Review
"Deepti Pahwa has recognized that successful entrepreneurship is, fundamentally, about prospective entrepreneurs acquiring the power to turn their dreams into reality.That holds also for the women and minorities historically so vastly underrepresented in the start-up world.With inspirational stories of founders with underrepresented backgrounds, Pahwa seeks to inspire others—many others—to follow in their paths."
— Jeffrey Pfeffer, Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford's Graduate School of Business and author of 7 Rules of Power.
"Through engaging stories and experience-based best practices, Deepti Pahwa in "Trailblazer Founders," provides clear and cogent guidance and advice for all forward-thinking founders. I personally benefited from the balanced combination of the practical and tactical aspects of business building along with the psychological approach and mindsets needed."
— Matt Abrahams, Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, author ofSpeaking Up without Freaking Out, and host ofThink Fast, Talk Smart Podcast.
"Deepti Pahwa has crafted a powerful blueprint to show founders how to magnify their impact. Read this book for insights on navigating and succeeding in the complex entrepreneurial ecosystem!"
— Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
"I worked with Deepti Pahwa as she built an online accelerator for the Stanford Graduate School of Business LEAD Community to share her knowledge and expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. In this book, she's combined her deep personal experience with powerful insights from leaders across the startup playing field to deliver what every Trailblazer founder needs to know."
— Davina Drabkin, Stanford Embark (Entrepreneurship Toolkit)
I have always taught that few principles are more important for entrepreneurs to keep in mind than "people do business with people", a point that Deepti repeatedly emphasizes in this highly practical and easy to read book. In Trailblazer Founders, Deepti illustrates that in order to build great businesses you need to start with building meaningful relationships —with investors as much as with those who join your enterprise. And to build those relationships much more broadly than you might initially believe is necessary. Unfortunately, this is an aspect of success that many entrepreneurs tend to overlook and a skillset many don't realize can be learned and leveraged. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to think outside the box of how we have traditionally thought about venture and entrepreneurship.
— Carole Robin, Ph.D. Author of Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends and Colleagues (Currency, 2021), Former Director of The Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program, Stanford, Graduate School of Business, Co-founder, Leaders in Tech
"The remarkable "Trailblazer Founders" is a celebration of success that showcases the incredible determination, creativity, and persistence of successful entrepreneurs and leaders, who despite all challenges paved the way for the next generation to do better. Brimming with evidence-based strategies, this powerful guidebook reveals how to create your own captivating personal brand, acquire influence, and persuade stakeholders through strategic networking, and build a village of support around your startup idea. Make no mistake: "owning your power" is the key to success and this book will equip founders with the resources they need to blaze their own trails. An absolute must-have for any aspiring entrepreneur, this book will ignite the fire within you and set you on a course for greatness."
— Bernardo Mariano Junior, Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO), Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Information and Communications Technology, United Nations
"Trailblazer Founders by Deepti Pahwa provides Founders a roadmap to navigate the complex and confusing entrepreneurial ecosystem."
— Rahul Bhandari, Founding Partner and Advisor, Reaction (Global Sustainability Fund)
Deepti presents a collage of stories and insights from prominent VCs and successful entrepreneurs in an easy-to-read fashion. Entrepreneurs will be inspired and learn how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship to chart their paths to success.
— Radhika Iyengar and Jorden Woods, Founding Partners, StarChain Ventures
Trailblazer Founders is a collection of valuable lessons and timely stories from several diverse founders who have successfully reinvented themselves and created their own ladder in order to make a huge impact. Infused with hard-won wisdom, this brilliant book serves as a practical toolkit for aspiring and early-stage founders who could use a jolt of inspiration and an insightful roadmap to grow and scale their ventures by leveraging their influence.
— Saleema Vellani, Founder & CEO of Ripple Impact | Award-Winning Author of Innovation Starts With I
"Deepti is a phenomenal innovation coach, and her book is a must-read."
— SC Moatti, Managing Partner of Mighty Capital, a venture capital firm, and Board Chair of Products That Count, a platform that accelerate the careers of 300,000+ product managers
"Deepti has created a strong innovation community for founders within Stanford University Ecosystem to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other.This has enabled innovators to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact.The world is better because of her!"
— Dan Matthies, Founding General Partner, Reaction Global, VC Firm invested in solving the toughest global problems
"This book might hold the mindset-shift that changes your future. With honest curiosity, Deepti Pahwa explores the secrets of unlikely founders—the ones who have succeeded despite having the deck stacked against them—to find lessons for the rest of us. We idolize too many founders who started with a big check from their parents. Deepti has devoted herself to discovering how to build a company when your only natural advantage is your own drive. For years, the only people fortunate enough to learn from her have been those who got into her accelerator, or who worked with her. This book is a can't-miss opportunity to see what has worked for entrepreneurs who had to do it on their own."
