Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast 40 Minute Mentor
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building High-Performing Teams in the AI Era with Charles Guillemet & Sandra Schwarzer | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:38:28 | |
In this 40 Minute Mentor episode, James is joined by two leading voices in the talent ecosystem to unpack one of the biggest make-or-break factors in startup success: building high-performing teams in the AI era. Between them, Sandra Schwarzer from Index Ventures and Charles Guillemet from Lovable have worked with some of the most ambitious Founders and fastest-scaling businesses in the world. Together, they share a candid and practical look at what hiring and team-building really looks like in 2026: How the best Founders attract exceptional talent, why speed matters more than ever, what companies get wrong when scaling, and how AI is changing the way high-performing organisations hire, operate and grow. Whether you’re a Founder, Operator, Investor or Talent Leader, this episode is packed with actionable insight on hiring, culture, performance and leadership in a fast-changing market. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ 03:50 - Lessons from Elon Musk and what exceptional Founders look for in talent ➡️ 09:30 - Building AI-native teams and why speed is now a competitive advantage ➡️ 18:15 - How to avoid expensive hiring mistakes ➡️ 31:15 - Predictions for 2026: AI, talent strategy and the future of high-performing teams
🤝A big thank you to our episode sponsors: To bring this conversation and event to life, we partnered with the team at Penfold - a modern workplace pension designed for today’s growing companies and their teams. While traditional pension providers often see engagement as low as 5-10%, resulting in a benefit that does almost nothing for your team’s financial wellbeing, Penfold is built to make pensions clear, intuitive, and genuinely useful, with over 80% employee engagement. Trusted by thousands of companies including the likes of Anthropic, Airwallex, Lendable and Capital on Tap, Penfold helps employees easily consolidate old pensions, choose funds that actually fit them, and understand how today’s decisions shape their retirement.. Companies benefit from dedicated support with fewer questions and less admin. Switching to Penfold only takes minutes, so take a look at how you can offer a pension that’s truly a benefit. | |||
| James Mitra on Season 14: Reflecting on 300+ episodes & what’s next for 40 Minute Mentor | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:04:50 | |
Season 14 of 40 Minute Mentor has been one of our most special seasons yet, and in this short wrap-up episode, James reflects on the pocket-sized mentorship moments throughout this season and over the last 14 seasons. In this season alone, we’ve had some incredible guests joining us, and we covered everything from Co-Founder dynamics, High Performance, the realities of hyper-growth, AI and the importance of diversity in leadership. If you haven’t caught up on Season 14 yet, or you’re new to the podcast, make sure you dig through the archives of over 310 episodes. In today’s episode, you’ll also find out more about what’s next for 40 Minute Mentor and how you can get even more involved and benefit from our pocket-sized mentorship in 2026…. 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Subscribe to our 40 Minute Mentor emails ✨ Subscribe to the 40 Minute Mentor YouTube channel 🎧 You may also like: Shimona Mehta on scaling Shopify Plus to $1B & transitioning into the CEO role at F11 | |||
| Thomas Plantenga on taking Vinted from near bankruptcy to a €5 billion valuation | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:48:04 | |
Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Thomas Plantenga, the CEO of Vinted - Europe’s largest secondhand marketplace and Lithuania’s first-ever unicorn. What started as a small Lithuanian startup in 2008 has evolved into a fast-growth business with millions of users, 2,000+ employees and a €5 billion valuation. In today’s conversation, Thomas shares the ins and outs of his journey with Vinted, how it became such a global success, the biggest leadership lessons he learnt along the way and what’s next for the business with the launch of Vinted Ventures. If you’re a founder or operator navigating scaleup challenges, this episode is a masterclass in turnaround strategy, culture building and leading with humility. 📚Episode Chapters: ➡️ Early years & the call that changed everything [07:30] ➡️ Realising Vinted was in trouble [16:00] ➡️ Spotting the first signs of growth [20:00] ➡️ The hardest leadership lessons [23:00] ➡️ The art of hiring at scale & psychological safety [27:00] ➡️ Launching Vinted Ventures [36:40] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-p-19651414/?originalSubdomain=lt ✨ More about Vinted: https://www.vinted.co.uk/ ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? ⭐️
And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Replay: Sir Clive Woodward - Coaching Champions from the Rugby World Cup to the Boardroom | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:46:28 | |
“People often say to me, sport is different from business, it's not. Business is about delivering results through people.” In our first episode of our 40 Minute Mentor Replay series, we’re re-visiting our episode with the brilliant Sir Clive Woodward, World Cup winning England Rugby coach and former Director of Sport for the London 2012 Olympics. After spending his childhood with big dreams of becoming a professional footballer, it was playing rugby at his local club as a kid that started Sir Clive down the path to becoming the first England Coach to lift the Rugby World Cup in 2003. In today’s episode, you’ll discover: ➡️ Sir Clive’s first ever job at Xerox [02:20] ➡️ The power of failures and setbacks [04:13] ➡️ The realities of being the first full time professional Rugby coach [05:34] ➡️ Delivering results through people, in business and in sport [07:03] ➡️ The moment that trumped England's World Cup win, at a pub in New Zealand [11:23] ➡️ Great teams are made of great individuals - the magic formula [14:29] ➡️ Managing a range of personalities when building team culture [16:51] ➡️ Ensuring people in your team feel safe to speak their mind [20:23] ➡️ CTUP - the framework needed for winning and handling pressure [22:29] ➡️ How Clive uses 3D learning to build high performing teams [26:29] ➡️ The simple but powerful habits to build a healthy lifestyle [29:32] ➡️ Staying hungry for learning and following what you love [33:15] ➡️ A leadership lesson: The best ideas come from the team [36:34] ➡️ The importance of creative abrasion [38:13] ➡️ Bringing successful people into a team, shining a light on mentorship [40:03] ➡️ Sir Clive’s legacy: Making it to the top, and being inclusive [43:16]
➡️ Connect with Sir Clive: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirclivewoodward/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| An end of series message from JBM Founder and 40 Minute Mentor Host, James Mitra | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:02:16 | |
That's a wrap on Series 10! And what a 12 weeks it has been. We have been joined by some incredible Founders and leaders, who have been refreshingly vulnerable, sharing the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journeys, with lots of wisdom and mentorship shared along the way. From building the Uber of volunteering, to changing the world with ethical AI, we have covered SO much in our tenth series and hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have. Thank you so much for all your support along the way - today your host, James Mitra, reflects on this latest series and what we have coming up next... Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| From selling scrunchies at school to exiting multiple Startups, with Debbie Wosskow OBE, Co-Founder of AllBright & The Better Menopause | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:48:46 | |
“Every business that I’ve founded has been on the brink of disaster, and one of the big lessons is that the business you started is never the business you end up with.” All the way to today and her latest ventures - WJV LLP, a boutique investment and strategic innovation firm, championing diversity, wellness and economic empowerment, and The Better Menopause, empowering women’s performance at midlife through science-backed products.
