Boston Speaks Up

Zach Servideo
  • 5.0 (18)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
Boston Speaks Up

Leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, innovators and artists from all over the globe join Boston Speaks Up to share their stories of inspiration. Recommend a guest: team@valuecreationlabs.co. Learn more and sign up for the newsletter: www.valuecreationlabs.co.

  1. 106: Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor

    10/28/2024

    106: Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor

    Guest Diana DiZoglio has played a pivotal role in public service throughout her career, serving as an advocate, legislator, and now, Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In her role, DiZoglio is committed to increasing transparency and accountability in state government, ensuring that all residents receive equitable treatment, regardless of their background, financial status, or zip code. Her work as Auditor underscores her dedication to fostering a fair and inclusive government for all. Being born and raised in Methuen, MA, Auditor DiZoglio is a product of Massachusetts public schools. After graduating from Methuen High School, DiZoglio attended Middlesex Community College before earning a financial scholarship to Wellesley College. Her career in public service began as an aide in the State Legislature and as Chief of Staff for the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts. After years of working with local nonprofits and community organizations, she successfully ran for public office in 2012, serving three terms as State Representative for the 14th Essex District. In 2018, she was elected State Senator for the 1st Essex District, where she served two terms. DiZoglio's decade-long service on Beacon Hill has equipped her with the fortitude to collaborate with elected officials, labor organizations, community advocates, and residents across the Commonwealth. Her humble beginnings and extensive experience in nonprofits and labor have enabled her to build strong relationships with a diverse array of people, amplifying their voices in government. Throughout her career, DiZoglio has remained driven by a profound commitment to equity and public service. In a recent CommonWealth Beacon article, DiZoglio stated, “These are gaps in the system that we can help to identify. We can raise that to legislators. We can let them know about where these challenges exist for the purposes of improving the system and helping the Legislature to work better for those it’s meant to serve.” Through her work as Auditor, she is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and accountable government for all. Prior to recording this episode, Auditor DiZoglio embarked (and completed) a 141-mile walk across Massachusetts to raise awareness for ballot Question 1, which would give the state auditor the authority to audit the Legislature. In August, DiZoglio told The Boston Globe, “Government is not supposed to operate the way the Massachusetts Legislature is operating right now.” If passed, the state auditor would be given the express authorization to audit the Massachusetts Legislature. In this episode, we’ll discuss her journey to this point, her walk across the Commonwealth, and take a deep dive into the importance of Question 1.

    1h 1m
  2. 105: Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development for Massachusetts

    09/23/2024

    105: Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development for Massachusetts

    Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development for Massachusetts, joins the Boston Speaks Up podcast live on stage at Startup Boston Week 2024.

    25 min
  3. 104: Michelle De La Isla of Hack.Diversity

    09/22/2024

    104: Michelle De La Isla of Hack.Diversity

    Hack.Diversity CEO Michelle De La Isla joins the Boston Speaks Up podcast live on stage at Startup Boston Week 2024.

    56 min
  4. BONUS: Explain Boston To Me: Dive Bars with Zach Servideo

    08/23/2024

    BONUS: Explain Boston To Me: Dive Bars with Zach Servideo

    In this special episode of "Boston Speaks Up," host Zach Servideo, founder of Value Creation Labs and a former doorman at the iconic Pour House, teams up with Lee Stabert from "Explain Boston to Me" to explore the ever-changing landscape of Boston’s dive bar culture. This conversation takes listeners deep into the heart of the city, reflecting on how these gritty, beloved spaces have managed to survive—and even thrive—amid Boston’s ongoing transformation. The episode dives into some fascinating themes, from the history of Boston's dive bars as community hubs to their role in the face of gentrification. Servideo and Stabert discuss the unique vibe of these establishments, reminiscing about their own experiences and the colorful characters that frequent these spots. They also explore the cultural and economic pressures that threaten the existence of these cherished institutions and speculate on what the future holds for Boston’s dive bar scene. Listeners can expect a lively discussion filled with personal anecdotes, insightful commentary, and a genuine love for Boston’s hidden gems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, history, and community in one of America’s most dynamic cities. And as a bonus, don’t miss out on the chance to see "Boston Speaks Up" live on stage at Startup Boston Week. Catch Zach Servideo in action on the live podcast stage on September 10th, where he’ll bring more of these engaging conversations to a live audience.

