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.

• 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)

• Website: subliminalselling.co
• LinkedIn: Rick Otton

“You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room—you need to be the one asking the right questions.”

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.

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.

• 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

• Hidden opportunities in lesser-known patent categories
• Balancing innovation with business execution
• The future of R&D intelligence in a world dominated by AI

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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

To follow Keshia’s work or reach out for collaboration, connect with her on LinkedIn.

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.”

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

💼 LinkedIn: John Bisack

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.

• 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

• 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

• 🌐 Website: www.thepauladler.com

• 📧 Email: linkedin.com/in/pauladler1

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.

• 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

• Influence by Robert Cialdini

• How to Know a Person by David Brooks

• Film: 12 Angry Men

Listen to Stan's Podcast All Things Negotiation - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

• Stan Christensen on LinkedIn

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.

• 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

📍 LinkedIn – Shalabh Gupta