What The Economist Got Wrong About the Decline of Silicon Valley

What The Economist Got Wrong About the Decline of Silicon Valley

NOTE:  This post originally appeared on Forbes.com I never thought I would start a blog post with such an audacious claim about the journalistic acumen of The Economist. However, having just finished reading The Economist’s September 1st cover story on Silicon Valley...
The 3 Mistakes I Made as a CEO Learning To Manage Time

The 3 Mistakes I Made as a CEO Learning To Manage Time

NOTE:  This post originally appeared on Forbes.com As a CEO, smart time management is critical to success. Let me tell you a dirty little secret: It doesn’t always come naturally, especially to entrepreneurs that become executives. When I was just starting out as an...
Thoughts on Scaling a Sales Force (among other things)

Thoughts on Scaling a Sales Force (among other things)

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss the ups and downs – and share lots of mistakes I made – in scaling the sales function.  Thanks much to James Lattin for moderating this session at Stanford’s Graduate School of...
Help Us Get to SXSW’s 2018 Lineup

Help Us Get to SXSW’s 2018 Lineup

Wow, SXSW is coming soon and for a reasonably new resident of Austin – cheers to two years! – it is an incredibly exciting time for me and for my venture firm, Next Coast Ventures. I am almost embarrassed to admit that I am a “south-by’ virgin, having only heard...
Of Dogs.  Of Miracles.  Of Dogs Named Miracle…

Of Dogs. Of Miracles. Of Dogs Named Miracle…

Nearly 13 years ago to the day, I was somewhat of a lost soul, living as a bachelor in downtown San Francisco.  I was residing alone in a one bedroom apartment in the Marina district in a domicile that both lacked furniture and warmth.   My mother had just been...
How Entrepreneurs Can Think Like Venture Capitalists

How Entrepreneurs Can Think Like Venture Capitalists

Seven steps entrepreneurs can take to increase the odds of raising venture capital As an entrepreneur involved with two highly successful full-stack technology businesses, I spent fifteen years curiously wondering how venture capitalists make decisions. When I wasn’t...