➡️ Growing up in an entrepreneurial family [04:20] ➡️ Early beginnings selling scrunchies [06:30] ➡️ The power of being a “simple” entrepreneur and controlling margins [07:07] ➡️ Bringing business & entrepreneurship into schools [08:33] ➡️ A brief stint in management consulting & building her first business at 25 [11:36] ➡️ How a Christmas film inspired the start of Love Home Swap [13:37] ➡️ Serendipity and combining purpose with profit [15:35] ➡️ Reflections on having fun, making money and not working with ar$eholes [17:17] ➡️ Finding the resilience to keep getting back into the Founder seat [19:55] ➡️ Making the shift from operational CEO to board advisor [21:34] ➡️ Self-doubt, exhaustion, relationship strains: Founder realities [22:55] ➡️ Finding comfort in a routine when things are falling apart [26:39] ➡️ Building a network for women, by women - the early days and growth of AllBright [29:00] ➡️ Building WJV LLP and going beyond angel investing [33:20] ➡️ Putting women’s health top of the agenda & building The Better Menopause [36:54] ➡️ Driving awareness at pace and supporting women through the menopause [40:22] ➡️ Realities of building a business to exit & the conflicting emotions you’re left with as a Founder [41:45] ➡️ Audience question: Being remembered for the future of female entrepreneurs [46:45] ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Debbie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewosskowobe/
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| From building a smarter way to find parking to personalised offices made simple, with Steve Coulson, Co-Founder & CEO of Kitt | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:33:06 | |
“Paying people well and giving them lunches when they come to the office can be really good… but the best people are motivated by their growth and development.” For the final Monday episode of Series 10, we're joined by Steve Coulson, Founder and CEO of Kitt - the business that creates and manages custom HQs for the world’s most vibrant brands. Today, we discuss Steve’s entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned along the way, including: ➡️ Entrepreneurial environment & his upside down career [04:35] ➡️ Leaving JustPark and Kitt’s origin story [07:50] ➡️ The deafening silence of entrepreneurship [11:12] ➡️ From serving startups to the biggest brands in the world [13:49] ➡️ Building momentum & early lessons learned [14:55] ➡️ Navigating the pandemic and finding silver linings [18:44] ➡️ The post-pandemic rush and revisiting fundraising [22:52] ➡️ Unpacking the future of the office [25:30] ➡️ Creating an amazing space for your team & culture [28:52]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-coulson-1521a743/ ➡️ Find out more about Kitt: https://www.kittoffices.com/en/ ➡️ Hear more from Kitt’s Co-Founder & COO, Lucy: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/coo-secrets/coo-secrets-with-lucy-minton-co-founder-coo-at-kitt/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Building the NASA of the Ocean in Stealth with Steve Etherton, President EMEA of DEEP | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:36:34 | |
“We live on an ocean planet, and we have this strange relationship where we assume it’s all been discovered, but it actually hasn’t…” For the penultimate week of this Series of 40 Minute Mentor, we’re joined by Steve Etherton, President EMEA of DEEP - an international research and development organisation who aim to become the NASA of the ocean. Having placed Steve Etherton with DEEP, when they were still in stealth mode, we’re so excited to finally be able to welcome him to the podcast and find out about DEEP’s mission to radically advance how humankind access, explore and inhabit underwater environments. Tune in to discover: ➡️ Finding the balance between entrepreneurship and the rest of life [03:35] ➡️ Starting his career in the Military & leadership lessons [06:51] ➡️ Transitioning out of the Army [08:02] ➡️ How Africa’s rocketship FinTech began and went on to raise $90 million [09:25] ➡️ Figuring out what type of COO you want to be [10:59] ➡️ DEEP’s mission to make humans aquatic [13:24] ➡️ Coming out of stealth mode & learnings from early build [18:04] ➡️ Tackling the climate crisis [21:10] ➡️ Developing underwater habitats [24:46] ➡️ Being driven, fearless and curious: an insight into DEEP’s culture & hiring practices [26:49] ➡️ Evolution of leadership styles [30:24] ➡️ Audience question: Understanding the oceans, a note for underwater living sceptics [32:48]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-etherton-91190a24/ ➡️ Find out more about DEEP: https://www.deep.com/
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Breaking down barriers & building a sustainable fashion label, with Samuel Tholley of Hidden Pages and Rosette Ale, Founder of Revival | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:33:13 | |
