Real Talk

When I work with clients, I look for the Purple Cow. The thing that makes their product, service, or team truly stand out. Not different just to be clever. Different because it matters.

This page is my way of showing what a resume can’t.
A little context.
A few real stories.
And the lens I bring when helping others, maybe even helping you.

It’s not traditional. That’s the point.

Inspired by Seth Godin’s Purple Cow

I Couldn’t Have Planned This If I Tried

Some of these stories are about business. Some are about life. All of them are real.
I didn’t plan the path that got me here, but I’ve tried to make every chapter count.

Best. Day. Ever.

Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel - 2004 Tour De France

Talk about a bucket list moment. AMD was a sponsor of the U.S. Postal team, and I got to ride in the team car during one of the most controversial stages in Tour de France history. I snapped this photo of Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel live on TV, during a moment that made headlines around the world. My Blackberry (remember those?) blew up the second it aired.

Amir Mashkoori and Vinod Khosla on Valentine's Day - 2007

Happy Valentine’s Day.

A rose to Vinod Khosla, with the world’s first printed transistor tied to the ribbon. It wasn’t just a gift. It was a promise. A symbol of belief, ambition, and love for the work, the team, and the future we were building.

Mastered.

ISDI Board at Palo Alto ISDI Talk

Co-founding a master’s program for digital transformation with Steve Cadigan was a milestone. But the real story is what this photo represents: a network of exceptional people, a platform for change, and a moment in time when we saw what digital could become.

People First.

Jerry Sanders, with text: 'People first, products and profits will follow.'

Jerry Sanders wasn’t just the legendary founder of AMD, he was the first great leader I worked with. He taught me how to fight with heart, lead with loyalty, and beat giants.

@ the Root.

Handwritten letter with an illustration of a winking character. The letter is addressed to Mr. Mashkoori and expresses gratitude for an inspiring presentation. It mentions learning useful information and includes the words "Thanks for coming." The drawing has stars near the character's hair and a note indicating "me."

In tech, we solve problems not with band-aids but at the root. That’s how I believe we should approach education too. No handouts. No hype. Hand-ups, hands-on, early and often.

Almost.

A handwritten note with a vintage In-N-Out Burger image/gift card, addressed to Amir from John B. with an amount of $5 mentioned.

A $5 gift card. A joke from a friend. And a moment that reminded me that no matter how big your dreams, you still have to be ready to serve. The little things still matter most.

Let’s go!

Amir and Partner winning Muddy Buddy

A year of training, a 4:58 mile, and a mud-soaked race. Sometimes the best lessons come when no one’s watching. Just you, grit, and the goal.

Coming soon.

More behind-the-scenes stories dropping soon. Stay tuned for the moments, lessons, and people that shaped how I lead.

Cover page celebrating California State University's 50th anniversary, with text "Working for California, Influencing the World".
Amir's Cycling race bib with number 1565 from the "Tour of the California Alps, Death Ride" event, dated July 12, 2003, featuring Clif Bar logos and FIVE colored stamps on top to designated all stages completed.
Amir with Governor Arnold Schwartznegger
"Hello humankindness" in orange text
Amir winning Corporate Sports Battle Executive Putting Championship on National ESPN telecast.
Cover of 'My American Journey' by Colin Powell and Joseph E. Persico alongside a signed page with a message to Amir and an 'I Voted' sticker.
Trident Microsystems offsite conference.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos protesting with fists raised at the 1968 Olympics.
Two men in a live video interview; the left screen shows a man in a suit with an orange background, and the right screen shows a man in a white shirt with a blue sky backdrop. Text below reads "Visionary Machines secures $7.5M in funding," with logos for "ausbiz" and "startupdaily."
Amir, his wife and friends white water rafting Stage 4+ rapids.
White "MX" Mashkoori Ventures logo on a black background

Business and life come down to the little things.
Moments that spark connections, build relationships, and create real impact.

Over the years, I’ve built an incredible network of people who do just that. If any of this resonates, let's talk about making an impact together.