In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Shane Bigelow, CEO and Co-Founder of ChampTitles, a company revolutionizing the DMV processes in the United States through digitization. Shane brings over 20 years of experience working on all sides of the investment and entrepreneurial world, including running part of AB Bernstein’s business in the U.S., founding his own companies, and being involved in the sale of public companies.

Founded in 2018, ChampTitles is on a mission to replace outdated, paper-based DMV processes with their digital platform, allowing vehicle title, lien, and registration transactions to be completed quickly and efficiently. In this episode, we explore the pain points within current DMV systems and how ChampTitles aims to eliminate the “time tax” that consumers and businesses face by making the entire process digital. ChampTitles leverages patented technology, utilizing Hyperledger Fabric, to modernize and simplify these processes.

Jeff James Martin and Shane also dive into the importance of alignment within teams and with investors, and how that alignment drives success. The conversation covers the benefits of creating a learning environment in organizations, the balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, and the mindset of treating ‘no' as a stepping stone to ‘yes.’ They also discuss Shane’s thoughts on the pay-for-performance model in government contracting and how ChampTitles plans to expand its solutions beyond the DMV to other government entities and developing nations.

Key Takeaways:

- ChampTitles is focused on digitizing title, lien, and registration capabilities within DMVs to replace paper-based processes.

Paper-driven systems create inefficiencies and delays for consumers and businesses.

- ChampTitles aims to eliminate the "time tax" by making DMV transactions digital.

- The company embraces a pay-for-performance model in government contracts, where vendors are only paid when transactions occur.

- Alignment within teams and with investors is essential for success and growth.

- Remote work offers flexibility, but being together in an office fosters better communication, alignment, and speed.

- A growth mindset that treats ‘no’ as a stepping stone to ‘yes’ is essential for innovation and success.

- Implementing a clear operating system and cadence for communication is vital for venture-backed companies.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of ChampTitles

04:42 - Eliminating the Time Tax

13:31 - The Pay for Performance Model

21:42 - Alignment in Teams and with Investors

28:19 - Finding the Right Investors and Creating a Learning Environment

30:52 - The Benefits of Being Together in an Office

35:19 - Treating 'No' as a Stumbling Block to 'Yes'

38:33 - Creating an Operating System for Venture-Backed Companies

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #SaaS #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #cofounder #jeffjamesmartin #startup #startups #growthcompany #seriesA #seriesB #seriesC #ceo #investing #management #leadership #coaching

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we dive deep into the journey of Adam Weber, a two-time founder with successful exits and the founder of Adam Weber Coaching, his newly launched executive coaching business. Adam is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book "Lead Like a Human" and formerly the Chief Evangelist at 15Five. With a rich background in founding and scaling companies like Emplify and Bluebridge Digital, Adam has a wealth of experience in leadership, team building, and executive coaching.

Adam's passion lies in helping leaders navigate pivotal moments in their careers or when their companies are experiencing significant growth. In this episode, Adam shares insights into his coaching practice, where he focuses on developing executives to become the best version of themselves, aligned with their values.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of personal growth and authenticity in leadership, the role of vulnerability and open communication in building high-performance teams, and the challenges that come with scaling a company. Adam and Jeff Martin also discuss the significance of aligning with a company's purpose and core behaviors, as well as the need for teams to maintain a long-term vision and adapt to evolving market needs.

Adam emphasizes the value of one-on-one relationships and the fulfillment that comes from helping others succeed. The episode concludes with a discussion about the unique challenges faced by venture-backed teams and the importance of having an effective operating system in place to navigate these challenges successfully.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Adam Weber as we uncover the strategies, philosophies, and experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership and coaching. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about personal and professional growth, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of personal growth and authenticity in leadership
• How vulnerability and open communication contribute to building high-performance teams
• Strategies for scaling a company while staying aligned with purpose and core behaviors
• The need for teams to maintain a long-term vision and adapt to feedback and market needs
• The fulfillment that comes from one-on-one relationships and helping others succeed

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:42 - The Importance of Personal Growth in Leadership
04:00 - Building High-Performance Teams through Vulnerability
07:19 - Challenges and Strategies for Scaling a Company
09:21 - Aligning with Purpose and Core Behaviors for Success
27:41 - The Importance of Long-Term Vision
31:23 - The Value of One-on-One Relationships
35:23 - Challenges Faced by Venture-Backed Teams

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #SaaS #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #cofounder #jeffjamesmartin #startup #startups #growthcompany #seriesA #seriesB #seriesC #ceo #investing #management #leadership #coaching

Welcome to another episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, where we dive deep into the journeys of leaders and innovators. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Vaughn, the Founder and Executive Coach of Inside-Out, a boutique executive coaching firm that helps founders transform their companies into masterpieces while fully embracing their lives.

Ryan's story is one of transformation. Over 15 years, he founded and served as CEO of three companies, the last of which, VNN, became the largest and fastest-growing high school sports marketing platform in the U.S. After raising $20M from leading VCs, building a world-class team of over 100 professionals, and scaling VNN to nearly 20% of the U.S. market, Ryan realized that the relentless pursuit of presenting a polished, hyper-competent image had left him disconnected from his true self.

In 2020, Ryan made the difficult decision to step down as CEO, embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery that led him to found Inside-Out Leadership. Today, he helps other founders navigate their own transitions, encouraging them to embrace vulnerability, self-knowledge, and authentic leadership.

In this episode, Ryan shares the founding story of VNN and discusses the critical importance of being present, supporting founders in transition, and creating a learning environment that fosters growth. We explore how pain can be an opportunity, the role of love and trust in leadership, and the importance of business operating systems. Ryan’s insights offer a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Join us for a great conversation with Ryan Vaughn as we explore the profound lessons he’s learned on his journey from CEO to executive coach. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone seeking more meaning in your work and life, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#ryanhvaughn #executivecoaching #executivecoach #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #SaaS #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #cofounder #jeffjamesmartin