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Nov 25, 2021 · 33m · we-live-to-build

Codifying Empathy: What 1 Million Slides Taught This Founder

Rajat Mishra · 22m spoken Sean Weisbrot · 9m spoken
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In this episode of 'We Live to Build', host Sean Weisbrot interviews Rajat Mishra, founder and CEO of Prezent.ai, exploring his journey from corporate leadership at Cisco to founding an AI-driven presentation platform, his strategic approach to startup growth, and his philosophy on work-life harmony and philanthropy.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Sean holds 30.4% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Sean as informed peer 3.3 Guest teaching 2.7 Guest disagreement 0.3 Sean pushing back 0.5
05100:0010:0020:0030:002:20–8:26 · Sean as informed peer 2/10 The Genesis and Evolution of Presentium and Prezent.ai Sean prompts Rajat to share his background and the dual-company origin story of Presentium and Prezent.ai. Rajat delivers a comprehensive narrative about corporate life, bootstrapping, and seed funding while Sean chimes in briefly with his own fundraising parallels.8:27–13:29 · Sean as informed peer 4/10 Capital Strategy, Sustainable Growth, and Product-Market Fit The conversation turns to fundraising dynamics, where Sean relates his personal stress relief after raising capital and jokingly questions reckless high-burn startup strategies. Rajat outlines his disciplined P&L approach and prioritizing product-market fit over premature scaling.13:29–18:50 · Sean as informed peer 3/10 Codifying Empathy and AI-Driven Presentation Design Sean probes the defensive tech moat, PR strategy for fundraising, and AI design capabilities. Rajat explains the conceptual framework of codifying empathy across corporate slide metadata and adapting design to distinct organizational personas.18:50–23:24 · Sean as informed peer 5/10 The Hero's Journey, Embracing Failure, and Entrepreneurial Drive Both host and guest bond over the philosophy of entrepreneurship, failure, and the hero's journey. Sean displays domain knowledge by quoting Theodore Roosevelt's speech and contextualizing Joseph Campbell's influence on Star Wars.23:24–27:33 · Sean as informed peer 2/10 Achieving Work-Life Harmony and Involving Family in Business Rajat explains his concept of work-life harmony and integrating his children directly into the family business ecosystem. Sean reciprocates with fond memories of working at his father's dental practice.27:33–31:53 · Sean as informed peer 4/10 Financial Literacy, Philanthropy, and Perspectives on Giving Back Sean introduces Pencils of Promise and critiques first-world complaints, while Rajat gently reframes the issue using Daniel Kahneman to advocate for empathy regardless of scale.2:20–8:26 · Guest teaching 2/10 The Genesis and Evolution of Presentium and Prezent.ai Sean prompts Rajat to share his background and the dual-company origin story of Presentium and Prezent.ai. Rajat delivers a comprehensive narrative about corporate life, bootstrapping, and seed funding while Sean chimes in briefly with his own fundraising parallels.8:27–13:29 · Guest teaching 3/10 Capital Strategy, Sustainable Growth, and Product-Market Fit The conversation turns to fundraising dynamics, where Sean relates his personal stress relief after raising capital and jokingly questions reckless high-burn startup strategies. Rajat outlines his disciplined P&L approach and prioritizing product-market fit over premature scaling.13:29–18:50 · Guest teaching 4/10 Codifying Empathy and AI-Driven Presentation Design Sean probes the defensive tech moat, PR strategy for fundraising, and AI design capabilities. Rajat explains the conceptual framework of codifying empathy across corporate slide metadata and adapting design to distinct organizational personas.18:50–23:24 · Guest teaching 2/10 The Hero's Journey, Embracing Failure, and Entrepreneurial Drive Both host and guest bond over the philosophy of entrepreneurship, failure, and the hero's journey. Sean displays domain knowledge by quoting Theodore Roosevelt's speech and contextualizing Joseph Campbell's influence on Star Wars.23:24–27:33 · Guest teaching 2/10 Achieving Work-Life Harmony and Involving Family in Business Rajat explains his concept of work-life harmony and integrating his children directly into the family business ecosystem. Sean reciprocates with fond memories of working at his father's dental practice.27:33–31:53 · Guest teaching 3/10 Financial Literacy, Philanthropy, and Perspectives on Giving Back Sean introduces Pencils of Promise and critiques first-world complaints, while Rajat gently reframes the issue using Daniel Kahneman to advocate for empathy regardless of scale.2:20–8:26 · Guest disagreement 0/10 The Genesis and Evolution of Presentium and Prezent.ai Sean prompts Rajat to share his background and the dual-company origin story of Presentium and Prezent.ai. Rajat delivers a comprehensive narrative about corporate life, bootstrapping, and seed funding while Sean chimes in briefly with his own fundraising parallels.8:27–13:29 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Capital Strategy, Sustainable Growth, and Product-Market Fit The conversation turns to fundraising dynamics, where Sean relates his personal stress relief after raising capital and jokingly questions reckless high-burn startup strategies. Rajat outlines his disciplined P&L approach and prioritizing product-market fit over premature scaling.13:29–18:50 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Codifying Empathy and AI-Driven Presentation Design Sean probes the defensive tech moat, PR strategy for fundraising, and AI design capabilities. Rajat explains the conceptual framework of codifying empathy across corporate slide metadata and adapting design to distinct organizational personas.18:50–23:24 · Guest disagreement 0/10 The Hero's Journey, Embracing Failure, and Entrepreneurial Drive Both host and guest bond over the philosophy of entrepreneurship, failure, and the hero's journey. Sean displays domain knowledge by quoting Theodore Roosevelt's speech and contextualizing Joseph Campbell's influence on Star Wars.23:24–27:33 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Achieving Work-Life Harmony and Involving Family in Business Rajat explains his concept of work-life harmony and integrating his children directly into the family business ecosystem. Sean reciprocates with fond memories of working at his father's dental practice.27:33–31:53 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Financial Literacy, Philanthropy, and Perspectives on Giving Back Sean introduces Pencils of Promise and critiques first-world complaints, while Rajat gently reframes the issue using Daniel Kahneman to advocate for empathy regardless of scale.2:20–8:26 · Sean pushing back 0/10 The Genesis and Evolution of Presentium and Prezent.ai Sean prompts Rajat to share his background and the dual-company origin story of Presentium and Prezent.ai. Rajat delivers a comprehensive narrative about corporate life, bootstrapping, and seed funding while Sean chimes in briefly with his own fundraising parallels.8:27–13:29 · Sean pushing back 1/10 Capital Strategy, Sustainable Growth, and Product-Market Fit The conversation turns to fundraising dynamics, where Sean relates his personal stress relief after raising capital and jokingly questions reckless high-burn startup strategies. Rajat outlines his disciplined P&L approach and prioritizing product-market fit over premature scaling.13:29–18:50 · Sean pushing back 1/10 Codifying Empathy and AI-Driven Presentation Design Sean probes the defensive tech moat, PR strategy for fundraising, and AI design capabilities. Rajat explains the conceptual framework of codifying empathy across corporate slide metadata and adapting design to distinct organizational personas.18:50–23:24 · Sean pushing back 0/10 The Hero's Journey, Embracing Failure, and Entrepreneurial Drive Both host and guest bond over the philosophy of entrepreneurship, failure, and the hero's journey. Sean displays domain knowledge by quoting Theodore Roosevelt's speech and contextualizing Joseph Campbell's influence on Star Wars.23:24–27:33 · Sean pushing back 0/10 Achieving Work-Life Harmony and Involving Family in Business Rajat explains his concept of work-life harmony and integrating his children directly into the family business ecosystem. Sean reciprocates with fond memories of working at his father's dental practice.27:33–31:53 · Sean pushing back 1/10 Financial Literacy, Philanthropy, and Perspectives on Giving Back Sean introduces Pencils of Promise and critiques first-world complaints, while Rajat gently reframes the issue using Daniel Kahneman to advocate for empathy regardless of scale.

