What we’re about
Here's the one explicit reason why it pays to join Influence Others:
You Gain by Understanding Your Brain
And this is a great time to jump aboard because:
More has been discovered about the human brain in the last ten years than in ALL of human history.
But those advances also present founding teams with an unavoidable stark choice:
[Learn, Adapt, Profit] OR [Fall Fatally Behind]
SUMMARY
It turns out many neuroscience findings are not only fascinating, but readily applicable to the two distinct skill sets crucial for every startup team’s success in the commercial marketplace:
· Mechanics of communicating with confidence, conviction and credibility
· Traction – the triumvirate of attracting, acquiring and retaining customers
The Influence Others meetup filters those recent discoveries, presenting the ones pertinent to the sales and marketing challenges startups typically face.
By attending you'll gain from better understanding how the brain’s decision making actually machinery works.
Specifically, you’ll learn to take advantage of what science teaches is the optimal approach to communicating persuasively and you'll pick up several immediately useful science-based tips on earning market traction.
DETAILS
Imagine if you could offer your product to customers or to pitch your company to investors so they, on their own accord and before you spoke your first word, were influenced to buy into your vision because of techniques you used; and equally important, because of those you avoided.
That astounding claim is true because the anatomically modern human brain is hard-wired by millions of years of evolution to scan for certain signals it much prefers over others. Such built-in biases are among the recent discoveries about how we influence each other.
Indeed, with multiple disciplines focusing simultaneously on the human brain, more has been discovered about that singular organ in the last decade than in ALL previous history.
As a result, we’re in a propitious position of witnessing the birth of a radically counter-intuitive model of how neural processes motivate our behavior, both as individuals and in groups.
Taking insights from such well-regarded books as Thinking, Fast and Slow (Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman), Influence: Science and Practice (Robert B. Cialdini), and Start with Why (Simon Sinek), the sessions apply those findings to typical communication challenges entrepreneurs face such as:
· Explaining the startup’s business model so it interests investors and attracts team members
· Designing marketing material and a home page that encourages engagement
By joining Influence Others you’ll learn that influencing others is no longer the art it was for centuries, but instead persuasion is emerging as a science, making it a skill you can readily acquire.
Even more, the fastest way to come up to speed on is to volunteer in the meetup and help prepare the next session. If that's interesting to you, then contact Nathan Schor 305.632.1368 nathan@rcsm.io .
Instructor – After graduating Boston College (Summa Cum Laude in Philosophy and Psychology) Nathan Schor began his IT career as a database programmer. Preferring conversation over code, he evolved into sales, accumulating over three decades of experience, including deploying CRM applications in hundreds of businesses across a wide range of sizes and sectors.
About ten years ago he stated noticing more and more discoveries in neural science having a direct bearing on influencing people. Tracking those breakthroughs, he found several of them useful in improving his own technique. He created the Influence Others meetup to chronicle those findings and share his insights.
Encouraged by the positive reviews the sessions earned, Nathan founded the Resource Center for Scientific Marketing to expose a wider audience the discoveries coming out of neural science labs applicable to the sales and marketing challenges startup teams face.
Upcoming events
14
Founder Real Talk featuring Dr. Willy Das - Founder Mental Health
Plug and Play Sunnyvale, 440 N. Wolfe Rd., Sunnyvale, CA, USThis event is being promoted by many groups.
This event is organized by Sway.
Our meetup group is collaborating by promoting this event.
In order to attend, please register here:
Founder Real Talk feat. Dr. Willy Das - Founder Mental Health · Luma
Our meetup members get 20 PERCENT OFF!
Use promo code:
IPODISCOUNT
Hurry!
Slots are limited!
##
## 📣 Why this event matters
Founders don’t get a manual for what it feels like to run a startup. Pressure, isolation, burnout, and constant decision-making aren’t just “part of the job” — they quietly erode judgment, creativity, and team health.
This special edition of Founder Real Talk centers the hard but essential conversation about mental health for founders: how to recognize burnout early, how to build personal and organizational resilience, what practical supports actually work, and how the broader ecosystem (co-founders, executives, investors, and boards) can responsibly show up.
