The Human Founder - Global

What if aging isn’t inevitable—but simply the next problem humanity needs to solve?In this episode of The Human Founder Longevity Series, I sit down with Omri Amirav-Drory—scientist, founder, General Partner at NFX, and founder of Renewal Bio—to explore one of the boldest ideas at the intersection of biology, technology, and venture capital: what if we could radically extend healthy human life?But this conversation goes beyond longevity. It’s about what happens when a founder or investor sees a future that doesn’t yet exist—and feels compelled to build it.We explore the optimism required to pursue ideas others consider impossible, the emotional endurance behind entrepreneurship and investing, and why Omri believes science and technology can fundamentally reshape human life.In this episode:This episode is for founders, investors, scientists, leaders, and anyone thinking deeply about technology, ambition, longevity, and the future of humanity.✨ Follow for more ✨If this conversation resonated with you, join The Human Founder newsletter for deeper reflections on leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the human side of building.Join the newsletter 💌 >>https://bit.ly/4pkHZwI

In this episode of The Human Founder, I sit down with Donna Griffit, a world-renowned Corporate Storyteller, Pitch Alchemist, and Communication Coach at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Donna is the bestselling author of "Sticking to My Story" and has spent over two decades helping startups and Fortune 500 companies globally raise more than $2 billion. Our conversation delves deep into the mental aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, exploring how communication serves as the foundation of all human behavior. We discuss the transformative power of empathy, the danger of losing our unique voice to artificial intelligence, and how founders can build the mental resilience necessary to navigate constant market shifts. The GSBG Framework and Finding Your "X Factor"  Donna shares a powerful framework she initially created during a market downturn to help anxious corporate employees identify and present their unique value. Today, she uses this method with Stanford students to help them articulate their personal narratives effectively. The framework, known as GSBG, stands for setting an internal Goal for the interaction, telling a relevant Story that highlights your suitability, presenting the Benefits and proof points you bring to the table, and circling back to the Goal to explain why you are the perfect match. It provides a structured way to steer any conversation with purpose rather than simply reciting a chronological resume. The Art of Empathy and the "Bonfire" of Small Talk  One of the most crucial elements of communication is empathy, which requires thinking deeply from the audience's perspective and understanding their specific needs. Donna notes that many young leaders today, partly due to the isolation experienced during the pandemic, struggle with basic small talk and building initial connections. She compares a good conversation to a bonfire: personal stories are the wood, curious questions serve as the kindling, and actively listening and responding to conversation hooks provides the oxygen that keeps the interaction alive. By navigating shared experiences and getting genuinely curious about the other side, founders can build the profound trust required for long-term relationships with investors and team members. Avoiding the "Patchwork Pitch"  A common and detrimental mistake founders make is altering their presentation based on every piece of isolated feedback they receive from different investors. Donna refers to this as the patchwork pitch, a practice that results in a dense, overwhelming deck that completely loses its core message. She emphasizes the critical importance of sticking to your core conviction and long-term vision. Instead of serving a messy platter of mixed information, founders should present their data clearly and cleanly, ensuring their central story remains the focus. Maintaining this focus requires immense self-confidence and mental strength to avoid being rattled by external noise. Pitching to the Head, Heart, and Gut in the Age of AI  While artificial intelligence is an incredible tool for solidifying and structuring ideas, Donna warns against relying on it entirely, noting that AI-generated content is ultimately devoid of soul. To truly captivate an investor, a pitch must successfully hit three points: the head for data and logic, the heart for emotional resonance, and the gut, which is where the actual investment decision is made. By sharing an authentic origin story, founders establish a triad of credibility, likability, and momentum. Personal vulnerability and authenticity remain the ultimate human advantages that no machine can replicate. Mental Agility and the Entrepreneurial Mindset  Entrepreneurship is not just the act of building startups; it is a fundamental mindset of continuous reinvention and agility. Donna openly shares her own professional challenges, such as navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the sudden halt of global work during the early days of the COVID pandemic. Her strategy for resilience involves allowing herself a short, defined period to mourn the setback, followed by a conscious, determined choice to seek out new opportunities. Whether it was pivoting to remote training or creating an AI version of herself called Deck Check, her journey highlights the absolute necessity of adapting. Ultimately, maintaining a positive energy and deliberately choosing to rebuild from adversity is the true essence of leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Oren Hefetz—a leader who spent 16 years at the heart of Google’s global operations, yet identifies first and foremost as a historian (who wrote a book about it!), and whom I’m grateful to have as one  of my best friends & colleagues. While his track record includes launching YouTube across emerging markets and building Google’s Startup Growth Lab, our conversation dives far beneath the surface of corporate success. Oren brings a unique, grounded perspective on how we, as founders and human beings, can remain present and purposeful in a world driven by exponential technology. We explore the essential shift from traditional management to "Conscious Leadership," and why the most critical upgrade we can make isn't to our software, but to our own internal awareness. One of the most meaningful moments of the conversation was when Oren shared a pivotal moment from a retreat in India where he confronted the defining trauma of his life—the loss of his mother at age four—on the very same day ChatGPT reached 100 million users. This convergence of deep personal healing and rapid technological evolution sparked his realization that in an "exponential age," leaders must upgrade their own internal consciousness to match the pace of external change. Learning from the "Failure" that Led to Joining Google Before his long tenure at Google, Oren was an entrepreneur who founded a startup specifically to compete with Google’s ad network. While he describes it as a business failure, he credits his "naive optimism" for turning that experience into a bridge to his future success. He believes that leaders who embrace their passion and stay true to their inner voice can navigate even the most disruptive setbacks. The P.I.N.E. Framework for Modern Leaders Oren utilizes a specific methodology to help founders and executives navigate the complexities of the modern workplace: Purpose: Identifying the core "why" behind every action. Intentions: Determining the practical steps and mindset needed to manifest that purpose. Networks: Understanding the web of human relationships and how we influence one another. Emotions: Leveraging emotional intelligence and the "gut feeling" as a compass for decision-making. The Intelligence of the Three Brains Oren & I explain that humans possess three biological "brains": the head (90 billion neurons), the heart (50,000 neurons), and the gut (half a billion neurons). While AI is rapidly commoditizing raw IQ and knowledge, the human differentiator is the ability to connect these three centers. He argues that "Conscious Leadership" is about moving beyond just the head to lead with the heart and intuition. A Mantra for Resilience: Acknowledge Reality, Find Peace The core of Oren’s philosophy is captured in a single mantra: "Acknowledge reality and find peace". He explains that many people tend to escape or hide from overwhelming changes in technology and politics. Instead, he advocates for a deep understanding of current reality, which allows a leader to find the inner stillness necessary to lead effectively through chaos.

Shared roots, intertwined memories There are some conversations that stay with you long after they end. The kind you anticipate with a special excitement, reserved for rare and meaningful moments in life. That’s exactly how I felt before sitting down with Dr. Edith Eva Eger – Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and bestselling author of The Choice, The Gift, and The Ballerina of Auschwitz. If I could add another title to her name, it would be this: an incredible founder at 98, who, with the right people around her, built a brand that is both deeply authentic and profoundly impactful. A brand rooted in her life story, her choice to grow out of unimaginable trauma, her belief in resilience as a healing force, and a company that has become her life’s work – making a profound human impact. My connection with Edith was personal. Reading her book, I felt our shared history and common messages. We were both dancers, and this had a profound influence on our lives. And like her, I see resilience as the thread to guide me through life. The moment I opened her book, I knew one day we’d speak. My grandparents, Nushi and Karol Feher, and my partner’s grandmother, Marta Schun, were all born in Košice – the same city Edith was born in. I couldn’t stop imagining my grandmother and Edith walking down the very same streets before the war. The echoes ran deep. Edith danced for Mengele, and that dance saved her and her sister Magda’s lives. My grandmother Nushi and her sister Oli were chosen to live by him because they were “too beautiful.” Our conversation felt intimate, like a thread stitching generations together. Edith is 98 – the age my grandmother would have been today.  