Startup Cafe: You Are the Strategy: From Self-Doubt to Entrepreneurial Power
☕️ Startup Cafe: You Are the Strategy: From Self-Doubt to Entrepreneurial Power
Turn fear into fuel—and lead your business from the most aligned version of you.
What if your self-doubt wasn’t a problem to fix, but a doorway to your next breakthrough?
In this live conversation, Serial Entrepreneur and Brinter Inc's CEO and Co-founder Tom Alapaattikoski sits down with transformational coach Meena Hissami and leadership expert Dr. Rachel Jeffres to explore the inner game of entrepreneurship. Rooted in the science of behavior and the power of intuition, they’ll unpack how to shift from control to trust, release limiting beliefs, and lead from a place of clarity, conviction, and power.
Because at the end of the day, you are the strategy. And when you shift, everything else does too.
Agenda
8:45 - 9:45 am • Coffee and Socialize
9:45 - 10:30 am • Scheduled Experience
June 4th, 2025
GUEST: MEENA HISSAMI
A transformational coach, subconscious strategist, and startup operator, Meena helps founders and executives lead with clarity, conviction, and freedom. With 20+ years spanning high-growth ventures—including Metropolis, Brinter, and Allelo—and a past career supporting C-suite leaders at BlackRock, Meena brings rare depth to both the personal and operational sides of leadership. Her work blends business rigor with deep inner rewiring to help bold visionaries clear blocks, trust their instincts, and scale companies that reflect their deepest calling.
GUEST: DR. RACHEL JEFFRES
An executive coach and leadership development expert, Rachel brings 25+ years of experience guiding senior leaders across higher ed, government, nonprofit, and private sectors. With certifications in Emotional Intelligence, CliftonStrengths®️, and LEGO®️ Serious Play®️, her coaching blends compassion, strategy, and mindset science to help clients lead with clarity and confidence. She also teaches Organizational Psychology and Leadership at Azusa Pacific University.
🔗 Website
HOST: TOM ALAPAATTIKOSKI
An American-Finnish serial entrepreneur, investor, and inventor from Venice Beach, CA. With over 17 years of experience building global growth companies with a proven track record of successful high-multiple exits. He is currently the CEO of Brinter, Inc., the world's leading 3D BioPrinted Tissue company, which graduated from prestigious TechStars and Plug and Play accelerators in 2024-2025. Tom has recently been awarded the 2024 Biotech Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.
Help us keep this event sustainable. Bring a reusable water bottle.
About The KINN
The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. Running tailored inner development and business accelerator programs for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top tier LA-based community of conscious entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. If you're interested in learning more about KINN Membership please visit http://thekinn.co/apply
About Startup Coil
Networking for innovators to connect with like-minded individuals, startups, and entrepreneurs. startupcoil.com
About Nerds of LA
Join Nerds of LA—where LA’s most innovative minds collide! We’re building the ultimate network by connecting with other powerhouse groups in the area, expanding our reach across the city. If you’re ready to link up with founders, VCs, AI visionaries, and innovators shaping the future, this is the group you’ve been looking for.
Pick your platform and join the conversation with LA’s tech community. 🤝 🦾
Highlights from previous special guests
Building Businesses from the Heart with Lavinia Errico, Co-Founder of Equinox
How to Scale Consciously with Ryan Blair
Founder Mental Health Pledge with Brad Baum
Art Show with Denise Di Novi
Operating Incubators with Reuben Vollmer
Malibu Love Affair with Brigitte Londo
Live Through Love with Ruben Rojas
Finding Stillness with Henry Mitchell
Smarter with Science! with Science Stanley and Zen Zachary
The Science of Charisma: The 7 Secrets of Public Speaking with Richard Greene
Unveiling the Human Experience with Paul Vincent
Note: By attending this event, I hereby give my permission to the Horizon House LLC, their Releases, and to the photographer, my free and unlimited consent and permission to publish/broadcast, republish/rebroadcast or exhibit in the furtherance of their work, with or without identification of me by name, any photographs, videos or audios of myself, that have been obtained from my participation in KINN or Horizon Studio activities. I furthermore waive any and all claims for any compensation by reason thereof or for damages for reasons thereof.