The Road to the Top Podcast

John Hallberg, former CEO of Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals.

Please feel free to share this conversation with anyone you think would benefit from it. Enjoy!

Connor Paton, Co-Founder & CEO of noshable sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Matt Hirschland, Founder & Principal of H2A Partners sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.

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Johnny Sirpilla, Entrepreneur & Best Selling Author sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.

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Dr. Tim Holcomb, Professor & Chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Miami University Farmer School of Business, sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals.

We discuss:

• Tim's journey from college to a 13-year consulting career at Accenture, culminating in his role as Partner.
• The entrepreneurial ventures that Tim embarked upon, including the successful sale of Telcom Global Solutions to Flex (formerly Flextronics) in 2001.
• Tim's evolution from a serial entrepreneur to a venture investor, advisory board member, and his current position as Professor & Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Farmer School of Business.
• The transformative power of the department's "learn by doing" approach, which played a pivotal role in elevating the program's national ranking and attracting world-class faculty.

Please feel free to share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from the conversation. Enjoy!

Tim Schigel, Managing Partner at Refinery Ventures sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.

We discuss:

• Tim's entrepreneurial journey starting ShareThis to how he successfully evolved into venture with his firm, Refinery Ventures.
• The value of a marketable degree and the role of internships in finding your dream career.
• Entrepreneurs and surfers: Riding the wave of market conditions.
• Limitless access to world-class mentors by being authentic and proactive.

Please feel free to share this episode with anyone you think would benefit form the conversation. Enjoy!

Andrew Thomas, Co-Founder & President at Acculon Energy sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.

We discuss:

• Andrew's entrepreneurial journey: Andrew started a successful landscaping and painting business, which serves as an inspiration for college students looking to gain valuable experience outside of traditional education.
• Leveraging industry experience and partnerships: Andrew's prior experience in the industry and strategic business partnerships played a crucial role in the successful launch of Acculon Energy, showcasing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and networks.
• Mentors and lessons learned: Andrew shares insights into his biggest mentors and the invaluable lessons he learned throughout his journey, offering wisdom and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Creating work-life balance and fostering innovation: Andrew emphasizes the importance of creating an efficient work-life balance for all team members. He also establishes dedicated weekly time to explore innovative ideas, fostering a culture of creativity and growth within the company.

Please feel free to share this conversation with anyone you think would benefit from the conversation. Enjoy!

Tsavo Knott, Co-Founder & CEO at Pieces.app sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.

We discuss:

• How Tsavo has always been creative and had a passion for building which started at an early age building entire cities with Legos without ever using instructions
• How taking every Miami University Computer Science course helped set the foundation for starting Pieces.app
• The creation of Pieces.app and his goals for the next 5 years with generative AI
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to failing often and fast as a key for building a successful product

Please feel free to share this conversation with anyone you think would benefit from the conversation. Enjoy!

Camila Noordeloos, General Partner at Grand Ventures sat down with Will Grant to discuss her professional journey and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.

We discuss:

• Camila's career path starting from undergraduate school in Brazil through her years of consulting, corporate venture capital and to now serving as a General Partner at Grand Ventures
• How her venture capital journey started unexpectedly with GE Ventures and how she quickly grew to play a critical role in helping it become one of the most active corporate venture capital firms in the country
• Her greatest advice to share from her experience in the Wharton MBA program at University of Pennsylvania and in the Kauffman Fellows Program
• How a year sabbatical from her prior role helped bring career clarity to the next chapter of her professional journey with Grand Ventures

Please feel free to share this conversation with anyone you think would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Andrew Auble, President at GlueTread sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey starting and co-founding multiple successful companies, as well as, advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.

