#67 Blackbird's Niki Scevak: Zero to one, Courageous ambition, Dandelions and Orchids + secrets to be supremely well read

Welcome to episode #67 w Niki Scevak! Here are 5 key takeaways that I think you will learn from this episode today:How accessing his first internet modem in his childhood changed Niki's worldWhat is the source of his courage and ambition and seeking it in othersHow does Niki structure his week to balance thinking, meeting founders and growing Blackbird?Applying the Orchids and Dandelions concept to parenting and businessWhat prevents investors from making the first move?BONUS: Starting Blackbird Ventures in 2012: out of 500 meetings, 97 people said yes to raise $29M fund***TIMESTAMPS03:05 — Niki quick facts 04:30 - High Flyer in Niki’s life 06:45 - Niki’s family unit and growing up in Newcastle 08:25 - How the internet very early on influenced Niki 10:00 - Source of being courageous and highly ambitious 12:15 - Learnings about successful characteristics in people 14:05 - Living in New York in the early 2000’s 18:10 - How leading thinkers like Peter Thiel have shaped Niki’s mindset 22:30 - How does Niki structure his week to balance thinking, meeting founders and growing Blackbird? 26:00 - Being out of his comfort zone in last 12 months? 28:35 - Niki’s insights on his framework to taking a meeting and pitch decks 32:40 - A career is not a 10 move chess match 34:10 - Applying Orchids and Dandelions concept to parenting and Blackbird 38:30 - Managing the dynamics with Blackbird going from the new kid to now one of the big players 40:15 - The key mechanisms that scaled Blackbird 45:10 - Media first investor landscape in the USA and Australia 47:35 - Providing value add as a board member 52:15 - What prevents investors from making the first move? 56:44 - Starting blackbird in 2012: out of 500 meetings, 97 people said yes to raise $29M fund 57:20 - Final sprint***Thank you for rating / reviewing this podcast on iTunes and Spotify, as it helps others find us and convince guests to come on the show and grow the show with sponsors and partners. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter for more!This show showcases relatable role models, re-imagining a high flyer to help you achieve your potential and be 1% better everyday!Contact Vidit at [email protected]