— Robin Coleman, Founder, WriteLikeAnExpert.com
Having co-founded the Stanford LEAD Incubator and Startup Accelerator (LISA) with Deepti, it is an honour to work with her and to call her my friend.In Trailblazer Founders, Deepti shares her vast knowledge and experience with the world.This is a must read for all new and serial entrepreneurs.You will quickly learn why countless startups from around the world rely on Deepti's mentorship and value her opinion so highly.Like the reader, I am constantly inspired by Deepti's expertise and vision.
— Edward Mundt, LISA Co-Founder; Senior Global Treasury Consultant
"A refreshingly candid, informed, and tactical playbook for all trailblazer Founders in the making. Deepti Pahwa provides compelling truths, often beyond conventional wisdom, making clear her mission to empower an entirely new generation of visionaries."
— Phillip Mohabir, Co-Founder & CEO Vivo Surgery
"A fascinating and well-researched book that will change the way you think about innovation and entrepreneurship. This book provides a unique perspective on leadership, along with practical steps and tools to help readers on their own journey."
— Alina Adams, Founder & CEO, Artveoli, Inc., Social Entrepreneurs Mentor - Miller Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Santa Clara University
"This is the pep talk every aspiring entrepreneur needs in order to confidently charge ahead. Deepti's book is full of direct advice from VCs and entrepreneurs sharing surprisingly simple yet profoundly important ingredients for success, all delivered through an engaging storytelling style that makes this a must-read page turner."
— Theresa M. Lina, Silicon Valley business strategist and author,Be the Go-To
"Deepti is taking on a bold task in this book - to challenge the reader that their limits are imaginary, that anyone can break through the invisible wall, shake off the imposter syndrome, and deliver a vision of the future that can make the world a better place. Equal access to opportunity is not a given in the world we live in today. Through practical advice, Deepti walks us through ways to level the playing field and elevate founders into success for a more equitable world, no matter the starting point."
— Roman Arcea, Product Management at Google, accomplished product, engineering and consulting leader and mentor
There are so many books about VCs and founders, but this one takes on a truly novel perspective by letting the founders tell their own stories. Deepti's ability to emphasize and analyze their context and motivations makes this a top choice for Entrepreneurs, including anyone working with startups.
— Asger Trier Bing, Serial Entrepreneur - Impact
"Trailblazer Founders is the ultimate guide to transforming yourself from dreamer to doer. With real-life experiences, social and behavioral science strategies, Deepti Pahwa unlocks the power skills needed to break through invisible barriers and achieve greatness. Join the movement of determined and resilient entrepreneurs who refuse to let gender, race, or cultural background hold them back. Let Trailblazer Founders inspire and empower you to take action, overcome obstacles, and become the unstoppable protagonist of your own story."
— Helio Mosquim Junior, Technology Executive, Vale. Match4Action Co-Founder with CrowdDoing for systemic change
"This book of stories of trailblazer founders is a masterclass in the power of storytelling to change the world. Deepti Pahwa, herself a trailblazer, with her own inspiring story, has shone the spotlight onto the most inspiring people who have made their difference their superpower. This book tells us more about those who have turned the obstacles put in their way into even greater value through courage, determination, and unstoppable energy. They have fought through fear, doubt, and blockages to shine even brighter. The book converts these stories into clear steps for your own entrepreneurial journey. If everything is harder for you, know that this makes your story even more valuable, and even more crucial that you embrace it. This book tells you how to leverage your story so you too can make a unique impact on the world. "
— Emilie White, Founder & CEO - Paper Planes
"I want to give "Trailblazer Founders" to everyone wanting to engage, inspire and get sponsors at different levels of the organisation - not only to entrepreneurs. In the end, we all have ideas to sell in the corporate world - not only internally but also externally to get trust, commitment and move our ideas or projects forward. Deepti Pahwa has shared a goldmine ofinsights - it makes you feel galvanised and energized with every page."
— Martina Nicodemo, Business Relationship Manager, RWE Supply & Trading
"Trailblazer Founders" is an incredibly inspiring piece of literature that every aspiring entrepreneur should possess. It highlights the exceptional bravery, ingenuity, and tenacity of those who have paved the way for us, motivating us to aim for greater accomplishments. The book is a rare gem that brilliantly combines gripping anecdotes with astute counsel, making it the most exceptional and invaluable resource I have encountered in quite some time."
— Shruti Parashar, Founder - GOALisB, Member Forbes Coaches Council
"Deepti Pahwa leverages her executive coaching experience and expands her impact by presenting Trailblazer Founders, a book in which Pahwa suggests how to successfully develop your startup and get from zero-to-one from a social science point of view. The exposed strategies do normally require the deliberate exposure to uncomfortable social situations, but these are exactly needed to succeed!It explains stories collected from founders that also belong to minority groups - unfortunately heavily underrepresented in the startup world - giving any founder (or founder-to-be) the chance of perform a critical reflection and obtain the necessary power to be successful."
— Erik Molina Nilsen, Managing Director (MD) at Trifork Spain, a Nasdaq CSE listed company
"Polish Executive Presence - No one is going to invest in your Imposter Syndrome' - Deepti Pahwa's book Trailblazer Founder is a bold & honest sketch of the what and the how for your journey to a Trailblazer founder. With a collection of powerful stories, she leaves the reader with actionable insights that truly can be life-changing."