We Discuss:

• How his father's entrepreneurial journey impacted Andy at a young age which has now lead to being a co-founder of multiple success companies including GlueTread, High Proof Razor and Class4Labs
• How Andy's adventurous passion lead him to extraordinary experiences from living and traveling out of his truck in Alaska to a solo trip through Europe
• His partnership with High Proof Razors and managing responsibilities with his co-founder
• Andy walks us through the patent process and advice he would give for others considering filing a patent
• Andy's advice for young professionals on how to allocate time & resources towards your goals with an importance on your risk tolerance

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Kevin Willer, Partner at Chicago Ventures sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey in venture capital, as well as, advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

We Discuss

• How his passion for technology has lead his career through various roles at USRobotics, being a Co-Founder of the Google Chicago Office, Founding CEO of 1817 and now Partner at Chicago Ventures
• His journey as an early Google employee and growing the Chicago office from 2 to 400 employees
• How angel investing lead his career into venture capital
• The mental framework he uses when evaluating start-up pitches
• How Kevin is using his experience as a co-ownership in professional soccer clubs to build soccer within the U.S. is similar to growing a successful company

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Connor O'Hearn, Funder Manager at 333 Ventures & Growth at Pieces sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey within venture capital, leading growth strategy at Pieces and advice for young professionals. 

We discuss:

• Connor's journey post-Miami University from selling airplanes with Textron, working on a Hawaii coffee farm for his master's in geography project and now leading Growth & Strategy at Pieces and Fund Manager at 333 Ventures
• Advice on how to successfully balance between two intense positions as a venture capitalist and leading growth strategies at a successful start-up
• How 333 Ventures partners with larger VC’s such as Drive Capital to support deal flow and seek co-investment opportunities
• How building a diverse personal Board of Directors will help to surround yourself with the best mentors to advance your career

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Ted Fleming, Founder & CEO of Partake Brewing sat down with Will Grant to discuss his personal journey building Partake Brewing, as well as, advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

We Discuss:

• How Ted's personal diagnosis of Crohn's disease and passion for beer helped build what is now an award winning non-alcoholic brewery  
• His ability to identify a trend within the market place ahead of others and leverage an existing successful non-alcoholic e-commerce store
• Strategies for continuous innovation within a competitive marketplace
• How your best early employees can be super fans that are passionate about your mission 
• Identifying your strengths and sticking to your lane on what you do best

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Jeffrey Kadlic, Founding Partner at Evolution Capital Partners sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey, as well as advice for young professionals and founders. 

We discuss:

• Jeff's professional journey from Miami University through various roles to now as starting his private equity firm, Evolution Capital Partners
• How aspiring and current founders can benefit from Evolution’s Five Fundamentals; the systematic organizational change agent that transforms the challenges small businesses face into sustainable and profitable growth.
• Jeff's advice for young professionals interested in private equity and how to navigate a successful career

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy! 

John Raeder, Managing Director & Head of Software Investments at Bow River Capital sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey, as well as advice for young professionals and founders.

We Discuss:

• John’s 25+ experience as a successful Founder & CEO and now as an Investor in Software as a Service (SaaS) portfolio companies
• His proven operational playbook which has helped 30+ CEOs navigate growing their businesses
• Advice for current founders who are focused on scaling their company and young professionals interested in the venture capital industry

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Rithvik Venna, Co-Founder & COO of OROS sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey, as well as, advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

We discuss:

• Rith's entrepreneurial journey from a pre-med undergraduate student to now serving as the Co-Founder & COO of OROS
• Breaking down the insulation from their patented SOLARCORE® technology and how their innovation is disrupting multiple industries 
• How he and Co-Founder, Michael Markesberry, built a world-class advisory board and managing a company as best friends

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from the conversation. Enjoy!

Shanna Traphoner-Liu, Co-Founder & CEO of bekome sat down with Will Grant to discuss her professional journey, as well as, advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

We discuss:

• How she build Bekome with co-founder, Vanessa Gottlieb Laudette and their experience working with the Techstars Chicago accelerator program
• The major challenges faced today within mental health issues and finding support to take back control of their mental wellbeing

Some key take-aways are:

• Take advantage of all opportunities you can such with interesting clubs in college or broadening your skillset professionally
• If you find something you’re passionate about, dive head first and surround yourself with the best partners

Please feel free to share this episode with others who you feel would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Jenny Darroch, Dean, Miami University Farmer School of Business sat down with Will Grant to discuss her professional journey from New Zealand to Miami, as well as, her advice for young professionals. 

