Refinery VC

Today on Fast Frontiers host Tim Schigel speaks with James Norman, a general partner at Black Operator Ventures, a venture fund that specifically empowers the entrepreneurship of people of color. James takes listeners on a deep dive of his growth and trajectory from Hollywood to venture capital, lessons learned in leadership, and how important networking and nurturing relationships are to customer acquisition.

James Norman is a serial entrepreneur who built his first company at the age of 16, an aftermarket automotive e-commerce site called MJH Sound.com. While previously he may have been known as a visionary in automotive product planning, over the past 7 years in the media and entertainment industry he has become a thought leader in over-the-top media and consumer video consumption behaviors. His latest venture is Pilotly, a consumer insights platform that enables content creators to get feedback from audiences at scale. 

James Norman

General Partner at Black Operator Ventures

Today on Fast Frontiers host Tim Schigel speaks with James Norman, a general partner at Black Operator Ventures, a venture fund that specifically empowers the entrepreneurship of people of color. James takes listeners on a deep dive of his growth and trajectory from Hollywood to venture capital, lessons learned in leadership, and how important networking and nurturing relationships are to customer acquisition. 


S6 Ep. 7 — James Norman: Black Operator Ventures

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Today on Fast Frontiers host Tim Schigel speaks with James Norman, a general partner at Black Operator Ventures, a venture fund that specifically empowers the entrepreneurship of people of color. James takes listeners on a deep dive of his growth and trajectory from Hollywood to venture capital, lessons learned in leadership, and how important networking and nurturing relationships are to customer acquisition. Key Takeaways: <ul><li>[00:09&nbsp;-&nbsp;00:58] Intro to James Norman and his venture projects</li><li>[01:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:57] James' early life in Michigan and entrepreneurship inklings as a child</li><li>[02:58&nbsp;-&nbsp;04:25] Building speaker systems for car audio</li><li>[04:25&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:18] Transitioning from speaker systems to whole cars</li><li>[05:18&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:58] Lessons learned doing private planning at Mitsubishi in LA</li><li>[08:03&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:12] James' first tech company, Ubi, and lessons in leading</li><li>[10:12&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:42] Growing his network and how NewME helped make connections</li><li>[11:44&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:52] Heavy on product, heavy on execution</li><li>[12:52&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:58] The stories we tell</li><li>[14:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:42] How James realized his strength in building video platforms</li><li>[15:44&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:09] Why diverse development teams are necessary, and navigating abrasive cultures as a person of color</li><li>[18:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:55] The path to capital and realizations about next steps</li><li>[20:55&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:12] Acquiring data and monetizing it with GroupFix and Pilotly</li><li>[23:12&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:32] Working with Joe to build GroupFix and Pilotly</li><li>[24:32&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:36] How Black Ops Ventures came about</li><li>[26:36&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:13] Communicating better, and learning from icons like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk</li><li>[28:14&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:57] Bias from investors and developing empathy</li><li>[28:58&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:23] A golden opportunity to build a better resource for black founders</li><li>[30:24&nbsp;-&nbsp;32:01] The Four Challenges for Venture Capital to Invest in Black Founders</li><li>[32:01&nbsp;-&nbsp;34:01] Starting right now, and getting involved</li><li>[34:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;35:06] Builders and leaders</li><li>[35:06&nbsp;-&nbsp;36:42] Building relationships and holding yourself accountable to your identity as a leader</li><li>[36:44&nbsp;-&nbsp;38:57] Customer acquisition and nurturing the relationship, and confidence in outcomes</li></ul>

On today's show, Tim Kight, CEO of Focus 3, stops by Fast Frontiers to talk to host Tim Schigel about growth mindsets, characteristics of people with fortitude, and all about his framework, E+R=O. Key takeaways:<ul><li>[01:51&nbsp;-&nbsp;04:23] Mistakes are feedback, and a sign of innovating</li><li>[04:28&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:23] Silicon Valley and failing fast, an opportunity to try again with greater insight</li><li>[06:23&nbsp;-&nbsp;08:19] Defining leadership, understanding cause and effect, and coaching for success</li><li>[08:53&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:50] The role of deep practice and Tim's E + R = O framework</li><li>[13:51&nbsp;-&nbsp;16:20] Developing clarity and seeing better by asking 5 questions</li><li>[16:41&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:08] Blame, Complain, Defend</li><li>[18:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:47] Growth mindsets and commitment</li><li>[21:50&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:14] Characteristics of the compelled</li><li>[23:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;25:42] Teaching E + R = O to employees and producing better outcomes</li><li>[25:45&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:16] ERO is not just about work</li><li>[26:18&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:58] Understanding how finding the compelled and those with a similar ERO mindset relates to HR and recruiting</li><li>[31:03&nbsp;-&nbsp;34:00] Recognizing the journey you're on and navigating uncharted territories</li></ul>

