In the bustling world of software development and entrepreneurship, where stories of innovation and success inspire many, "Bright Founders Talk" at Temy stands out as a beacon of insight and inspiration. Hosted by Barry, this podcast by Temy, an international software development company, delves deep into the journeys of entrepreneurs and experts in the industry.
In a recent episode, Barry had the pleasure of interviewing Prescott Nasser, the co-founder and board member of SourceScrub. With a background rich in technology and a journey marked by versatility, Prescott brings to the table a wealth of experience in both startup environments and large organizations. His narrative is not just about the evolution of a software engineer into an entrepreneurial figure, but also about the myriad roles he has embraced in his career.
From delving into FinTech to steering operations and dabbling in sales and marketing, Prescott's story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of being a founder. In this interview, he offers a glimpse into the complexities and rewards of entrepreneurial life, providing valuable insights for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the dynamic world of startups.
Prescott Nasser: The Jack-of-All-Trades Behind SourceScrub's Success
Prescott Nasser's journey is like a mosaic, composed of different tiles that make up an impressive picture. His narrative isn't just about technology or entrepreneurship; it's about wearing different hats with the same ease as changing outfits. From his days as a software engineer to his stints at SourceScrub, transitioning back to the dynamic world of startups, Prescott's story is a masterclass in adaptability. “I’m really good at product and technology; I do that in my sleep,” he says with a humility that belies his vast expertise. But it's not just about his technical prowess; it's his passion for process optimization and data that truly sets him apart. His approach? Look at the sales process, dissect it, optimize it - all driven by data.
Our conversation took an interesting turn when Prescott shared the inception story of SourceScrub. It’s a tale of serendipity, meeting his co-founder on public transportation, leading to the birth of a new venture. This wasn't a typical 'tech guy gets a great idea' story; it was about recognizing an opportunity and building something tangible out of it. He admits, “I’ve got some finely tuned skepticism for any idea,” showcasing his pragmatic approach. However, his co-founder’s conviction and their shared past in tech and finance bridged the gap between skepticism and belief, leading to the creation of SourceScrub.
What truly resonates about Prescott's story is his emphasis on the human element in business. Working with friends? He’s all for it. Finding balance in co-founder relationships? He navigates it intuitively. He’s not just a technologist; he's a people person, understanding the nuanced dynamics of teamwork and leadership. “For me, working with friends has never been a problem,” Prescott reflects, revealing his knack for blending personal relationships with professional aspirations. His story isn't just about business growth; it’s about personal growth, about finding that sweet spot where passion, skills, and people come together to create something remarkable.
I’m really good at product and technology; I do that in my sleep
Prescott NasserCo-Founder and Board Member at SourceScrub
From Tech Titan to Tahoe Tranquility: Prescott Nasser's Journey of Balancing Work and Leisure
Prescott Nasser's recent transition from a whirlwind of entrepreneurial activity to a more serene pace of life is a story of transformation and adaptation. Last November marked a turning point for him; after ensuring a successful merger and finding a suitable successor for SourceScrub, Prescott stepped back, transitioning from the hustle of multiple jobs to a quieter existence. "I went from multiple jobs to nothing, basically," he remarks candidly. This change brought about a new lifestyle for Prescott, one where consulting and advising replaced the day-to-day operational frenzy. Despite this shift, his workaholic nature persists, filling his days with reading and occasional skiing in the beautiful backdrop of Tahoe. But these hobbies, as he admits, are "pretty low key" compared to his previous daily grind.
I went from multiple jobs to nothing, basically
Prescott NasserCo-Founder and Board Member at SourceScrub
Delving into his personal life, Prescott opens up about his lack of strict boundaries between work and leisure. For him, there's no typical 'clocking out' at 5 pm. Instead, he enjoys reading and takes ski trips as whimsical diversions. Interestingly, TV plays a constant, albeit background, role in his life. "I consume a lot of TV with a small portion of my brain," he shares, highlighting how even his leisure activities intertwine with his work, as coding often accompanies his TV watching. This seamless blend of work and play reflects Prescott's philosophy that work, when enjoyable, doesn't necessitate a conventional form of relaxation.
