The Silicon Valley Podcast

Ep 260 Building with Purpose: Leadership, Legacy, and Lessons from Ron Petrinovich

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Petrinovich, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Freedom Equity Group (FEG). With deep roots in Silicon Valley and a legacy shaped by family, faith, and business acumen, Ron shares pivotal moments from his entrepreneurial journey—including multiple business restarts, scaling a company to national success, and eventually exiting in 2024.
Ron offers candid insights into what it takes to build a company with values at the core, the importance of team-building from day one, and how he designed a unique internal point system that fueled performance and growth. From leadership evolution to fostering a scalable culture, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage.
👤 Guest Bio:
Ron Petrinovich was born and raised in Los Gatos, California. He holds a BS and MBA from Santa Clara University and spent decades building a career rooted in business leadership, mentorship, and tax-efficient retirement planning. Ron was deeply influenced by his father—a successful CPA and entrepreneur—which instilled in him the drive to build and scale ventures that empower others. After co-founding and leading Freedom Equity Group to a successful exit in 2024, Ron now dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
💬 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The entrepreneurial lessons Ron learned from growing up with a CPA father
How to navigate business restarts and turn them into moments of growth
What differentiated Ron’s approach when launching his final company
The scalable point system he developed to drive motivation and results
Key strategies that helped FEG scale nationally
How leadership evolves with company growth
The traits Ron looks for in early hires—and how to build a value-aligned culture
Why great training matters and how to structure it
The mindset behind mentoring future leaders
🔑 Key Questions Covered:
What pivotal restarts shaped your career, and what did they teach you?
How did your upbringing with a CPA father influence your business mindset?
What made your most recent venture different from earlier efforts?
Can you explain the point system you implemented and how it impacted your team?
How did you know when your company had real traction, and how did you respond?
How did your role evolve as the business grew?
What are you most proud of, and what would you do differently?
How do you foster a scalable, values-driven culture?
What advice do you have for startups trying to attract strong early talent?
What does great training and leadership development look like to you?
🔗 Connect with Ron Petrinovich:
🔹 Ron on LinkedIn
 
 
The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Ep 259 Subliminal Selling: How to Influence Without Saying a Word — with Rick Otton

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Rick Otton, author of How to Sell Without Ever Saying a Word, and a global expert in communication, influence, and what he calls Subliminal Science.
Rick has built a career challenging traditional sales tactics, instead unlocking the power of subconscious communication and emotional decision-making. Introduced through M&A strategist Craig Keegan, Rick shares the lessons and philosophies that have helped him build successful brands and businesses across the world—without spending big on advertising.
We explore how Rick's unique approach applies to entrepreneurship, dealmaking, brand building, and life itself.
🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:
Rick’s unconventional path to building a global brand
What Subliminal Science is and how it works in sales and communication
The story behind How to Sell Without Ever Saying a Word
A “lucky accident” that shaped Rick’s business journey
Where entrepreneurs should look for opportunities in the next 5 years
How to build influence without being the loudest in the room
Why being the second smartest person is a powerful position
Mistakes people make when trying to persuade or influence others
Rick’s approach to entering new international markets
How subconscious cues and emotions drive decision-making
One piece of advice that always surprises founders
Why “nobody knows anything about anything” (and why that’s good news)
🔗 Learn More About Rick:
Website: subliminalselling.co
LinkedIn: Rick Otton
💡 Quote from Rick:
“You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room—you need to be the one asking the right questions.”
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Ep 258 Unlocking Innovation: The Future of IP with Jeffrey Tiong, Founder & CEO of Patsnap