speaking balance: gold is Sean, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Sean 87.9% · guest 12.1%0:00 · Sean 87.9% · guest 12.1%3:00 · Sean 7.2% · guest 92.8%3:00 · Sean 7.2% · guest 92.8%6:00 · Sean 15.5% · guest 84.5%6:00 · Sean 15.5% · guest 84.5%9:00 · Sean 13.1% · guest 86.9%9:00 · Sean 13.1% · guest 86.9%12:00 · Sean 25.7% · guest 74.3%12:00 · Sean 25.7% · guest 74.3%15:00 · Sean 33.9% · guest 66.1%15:00 · Sean 33.9% · guest 66.1%18:00 · Sean 40.5% · guest 59.5%18:00 · Sean 40.5% · guest 59.5%21:00 · Sean 15.7% · guest 84.3%21:00 · Sean 15.7% · guest 84.3%24:00 · Sean 0% · guest 100%24:00 · Sean 0% · guest 100%27:00 · Sean 57.2% · guest 42.8%27:00 · Sean 57.2% · guest 42.8%30:00 · Sean 34.6% · guest 65.4%30:00 · Sean 34.6% · guest 65.4%33:00 · Sean 59.3% · guest 40.7%33:00 · Sean 59.3% · guest 40.7%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 31:20 Rajat reframes first-world perspective

When Sean dismisses people who complain about broken umbrellas compared to global poverty, Rajat gently pushes back by citing Daniel Kahneman and emphasizing empathy for immediate personal problems.

