#24 - Kaaveh Shoamanesh [Democratizing Privilege for the 99%], Founder & CEO @ Plaiced.

How I Became...

• Being the dumbest person in the room can drive success;
• Feeling Dumb and facing failures;
• How growing up with a mom with schizophrenia shapes your world;
• Taking Action and Tying Value to Purpose;
• Bootstrapping vs VC and staying true to your north star;

These are just a few themes of this episode.

Kaaveh shares his journey from Canada to LA and his transition from aspiring actor to producer. He discusses the challenges he faced, including rejection and procrastination, and how he found his passion for product placement. Kaaveh also talks about his experiences in the entertainment industry, including his work on the TV show Love It or List It. He then delves into his role as a tech founder and the lessons he has learned in building a business. Additionally, Kaaveh opens up about the personal experiences and values that have influenced his success, including his mother's struggle with schizophrenia and his passion for helping immigrants integrate into their new countries. Kaaveh discusses the challenges and benefits of bootstrapping his business instead of seeking venture capital funding. He emphasizes the value he places on purpose, time, and freedom, and how these factors have influenced the growth and trajectory of his company. Kaaveh also shares his experience pitching at Startup Montreal and how it led to a pivotal decision to pivot the business. He highlights the importance of aligning with one's ethos and making a real difference, rather than solely focusing on financial success. Kaaveh dispels the myths that every company needs to be a billion-dollar valuation and that chasing success is necessary, instead advocating for attracting success through gratitude, positivity, and taking consistent action.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from one career path to another can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.
• Rejection and failure can be valuable learning experiences that shape your journey.
• Being naive and willing to ask questions can lead to success as a founder.
• Personal experiences and values can drive your passion and purpose in business.
• Helping immigrants integrate into their new countries can have a profound impact on their success and well-being. Bootstrapping a business allows for more control and freedom, but may result in slower growth compared to venture capital funding.
• Aligning with one's purpose and values is more important than chasing financial success.
• Pivoting the business based on feedback and aligning with one's ethos can lead to more meaningful and impactful work.
• Not every company needs to be a billion-dollar valuation to be successful.
• Attracting success through gratitude, positivity, and consistent action can lead to positive outcomes.