In his conversation about offshore and onshore team management, Prescott's approach is refreshingly inclusive and egalitarian. He treats every team member equally, regardless of their geographical location or contractual status. "An engineer is an engineer to me, whether they're a contract offshore or a W-2 onshore employee," he states, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with all team members. His experience with teams in Ukraine and the Philippines has taught him the value of flexibility and empathy in management. The key takeaway from Prescott's narrative is his belief in the power of personal connections and empathy in managing diverse teams. He underscores the transformative effect of in-person interactions, advocating for the importance of understanding and connecting with team members beyond just work-related tasks.
Prescott Nasser: The Inquisitive Mind and Open Spirit in the World of FinTech
In a candid conversation, Prescott Nasser shares insights into his leadership style and the qualities he values in team members at SourceScrub. He emphasizes the importance of inquisitiveness and openness to new ideas, traits he believes are crucial for thriving in the fast-paced FinTech world. "Nobody knows everything, I’ve probably forgotten more than I know," he admits with a touch of humor, underlining the constant evolution required in technology. His approach to team dynamics is refreshingly open-minded. Prescott loves a good argument, not for the sake of conflict, but as a means to refine ideas and solutions. "I love to argue, just argue," he confesses, highlighting his belief in robust debate as a pathway to innovation and understanding.
Nobody knows everything, I’ve probably forgotten more than I know
Prescott NasserCo-Founder and Board Member at SourceScrub
Describing himself in three words, Prescott chooses 'practical,' 'approachable,' and 'fast learner.' He reminisces about his 'standing coffee hour' sessions, where employees from all levels would engage in lively, unfiltered discussions. This practice not only made him more accessible but also fostered a sense of community within the company. His approachability, coupled with a fast-learning attitude, has enabled him to stay at the forefront of industry changes while remaining grounded and connected to his team. Prescott's modesty shines through when he talks about titles and hierarchies. "I’m just a normal dude," he says, downplaying the awe that often accompanies leadership positions. His down-to-earth nature and disdain for title-driven dynamics reflect a leadership style rooted in equality and open communication.
The biggest challenge for Prescott, however, lies in managing 'people problems.' Unlike technical or sales challenges, people issues are often illogical and rooted in differing worldviews, making them harder to resolve. He acknowledges the complexity of human interactions, especially in a diverse work environment. "A lot of people problems aren't logical," he points out, indicating that understanding and managing diverse perspectives is an ongoing learning process for him. Through his journey, Prescott has learned to navigate these complexities with empathy and openness, recognizing that while technical problems may be solvable, the human element always brings an unpredictable, yet enriching, dimension to the workplace.
Prescott Nasser: Charting a Unique Course in Entrepreneurship and Beyond
Prescott Nasser's entrepreneurial journey defies the conventional path often associated with founders. He likens his experience to a ball of yarn, messy and unpredictable, a stark contrast to the straight road to success many expect. "It's just constantly adapting to new problems and dealing with failing in a lot of different ways," he reflects. This candid acknowledgment of the chaotic nature of entrepreneurship reveals a deeper truth about business: success is often non-linear and fraught with challenges. For Prescott, it wasn't about a single monumental hurdle but rather a series of trials and tribulations that tested his resolve and adaptability.
It's just constantly adapting to new problems and dealing with failing in a lot of different ways
Prescott NasserCo-Founder and Board Member at SourceScrub
When discussing creativity, Prescott doesn't see himself as traditionally artistic but rather as a problem solver. This trait shines through in his vision for a company movie poster – a vivid image of holding chaos in his hands, a metaphor for managing the complexities of his company. However, he quickly shifts focus to his team, comparing them to superheroes, highlighting their significant role in the company's journey. "It's really about the people," he says, emphasizing his belief in teamwork and collective growth. His approach to leadership is not about individual glory but fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute.
For those bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, Prescott offers pragmatic advice. He encourages a balanced approach, understanding one's comfort level and readiness to dive into the uncertain world of startups. "I never jumped all in; I always had multiple hats," he shares, revealing his strategy of balancing risk with stability. This approach allowed him to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations without compromising other aspects of his life. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to assess their situation realistically and take measured steps towards their goals, acknowledging that readiness and timing play crucial roles in the journey to success.
