In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we connect with David Snider, the CEO and Founder of Harness Wealth, a company revolutionizing tax advisory and financial planning for small businesses and equity owners. David shares the mission of Harness, which is to make bespoke tax and financial advice accessible to more households through a combination of innovative technology and curated advisory firms. Harness Wealth aims to build confidence for clients by helping them navigate their financial futures with a seamless and insightful experience.

David’s impressive background includes serving as COO and CFO of Compass, where he helped grow the business from pre-launch to over $350 million in revenue. Before Compass, he was an investor at Bain Capital, completing transactions valued at over $3 billion. His experience provides deep insights into leadership, operational efficiency, and fundraising in today’s competitive markets.

In this episode, we discuss how Harness is modernizing the financial advisory space, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of good tax advice. David also highlights the significance of clear communication in leadership and shares his vision for the future of financial planning, emphasizing the role of technology in providing better decision-making tools for clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Harness aims to simplify complex financial and tax issues for small businesses and equity owners.
• Tax advisory is often an overlooked but crucial component of financial planning.
• Modern technology is reshaping the client-advisor relationship, making it more efficient and valuable.
• Generational shifts are influencing preferences in the financial advisory space.
• Good tax advice can significantly increase a client’s financial outcomes.
• Operational efficiency and clear communication are essential for scaling businesses.
• The future of financial planning is rooted in better decision-making tools and continuous iteration.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Harness and Its Mission
• The Importance of Tax Advisory in Financial Planning
• Navigating Generational Shifts in Financial Advisory
• The Evolution of Business Models and Market Adaptation
• Fundraising Challenges in a Changing Market
• Operational Efficiency and Organizational Alignment
• The Role of Communication in Leadership
• Future Vision for Harness
• Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

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 #venturecapital #startups #financialplanning #taxadvisory #harnesswealth #wealthmanagement #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #davidSnider #startups #leadership #communication

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Ash Kaluarachchi, a passionate advocate for education innovation and the CEO of StartEd. As a producer of EDTECH WEEK and an expert in strategic partnerships, early-stage investment, and the future of work, Ash has been at the forefront of the EdTech revolution. His programs have accelerated over 2,000 companies globally, including multiple unicorns, through partnerships with organizations such as Google, Kaplan, Intel, and leading universities.

In our conversation, Ash shares insights into the significance of EDTECH WEEK and the innovative approaches of StartEd in supporting educational startups. We explore New York’s role as a hub for education innovation and discuss the evolving landscape of funding, including alternative sources crucial for today's founders. Ash emphasizes the importance of community, mental health awareness, and the scientific method in entrepreneurship while reflecting on his experiences and lessons learned throughout his career.

Key Takeaways:

• New York is a central hub for education innovation, bringing together key stakeholders during EDTECH WEEK.
• StartEd provides tailored support for educational startups and advocates for alternative funding sources.
• The landscape of startup funding has changed dramatically, requiring new approaches to building companies.
• Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a science, with mental health awareness and community support playing vital roles in a founder's journey.
• Modern entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds, shaping the future of education.

Chapters:

• Introduction to EdTech Week
• The Vision Behind StartEd
• Innovative Approaches to Education
• Navigating Alternative Funding Sources
• The Science of Startups
• Mental Health in Entrepreneurship
• The Role of Community in Learning
• Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

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 #venturecapital #startups #EdTech #education #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #educationinnovation #StartEd #EDTECHWEEK #mentalhealth #communitylearning

In this episode of Tech Scenes Thousand Oaks, we take a ride with Mikey Taylor, a former pro skateboarder turned successful entrepreneur and city council member. Even during his skateboarding career, Mikey was an entrepreneur at heart, leveraging his passion and skills to build authentic connections and strong personal brands. Now, as the Founder and President of Commune Capital, Mikey is pioneering a new way of real estate investing, providing younger generations, including Gen Z, with opportunities to invest in their future. Mikey’s entrepreneurial ventures began with co-founding Saint Archer Brewing Company, which was acquired by MillerCoors in 2015. His experience managing high-growth companies and building teams eventually led him to take on a leadership role in local government as a city council member in Thousand Oaks. In this episode, we explore how Commune Capital is revolutionizing real estate investing by offering younger generations the tools to invest in their future. We also dive into how Mikey leveraged his skateboarding career to connect with audiences and build authentic, lasting brands. He shares his experience managing people at Saint Archer Brewing during a period of high growth, ensuring the right people were in the right seats to drive success. Mikey also explains how Commune is set up traditionally but is breaking new ground by using social media to go directly to investors, attracting the right partners and fueling its growth. Join us for a conversation with Mikey Taylor, where we discuss how he blends his passion for community, entrepreneurship, and innovation to create a lasting impact. Whether you’re interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, or skateboarding, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. 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 #venturecapital #startups #realestate #ceo #founder #skateboarding #MikeyTaylor #SaintArcher #CommuneCapital #entrepreneurship #growthcompany #leadership #mikeytaylor #communecapital