fnGlobal Keynote with Andy Bowers (March 17, 2021)

Here is the link to the deck that Andy used in the presentation.

Creating successful companies and launching podcasts are big accomplishments, but to Andy Bowers its second nature. When starting something new, Bowers believes that you should just start instead of worrying about making it perfect.

Join us on March 17 to learn Andy’s personal frameworks and techniques he’s applied throughout his career when starting something new. These include:

• How to think of your audience as your co-producer
• Don’t reinvent the wheel. Find things that worked in the past rather than starting from scratch entirely.
• Why segmenting your audience is important
• Don’t go for perfect – just start.
• How to avoid bias
• And more

Since 2005, Bowers has created or helped create dozens of podcasts. In fact, NY Times editor refers to Bowers as “The Godfather of Podcasting”. Podcasts he has launched include Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell, the scripted dramas Passenger List, The Message and LifeAfter, Empire on Blood, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, The Walk, the Slate Gabfests, The Gist, Trumpcast, Family Ghosts, By the Book, and many others.

In 2015, Bowers cofounded Megaphone (formerly Panoply), a podcast analytics and content management system, which was later acquired by Spotify.

Opening Remarks & Chapter Launch @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Kevin Holmes, Founder & CEO @ Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Andy Bowers

Andy Bowers is an audio journalist and podcast pioneer. He founded Slate Podcasts in 2005 and, in 2015, co-founded the podcast services company Megaphone, which sold to Spotify in 2020. He also founded the children’s audio service Pinna. Previously, he was a correspondent for NPR, and held posts including White House correspondent, London Bureau Chief, and Moscow Bureau Chief.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30 am PT

Following our Global Keynote, please join your stage-based roundtable facilitated by keynote speaker and executive coach, Nathan Parcells (Sep'11 Cohort), for a 45-minute discussion group covering the following:

• A deeper dive into this month's keynote topic(s).
• A facilitated group conversation on key challenges you are facing and to get support and feedback from your other startup founders.
• 1-1 breakouts to connect you with other FN members and have confidential conversations on topics you want to explore ranging from mental health to team issues.

Nathan is a former startup founder and current executive coach. He works with the founders of a wide range of businesses; from startups (backed by Andreessen Horowitz, LearnCapital, YC, and more) to consulting firms to the CEO/COO of a national chain of donut shops. Nathan's specialty is in team-communication, conflict resolution, and process changes that create stronger culture. Nathan also has training and expertise in DE&I work.

Nathan most recently gave a presentation on techniques for better and more resilient co-founder communication that you can scale to your whole company.

Guests Are Welcome!

Please bring a guest! Every member can bring one (1) guest to each event. Each guest must be a full-time tech startup founder so they can bring new perspectives, skillsets, and experience to your chapter.

All guests must be full-time tech startup founders and you can register them directly on this function page. See How to Register a Guest here.

Confidentiality Reminder

All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity.