Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Video Series
277 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★ - 16 ratingsEach week, experienced entrepreneurs and innovators come to Stanford University to candidly share lessons they’ve learned while developing, launching and scaling disruptive ideas. The Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Series is produced by Stanford eCorner during fall, winter and spring quarters.
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Episodes
Geoff Yang (Redpoint Ventures) - Timing Matters
October 17, 2012 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.44 MB VideoVenture capitalist Geoff Yang challenges entrepreneurs to "think huge" and to complete the due diligence necessary to understand markets they plan to enter. Yang dispels myths about relationships between founders and investors and encourages new entrepreneurs to be thoughtful about taking on outside capital and engaging venture capitalists.
Olivia Fox Cabane (Author and Speaker) - Build Your Personal Charisma
October 10, 2012 00:00 - 44 minutes - 2.55 MB VideoDebunking charisma as being purely innate or magical, Olivia Fox Cabane reveals how specific behaviors of presence, power and warmth can help individuals to develop their personal charisma. The author of <a href='http://www.amazon.com/The-Charisma-Myth-Personal-Magnetism/dp/1591844568%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJF644NLBAQOVXYTQ%26tag%3Decorner-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1591844568'>The Charisma Myth</a> also shares anecdotes and research that illustrate...
Drew Houston (Dropbox) - Finding Your Way as an Entrepreneur
May 30, 2012 00:00 - 58 minutes - 3.33 MB VideoCo-Founder Drew Houston shares personal moments from starting the cloud-based file storage service Dropbox. Houston touches on the importance of persevering through early challenges at a startup, selecting the right co-founder, and focusing on solving problems to maximize customer happiness.
Adam Lashinsky (Author) - Secrets at Apple's Core
May 23, 2012 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.29 MB VideoAdam Lashinsky, Fortune senior editor-at-large, shares an insider look at Apple, one of the world's most iconic and secretive companies. Based on his research into the technology giant's internal processes and approaches to leadership and building products, Lashinsky offers insights and surprises from his book, Inside Apple: How America's Most Admired--and Secretive--Company Really Works.
Daniel Ek (Spotify) - A Playlist for Entrepreneurs
May 16, 2012 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.39 MB VideoDaniel Ek, founder of digital music service, Spotify, is driven by a desire to solve interesting problems. In this fascinating lecture, moderated by KPCB's Chi-Hua Chien, Ek shares his thoughts on leadership, collaboration, and a laser-focus on building truly great products.
Brian Murray (HarperCollins) - A Story of Change and Opportunity
May 09, 2012 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.31 MB VideoHarperCollins President and CEO Brian Murray discusses the shifting economics of publishing and how his company, which launches 12 new products per day, is working to succeed in this disruptive period. In conversation with STVP Executive Director Dr. Tina Seelig, Murray also talks about issues of digital rights management, his company's willingness to explore new business models, and how HarperCollins manages relationships with other major players in the space.
Rebeca Hwang (YouNoodle), Elizabeth Samara-Rubio (StorWatts) - Small Acts and Big Impacts
May 02, 2012 00:00 - 55 minutes - 3.2 MB VideoThis special lecture offers insights from two leaders creating impact through entrepreneurship. Founder Elizabeth Samara-Rubio explains how her company, StorWatts, aims to provide distributed energy storage to millions around the world, while YouNoodle entrepreneur Rebeca Hwang tells stories of her early field experiences which formed her passion for social entrepreneurship.
Gale Anne Hurd (Film and Television Producer) - Producing a Career from the Ground Up
April 18, 2012 00:00 - 55 minutes - 3.2 MB VideoAcclaimed film and television producer Gale Anne Hurd knows what it takes to build a career from scratch in a tough industry. Hurd describes her path from entry-level roles in the entertainment industry to becoming a leader in the Hollywood community, based on taking chances, making yourself indispensable and staying committed to what you love.
Jeff Church (Nika Water) - The Wave of Social Entrepreneurship
April 11, 2012 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.28 MB VideoEntrepreneur and successful executive Jeff Church founded Nika Water to create a thriving social enterprise that supports clean water projects in impoverished countries. In this inspiring lecture, Church lays out his motivations for striking out on his own, the challenges of the global water crisis and the essential lessons aspiring entrepreneurs need to learn.
Andy Kurtzig (JustAnswer), Sandra Kurtzig (Kenandy, ASK Group) - Two Generations of Entrepreneurship
March 07, 2012 00:00 - 46 minutes - 2.69 MB VideoIn this special lecture, mother and son serial entrepreneurs Sandra and Andy Kurtzig share smart reasons for starting companies that matter. Sandra Kurtzig outlines similarities and differences between her previous ventures and her current company, Kenandy. Andy Kurtzig discusses his company, JustAnswer, and key lessons for entrepreneurs.
