Little Pursuits

How He Got Into a16z Speedrun (0.3% Get In)

Dar Patel — Wed, 27 May 2026 22:47:36 GMT

Artin Bogdanov has built three companies, was on the Magento team Adobe acquired, and got into a16z Speedrun, which accepts 0.3% of applicants. From suing Google after his first startup to a Canva acquisition that fell through, he has lived the setbacks behind the advice. He breaks down what actually gets a founder funded, why no one cares about your idea, and the one metric you can't fake.Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!In this episode, we cover:→ Getting Into a16z Speedrun: What it takes to be in the 0.3% that gets accepted.→ Why No One Cares About Your Idea: The first thing a16z drills into founders about what actually matters.→ Team vs Traction: How investors weigh the two, and how to treat fundraising as a probability game.→ Finding a Quiet Channel: Why he hunts for distribution nobody else has noticed yet.→ "I Win or I Learn": The backpropagation mindset he applies to every setback.→ The Metric You Can't Fake: The one number that tells him whether the product is really working.Chapters:00:00 - Intro and the case for adaptability04:48 - From finance in Russia to a Harvard CS degree08:38 - Company one: high-tech optics e-commerce11:38 - How Google ended company one, and the lawsuit17:40 - Automation as an edge, and company two20:32 - "I never lose. I win or I learn."23:40 - Inside Adobe and the Canva deal that collapsed31:00 - Walmart Labs and the forecasting machine33:06 - "Being a founder is a disease in your brain"33:50 - Sun: the personalized AI audio app he loves44:25 - Bloom's 2-sigma and 1-to-1 learning at scale47:10 - Distribution, CAC, and finding a quiet channel53:49 - Hiring for speed and the founder transformation01:00:39 - Building a team and making tough calls01:01:53 - a16z Speedrun and "no one cares about your idea"01:07:14 - Pitch decks and fundraising as probability01:14:22 - What to prioritize and the metric you can't fakeSubscribe to Little Pursuits for raw stories from founders, leaders, and experts: https://www.youtube.com/@littlepursuits?sub_confirmation=1Watch Next: https://youtu.be/5TBvawS1VHg?si=S5SQKXxdNiDdWDmoHost: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Founder Circle, our small-group coaching for seed-stage founders: https://luma.com/littlepursuitsNewsletter, The Inner Game, on the inner game of building and leading: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guest: Artin Bogdanov, Founder of SunConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinbogdanov/#Fundraising #Startups #VentureCapital #a16z #FounderMindset #Entrepreneurship #SeedStage #PitchDeck #StartupAdvice #LittlePursuits

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From Corporate to Owning a Business: Why I Rebuilt Everything

Dar Patel — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Carolyn, the founder of WildLight, shares her intentional path from high-growth corporate roles at Yelp and ClassPass to building a career that prioritizes authenticity and play. After navigating the pressures of being a first-generation college student and the "double whammy" of major business setbacks, Carolyn chose to redefine success on her own terms. From moving across the country during the pandemic to mastering the "individual contributor" path, she provides a masterclass in designing a professional life that actually fits who you are.Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!In this episode, we explore the reality of career transitions, the myth of the linear path, and why "play" is a non-negotiable for long-term fulfillment. From the strategy behind landing every job through community to the psychological shift required to leave the corporate hustle, we cover:→ The Myth of the Linear Path: Why success doesn't always mean moving "up" the corporate ladder.→ Networking with Authenticity: How Carolyn landed her biggest roles through community rather than cold applications.→ The "Double Whammy" of Rejection: How to recover when your biggest business challenges hit all at once.→ Selling Yourself as a "Product": Carolyn’s framework for communicating your unique value.→ The Power of Play: Why inviting curiosity back into your work is the ultimate antidote to burnout.→ Scaling with Intention: Transitioning from one-on-one coaching to high-impact group cohorts.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Why Success Isn't Linear08:35 - The Early Hustle: Landing 4 Jobs in 4 Years11:40 - The Networking Strategy: Why Cold Applications Failed17:15 - The IC Path: Why Management Isn't for Everyone21:48 - The Reality for Women of Color in the C-Suite25:54 - The Pivot: Leaving New York for Portland34:00 - The "Product" Formula: How to Sell Your Value40:15 - Scaling Impact: Moving to Group Cohorts57:12 - Resilience: Handling the "Double Whammy" of 202301:09:44 - Future of Work: Inviting Play Back Into Your LifeSubscribe to Little Pursuits for more raw stories from founders, leaders, and experts!Watch Next: https://youtu.be/5TBvawS1VHgHost: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/littlepursuitsNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guest: Carolyn, Founder of Wild LightConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlaimoore/#CareerPivot #RedefiningSuccess #WomenInBusiness #WildLight #LittlePursuits #Entrepreneurship #FounderMindset #CareerCoaching #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalGrowth

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They Told Me I’d Fail: How An "Underestimated" Girl Became A VC

Dar Patel — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:23:46 GMT

Sarah Romanko, an investor at Geek Ventures, shares her unconventional path into the world of venture capital. After being told she "couldn't do it" as early as high school and lacking the typical Ivy League or wealthy background, Sarah leaned into her "underestimated" status to break into one of the most exclusive industries in the world. From winning business competitions out of spite to building a career based on genuine relationships rather than status, Sarah provides a masterclass in resilience and strategic networking.Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!In this episode, we explore the "inside game" of venture capital, the power of being the underdog, and why community is the ultimate resource for any founder or aspiring investor. From the psychological shift of owning your title to the reality of being a woman in VC, we cover:→ The "Underestimated" Advantage: How being doubted became Sarah’s greatest competitive edge.→ Breaking the Pedigree Myth: How to break into VC without an Ivy League degree or existing wealth.→ Relationships over Resources: Why Sarah prioritizes community and genuine connection over traditional tools.→ The "Psychological Flip": The moment Sarah stopped asking for permission and started owning her title.→ The Reality of VC: Navigating the industry as a woman and the importance of finding your tribe.→ Building Out Loud: Why putting yourself out there is the fastest way to attract opportunities.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: The "You Can't Do This" Motivation02:15 - Early Hustle: Winning Business Competitions in High School05:40 - The Pedigree Trap: Navigating VC Without the Ivy League Label09:10 - Turning "No" Into Fuel: Overcoming Early Career Rejection13:25 - The Power of Community: Finding Your Tribe in an Exclusive Industry17:50 - Strategic Networking: How Relationships Replaced Traditional Resources22:10 - The "Psychological Flip": Finally Owning the Investor Title27:45 - Breaking Barriers: Being a Woman in Venture Capital33:20 - Investor Secrets: What VCs Are Really Looking For39:15 - Advice for Builders: Why Resilience is Your Most Valuable Asset45:00 - The Future of Venture: Why Diversity of Thought is the Next Big TrendSubscribe to Little Pursuits for more raw stories from founders, leaders, and experts!Watch Next: https://youtu.be/zZ9SD5lH19YHost: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/littlepursuitsNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guest: Sarah Romanko, Investor at New North VenturesConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahromanko/Website: https://geek.vc/#VentureCapital #FounderMindset #LittlePursuits #WomenInBusiness #Resilience #Networking #StartupLife #InvestorSecrets #CareerPivot #UnderdogStory

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The Corporate Success Trap Why Your Dream Job Feels Like a Nightmare

Dar Patel — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Antonio, CEO and Founder of Aware, shares his transition from a 20-year career in telecommunications and a PhD in Electrical Engineering to building a neurotech startup that monitors brain health. After experiencing the physical and mental toll of a global corporate role and finding clarity during a 10-day silent meditation retreat, Antonio set out to create a wearable that helps people stay anchored in their own well-being.

Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!

In this episode, we explore the power of resilience developed through a PhD, the lessons learned from working with the inventor of the cell phone, and the critical importance of customer interviews in hardware design. From the "nightmare" of silent meditation to winning the health category at TechCrunch Disrupt, we cover:

→ The Resilience Factor: How publishing 20 papers in 3 years of a PhD prepared Antonio for the startup grind.

→ Corporate to Founder Pivot: The leadership shifts required when moving from global R&D at Rakuten to leading a solo-founder startup.

→ The 10-Day Mind Boot Camp: Why the hardest thing Antonio ever did led to the creation of Aware.

