Julio G. Alvarez

Very cool thing to be on Intro! alongside other inspiring top founder experts, shark tank contestants, and fabulous creators from successful companies like Zillow, Drybar, Reddit, Inc., and Nextdoor, to mention a few! Hi LinkedIn! I'm Lindsay 👋🏼 I specialize in humanistic generative scaling for scaleups on their way to Series C+ as well as mid-size companies. With over 20 years leading and executing organizational transformations in F500 and major growth brands, through the complexities of rapid and large scale, I focus on integrating humanistic capacities and generative change, with business expansion. As the founder of human as usual, I help scaleups break the known cycle of failure and risks that stems from premature or reactive scaling, which results in internal human tensions affecting investor confidence, organizational alignment, adaptable operations, and inspiring leadership. If you are a founder, co-founder, C-suite leader, or investor who is not only looking for growth, but also for a way to embed profound, humanistic values within your organization, here are a few things we can talk about during our 1:1 sessions: ➡ Leadership and management gaps as it relates to humanistic values, decision-making, and strategic alignment ➡ Operational bottlenecks derived from fast or reactive scaling ending in burnout and insufficient infrastructure ➡ Integration complexities that can be disruptive to multiple stakeholders ➡ Mismatch of skills and values resulting from hiring new talent too quickly, unpredictable turnover, or potential decline in morale ➡ Ethos dilution fragmenting the team culture that could have been cohesive and inspiring otherwise You can find me on Intro or simply by accessing this invite: intro.co/LindsayRuiz Happy to be in your corner! 💙 #letshaveanintro

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Beyond excited for this webinar! Every time Patricia Johnson and I meet to chat I always think "darn we should have recorded this conversation with all these gems of marketing wisdom!" well, now we are! And you can register to attend the webinar live or get the recording in your inbox. Come hang with us, learn to overcome your inner bully, and show up with courage and authenticity! Link in description below.

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I clearly have a startup obsession!😍 EVERYTHING feels like a startup lesson or comparison to me.🤔 I realized I had a problem this past weekend when I ran the San Jose Rock & Roll half marathon. Everywhere I looked, I saw something that felt startup related.  Even when looked at the long lines waiting to use the Port-o-Potties, all I could think of was "Clearly they have Product/Market fit".  Then I thought about the fact that the people in line were the users, not actually the customers...  and  it spiraled from there. But when I was actually running, I thought of some things to share with the founders who follow me... Before I became a distance runner, the idea of becoming a distance runner had never crossed my mind. ✖️ I was old(ish) ✖️ I was overweight ✖️ I had never been any type of athlete ✖️ I was not able to run 2 miles without needing a serious nap ✖️ It didn't strike me as something I would succeed at because I didn't have whatever it was that runners have It's not that I didn't have any interest in the benefits of running. I was just content to dwell on the reasons that I either: a) Shouldn't try b) Was not likely to succeed c) The excuses I could use if I didn't succeed Then one year I committed to trying, and ran my first 26.2 mile marathon 4 months later (with the help of a coach and training community) So what's the startup connection? I see founders doing what I did... ➡️ They focus on reasons why things won't work (e.g. validation interviews, fundraising) ➡️ They think there are things they can't overcome that are to blame for their inability to get funding ➡️ They think they might be too old ➡️ They compare themselves to others and come up short (usually comparing themselves to the visible examples of success) If I didn't ignore my excuses, I would not have become a distance runner. If founders hang on to reasons they might fail, they will likely double their chances of actually failing. ❗We drive where we look❗ Focus on what can be, not on "why it's not worth your full commitment." Launching a startup means doing things without a guarantee, but taking a chance.  It's about doing things where you might fail. Commit anyway. Don't half-ass it! If, like me, you decide the effort might go faster with a coach and support, you know where to reach me. Even it you don't, stop giving explanations for failure as a reason why you shouldn't try. When you do, the results will surprise you (in a good way) If it doesn't succeed, you've learned something useful.👍 What challenges have you taken on after letting go of your excuses? Drop a victory below!👇 #EarlyStage #StartupLife #Founders #LeanStartup #TheFoundersForge