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Jeffrey Tiong, the visionary founder and CEO of Patsnap, a global leader in IP and R&D intelligence. From identifying a market gap in patent data to building a unicorn that serves some of the world’s top innovators, Jeffrey shares the insights behind his entrepreneurial journey—and where he sees the future of innovation heading.
We explore how the role of intellectual property is evolving in a fast-moving tech world, why Patsnap chose not to go public in Singapore, and how powerful AI agents are reshaping the B2B landscape. Whether you're a founder, investor, or technologist, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways on staying competitive in today’s innovation economy.
🔑 Topics Covered:
Jeffrey’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding story of Patsnap
How metrics for IPOs have shifted over the years
Why Patsnap opted out of the Singapore exchange and the appeal of Nasdaq
The strategic value of patents in today’s innovation cycles
Why companies choose to disclose IP—and when they shouldn’t
The impact of AI agents on B2B business models
How tech CEOs stay informed on macro trends and startup disruption
Navigating private market data and competitor intelligence
The pros and cons of building a global-first company from Singapore
Real-world examples of how Patsnap helps companies protect and leverage innovation
🧠 Bonus Insights:
Hidden opportunities in lesser-known patent categories
Balancing innovation with business execution
The future of R&D intelligence in a world dominated by AI
👤 About Jeffrey Tiong:
Jeffrey Tiong is the founder and CEO of Patsnap, a platform that helps innovators access and understand global IP and R&D data. With a mission to democratize innovation, Jeffrey has built Patsnap into a global tech powerhouse, supporting companies in over 50 countries.
🔗 Connect with Jeffrey: LinkedIn 🌐 Learn more about Patsnap: www.patsnap.com
⚠️ Disclaimers:
The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation.
The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.
🎧 Subscribe to The Silicon Valley Podcast for more conversations with tech leaders, founders, and disruptors shaping the future.

Ep 257 How VCs Think: Insights from Keshia Theobald-van Gent

In this episode, we sit down with Keshia Theobald-van Gent, a seasoned venture capital investor with deep expertise in fund economics, portfolio strategy, and founder alignment. Keshia shares her sharp insights into how today’s most successful VCs operate and what emerging fund managers and founders need to know to succeed in this dynamic ecosystem.
Whether you're a founder seeking to better understand how VCs evaluate your startup, or an emerging fund manager preparing to launch your first fund, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and deep industry wisdom.
🔍 Topics Covered:
Keshia’s Career Journey: How her professional path has shaped her perspective on modern venture capital.
What VCs Look For in Startups: The core criteria venture capitalists prioritize when evaluating investments—and how founders can align.
Balancing Vision & Returns: How VCs manage the tension between financial ROI and founder vision.
Key KPIs in Venture Investing: The metrics that matter and how startups should track and report them.
Red Flags for VCs: Common early indicators of trouble in portfolio companies—and how to avoid them.
Liquidity & Exits: How VCs think about liquidity events, secondary sales, and capital returns.
Crafting an Investment Thesis: What goes into building a compelling thesis that attracts LP capital.
Venture Capital & Family Offices: Trends shaping these increasingly collaborative relationships.
Fund Economics Explained: Core differences between venture capital and private equity economics.
Overlooked Fund Expenses: Hidden costs that new fund managers often miss.
Reporting to LPs: How firms communicate performance, and what LPs actually care about.
When Investments Go to Zero: Fund strategy, tax implications, and wind-down considerations.
Lessons for Emerging Managers: Common pitfalls and best practices for first-time fund leaders.
Founder Success Story: A candid look at one portfolio company’s journey and growth challenges.
💡 Bonus Insights (if time allows):
How branding influences deal flow and VC visibility.
One thing Keshia would change about the VC industry.
How AI and automation are changing the game for VCs and founders alike.
📬 Connect with Keshia:
To follow Keshia’s work or reach out for collaboration, connect with her on LinkedIn.
📌 Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this episode are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Such as the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.”