Sometimes her age showed, and the conversation wandered, but her grandson Jordan gently guided her back. I received it with nothing but compassion and respect. To me, that only made the conversation more human, more precious. I hope you’ll feel it too. Choice as the doorway to freedom When I asked Edith how she survived Auschwitz when so many others didn’t, she said that even there, surrounded by barbed wire, she kept telling herself: This is temporary. I will get out. She also told me that in that darkness, she found God – for her, a symbol of her choice not to lose her inner voice or her hope. Her reminder is timeless: we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always choose how we respond. For entrepreneurs and leaders, that’s a powerful truth – our daily choices of mindset and reaction are what shape the entire journey. Resilience – personal and collective Here in Israel, since October 7, we live with daily trauma. Edith is a living proof that even the most horrific situations don’t last forever. Her life itself is evidence that you can hold on to hope, even when your heart is broken. She repeated again and again that she doesn’t stay in the past – she chooses to live in the present and build a future from it. That message feels especially urgent now, as we search for ways to hold ourselves and our children in a world of uncertainty. We need to remember: this too shall pass. And out of the fracture, we can grow, heal, and live again. Family as an anchor, resilience across generations Edith had two sisters, Magda and Clara. In Auschwitz, she and Magda went through hell together, and their bond became their survival. They held each other up, encouraged each other, and gave one another a reason to keep going. Even decades later, Edith said her sister’s presence was her strength – and hers in return. For her, this isn’t only about family. She believes we all need someone who truly sees us. And once we have that, we’re stronger. Resilience, she says, is built inside relationships – and that’s how it gets passed from one generation to the next. Writing, meaning, and meeting Viktor Frankl We also spoke about her meeting with Viktor Frankl and about writing as a way of healing. Just like he wrote about the life-saving power of meaning, Edith chose to transform her trauma into purpose. She said writing came not from invention, but from simply listening inward and letting the story come out. Jordan, her grandson, added that The Choice wasn’t guaranteed. Earlier attempts had failed. Only at 89, when she connected with Doug Abrams – an agent who became a true partner – did the right team form, and that’s what made the book possible. And The Choice is different from other Holocaust memoirs. Edith didn’t just tell a historical story – she wrote about the human condition: fear, choice, hope, the search for meaning in darkness. That’s why even people who never faced the Holocaust find life lessons in her book: how to carry pain, how to choose again, and how to turn personal fractures into opportunities for growth. It’s never too late to begin again Edith started studying psychology in her 40s, finished her PhD in her 50s, got married, divorced, remarried the same man when she chose him again, and published her first book at almost 90. Every one of those steps was a conscious choice – to keep growing, to keep becoming, to keep doing what mattered most to her. Her story reminds us that as long as we’re alive, we can always choose again. We can pause, listen inward, and write a new chapter. Sometimes, it’s later in life that wisdom, depth, and clarity arrive – and with them, the ability to truly impact others. Edith proves that age isn’t a barrier – it’s a doorway to renewal, to new opportunities, and to turning the past into a gift for the world. An entrepreneurial mindset for life itself Talking to Edith and Jordan wasn’t just another podcast recording (to me, they never are – they’re always human encounters, fertile ground for shared creation). But this one carried another layer – personal, generational, historical, emotional. Beyond seeing in Edith the image of my grandmother, beyond the window into history, beyond my deep admiration for her – she reminded me of something vital: the choices we make every day shape the way we live. Resilience isn’t only personal; it carries forward, touching others long after we’re gone. Edith showed me that an entrepreneurial mindset isn’t only about starting companies, leading people, and achieving success. It’s about choosing, again and again, how we face challenges, how not to get stuck in the past, and how even pain can become fertile ground for growth. It’s about choosing to see the light even in the darkness, and reminding ourselves that the power to create change begins within. That, to me, is a message for us all – as leaders, as managers, and as human beings.

