Charles Sims Archives

Charles Sims

91�� Authorities Executive Council

Charles Sims, "The Hurricane CTO," is a tech evangelist, investor and futurist with 15-plus years leading innovation at the LA Clippers and UTA. A $1.5B M&A veteran, he is now the founder of FunderAI, advancing AI, cloud, and cybersecurity strategy. He is an author and the co-host of "V.C. Grit."

Want to write for 91�� too? Apply to join 91�� Leadership network.

More From Charles Sims

Thought Leaders

I Stopped Fixing Problems and Built a Team That Solves Them Using a Three-Question Rule

Leaders often fall into the 'fixer trap,' solving problems instead of developing their teams. This piece shows how stepping back builds independent thinkers, strengthens trust and scales leadership impact.

Building a Business

As a VC, I Can Predict a Startup’s Success in Minutes — And It Comes Down to 3 Traits (Not the Deck)

In venture capital, the deck is theater. The real signal comes from the founder sitting across the table. Three traits can reveal more about a company's future than any slide ever will.

Thought Leaders

Why Pushback Matters More Than Validation and How the Best Founders Use It

Why pushback in early-stage conversations is a feature, not a flaw. Here's how I extract insight from it.

Thought Leaders

Why the Best Founders Approach Business Like an Engineer

You don't need to be an engineer to think like one — but mastering their way of solving complex problems can transform how you run your business.

Building a Business

My Hiring Playbook Was Broken — Here Are 5 Traits I Now Prioritize Above All Else

Here are the five soft skills I now prioritize above technical credentials and how to actually evaluate them when hiring.

Building a Business

Most Founders Obsess Over Their Pitch — and Overlook What Actually Gets a ‘Yes’

When investors go quiet, it's not always your idea that's to blame.

Building a Business

I Thought My Team Was Resisting Change — Turns Out It Was a Signal That Would Save My Company From Failure

What looks like pushback is often just unspoken risk — and the smartest leaders know how to listen, translate, and turn it into momentum.

Building a Business

Most Founders Think They Know AI — But They’re Using It Wrong. Here’s How to Drive Real Growth

AI won't fix your startup — curiosity, focus, and asking the right questions will.

Thought Leaders

I Had the Right Answer in a Room Full of Decision-Makers — But No One Backed Me Until I Did This

Technical skills will get you in the room — but it's your ability to translate complexity into clarity that drives real influence and impact.

Thought Leaders

You Made It to the Top — But No One Trusts You Yet. Do These 4 Things to Change That

Here's a tactical roadmap for tech leaders who want to lead with confidence and connection from day one.

91��

Charles Sims

More From Charles Sims

I Stopped Fixing Problems and Built a Team That Solves Them Using a Three-Question Rule

As a VC, I Can Predict a Startup’s Success in Minutes — And It Comes Down to 3 Traits (Not the Deck)

Why Pushback Matters More Than Validation and How the Best Founders Use It

Why the Best Founders Approach Business Like an Engineer

My Hiring Playbook Was Broken — Here Are 5 Traits I Now Prioritize Above All Else

Most Founders Obsess Over Their Pitch — and Overlook What Actually Gets a ‘Yes’

I Thought My Team Was Resisting Change — Turns Out It Was a Signal That Would Save My Company From Failure

Most Founders Think They Know AI — But They’re Using It Wrong. Here’s How to Drive Real Growth

I Had the Right Answer in a Room Full of Decision-Makers — But No One Backed Me Until I Did This

You Made It to the Top — But No One Trusts You Yet. Do These 4 Things to Change That

More Authors You Might Like

Michael Dent

Andrew Albert

Tonia Ryan