This conversation is for anyone who leads, hires, advises, or funds founders and wants concrete, evidence-based strategies to protect wellbeing while scaling responsibly.
***
## 🔎 What we’ll dig into
We’ll keep it practical and short on fluff — expect tangible takeaways:
- Real signals of founder burnout and decision fatigue (what to look for, and when to act)
- Practical coping strategies founders can use immediately (schedules, boundaries, and clinical resources)
- Building a culture that normalizes care — how to support founders and teams without stigma
- Systems-level practices (investor check-ins, board governance, and mental-health friendly KPIs)
- When and how to get clinical help — therapy, coaching, and peer networks that actually move the needle
- Tools and frameworks for measuring and improving founder wellbeing over time
This is a “no-BS” conversation with actionable next steps, peer stories, and practical frameworks — plus time to connect with others who care about this problem.
***
## 👥 Format
- Short, moderated conversation featuring Dr. Willy Das followed by an intimate audience Q&A and networking.
- Expect 60–75 minutes of programming + dedicated time afterward for connection.
- The room will be intentionally small to keep the conversation candid and useful.
***
## 🎤 Featured speaker
Dr. Willy Das, Ph.D. — Senior Research Scientist & Curriculum Innovation Manager, Lehigh@NasdaqCenter / Lehigh University. Dr. Das researches and mentors at the intersection of entrepreneurship, wellbeing, and leadership — translating academic insights into practical support for founders and innovation communities.
***
## 💡 Who should attend
- Founders and co-founders navigating growth and personal wellbeing
- Early execs and people leaders responsible for culture & retention
- Investors, advisors, and board members who want to support sustainable leadership
- Founders curious about evidence-backed approaches to resilience, stress management, and long-term performance
1 attendee
Venture Capital Panel + Funded Female Founders~SPONSORED BY INSPERITY
5 Palo Alto Square, Palo Alto, CA, USThis event is organized in collaboration with many groups.
This is an in-person event.
There is a cover charge for this event.
A "YES" RSVP on our meetup site does not confirm your reservation.
In order to attend, please register and pay here:
Venture Capital Panel + Funded Female Founders Tickets, Thu, Oct 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
Take advantage of early responder pricing!
Hurry! Slots are limited!
Venue:
Snell and Wilmer
5 Palo Alto Square
(Ground Floor Event Center)
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306A panel of distinguished venture capitalists and female founders will discuss funding in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem.
Please come with your questions and comments.
(This is not a pitch event. Startups will not be pitching to the panel.)
Dinner will be provided.Agenda
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Check In, Food, Networking, Demo Tables
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Program
8:30 pm to 9:00 pm Networking
After PartyPanelists:
(More panelists TBA.)Lochan Alagh, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, VC Nest
Karen Sheffield, Founder & Managing Partner, Pachamama Ventures
Yvonne Lutsch, Investment Director, Lam Capital
Winnie Qiu, Co-Founder, Avinasi Labs
Aimee Gotway Bailey, Founder and CEO, Rock Rabbit
Matineh Eybpoosh, Co-Founder and CEO, PowerlineModerator:
Roger Rappoport, Partner, Snell and WilmerIf you would like a startup demo table or sponsor marketing table, send an email message to:
pitchanddemo@gmail.com
Put this in the subject header:
Th 10/30/25 Tabler
Organizational Sponsors:
Insperity
“At Insperity, it’s not just HR outsourcing — it’s HR that makes a difference.™ Our comprehensive and scalable HR solutions combine personalized service with innovative technology to support business growth. We streamline processes related to payroll, benefits, talent management, and HR compliance, helping you reduce administrative burden, improve productivity, and manage risk. That way, you can stay focused on what matters most: growing your business. That’s what it means to have a true HR partner!"
Chordify, Inc
Helping Startups Grow
Need software development help for your startup?
Chordify provides Idea to MVP and fractional CTO services to ensure timely launches.
To learn how Chordify helps start-ups grow through offshore development and staff augmentation services, contact Ken Morris at:
LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/kenmorris
Live events account for 10% of global carbon emissions.
Envire is a platform that automates sustainability tracking for major venues like convention centers and arenas—helping their teams co-design Net Zero Carbon Events with artists like Coldplay and conferences like RSA.