The Power of Authentic Leadership: Adina Eckstein’s Approach to Leadership and Growth   Motivation, Self-confidence, Growth Mindset, Communication, Support System, Team, Culture, Women in tech,  In this episode of The Human Founder, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adina Eckstein, the COO of Lemonade. We delved into her journey of scaling the company from a small team to a global operation, where she emphasized the importance of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in aligning the organization’s strategic goals. Adina’s focus on integrating top-down objectives with bottom-up execution has enabled Lemonade to remain adaptable to change while ensuring that each team member is working toward clear and measurable outcomes. Empowering People and Creating a Collaborative Culture One of the key themes that resonated with me during our conversation was Adina’s deep care for her team. She shared how empowering people and fostering authentic connections drives her leadership. Adina believes that when individuals feel valued and supported, they naturally perform at their best, which has shaped the collaborative culture at Lemonade. For her, it’s not just about hitting targets but ensuring that the people behind the work are thriving. Navigating Transitions and Staying Resilient We also explored some of the major transitions Adina navigated as COO, including Lemonade’s IPO and the challenges of adapting to a post-pandemic world. Her ability to foresee changes and keep the company resilient in the face of uncertainty is a testament to her forward-thinking leadership. Adina shared how she focused on maintaining employee motivation and stability during times of market volatility, proving that staying true to long-term goals is essential.    Strong Female Leadership Network  A particularly inspiring aspect of our chat was how Lemonade has grown into a strong female-led company, with many of the senior leadership roles held by women. Adina explained how this organic growth has created a supportive network of female leaders who bring out the best in each other, contributing to both the personal growth of these women and the business’s success. Work - life balance Adina also opened up about balancing her professional role as COO with being a mother of three. She highlighted how her genuine love for people and her passion for empowering others fuels her ability to manage both work and family life. It was clear throughout our conversation that her strength lies in her ability to connect with her team on a human level, while maintaining her strategic leadership. Authenticity as the Core of Leadership To me, the most striking part of Adina’s journey is her commitment to authenticity. Her leadership is deeply rooted in staying true to her values, which she believes is the foundation of long-term success. From her personal life decisions to her professional path, Adina’s courage to embrace change and empower others is a guiding principle for her, and it’s something that left a lasting impression on me. Adina’s journey highlights the power of authentic leadership, emphasizing the importance of empowering people while staying adaptable in the face of change. Her ability to balance strategic vision with a genuine care for her team sets a strong example for leaders navigating both personal and professional growth.

The Intersection of Business and Biblical Wisdom:  Insights of a Prominent Investor into Ethical and Moral Principles for Success   Michael Eisenberg, a prominent figure in the Israeli venture capital landscape, started his journey as an investor without even planning it. In our conversation he offers a candid and unique glimpse into the world of investments. As Co-founder and General Partner of Aleph, a leading early-stage venture capital firm, Michael shares with me his life experiences, philosophies, and insights about life and how these values  also reflect on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Relationships are the key From his perspective, the investors are just the stagehands, the real heroes are the entrepreneurs. Michael believes that the key to being a good investor is to invest in long term relationships with entrepreneurs who have potential.  Michael  knows it takes time for companies to grow and for entrepreneurs to ripen. He emphasizes the importance of understanding people, their motivations, and their potential. His ability to discern the "inner truth" of entrepreneurs is a core competency, allowing him to identify promising ventures. What is the investor looking for? In his opinion, the most important qualities in an entrepreneur are optimism and resilience. People who see problems and are optimistic enough to believe there is a solution and that they are the ones to solve it. .  This positive,  forward-thinking attitudeis essential for navigating the complexities of starting and running a business. Additionally, resilience is crucial; it enables entrepreneurs to bounce back from setbacks and maintain their focus on long-term goals. They don’t back down from challenges, but face them head on. This proactive approach transforms difficulties into opportunities for growth and innovation, ultimately leading to greater success. By cultivating these traits, entrepreneurs can inspire confidence in others and drive their ventures toward realization. Rooted in the community Central to Eisenberg’s investment philosophy is a deep-rooted belief in the power of Jewish and Israeli culture. In our conversation it's interesting to see how he embodies the spirit of both Jewish tradition and Israeli innovation. This is also evident in his book “The Tree of Life and Prosperity”. The book explores the intersection of business and biblical wisdom, offering insights into ethical and moral principles for success.   In our conversation we dive into Michael’s personal journey, including his family life and experiences, which are intertwined with his professional life. His reflections on his upbringing, the loss of loved ones on 7.10, and the balancing act between personal and professional commitments, offer a multifaceted portrait of Michael as both a person and an investor. Michael's story is one of personal growth, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to his community. This podcast is all about the significance of human relationships and the role of leadership in every aspect of our life.