Kristina Johnson (Enduring Energy) - Energies that Power a Career
February 29, 2012 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.38 MB VideoFormer U.S. Undersecretary of Energy Kristina Johnson discusses the empowering experiences of her life and career in academia, government and private industry. In a conversation with STVP's Tina Seelig, Johnson identifies the strengths of each of these areas to affect change and innovation, and offers lessons in leading a life that can capitalize on new opportunities.
Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn) - Live Life in Permanent Beta
February 22, 2012 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.44 MB VideoSerial entrepreneur and investor Reid Hoffman encourages individuals to become the entrepreneurs of their own lives. Hoffman shares the importance of taking intelligent risks, building thoughtful networks and continually adapting your skills to navigate a fulfilling career path.
Sukhinder Singh Cassidy (JOYUS) - Find Your Vector of Impact
February 15, 2012 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.52 MB VideoJOYUS Founder and Chairman Sukhinder Singh Cassidy says entrepreneurs should leverage trademark strengths and lean in all the way when it's time to deliver. In this lecture, Singh Cassidy explores concepts such as defining operational range, using data to support gut beliefs, and developing the big ideas teams and customers can rally around.
Warren Packard (Thuuz) - Embrace Uncertainty
February 09, 2012 00:00 - 56 minutes - 3.25 MB VideoThuuz Co-Founder and CEO Warren Packard appreciates how uncertainty is a constant force in the lives of entrepreneurs. Sharing stories from his career as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Packard captures how life is a series of decisions made without complete information. He also addresses how his current venture approaches issues of funding and strategic partnerships.
Ted Zoller (Kauffman Foundation) - Building an Entrepreneurial Career
February 01, 2012 00:00 - 56 minutes - 3.24 MB VideoKauffman Foundation Senior Fellow Ted Zoller challenges Stanford students to engage in entrepreneurship as a practice of action. Based on his research into dealmaker density and network development, Zoller details the power of seizing opportunities and the pathways to developing an entrepreneurial career.
Alexander Osterwalder (Author) - Tools for Business Model Generation
January 26, 2012 00:00 - 53 minutes - 3.05 MB VideoEntrepreneur and business model innovator Alexander Osterwalder discusses dynamic, yet simple-to-use tools for visualizing, challenging and re-inventing business models. Osterwalder articulates how to use the visual language of his business model canvas framework, and shares stories of how this approach helps organizations of all sizes to better create, deliver and capture value.
Deborah Hopkins (Citi ) - Talking About a Revolution
January 18, 2012 00:00 - 50 minutes - 2.88 MB VideoCiti Chief Innovation Officer Deborah Hopkins believes now is an incredible time for new companies due to the pace of cultural and technological change. As the head of Citi Ventures, Hopkins leads the banking firm's efforts to invest in companies delivering disruptive technology products. Hopkins shares rules for revolutionary entrepreneurs and describes how Citi's initiatives are shaped by empathy for customers and a commitment to sharing new ideas.
Jessica Mah (inDinero) - A Startup is a Learning Experience
November 30, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.38 MB VideoInDinero Founder Jessica Mah discusses the realities of the startup experience, in conversation with STVP faculty member and entrepreneur Steve Blank. Sharing the early successes and missteps for her company, Mah honestly reveals the lessons she continues to learn while directing inDinero's path to success through its commitment to customers.
Dana Mead (KPCB) - Understanding Venture Capital
November 16, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.41 MB VideoAs a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Dana Mead supports entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to make major impact through life science technologies and ventures. In this lecture, Mead talks about Venture Capital, offering great insights about Silicon Valley and life as a venture capitalist.
Adam Lowry (Method) - Method to Success
November 09, 2011 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.52 MB VideoAdam Lowry, co-founder of Method Products, has spent the last decade developing sustainable products that caused major disruption in the consumer goods sector. Lowry offers many of principles that guide Method's path to success and he describes the different obsessions the company keeps to deliver on its promises to customers.
Marten Mickos (Eucalyptus Systems, MySQL AB) - Believe in Something Bigger Than Yourself
November 02, 2011 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.32 MB VideoIn this lecture, Mårten Mickos shares the benefits and challenges involved in building businesses in the open source and cloud computing spaces. As the CEO of Eucalyptus Systems, Mickos identifies a vision for the future of his industry and shares entrepreneurial lessons gained from leading MySQL AB from its startup origins to becoming one of the largest open source companies in the world.