“I want to create my own space. I don't want to have to fit into someone else's whitewashed marketing… I want to create fashion that shows people like me.” In this week’s 40 Minute Mentor takeover, Samuel Tholley. Founder of Hidden Pages, is joined by Rosette Ale, Founder of Revival - a sustainable fashion label redesigning discarded clothes into contemporary designs for a cleaner and cooler planet. ➡️ The start of Revival and the mind of a young entrepreneur [01:31] ➡️ Challenges of entering the fashion world [04:49] ➡️ Mentorship, crowdfunding and being bold [07:34] ➡️ Fostering a good mentor mentee relationship [12:06] ➡️ The importance of representation and breaking down barriers [15:02] ➡️ Diversifying the fashion industry [17:59] ➡️ Accessibility to sustainability & mentality shifts [21:42] ➡️ Doing your part towards living more sustainably and saving the planet [25:46] ➡️ Where to follow Revival & Rosette’s journey [31:38]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-tholley-758135105/ ➡️ Find out more about Hidden Pages: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hidden-pages/ and https://www.instagram.com/_hiddenpages/?hl=en ➡️ Find out more about Revival: https://www.revivalldn.com/
PLUS! If you want to hear more from Samuel and Hidden Pages, listen to his episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF_-blY_kUQ
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| The Rollercoaster Ride to Scaling a Unicorn, with Nicolas Brusson, Co-Founder and CEO of BlaBlaCar | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:50:35 | |
“You’ll make mistakes but that doesn’t matter - it’s all about speed and growth, but at some point you’ll have to go and clean up the room.” Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Nicolas Brusson, Co-Founder & CEO of BlaBlaCar - the world’s leading community-based travel app enabling 26 million active members a year to share a ride in 21 countries. BlaBlaCar’s environmentally and human-friendly mobility network saves 1.6M tons of CO2 and enables 120M human connections every year. On top of leading BlaBlaCar, Nicolas is also an investor in many mission-driven brands, such as Ankorstore, Home Exchange and Dust, to name a few, so there is plenty to unpack in today's episode, including: ➡️ Becoming a father and closing a $10 million fundraising round [4:41]
➡️ Connect with Nicolas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasbrusson/ ➡️ Find out more about BlaBlaCar: https://www.blablacar.co.uk/ ➡️ More about our sponsors, Kitt: https://www.kittoffices.com/en/ ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Inspiring Elevating and Developing Black Talent with Samuel Tholley of Hidden Pages and Faith Locken, Founder of We Rise In | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:32:44 | |
"I'm not surrendering to the peaks and troughs of social ways, acceptance and rejection. I'm standing firm in my core principles.” Today's podcast episode is a special one - it's a Hidden Pages' takeover. In this episode, Samuel Tholley, Founder of Hidden Pages is joined by Faith Locken, Founder and CEO of We Rise In - an award-winning business network with the mission to inspire, elevate and develop the careers of black professionals. ➡️ We Rise In: on a mission to improve diversity at senior levels [2:46] ➡️ How frustration led to Faith’s first startup [6:09] ➡️ George Floyd and the resurgence of Black Lives Matter [From 7:35] ➡️ Finding mentorship in different forms [9:11] ➡️ Building resilience on the lonely Founder journey [12:39] ➡️ Mental barriers and supporting families in the black community [14:47] ➡️ Backing yourself to work on your side hustle [19:20] ➡️ Being passionate and discovering your why [26:19] ➡️ Accountability and shining a light on reverse mentorship [27:11] ➡️ Scaling We Rise In [29:44]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-tholley-758135105/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| How ethical AI will change the world with Raj Kaur Khaira, Co-Founder and COO of AutogenAI | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:46:56 | |
