Get to know our Endeavor Mentor Tahl Milburn, Gentleman Technologist, Thoughtful Investor, Executive Advisor and Startup Mentor, in this mentor spotlight.

Why did you decide to join the Endeavor Network?
I’ve had a good career and want to give back and I’ve always like advising others as well. Endeavor also connects me with less early companies to fill out my slate of mentees.

Tell us about your background and why you decided to become a mentor.
I spent 30 years in Silicon Valley (SF Bay Area) working for mostly large companies in leadership roles like Cisco and Visa. I was introduced to startups while I was at Visa as we did an acquisition (Cybersource). So, I got the bug. At a management transition at Visa,
I took the opportunity to retire and decided to do my own startup. That was 2015. I exited in 2019 and moved to Florida.

What are the most important qualities and characteristics that mentors should have?
They should love working with other people, love advising, and love a lot of variety. No two situations are ever the same.

Any general advice for entrepreneurs?
Be focused on the problem space and on the customer, not on the solution space and your company. In terms of the latter, if you are the CEO you have to care but always remember why you are in business.

What are you reading?
I’m a techie. So this week I’m reading “What is ChatGPT Doing … and Why Does it Work” by Stephen Wolfram and “Reality+”” by David Chalmers. And “Florida Bucket List / Adventure Guide & Journal” (I’m still new).

These responses have been edited for grammar.