5 Simple Rules for Meetings That Don’t Suck (and Actually Get Sh*t Done)
Are your meetings a productivity black hole? You're not alone. In the world of product management, meetings can make or break your team's success. But what if you could transform these time-sinks into powerful tools for alignment, decision-making, and innovation?In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deep into the art and science of effective meetings. They explore common pitfalls, share battle-tested strategies, and provide a practical framework for running meetings that actually move the needle.In this episode, you will:Discover why having a clear aim is the foundation of any successful meetingLearn how to calculate the true cost of meetings and maximize their ROIExplore strategies for keeping recurring meetings fresh and valuableUnderstand when to use synchronous vs. asynchronous communicationMaster the art of meeting facilitation and ownershipGain practical tips for preparing and following through on meeting outcomesImplement a "no-shit meeting checklist" to dramatically improve meeting qualityThe PactHonour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeSecure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcastGive us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following.Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
17 Feb 47min
Insiders React: Musk Trolls Altman + ChatGPT’s Deep Research, AI's Infinite ROI, JD Vance Gets It Right (...Sort Of)
What if AI could outthink, outresearch, and outperform even the most brilliant human minds? OpenAI's latest innovation might be bringing us closer to that reality than ever before.In this episode, tech visionaries Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deep into OpenAI's game-changing "deep research mode." This groundbreaking feature allows AI to conduct extensive research, analyze complex topics, and generate comprehensive reports in mere minutes. This task would take human researchers days or even weeks to complete.But as AI capabilities skyrocket, so do the questions surrounding its impact on society, the economy, and the future of human work. Join Chris and Yaniv as they unpack the latest developments in AI and explore the far-reaching implications of this technological revolution.In this episode, you will:Uncover how OpenAI's deep research mode works and why it's a potential game-changer for industries relying on in-depth analysisDecode Sam Altman's cryptic observations on AI economics, exploring the exponential growth in both AI capabilities and resource demandsDissect the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's surprise bid to buy OpenAI, and what it reveals about the power dynamics in the AI industryAnalyze JD Vance's provocative speech at the AI Action Summit, and its implications for global AI policy and competitionExplore the complex interplay between AI advancements, immigration policies, and the future of work in an increasingly automated worldDebate the ethical considerations of AI-driven economic strategies and their potential impact on social equalityGain insider insights into the future trajectory of AI development and its potential to reshape global power structuresThe PactHonour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeSecure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcastGive us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following.Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist:Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
12 Feb 44min
Scaling with AI- How AI Will Transform Your Startup w/ Grammarly CEO Shishir Mehrotra
Have you ever wished for an intelligent assistant that could seamlessly integrate into your workflow, anticipating your needs and enhancing your productivity? What if AI could transform not just how we write, but how we work across all applications?In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein is joined by Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of the newly merged Coda and Grammarly, to explore the exciting world of AI-native productivity and its potential to revolutionize the way we work.In this episode, you will:Discover the vision behind the Coda and Grammarly merger and how it aims to create AI-native productivity toolsLearn about the concept of AI agents and how they differ from traditional chatbotsUnderstand how AI is changing the role of founders and the skills needed in early-stage startupsExplore practical applications of AI in business workflows, such as automated status reportingGain insights into the future of AI assistants and their potential to enhance human productivityUnderstand the importance of human ingenuity in an AI-powered worldLearn how AI tools can help founders transition from "doers" to "deciders" earlier in their startup journeyThe PactHonour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeSecure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcastGive us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following.Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Francohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
10 Feb 42min
Insiders React: Trump’s DOGE Disaster + Open Source OpenAI, Bluesky Beats Twitter
