Immigration Law for Tech Startups

Join Sophie for a captivating conversation with Michael Graham, a leader whose experiences span military service, entrepreneurship, and law, as he shares the insights from his latest book, "United Traits of America." As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we reflect on the resilience required both in nation-building and business. Michael offers thought-provoking perspectives on the endurance of American achievements, providing practical tools for resilience and impactful leadership, all wrapped in his engaging storytelling style.

Michael Graham is known as a voice of clarity and courage, helping high-performing leaders and organizations grow success into an exceptional and lasting significance. Over a distinguished career spanning military service, entrepreneurship, and private legal practice, he has led in combat zones, boardrooms, and courtrooms. A champion of American exceptionalism, he is a decorated combat veteran, U.S. Army Reserve Colonel, law firm partner, speaker, and author. He brings hard-earned lessons in service and leadership to every stage he steps onto. Michael inspires audiences with powerful insights on resilience, purpose, and leading with impact, sharing practical tools to help others level up in their own lives and careers. (He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina, Troy State University, Campbell University School of Law, and the U.S. Army War College.)

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Michael Graham discusses insights from his book "United Traits of America" and its focus on resilience and leadership.

• Exploration of America's 250th anniversary as a parallel to the endurance needed in both nation-building and business.

• Challenges of imposter syndrome and the courage to pursue personal dreams despite societal pressures.

• Importance of self-reliance and teamwork, illustrated with military examples, for collective success.

• The role of vision and initiative in entrepreneurship and personal growth.

• The transformative power of radical responsibility in shaping a better future for America.

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Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-graham-4a437a57/ 

50 United Traits of America (book) - http://tinyurl.com/ymdnx8rn 

Liberty250 - https://www.myliberty250.com/ 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

World-renowned global thinker Jamais Cascio returns to our podcast with groundbreaking insights on the chaotic state of global affairs. Bucking the traditional VUCA framework, Jamais introduces the BANI framework—brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible—to better reflect the unpredictable challenges of our current world. This discussion gains urgency as we explore how events like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic fit into this new paradigm, emphasizing the need for innovative ways to understand and navigate our tumultuous times.

Together with Angela F. Williams, Jamais co-authored "Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesn't Make Sense," offering listeners strategies to cultivate resilience in this chaotic world. Introducing the concept of Positive BANI—bendability, attentiveness, neuroflexibility, and interconnectedness—they underscore the power of empathy, improvisation, and inclusivity as essential tools for individuals and organizations. These elements, while not a magic bullet, are pivotal in coping with ongoing chaos and achieving a balance between personal well-being and systemic change.

One of Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers, Jamais Cascio explores our environment, technology, and culture to build plausible future scenarios. As a Distinguished Fellow at Institute for the Future, he created the BANI framework for understanding global chaos, now in use worldwide. He works, writes, and speaks around the world on issues facing the global future.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Introduction of the BANI framework by Jamais Cascio as an evolution from the VUCA framework, addressing the chaotic nature of modern global affairs.

• Exploration of "Positive BANI" with a focus on bendability, attentiveness, neuroflexibility, and interconnectedness as tools for resilience.

• Discussion on the implications of artificial intelligence and the sustainability of the current attention-driven economic model.

• Examination of the future of work and the role of AI in reshaping identity and purpose in a world with reduced need for human labor.

• Emphasis on empathy, improvisation, and inclusivity as vital for navigating the chaos and achieving balance.

• Vision for a future where technology reduces survival burdens, enabling pursuit of fulfilling activities, while addressing current urgent challenges like climate change.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin -  www.linkedin.com/in/jamaiscascio

Website - www.openthefuture.com (archive of past work)

Original BANI: https://medium.com/@cascio/facing-the-age-of-chaos-b00687b1f51d

Most recent BANI: https://medium.com/@cascio/bani-2025-an-overview-575d92026fe1

Navigating the Age of Chaos: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800209/navigating-the-age-of-chaos-by-jamais-cascio-bob-johansen-and-angela-f-williams/

Navigating the Age of Chaos on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Age-Chaos-Sense-Making-Doesnt/dp/B0DVBG9FYR/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Discover how the proposed changes to the H-1B visa program could unlock a new era for the U.S. workforce. Join Sophie as she unveils the 2025 Department of Homeland Security proposal that might shift the current random lottery system to a more strategic, wage-based selection approach. This episode promises a deep dive into how prioritizing higher wages and advanced education could reshape the employment landscape for specialized foreign workers, offering a potential solution to the current system's inefficiencies. We'll explore the broader implications of these changes on international students, startups, and the academic sector, ensuring you're fully equipped to navigate this evolution in U.S. immigration policy.

Sophie breaks down the intricacies of the H-1B modernization rule and its potential to redefine specialty occupations and expand opportunities for cap-exempt employers. Larger firms might find new advantages, while smaller businesses and recent graduates could encounter hurdles, making this discussion crucial for all stakeholders. As we gear up for the March 2026 H-1B lottery, we discuss the federal rulemaking process and the importance of preparing now by evaluating wage offerings and alternative visa options. This episode serves as your essential guide to understanding and adapting to the proposed changes in the H-1B visa program, with valuable insights for both employers and employees aiming to thrive in this shifting landscape.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Proposed changes to the H-1B visa program could shift from a random lottery to a wage-based selection process.