“I think we are scared of AI in the same way that we’ve been scared of many technological inventions when we’ve been on the forefront of something big.” Today's 40 Minute Mentor is the incredibly inspiring Raj Kaur Khaira, Co-Founder and COO of AutogenAI, a business that is leveraging large language models and text generating AI to combat the expensive business problem of writing and answering bids, tenders and proposals. Raj is also an acclaimed author, lawyer and campaigner and Founder of the world’s first global directory of South Asian therapists. Over her career so far, she has worked for over 20 Startups, so there is loads to unpack in today’s very refreshing and candid conversation. ➡️ Being an overachiever and reframing failure [05:12] ➡️ Why fundraising is not a success signal [07:16] ➡️ Dealing with rejections and building resilience [12:31] ➡️ Leaving Accenture to pursue law and operations [20:27] ➡️ The golden email template, getting CEO’s to notice you [21:54] ➡️ The origin of AutogenAI [26:33] ➡️ Why you shouldn’t be sceptical of the power of (ethical) AI [29:41] ➡️ The importance of building a low ego environment in your team [33:51] ➡️ Advice for anyone wanting to join AutogenAI [37:06] ➡️ Eradicating sexist tradition in South Asian cultures through the Pink Ladoo Project [40:21] ➡️ Finding the balance between action and change, avoiding activist burnout [41:57] ➡️ Audience question: Ruthless prioritisation and juggling many roles [44:18]
➡️ Connect with Raj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-khaira/ ➡️ Find out more about Autogen AI: https://autogenai.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Black History Month 2023: Celebrating our Sisters & Honouring Matriarchs of Movements | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:20:12 | |
“What the murder of George Floyd taught me is that if you don't spend time changing how the people within the system think, you'll never fundamentally change the system.” To recognise and celebrate this year’s Black History Month, we are kicking off a special three-part series, where we once again partner up with Samuel Tholley, Founder of Hidden Pages. If you're a loyal 40 Minute Mentor listener, you will have come across Samuel already and there will be plenty more from him over the next three weeks. Before his podcast takeover next week, we wanted to revisit one of the most inspiring episodes we have recorded to date, with the brilliant Baroness Oona King. Oona was the second black woman elected into British Parliament, and is currently the VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Snap Inc. ➡️ The reality of being a black woman in parliament [02:03] ➡️ Taking action and changing the status quo [05:29] ➡️ Losing her seat in parliament [07:49] ➡️ Death threats and thank you notes - the scary reality of life as an MP [09:45] ➡️ What the murder of George Floyd taught her about changing the system [12:50] ➡️ What you can do internally to spot equity and inequity [13:16] ➡️ Shifting the burden of DE&I from minority to majority groups [14:48] ➡️ Understanding and celebrating Black History Month [15:45]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Oona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oona-king-sheher-00ba8414/ ➡️ Oona’s full 40 Minute Mentor episode: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/downing-street-death-threats-and-dei-with-baroness-oona-king/
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Jevan Soo Lenox on building AI-first cultures & high-performing teams at fast-growth Unicorn WRITER | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:46:22 | |
Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Jevan Soo Lenox, the Chief People Officer at WRITER, a leader in agentic AI for the enterprise.
Founded in 2020, WRITER helps businesses launch products faster, run deeper financial research and clinical trials. The high-growth startup is backed by some of the best investors, including Balderton, Radical Ventures, ICONIQ Growth, Salesforce Ventures, Adobe Ventures, and many more.
Before joining WRITER, Jevan already held multiple CPO roles in hyper-growth businesses, including Blue Bottle Coffee, Stitch Fix and inistro. In today’s conversation, Jevan shares a masterclass on the modern people function - from building AI-first cultures and scaling people teams globally, to hiring with self-awareness and building high-performing cultures. If you’re a Founder, Operator or People leader building a hypergrowth culture or looking for ways to embed more AI into your teams, this episode is packed with valuable insights for you. 📚Episode Chapters: ➡️ From McKinsey to AI - Jevan’s career path [03:00] ➡️ Finding a calling in People & Culture leadership [04:00] ➡️ What makes a truly great Chief People Officer [09:30] ➡️ How technology and AI are transforming the People function [16:45] ➡️ Inside WRITER: culture, values and what “AI-first” really means [18:40] ➡️ When to hire your first CPO [23:00] ➡️ How to hire exceptional leaders [34:40] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Connect with Jevan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevansoolenox ✨ More about WRITER: https://writer.com/ ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Bringing Familiar Financial Services to Migrant Communities, with Nina Mohanty, Co-Founder of Bloom Money | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:45:29 | |