Scott Summit (Bespoke Innovations) - Products With a Purpose
October 26, 2011 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.29 MB VideoAs the Co-Founder and CTO of Bespoke Innovations, Scott Summit leads a continuing effort to create products that radically change lives. In this lecture, Summit shares insights from creating customized prosthetic devices using new technologies in nascent markets. He also discusses some of challenges his company faced in discovering a working business model and developing customers.
Brad Feld (Foundry Group, TechStars) - Great Entrepreneurs Go Out and Do
October 19, 2011 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.46 MB VideoEntrepreneur and early-stage investor Brad Feld offers advice and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Feld, a managing partner at Foundry Group and a co-founder of TechStars, imparts personal experiences on managing your life as an entrepreneur. He also shares some of the defining characteristics his firm looks for in the entrepreneurs they invest in.
Phil Libin (Evernote) - No Exit Strategy for Your Life's Work
October 12, 2011 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.65 MB VideoThoughts and influences from early life continue to shape how Evernote CEO Phil Libin embraces his work. In this wide-ranging presentation, Libin shares key beliefs and provocative insights on startups, acquisitions and company exits. Based on his experiences leading multiple ventures from startup to commercial success, Libin urges entrepreneurs to chase dreams they would actually want to spend their life pursuing.
David Friedberg (The Climate Corporation) - Entrepreneurship Gives Life Meaning
October 05, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.41 MB VideoDavid Friedberg, CEO of The Climate Corporation (formerly WeatherBill), discusses the startup process and the challenges faced during the development of his innovative technology company that is changing the insurance sector. Friedberg explores essential components in the entrepreneurial experience, including the need to solve real problems, making meaningful impact, and the value of embracing the grind required in reaching success.
Aneesh Chopra (US Office of Science and Technology) - Innovate for America
May 26, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.43 MB VideoAs America's first Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra focuses on advancing technology and innovation to unlock national economic growth and prosperity. In this inspiring and entertaining lecture, Chopra challenges students and entrepreneurs to take action now to bring innovation to the healthcare, education and government sectors. He also discusses leveraging government's vast open data resources, championing new ideas on immigration policy as it relates to innovation, and supporting Ame...
Wences Casares (Bling Nation & Lemon Bank) - The Value of True Partnerships
May 18, 2011 00:00 - 58 minutes - 3.32 MB VideoWences Casares and Meyer "Micky" Malka are serial entrepreneurs who believe in the fundamental power of partnerships. Empowered by working in close collaboration for years, these co-founders have started multiple companies including Patagon, Lemon Bank and Bling Nation. In this revealing lecture, Casares and Malka describe the value of over-communication, the decision process in making a pivot, and the challenges of entrepreneurial ecosystems outside the United States.
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger (Instagram) - From Stanford to Startup
May 11, 2011 00:00 - 54 minutes - 3.13 MB VideoInstagram Co-Founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger challenge many of the myths surrounding startups and the lives of entrepreneurs. Both former Mayfield Fellows with the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, Systrom and Krieger share their first-hand experiences of the entrepreneurial process, including identifying good problems to solve and the value in building simple solutions and minimum viable products. Systrom and Krieger also discuss aspects of their co-founder working relationship a...
Geoffrey Moore (Mohr Davidow Ventures) - Reach Your Escape Velocity
May 04, 2011 00:00 - 55 minutes - 3.19 MB VideoIn this high-energy lecture, Geoffrey Moore discusses how companies can build the escape velocity necessary to move beyond the successes and failures of the past. Moore argues that when companies focus too much on performance, they miss out on building the power to become the industry leaders that other companies envy. He shares a hierarchy model through which companies can examine and build power, and examines how product teams can best work to differentiate their company, neutralize the com...
Richard Scheller (Genentech) - Developing Products that Save Lives
April 27, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.41 MB VideoAs Genentech's Executive Vice President of Research and Early Development, Richard Scheller leads scientists discovering medicines that will significantly impact the lives of patients. In this candid interview, he describes the challenges of his industry, and outlines the required steps for developing products in a heavily regulated environment. Scheller also shares some personal learning curves faced when he elected to leave academic life for a new role in a commercial enterprise.
Ori Brafman (Author) - How to Build Instant Connections
April 20, 2011 00:00 - 54 minutes - 3.09 MB VideoIn this illuminating lecture, bestselling author Ori Brafman explores subtle drivers that can help you spark immediate work, life, and romantic connections. Based on insights from his latest book, <i>Click: The Magic of Instant Connections</i>, Brafman teaches leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs how to make every chance meeting count, using examples from the workplace, collegiate life, and the battlefield.