    44 min
  5. 102: Mike Farber of GreenStory

    06/26/2024

    102: Mike Farber of GreenStory

    Guest Mike Farber has played many roles throughout his career, serving as a brand builder, mentor, advisor, partner, and now, co-founder. In his latest career move, Farber has the world’s best interests in mind by co-founding GreenStory, an agency focused entirely on elevating the stories of organizations addressing the climate crisis. Farber is also an advisor at Greentown Labs, the country’s biggest climate tech accelerator based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Before launching GreenStory, Farber began his career at Schwartz Communications, where he launched scores of companies, guided four clients through successful IPOs and helped many others become acquired. His experience spanned across multiple types of technologies, ranging from consumer to enterprise software to clean energy (which he has always magnetized towards). Farber helped lead the growth of Schwartz’s San Francisco office in the late 1990s, before moving back to Boston in 1999. At Schwartz, he worked alongside peers who became the founders of LaunchSquad, which was the next stop on Farber’s journey. In 2010, he joined LaunchSquad as a partner where he founded LaunchSquad’s Boston office and helped high-growth companies tell their stories to the world. Following LaunchSquad, Farber took a sabbatical, de-accelerated, spent time with family and friends, guest lectured at Middlebury College and ideated on the next innovative step he might take. During that time, he wrote on LinkedIn, “One through line I keep re-visiting – as governments become increasingly dysfunctional, businesses and NGOs must take a bigger role in driving positive change. I’m not exactly sure what that means for my next step, but… I’ll be working that out.” In this episode, we explore how Farber worked it all out, why he believes every part of the economy is changing for the better because of climate, how Massachusetts rocks in climate, the legacy he wants to leave on this planet, and so much more.

    57 min
  6. 101: Kyle Wallack, Refined Graffiti

    04/22/2024

    101: Kyle Wallack, Refined Graffiti

    Guest Kyle Wallack is an artist-entrepreneur and the founder of Refined Graffiti, and you can learn more about his work at his digital gallery The KW Gallery. After graduating from Endicott College in Beverly, MA, he lived in New York City for several years where his career took off before recently relocating to the Tampa Bay, Florida area. Wallack, inspired by the likes of Banksy and Basquiat among others, has now done work for global phenoms Missy Elliot and Cardi B. His work has inspired millions across the world. Before becoming the esteemed American contemporary artist we know today, Wallack’s journey was struck with hardship. In 2018, and at just 23 years old, Wallack was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland, which required intensive surgery to remove the cancer from his face. After a successful surgery leaving him with more than 600 stitches, Wallack was walking to his apartment when he stumbled across an easel. Wallack of course picked it up, brought it back to his apartment, and the rest was history. Due to the nature of his surgery, Wallack was informed by his doctors that the blue light produced by phones and TVs were extremely harmful to his health. With no access to electronics for more than a year, and a newfound easel and paint, Wallack’s journey as an artist began. Once Wallack picked up his newly found paintbrush and graffiti can, he never put them down. Painting became Wallack’s outlet, and as a wide-eyed, young, 23 year-old trying to figure it all out, painting allowed him to produce positively during this time of adversity. Before Wallack had his surgery, he had never dabbled in art in an international way. Afterwards, everywhere he looked inspired him to create. Fast forward to the present day, Wallack has now dedicated his full-time career to being an artist. Through years of repetition, hard work, and grinding, Wallack is now represented by Quidley & Co, a well-respected, full-service gallery that has been representing artists for 30+ years. In this episode, we explore Wallack’s impact that transcends the graffiti and traditional fine art communities, how he perseveres through all the hardships life throws at him, what he’s creating now, and what he wants his legacy to be.

