One of my favorite people in the tech biz interviews a young founder who I admire quite a bit.

I love it when Mike Abbott says this:

My favorite part of the discussion is toward the end, when Varshavskaya explains her secret about how she was able to build up a network of investors and advisors despite not knowing many people in the Bay Area.

She said something that’s been stuck in my brain, to paraphrase — that if one is truly authentic about their passions and what they’re pursuing, the right people will emerge to help because they will resonate with the message.

Having been fortunate to grow up in the Bay Area and work here, I think she’s right, and I hope it stays this way moving forward.

Watch the ten minute interview on TechCrunch TV:

http://techcrunch.com/2014/05/21/founder-stories-wanelos-deena-varshavskaya-on-the-evolution-of-being-a-ceo/

Another favorite part of this video comes two minutes in, around the discussion of saying no.

Mike and Deena agree that just saying no to everything is tough.

Tough but important and necessary when you're a startup because focus helps you do your best.