Barry Silbert (SecondMarket, Inc.) - A New Vision for Capital Markets
April 13, 2011 00:00 - 53 minutes - 3.07 MB VideoSecondMarket Founder and CEO Barry Silbert thinks his online marketplace for trading alternative assets can play an important role in creating a new model for capital markets. In this lecture, Silbert explains his personal path into entrepreneurship and describes the current growth of his firm, which has drawn attention for trading private stock in companies such as Facebook and Twitter. Silbert also offers reasons for why he thinks current public markets are broken and his vision of a new wa...
Jennifer Morris (Conservation International) - Effective Models for Sustainable Growth
April 06, 2011 00:00 - 51 minutes - 2.94 MB VideoIn this informative lecture, Conservation International Executive Vice President Jennifer Morris shares her organization's commitment to creating programs to support sustainable development. Morris articulates the importance of developing innovative financing and business models to address ecosystem services and resource management issues. She also describes the entrepreneurial initiatives her organization has built to sustain partnerships between corporate partners and local communities arou...
Guy Kawasaki (Garage Technology Ventures) - Creating Enchantment
March 02, 2011 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.57 MB VideoEntrepreneur and bestselling author Guy Kawasaki shares the secrets to being enchanting and developing influence through the "pillars of enchantment." In this funny and engaging lecture, Kawasaki examines the deep value in being likable, creating trust, and taking empowering action. He also shares keys to telling a great story, overcoming resistance, and enchanting your boss and colleagues.
Bill Gross (Idealab & eSolar) - A Devotion to New Ideas
February 23, 2011 00:00 - 55 minutes - 3.18 MB VideoBill Gross thrives on turning innovative ideas into pioneering companies. He serves as founder and CEO of Idealab, which started over 75 companies since 1996. In this stimulating lecture, he shares how Idealab continues to bring incredible ideas to market, and his personal insights on starting and running successful organizations. Gross also describes the work of eSolar, a spin-off company of Idealab that works to make solar energy cost-competitive in the global marketplace.
Mark Forchette (OptiMedica) - Live for the Future and Survive Success
February 17, 2011 00:00 - 56 minutes - 3.21 MB VideoAs CEO of OptiMedica, Mark Forchette guides the company's continuing efforts to successfully deliver innovative medical technologies to market. In this lecture, he shares entrepreneurial lessons learned throughout his career, and discusses the importance of setting objectives and executing tactical plans. Forchette also touches upon the value of thorough preparation and overcoming early failures.
Jack Dorsey (Square) - The Power of Curiosity and Inspiration
February 09, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.41 MB VideoSquare and Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey is an entrepreneur driven by an innate curiosity to create amazing products and services. In this insightful lecture, Dorsey describes his early background and inspirations, the current focuses he keeps as a CEO, and his desire to create memorable experiences and solve problems.
Susan Desmond-Hellmann (UCSF) - Relentless Pursuit of Innovation
February 02, 2011 00:00 - 56 minutes - 3.21 MB VideoUCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann has a track record of fostering environments conducive to innovation, in both the public and private sector. In this engaging lecture, the renowned oncologist shares insights from her career in biotechnology and academia on leading teams, managing risks against rewards, and innovative product development. Desmond-Hellmann also shares her belief as to why entrepreneurs must remain relentless when it comes to pursuing their goals.
Brent Constantz (Calera) - Following Your Startup Vision
January 26, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.4 MB VideoCalera founder Brent Constantz is an innovator who believes that successful entrepreneurs are the ones who follow through on their original vision. Drawing upon his deep background as a successful serial entrepreneur, Constantz shares his entrepreneurial experiences and discusses many of the competitive and strategic issues facing his current ventures.
Aaron Levie (Box.net) - Delivering Innovation for the Enterprise
January 20, 2011 00:00 - 59 minutes - 3.38 MB VideoBox.net CEO Aaron Levie is an entrepreneur who seeks to reinvent how enterprise businesses share content across their organizations. In 2005, Levie saw the need for affordable storage on the Internet, and co-founded Box.net out of his college dorm room. In this high-energy lecture, Levie shares the successes and challenges of his company's move from early-stage startup to scalable cloud technology venture.
