Movers and Shakers with April Wachtel

Nick Papanicolaou from Pernod Ricard on why large companies struggle with innovation, relationship building with investors, the importance of timing in growing your business, and so much more

Oct 29, 2019

Nick Papanicolaou is a former investment banker and MBA graduate turned entrepreneur, who launched his own spirits brand which eventually brought him to Pernod Ricard. He led the M&A and Strategy team for the USA and helped build the New Brand Ventures unit as Head of Business Development. He was also CFO of New Brand...

Robert Simonson from the New York Times on the role of instinct in creative work, the evolution of the celebrity bartender, and the book someone should write on hospitality

Oct 15, 2019

Robert Simonson writes about bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirits and travel for The New York Times.

His work has also appeared in Imbibe, Food & Wine, Saveur, Bon Appetit, Punch and many other publications. His books include “The Old-Fashioned” “A Proper Drink”, and “3-Ingredient Cocktails,” and his...

Charlie O'Donnell from Brooklyn Bridge Ventures on misconceptions about angel investment versus VC, reasons to avoid raising money from friends and family, and who should pitch him for investment

Oct 1, 2019

Charlie O’Donnell has been an active member of the NY startup community for over 15 years, with a reputation of being the most accessible early stage investor in New York. His fund, Brooklyn Bridge Ventures has made over 60 investments since it was founded, often leading or co-leading investments in a wide variety of...