“Immigrants start businesses that add to the local economy and we are very excited to be a growth engine for that.” Today's 40 Minute Mentor is the brilliant Nina Mohanty, Co-Founder of Bloom Money, a FinTech bringing familiar financial services to migrant communities. Nina created Bloom Money based on her own lived experiences, as a child of immigrants and having relocated to multiple countries herself. Today, we’ll discover what led her to entrepreneurship, riding the ups and downs of an early-stage startup and her very candid insights into her own fundraising experience: ➡️ Her struggle with hustle porn and hustle culture [06:04] ➡️ Growing up in Silicon Valley and starting her career in FinTech [08:37] ➡️ Bloom Money’s origin story [15:50] ➡️ Fixating on the losses and under-celebrating the wins [20:02] ➡️ The recipe for burnout, a lesson in Founder wellbeing [22:00] ➡️ The future of Bloom Money & reaching more communities [24:46] ➡️ Fundraising stories and advice for fellow Founders [29:06] ➡️ Advice for getting into FinTech & making the industry more inclusive [36:11] ➡️ Why she has a difficult time with referrals [37:34] ➡️ Audience question: Making financial literacy a priority for all [42:41]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Nina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninamohanty/ ➡️ Find out more about Bloom Money: https://bloommoney.co/ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| 40 Minute Mentor’s Origin Story & Learnings, with JBM’s James Mitra & Hannah Urbanek | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:36:02 | |
“It doesn't matter where you come from or what school you went to, or whether you went to university. There are Founders out there, building incredible businesses, no matter what their backgrounds.” In celebration of International Podcast Day, (and our 200th podcast episode!) JBM Founder , James Mitra, and Head of Marketing and 40 Minute Mentor Producer, Hannah Urbanek, chat all things 40 Minute Mentor…
Tune in to unravel the ins and outs of business podcasting, including: ➡️ Breaking the traditional industry rules, why 40 Minute Mentor was born [00:52] ➡️ Providing an ‘access all areas’ to mentorship from incredible Entrepreneurs [03:06] ➡️ Reflecting on our podcast growth [04:15] ➡️ From ad-hoc to a smooth running machine, BTS moments [06:07] ➡️ Shining a light on gender equality, diversity & underrepresented Founders [07:31] ➡️ Hannah’s biggest learnings from 200 episodes [10:28] ➡️ Podcasting as a fun, unique form of business development [13:10] ➡️ When James met his footballing hero and things didn’t go to plan… [16:51] ➡️ Milestone moments: Inspiring Founders and huge download growth [19:04] ➡️ Building the ultimate brand awareness tool, a marketing plan essential [21:53] ➡️ The challenge of capturing listeners in a saturated market & advice for aspiring podcasters [28:18] ➡️ Fancy being a podcast guest? Here’s how to stand out [31:42]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmitra-jbm/ ➡️ Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahurbanek/ ➡️ Follow JBM: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbm-consulting-ltd/?viewAsMember=true ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Bootstrapping to Exit & Disrupting B2B Sales, with Nick Telson, Co-Founder of Trumpet | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:46:41 | |
“Becoming financially free but not being a Unicorn, is still success.” Today's 40 Minute Mentor is Nick Telson, exited Founder of DesignMyNight, Co-Founder of Trumpet, Angel Investor and Podcast Host of the popular Pitch Deck show. With so many hats to wear, we loved diving into Nick’s story and career from starting at L’Oreal to scratching that entrepreneurial itch by building DesignMyNight to 100+ employees with minimal angel funding and finally returning to the Founder seat to disrupt B2B sales. There is SO much to unpack from Nick's impressive story, from his views on failures to what it really feels like to exit and start again, and so much more: ➡️ Having ‘failure moments’ and the glorification of entrepreneurship [02:37] ➡️ Growing up with a creative brain and unconventional paths [03:50] ➡️ The idea of DesignMyNight from the streets of NYC [06:46] ➡️ From side hustle to exit [10:55] ➡️ More about JBM [18:13] ➡️ Round 2 of Founder life: Trumpet’s origin story [19:21] ➡️ Being VC backed and hiring principles [22:17] ➡️ Building in public and fundraising journey [23:52] ➡️ Fundraising advice [34:35] ➡️ Hiring advice for securing your initial team [37:09] ➡️ Applying to and joining Trumpet [39:50] ➡️ Audience question: Making the startup world more inclusive [42:25]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicktelson/ ➡️ Find out more about Trumpet: https://www.sendtrumpet.com/?ref=linkedin ➡️ Listen to Pitch Deck: https://www.nicktelson.com/podcast
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Inspiring and Connecting the Next Generation of British Asian Entrepreneurs, with Amardeep Parmar, Co-Founder of The BAE HQ | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:27:49 | |