Ep 256 Behind the Curtain of Venture Capital with Mohamed Ahmed

Episode Description: In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mohamed Ahmed—engineer-turned-founder, investor, and author—to explore the real mechanics of venture capital, startup life, and personal growth. Mo brings his unique perspective from launching a successful startup, exiting, and now advising others through the VC lens. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or someone navigating your own career transition, this episode is filled with real talk, valuable frameworks, and unfiltered stories you won’t want to miss.
What We Cover:
Mo’s career journey: From big tech to startup founder to venture capitalist
The truth about how VC really works behind the scenes
How VCs and LPs think—and what most founders get wrong
Media myths: What’s often misunderstood about startups and founders
Balancing growth with personal life: Tips for maintaining perspective
Mental wellness and leadership—why it matters more than ever
Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur: Key mindset shifts
The challenge of engineers becoming business leaders
The emotional journey of selling your company—and what happens next
Lessons learned after an exit: What no one tells you
Future trends in entrepreneurship and venture capital
The core message behind Mo’s book and how it can help you
Key Takeaway: Success in entrepreneurship isn’t just about raising capital or scaling fast—it’s about aligning purpose, people, and personal growth.
Connect with Mohamed Ahmed: 🔗 LinkedIn – Mohamed Ahmed 📚 Learn more about his book and upcoming projects [insert website or link if applicable]
Subscribe & Follow: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show! Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, technology, and personal transformation.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations, employers (past or present), or the podcast host. This content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal, investment, or professional advice.
The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Inside the PE Playbook: Post-Acquisition Strategy with John Bisack

In this episode, Shawn sits down with John Bisack, an experienced operational strategist and advisor who specializes in helping private equity-backed companies navigate the critical post-acquisition phase. With a background in transforming businesses for profitability, growth, and long-term scalability, John brings deep insights into what it really takes to deliver on the promises of a private equity deal—beyond the closing table.
Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
A behind-the-scenes look at what happens after a company is acquired by a PE firm
The biggest operational and cultural challenges businesses face post-acquisition
How John identifies inefficiencies and aligns with PE growth expectations
The difference between value delivered vs. services performed—and why that distinction matters
Real-world insights into change management, KPI tracking, and pricing strategy
🔍 Topics Covered:
Post-acquisition integration and value creation
Operational due diligence and strategic alignment
Cost efficiency without compromising growth
Building leadership alignment and managing expectations
PE investor communications and performance reporting
Long-term strategies for maximizing valuation at exit
📌 Guest Links:
💼 LinkedIn: John Bisack

Ep 254 How to Win in the Federal Government Market with Paul Adler

In this episode, Shawn sits down with Paul Adler, a veteran strategist in global revenue growth and a trusted advisor for companies entering the complex world of Federal Government markets. With decades of experience guiding businesses through the intricacies of federal contracting, Paul shares practical insights, battle-tested strategies, and hard-won lessons for founders and executives ready to scale through government channels.
Whether you’re a startup looking for your first pilot program, or a scaling company considering the government as a strategic customer, this episode offers the clarity and context you need to succeed.
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
Why the Federal Government "market" is very different from a government “contract”
What makes the U.S. Government a unique and relationship-driven buyer
Why commitment and focus are non-negotiables when entering this space
The best first steps a company should take—and the common mistakes to avoid
How to think about networking, certification, and timing in your market entry
Why subcontracting often beats aiming for the "prime" position from day one
A real-world success story of an entrepreneur who pivoted to win federal business
The truth about lobbyists, political shifts, and procurement dynamics
🔍 Topics Covered:
Strategic entry points into government markets
Building trust and brand in a relationship-first ecosystem
Targeting decision-makers and navigating procurement
The role of mentors and proven success stories in early wins
Long-term thinking in a highly regulated, highly competitive environment
📌 Guest Links:
🌐 Website: www.thepauladler.com
📧 Email: thepauladler@gmail.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pauladler1

