How to Make Strategic Alliances and Network like a CEO

Speak In Flow

What does it take to show up fully in a room, build trust across partnerships, and be the kind of person people actually want to work with? On this episode of the Speak In Flow Podcast, Tony Zirnoon, Director of Channel and Strategic Partnerships at Actian, a true “connector” in both tech and human ecosystems. With experience bridging innovation and execution in cybersecurity, opens up about leadership, presence, and the real power of listening.

Join Tony and Melinda as they explore how being coachable and staying curious can transform your entire career.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Authentic Networking > Agenda Networking

"Build relationships before you need them."

There’s a big difference between showing up with purpose and showing up with a pitch deck. Purposeful networking is about listening, giving, and aligning.

The Role of a “Fixer” in Tech and Why It Matters

What it means to step into failing partnerships and turn them around with integrity.

Tony breaks down how he earned trust by focusing on consistency over charisma.

"People want to be heard. That’s where healing begins."

Coachability as a Superpower

How Tony's willingness to receive feedback opened unexpected doors, and why humility is key when stepping into new roles.

“Being coachable is everything. That’s how people want to work with you.”

The Power of Presence

Why being fully present in conversations matters more than having all the answers—and how Tony learned to read a room by listening more than speaking.

“If you're not present, people can feel it.”

Connect with Tony Zirnoon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zirnoon/

Website: https://hcvcorp.com/

Contact details: https://poplme.co/hash/pSAWzkTT/4/es

About the Guest:

Tony is the Founder of Human Capital Ventures Corp, where he has raised $7M+ for early-stage startups in cybersecurity, AI, and SaaS. A seasoned GTM strategist, he’s driven exits like Avid Secure (acquired by Sophos) and SecureCircle (acquired by CrowdStrike). With 25+ years in cybersecurity, he builds high-impact partnerships and scales startups from seed to Series A+.

Fun-facts:

• 🌍 Polyglot Maverick: Fluent in English, Spanish, Farsi, and conversational in Catalan, Italian, and Portonyol (his self-described "linguistic remix").
• ⛷️ Slopes & Rhythms: An avid skier and dancer, equally at home carving powder or salsa floors.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

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