuminar Ventures with it's unique focus on diverse, inclusive investing in Latin America and the US markets. He has also been involved extensively in organizations at the intersection of the LGBTQ identity and business, including serving as a director for Out For Undergrad, the leading LGBTQ undergraduate business conference. Cristian graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Economics. He plays violin, loves attending the SF Symphony, cycling, Latin American contemporary art, and generally wandering his way into random niches that pique his interest. Iluminar Ventures is a San Francisco and Mexico City based venture firm investing in Spanish-speaking Latin America and is a spinout from Gaingels, one of the most active venture firms in the world today. Iluminar has already invested in over 30 startups in the region, with a strong focus on Seed and Series A.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Rachael Kim, Founder/CEO of MyCommaLife & the Femtech Salon. Rachael shares her own personal journey of adversity, accomplishment and cultural upbringing, while she highlights the immense importance of creating more female centered products and services for women consumers and their health and well being! She considers herself an ecosystem builder, and shares the stories of her global work within the Fortune 500 space in her earlier career and now within the entrepreneurial economies across the USA. She also sees a huge opportunity in LatAm, and encourages our Latin American femtech builders, founders and investors to build more and amplify more loudly.

Rachael is a Forbes Trailblazer, a Northwestern University and London School of Economics alumnus who spent 10 years working on Strategy, Risk, and Analytics at global consulting firm, Accenture. As an ex-corporate intrapreneur turned social impact entrepreneur, she now uses her superpowers for gender equity, particularly period equity, while supporting overlooked businesses. MyComma is an organic period care subscription platform amplifying women and BIPOC led brands to menstruators powering new routines. Her work in this space gave rise to the nationwide Femtech Salon series to support and amplify diverse femtech founders by creating more connected ecosystems in their respective local cities which has led to partners like Techstars, It All Media, Wefunder, LA Times, Crunchbase, BioscienceLA, Hawke Media and the Atlanta Tech Village to get involved.

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by, co-founder of misFans, Hiram Altamirano. Hiram shares a harrowing and tragic childhood story of being kidnapped at 5 years old, from his family's home in Mexico City! He recounts how this traumatic period of nearly a year, in his young life, shaped his and his mom's life well into his 30's today! Ileana and Rob engage Hiram in an exploration of the duality of his place in this world as a proud Californian and Mexicano, with deep roots in both Los Angeles and Mexico City, before learning from him about the many entrepreneurial lessons embedded in him from his teen years that fuel him in his technology startup life today-- hustle, determination, his faith and an almost unshakable belief in himself. He's a gifted storyteller, and natural hustler and salesman. He's humble, engaging, street smart and sweet all in one. It's easy to root for him as we suspect you will too. 

He’s worked most of his life since age 15, either creating or supporting other creative artists and business builders. Currently he is Co-founder of MisFans, a venture backed, LatAm focused platform for creators, alongside his partner, Alex Ramirez, but in years prior has grown businesses in a variety of industries, with creativity at their core; He was co-owner of a popular restaurant in Tulum, Mexico (Hash Tag Poke), founder of an LA based Creative Agency, Black Canvas, co-owner of Cool Human Studios, and a teen childhood prodigy songwriter and video producer. 

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In this episode, Rob and Ileana are joined by Ana Cecy Mata Rodriguez, Sub directora de Fomento Económico del Municipio de Saltillo. Ana Cecy is a passionate community leader and one of the key voices of entrepreneurship and economic development in the Saltillo region of Mexico. She shares some inspiring thoughts regarding modern day feminism, as well as her strong beliefs that Mexican culture needs to stop normalizing all types of "violence" against women as a mechanism to create more prosperity. Ana had a business career thrust upon her at a young age, following the passing of her father from cancer, and went on to build multiple successful companies, as a woman executive, in male dominated industries. 

She is currently helping developing the regions’ entrepreneurial economy from her position within the government, but has previously held leadership positions at the Universidad Carolina, as Coordinadora General de Universidad del Trabajador, an advisor to the Zona SHERO program via Tecnológico de Monterrey, and as co- founder /CEO of Innobakü Consultores, where she helps social entrepreneurs to professionalize their social startup.

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