    1h 26m
  7. 100: Nick Cicero, Media Entrepreneur & Analyst

    02/28/2024

    100: Nick Cicero, Media Entrepreneur & Analyst

    Guest Nick Cicero is an analyst, entrepreneur and growth expert operating at the intersection of digital media and advertising. He made a name for himself in the 2010s when he founded Delmondo, a social video analytics company. Founded in 2014, Cicero quickly established Delmondo alongside established media measurement companies by introducing numerous industry firsts, including the first enterprise analytics solutions for Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and Facebook Live used by clients such as ABC News, the NFL, WWE, Fox, UEFA, Paramount and more. He and Delmondo also co-produced the first Snapchat Branded Long-Form Ad Series with Marriott Rewards. Raising only a single angel investment round, Cicero steered Delmondo into a profitable startup that garnered millions in revenue, hundreds of loyal customers; and set new industry standards culminating in its acquisition by Conviva in 2018. During his time building Delmondo, Cicero was also a cofounder of TVREV, an analyst business reporting on the convergence of TV and digital media. He partnered on TVREV with a who’s who list of media executives that all participated in Conviva’s angel investment round – Gary Vaynerchuk (VaynerMedia), Jesse Redniss (former WarnerMedia, current founder at Qonsent) and David Beck (current Brightcove COO) – who collectively operated as BRaVe Ventures. Cicero stayed on at Conviva for several years to lead Conviva’s social intelligence business in a VP of Strategy role. At Conviva, Cicero focused on extending their portfolio of measurement products that enable video publishers, sports teams, leagues, and streaming TV providers to get a 360-degree understanding of the viewer journey and grow viewership, engagement, and revenue. He departed Conviva in 2022 to pursue consulting opportunities and explore new entrepreneurial endeavors. He joined the ranks of consulting firm Value Creation Labs (VCL) in 2023, establishing himself in a GTM Lead role for VCL and its partners such as Vevo, Precise TV, PadSquad and T-Mobile. Cicero is a regular speaker at industry trade shows, and is an expert commenter on industry trends such as his analysis of the $5 billion Netflix-WWE deal featured in The Drum. He also has a passion for mentoring the next generation of media entrepreneurs. He’s an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater, the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where he recently announced the formation of the inaugural Emerging Leaders Alumni Board of which he plays a lead role. We explore Cicero’s impact on the media innovation community, what he’s up to at VCL, and much more in this latest ‘Boston Speaks Up’ episode.

    1h 29m
  8. 099: Kristen Craft of Fidelity for Startups

    01/29/2024

    099: Kristen Craft of Fidelity for Startups

    Guest Kristen Craft is the new Vice President & Business Partner Manager at Fidelity for Startups, one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States, headquartered here in Boston. She’s a major catalyst supporting Fidelity in its efforts to help fill the startup banking void in Boston. Craft is working closely with the team at Shoobx, a Cambridge-based fintech Fidelity acquired in January 2023. Shoobx helps companies with equity and board management, storing and sharing important business information, and bringing together startup leaders, lawyers, and investors in a single collaborative hub. Similar to her previous roles, Craft’s role at Fidelity entails her helping startups navigate the financial moments that matter most: fundraising, cap table management, access to investors; alongside all of the other financial expertise and services that Fidelity has long been known for. Craft is a proven entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in enterprise software and digital marketing. With a passion for entrepreneurship, she’s become well known around the Boston startup community for her passionate support of founders and VCs. In her role evangelizing the Boston-area startup community, Craft also recently supported the production of a 2024 AI report from Value Creation Labs – Boston Startups Put AI and Data to Work in Vertical Industries and Enterprises. Craft is also a previous guest of Boston Speaks Up, and folks can learn more about her previous career journey in the episode from 2022. Her past experience includes leadership roles at Animalz, Tettra, Ovia Health Wistia, and Transparent Language, as well as launching her own start-up, Brown Box Storage. In her return to the Boston Speaks Up show, she is eager to share best practices on go-to-market strategy, fundraising, and other vital aspects of the startup journey. Drawing from her decades of experience as a startup operator and angel investor, she's gathered a great deal of wisdom and is enthusiastic about making the startup journey smoother for others.

    51 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, innovators and artists from all over the globe join Boston Speaks Up to share their stories of inspiration. Recommend a guest: team@valuecreationlabs.co. Learn more and sign up for the newsletter: www.valuecreationlabs.co.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Servideo
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Boston Speaks Up

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