Episode Summary:

In this episode of Start. Scale. Exit. Ivan Galvez sits down with Scott Wharton, five-time entrepreneur and current CEO of Tandem PV, to explore a career built at the edge of technology, leadership, and purpose. From betting early on internet voice and video, to scaling Logitech’s video collaboration business from $62 million to more than $1 billion, Scott has consistently shown how to grow companies in both startup and enterprise settings.

Now, he’s tackling one of the most urgent challenges of our time: climate change. At Tandem PV, Scott is leading the development of perovskite solar panels, a breakthrough that could make renewable energy more efficient and affordable. Along the way, he shares why adaptability, curiosity, and aligning work with mission are the real drivers of lasting success.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why early-stage founders must be generalists, and why ignoring sales & marketing is a common mistake
• The shift from hustle to focus: how leadership must evolve as companies scale
• Why hiring for talent and adaptability often beats chasing experience
• How to recognize when it’s time to exit and reinvent
• Why corporate “safety” is an illusion in an AI-driven world
• How Scott applies ikigai — the Japanese framework for purpose — to guide his career choices
• Lifelong habits that fuel resilience: daily exercise, reading, and relentless curiosity
• Why true job security comes from adaptability and constant reinvention

“Success isn’t about titles or exits it’s about aligning what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs. That’s where the real energy and impact come from.”

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Tandem PV – Scott’s company developing next-generation solar panel technology
• Logitech – Where Scott scaled the video collaboration business to over $1 billion
• Ikigai – Japanese concept of aligning purpose with passion, skill, and need

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scottwharton
• Website: tandempv.com

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-scale-exit-by-sintesys/id1821116362
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67vlE6A7nyoz7imV97qhqK
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ffad99ff-f3b7-4ac5-85e8-b85cde4a1c8d/start-scale-exit-by-sintesys

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