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I once believed tech accelerators were the golden ticket to success for entrepreneurs. But my perspective has shifted dramatically. Here's why. Tech accelerators promise rapid growth, mentorship, and funding. Yet many entrepreneurs find themselves caught in a cycle of dependency. They chase funding rounds and mentorship, often losing sight of their unique vision. The reality is that tech accelerators can sometimes push you to fit into a mold, rather than encouraging the innovation that makes your idea unique. They can distract you with the allure of networking and pitching, while the true work—building a sustainable business—takes a backseat. Here's what you should do instead: Focus on Customer Feedback: → Your customers are your best mentors. Listen to them and iterate your product based on their needs, not just on what mentors say. Build a Strong Team: → Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and challenges your thinking. Diversity in thought leads to innovation. Embrace the Slow Burn: → Growth doesn't always have to be explosive. Take the time to build a product that truly solves a problem and stands the test of time. Seek RealWorld Experience: → Get out of the startup bubble and learn from other industries. Apply lessons from established businesses to your venture. Stay True to Your Vision: → Never compromise your core values and vision for shortterm gains. Your passion and authenticity will attract the right opportunities. Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is not about how quickly you can scale, but about the impact you can make in the long run. So, to all aspiring entrepreneurs, ask yourself: Are you chasing trends, or are you creating something that truly matters? Your answer could define not just your business, but your legacy. Share your thoughts below. Let's inspire each other to build businesses that stand the test of time.

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This #FEMALEFOUNDER blows my mind! Mariam Nusrat , founder of Breshna.io (by GRID) People who know me know I am not easily swayed. I met her in New York 2 months ago. My jaw dropped when she told me her valuation vs her MRR vs her overheads. But I want in. I wished I was in. How can I even get in? Above all else, she has won the ultimate role model as a founder for me. Why? Mariam is ⭐  𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭. She is willing to share and help with no airs. First founder who does not beat around the bush and was able to share with me her MRR and valuation at first ask, just meeting at a networking event. ⭐ 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.... and to the point. The eloquence, confidence and readiness comes not from any need for more funding but more about the passion of the vision and eagerness to collaborate and continuous exposure for her business. ⭐ 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞. She appreciates the people who have helped her along the way. She shows up for them. I heard her (as a guest speaker) when I attended the BAD BITCH EMPIRE who invested in her. She makes time for growing relationships despite her being out there so much and scaling. ⭐ 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. At a different event where she was pitching, I asked her pertinent questions and she simply "killed" it, all her numbers at her fingertips with realistic projections and business model dynamics that makes her completely credible. She runs the business, not just market it! I mention her at every chance I have with other female founders and at events. I recorded her pitch at another event and share it with other founders who want to learn. She has set the bar so high for me now. My last season, S10, of C-shark Tank is going to be a taller challenge than ever, towards the end of the year. Mariam, I still owe you that call to discuss how we could expand your presence to Asia. Through my posts of you, Sandra Ditore reached out and did an interview with me last night. I am just so stumped! Check Mariam out. Listen to her interview by Seema Alexander #startups #valuation #founders #entrepreneurship #videogames #canva #content #creators

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It's my second time chatting with John Lee Dumas on his podcast EOFire (the first time was when he just got started and people were like - what is this podcast thing?!? 😂) This time we're talking about How to Build Thought Leadership on the Front End and Boost Conversions on the Backend Even if You Hate Selling. Check it out! #podcasting #eof #entreprenurship

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🚀 Dive into the extraordinary journey of Lance Bachmann, founder of LB Capital, on the latest episode of From The Top with Mike Martin. Lance shares his unique approach to business, revealing how he scaled multiple companies to multi-million dollar success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow. Don't miss it! #FromTheTopPodcast #LanceBachmann #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #ScalingBusinesses

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Planting the seed now. 🌱 Theanna will become the platform that helps more women build from idea to $1M ARR in tech. This is a BIG goal as only 2% of women reach 7-figure businesses. But I know what we're capable of. I've seen it firsthand. And I will do whatever I can to move that needle. It's time to fucking rumble. Who's with me??? -- I'm Nomiki - the founder of PDS Lab, a tech accelerator for women, and theanna.io, a data-driven network activating women tech founders. I'm on a mission to bring access to all women tech founders, close the gender gap, and support women build products that change the world. Follow me on my journey as a tech founder, accelerator builder, and mom of 4.

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Women building tech — Here is a database of 1,208 investor resources with 545 supporting women and underrepresented founders! ➡️ Type: fund, accelerator, angel, etc ➡️ Filter by Women focused ➡️ Categorize by industry or vertical ➡️ Direct link to their website In my mission to bringing access to women building tech, cutting down time and money for them to find these resources is really critical. 💰Funds - are you missing from this list? Let me know so I can add you! 🔗 GET THE LIST in comments!! — Hi, I'm Nomiki, Founder & CEO of PDS Lab, a tech accelerator for women. I am on a mission to bring access to women building their first tech solutions through product training, education, resources, and community. Follow my journey as I disrupt the tech ecosystem by bringing ACCESS to women building tech.