 Hardest push from Sean ▶ 12:43 Sean's sarcastic challenge on venture burn

Sean playfully challenges the Silicon Valley norm by asking if Rajat rejects pumping billions into R&D without knowing if a product works.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 17:06 Rajat explains audience-centric slide design

Rajat breaks down why objective slide quality doesn't exist without contextual audience empathy, educating Sean on subjective visual preferences across departments.

 Sean holds their own ▶ 19:45 Sean recites Roosevelt on hardship

Sean demonstrates deep philosophical literacy by quoting Theodore Roosevelt at length regarding the value of embracing effort, pain, and difficulty.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicSean as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementSean pushing backWhy
The Genesis and Evolution of Presentium and Prezent.ai 2200 Sean prompts Rajat to share his background and the dual-company origin story of Presentium and Prezent.ai. Rajat delivers a comprehensive narrative about corporate life, bootstrapping, and seed funding while Sean chimes in briefly with his own fundraising parallels.
Capital Strategy, Sustainable Growth, and Product-Market Fit 4311 The conversation turns to fundraising dynamics, where Sean relates his personal stress relief after raising capital and jokingly questions reckless high-burn startup strategies. Rajat outlines his disciplined P&L approach and prioritizing product-market fit over premature scaling.
Codifying Empathy and AI-Driven Presentation Design 3401 Sean probes the defensive tech moat, PR strategy for fundraising, and AI design capabilities. Rajat explains the conceptual framework of codifying empathy across corporate slide metadata and adapting design to distinct organizational personas.
The Hero's Journey, Embracing Failure, and Entrepreneurial Drive 5200 Both host and guest bond over the philosophy of entrepreneurship, failure, and the hero's journey. Sean displays domain knowledge by quoting Theodore Roosevelt's speech and contextualizing Joseph Campbell's influence on Star Wars.
Achieving Work-Life Harmony and Involving Family in Business 2200 Rajat explains his concept of work-life harmony and integrating his children directly into the family business ecosystem. Sean reciprocates with fond memories of working at his father's dental practice.
Financial Literacy, Philanthropy, and Perspectives on Giving Back 4311 Sean introduces Pencils of Promise and critiques first-world complaints, while Rajat gently reframes the issue using Daniel Kahneman to advocate for empathy regardless of scale.

Statements from this episode (9)

Assertion Not checkable as stated
Mishra: 30 billion hours are spent annually on business presentations
“Thirty billion hours are spent every year by people making business presentations.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 3:31
Insight
Mishra: Startup success fundamentally requires privileged insight
“I've always believed that success comes from privileged insight. If you don't know something more, Then someone else, you know, why would your business be successful?”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 5:10
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Mishra: Business presentation volume grew 150% during COVID-19
“Number of presentations, Sean, actually went up by 150% in COVID because more people were communicating remotely.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 6:30
Disclosure
Mishra invested $1 million of personal capital to launch Prezent.ai
“When we started off, we said we'll put the first million in to see if we can build a product that has some traction.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 6:57
Insight
Mishra: Startups must prioritize winning 100 organic, passionate customer advocates first
“So the most important thing is to get a hundred customers who you don't know who love your product and tell their friends, because behind each of those hundred people, you know, there are another thousand that you can go and mine, right?”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 11:22
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Mishra: The market for business presentation software is trillions of dollars
“Once those things are in place, you know, there's infinite scaling as possible, right? Because the market for this is trillions of dollars.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 11:44
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Prezent.ai holds metadata for over one million presentation slides
“We have the metadata for over a million slides, not the actual content, but the metadata of who presented to whom and things like that.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 14:04
Insight
Mishra: Slide quality cannot be judged without audience and context
“What we always say is the audience is the hero. You cannot take a slide and say this is a great slide or this is a bad slide without knowing who is it being presented to and what is it being presented for.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 17:07
Assertion Contradicted
Mishra left a top-30 executive position at Cisco to launch Prezent.ai
“I was fortunate to be one of the top, you know, 30 people in Cisco, which is a company of 70,000 people, leave that to pursue this.”
Rajat Mishra Nov 25, 2021 ▶ 18:25
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