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Discover how these entrepreneurs achieved success in both business and life, hosted by Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA.
Each week, Alan Olsen invites accomplished individuals to share the secrets behind their success stories. Tune in and be inspired by real-world insights, life lessons, and practical tips you can use to pursue your own American Dream.
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Key's to Life's Success
The American Dreams show was the brainchild of Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA. It was originally created to fill a specific need; often inexperienced entrepreneurs lacked basic information about raising capital and how to successfully start a business. Alan sincerely wanted to respond to the many requests from aspiring entrepreneurs asking for the information and introductions they needed. But he had to find a way to help in which his venture capital clients and friends would not mind. The American Dreams show became the solution, first as a radio show and now with YouTube videos as well. Always respectful of interview guests’ time, he’s able to give access to information and inspiration previously inaccessible to first‑time entrepreneurs who need it most. They can listen to venture capitalists and successful business people explain first‑hand how they got to where they are, how to start a company, overcome challenges, envision future opportunities, balance work and life, and so much more.
Topics from guests have included:
- Creating purpose in life
- Building a foundation for their life
- Solving problems
- Finding fulfillment through philanthropy and service
- Becoming self‑reliant
- Enhancing effective leadership
- Balancing family and work
American Dreams discusses many topics from some of the world's most successful individuals about their secrets to life's success.
Recent American Dreams Episodes
Insynctive | Gary Goldstein
Transcript, Insynctive | Gary Goldstein Alan Welcome back. I’m visiting here today with Gary Goldstein. And Gary is the founder of instinctive. Gary, welcome to today’s show, Gary Hey thanks Alan! I appreciate you having me here today. Alan So Gary, for the listeners, can you give me your background and how you got to…
How I Got Into Philanthropy | Jay Brasher
About Jay Brasher Back in the 1970’s Jay and his wife made the decision to be be involved the Indian Placement Program by taking an 8 year old Navajo girl into their home during the school year so she could attend school where the Brasher’s lived- it was a big deal at the time…
The Fundamental Purpose of Technology | Peter Adams
About Peter Adams Peter Adams is Founder & CEO of Lighthouse, having launched the firm 33 years ago while working as a deployment specialist in the health care information systems arena. In a moment of epiphany, he realized that the primary goals of his complex projects were not to make some new IT technology…
Anthony Thompson – United Business Bank
About Anthony Thompson Anthony is a Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at United Business Bank. Prior to his career in Banking Anthony was Vice President, Director of Marketing at Proudfoot Consulting/Phillip Crosby Associates. Anthony also worked as special assistant to US Senator David D. Karnes, and the first woman elected to the US Senate,…
ModuleQ | David Brunner
About David Brunner In 2011 David Brunner founded ModuleQ, a SAS based company to prevent knowledge workers from being overloaded with information. Before founding ModuleQ, David received a PhD from Harvard University in Information, Technology & Management, a joint program integrating business and computer science. Upon Graduating from Harvard, he worked with the CIO…
Social Investing | Richard Swart
About Richard Swart Richard Swart is the Chief Strategy Officer of NextGen Crowdfunding. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, he also serves as a member of the University of Cambridge’s Alternative Financing Industry Board. Richard is also a founding board member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) and the Crowdfunding…
Why Structure Is the Enemy of Innovation | Richard Dasher
About Richard Dasher Richard Dasher has been Director of the US-Asia Technology Management Center since 1994 and served concurrently as Executive Director of the Center for Integrated Systems since 1998. He holds Consulting Professor appointments in Electrical Engineering (technology management), Asian Languages (Japanese business), and at the GSB (with the Stanford Program on Regions…
Inspiring a Sustainable Future Through Storytelling | Rita Whitney
About Rita Whitney Rita joined the Board in June 2010 and serves on the Mission Fulfillment Committee. She is CEO of Ravivant LLC, a Board member of United States Fencing Association (Central California Division) and Executive Director of the Stanford Fencing Association. Having grown up in New York City, Rita observed many situations where…
What Venture Capitalists Want | Wally Hawley