→ Customer-Driven Design: How interviewing Oura Ring users completely flipped the form factor of their brain-tracking wearable.

→ Financial Levers: Why a financial model is actually a "digital twin" that reduces founder anxiety.

→ Winning at TechCrunch: The perks of the Battlefield 200 and the impact of the best pitch award.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: A Meditation Nightmare and the Idea for Aware

01:20 - Early Inspiration: Building Houses with a Grandfather

04:15 - The PhD Journey: Resilience, Determination, and 20 Published Papers

08:35 - First Startup Lessons: Working with Marty Cooper, Inventor of the Cellphone

10:50 - Customer Focus: Why Techstars Changed Antonio’s Perspective on Interviews

12:50 - Transitioning to Corporate: Leading Global R&D at Rakuten

17:15 - The Burnout Wakeup Call: Losing 40 Pounds Through Data and Accountability

24:30 - Silent Meditation: Surviving a 10-Day "Prison Cell" for the Mind

31:00 - Stress Management for Founders: Tracking Brain Waves and Staying in the Zone

39:00 - Engineering a Discreet Wearable: The Ear Patch and the Future of Brain Health

46:15 - Leveraging Accelerators: Funding, Mentorship, and Financial Digital Twins

54:30 - Winning TechCrunch Battlefield: PR, Exposure, and Advice for BuildersSubscribe to Little Pursuits for more raw stories from founders, leaders, and experts!

Watch Next: https://youtu.be/TWcuitXHRjU

Host: Dar Patel, Founder of Little Pursuits

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/

Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/littlepursuits

Newsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/

Guest: Antonio, Founder of Aware

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonioforenza/Website: https://www.aware.ai/

#FounderMindset #Neurotech #MentalHealth #StartupStories #Meditation #LittlePursuits #TechCrunch #Biohacking #HardwareStartup #Resilience

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Why I Quit My Dream Job at Sundance

Dar Patel — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:03:30 GMT

Meg McWilliams, Founder of Mixies, shares her nonlinear journey from studying Art History to founding an AI-driven networking startup in San Francisco.

In an industry that often demands "permission," Meg discusses the raw reality of being rejected by her dream employers and how that frustration sparked her to build her own platform.

Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!

In this episode, we explore the "Founder Mindset" of creating your own opportunities, the visceral power of immersive storytelling in VR, and how to scale a team without losing the core mission.

From the emotional reality of closing a first company to navigating the high-stakes timing of the gaming industry, we cover:

→ The Spite Catalyst: Why being rejected by Sundance led Meg to start her own international film festival from scratch.

→ The "Rocket Trajectory" Fall: The gritty reality of building an all-star gaming team only to face a macro-industry bloodbath.

→ Building Without Permission: Why waiting for an invitation to your career is the ultimate barrier to success.

→ The Future of Networking: How Mixies is using AI to turn "cold" events into high-ROI matchmaking experiences.

→ Hiring for Mission: Why finding "true believers" is the make-or-break factor for early-stage startups.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: From Sundance Rejection to Founding a Film Festival 10:00 - Immersive Storytelling: The Visceral Power of VR and Journalism

13:30 - The Transition to Gaming: Building Social Worlds with High Impact

18:30 - Cold Outreach Mastery: How to Land All-Star Co-Founders via LinkedIn

26:08 - The "Blood Bath": Dealing with Industry Downturns and Closing a Company

37:10 - The Birth of Mixies: Solving the Problem of "Terrible" Event Networking

43:30 - B2B Strategy: Why Focusing on High-ROI Summits is the Ultimate Growth Wedge

58:10 - Outro: Meg’s Advice for Non-Technical Founders Building in AI

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Watch Next: I Stopped Collecting Resume Logos. Here’s ...

Host: Dar Patel, Founder of Little Pursuits

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/

Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/littlepursuits

Newsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/

Guest: Meg McWilliams, Founder of Mixies

Connect

Meg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-mcwilliams-b1669976/

Website: https://mixies.ai/

#FounderMindset #Entrepreneurship #StartupStories #CareerPivot #AI #LittlePursuits #Sundance #Networking #WomenInTech #FounderGrief

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Stop Waiting to be "Ready." How I Finally Took the Plunge.

