S3 E1 - Big vision, hard-earned lessons, and the mindset behind building impact at scale

On this week's episode of Silicon Valley Impact we kickoff Season 3 with Keith Kaplan, CEO of Maykr Inc.; and San Jose entrepreneurial legend, Mauricio Mejia. Keith is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and executive with deep experience across capital, technology, and media. He leads Maykr’s integrated ecosystem, directing investment toward AI, robotics, sustainable and nuclear energy, and advanced data infrastructure to help build a more technologically sophisticated and environmentally conscious future. Recognized as an early voice on “The Autonomous Age,” he has advised the White House, the State of California, and the City of Los Angeles on innovation and technology. Previously, he co-founded and served as CEO of the Tesla Foundation, a science and technology think tank focused on emerging technologies, workforce development, and large-scale research and education initiatives. Keith also co-founded TGE Global Entertainment, an entertainment, media, and technology holdings company, and earlier founded KKMedia, an advertising agency he successfully led through acquisition. Mauricio is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and mentor based in San Jose, California, recognized for reshaping the city’s nightlife and building a diverse business portfolio in Silicon Valley. Born in San Francisco and raised in Los Angeles by a single mother, he navigated gang life, poverty, and homelessness before becoming a millionaire in his twenties and later a respected business owner and investor. Over the years, Mauricio has owned and promoted landmark nightclubs in San Jose, led a successful staffing company, and expanded into real estate development, fitness, and media, including roles with companies such as California Labor Force, CalDev/CalEx, Punch King Fitness, and Latin Life. Deeply committed to community impact, he supports Latino leadership, produces cultural events, and uses his books and public speaking to inspire others to decide, commit, and execute on their own potential. This and much more on Silicon Valley Impact!   Follow us on and listen to all our episodes on: 🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/68L4RPfMizjxnKBsmcFb1J 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-valley-impact/id1776876823 📺 Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@siliconvalleyimpact   Silicon Valley Venture, LLC, the parent company of Silicon Valley Impact, is a proud global venture partner to great companies, like STAK Ventures, and 1900 Broadway Tower - Oakland. Check out https://stakspace.com/ to gain access to the worlds largest full stack venture ecosystem. It's over 1.2 million square feet of Live, Work, Play, Go; everything innovators, investors, ecosystem influencers, institutional partners, and global talent needs to gain a global advantage, access, alignment, and accelerate your venture.   Event Partnerships: Join us in Long Beach, April 22-25th for the IIT 2026 Conference. Get your tickets register here: https://www.iit2026.org/register   Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the host and guests on Silicon Valley Impact are for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial advice or a solicitation. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a professional before making any financial or business decisions.