How to strengthen resilience as a founder?   As I say every episode, entrepreneurship is often described as an emotional rollercoaster, oscillating between the highest highs and lowest lows. Alon Leibovich experienced this firsthand when his company BrandTotal was sued by Facebook, throwing him into a crucible of immense mental stress for nearly two years. Yet he also tasted the sweet victories, like running an Intel Ignite agro/climate tech bootcamp, which helped rebuild the Gaza Envelope community.   An entrepreneur, founder, and builder, Alon is also an organizational psychologist by training, though he never practiced clinically. This background shaped how he navigated the turmoil when he learned via social media that Facebook was suing his company. "It felt like someone had punched you in the stomach," he recounts. His first step was consulting his mentor and lawyer, feeling his world had collapsed.     Following his mentor's advice to take action rather than dwell, Alon assembled a crisis team that worked until 2am in the morning - risk managers, PR personnel, lawyers. "Attention is just like any other muscle," Alon says. You need to train the ability to pay attention and direct your attention to the right place, to navigate between everything, because eventually doing and being in action greatly reduces anxiety. It's better than getting caught up in thoughts in the head, which eventually didn't leave him for almost two years.   A board member's call proved pivotal in shifting Alon's perspective: "I know it's hard for you to see this now, but it's a good thing that's happening." Realizing customers remained loyal, Alon decided to fight back. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with biofeedback revealed his stress levels which mirrored "a soldier behind enemy lines under real life or death threatening situation" at risk of heart attack. He was coached to exercise, practice mindfulness, and breathwork to reduce his toxic stress levels.   The dissonance between his inner turmoil and outward composure to employees was grueling for Alon. Yet after two years, they prevailed in the lawsuit, and investors doubled-down on the company. Reflecting on being a founder-CEO, Alon asserts, "As an industry, we don't talk about the fact that it is very hard to be a founder-CEO." We devalue how hard it is these days to do something against all odds and give everything you have, and to believe that you are the one who can do it. But to do that, we have to build, for hours every day, our resilience. And it should be every day, not only when a crisis comes but before - for prevention, and after, and all the time.   Alon candidly shares grappling with imposter syndrome, doubting himself as both a person and manager, although at the end, a pivotal and very important realization was: "There is more to us than just our business."   His key lessons were understanding what you can control versus accepting what you cannot, having a "North Star" vision while remaining humble and coachable, and leaving ego aside to be agile. "Many first-time founders don't listen enough," he cautions. The dissonance between his first and second venture as an entrepreneur yielded profound growth.

Journey of Courage: Balancing Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Parenthood In the dynamic intersection of technology and family, Lisa deftly navigates dual roles as Chief People Officer and Founding Partner at Appsflyer, blending strategic prowess with profound empathy. Beyond the boardroom, she cherishes the bonds of matrimony and parenthood, relishing the adventures shared with her partner and the joy of nurturing four remarkable children. As an immigrant, she embodies resilience and innovation, embracing challenges as catalysts for growth. At her core, she champions diversity, leads with kindness, and advocates tirelessly for women in tech.   "For me it was to look at the cards I have in my hand, how can I improve them and play them the best way" At the tender age of 17, she embarked on a solo journey to Israel fueled by unwavering ambition and a steadfast resolve encapsulated in her mantra, "There's no Plan B to my Plan A." Courage and resilience became her guiding stars, propelling her forward even in the face of uncertainty. Her decision to relocate, despite familial complexities and cultural nuances, epitomized her willingness to seize opportunities and craft her destiny.     Reflecting on the rapid pace of modern careers, she espouses a philosophy rooted in diligence and patience, rejecting the allure of overnight success in favor of sustained, deliberate progress. Her evolution from zero-player marketing to pioneering new roles underscores her affinity for venturing into uncharted territories, from establishing educational initiatives to revolutionizing customer onboarding.   Amidst the demands of leadership and parenthood, she and her partner-husband embody a testament to harmony and mutual support. Setting clear boundaries and prioritizing quality time with her children, she navigates the delicate balance between professional ambition and familial bliss with grace and pragmatism. As co-founders, they've mastered the art of conflict resolution, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration within their company.     Guiding her employees with empathy and fostering a culture of psychological safety, she champions inclusivity and empowerment, recognizing that true leadership lies in nurturing confidence and resilience. Through Appsflyer's global expansion, she has cultivated a culture of community engagement, empowering each branch to enact positive change within their local ecosystems.   