This podcast episode features a conversation with Ken Goldman, a CFO with extensive experience in the tech industry. Ken discusses the state of the market and the reluctance of companies to go public. He emphasizes the importance of companies having aligned boards and shares his insights on the value of a board that works well together. Ken also reflects on his time at Sybase and Siebel Systems, highlighting their success in the sales domain. The episode explores the dynamics of the public market, the private world, and the significance of board alignment. Additionally, Ken discusses the challenges faced by the venture industry, the evolving venture model, and the advantages and challenges of taking a company public. He also shares his experiences with CEO succession, the value of Alibaba to Yahoo!, and provides insights into board diversity and investment opportunities in the Middle East.