In this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, host Heneka Watkis-Porter is joined by serial entrepreneur, award-winning filmmaker, published author, and tech startup expert Jason Sherman. As the founder and CEO of Bingo AI and Vengo AI, Jason shares how creativity, storytelling, and perseverance are vital for startup success—especially when launching a tech venture without venture capital.
Storytelling in Filmmaking and Startups
Jason draws parallels between filmmaking and entrepreneurship, pointing out that both require you to build a narrative that resonates with a specific audience. Whether it’s a movie or a product, the story behind it matters. He explains that his journey began as a young programmer selling products in school, which laid the groundwork for his ventures today. According to Jason, storytelling helps attract investors and customers alike—especially when it’s backed by relatable experiences and data-driven results.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Bootstrapping
Jason and Heneka delve into common mistakes new entrepreneurs make when bootstrapping. A major one, Jason notes, is building too much too soon without proper validation. He urges founders to test concepts first and let market feedback lead the way. While intuition has its place, he believes data should always have the final say. Jason reminds listeners that real success stems from understanding what people truly need—not what we think they need.
Navigating Tech Trends with Purpose
With rapid tech innovation, Jason cautions entrepreneurs against chasing the latest trends blindly. Instead, he advocates for focusing on solving overlooked problems in unique ways. He stresses the importance of clarity and patience in developing a solution that matters. Heneka probes how founders can stay grounded in one project amid changing trends, and Jason responds that it’s less about balance and more about discipline and constant reassessment.
AI’s Journey and Strategic Marketing
Jason discusses how he embraced AI long before it became a buzzword. From launching a video friendship app to pivoting to the B2B tool Vengo AI, Jason showcases how customer feedback led him to create more relevant and scalable solutions. He highlights the essential role marketing plays in scaling tech products—emphasizing that traction through revenue or users often speaks louder than any pitch deck.
Using AI for Human Advancement
Jason explains how AI, like electricity and the internet before it, represents a major leap in human capability. He shares that Vengo AI was built with strict security and ethical guidelines from the start, ensuring safety and trust in its systems. Both Jason and Heneka agree that specificity and responsibility are critical when developing AI applications.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why storytelling is crucial for both filmmaking and entrepreneurship
- The most common mistakes first-time startup founders make
- How to validate a product idea before launching
- Why chasing tech trends can hurt your startup
- The role of AI in boosting innovation and human evolution
- Key strategies for building a startup without venture capital
- The importance of ethical considerations in AI product development\
COMMUNITY CONNECTION:
Now it’s time for our Community Connection segment! Listeners are invited to share their thoughts on today’s episode or send in any questions they have for Jason or Heneka. Reviews, feedback, and questions can be shared via email at heneka@henekawatkisporter.com or by WhatsApp at 876-849-2571.
Also, don’t forget about the upcoming LeadHerShip Cruise, where leaders can network and grow aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas! This four-day event combines empowerment with transformative learning against the stunning backdrop of the Bahamas. Contact heneka@henekawatkisporter.com or WhatsApp 876-849-2571 for more details.
CONTACT JASON SHERMAN:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsherman76/
Website: http://jasonsherman.org/
TRENDING NOW:
The global AI market is projected to reach $401 billion by 2028, yet 90% of startups fail within their first two years due to poor planning and lack of resources. Founders who bootstrap successfully retain 3x more equity than those who rely on venture capital funding. Jason’s insights into ethical AI innovation and lean startup strategies couldn’t be more timely.
If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Visit henekawatkisporter.com to download a free eBook on how to conduct podcast interviews like a pro!
AFFIRM WITH ME:
I am an innovative entrepreneur who turns challenges into opportunities.