Tim Kight

CEO, Focus 3

On today's show, Tim Kight, CEO of Focus 3, stops by Fast Frontiers to talk to host Tim Schigel about growth mindsets, characteristics of people with fortitude, and all about his framework, E+R=O.


S6 Ep. 6 — Tim Kight: CEO of Focus 3

Bernadette Butler of Storytap sits down with Fast Frontiers host Tim Schigel to discuss the power of storytelling and connection. Bernadette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Storytap, and in this conversation discusses her path to creating the company, it's goals working with clients to help them gather stories from customers, and what her experience of bootstrapping the company has been like. Key takeaways: <ul><li>[00:56&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:49] Benadette's background</li><li>[05:50&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:09] The origin of StoryTap</li><li>[07:11&nbsp;-&nbsp;09:04] Where Bernadette met her co-founder Sean Braacx</li><li>[09:08&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:56] What StoryTap is, and the trends it is capturing</li><li>[11:56&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:51] Text, video, and influencers impact on brands</li><li>[13:53&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:48] Ownership of the brand and assets, repurposing content to amplify message</li><li>[15:52&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:17] A renewed emphasis on text, and navigating fake BS</li><li>[18:19&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:35] Exemplifying work through your own content and clients</li><li>[19:36&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:37] Discussing working with KY and Durex, sex education</li><li>[20:40&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:30] Stories and connection</li><li>[21:32&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:21] Text reviews and getting what you get</li><li>[22:24&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:09] Some of Bernadette's customers</li><li>[23:12&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:53] An incredible melting pot society</li><li>[24:02&nbsp;-&nbsp;25:00] What it is like running a startup in Vancouver</li><li>[25:01&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:28] What is next for StoryTap</li><li>[26:44&nbsp;-&nbsp;27:26] Next week's episode with Joseph Hanna</li></ul>

A passionate marketer, advertiser, and speaker I help lead StoryTap, a patented video platform that is revolutionizing the online customer journey, bridging the gap between the in-person experience and the online experience. StoryTap's automated video technology is changing how site visitors interact with a brand website, enabling brands to harness that same in-person emotion to drive incredible never-seen-before website performance. Offered now in 9 countries, StoryTap is the go-to technology for enterprise-size brands in retail, CPG, higher education and more.

Bernadette Butler

CEO & Co-Founder, Storytap

Bernadette Butler of Storytap sits down with Fast Frontiers host Tim Schigel to discuss the power of storytelling and connection. Bernadette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Storytap, and in this conversation discusses her path to creating the company, it's goals working with clients to help them gather stories from customers, and what her experience of bootstrapping the company has been like.


S6 Ep. 5 —  Inside Refinery: Bernadette Butler, StoryTap

Fast Frontiers: Bernadette Butler of Storytap discusses the power of storytelling and connection

Today on Fast Frontiers, Upal Basu of ngp capital stops by to talk to host Tim Schigel about what Upal has learned as an investor, and about current events in SaaS, software, and edge computing. Upal is the a general partner at ngp capital, and in this role manages more than a billion and a half dollars in assets. He'll also talk today about lessons learned throughout his career as an investor. Key Takeaways<ul><li>[01:34&nbsp;-&nbsp;03:36] About NGP Capital</li><li>[03:36&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:06] Upal's background</li><li>[05:24&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:20] What Upal brings to investing that he learned as an operator</li><li>[07:28&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:37] Investments NGP looks for</li><li>[11:38&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:52] SaaS and Edge Computing</li><li>[15:52&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:40] AI Transformation and improving human performance</li><li>[20:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:58] Trends in innovation outside Silicon Valley</li><li>[24:07&nbsp;-&nbsp;27:49] Best advice for entrepreneurs and investors on how to navigate the coming year</li><li>[27:50&nbsp;-&nbsp;29:44] Have market conditions changed Upal's investing pace in any way?</li></ul>

Upal has worked in the mobile and software technology industry for over 20 years. At NGP Capital, Upal leads the global Connected Enterprise investing theme, where he focuses on mobile enterprise and Internet of Things investments. In addition he is responsible for managing NGP Capital’s investments in India.

