Natasha Ratanshi-Stein: From Chief of Staff at Bulb to Founder of Surfboard

Natasha Ratanshi-Stein: From Chief of Staff at Bulb to Founder of Surfboard

Author: JBM, James Mitra April 24, 2024 Duration: 43:01
“If we’re not seeing outcomes, we need more visibility. Does visibility mean someone being physically in front of you? Probably not.”  Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Natasha Ratanshi-Stein, the Founder of Surfboard - the next generation planning tools for customer service teams.  Before building Surfboard, Natasha spent several years as an Operator and Investor, including her roles as Principal at Piton Capital and Chief of Staff at Bulb.  We had a fascinating chat with Natasha, exploring her unique career journey and her mission to make work more human with Surfboard.  Episode chapters:  ➡️ Her upbringing in Canada [03:56]  ➡️ Moving into VC [05:34]  ➡️ Why she wishes she had Operator experience before moving into VC [11:02]  ➡️ Becoming Chief of Staff at Bulb [12:45]  ➡️ Advice for aspiring Chiefs of Staff [16:33]  ➡️ When to hire a Chief of Staff [20:02]  ➡️ More about Surfboard [22:15]  ➡️ Getting customer traction early [30:00]  ➡️ Flexible working [34:16]  ➡️ Audience question: What are your future aspirations with Surfboard? [39:50]  ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Natasha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-ratanshi-stein-%F0%9F%8F%84%F0%9F%8F%BC%E2%80%8D%E2%99%80%EF%B8%8F-69333723/  ➡️ Check out Surfboard: https://teamsurfboard.com/  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

40 Minute Mentor
Podcast Episodes
Fundraising Advice from Seed to Unicorn Founders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:20
“When a VC gives you a low valuation, it isn’t the fact that your company is worth that much, it might just be because you didn’t pitch it in the right way.” Fundraising can be a lonely process at times. And an endless e…
A VC Roundup - Raising from VCs & getting into the industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
“This is a long partnership. We’re here to return money to our investors, but we are also here to experience a very unique journey together. So, trust is very important, on both sides.” We’ve been so lucky to have some o…
Gideon Valkin: From ClearScore & Monzo to building a $12m solo GP fund [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:05
“Founders deserve Investors that have relevant operating experience, time to help them and can be impartial and objective in the advice they give.” Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Gideon Valkin, former Monzo and ClearScore C…
The Do’s & Don’ts of Public Relations for Startups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
“It very often feels uncomfortable for Founders to put themselves out there in that way. But the more you do it, the easier it will get.” In this 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re covering a topic critical for every early-…
Scarlett McCabe & Lewis Iwu: The power of debating & disagreeing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:41
“[Debating] teaches you to listen, to challenge well, and it teaches you all the skills that you need to be able to be in any room at any time, with anyone.” The world seems more divided than ever before. But is it actua…
Amy Gallo: Conflict Management & How to get along with your colleagues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:04
“If you’re in a situation where you’re dealing with [a difficult boss], I think the question is - am I actually getting something from this? And if the answer is ‘no, I’m getting nothing’, then it’s time to really think…