Her career journey is defined by audacity—the courage to defy conventions, challenge the status quo, and embrace the unknown. In the words of the PawPatrol slogan, a cartoon movie her kids are watching, she says "No pup is too small, no job is too big", encapsulating her unwavering belief in the power of perseverance and determination.   As our conversation draws to a close, we find solace in the conviction that success is not merely a destination but a journey fueled by unwavering belief and steadfast determination. Through incremental progress and unwavering focus on our goals, we navigate life's challenges with resilience and purpose, knowing that every step forward brings us closer to our aspirations.  In the ethos of Appsflyer, we embrace the ethos of being "1% done" (which means both that there are 99% opportunities out there other than what you did, and also that If you improve 1% every day, you will be much better at the end of the road) recognizing that our potential is limitless and that each day offers new opportunities for growth and achievement. As we press onward, we do so with the unwavering belief that the journey itself is the ultimate reward.

The Wevo Odyssey - A Startup's Evolution Leading to SolarEdge's Acquisition   Teddy, is the Co-founder and CEO of Wevo Energy, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in Electrical Engineering. His journey began with a childhood fascination for dismantling gadgets, a hobby that foreshadowed his future in technology. After earning his master's degree, Teddy ventured into the startup world, where he made significant contributions to companies like Cyota, Radvision, and Panoramic Power. These ventures not only showcased his leadership skills but also culminated in lucrative acquisitions totaling over $450M. Amidst his professional triumphs, Teddy finds solace in his family life, cherishing moments with his spouse, two grown-up kids, and a lively household of pets.   Adi, the Co-founder and CTO of Wevo Energy, shares Teddy's entrepreneurial spirit. With a background in Computer Science, she embarked on a journey that led her through various tech roles before crossing paths with Teddy at Panoramic Power. Adi's passion for problem-solving and her knack for innovation set the stage for her pivotal role at Wevo Energy. Beyond her professional pursuits, Adi finds fulfillment in her family life, juggling the demands of parenthood alongside her dedicated husband and a menagerie of pets.   Their entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the highs and lows that define startup life. From the exhilarating highs of breakthrough moments to the gut-wrenching lows of navigating crises, Teddy and Adi have weathered it all. Their resilience and unwavering determination have propelled them through countless challenges, shaping them into the dynamic leaders they are today.   Reflecting on their individual paths to entrepreneurship, Teddy and Adi reminisce about pivotal moments that shaped their careers. Teddy's early forays into startups exposed him to the realities of building and scaling a business, while Adi's while Adi's service in MAMRAM instilled in her a sense of discipline and problem-solving acumen. These diverse experiences laid the foundation for their partnership at Wevo Energy, where they seamlessly complement each other's strengths and expertise.   Their decision to co-found Wevo Energy wasn't taken lightly. It was the culmination of years of introspection, fueled by a shared vision for innovation and impact. Supported by their respective spouses, Teddy and Adi embarked on this journey with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and uncertainties.   As they navigated the complexities of building a startup, Teddy and Adi leaned on each other for support and guidance. Their partnership, grounded in trust and mutual respect, became the bedrock of Wevo Energy's success. Together, they tackled obstacles head-on, celebrating victories and learning from setbacks along the way.   Fast forward two and a half years, Wevo Energy caught the attention of SolarEdge, after an investment, ultimately leading to an acquisition, which is a testament to their tenacity and vision. The synergy between Wevo Energy's expertise in renewable energy and SolarEdge's market reach promises to usher in a new era of innovation in the clean energy sector. With this milestone, Teddy, Adi & the remarkable Wevo Team, look forward to continuing their journey of dreaming big and pushing boundaries in pursuit of a more sustainable future.   Their collaboration with me as their executive coach, underscores the importance of an external perspective during challenging times, providing clarity and facilitating constructive dialogue.   Teddy shares insights from his experience living in Boston, highlighting the complexities of relocating while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.   In a rapidly evolving startup landscape, Teddy and Adi remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence. They believe that the key to success lies in embracing change, staying true to their values, and never losing sight of the impact they aspire to make. As they embark on the next chapter of their journey, Teddy,  Adi & the Wevo Team are poised to write the next chapter in the success story of Wevo Energy.

