Powderkeg

I don't have my Twitter handle on my t-shirt anymore, but I'm still doing okay at the personal branding and seem to have successfully established myself as an "AI guy" now. I used to be a "web design guy" and everyone always asked for help with their website. Now they ask for helping doing "something" with AI in their business. The answer we always give at Pragmatico is: start with training. From there, focus on personal usage and making a habit. After that, you're ready to look for automation and transformation opportunities. To open that training up to more people, we're doing a free one-hour AI Productivity for Executives virtual workshop with Powderkeg tomorrow from 2-3pm EST. Come learn! https://lnkd.in/gZx7CXPF

The most dangerous thing for a leader? Unchallenged thinking. Look out for this: 7 warning signs you're stuck in an echo chamber: 1. You haven't changed your mind lately ? Strong leaders evolve with new information 2. You can predict your team's responses ? Transformative ideas begin as uncomfortable outliers 3. Your network lacks diversity ? Valuable insights come from different perspectives 4. You dismiss criticism ? Growth happens when you lean into resistance 5. You measure success conventionally ? Breakthrough organizations track what others ignore 6. Your assumptions feel comfortable ? Growth begins when you get beyond the comfort zone 7. Your solutions look like your competitors' ? Growth dies when everyone solves the same way Echo chambers kill businesses. Breaking free requires action: Seek diverse perspectives. Question basic assumptions. Connect with different leaders. Your next breakthrough isn't in yesterday's playbook. It's in conversations with people who see the world differently. — ?? Repost if you agree ? Follow me here for more: Matt Hunckler P.S. Who challenged your thinking recently?

I'm busy. I mean aren't we all? But this week I feel particularly busy. There's a lot going on at Decimal and next week I'm out for Spring Break. Those weeks before and after vacation are particularly hard. I have a CEO group scheduled for tomorrow. I'm not going to lie, I really thought about cancelling. I could have come up with a million "good" reasons. Then I saw the confirmation emails coming in from people going. That's when I realized that this week, in particular, I need the community. This led to me to a much bigger realization: When we get busy and don't feel like doing things, that's often when they're most important. My CEO group is one of the things that keeps me grounded. I need that. I really need it when I'm feeling busy and like I don't want to go. Thanks Matt Hunckler and Powderkeg for providing the means.

A huge thank you to Matt Hunckler and the Powderkeg community for including our Founder & CEO, Howard (Lee) Mosbacker IV, PhD, in the Breakthrough Strategy Summit: AI & Growth Playbooks for 2025! ?? It’s always exciting to engage with industry leaders who are pushing the boundaries of AI and innovation. At Cyrannus, we’re focused on reinventing the venture ecosystem, and it’s an honor to be part of the conversations shaping the future of AI-driven growth. We look forward to connecting with fellow innovators and sharing insights on how AI is transforming venture capital, startups, and beyond! ??

Excited to get back to Indy this week to #keynote?Powderkeg‘s Breakthrough Strategy Summit. I’ll be speaking on “Transforming #AI through Authentic Ingenuity.” See link in comments to join us Wed Mar 19th. Thanks Matt Hunckler?& Team PowderKeg for the invitation! #VirtuousInnovation?#Leadership?#virtu

Looking to raise capital and scale smarter? Join Powderkeg for an exclusive event where industry experts break down fundraising strategies to help you land the right investors and grow your business. ?? Thursday, March 13 ? 1PM - 2PM ET ?? Via Zoom Big thanks to Matt Hunckler and the Powderkeg team for bringing together top insights and actionable strategies for founders! #Fundraising #Startups #Entrepreneurship

The past 2 years: Startup fundraising felt impossible. But in 2025? Money is moving again. One startup founder I was talking to yesterday asked me for advice on how to close his round quickly so he could get back to 100% focus on building. I enjoy helping founders raise successful rounds, and I previously raised $1.5 million for my own startup. So here’s what I've learned about fundraising: ——— 1. Don’t pitch investors too early. ? If you don’t have traction, focus on users first ? Ask what milestones would make you investable ——— 2. Fundraising is hard. ? For every win on LinkedIn, 50 rounds fail ? Expect rejection and push through ——— 3. Rejection isn’t personal. ? A "no" doesn’t mean your startup is bad ? Some investors just don’t have the funds ? Others aren't the right fit, but can still help ——— 4. Keep investors engaged. ? Regular updates build trust and momentum ? Call them, don’t just email—conversations open doors ——— 5. It always takes longer than you think. ? Plan for delays ? Fundraising isn’t a sprint ——— 6. Be picky with investors. ? A bad investor isn’t worth the check ? Surround yourself with people who add value ——— 7. Momentum matters. ? A “yes” attracts more “yeses” ? Use early wins to build urgency ——— To all the founders out there raising: Stay patient, keep learning, and push forward. I'm organizing a live call next week with 50+ fellow founders to do a deep dive on the fundraising strategies that are actually working in 2025. I'll be joined by my good friends: - Steven Plappert at Forecastr - and Mitchell Causey at Visible They've collectively raised over $20 million and help thousands of other CEOs do the same. If you're a founder and you'd like to join, reserve your spot here: https://lnkd.in/gACAveYm

Stop chasing what sounds successful… Start chasing what actually matters to you. Clarity beats complexity.

Believe in yourself as easily as others believe in you. At 25, I won a Forty Under 40 award. Instead of feeling proud, I felt like a fraud. "Did they make a mistake?" "Was I really that good?" Looking back, I wasn’t lacking skill—I was lacking belief in myself. Here’s what I’ve learned since: ——— 1. Let compliments sink in ??Instead of brushing them off, listen ??If someone sees greatness in you, they might be right ——— 2. Be with people who remind you of your value ??It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’re alone ??The right people help you see your true capability ——— 3. Accepting praise isn’t arrogance—it’s confidence ??A simple “thank you” is more powerful than deflecting ??Own your strength ——— The way you see yourself shapes the way you lead, build, and grow. Start believing in the version of you that others already see. Who’s someone that’s reminded you of your value?

It's such a powerful leadership tool (and it's free). This feedback I received stuck with me: "You’re quick to push us to the next goal," a teammate once shared with me. "But it means a lot when you pause to acknowledge how far we’ve come." That moment changed how I lead. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good habit. It’s a force multiplier. It breeds trust. Builds resilience. And leads to stronger teams. I asked 11 CEOs and leaders from the Powderkeg community how they use gratitude to lead through challenges, and their stories are inspiring. Read their advice in the guide below. --- ?? Please spread this message ? Follow for more: Matt Hunckler P.S. How have you seen gratitude transform teams?