Ep 253 Mastering the Art of Negotiation with Stan Christensen

In this episode, we’re joined by Stan Christensen, a veteran dealmaker, negotiation expert, and founder of Arbor Advisors. With over two decades of experience teaching negotiation at Stanford University and leading high-stakes transactions in the tech world, Stan offers a masterclass in how to navigate complex deals, align incentives, and come out ahead—whether you're raising capital, selling your company, or simply trying to keep a negotiation from falling apart.
Stan shares his career-defining moments, hard-earned insights from the front lines of investment banking, and why most founders misunderstand who really does the work behind the scenes. This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, operators, and anyone who wants to become a better negotiator.
💡 Topics Covered
Stan’s journey from educator to investment banker
The single biggest myth about great negotiators
Advice for founders raising venture capital (hint: think twice)
Why the best companies are sold—not bought
How to renegotiate the preference stack and protect your payout
Tactics to keep a counterparty at the table when they threaten to walk
What separates good negotiators from bad ones
Choosing the right investment banker (and what red flags to avoid)
Are lawyers actually good negotiators?
A behind-the-scenes look at a $70M deal that started with a $15M offer
Stan’s favorite negotiation books, movies, and frameworks
📚 Recommended Resources
Influence by Robert Cialdini
How to Know a Person by David Brooks
Film: 12 Angry Men
🔗 Connect with Stan
Listen to Stan's Podcast All Things Negotiation - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Stan Christensen on LinkedIn

Ep 252 Leading with Vision — Inside the Mind of a Public Company CEO with Shalabh Gupta

Episode Overview
Today’s guest is Shalabh Gupta, a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of a publicly traded company. With deep experience in both public and private markets, Shalabh brings a mission-driven mindset to solving complex problems through innovation. In this episode, he shares his journey to the public markets, lessons learned from operating in the spotlight, and what it really takes to drive long-term shareholder value while staying true to your company’s core mission.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring public company executive, this conversation is packed with insights into what it means to lead boldly in the public eye.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Why Shalabh chose to take his company public earlier than most
The tradeoffs between staying private vs. going public
Insights into IPOs, SPACs, and reverse mergers — and why his company took its specific route
The biggest surprises and challenges of running a public company
How to prepare for shareholder meetings (including the hardest questions he’s been asked!)
Strategies for balancing quarterly pressures with long-term vision
What it takes to personally transition from private leadership to the public stage
The core mission of his company — and why it matters now more than ever
Advice for future public company CEOs
What’s next for Shalabh’s company and how you can follow the journey
🔗 Connect with Shalabh
📍 LinkedIn – Shalabh Gupta

Ep 251 Startup Exit to AI Innovation: A Conversation with Rahul Pangam

Rahul Pangam — Entrepreneur, AI Strategist, and Founder
🎧 Episode Overview:
In this episode, we’re joined by Rahul Pangam, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI leader who successfully built and exited a company during its Series B round. Rahul takes us through the pivotal moments of his entrepreneurial journey — from raising capital to navigating a strategic sale — and shares his deep insights on how AI is reshaping industries, businesses, and the future of work.
This candid conversation covers the evolving dynamics between humans and AI, what businesses need to do to stay competitive, and the most common missteps leaders make when adopting new technologies.
📝 Discussion Topics:
✔️ Rahul’s Entrepreneurial Journey — From Silicon Valley to AI leadership ✔️ Navigating a Raise-to-Sale Conversation at Series B ✔️ The Biggest Differences Between the Pre-AI and Post-AI World ✔️ Where Humans Still Outperform AI ✔️ How AI Can Benefit Traditional Industries Slow to Adopt Technology ✔️ Ways AI Can Level the Playing Field for Small Businesses ✔️ AI Readiness: How Companies Should Assess and Prepare ✔️ Common Mistakes in AI Integration and How to Avoid Them ✔️ Measuring ROI on AI Investments ✔️ AI’s Role in Global Geopolitics, Deep-Tech, and Economic Shifts
🎙️ Who Should Listen:
Startup founders and entrepreneurs
Business leaders exploring AI adoption
Investors and venture capitalists
Tech professionals and AI enthusiasts
Anyone interested in startup exits and digital transformation
📌 Connect with Rahul Pangam:
LinkedIn Profile