Growing Pains Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:35:47 -0400 http://www.outforce.ai en-us © 2026 Growing Pains yes 4b83c5cc-c8a8-5b03-bb6b-c2a37c0892f5 sean@outforce.ai Sean Languedoc episodic false Welcome to “Growing Pains,” the podcast that cuts through the tech hype and gets real about what it takes to “grow up” with Venture and PE backing.  Candid conversations, practical solutions, and a lot of “tell it like it is”.

This Podcast prepares you for the changes from new, professional investors. The good the bad and the very ugly. 

Guests include CEOs, GTM experts, Operators, and Investors who talk about rapid scaling, changing leadership, ripping apart the tech that got you there, while not missing a beat to keep customers happy, disciplined reporting and forecasting with stories and anecdotes that make it real.

We’ll chat with experts who’ve crossed the scaling chasm and experts in PE and VC who about what they’ve seen post-investment and what they look for based on that experience.

So, if you’re ready for some honest, no-nonsense insights and maybe a chuckle or two, join us! 

This is “Growing Pains” by Outforce, subscribe today, and let’s get started.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Sean Languedoc sean@outforce.ai https://storage.buzzsprout.com/nor962jhg3l9wcd7snc4gxoynkju?.jpg Growing Pains http://www.outforce.ai DAVID HORNIK, Lobby Capital and his 5x Billion dollar picks DAVID HORNIK, Lobby Capital and his 5x Billion dollar picks Meet David Hornik, the Silicon Valley legend who turned 5 companies into billion-dollar powerhouses—including Splunk's $28B exit to Cisco

What You'll Learn: • From Courtroom to Cap Table: How a lawyer pivoted into one of tech's most successful investors (and why his legal training became his secret weapon) • The People-First Formula: Why Hornik backs entrepreneurs, not just business plans—and how this philosophy created billions in value • AI Revolution Insights: What the investor who spotted enterprise software gold early thinks about the current AI boom • Work-Life Integration: How a top-tier VC actually manages to be present for his family (spoiler: it's not what you think) • Raising Creative Kids: The unconventional parenting strategies of someone who spots innovation for a living • Diversity = Dollars: Why inclusion isn't just nice to have—it's a competitive advantage that drives returns

The Bottom Line: David doesn't just invest in companies; he invests in people solving problems that matter. After 25+ years in the game, his track record speaks for itself: Splunk ($28B to Cisco), GitLab ($15B peak), Bill.com ($5B), and counting.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build game-changing companies in Silicon Valley.

Warning: Contains zero startup clichés and 100% authentic insights from someone who's actually done it.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Beginnings with Yahoo

01:52 Missing Uber

03:48 Other Bets, Splunk, Bill.com, Faros.ai

09:28 How David assesses the Entrepreneur and the Biz

10:50 How AI changes the pitch

12:59 Data + AI = Moat

19:14 Lobby Conference

21:26 DEI today

22:25 From 2000-2025 what's old is new again

25:08 Humans and Ai

27:56 David and the Arts

31:04 Life Lessons on Balance and attention to life


For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Meet David Hornik, the Silicon Valley legend who turned 5 companies into billion-dollar powerhouses—including Splunk's $28B exit to Cisco

What You'll Learn: • From Courtroom to Cap Table: How a lawyer pivoted into one of tech's most successful investors (and why his legal training became his secret weapon) • The People-First Formula: Why Hornik backs entrepreneurs, not just business plans—and how this philosophy created billions in value • AI Revolution Insights: What the investor who spotted enterprise software gold early thinks about the current AI boom • Work-Life Integration: How a top-tier VC actually manages to be present for his family (spoiler: it's not what you think) • Raising Creative Kids: The unconventional parenting strategies of someone who spots innovation for a living • Diversity = Dollars: Why inclusion isn't just nice to have—it's a competitive advantage that drives returns

The Bottom Line: David doesn't just invest in companies; he invests in people solving problems that matter. After 25+ years in the game, his track record speaks for itself: Splunk ($28B to Cisco), GitLab ($15B peak), Bill.com ($5B), and counting.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build game-changing companies in Silicon Valley.

Warning: Contains zero startup clichés and 100% authentic insights from someone who's actually done it.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Beginnings with Yahoo

01:52 Missing Uber

03:48 Other Bets, Splunk, Bill.com, Faros.ai

09:28 How David assesses the Entrepreneur and the Biz

10:50 How AI changes the pitch

12:59 Data + AI = Moat

19:14 Lobby Conference

21:26 DEI today

22:25 From 2000-2025 what's old is new again

25:08 Humans and Ai

27:56 David and the Arts

31:04 Life Lessons on Balance and attention to life


For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-17352838 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0600 2167 full false Chris Hood: AI Hype vs Reality Chris Hood: AI Hype vs Reality Summary

Would you want a human brain surgeon or the latest AI robotic surgeon to perform surgery? 