We discuss:

- Her academic and professional journey from New Zealand to now as the Dean of the Farmer School of Business

- The biggest challenges and opportunities she sees running one of the country's most prestigious business school

Some key take-aways:

- Push yourself to try something new every 6 months in all different areas of life, not just professionally

- Utilize your college alumni network and conference events to surround yourself with industry experts

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Daniela Yoder, VP, CFO Services & Head of Valuation Group Services at Venture First sat down with Will Grant to discuss her professional journey and advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

We discuss:

• How to build a successful career in valuation services
• Different valuation methods and what founders should understand

Some key take-aways:

• Get outside your comfort zone and join networks with industry specialists
• How to develop a plan to become an industry expert on specific areas

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Michael Markesbery, Co-Founder & CEO of OROS sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

We discuss:

• Michael's journey as a pre-med undergrad student at Miami University to becoming the Co-Founder & CEO of OROS
• How the OROS insulation technology is going to improve industries far beyond winter jackets and outerwear

Some key take-aways:

• Entrepreneurs should approach problems as a scientific experiments to solve and continuously improve their company
• Assemble an advisory board at an early stage to help provide company guidance and direction

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Alex Malebranche, Founder of PlaneAhead sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals as well as aspiring entrepreneurs.

We Discuss:

• How serving 8 years in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst, taught him to keep cool under pressure
• Finding a problem where there was no solution and building a company to take advantage of the opportunity to revolutionize an entire industry
• How to build awareness with customers and investors
• Strategy to learn about any industry you have no prior experience in

Some key take-aways:

• Internships are the best way to get real-world insight into a specific career
• Some entrepreneurial success has to do with timing
• Make mental health a priority as you build your company

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Mark Richey, Managing Director at West Capital Advisors and Partner of 1809 Capital sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals. 

We discuss:

• Navigating career shifts from software engineer → consulting → entrepreneur → venture capital
• How a venture capital firm can find their perfect niche
• What characteristics to look for in a company you may work with
• Attributes of great start-up founders and the mindset for successful growth

Some key take-aways:

• Build an ideal professional network through your alumni association
• Start-up founders need to let go of control to grow
• Determine what you know and seek out help on what you don’t

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!

Joe Desch, Chairman at Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation sat down with Will Grant to talk about his professional journey and advice he's obtained along the way.

Key topics from this episode are:

1. The strengths of becoming involved with your university's career center.

2. How to utilize LinkedIn to build a network of professional mentors.

3. Strategies to help lead a non-profit organization to gain wider national growth

4. Building a legacy is formed over a lifetime of being your true self and impacting others

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

John Bratsakis, President/CEO at Maryland & DC Credit Union Association sat down with Will Grant to talk about his professional journey and advice he's obtained along the way.

We discuss:

• John’s professional journey from a management training program to President/CEO 
• How to form authentic and personal connections with people 
• Taking ownership of mistakes and how to overcome early career challenges 

Some key take-aways are:

• Leave yourself open to opportunities and pivot in your college curriculum and career 
• Developing a 90 day plan when transiting to a new job
• Make a commitment to reach out to customers and listen to their needs good and bad
• The best investment you can make is to establish strong relationships 

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

Kevin Kelly, CIO at P10, Inc. sat down with Will Grant to talk about his professional journey and advice he's obtained along the way.