Dar Patel — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Chandrika Maheswari, co-founder of Quivly AI, shares her journey from management consulting and product marketing at Google to building AI-driven solutions for the future of B2B SaaS. In an industry of "checklists" and corporate hierarchies, Chandrika discusses the raw reality of moving halfway across the world and leaving stable roles to define success on her own terms.

Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!

In this episode, we explore the transition from corporate leader to entrepreneur, the importance of high agency and curiosity in hiring, and how to scale an AI workforce without losing the human element.

From the emotional reality of winding down a first startup to navigating a shifting market, we cover:

→ The Leap of Faith: Why waiting for a sign or a "ready" checklist is the ultimate barrier to starting.

→ The Google Era: Why overcoming self-doubt in a high-growth environment sparked the leap into entrepreneurship.

→ Ask vs. Guess Culture: How a simple framework for getting out of your own way turned "self-rejection" into a 10-year career advantage.

→ Scaling with AI: How they are building AI agents for post-sales teams to help companies grow without linearly scaling headcount.

→ Hiring for High Agency: Why work trials and genuine curiosity are the secret to building a resilient early-stage team.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: Breaking the Checklist Mentality and Taking the Plunge

10:00 - The Google Era: Overcoming Self-Doubt in Product Marketing

13:30 - Ask vs. Guess Culture: A Framework for Getting Out of Your Own Way

18:30 - The Permission Paradox: Why You Don't Need Approval to Move Fast

26:08 - The First Startup: Solving Financial Struggles for Immigrants

37:10 - The Pivot and the Wind-Down: Navigating Market Headwinds in 2023

43:30 - Finding the Right Co-Founder Through "Dating" Frameworks

46:56 - Defining Quivly AI: Building AI Agents for Post-Sales Revenue Growth

58:10 - Hiring for High Agency: Why Curiosity Outperforms Traditional Interviews

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Host: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/littlepursuitsNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/

Guest: Chandrika Maheswari, Co-Founder of Quivly AI

Connect Chandrika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandrikamaheswari/

Website: https://www.quivly.ai/#entrepreneurship

#AI #fintech #leadership #founders #productmarketing #startup #littlepursuits

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Why We Left Big Tech to Build a Human-Centered Design Studio

Dar Patel — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:39:56 GMT

Anyi Sun and Andrea Nguyen, co-founders of Koi Studios, share their journey from corporate fatigue to building a human-centered design studio. In an industry where "UX design" and "product strategy" are often buzzwords, Anyi and Andrea discuss the raw reality of leaving stable roles to define success on their own terms.Hit follow to join our community of builders!In this episode, we explore the transition from in-house designer to business owner, the importance of finding the right co-founder, and how to scale a creative agency without losing your soul. From the "quarterly wrap" reflection process to navigating a saturated market, we cover:→ The Corporate Exit: Why performance reviews and rigid structures led to a "fatigue" that sparked the leap into entrepreneurship.→ Finding the "Click": How Anyi and Andrea pivoted from law, medicine, and economics to discover their passion for human-centered design.→ The Co-Founder Dynamic: Why a dinner conversation over deconstructed ramen turned a shared aspiration into a 2.5-year partnership.→ Strategic Growth: How they moved from scrappy cold DMs to a long-term inbound marketing strategy built on transparency and value.→ Future of Design: The role of AI as a "co-pilot" in product building and why the human element is more critical than ever.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: The Illusion of Corporate Security and the Leap to Freedom01:34 - Early Interests: Navigating the Pressure of Traditional Career Paths05:40 - The Psychological Switch: Giving Yourself "Permission" to Be a Creative08:50 - The Lucky Break: How a Marketing Internship Led to a UX Career13:10 - Learning the Mechanics: Startup Scrappiness vs. Corporate Operations15:20 - The Ramen Dinner: Finding the Courage to Start Together19:50 - The Financial Reality: Adjusting to Life Without a Corporate Safety Net25:10 - Evolving Sales: Moving from Outbound Spam to Inbound Relationships35:10 - The In-House Advantage: How Their Past Roles Became Their Biggest Differentiator38:30 - The Quarterly Wrap: A Founder’s Guide to Reflection and Alignment54:10 - Scaling Beyond the Founders: Building a Team and Exploring Products55:12 - AI and the Future: Designing for Humans in an Automated World01:00:25 - Outro: The Future Vision for Koi StudiosFollow to Little Pursuits for more stories from founders, leaders, and experts!Host: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/84tq1a6cNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guests: Anyi Sun & Andrea Nguyen, Co-Founders of Koi StudiosConnect Anyi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyisun/Connect Andrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreanguyen10/Website: https://www.koistudios.co/#entrepreneurship #podcast #uxdesign #productstrategy #leadership #founders