Wendy Kopp (Teach for America) - Social Entrepreneurship Changing Education
January 12, 2011 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.43 MB VideoWendy Kopp, Teach For America's CEO and founder, is driven to end educational inequity across the nation. In this seminar, Kopp shares her entrepreneurial story of starting Teach For America straight out of college, and articulates the sense of urgency that she and her organization still feel for producing fundamental changes to education in America.
Jennifer Aaker (Stanford University, GSB) - How Ideas Take Flight
November 17, 2010 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.45 MB VideoStanford Graduate School of Business professor Jennifer Aaker shares the power behind creating ideas that can build momentum. Through her research on the perception of happiness and meaning, Aaker describes how these concepts relate to a successful and powerful social media campaign. A well-planned effort catches audience attention and offers them an engaging story. Aaker, co-author of The Dragonfly Effect, also offers several personal and corporate examples of effective viral campaigns that ...
Bob Sutton (Stanford University) - What Great Leaders Do
November 10, 2010 00:00 - 58 minutes - 3.34 MB VideoIn this lecture that parallels his book Good Boss, Bad Boss, Stanford professor Bob Sutton unpacks the best habits of beloved and effective managers, and details the worst habits of those who fail to lead. The best leaders develop and nurture those who work for them. However, when bosses gain more power, they can easily grow oblivious to the needs of those they lead.
Diego Piacentini (Amazon) - Customer Focus Builds Global Growth
November 03, 2010 00:00 - 56 minutes - 3.23 MB VideoDiego Piacentini, Senior VP of International Retail for Amazon, discusses the company's growth-centered business model, its global presence, and the strides it takes to sustain a successful customer experience. Piacentini also describes Amazon's innovative approaches to operations, mergers and acquisitions, and labor practices.
Ann Miura-Ko (FLOODGATE) - Funding Thunder Lizard Entrepreneurs
October 27, 2010 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.3 MB VideoStanford Engineering lecturer and FLOODGATE partner Ann Miura-Ko offers insight into the democratization of innovation in the Internet age, and its affect on investment cycles. Additionally, Miura-Ko speaks candidly about the need to test business models, her firm's desire to be an advocate for "thunder lizard" entrepreneurs, and the challenges of achieving true work/life balance.
Thomas Prescott (Align Technology) - Leadership and Disruptive Technologies
October 21, 2010 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.29 MB VideoThomas Prescott, CEO of medical device manufacturer Align Technology, discusses disruptive product innovation and leadership in the medical device industry. Prescott shares the company's story, including insights on the launch of their signature product, the Invisalign orthodontic system. He also discusses operational trends and the need for sound analysis of financing, product execution, and business development tactics.
Mark Suster (Serial Entrepreneur) - Honest Advice on Starting a Company
October 14, 2010 00:00 - 57 minutes - 3.28 MB VideoEntrepreneurship is an emotional and economic roller coaster, says venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur Mark Suster. In this candid and informative lecture, Suster defies some of Silicon Valley's conventional wisdom. Based on his extensive experience with multiple companies, Suster shares his thoughts on the real day-to-day life of startups, smart ways to raise the right kind of funds, and offers honest advice in making your way as an entrepreneur.
Chi-Hua Chien (Goodwater Capital), Dan Rosensweig (Chegg) - Solving Problems Makes a Great Business
October 07, 2010 00:00 - 1 hour - 3.47 MB VideoIn conversation with KPCB's Chi-Hua Chien, Dan Rosensweig, CEO of textbook rental company Chegg, speaks about his professional history within Yahoo!, ZDNet, and Guitar Hero, and shares insights on business in the dot-com trenches. Rosensweig offers his perspective on the evolution of the online media and advertising industries. Additionally, Rosensweig encourages entrepreneurs-to-be to "bet on the inevitable" as they explore their passions and the growing future of online services.
Amit Chatterjee (Hara, Inc.) - Entrepreneurial Lessons: Find Value and Make Impact
September 29, 2010 00:00 - 52 minutes - 3.02 MB VideoAmit Chatterjee, founder and CEO of Hara, the growing energy management solutions company, shares the wisdom of his entrepreneurial experience. He covers an array of topics vital to launching and running a successful enterprise, including the importance of product innovation, new market development, thriving in a competitive landscape, and the critical importance of building a brilliant team.
Juan Andrés Fontaine (Chilean Government) - Chile: Launching a Global Entrepreneurship Hub
September 22, 2010 00:00 - 56 minutes - 3.24 MB VideoJuan Andrés Fontaine, Chile's Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism, discusses his government's recent practices and programs that strive to develop Chile's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Topics touched upon include government incentive programs to attract international investment, growth and development to Chile's university research and development, and a desire to build the nation into the innovation hub of South America.