Prior to NGP Capital, he was Founder and CEO of Mformation Technologies, the world’s largest mobile device management company, which was acquired by Alcatel-Lucent. Previously he was a management consultant for McKinsey & Company in New York and London. Prior to joining McKinsey, Upal led Product Management activities for Risk Management Solutions (RMS), a leading provider of software technologies for the management of insurance risks. Upal has an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MS in Engineering from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Imperial College, London.

Upal Basu

Managing Member, US Head at ngp capital

Today on Fast Frontiers, Upal Basu of ngp capital stops by to talk to host Tim Schigel about what Upal has learned as an investor, and about current events in SaaS, software, and edge computing. Upal is the a general partner at ngp capital, and in this role manages more than a billion and a half dollars in assets. He'll also talk today about lessons learned throughout his career as an investor.


S6 Ep. 4 — Upal Basu: General Partner at Ngp Capital

Upal Basu: General Partner At Ngp Capital

Dave Mawhinney joins host Tim Schigel to talk about a history of entrepreneurship and what the transition was like entering into academia at Carnegie Mellon. Dave is the Executive Director of the The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, and in his role he connects with brilliant minds about developing their innovative and creative solutions. In today's conversation, Dave and Tim offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, and discuss the technology output and scene around Carnegie Mellon. Key Takeaways: <ul><li>[00:14&nbsp;-&nbsp;01:26] About Dave Mawhinney</li><li>[01:54&nbsp;-&nbsp;04:28] A serial entrepreneur walks into academia</li><li>[04:30&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:41] How Dave's background as an entrepreneur enables him to communicate to entrepreneurs coming out of academia</li><li>[06:55&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:49] The Swartz Center, Jim Swartz, and his support</li><li>[10:49&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:22] Carnegie Mellon and what separates it from other technology-centric institutions</li><li>[18:23&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:44] Carnegie Mellon's ranking as a top destination for tech talent, it's student population</li><li>[20:45&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:36] The Carnegie Mellon startup scene and it's successes</li><li>[24:37&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:05] Comparing the startup scene between last decade, today, and ten years into the future</li><li>[28:06&nbsp;-&nbsp;29:38] How people can become more involved with activities and events at CMU tech scene</li><li>[29:41&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:48] Network, network, network</li></ul>

Experienced Entrepreneur, Investor and Senior Executive with a demonstrated history of creating valuable companies. Rapidly promoted in higher education for strong classroom performance and creating broad and deep experiential learning programs to benefit students, faculty and alumni. Strong business development professional with a MBA with Distinction focused in Entrepreneurship from Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business. Summa Cu Laude graduate from IUP with a major in Physics and minors in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science.

Dave Mawhinney

Executive Director, The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship

Dave Mawhinney joins host Tim Schigel to talk about a history of entrepreneurship and what the transition was like entering into academia at Carnegie Mellon. Dave is the Executive Director of the The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, and in his role he connects with brilliant minds about developing their innovative and creative solutions. In today's conversation, Dave and Tim offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, and discuss the technology output and scene around Carnegie Mellon.


