Hurdles In Securing Venture Capital: Lori Mazan

Hurdles In Securing Venture Capital: Lori Mazan

Author: Marcylle Combs January 15, 2025 Duration: 31:29

In this conversation, Lori Mazan shares her journey from a limited childhood in Virginia to becoming a successful entrepreneur and executive coach in California. She discusses the challenges women face in the startup world, particularly in securing venture capital, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership roles. Lori offers valuable advice for young women entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of persistence, networking, and mentorship. The conversation concludes with insights on developing an internal compass to navigate the complexities of leadership and entrepreneurship. Lori Mazan is the co-founder, president, and chief coaching officer for Sounding Board, the first Dynamic Leader Development Suite designed to bridge the leadership gap. Sounding Board, Inc., offers a tech-driven, human-centric approach to leadership development. As the go-to leadership development firm for forward-looking companies—including Chevron, Sprint, Citibank, Intellikine, Tapjoy, and 10XGenomics—Mazan and her team develop capabilities that produce immediate, positive business results.

 Mazan packages these strategies in her new book,  Leadership Revolution: The Future of Developing Dynamic Leaders  (Wiley; October 3, 2023).  Well into the 21st century, organizations still rely on leadership models and development techniques based on outdated methodologies. It’s time to revolutionize leadership development.  Structured like a coaching engagement, Leadership Revolution walks you through the leader development journey with insightful questions, development exercises, examples, and practical advice. you’ll learn how to attract and retain talent by accelerating and individualizing their professional growth and how to re-think leadership in the new remote and hybrid work environment.

TAKEAWAYS

  • Persistence is key for women in the startup world.
  • Networking with men is crucial for women entrepreneurs.
  • Diversity in leadership leads to better business outcomes.
  • Mentorship is essential for developing future leaders.
  • An internal compass helps navigate challenges in business.
  • Women often face additional hurdles in securing venture capital.
  • Understanding thinking patterns is vital for personal growth.
  • Creating a supportive network can enhance leadership development.

Get In Touch With Lori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimazan/  SoundingBoardInc.com Book Recommendations:

  • Leadership Revolution, by Lori Mazan
  • Levers: The Framework for Building Repeatability into Your Business, by Amos Schwartzfarb & Trevor Boehm 

Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

50% with Marcylle Combs
Podcast Episodes
The Journey to Financial Success: Liz Davidson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:56
Liz Davidson shares her journey growing up with entrepreneurial parents and the lessons she learned from their experiences. She discusses her current business, which provides workplace financial coaching as an employee b…
Clear & Effective Communication: Casey Mank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Casey Mank shares her journey from being an English major to starting her own company that focuses on workplace writing and communication coaching. She discusses the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the…
Accelerating Career Trajectories: Dr. Carol Parker Walsh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:53
Dr. Carol Parker Walsh shares her journey from a diverse background to becoming a consultant and advocate for individuals in their careers. She discusses the impact of her parents' contrasting narratives on her upbringin…
The Power of Alignment in Sales: Stacey Hall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
Stacey Hall, a 5x #1 Global Best-Selling Author, shares her journey from journalism to marketing to sales strategy. She emphasizes the importance of alignment in sales and the building of relationships. Hall believes tha…
Finding Your Passion and Purpose in Midlife: Cathy Derksen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:03
Cathy Derksen shares her journey of reinvention and how she helps midlife women embrace change and create the life they want. She discusses leaving a toxic marriage and job, exploring different career paths, and ultimate…
Transform Your Body and Confidence: Kate Galli [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
Kate Galli, a health coach and personal trainer in Australia, shares her journey from being a shy teenager to becoming a fitness professional. She emphasizes the importance of transforming both the body and confidence th…
Navigating Competition in Niche Markets: Liz Morris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Liz Morris, CEO of Carrot-Top Industries, shares her journey of taking over her father's flag business and her goal of dominating the industry. She discusses the niche market of selling flags and the challenges of compet…
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome With A Success Mindset: Mandy Schaniel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
Mandy Schaniel shares her career journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. She talks about the importance of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and adopting a success mindset. Mandy also discusses her…