GSD Venture Studios travels the world inviting resilient teams to establish partnerships that ensure organizations grow the right way. Unlike traditional investors, Derek and Gary step in as senior executives and cofounders in the studio's portfolio companies and help build it by leveraging their collective reputation, global network, and management experience to ensure exponential growth.
Question: Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Derek Distenfield: I believe the intellectual capacity is evenly spread throughout the world but opportunity is not.
Question: Where did you get the drive to continue even though things were so hard?
Derek Distenfield: I was an officer in the US Army and learned how to accomplish missions with little to no resources. I learned how to handle stressful environments and lead others to a common goal.
Question: So how are things going for you today?
Derek Distenfield: GSD Venture Studios has at least five unicorn caliber portfolio companies, and we are expanding our footprint in five key technology hubs around the world.
Question: What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Derek Distenfield: GSD Venture Studios travels to far corners of the world seeking entrepreneurs that are bold and resilient. Last week, my travels took me to Siberia where I met some incredible tech talent. Prior to meeting GSD Venture Studios, Silicon Valley was only a dream. Soon, we will partner with the super engineers to bring an amazing product to market.
Question: Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not "burn out"?
Derek Distenfield: If you love what you do, it is impossible to burn out.
Question: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful toward who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
Derek Distenfield: My dad helped me start my first "company" when I was seven years old and convinced me to take my first corporate job at 12 years working for McDonald's. Those early lessons are still with me today.
Question: How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Derek Distenfield: I am thankful that our portfolio companies are providing world-changing products each day with millions in sales and wide adoption.
Originally published on Yahoo! Finance