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.
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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. 68 - From Setbacks to Service: Dylan Smith on Turning Struggles into Strength
Born or Made
40 minutes
3 months ago
Ep. 68 - From Setbacks to Service: Dylan Smith on Turning Struggles into Strength
Adopted, misdiagnosed, and navigating life with dyslexia—Dylan Smith could have let his early challenges define him. Instead, he chose to transform them into fuel for impact.In this heartfelt episode of Born or Made, Larry Dix sits down with keynote speaker, educator, and entrepreneur Dylan Smith to unpack the power of persistence, perspective, and service. Dylan shares how his setbacks became the foundation for leadership, why humility is a strength in building authentic connections, and the difference between what people do and who they really are.From teaching kids across the country to writing his first book, Dylan’s journey is proof that obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to discover purpose and inspire others along the way.
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.