In this episode of Growing Pains, Chris Hood former director of innovation at Google, author of Inf-AI-lable , talks about AI's implications for businesses, particularly in customer-centric approaches. Chris presents a contrarian view that while AI has made significant strides, it is not near where the hype claims it to be. Chris argues that what has really changed is distribution to consumers - but not the science. 

He talks about the ethical considerations surrounding its use in critical fields like law and medicine and the importance of self-knowledge in navigating its future implications. 



Takeaways

AI has been around for over 60 years, but its accessibility has changed recently.
The hype around AI (promoted by investors and AI companies) often overshadows its actual capabilities.

Starting with technology (often thin wrappers) rather than customer needs and deep domain knowledge can lead to failure.

Companies should provide options for customer interactions, balancing AI and human support.

Understanding the limitations of AI is crucial for businesses.  Context sharing in AI interactions is crucial.

Rapid AI advancements outpace regulatory measures.

Bias in AI tools can affect decision-making. Diverse AI perspectives can enhance creativity.

Self-knowledge is vital in understanding AI's impact.

For more information visit 

Chrishood.com 

Outforce.ai 



For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Summary

Would you want a human brain surgeon or the latest AI robotic surgeon to perform surgery? 

In this episode of Growing Pains, Chris Hood former director of innovation at Google, author of Inf-AI-lable , talks about AI's implications for businesses, particularly in customer-centric approaches. Chris presents a contrarian view that while AI has made significant strides, it is not near where the hype claims it to be. Chris argues that what has really changed is distribution to consumers - but not the science. 

He talks about the ethical considerations surrounding its use in critical fields like law and medicine and the importance of self-knowledge in navigating its future implications. 



Takeaways

AI has been around for over 60 years, but its accessibility has changed recently.
The hype around AI (promoted by investors and AI companies) often overshadows its actual capabilities.

Starting with technology (often thin wrappers) rather than customer needs and deep domain knowledge can lead to failure.

Companies should provide options for customer interactions, balancing AI and human support.

Understanding the limitations of AI is crucial for businesses.  Context sharing in AI interactions is crucial.

Rapid AI advancements outpace regulatory measures.

Bias in AI tools can affect decision-making. Diverse AI perspectives can enhance creativity.

Self-knowledge is vital in understanding AI's impact.

For more information visit 

Chrishood.com 

Outforce.ai 



For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-17312654 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0600 2889 full false David Rowley Diversis Capital; The first 100 days and (Tech Team) Due Diligence David Rowley Diversis Capital; The first 100 days and (Tech Team) Due Diligence David Rowley, Operating Partner with Diversis Capital (Diversis.com) discusses the intricacies of private equity, focusing on growth equity and the role of technology in investment decisions. 

He emphasizes the importance of understanding a company's technical leadership and team dynamics during the due diligence process. 

David also outlines the critical first hundred days post-acquisition, highlighting the need for a transformation plan and the impact of AI on investment strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Private equity firms have unique approaches to investment.
  • Technology can be an asset or a liability in acquisitions.
  • Understanding a company's history is crucial for future growth.
  • Leadership assessment is key during due diligence.
  • The first hundred days post-acquisition are critical for success.
  • AI is becoming integral to investment strategies.
  • Diversity in teams can enhance adaptability to change.
  • Effective communication between engineering and product is essential.
  • Evaluating technical leadership helps in understanding team dynamics.
  • Investment decisions are influenced by market dynamics and company performance.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Private Equity and Technology
  • 02:54 Understanding the Due Diligence Process
  • 05:36 Market Dynamics and Acquisition Strategies
  • 08:15 Evaluating Technology and Team Dynamics
  • 10:47 The Importance of Technical Storytelling
  • 13:34 Assessing Team Capabilities and Leadership
  • 16:06 Navigating the First Hundred Days Post-Acquisition
  • 18:44 Organizational Design and Conway's Law
  • 23:53 Understanding Conway's Law and Architectural Bias
  • 24:59 The Importance of Diversity in Engineering Teams
  • 26:37 Navigating the First Hundred Days Post-Acquisition
  • 35:27 The Role of AI in Due Diligence and Investment Strategies
  • 39:44 The Future of SaaS in an AI-Driven World

Diversis.com Partners with technology companies to accelerate growth

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> David Rowley, Operating Partner with Diversis Capital (Diversis.com) discusses the intricacies of private equity, focusing on growth equity and the role of technology in investment decisions. 

He emphasizes the importance of understanding a company's technical leadership and team dynamics during the due diligence process. 

David also outlines the critical first hundred days post-acquisition, highlighting the need for a transformation plan and the impact of AI on investment strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Private equity firms have unique approaches to investment.
  • Technology can be an asset or a liability in acquisitions.
  • Understanding a company's history is crucial for future growth.
  • Leadership assessment is key during due diligence.
  • The first hundred days post-acquisition are critical for success.
  • AI is becoming integral to investment strategies.
  • Diversity in teams can enhance adaptability to change.
  • Effective communication between engineering and product is essential.
  • Evaluating technical leadership helps in understanding team dynamics.
  • Investment decisions are influenced by market dynamics and company performance.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Private Equity and Technology
  • 02:54 Understanding the Due Diligence Process
  • 05:36 Market Dynamics and Acquisition Strategies
  • 08:15 Evaluating Technology and Team Dynamics
  • 10:47 The Importance of Technical Storytelling
  • 13:34 Assessing Team Capabilities and Leadership
  • 16:06 Navigating the First Hundred Days Post-Acquisition
  • 18:44 Organizational Design and Conway's Law
  • 23:53 Understanding Conway's Law and Architectural Bias
  • 24:59 The Importance of Diversity in Engineering Teams
  • 26:37 Navigating the First Hundred Days Post-Acquisition
  • 35:27 The Role of AI in Due Diligence and Investment Strategies
  • 39:44 The Future of SaaS in an AI-Driven World

Diversis.com Partners with technology companies to accelerate growth

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-17236845 Tue, 27 May 2025 16:00:00 -0600 2595 Keywords private equity, growth equity, technology investment, due diligence, leadership assessment, AI in business, acquisition strategy, team dynamics, market evaluation, investment thesis 1 14 full false From Consolidation to Acquisition with Tom Altman From Consolidation to Acquisition with Tom Altman This week on Growing Pains..... Altus CXO Chief Technology Officer, Tom Altman! Tune in as we talk about transitioning from consolidation to acquisition, mapping your business process to prepare for AI, and strategies for rolling-up your business. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week on Growing Pains..... Altus CXO Chief Technology Officer, Tom Altman! Tune in as we talk about transitioning from consolidation to acquisition, mapping your business process to prepare for AI, and strategies for rolling-up your business. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-16752532 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0700 2015 1 13 full false Venture Capital vs Private Equity: Navigating The Differences with Nick Jain Venture Capital vs Private Equity: Navigating The Differences with Nick Jain IdeaScale CEO, Nick Jain provides a unique perspective on key differences between funding from Venture Capital Firms and Private Equity Firms, as well as maintaining profitability when businesses are decreasing their spending on innovation and technology. 

Bonus Tip: The philosophy behind: “Businesses are explained by numbers, but not run by numbers” 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> IdeaScale CEO, Nick Jain provides a unique perspective on key differences between funding from Venture Capital Firms and Private Equity Firms, as well as maintaining profitability when businesses are decreasing their spending on innovation and technology. 

Bonus Tip: The philosophy behind: “Businesses are explained by numbers, but not run by numbers” 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-16539678 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0700 2046 1 12 full false Being Vulnerable To Become Unstuck Being Vulnerable To Become Unstuck This week on Growing Pains...Alicia Farricielli! Tune in as we learn how to feel good about your business and make smart decisions by staying in the present. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week on Growing Pains...Alicia Farricielli! Tune in as we learn how to feel good about your business and make smart decisions by staying in the present. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-15750113 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0600 2971 11 full false Increasing Revenue By Decreasing Costs Increasing Revenue By Decreasing Costs This week on Growing Pains... Matthew Mamet, Chief Product Officier of EnergySage. We are digging into the perfect scenario for a founder, the threat of OpenAI to Google marketplaces, and increasing your revenue by decreasing costs.

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week on Growing Pains... Matthew Mamet, Chief Product Officier of EnergySage. We are digging into the perfect scenario for a founder, the threat of OpenAI to Google marketplaces, and increasing your revenue by decreasing costs.

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-15474951 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600 3632 1 10 full false Everything You Need to Know About MSPs. How to Win Them and How to Win Their SME Clients. Everything You Need to Know About MSPs. How to Win Them and How to Win Their SME Clients. This week on Growing Pains... Dave Sobel from The Business of Tech! Let's look into the nuances of the critical first customer,  long-term lifetime value, and gaining awareness with your target community. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week on Growing Pains... Dave Sobel from The Business of Tech! Let's look into the nuances of the critical first customer,  long-term lifetime value, and gaining awareness with your target community. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-15112234 Tue, 21 May 2024 19:00:00 -0600 3588 full false $100 Million Dollar Lessons with John St. Pierre. $100 Million Dollar Lessons with John St. Pierre. This week on Growing Pains we are chatting with John St. Pierre, a fellow Canadian, successful entrepreneur, and the author of the $100M Journey. John shares his insights on the tough lessons in early business stages, the ups and downs of VC funding, and leveraging your failures. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week on Growing Pains we are chatting with John St. Pierre, a fellow Canadian, successful entrepreneur, and the author of the $100M Journey. John shares his insights on the tough lessons in early business stages, the ups and downs of VC funding, and leveraging your failures. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-15034512 Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2386 1 8 full false The Challenges of Selling to Non-Technical Companies - As a Tech Company. The Challenges of Selling to Non-Technical Companies - As a Tech Company. This week we welcome Ryan Matonis, President & CTO of LeadForce360 to the Growing Pains podcast. This week we are getting into CRMs, outbound activities, and the challenges of selling to non-technical companies - as a tech company. Tune in to learn how these insights can ease your growing pains! 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week we welcome Ryan Matonis, President & CTO of LeadForce360 to the Growing Pains podcast. This week we are getting into CRMs, outbound activities, and the challenges of selling to non-technical companies - as a tech company. Tune in to learn how these insights can ease your growing pains! 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-15034023 Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1986 1 7 full false The Evolution of MVPs and Technical Leaders. The Evolution of MVPs and Technical Leaders. Erik Birkfeld from Scaletech Consulting talks with us about the importance of understanding the "Why" in engineering, the vitality of a cultural fit for an engineering department and the evolution of MVP's and technical leaders. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Erik Birkfeld from Scaletech Consulting talks with us about the importance of understanding the "Why" in engineering, the vitality of a cultural fit for an engineering department and the evolution of MVP's and technical leaders. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-14935218 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600 3498 1 6 full false Practical Transparency and Open-Door Policies. Practical Transparency and Open-Door Policies. This week we sit down with Brittany Greenfield, the Founder and CEO of Wabbi and we are getting into open-door policies, practical transparency, and how building software and building a house aren't so different. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week we sit down with Brittany Greenfield, the Founder and CEO of Wabbi and we are getting into open-door policies, practical transparency, and how building software and building a house aren't so different. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-14547707 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0700 2108 1 5 full true Keeping Your Business Secure: Tips for Cybersecurity. Keeping Your Business Secure: Tips for Cybersecurity. This week we chat with Terry Ziemniak, and we are digging into the world of cybersecurity. Tune in for tips, trends, and the latest on keeping your business secure! 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week we chat with Terry Ziemniak, and we are digging into the world of cybersecurity. Tune in for tips, trends, and the latest on keeping your business secure! 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-14518220 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0700 2606 1 4 full false Cultivating Your Network to Find Success Cultivating Your Network to Find Success This week we chat with Denzil Eden - the founder and CEO of Smarty! We get into all things AI, coding, and cultivating your network to find success. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> This week we chat with Denzil Eden - the founder and CEO of Smarty! We get into all things AI, coding, and cultivating your network to find success. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-14504280 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1835 1 3 full false The Engineer's Perspective on Outsourcing The Engineer's Perspective on Outsourcing The episode of the Growing Pains Podcast features Yoli Chisholm, chief marketing officer at Outforce, and Steven Bandola, our lead product engineer. This week we focus on the challenges of building engineering teams and companies. Steven shares his 20-year journey in software development, starting from creating websites as a teenager to becoming an expert in various technologies, ultimately leading to his current role at Outforce, and how the practice of outsourcing has evolved alongside his journey.

The conversation also delves into Steven's insights about the changing perception, benefits, and challenges of IT outsourcing. He emphasizes the importance of quality, maintainability, and best practices in outsourcing, noting how the industry has become more viable and attractive in recent years.

Take a listen for a comprehensive view of Steven's journey in software development, the evolution of web development and outsourcing, and emerging trends in the industry, particularly the role of AI.

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> The episode of the Growing Pains Podcast features Yoli Chisholm, chief marketing officer at Outforce, and Steven Bandola, our lead product engineer. This week we focus on the challenges of building engineering teams and companies. Steven shares his 20-year journey in software development, starting from creating websites as a teenager to becoming an expert in various technologies, ultimately leading to his current role at Outforce, and how the practice of outsourcing has evolved alongside his journey.

The conversation also delves into Steven's insights about the changing perception, benefits, and challenges of IT outsourcing. He emphasizes the importance of quality, maintainability, and best practices in outsourcing, noting how the industry has become more viable and attractive in recent years.

Take a listen for a comprehensive view of Steven's journey in software development, the evolution of web development and outsourcing, and emerging trends in the industry, particularly the role of AI.

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-14340422 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0700 2100 1 2 full false Sustaining Technical Growth and Innovation with Outsourcing. Sustaining Technical Growth and Innovation with Outsourcing. Hear from PennyAI's VP of Engineering, Jane Creed as she talks about her journey with Outforce and the success that came from IT outsourcing done right. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Hear from PennyAI's VP of Engineering, Jane Creed as she talks about her journey with Outforce and the success that came from IT outsourcing done right. 

For more insights from Sean, visit OUTFORCE.AI

]]> Sean Languedoc Buzzsprout-14028734 Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0700 3030 1 1 full false