• 2025 DHS proposal aims to prioritize higher wages and advanced education, potentially reshaping the U.S. workforce.

• Implications for various stakeholders, including startups, larger firms, international students, and the academic sector.

• Discussion on H-1B modernization rule expanding cap-exempt employer access and redefining specialty occupations.

• Potential challenges for smaller businesses and recent graduates in securing H-1B slots.

• Exploration of alternative visa options and the importance of preparing for the March 2026 H-1B lottery.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data/wage-search 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Unlock the secrets to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs and transforming setbacks into success with Arjita Sethi's inspiring journey. Arjita, a serial entrepreneur and educator, shares how closing her AI startup paved the way for founding the New Founders School. This thriving educational hub supports immigrant entrepreneurs by turning lessons from failure into stepping stones for success. In our conversation, Arjita emphasizes the power of mentorship and community in nurturing early-stage founders, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness that define her approach.

Arjita is a serial entrepreneur and educator who launched her first startup at 16 and now champions equity in education and entrepreneurship, impacting 50,000 people across 40 countries and advising the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center. 

A TEDX speaker, angel investor, and recipient of the U.S. Alien of Extraordinary Ability visa, she teaches at Hult International Business School and San Francisco State University, with her work featured in Forbes, Business Insider, The Better India, and The Economic Times. Through New Founder School, Arjita guides early-stage founders on launch strategy, user-driven marketing, business models, and fundraising readiness.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Arjita Sethi's journey from closing her AI startup to founding New Founders School, a hub for immigrant entrepreneurs.

• Importance of mentorship, community, and learning from failure in building a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Insights into using AI and technology to reshape the post-pandemic startup landscape.

• Balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, emphasizing "life success" over traditional work-life balance.

• Updates on immigration opportunities for founders, including the cap-exempt concurrent H-1B visa.

• The significance of flexibility, collaboration, and strategic planning in thriving as an entrepreneur.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/arjitasethi

Website - https://newfounderschool.com/

https://www.findshaanti.com/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Venture capital visionary Winter Mead joins Sophie to unravel the complex yet rewarding landscape of venture capital and private equity. Discover the powerful insights from industry-specific literature like "Beyond the J Curve" and how these works reshape our comprehension of financial systems. Sophie’s conversation with Winter reveals his unique path from a multifamily office to founding Coolwater Capital, and his mission to empower emerging managers in the VC space with a robust three-pronged approach.

Winter Mead is the Founder and Managing Member of the investment firm Coolwater Capital, which exclusively focuses on emerging managers and technology investments.

Coolwater is an academy for training, building, and scaling emerging managers, a curated community of VC investors and early-stage investment specialists, and an investment firm. Coolwater has helped launch over 250 emerging managers in the last four years, establishing strong ties and trust with these managers, who form the foundation of the Coolwater community.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Winter Mead's journey from a multifamily office to founding Coolwater Capital

• Empowering emerging VC managers with a three-pronged approach: accelerator, back office, and capital support

• Transitioning from angel investor to fund manager; differences in responsibilities and challenges

• The role of AI in venture ecosystems and its impact on early-stage investing

• Importance of personal connections in venture capital despite technological advancements

• Coolwater Academy's resources for fund managers focusing on fundraising and launching funds

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wintermead/

Website - https://www.wintermead.com/

Coolwater website 

https://howtosetupaventurecapitalfund.com/ 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Join Sophie as she sits down with Joe Foster, the co-founder of Reebok, who takes us through the riveting transformation of a family legacy into a global powerhouse in the sports industry. Joe shares candid stories of how he and his brother Jeff bravely stepped away from tradition, defying their family's resistance to change. Their early days, influenced by national service and an unwavering belief in their vision, set the stage for Reebok's meteoric rise. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into the strategic division of responsibilities, with Jeff focusing on production and Joe steering other facets, a strategic partnership that became the backbone of their success.

Joe Foster is the grandson of Joseph William Foster, the young athlete credited with inventing the spike running shoe in 1895. Joe and his late brother Jeff, left the family business in 1958 to set up their own company, which would become Reebok in 1960. 