Fortune 500 Leadership Coach Wisdom: Navigating Challenges, Fostering Resilience, and Leading with Purpose Fred Kofman, co-founder of the Hoffman Kofman Foundation, along with Reid Hoffman and Zur Genosar, has a rich business background. Formerly an MIT professor in Economics, Fred has held leadership roles in LinkedIn and Google, and he is an international consultant for leadership. Residing in Mexico with his family, he is deeply passionate about Israel. We met during the Hoffman Kofman Foundation transformative leadership program, and I had the opportunity to learn from him, dive into deep and meaningful conversations with him and exchange insights about leadership, business & life itself.   Throughout his extensive career, Fred has collaborated with top industry leaders, offering them a broad perspective on life and work. From an educated and experienced standpoint, we delve into the three most significant lessons we believe are crucial for humanity, society, and top performers leading global innovation, technology, and the economy:   Response-Ability in Startups: Fred emphasizes the importance of a startup mentality—realizing that while one may not be responsible for everything, the ability to respond to any situation is vital. In essence, it's about taking ownership and being able to adapt to challenges, fostering a culture of response-ability.   Adapting to Challenges: Fred draws an analogy: "There's no such thing as bad weather, there's only bad gear." This underscores the idea that preparation is key; unforeseen challenges are inevitable, but how well-prepared you are determines your ability to navigate them effectively.   Effectiveness and Resilience: Fred stresses the significance of resilience in achieving success. He points out that being effective means being resilient, as setbacks are bound to occur. Learning to navigate challenges is more important than simply relishing success, as the former equips individuals with the tools needed for sustained success.   Moving on to the broader perspective of success, Fred highlights the need to align personal values with one's mission. Just as Viktor Frankl emphasized in "Man's Search for Meaning," following one's values provides a guiding force. When individuals align themselves with their values, these values become the driving force propelling them forward.   Few Thoughts on Leadership  We delve into leadership and its essence. He asks a crucial question: Do you want to make your employees do something, or do you want to make them want to do something? The distinction lies in inspiring people to be motivated intrinsically, fostering a connection to the mission rather than merely following a leader.   Fred and I (Gali) agree on the importance of leaders being ego-free. It's about focusing on the mission rather than personal achievements. Leaders should inspire their teams to follow the mission, creating a self-sustaining drive even in the absence of explicit guidance.   Reflecting on his career journey, Fred introduces the concept of servant leadership—leading to serve the mission, with the mission taking precedence. He acknowledges moments when he sought coaching, emphasizing the value of both giving and receiving guidance.   Navigating Difficult Moments Addressing the challenges of maintaining an optimistic outlook, Fred shares a personal low point on October 7th. Despite feeling that things couldn't get worse, they did on October 8th, when we all faced the trauma and the response of the world. Fred emphasizes the importance of honoring such feelings while recognizing their transient nature, and that’s also what brought him to Israel, to support its people and organizations. “I have a dream for a long time which is to work with people that would combine the courage and the heart of a warrior, with the spirituality, compassion and love of a monk, and the intelligence and the application of wisdom like an engineer”.   The conversation concludes with Fred's vision for the Hoffman Kofman Foundation. He envisions working with individuals embodying the courage of a warrior, the spirituality of a monk, and the wisdom of an engineer. The Foundation aims to leave a lasting impact by combining these diverse qualities through its Leadership Programs.  I personally was fortunate to take part in this program & journey. For more information about the next programs visit here: https://www.hoffmankofman.com/   For a more in-depth exploration of Fred's journey and the Hoffman Kofman Foundation's founding story, listen to the full episode.