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Najwa Zebian's "The Only Constant: A Guide to Embracing Change and Leading an Authentic Life" offers profound insights into navigating life's inevitable changes with resilience and authenticity. Here are transformative lessons from the book: 1. Embracing Change for Self-Discovery: Zebian reframes change as a catalyst for personal growth. By embracing change, you can shed outdated beliefs and discover your true, authentic self. 2. Confronting Fear with Courage: Change often triggers fear and resistance. Zebian delves into the psychology of fear and provides practical strategies to overcome it. You'll learn to identify anxieties, challenge negative thoughts, and step out of your comfort zone. 3. Nurturing Self-Compassion: Amidst change and challenges, self-compassion is essential. Zebian emphasizes the power of kindness towards oneself, encouraging forgiveness for mistakes and celebrating every small victory as steps towards resilience and motivation. 4. Crafting Your Life Narrative: We all carry stories about ourselves, some empowering and others limiting. Zebian guides you through exercises in self-reflection and journaling to identify and rewrite limiting narratives. This process helps align your life with your core values and authentic desires. 5. Letting Go Gracefully: Change often requires letting go of the past, whether it's outdated beliefs, relationships, or identities. Zebian offers strategies for gracefully releasing the past, enabling you to embrace new opportunities and possibilities. 6. Establishing Healthy Boundaries: Change can disrupt your sense of security. Zebian underscores the importance of setting boundaries to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. You'll learn to prioritize self-care, say no when necessary, and focus on activities that nurture your authentic self. 7. Building Your Toolbox for Growth: Change is a continuous journey. Zebian equips you with a variety of self-care practices such as meditation, journaling, and reconnecting with nature. These tools support you in navigating challenges, maintaining clarity, and cultivating inner peace throughout life's transitions. These profound insights from "The Only Constant" empower you to navigate change with resilience, embrace authenticity, and lead a fulfilling life aligned with your true self.

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Two Years. Countless Lessons. Infinite Impact. They say 30% of startups don’t make it to year two, and only 28% of founders are women. Today, we’re not just marking a date; we’re celebrating two years of relentless growth, boundless creativity, and impact that goes beyond the ordinary at Tribe Agency. In just two years, Tribe Consulting Agency has: ➡ Built an entire team of subject matter experts located all around the world ➡ Launched 4 divisions and websites of Tribe to drive our mission forward ➡ Introduced Tribe Social, our newest division for all things social media [tribesocial.social] ➡ Launched Leadr. Podcast, spotlighting some of MedTech’s biggest innovators and Leaders [https://lnkd.in/eQ3sBKH7] ➡ Impacted 50+ brands across the U.S. and globally ➡ Featured in major media and named  Top 10 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs Who Are Redefining Success in 2023  by LA Weekly [https://lnkd.in/gXaks3Mu] ➡ Launched our all-in-one CRM, Lumos, empowering businesses to grow smarter through marketing automations [lumos.tribeagency.org] ➡ Launched our first course, 30-Day Entrepreneur, outlining the rapid launch of Tribe Agency in less than 30 days [https://lnkd.in/esUhg7js] And that’s just the beginning… There have been countless lessons and blessings along the way, and none of this would be possible without our incredible clients, partners, and team members. Together, we’re creating something extraordinary. Here’s to the next chapter—where we continue to raise the bar, set trends, and make waves. Special thanks to many that inspired our Tribe along the way: Rhonda F. Rhyne Adam Clark Stacey Porter Wesley Jones Drue DeAngelis Alexis VeraCruz McArdle Tom Minchin Erin Finley Steve Bell Chris Pliha McKenna Bond Whitney Faires Dr. Travis Bradberry Ken Blanchard Chris Wood Cheers to 2025 and beyond! 🥂 #TribeAgency #FemaleFounder #Marketing #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Entrepreneur #MedTech #Startup #BigLeap

