Mitali Pattnaik

Employee terminations: they're a topic no one wants to discuss but that every company has to navigate. Thankfully, Melanie Naranjo and wonderful Ethena advisor (& Gusto's former People Leader) Jess Yuen are tackling this tricky topic for the next Ethena webinar. Register if you want to learn more about these topics: How to pressure test whether or not termination is the right course of action Best practices for communicating termination decisions How to minimize risk and choose the best course of action when things get tricky Critical pitfalls to avoid

30

5 Comments

Welcome to Midlife Remix, a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities and opportunities that come with midlife transitions. Here, we dive deep into personal growth and professional evolution, focusing on how to reshape your career and life around what truly matters. 🎙️ Through authentic, insightful interviews, I sit down with inspiring individuals who have successfully pivoted in midlife, aligning their work with the lives they want to live. These conversations are filled with wisdom, practical advice, and empowerment, helping you reflect, embrace change, and pursue a purposeful, balanced midlife with confidence and clarity. In our first episode, I chat with Paul Hatch, who offers incredible insights into: ✨ Commitment and overcoming self-doubt ✨ The power of relationships ✨ The value of continuous personal growth ✨ Cultural experiences and contributing to society are essential elements of a fulfilling life ✨ How Stoicism and an entrepreneurial mindset can help navigate life’s biggest challenges This conversation will inspire you to think differently about midlife transitions and create space for growth and fulfillment in both work and life. Tune in, reflect, and take steps toward a more intentional, purpose-driven path. 🎧 Listen now and join the journey! #MidlifeRemix #MidlifeTransition #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalEvolution #PodcastLaunch

20

1 Comment

Exciting news from Techstars for our #Colorado ecosystem! Thanks, Nicole Glaros, Natty Zola, and David Cohen, for your collaboration in reimagining how best to support founders in #Colorado. #startups #entrepreneurship #ecosystem #innovation

41

2 Comments

Organizations thrive when HRBPs are empowered to guide and influence leadership—but too often, their expertise is overlooked. I’m thrilled to join CPOs Melanie Naranjo (Ethena) and David Hanrahan (Flare) on Wednesday, December 4th at 3pm ET / 12pm PT for a practical, interactive session on reshaping the HRBP-leadership dynamic. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eEw3gNc7   We’ll dive into: 👉 Why HRBPs struggle to be heard—and how to fix it. 👉 The critical shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive partnerships. 👉 Actionable strategies to make your voice count in the room.

12

2 Comments

I'm building my second startup. Why? I had a panic attack at my first. I spent a few years and so much of my own money figuring out how to learn the skills to come down from high stress situations, clear my head, stay happy, and (as a result) make great decisions. It's a journey every busy human goes through. After building those skills (an ever evolving journey), I have built a world-class team to help me bring an everyday solution to busy women: smart Moodrings (Moodring Tech). I took the Founder Mental Health Pledge because I know, first hand, what needs to be done on the individual's level to care for themself. It's not affordable and it's time consuming. We have to test solutions for ourselves inch by inch and we have to build solutions to make it easier and, even, feasible to care for ourselves. Join me...

6

Folks who’ve reported to Sara Romero-Heaps at Seesaw Learning and Nearpod rave about working with her, and specifically how she develops talent by matching her team's skills and interests with the business needs. In the latest episode of Best Manager Ever, Sara shares her playbook for identifying the team's strengths and helping them grow – even in an ambiguous startup environment without clear levels or paths. My favorite parts of this advice: 1. Start every performance review by asking, "what are you most proud of?" 2. Notice and ask what other people are going to your team for -- and nurture that as a strength --- 🎧 Get more of Sara’s leadership lessons by listening to the full episode wherever you get podcasts (link in comments). --- Best Manager Ever is a production of Fort Light and Now It's Hear. If you enjoy the show, we'd so appreciate you sharing it with a friend or colleague who could benefit from Sara's wisdom. #Leadership #Management #BestManagerEver

14

1 Comment

You have the power to create a million dollar community business. How? That’s exactly what Gina Bianchini, CEO of Mighty Networks, explores with me on the most recent episode of The Expertise Economy Podcast. In this tactical conversation, Gina introduces us to the 'People Magic' framework—a revolutionary approach to building thriving and self-sustaining communities. From identifying your ideal member to the 9 steps for creating communities so valuable you can charge for them and so well-designed they run themselves, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can transform your business and your members' lives. Whether you're a #creator, #entrepreneur, or aspiring #community leader, this episode is your roadmap to success in the digital age - don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in community building. Tune in and uncover the strategies that transform passion into profit: https://lnkd.in/dicjVMiB

3

I just wrapped up a panel with the Marketing Leadership affinity group within the How Women Invest community with my hero Auntie Nancy Hayes, aka the Yoda of board membership, angel investing, and general badassery. We talked about different ways to serve on boards, a role in which experienced Marketers seem to be often underrepresented. Why? If I had to guess, I'd say: 1 - Most heads of marketing are women 2 - marketing is undervalued, especially under sales/revenue experience 3—Compound the first two with the messages you tell yourself about your own worthiness, and suddenly, you're a great marketer for everyone else but yourself. ___________ For those who are interested in getting closer or into the board room, there are so many ways to start/get experience: 1—Board Observer (one of my current board roles)—you represent the investor but have no votes. It is unpaid, but/and hugely essential to act as a bridge of visibility and communication between the fund you've invested with and the company in which the fund has invested. My role brings value to both sides with much less bias than the other VC board seats. 2—Corporate board director—There is much governance but not much influence on the product, as the company usually has big enough teams for that. There is a lot of hiring/firing CEOs (read: drama), which can still be fun, especially for those fresh-popcorn-in-my-bag swag kinda folks (both grossly generalizing and way understating this role's fiduciary importance, but you get the idea). 3—Independent board director—this is another of my favorite places to sit. It is much like the Board observer role but with voting rights and equity (although not always, as these terms are negotiated and influenced by the shareholding board seats). You are NOT representing a VC fund (typically), but you might have subject matter expertise in the product or are a generalist boss gal like myself and bring a sense of neutrality and balance to the board. 4—Advisor. Advisors are similar to IBD in terms of influence and type of advice but are not part of the board or its meetings. This role is usually paid in some combination of equity and cash. It's another of my faves. (Are you seeing the trend here?) We have not even touched non-profit boards (where I got my start and am currently sitting on my sixth), but we will save it for next time as it's a whole 'nother Oprah. If you want to learn more, How Women Lead is hosting its 5th annual #getonboard week, starting October 21. Hybrid virtual and in-person. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/diizwv8j #womeninleadership #boardofdirectors #howwomenlead #governance #boarddiversity #corporategovernance #boardservice #businessleadership #leadership Julie Candelon Susan Greenwood Schroeder Mikayla Ludwig

31

3 Comments

Not surprising. "..The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI. It reaffirms longstanding principles that discrimination should not be tolerated or promoted on the basis of inherent characteristics. The term "DEI" has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others." Here is the full memo https://lnkd.in/ggB8ew4x

2

1 Comment

Shout-out to founders. Shout-out to the teams and individuals that commit to and push founder-led businesses forward. Building something meaningful is hard. Sometimes you have to play a role that does not come naturally because that’s what the business requires at the moment in time. Other times you have to make decisions that come with uncertainty and the best you can do is just figure it out…quickly. We’ve built RevBoss for 10 years, but we are in the process of re-building it for the 3rd time because that is what is required of us to deliver value to our clients. Will it be hard? Yes. Will it come with a bunch of bumps and bruises? Yes.   Will everything be okay at the end of the day? Absolutely. RevBoss exists to grow B2B founder-led businesses. I’m gearing up to talk with Adam Robinson, CEO of a founder-led business, RB2B, who also is in the business of helping B2B businesses grow. Join us on Aug 13th as we’ll be chatting about growth at founder-led companies and how to build a growth engine that works: https://lnkd.in/eVyJQjpC PS - excited to share our RevBoss journey more publicly, so feel free to follow along if you're interested.

11

1 Comment

I just finished writing a very brief primer on equity vesting schedules and tranched equity grants for startup founders. It goes over ways to think about equity for founders/employees/advisors, 4-year/5-year/6-year vesting schedules, and how to create meaningful equity packages that unlock over time instead of all on one schedule. Let me know in the comments/DM if you want to look at it. It's still a WIP, but I plan to publish it one day!

38

37 Comments

Boldness isn’t just about having ideas; it’s about acting on them. As we move into 2025, let’s recognize that technology is currently one of the most powerful tools we have to create real, positive change. Women like Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, and Carol B. Tomé CEO of UPS, show us how leveraging tech can not only reshape industries but also empower the next generation to lead in spaces once considered out of reach. Technology has the unique ability to break down barriers, connect us globally, and transform industries. In education, digital learning platforms with AI-powered tutors or personalized learning apps are changing the way we teach and learn, making education more accessible to millions. In sustainability, IoT-driven solutions are helping businesses and cities reduce carbon footprints and manage resources more efficiently. When we’re bold enough to challenge the status quo, technology helps us build solutions that make the world more inclusive, innovative, and impactful. 2025 is the year to think bigger, act bolder, and use the power of technology to drive change. Let’s lead the way, break new ground, and create a future that works for everyone. #BoldIdeas #TechnologyForGood #WomenInTech #Leadership #TechInnovation #FearlessCreation #2025Vision #PositiveChange #Innovation

33

4 Comments

As we close out 2024, I’m filled with gratitude and pride recalling the transformative journey we’ve had at Unlock this year. We began the year focused on raising capital from Angel Investors, selling not just the vision of our idea but also the belief that we could build something truly impactful. Fast forward to today, and we’ve not only hit the member goal for our growing community but also launched our MVP, which is now in beta—a significant milestone that moves us closer to Unlock’s full potential. Bold steps and meaningful connections have defined the year. From participating in unforgettable events like NY and LA Tech Week, Transform, and Afrotech to hosting our own gatherings in Dallas, NYC, Washington DC, and San Diego, we’ve built relationships with trusted partners and supporters who share in our vision. Although our roots are in People and Talent, our aspirations for Unlock reach far beyond a single function. We envision creating something that fundamentally reshapes how people optimize their lives and build relationships grounded in trust. That kind of ambition takes more than just vision—it takes adaptability, teamwork, and an unwavering desire to pursue greatness. I’m incredibly proud of our team for rising to every challenge. The road ahead is exciting, and I know we’re ready for what’s to come. Special thank you to our Fireside Chat and Expert Insights speakers in 2024, including Desirée Davis Stolar, Patrice Hayden Meagher, Alexys Feaster, Charles Elwood (ชาลี) (Microsoft AI MVP), Charles A. Montorio - Archer, Gary Hill, Anessa Fike, Alice Kao, Lawrence L. Cole, II, Dr. Eric Kowalczyk. 2025 is upon us. Let's Go!!! #trust #trusteconomy #startups #peoplefueleverything #2024

37

1 Comment

Thrive is a silent killer of a channel. But driving velocity can be tricky. At least until yesterday. Thrive and Instacart have teamed up to provide Thrive Carrot Ads. Now you can drive velocity with a surgeon's scalpal. Oh, and if you're approaching Thrive's Innovation Program. This is your chance to secure a permanent spot on their digital shelf. If you're interested, feel free to DM me or book a call. (No, I cannot get you 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 Thrive. But I can help you stay there.) ——— 🔹 We grow brands on Amazon. 🔹 We increase velocity in Whole Foods, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Sam's, COSTCO, and lots of other cool retailers. #cpg #cpggrowth #retailgrowth #retailvelocity #omnichannel #retail #amazonagency #retailmedia #shoppermarketing #instacart #thrive #thrivemarket #carrotads

18

17 Comments

I GIVE BLCK because the future deserves a surge of Black Wealth Transfer events, the future requires Black Fund Managers, and the future needs Black Founders supported by Black investors. We’re raising $100k to keep BLCK VC going. Chip in to something that is shifting the odds in our favor with capital management. #BVI #BVIMAFIA #BVI2 #GIVEBLCK

18

Bravo to Julie Crabill and the team at Fathom.org for this eye-opening, nuanced take on #AI's impact on American society. The research indicates not just the business and productivity impacts of AI we like to talk about, but also impacts on public policy, bipartisan viewpoints, and the growing lack of trust in the tech companies who are on the forefront of AI development. A great read and something for me to keep in mind as I work with organizations grappling with AI. Marie Gill, Gina Jeneroux, MBA FLPI, Mark Wayman, Allie K. Miller ORG AI Download the report from the Fathom site. https://fathom.org/

8

Who wants some data? 📉 The venture capital (VC) industry exhibits significant disparities in funding for female and underrepresented founders, reflecting broader issues of gender and racial inequality in entrepreneurship and tech. Here are the key aspects of this disparity:   1. Funding Gap: - In 2022, companies founded solely by women received only 2% of all VC investment[1]. - All-women teams received just 1.9% ($4.5 billion) of the $283.3 billion available VC funding in 2022[4]. - Women of color received an even smaller share, at just 0.39% of VC funding[4].   2. Representation in VC Firms: - Only about 15% of all VC 'cheque-writers' are women[1]. - Nearly 81% of venture capital firms have never hired a female employee[3].   3. Entrepreneurship Rates: - Women own only 36% of U.S. firms[3]. - The female participation entry rate into entrepreneurship has increased from 7.16% in the early 1990s to just under 11% after 2010[3].   4. Industry-Specific Disparities: - Women make up only 6% of information technology entrepreneurs, which is the industry most backed by venture capital[3]. - Female entrepreneurs typically receive capital for traditionally "feminine" areas, such as fashion or children's products[3].   5. Racial Disparities: - Black entrepreneurs saw a 45% decrease in funding at the end of 2022[4]. - Between 2010 and 2015, 87% of VC-backed founders were white, and 83% of founding teams were all-white[5].   6. Funding Success Rates: - In 2013, only 15% of minority-owned firms successfully translated a pitch into investment, compared to 22% of all businesses[5].   7. Alternative Funding Sources: - Approximately 80% of female tech startup leaders reported using personal savings as their primary source of funding[3].   Factors contributing to these disparities include:   1. Limited Access to Networks: Women and minorities often lack access to the social and intellectual capital networks crucial for securing VC funding[5].   2. Unconscious Bias: Investors may unconsciously favor entrepreneurs who fit certain stereotypes, such as being white and male[4].   3. Lack of Representation: The limited number of women and minorities in VC firms perpetuates a narrow perspective in investment decisions[4].   4. Educational and Career Path Differences: Women are underrepresented in fields typically targeted by VC firms for hires, such as engineering, technology, and finance[3].   Citations in the comments. NonBinary Solutions #ItsNotBinary™️🪩 #startup #tech #socialimpact #neurodiversity #bcba #appliedbehavioranalysis #abatherapy #decisionsupport #TechForGood #queerfounders #womenfounders #lgbtq #dei #blackfounders #founders #vc #neurodivergent #SaaS #HealthTech #invitedspeaker #speaker #thoughtleadership #nonbinary #thinking

54

9 Comments