Under Joe’s stewardship, the company grew from $9 million to $900 million dollars in the late 80’s and overtook Nike and Adidas to become the number one global sports brand.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Joe Foster's journey from a family business to co-founding Reebok and transforming it into a global sports brand

• The strategic division of responsibilities between Joe and his brother Jeff, laying the foundation for Reebok's success

• Overcoming financial challenges and navigating global expansion, including a pivotal winding-up order and entering the American market

• The impact of grassroots marketing and innovative thinking on building Reebok's brand recognition and market presence

• The rise of aerobics in the 1980s and Reebok's pioneering introduction of a women's aerobics shoe, revolutionizing the sports footwear market

• Reflections on the Foster brothers' legacy and the rich family history in shoemaking, dating back to their great-grandfather

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Website - https://www.jwfosterheritage.com/

Other Guest URLs - https://onegoldennugget.com/share-your-nugget-special/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Sandra De MonchiPaw, an executive business partner and mindfulness educator with a unique flair for blending leadership coaching with a dog-friendly approach, shares her transformative journey in our latest episode. Sandra recounts her personal experiences from an anxious executive assistant to a mindful leader, inspired by her late dog, Monchi, whose behavior reflected her energy. This realization pushed her towards a profound understanding of how managing energy, not just time, is crucial for leaders who aim to create a positive work environment. Her stories offer a refreshing perspective on leadership and mindfulness, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth and professional transformation.

Sandra De MonchiPaw is an Executive Business Partner and mindfulness educator who believes your calendar is like a dog—it repeats what you reward. With 10+ years supporting C-level leaders, she helps people see the habits behind the chaos and redirect their calendars with intention and calm.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Sandra De MonchiPaw's journey from anxious assistant to mindful leader, inspired by her dog Monchi.

• The significance of managing energy over time for effective leadership.

• Transformative power of shifting negative thought patterns to create positive vibes in life and work.

• Insights on executive calendar management and energy alignment for increased efficiency.

• Techniques for effective communication and delegation in startups, drawing parallels to dog training.

• Energy management and mindfulness practices for maintaining optimal executive performance.

• Building the MonchiPaw brand, combining mindfulness and dog coaching for personal and professional growth.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-de-monchipaw/

Website - https://www.monchipaw.com/calibration

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Philipp Wehn, the co-founder and CEO of Nexxa.ai, shares how he transformed his fascination with technology into a successful entrepreneurial journey from a small German village to Silicon Valley. Inspired by a book about Silicon Valley, Philipp paved his way into the tech industry despite not having a technical background. His story is a testament to the power of self-awareness and determination in overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and leveraging strengths in creativity, strategy, and sales to succeed in the startup world.

Philipp is the Co-Founder & CEO of Nexxa.ai, the AI startup defining Agent Augmented Engineering in Heavy Industries. He is a German immigrant and follows his dream of becoming a serial entrepreneur in the USA. He belongs to Germany's Top40under40 and is part of the upcoming Andreessen Horowitz Speedrun Batch.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Philipp Wehn's journey from a small German village to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley.

• Overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and leveraging strengths in creativity, strategy, and sales.

• Creation of Nexxa.ai, focusing on AI solutions for productivity in heavy industries, inspired by experiences in the rail industry and Siemens.

• The power of networking in Silicon Valley, emphasizing the importance of giving more than receiving.

• Strategies for securing early customers and investors, highlighting resilience and adaptability in the competitive funding climate.

• Insights into maintaining an athlete's mindset, focusing on discipline and consistent effort to achieve success.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippwehn/ 

Website - Nexxa.ai 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwckKi2lJuc 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCOgkBg75fw 

https://www.amazon.com/Finite-Infinite-Games-James-Carse/dp/1476731713 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Caroline Winnett, the Executive Director of Berkeley Skydeck, joins Sophie to share her extraordinary story of transforming UC Berkeley's startup accelerator into a global powerhouse. Caroline's unique journey from professional violinist to innovative entrepreneur sets the stage for an insightful exploration of Berkeley Skydeck's explosive growth, from its humble beginnings with just 50 applicants to attracting over 3,000 hopeful startups. We discuss the groundbreaking $90 million Berkeley Skydeck Fund, a revolutionary initiative that returns half of its profits to the university, merging the worlds of academia and venture capital in a way that had never been done before.

Caroline Winnett is Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, UC Berkeley’s flagship startup accelerator. She led the creation of the $90M Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, a groundbreaking model that shares half of the fund's profits with the university.

A serial entrepreneur, she co-founded NeuroFocus, the leader in neuromarketing, acquired by Nielsen. Caroline is a frequent speaker on innovation, entrepreneurship, and consumer neuroscience, and has been recognized with the Forbes 50 Over 50 and Bay Area Power 100 awards. She holds an MBA from Berkeley Haas and a Violin Performance degree from Indiana University.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Caroline Winnett's unique journey from professional violinist to leading UC Berkeley's startup accelerator, Berkeley Skydeck.

• The innovative $90 million Berkeley Skydeck Fund, which shares half its profits with the university, merging academia and venture capital.

• Explosive growth of Berkeley Skydeck, expanding from 50 to over 3,000 startup applicants, including international founders.

• Challenges and successes in launching the Skydeck Fund, with key partnerships from leaders like Chancellor Rich Lyons and firms like Sequoia Capital.

• Importance of relentless, creative, and coachable mindsets for startup success, along with the impact of immigration policies on entrepreneurship.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-winnett-5574933/

winnett@berkeley.edu 

https://skydeck.berkeley.edu/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook