Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Michael Weinstein — fractional CFO, economic strategist, and finance veteran — who brings his hard-won insights and wit to an time of financial uncertainty in the current economic climate. From early days at Anheuser-Busch (yes, there was free beer) to senior roles in asset management, Michael has seen more business cycles than most of us have had iPhones.
We dig into the structural fractures in today’s economy, why uncertainty is stalling investment, and how tariffs are creating ripple effects across industries. Michael breaks down why venture capital exits are clogged, the “overvalued” truth behind many private companies, and how interest rates are shaping (and stalling) our next wave of innovation. Plus, we explore how entrepreneurship might be the escape hatch — if we’re bold enough to build what’s next.
Chapters
0:00
Introduction to Michael Weinstein and His Career
2:47
Current Economic Landscape and Uncertainty
5:47
Impact of Tariffs on the Economy
8:55
Venture Capital and Market Dynamics
12:04
The Role of Interest Rates in Economic Growth
14:55
Foreign Investment and Market Reactions
18:06
Corporate Profitability and Tax Implications
21:03
Historical Context of Economic Cycles
24:03:00
Employment Trends and Economic Shifts
34:40:00
The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses
40:07:00
Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Recovery
44:42:00
The Role of Innovation in Economic Growth
52:34:00
Navigating Corporate Politics and Skills Development
59:37:00
Travel Tales and Life Lessons
What is THE SKY LOUNGE?
Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.
ABOUT OUR HOST:
Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.
He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.
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Production/Design: James Liebman
Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise
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