From large corporate to a start-up
This presentation is a no-fluff, deeply personal exploration of what it really takes to move from the stability of a corporate job to the rollercoaster ride of a start-up. Vladimir Baranov, a founder, coach, and veteran of fintech and space-tech startups, shares the mindset shifts, tactical preparations, and gut-check moments that define this transition. You'll get a candid look at what it's like to go from having a clearly defined role to wearing every hat. He breaks down how to prepare mentally and financially, build early momentum, and learn by doing. Topics include managing risk, building your “why,” navigating ambiguity, and learning how to sell (yes, even if you hate it). Whether you're considering joining a startup or starting your own, this talk will help you assess your readiness, and your appetite. It’s not about a perfect plan; it’s about momentum, resilience, and radical ownership. Full of founder truths, lived lessons, and a few laughs.
Vladimir is an Executive Coach for Founders and Technical Leaders. He coached and mentored at various U.S. and U.K. incubators and accelerators, with a primary focus on launching, developing, and sustaining startups. Vladimir champions innovation, particularly in transforming ideas into tangible businesses (zero-to-one approach). He also focuses on integration of frequently misaligned perspectives of business and technical challenges.
He's a serial entrepreneur, having founded three companies with successful exits in fintech and spacetech, demonstrating proficiency in scaling businesses through various funding stages. His entrepreneurial journey, encompassing roles such as Founder, CTO, COO, and CISO, lends him a comprehensive perspective on creating optimal data and technology services.
Vladimir holds MBAs from Columbia and London Business Schools and dual degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from Stony Brook University, where his studies spanned software development and robotics. He is passionate about enhancing communication strategies, studies organizational and social behavior, and is an avid reader.
- How to validate and monetize a side hustle
- Choosing the right marketing model (inbound vs. outbound)
- Choosing the right pricing model (one-off, subscription, retainers)
- Scaling a side gig while working a full-time job
- Automating and delegating to free up time
Build a life you don't need a vacation from" is a popular phrase in the noisy world of entrepreneurship...but how do we define that it and know what it actually takes to achieve?
My name is Jesse Sieff. I'm a former engineering student, professional musician, U.S. Marine Veteran, ICF certified coach, father of twins, and now 6-figure media agency owner.
I'm excited be your coach to help you cut through the noise and design the life you want.
Let's start with the basics...
All humans are constantly battling to balance two powerful forces: external and internal.
The external is the most influential, which caters to our natural desire to be accepted and fit in to well defined groups. Historically, that is what our survival depended on and why evolution hardwired it into our psychology.
The internal, is your inner voice, your will, your moral compass, and your goals to grow in ways that are uniquely important to you...
This session is all about listening to that inner voice, training it to be louder, and allowing it to guide your habits.
As we grow up, we have no choice but to be completely immersed and programmed by a series of institutions: family, religion, school, community, career, social media, etc...
Ideas of what is "important" are defined and prescribed to us before we have the ability or experience to consciously question it.
Focus demands clarity on what is important, but if we don't address the root of the problem (you subconscious) then you will forever be stuck focused on solving the wrong problems.
The Secret Art of Lifestyle Design is for anyone preparing to or currently making a major pivot in their lives.
It's to honor the values of living up to your own ideals and not someone else's ideals. It's not about getting out of work, but rather setting up your lifestyle, so you can work on the right things on your terms.
I look forward to seeing you there and helping you "break on through to the other side.
Do you know that one of the most successful startup builders has worked a full-time corporate job? Many succeeded with their startups even before quitting their job. The secret sauce is to not waste your money and efforts on stuff that won't work. Let's talk about what to focus on if you want to launch your startup with any chances for success.
Great startups begin with great problems. But how do you train yourself to spot them? This session explores the art of problem sensitivity—the ability to recognize unmet needs, inefficiencies, and emerging opportunities before others do. Learn how to shift your mindset, ask the right questions, and uncover startup-worthy insights in everyday life. Whether you're an aspiring founder or an experienced entrepreneur looking for your next big idea, this talk will provide actionable frameworks and real-world examples to sharpen your problem-finding skills.
