Andrew Ackerman has lived every side of the startup world. Founder, investor, accelerator director, teacher, and now author, he brings a rare full circle perspective on what it really takes to build and fund successful companies. He has founded two startups, invested in more than seventy early stage ventures, and led accelerators that gave him a front row seat to the moves and mistakes that make or break new founders.Andrew translates the chaos of entrepreneurship into lessons people can actually use. His new business novel, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, blends real world startup experience with the inspiration of a story driven journey. It has been described as The Lean Startup meets The Alchemist, a guide wrapped in narrative that both teaches and inspires.He brings candor, humor, and practicality to every conversation. Andrew shares why many founders misunderstand investors, why venture capital is not the fast lane people think it is, and why he believes VCs can be hypocrites when giving advice they did not follow themselves. He also dives into the discipline behind writing his book, the patterns he has seen across hundreds of founders, and the simple principles that separate progress from struggle.Listeners will walk away with real startup truths, investor insights, and clear takeaways they can apply to their own ventures and creative work.
All content for Born or Made is the property of Larry Dix and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Andrew Ackerman has lived every side of the startup world. Founder, investor, accelerator director, teacher, and now author, he brings a rare full circle perspective on what it really takes to build and fund successful companies. He has founded two startups, invested in more than seventy early stage ventures, and led accelerators that gave him a front row seat to the moves and mistakes that make or break new founders.Andrew translates the chaos of entrepreneurship into lessons people can actually use. His new business novel, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, blends real world startup experience with the inspiration of a story driven journey. It has been described as The Lean Startup meets The Alchemist, a guide wrapped in narrative that both teaches and inspires.He brings candor, humor, and practicality to every conversation. Andrew shares why many founders misunderstand investors, why venture capital is not the fast lane people think it is, and why he believes VCs can be hypocrites when giving advice they did not follow themselves. He also dives into the discipline behind writing his book, the patterns he has seen across hundreds of founders, and the simple principles that separate progress from struggle.Listeners will walk away with real startup truths, investor insights, and clear takeaways they can apply to their own ventures and creative work.
Ep. 61 - Designing a Life of Impact: Dame Sydney Thackray on Wealth, Wellness & Philanthropy
Born or Made
46 minutes
4 months ago
Ep. 61 - Designing a Life of Impact: Dame Sydney Thackray on Wealth, Wellness & Philanthropy
In this inspiring episode of Born or Made, Larry Dix sits down with visionary entrepreneur, creative powerhouse, and philanthropist Dame Sydney Thackray. Known for her opulent interior and set design work, Sydney is now launching one of LA’s most exclusive new ventures: a private social club and wellness spa where charity investors, innovators, and thought leaders can connect, relax, and ignite purpose-driven change.But Sydney’s journey began with grit, grace, and a relentless dedication to giving back. A former Olympic horse vaulter, Sydney transitioned from elite athletics to full-time philanthropy, dedicating her life to causes that uplift women, children, and underserved communities around the globe. Her charitable work took her across continents—and in a twist that feels pulled from the pages of history, led to a fateful meeting with a descendant of Catherine de Medici.In June of this year, at just 19 years old, Sydney was officially knighted in Rome—making her the youngest American Dame in history. Unlike many who receive such honors through royal lineage or status, Sydney earned hers through service, action, and impact.This episode is a masterclass in legacy building, where resilience meets elegance, and where one woman’s commitment to purpose redefines what it means to live a noble life—without needing to be born into one.
Born or Made
Andrew Ackerman has lived every side of the startup world. Founder, investor, accelerator director, teacher, and now author, he brings a rare full circle perspective on what it really takes to build and fund successful companies. He has founded two startups, invested in more than seventy early stage ventures, and led accelerators that gave him a front row seat to the moves and mistakes that make or break new founders.Andrew translates the chaos of entrepreneurship into lessons people can actually use. His new business novel, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, blends real world startup experience with the inspiration of a story driven journey. It has been described as The Lean Startup meets The Alchemist, a guide wrapped in narrative that both teaches and inspires.He brings candor, humor, and practicality to every conversation. Andrew shares why many founders misunderstand investors, why venture capital is not the fast lane people think it is, and why he believes VCs can be hypocrites when giving advice they did not follow themselves. He also dives into the discipline behind writing his book, the patterns he has seen across hundreds of founders, and the simple principles that separate progress from struggle.Listeners will walk away with real startup truths, investor insights, and clear takeaways they can apply to their own ventures and creative work.