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How to Shed Your Corporate Identity & Build Your Own Business

Dar Patel — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Dani Tan shares how her path through corporate leadership, achieving 11 promotions in 11 years, eventually led her to building her own coaching business. What does it actually take to shed a corporate identity and turn years of expertise into a successful business?Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!In this episode, we dig into the reality of career navigation, strategic visibility, and the transition from VP to founder. From the "squeaky wheel" philosophy to finding service-market signal in coaching, we cover:→ The Early Days: How Dani’s interest in psychology and communications formed the foundation for her career.→ Navigating Corporate: Why working hard isn’t enough and how to build the "web" of relationships needed for growth.→ The Identity Shift: The raw reality of transitioning from a VP-level title to the messy experimentation of a first-time founder.→ Redefining Success: Why achievement is often a "made-up" structure and how to define success on your own terms.→ Founder Mindset: Overcoming the vulnerability of visibility and the importance of self-coaching and somatic work.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: The Illusion of Security and Messy Experimentation01:13 - Early Interests: Psychology, Teaching, and Finding the "Root"07:10 - Moving to New York: Networking into the Fashion Industry14:35 - The "Squeaky Wheel" Strategy: 4 Promotions in 6 Years25:20 - Reaching the VP Level: Negotiations and High-Stakes Buy-In31:15 - The Identity Crisis: Feeling Like a Phony Despite the Title35:10 - Pivoting to Coaching: Finding Passion in First-Gen Mentorship50:40 - The First Client: How One LinkedIn Update Changed Everything01:03:00 - Final Advice: Taking the Step Closer to What You’ve Been Sitting OnSubscribe to Little Pursuits for more stories from founders, leaders, and experts!Watch Next: https://youtu.be/YXTLisl0EDQHost: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/84tq1a6cNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guest: Dani Tan, Leadership & Career CoachConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danitan/Website: https://www.danitan.com/#entrepreneurship #podcast #career #leadership #founders

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Building at the Intersection of Tech, Sustainability, and Startups

Dar Patel — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:56:44 GMT

Celine Lightfoot shares how her path through technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship eventually led her to building Beni. What does it actually take to turn a mission-driven idea into a real startup people want to use?Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!In this episode, we dig into the reality of startup building, early traction, and founder decision-making. From testing ideas manually to finding product-market signal, we cover:→ The Early Days: How Celine’s interests in tech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship started to come together.→ Building the First MVP: Why the first version of a product doesn’t need to be polished to be useful.→ Fundraising Lessons: What early investors are really looking for in founders and startup opportunities.→ Distribution and Growth: Why reducing time to value matters and how Beni evolved its product strategy.→ Founder Mindset: Hiring, feedback, coaching, and the inner work of building a company.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Celine’s Journey into Tech and Entrepreneurship05:17 - Sustainability, Startups, and Early Interests10:17 - Building the Technical Tool Belt22:43 - Why She Started Beni30:56 - Testing the MVP and Finding Early Signal40:14 - What Investors Look for in Early-Stage Startups53:57 - Distribution, Growth, and Time to Value01:05:07 - Hiring, Culture, and Scaling the Team01:16:32 - Founder Mindset, Coaching, and Inner Growth01:21:52 - Connecting the Dots Across a Nonlinear CareerSubscribe to @littlepursuits for more stories from founders, leaders, and experts!Watch Next: https://youtu.be/Fhycrbiz5v0Host: Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/84tq1a6cNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guest: Celine LightfootConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celinemol/Website: https://www.joinbeni.com/#entrepreneurship #podcast #founders #startups

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From Early Notion to VP of Product at ClickUp: Scaling Secrets | Haris Butt

Dar Patel — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:59 GMT

Haris Butt shares his journey from early roles at Notion and Square to VP of Product at ClickUp. What does it actually take to scale products used by millions of people? Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!In this episode, we dig into the reality of technical leadership and product strategy. From startup growth to executive decision-making, we cover:→ The Early Days: Scaling product at Notion and Square. → VP of Product: Navigating rapid growth at ClickUp. → Technical Leadership: How to build and manage world-class teams. → The Product Framework: Identifying high-impact problems to solve.Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Scaling Notion, Square, and ClickUp 08:20 - Lessons from the Early Days of Notion 15:45 - Building Product Culture at Square 28:30 - The Transition to VP of Product at ClickUp 42:10 - Founder Mindset: Decisions that Drive GrowthSubscribe for more stories from founders, leaders, and experts!Watch Next: https://youtu.be/bRyxC1xlmHEHost: Dar Patel, Founder of Little Pursuits Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/ Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/84tq1a6c Newsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guests: Haris Butt, Former VP of Product, ClickUp Connect: https://x.com/probablyharis?lang=en Website: https://haris.computer/home#entrepreneurship #podcast #founders

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She Quit A 6-Figure Career To Solve Healthcare’s Biggest Crisis | Sarah Kerin

Dar Patel — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Sarah Kerin shares her journey from Apple operator to healthcare startup founder.

What does it actually take to leave a 6-figure job as a non-technical founder? Hit subscribe to join our community of builders!

In this episode, we dig into the reality of building efficientSC. From operator frustration to a $1B hospital supply chain solution, we cover:

→ Customer Discovery: How to validate a $1B problem.

→ Finding a CTO: Building as a non-technical founder.

→ Techstars & Accelerators: Is the advice worth it?

→ Willingness-to-Pay: Testing if people will actually buy.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Solving Hospital Supply Chain Burnout 14:15 - Validating the Problem & Customer Discovery 17:11 - Building a "Circle of Trust" as a Solo Founder 24:08 - Navigating Technical Challenges as a CEO 45:46 - Founder Mindset: Protecting Your EnergySubscribe for more stories from founder, leaders, and experts! Host:Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/Join Our Founder Circle: https://luma.com/84tq1a6cNewsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guests:Sarah Kerin, Founder & CEO, efficientSCConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kerin-mba-67487059/

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We Started With Zero Experience | Ayesha Kazi & Mona Jawad | Little Pursuits

Dar Patel — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:06:40 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined by Mona Jawad and Ayesha Kazi, co-founders of ASL Aspire, a gamified STEM platform for deaf students and the educators who support them.We trace their story from early STEM curiosity to launching during lockdown, then dig into what they learned through customer discovery, why vocabulary wasn’t the real problem, and why context and adoption matter.We also cover the founder stuff people skip: building an inclusive Deaf/hearing team, hiring for respect over “brilliance,” and protecting the co-founder relationship through slow B2B cycles.If you’re building in education, accessibility, or any long-cycle industry, this one will hit. This episode covers→ The "1% vs. 99% Rule" for instantly delegating decisions (without fear!).→ How to build a "Decision Filter" that automates 80% of your work.→ The secret to removing emotional paralysis and making faster choices for your team.→ The two mindset shifts that move you from founder to CEO.Chapters:0:00 The Truth About Zero Experience3:21 Why We Ignored Industry Advice8:45 The "Hire for the Gaps" Framework15:02 Turning Weakness into a Superpower21:10 Final Actionable StepsSubscribe to @littlepursuits for more stories from founder, leaders, and experts: https://www.youtube.com/@littlepursuitsWatch Next: https://youtu.be/y9lQ0QzLna8Host:Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/ Join Our Founder Circle: https://98sg03uup7d.typeform.com/to/T...Upcoming Events: https://luma.com/calendar/manage/cal-...Newsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guests:Mona Jawad, Co-Founder & CEO, ASL Aspire Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-jawad-6b7606186/Ayesha Kazi, Co-Founder & COO, ASL Aspire Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-jawad-6b7606186/ASL Aspire, founders, startup podcast, edtech, accessibility, deaf community, customer discovery, cofounder, startup culture, product market fit