— Madhavi Rajan, Director of Business Acceleration, CSO office, Intel Corporation
"The remarkable "Trailblazer Founders" is a game changer book for successful entrepreneurs and leaders. This book distills complex concepts into clear and actionable advice. It's a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of business, and I'm confident it will become a staple on the bookshelves of entrepreneurs and business leaders everywhere. Pahwa has drawn on her own experiences and provided real-world examples, making the book not only informative, but also engaging and enjoyable to read: A valuable resource to the business community, and for inspiring the next generation of leaders to achieve their goals."
— Mohammad Irshad Saifi, CIO & CDO, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
"Comprehensive entrepreneurship advise from a Founder to other Founders... from someone who is right there working on the link between innovative ideas and impactful & successul enterprises!"
— Andres F Marquez, Staff Technical Program Manager, Camera & AI @ Rivian; Executive Commitee Member, (LISA) Stanford LEAD Incubator & Startup Accelerator
"Trailblazer Founders" is a must-read. Deepti Pahwa helps you navigate every step of your journey with her invaluable insights and experience, coupled with inspiring stories from founders and seasoned VCs worldwide, showcasing how diversity can be a source of power in realizing success. Whether you are just beginning your journey as an entrepreneur or already have years of experience in the field, this book will provide the guidance and motivation needed to take your business to the next level. «Trailblazer Founders» is an inspiring call to action that encourages entrepreneurs to be the protagonists of their own stories—highly recommended!"
— Juana Catalina Rodriguez - Founder, Board Advisor & Investor -2x Award-Winning Author of "Unsettled Disruption"
"Deepti Pahwa reveals the secrets of successful entrepreneurs that we would fail to spot in plain sight. It is not about the ideas, but the people who (re)present them: How do they behave? What do they do to inspire the confidence of investors, partners, clients? Trailblazer Founders contains precious practical advice, a guidebook for founders, startups, and all who aspire to a career or business growth. Take notes!"
— Petya Rasheva, Project Management consultant and receiver of the Stanford "Lead Impact" Award
"Deepti Pahwa nailed it. Peppered with inspiring stories and anecdotes, the Trailblazer Founders offers the Power framework for influence and stickiness that every entrepreneur should master."
— Juanita Pied, Co-Founder Circular Disruption Thinktank
"If you are not yet out of your comfort zone, Deepti gives you a path to challenge yourself. "Trailblazer Founders"will boost your self-confidence and guide you through your start-up journey."
— Valerie Andrey, Founder and CEO of VAS beyond CX
"Through Deepti's extensive knowledge and experience woven together with real-life observations and interviews, this book provides a step-by-step guide for founders to get ahead of the game. That being said, despite not being a founder myself, I was drawn in from the very beginning reading the opening paragraph. This book is a must-have source of inspiration for anyone in business!"
— Fumi Meyer Fujita, EC Experience Manager
"Trailblazer Founders is an essential read for any aspiring entrepreneur. Through her insightful stories and empowering advice, Deepti lifts up the veil of obscurity and guides readers to success with the development of valuable skills and knowledge that can help anyone from any background turn their ambitions into a reality. This book isn't just a guide to success, it's a manifesto for all dreamers to realize their potential, challenge boundaries, and take their business to the highest heights."
— Eve Vlemincx, Startup Mentor & Executive Coach
From the Back Cover
"Through engaging stories and experience-based best practices, Deepti Pahwa in "Trailblazer Founders," provides clear and cogent guidance and advice for all forward-thinking founders. I personally benefited from the balanced combination of the practical and tactical aspects of business building along with the psychological approach and mindsets needed."
— Matt Abrahams, Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, author ofSpeaking Up without Freaking Out, and host ofThink Fast, Talk Smart Podcast.
"Deepti Pahwa has crafted a powerful blueprint to show founders how to magnify their impact. Read this book for insights on navigating and succeeding in the complex entrepreneurial ecosystem!"
— Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
"I worked with Deepti Pahwa as she built an online accelerator for the Stanford Graduate School of Business LEAD Community to share her knowledge and expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. In this book, she's combined her deep personal experience with powerful insights from leaders across the startup playing field to deliver what every Trailblazer founder needs to know."
— Davina Drabkin, Stanford Embark (Entrepreneurship Toolkit)
I have always taught that few principles are more important for entrepreneurs to keep in mind than "people do business with people", a point that Deepti repeatedly emphasizes in this highly practical and easy to read book. In Trailblazer Founders, Deepti illustrates that in order to build great businesses you need to start with building meaningful relationships —with investors as much as with those who join your enterprise. And to build those relationships much more broadly than you might initially believe is necessary. Unfortunately, this is an aspect of success that many entrepreneurs tend to overlook and a skillset many don't realize can be learned and leveraged. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to think outside the box of how we have traditionally thought about venture and entrepreneurship.
