Andy Shannon Blog | Startup operator, investor, and accelerator
Over the span of 30 minutes this morning I was rejected twice. My friends know this isn't a unique experience for me. I’m not ashamed to ask for what I want, and I typically don’t mind being rejected. I get it - avocado can’t be added to every … [Continue reading]
I've been thinking a lot about expectations lately and how much they impact our lives. Expectations are a funny thing. They're rarely front and center in our daily thoughts, but lingering in the subconscious - like an invisible hand guiding our paths … [Continue reading]
I grew up in the suburbs of middle America. Milwaukee born, then moved to Omaha when I was 8. Both areas where I lived had good public schools, little crime, and (at least from my perspective) everyone had a roof over their heads. Then I went to … [Continue reading]
As I get older (1) I find myself judging others more harshly... especially during a first conversation. Which is funny, because throughout my life I've prided myself on being open-minded and leaving a positive first impression. Recently with just … [Continue reading]
(above – the Startupbootcamp Global team!) I’m just back from 2 days of startup CEOs sharing and learning from each other during Startupbootcamp’s alumni CEO gathering in Berlin.Movie A Dog's Purpose (2017) It was a great time. … [Continue reading]
For years I’ve held a core believe that job seekers should apply to a variety of positions, even if they aren’t necessarily “qualified” for them. This isn’t to say a recent grad is ready to become a fortune 500 CEO, but in my opinion most job specs … [Continue reading]
Selling is often considered an art form. It takes no less than the most fine-tuned of inter-personal skills and a precise focus on value. But value is in the eye of a beholder, and to truly sell (I'm told) requires the innate skill to first … [Continue reading]
I recently met well known author and professor John Mullins – who not only accepted my blind lunch invitation, but was nice enough to invite me to the LBS faculty dining room (best lunch I’ve had this year). After sharing our backgrounds, the … [Continue reading]
I’m a big fan of Bob Cringely’s blog – he’s been a writer in the Valley for years and witnessed the manic rise first hand. Bob recently wrote a post spurred by a student commenting on the lack of mentorship in their home country of Russia. I … [Continue reading]
How would I describe myself if raising a funding round? Here’s a typical boilerplate: “MBA with 5 years of startup operational experience and investment roles with leading accelerator and family office.” (I know, super lame) I’ve recently spoken to … [Continue reading]