About Wally Hawley Wally Hawley is a co-founder of InterWest Partners (1979), one of the larger venture capital partnerships in the United States, formed to make equity investments in diversified U.S. growth companies. His prior experience includes seven years as President of SHV North America Holding Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of a Netherlands…
Venture Capital’s Role in Nuclear Science | Ray Rothrock
About Ray Rothrock As a venture capitalist for more than two decades, Ray has assisted entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams and produced outstanding financial returns for his limited partners. He has personally discovered, created and guided more than 50 companies in the Venrock portfolio through their early stages of formation and emerging growth. Beginning…
Doing the Tough Things First | Ray Zinn
About Ray Zinn Ray Zinn is a co-founder of the Company Micrel and has been its President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of its Board of Directors since the Company’s inception in 1978. As our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zinn gives the Board of Directors insight and in-depth knowledge of the semiconductor industry and…
Todays China | Nicholas Hope
About Nicholas Hope Nicholas Hope is the Director of the Stanford Center for International Development (SCID). He also directs SCID’s China research program. His current research is private enterprise development in China and progress of reforms in China, especially in the financial sector. His interests are in East Asian economies, especially China and Indonesia,…
Why Are True Leaders Rare? | Jonathan Coslet
About Jonathan Coslet Jonathan Coslet has been with TPG Capital since it started in 1993. Currently he is the firm’s Chief Investment Officer and serves on TPG’s Executive Committee. Jonathan graduated Valedictorian from the Wharton School of Business where he received his Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and Finance. He received his MBA from…
Silicon Valley’s Bubble- What Happens When It Bursts? | Montgomery Kersten
About Montgomery (Monty) Kersten Montgomery Kersten serves development-stage companies as an independent board member, investor and advisor. Mr. Kersten was the co-founder & CEO of VitalSigns Software (later acquired), and serves as the independent board member of Silicon Valley private companies. He has worked for 35 years as an executive in sales, marketing, business…
Scott McNealy- What Projects I’m Currently Working On
About Scott McNealy- Silicon Valley Icon Scott McNealy co-founded Sun Microsystems, Inc.in 1982, serving as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman for over 22 years. During his tenure, McNealy transformed Sun from a Silicon Valley start-up to a leading provider of network computing. In October 2011, McNealy announced his next venture, Wayin. Wayin offers…
Philanthropy is Love | Pamela Hawley
Transcript, Philanthropy is Love | Pamela Hawley: Pamela Hawley: Philanthropy. I think the way people look at it today isn’t really correct. They look at it as giving of money. But really what it is is people, it’s the love of people. It’s all about people. It’s about the love of humanity. So what I…
Real Audio Video | Johnathan Law
About Johnathan Law Johnathan Law received his formal education in culinary arts. While recovering from a car accident he found he built himself a home theater system- when his family and friends wanted one as well, he decided that it was more fun than working in food services. Johnathan is the cofounder of Real…
How to Change the Culture of an Organization | Prasad Kaipa
About Prasad Kaipa Prasad has been an advisor and coach focusing on innovation and leadership since 1990 for about 120 C-level executives in Global Fortune 500 companies. Prasad’s unique competence is in helping his clients find their next significant step and take it. He found that unless he helps clients to examine their signature…
Legacy of Service | Cliff Dochterman
About Cliff Dochterman Cliff Dochterman served as the World President of Rotary International from 1992-1993. His professional career was spent in the field of higher education administration. As a youth, being motivated by his brother, Cliff became part of the Boy Scouts of America where he obtained the rank of Eagle scout. He has…
Where does Happiness Come From? | Richard Del Monte
About Richard Del Monte Richard is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Wealth Consultant, and nationally recognized expert on Families and Wealth. Richard has been featured on FOX Business News, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Private Opportunities Club, Private Wealth Magazine, Trust & Estates, and Family Wealth Report. A sought after speaker, he…
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“My Path” chronicles Alan Olsen’s personal journey and the transformative insights he’s gained from his acclaimed American Dreams show. Discover inspiring stories, practical advice, and the core values that empower entrepreneurs to achieve their American Dream.
Written by Alan Olsen
Co-Written by Andrew Olsen