S6 Ep. 3 — Dave Mawhinney: The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship

S6 E3 — Dave Mawhinney: The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship

On today's episode of Fast Frontiers, host Tim Schigel sits down to speak with Mike Kadin, the CEO of RedCircle. The two discuss strategies for managing high-growth companies, lessons learned in hiring and how Mike met his co-founder Jeremy Lermitte. Key Takeaways: <ul><li>[01:55] Meet Mike Kadin of RedCircle</li><li>[05:56] Experiences unique to RedCircle's growth and lessons in high-growth</li><li>[09:55] How far out was RedCircle planning their growth strategy</li><li>[11:10] Hiring takeaways and lessons</li><li>[16:38] When and how Mike and Jeremy met</li><li>[18:56] Mike and Jeremy finding common ground and learning from past workplaces</li><li>[23:01] Be Real and Be Respectful</li><li>[25:31] Continuously learning and different stages of growth</li><li>[29:02] What's attracted Mike to podcasting</li><li>[32:25] The integration of technology in cars and the listening experience</li><li>[33:15] How Mike is helping podcasters, and how the medium has changed</li><li>[37:02] What Mike wants podcasters to know about RedCircle</li><li>[38:28] What the future of podcasts looks like according to Mike</li></ul>

Mike Kadin

CEO of RedCircle

On today's episode of Fast Frontiers, host Tim Schigel sits down to speak with Mike Kadin, the CEO of RedCircle. The two discuss strategies for managing high-growth companies, lessons learned in hiring and how Mike met his co-founder Jeremy Lermitte. 



S6 Ep. 2 — Inside Refinery: Mike Kadin, CEO of RedCircle

Mike Kadin on high-growth and meeting his co-founder at RedCircle

On today's episode of Fast Frontiers, host Tim Schigel sits down to speak with Mike Kadin, the CEO of RedCircle. The two discuss strategies for managing high-growth companies, lessons learned in hiring and how Mike met his co-founder Jeremy Lermitte.


Welcome back to Fast Frontiers! In the Season 6 premiere, Gokul Rajaram talks with host Tim Schigel about working as an investor and "company helper." Gokul does a deep dive into his SPADE decision-making framework, about creating compelling products that solve real-world issues, and the rise in product analytics as a function of business. Key Takeaways: <ul><li>[01:20] Introduction to Gokul</li><li>[02:33] Being exposed to high-caliber people</li><li>[03:47] Keep learning and stay humble</li><li>[04:54] Investing and having fun building businesses, making connections</li><li>[07:44] Cold-calling and indulging curiosity as a great "party trick"</li><li>[09:15] The SPADE decision-making framework</li><li>[11:07] Transparency in business operations and decision-making</li><li>[12:58] Diving into SPADE</li><li>[16:18] This framework should not be used for day-to-day reversible decisions</li><li>[19:15] How Gokul sees organizations do a good job of staying focused on the problem and not the product</li><li>[23:05] Evaluating the company mission and making a compelling product that solves problems</li><li>[26:41] The rise of product analytics as a function</li><li>[29:05] Feature launch is not a goal, feature launch is not an outcome. It is an experiment</li><li>[29:47] Technologies Gokul is interested in investing in</li><li>[29:47] Words of wisdom on solving problems and setting goals</li></ul>

Gokul Rajaram is the Product and Business Helper at Doordash and currently in Pinterest and Coinbase as board member.

Gokul Rajaram

Investor and Company Helper

In the Season 6 premiere, Gokul Rajaram talks with host Tim Schigel about working as an investor and "company helper." Gokul does a deep dive into his SPADE decision-making framework, about creating compelling products that solve real-world issues, and the rise in product analytics as a function of business.



S6 Ep. 1 — Gokul Rajaram: Investor and Company Helper

S6 Ep 1. Gokul Rajaram: Investor and Company Helper

Welcome back to Fast Frontiers! In the Season 6 premiere, Gokul Rajaram talks with host Tim Schigel about working as an investor and "company helper." Gokul does a deep dive into his SPADE decision-making framework, about creating compelling products that solve real-world issues, and the rise in product analytics as a function of business.



Recent Episodes

SEASON 6

S6 Ep. 7 — James Norman: Black Operator Ventures

S6 Ep. 6 — Tim Kight: CEO of Focus 3

S6 Ep. 5 — Inside Refinery: Bernadette Butler, StoryTap

S6 Ep. 4 — Upal Basu: General Partner at Ngp Capital

S6 Ep. 3 — Dave Mawhinney: The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship

S6 Ep. 2 — Inside Refinery: Mike Kadin, CEO of RedCircle

S6 Ep. 1 — Gokul Rajaram: Investor and Company Helper

About The Show

Fast Frontiers

Tim Schigel

Managing Partner at Refinery Ventures