GreenEventKit.com
Make Your Event Sustainable – Reusable Cups, Plates, Silverware & More!
Hosting an event?We can help you reduce waste with our reusable dishware service.
We provide:
- Reusable cups and water dispensers
- Plates, forks, knives, and spoons
- Cloth napkins
Our service includes delivery, setup support, and post-event pickup with full washing. No hassle for you.
Perfect for private events with up to 125 guests.
Affordable. Efficient. Zero waste made easy.(Pricing negotiable)
Try our reusable plates, cups, and silverware at upcoming Idea to IPO events—and come chat with us about zero-waste catering for your own event.
Cut back on disposables. Fight climate change. Let’s make sustainability the standard.
Visit:
https://greeneventkit.com/1 attendee
Meet New People! Saturday Night Networking (In-Person)
Panera Bread Cupertino, 20807 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA, USThis event is in Cupertino:
Panera Bread
20807 Stevens Creek Blvd. #100
Cupertino, CA 95014Look for the MEETUP sign!
This event is organized in collaboration with many groups.
Come out and meet new people!
Network, socialize and connect!
This event is free to attend.
Please register here:
Meet New People! Saturday Night Networking Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Attendees must purchase their own liquid refreshments and food.
There's no content or speaker at this event -- just business and social networking.
Build your business and social network - face to face! (in-person)
Come out and enjoy a great evening of good food, liquid refreshments, and connecting.
You may meet your next business collaborator, client, employer, employee, friend, or tennis partner!
Getting away from a screen for a few hours will do you some good!
: -)
Meet Silicon Valley movers and shakers - Internet entrepreneurs, developers, engineers, mobile app coders, attorneys, bloggers, academics, financiers, marketing professionals, community organizers and investors.
This event is organized in collaboration with other groups!
@ideatoipo
www.idea-to-ipo.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYga11avYH_CUpC0BSyDng
(videos of online events)
Look for the MEETUP sign!
Organizational Sponsor:
Startup House
Need a place to stay short term in Silicon Valley?
Stay at Startup House in Palo Alto - the heart of Silicon Valley - for as low as $50 a night!
-Network, socialize and connect with entrepreneurs all over the world!
-Enjoy social events and startup and venture capital-related programming!
- Have access to world class amenities, iconic tech companies, top tier venture capital firms, Stanford University, etc. - all within walking or biking distance!For more info, visit:
https://startuphouse.carrd.co/5 attendeesMeet New People! Saturday Night Networking (In-Person)
Panera Bread Cupertino, 20807 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA, USThis event is in Cupertino:
Panera Bread
20807 Stevens Creek Blvd. #100
Cupertino, CA 95014Look for the MEETUP sign!
This event is organized in collaboration with many groups.
Come out and meet new people!
Network, socialize and connect!
This event is free to attend.
Please register here:
Meet New People! Saturday Night Networking Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Attendees must purchase their own liquid refreshments and food.
There's no content or speaker at this event -- just business and social networking.
Build your business and social network - face to face! (in-person)
Come out and enjoy a great evening of good food, liquid refreshments, and connecting.
You may meet your next business collaborator, client, employer, employee, friend, or tennis partner!
Getting away from a screen for a few hours will do you some good!
: -)
Meet Silicon Valley movers and shakers - Internet entrepreneurs, developers, engineers, mobile app coders, attorneys, bloggers, academics, financiers, marketing professionals, community organizers and investors.
This event is organized in collaboration with other groups!
@ideatoipo
www.idea-to-ipo.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYga11avYH_CUpC0BSyDng
(videos of online events)
Look for the MEETUP sign!
Organizational Sponsor:
Startup House
Need a place to stay short term in Silicon Valley?
Stay at Startup House in Palo Alto - the heart of Silicon Valley - for as low as $50 a night!
-Network, socialize and connect with entrepreneurs all over the world!
-Enjoy social events and startup and venture capital-related programming!
- Have access to world class amenities, iconic tech companies, top tier venture capital firms, Stanford University, etc. - all within walking or biking distance!For more info, visit:
https://startuphouse.carrd.co/1 attendee
Past events
182
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Members
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