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Ready to take a deep dive into the world of inclusive branding? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Tess Palmyre, the visionary founder of Brandable, an agency that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in brand strategy, communications, and design. Tess is a trailblazer in the field, working tirelessly with purpose-led brands to build inclusive identities from the ground up. With a rich background spanning the education, health, First Nations, and not-for-profit sectors, Tess brings a wealth of experience and insight into what it truly means to create an inclusive brand. As a proud Seychelles-born, Creole woman of colour living on Noongar Country, and the foster mum to two young Noongar sisters, her personal and professional journey is both inspiring and enlightening. Key Takeaways: ▶ Origins and Philosophy: Discover the inception of Brandable and Tess's personal definition of inclusion. ▶ First Impressions: Understand what comes to mind first for Tess when she thinks of a brand. ▶ Identifying Exclusion: Learn how to recognise brands that fail at inclusivity. ▶ Genuine Inclusion: Explore practical ways for brands, especially personal ones, to embed genuine, non-performative inclusion. ▶ Evolving Demands: Hear about how the demand for inclusion has transformed over the years for Tess and Brandable. ▶ Consequences of Exclusion: Understand the pitfalls brands face when they neglect to centre inclusion. ▶ A Vision for the Future: Get inspired by Tess's dream for the future of Brandable and the role you can play too.

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🚀 Navigating How to Harness Expertise Hurdles? #MasteryCLA Virtual Summit is your solution! I don’t know about you, but no one told me how many challenges I would face owning a business. I entered entrepreneurship with rose-colored glasses. Now, they feel a bit tainted. 🙂 In a rapidly evolving landscape, standing out can be challenging. Join us to master these hurdles by harnessing expertise: 🌟 Boost your Brand in the digital space. 💼 Revamp your Sales Strategies for better results. 🎉 Master the Art of Business. 💲 Perfect your Strategies for optimal value. #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipSuccess #Innovation #DigitalSuccess #ConnectedLeadersAcademy #Mastery 🌟 Master challenges into triumphs at our summit. Let's redefine success together! I will be presenting on (INSERT TOPIC). [Register Now] https://lnkd.in/eX6J5YbA

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"I have to brag a bit— did you know that Jack Dorsey actually opened my Twitter account?" This was my journey through the digital landscape and brings back some incredible memories, especially those where technology intersects with global leadership and impactful connections. 📱 Encounters with Innovators: At a small yet pivotal summit, I met tech giants like Jack Dorsey and Mark Zuckerberg, where we discussed the potential of social media to bring about world change. It was there that Jack helped me set up my Twitter account! 🌎 Broadening Impact: My adventures from Mexico to Peru weren't just about business; they were about harnessing social media to enhance our company's outreach and support meaningful causes. 🤝 Tech Meets Philanthropy: With a deep commitment to non-profits, particularly those aiding children, I used these platforms to amplify our humanitarian efforts, showcasing how business and compassion can go hand in hand. 🌐 Digital Leadership: Leveraging our digital expertise, I personally even opened Twitter accounts for significant figures, including former presidents from Panama's Ricardo Martinelli and his beautiful wife and former first Lady. 💡 Driving Change with Digital Tools: My passion for merging technology with philanthropy continues to grow. These tools aren't just for connectivity; they're catalysts for real-world change. 👉 Have you leveraged digital platforms for a cause or project that you're passionate about? We can use technology to create a better world! #SocialMedia #Leadership #Nonprofits #TechnologyForGood #GlobalImpact

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I love this chapter. Over at Urgent Optimists, this was my focus, and it's heartening to see the products and people who were signals of hope in this area become powerful leaders. #MentalHealth #WellBeing #Awareness #DigitalWellness

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The Survivors ... This past weekend Brandy Old, Jill Langer, Mina Demian, Wendy Muise, and I facilitated a Startup Bootcamp (https://lnkd.in/gZHucyXT) for those looking to start a side hustle or full-time business that was hosted at Bow Valley College. Those in the picture survived the full weekend and live to tell about it. During the weekend, the 70+ registrants learned the Top 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make, the 10 Steps to Starting Your First Side-hustle or Business and how to: - Find a problem worth solving - Identify your riskiest assumptions - Uncover your Ideal Client Profile (ICP) - Create a compelling value proposition - Identify what your ‘real’ competition is - Calculate the size of your target market - Understand the top 3 reasons customers buy - Conduct effective problem validation interviews - Discover the cheapest ways to test your riskiest assumptions - Complete a 3-year financial analysis and KPI dashboard in under 30 minutes A special shout-out to Neil Jacobsen from the University of New Brunswick in Saint John for flying over 3,500 kilometres to join us and for taking the group picture, Scott Ford from SparkRockets and Anton Yakushin from Venture Blocks for making cameo appearances from Boulder and Boston A common theme in the feedback was ... I came to be informed and left inspired.

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