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The Founder's Secret: Why You Should Love Your Biggest Failures | Katrina Purcell | Little Pursuits

Dar Patel — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:34:57 GMT

Every founder knows the feeling: every decision feels like a make-or-break moment. But that mindset is precisely what prevents true scaling. In this 72-minute masterclass, we break down the mental framework and systems founders need to stop burning out on small decisions and start focusing on growth. This is the exact playbook for scaling your decision-making.This episode covers:→ The **"1% vs. 99% Rule"** for instantly delegating decisions (without fear!).→ How to build a **"Decision Filter"** that automates 80% of your work.→ The secret to removing emotional paralysis and making faster choices for your team.→ The two mindset shifts that move you from **founder** to **CEO**.CHAPTERS0:00 The "Life or Death" Founder Mindset2:15 The 1% vs. 99% Decision Rule12:40 The 3 Decision Filters Explained25:05 Automating Decisions & Delegation38:10 How to Recover From a Bad ChoiceJoin the Conversation: Which of the 3 Decision Filters will you implement first? Let me know in the comments below!Subscribe to @littlepursuits for more stories from founder, leaders, and experts: https://www.youtube.com/@littlepursuitsWatch Next: My most popular video on career pivoting: Don't Quit Your Job! Build a Portfolio Career Risk-Free #careerpivot (https://studio.youtube.com/video/B2iXHA-5_h0)Host:Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpatel/ Join Our Founder Circle: https://98sg03uup7d.typeform.com/to/T...Upcoming Events: https://luma.com/calendar/manage/cal-...Newsletter: https://littlepursuits.substack.com/Guest:Katrina Purcell, Entrepreneur & Host of Managed Chaos podcast,Connect: linkedin.com/in/katrina-purcellKeywords: startups, founders, leadership, bootstrapping, decision making, operations, chief of staff, career pivot, entrepreneurship, coaching#founders #scaling #businessgrowth #decisionmaking #entrepreneurship #leadership

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From Corporate to Portfolio Career: Pivot Through Tiny Experiments

Dar Patel — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Maggie is a former Deloitte consultant and Slack product marketer who walked away from the “good on paper” path to build a portfolio career—mixing retreats + events, marketing work, and community-building on her own terms.In this episode, we unpack the high-achiever pattern that quietly keeps people stuck: chasing the next title, the next company, the next “safe” move—until burnout forces a reset. Maggie shares how she used internal pivots, side experiments, and strategic networking to find clarity, build confidence, and finally make the leap (even without income lined up).In this candid conversation, Maggie explains:→ The high-achiever trap: consulting looked “right” until loneliness + burnout exposed the cost.→ The Slack leap: one LinkedIn message + referral changed her trajectory.→ The pivot playbook: curiosity, relationships, and win-win projects to move internally (and externally).→ The real unlock: coaching + side experiments to rebuild self-trust and find what actually fits.→ The new model: portfolio career + long-game money mindset + boundaries for sustainability.Chapters00:00 Early influences: practical path vs creative pull03:45 Chasing the “best” internship + the consulting path04:10 Deloitte reality + travel and exposure08:20 The pivot trigger: lonely + bored + “do I want this forever?”09:45 Jump to Slack: new role + learning curve11:10 Imposter syndrome + what helped over time14:15 Product marketing + internal pivots16:00 How to switch teams: curiosity + “what’s in it for them?”17:35 COVID wake-up + burnout + “same problems”19:40 Career coaching + mindset + future self visualization25:00 Using a job as runway: Pilates + first client + networking31:05 Financial fear + long-term game55:40 Redefining success: external → internalHost:Dar Patel, Founder of Little PursuitsConnect Join Our Founder Circle Upcoming Events NewsletterGuest:Maggie Blackburn, Experience Designer & Career Strategist,Connect

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Embracing Failure as Part of Growth | Alyssa Kushner

Dar Patel — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Alyssa Kushner, LCSW is a licensed therapist based in NYC and has her own private practice (AK Psychotherapy) seeing clients in NY, NJ, MD, and DC. Alyssa brings a trauma-informed, holistic, and relational approach with her clients, specializing in trauma, codependency, anxiety, burn out, people pleasing, and perfectionism. She loves empowering her clients to become their most authentic, confident selves, develop healthier relationships with others, and more importantly compassion with themselves! In addition to individual work, Alyssa created and leads Women's Support Groups and supervises other therapists. For fun and self care, Alyssa loves to lift weights, spend time in nature, practice yoga and breathwork, cook, and hike.