We Discuss:

• The different ways to learn the impact of data in our lives and business
• Strengths of being surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs through groups such as Entrepreneurs’ Organization 
• How his side passion of building database applications for companies led to the creation of Altvia as Founder & CEO and currently serves on the Board of Directors
• Navigating an exit of a successful company and finding a new path as CIO at P10

Some take-aways are:

• Importance of asking the right questions during an interview 
• Keep things in perspective as you face challenges throughout your career
• The benefits of working with a manager who is committed to helping develop your skillset
• Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

Lea Jesse, CEO at First Tee Greater Chicago sat down with Will Grant to talk her professional journey and advice she's obtained along the way.

We Discuss:

• Changing college majors and career paths
• How she developed a new group at JP Morgan
• Her strategy for leading and taking a non-profit organization to the next level
• How to approach your boss that you're leaving

Some take-aways are:

• Never say no to an opportunity 
• The strength of not knowing the answer and asking for help
• Develop a network of colleagues in a similar role to lean on in times of challenge

Please feel free to share with other who would benefit from this conversation!

Lewis Steverson, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Corning Incorporated sat down with Will Grant to talk about his journey from Siena College, Harvard Law School and professional career. 

We discuss:

• Successful habits developed as an All-American cross country student athlete at Siena College 
• Greatest lessons learned from Harvard Law School and his experiences with colleagues such as Barack Obama  
• Navigating an evolving career by creating fundamental goals 

Some take-aways are:

• Find a mentor and an advocate
• The 95% / 5% framework for a successful career path 

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

Oliver Zak and Selom Agbitor, Co-Founders of Mad Rabbit sat down with Will Grant to talk about their journey building Mad Rabbit and advice for others who wish to follow a similar path. 

We discuss:

• Building a company while being a full-time student and professional career
• Preparing and developing a strategy for their Shark Tank pitch
• Determining the specific roles and strengths of co-founders

Some take-aways are:

• How to find free resources to learn the e-commerce industry
• Lessons learned from their business partner Mark Cuban
• Creating a brand and community larger than tattoo aftercare

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

Brie Aletto, President and CEO of Altvia sat down with Will Grant to talk about setting the right framework for rapid growth within a company and career. 

We discuss:

• Navigating a career path originally studying broadcast journalism to becoming a CEO
• Systems for continuous feedback 
• Negotiating for what you want

Some key take-aways are:

• The framework of working within a successful start-up company
• Find a seat on the rocket ship and develop the skills along the way 
• Finding continuous feedback is essential for career growth

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!

Mike Valentine, President/CEO of BCU and Ellen Valentine sat down with Will Grant to talk about achieving professional success and supporting each other.

We discuss:

• The 3 stages of your career
• Finding professional passion
• Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and complient your weaknesses 
• Dealing with different manager styles

Some key take-aways are:

• How an MBA can be the fast-track to developing your professional skillset
• Ways to connect with senior executives
• How to not surround yourself with "Yes" people 

Dave Blum, Executive Vice President of BCU sits down with Will Grant to discuss his journey to success.

We discuss:

• Maintaining balance with work, life, and post-graduate programs such as an MBA 
• How to build strong company partnerships
• Building a development plan for your employees

Some key take-aways are:

• How seeking continuous feedback and self-reflection can advance your career
• Advantages an MBA program can provide to prepare you for making C-suite decisions
• Strategies to take control of your own career development
• Developing true leadership through real life experiences

Brad Bergmooser, President/CEO of Financial Plus Credit Union sits down with Will Grant to discuss his journey to success.

We discussed Brad's journey from law school to becoming the CEO of Financial Plus Credit Union, how culture is truly determined and leading a company through uncertain times like COVID-19.

The key take-aways from this episode are the advantages of having a law background can provide as CEO, setting goals of developing other future CEOs and how to build a great team.

Tim Taylor, Owner of Worldwide Logistic Partners sits down with Will Grant on his journey to success.

We discussed Tim's transition from corporate America to starting his own business, how to build a company and developing and maintaining international customer relationships.

The key take-aways from this episode are how to hire the right employees and knowing when it is time to exit a company you built and discover your next journey