Is the AI landscape about to be turned on its head? Are we witnessing the birth of a new social media giant? In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein, Shira Lazar, and Amir Shevat dive into the latest tech developments that are reshaping industries and sparking heated debates. In this episode, you will: Analyze the impact of DeepSeek on the AI industry and OpenAI's surprising response Explore how Trump's tariff policies could affect tech companies and startups Examine concerns about Doge's approach to running the US government and its potential consequences Discover why BlueSky is gaining traction as a Twitter alternative and its unique features Learn about the importance of moderation in social media platforms Understand the potential shift towards open protocols in social networking Gain insights into the challenges of transitioning from running companies to governing countries The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
5 Feb 47min
Founder Mistakes – Why Most Founders Fail (and How Coaching Helps You Succeed) w/ Alexis d'Amecourt
As a startup founder, are you constantly putting out fires and feeling overwhelmed? You may be falling into some common pitfalls without even realizing it. In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by Alexis D’Amecour, Head of Coaching at Mochary Method, to discuss the top founder failure modes that executive coaches see - and how to avoid them. In this episode, you will: Discover why many founders fail to recognize their own power and influence Learn how to delegate effectively as your company grows Understand the importance of clearly communicating your vision Explore ways to maintain focus on the big picture strategy Gain tips for hiring the right people at the right time Recognize the value of managing your physical and mental health Learn strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome Understand when and how to seek support through coaching or peer groups The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/ Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
3 Feb 58min
Insiders React: AI's DeepSeek Freakout + Trump's $500B AI Power Play, Elon Plays Footsie With Fascism
Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in AI, or the potential erosion of democracy through unchecked technological power? In this hard-hitting episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein tackle the latest seismic shifts in the AI landscape. From Project Stargate's staggering $500 billion investment to DeepSeek's game-changing cost-effective model, they explore how these developments are reshaping the industry and raising critical ethical questions about the future of technology and society. In this episode, you will: Decode the true implications of Project Stargate's massive AI investment and its potential impact on US technological dominance Analyze how DeepSeek's breakthrough could democratize AI development and challenge tech giants' monopolies Examine the geopolitical chess game unfolding between the US and China in the race for AI supremacy Evaluate the potential market disruption for industry leaders like NVIDIA and OpenAI Scrutinize the alarming behavior of tech leaders and discuss the parallels to historical fascist movements Explore the ethical responsibilities of AI developers in an increasingly polarized world Gain actionable insights on how to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape as a founder, investor, or industry professional The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
29 Jan 47min
Types of Capital - The Hidden Risks of Bootstrapping That Could Sink You w/Scotty Allen (Edu)
Are you dreaming of launching the next unicorn startup? Before you quit your day job and pour your life savings into that brilliant idea, you might want to listen to this episode. In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein is joined by Scotty Allen, startup advisor and founder of The Product Bus, to dive deep into the realities of startup funding, the risks of bootstrapping, and the importance of knowing which "game" you're playing as a founder. In this episode, you will: Understand the risks and challenges of bootstrapping vs seeking funding Learn why validation is crucial before building a full product Recognize the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a founder Discover how to "know the game you're playing" in the startup world Identify the dangers of falling into the sunk cost fallacy Gain perspective on realistic startup success rates Appreciate the value of failing fast and learning from failures Explore strategies for efficient idea validation and prototyping Consider alternative paths to building successful businesses outside the VC model The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/ Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
27 Jan 43min
Insiders React: TikTok Trolls USA + Trump’s Crypto Scam, OpenAI's Agent Strategy, AI VCs
Is TikTok banned or not? The saga continues as Trump swoops in to "unban" the app, leaving creators and users whiplashed. But what's really going on behind the scenes in this high-stakes game of political chess? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by special guests Shira Lazar and Elli Hanson to unpack the latest tech and political drama. From TikTok's uncertain fate to Trump's meme coin launch, the team explores how these developments impact founders, investors, and the future of technology. In this episode, you will: Decode the TikTok ban flip-flop and its implications for US-China relations Analyze Trump's meme coin launch and what it reveals about his approach to tech and finance Explore the latest AI breakthroughs, including OpenAI's O3 mini model and new Tasks feature Discuss the potential of AI agents like Bordy.ai and their impact on industries like venture capital Gain insights on how founders can navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape Examine the ethical considerations of AI development and deployment Consider the future of human-AI interaction and its societal implications The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco
22 Jan 57min