Takeaways

Alyssa's childhood in musical theater influenced her path to therapy.

Mental health was normalized in Alyssa's family.

Perfectionism often ties self-worth to external achievements.

High-achieving women may struggle with anxiety and perfectionism.

Family dynamics can shape one's sense of worthiness.

Identifying perfectionism involves recognizing high expectations and self-criticism.

Self-compassion is crucial for mental well-being.

Rest is essential and should be viewed as productive.

Setting boundaries is important for mental health professionals.

Growth and healing are non-linear processes.

Chapters

00:00 Alyssa's Journey: From Musical Theater to Therapy

02:55 Navigating Perfectionism: The High Achieving Woman's Struggle

05:46 Identifying Perfectionism: Signs and Symptoms

08:56 The Impact of Gender: Perfectionism in Men vs. Women

12:03 Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Self-Judgment and Compassion

14:48 Finding Balance: Productivity vs. Presence

17:52 Building a Business: Alyssa's Entrepreneurial Journey

20:59 Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Challenges of Starting a Practice

30:34 Navigating Transitions with Self-Compassion

34:22 Understanding Ideal Clients

37:27 Mind-Body Connection in Wellness

40:33 Overcoming Motivation Challenges

45:19 Business Advice for Aspiring Therapists

48:23 Balancing Expertise and Humanity

50:26 Embracing Non-Linear Growth

52:09 Living with Anxiety and Self-Trust

53:21 The Importance of Self-Compassion

54:21 Resources for Growth and Support

56:53 Finding Safety and Support

57:49 Messages to My Younger Self

Host:

Dar Patel, Founder of Little Pursuits

⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Email⁠

Guest:

Alyssa Kushner, Founder of AK Psychotherapy

LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

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From Dorm Room to Fashion Designer | Julie Mollo

Dar Patel — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Julie Mollo is a Brooklyn-based designer known for her retro-inspired, playful accessories that don’t take themselves too seriously! From designing Katy Perry’s iconic fruit-themed stage looks while still in college (yep, the watermelon and banana rompers are hers!) to creating sparkly clutches that have taken the world by storm, Julie’s journey has been anything but ordinary. What started with leftover zippers and glitter fabric in her home studio has grown into a line carried everywhere from Macys, Neimans & Nordstrom to indie boutiques—and yes, even pet and sex stores! With bold shapes, quirky prints, shiny vinyl and a whole lot of sparkle, Julie’s designs are made to make you smile and spread joy. She’s spent nearly two decades soaking up inspiration from NYC, and she’s just getting started.

Chapters

00:00 The Spark of Inspiration

02:50 From Dorm Room to Designer

05:33 The Journey to New York

08:25 Katy Perry and the Breakthrough Moment

11:01 Building a Brand in College

13:42 The Transition to Clutches

16:43 Navigating Growth and Challenges

19:25 Finding Joy in the Process

22:12 The Impact of Personal Life on Business

25:11 Defining Success

27:47 Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs

30:51 The Importance of Community

33:35 Future Aspirations and Changes

36:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Takeaways

Julie Mollo's journey began with a passion for crafting and design.

Her breakthrough came when Katy Perry wore her designs, launching her career.

Building a brand requires hard work, creativity, and resilience.

The transition from custom clothing to clutches was a pivotal moment.

Networking and community support are crucial for entrepreneurs.

Success is now defined by happiness and fulfillment, not just sales.

Reading the fine print in business agreements is essential.

Finding joy in the creative process is vital for sustainability.

Personal challenges can impact business decisions and direction.

Embracing change and being open to new opportunities is important.

Host:

Dar Patel, Founder of Little Pursuits

LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | Website | Email

Guest:

Julie Mollo, Founder of Julie Mollo LLC

LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

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