E04: Naseem Sayani on Venture, Motherhood & Leading Toward Possibility

This month, we’re joined by the incredible Naseem Sayani, who opens up about her journey from a traditional immigrant upbringing to her current role in tech and venture capital.

Naseem shares her experience with endometriosis, IVF, and fertility challenges, plus her decision to adopt. She talks about the importance of financial literacy, building connections, and advocating for more diversity in VC.

"Trust is a big one," she says, and it's a reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear—it’s about adaptability, perseverance, and building meaningful connections.

[Chapters]
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:54 Family Dynamics and Cultural Expectations
06:00 Childhood Influences and Lessons Learned
09:05 Navigating Career Choices and Education
12:06 Transitioning from Biology to Economics
14:57 Misconceptions in Entrepreneurship
18:10 The Importance of Feedback and Adaptability
20:56 Core Personal Values in Professional Life
23:51 Building Relationships and Active Listening
26:56 Personal Challenges and Fertility Journey
27:44 The Journey of Understanding Endometriosis
32:41 The Decision to Adopt
36:13 Empowering Women Through Fertility Awareness
39:21 The Intersection of Money, Power, and Purpose
46:32 Redesigning the Venture Capital Ecosystem
49:54 Shifting Perspectives on Gender and Power