“Never underestimate the power of a rant, if you’re going to do something about it.” In today’s bite-sized 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by fellow podcaster and good friend of JBM, Amardeep Parmar, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BAE HQ. Amardeep has been on an incredible journey - from being a Tech consultant in 2020, to setting a New Year’s resolution which made him the second fastest writer to gain 50,000 followers on Medium.com. Now, he’s inspiring, connecting and guiding British Asian Entrepreneurs with BAE HQ. Today, Amardeep shared more about his journey and the crucial lessons he has learned along the way, including: ➡️ Questioning your identity as a Founder [04:51] ➡️ A New Year’s resolution turned career [06:26] ➡️ Advice for aspiring writers [08:32] ➡️ How a rant with a friend paved the foundations for BAE HQ [10:05] ➡️ Scaling a not-for-profit and navigating the corporate landscape [12:34] ➡️ Connecting people for mutual success [15:26] ➡️ The secret sauce of community building [16:28] ➡️ A selection of stand out stories from BAE HQ [22:51]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Amardeep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar/ ➡️ Find out more about BAE HQ: https://www.thebaehq.com/ ➡️ James Mitra on BAE HQ: https://www.thebaehq.com/podcasts/episode-51-james
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| The Future of Collaborative Healthcare with Dr Sonia Szamocki, Founder & CEO of 32Co | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:48:21 | |
"You can have the best idea in the world with a bad team and you get nowhere, and you can have a really good team with a bad idea and you’ll probably make it into a good idea.” Doctor to Startup Founder... That’s not something we get to say a lot, so buckle in for today's episode! This week’s 40 Minute Mentor is Dr Sonia Szamocki, Founder and CEO of 32Co, the HealthTech revolutionising access to specialised healthcare services, by connecting general clinicians with a network of specialists. Sonia's very impressive journey has taken her from Oxford to a career as a clinician to jumping into the Founder seat, building the future of collaborative healthcare. She has grown 32Co 5x since April last year, and has recently secured £2.36 million in seed funding, led by Balderton Capital. Tune in to today's chat, to find out: ➡️ Podcast recommendation: Black Women Working [00:13] ➡️ Why being a Founder isn’t all that glamorous [05:02] ➡️ Growing up in the Netherlands and becoming a Doctor [06:02] ➡️ 32Co’s origin story [13:10] ➡️ From an idea during Covid to growing a marketplace [22:50] ➡️ Navigating false starts & the importance of a great team [26:18] ➡️ Hiring advice & recruiting your first exec [29:00] ➡️ The importance of getting Co-Founder matching right [36:45] ➡️ Bootstrapping vs VC funding [38:05] ➡️ Healthcare & AI [41:00] ➡️ Audience Question: Why there shouldn’t be more Doctors moving into Founder seats [44:32]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Sonia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sonia-szamocki-a01790a9/ ➡️ Find out more about 32Co: https://www.32co.com ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Inside The COO Role: A Deep Dive with Charlene Chen, Co-Founder of Operations Nation | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:31:06 | |
"When you’re aligned on vision, values and strategic direction, you can achieve anything…” In this week’s bite-sized startup mentorship episode, we’re joined by Charlene Chen, JBM Board Advisor, COO of AZA Finance and Co-Founder of Operations Nation. Charlene is not only a brilliant COO, but also happens to be our very first 40 Minute Mentor guest, back when we started the podcast in 2019. In today’s episode, you’ll learn more about: ➡️ Charlene’s squiggly career to COO [01:06] ➡️ A full overview of the COO role [03:27] ➡️ The evolution and expansion of the COO role [07:05] ➡️ The essential skills any COO needs [09:26] ➡️ Common challenges COOs face [16:16] ➡️ Building effective relationships across the C-Suite [22:13] ➡️ Resources any aspiring COO should check out [26:20]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Charlene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenechen/ ➡️ Find out more about Operations Nation: https://operationsnation.com/ ➡️ Check out this year’s Ops Fest: https://operationsnation.com/events/international-ops-fest ➡️ Secure your seat at the annual cONference: https://lu.ma/cONference2023 ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Building The Uber of Volunteering & Starring on Dragons’ Den with Sanjay Lobo MBE, Founder & CEO of OnHand | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:43:04 | |
"There's some horrible sacrifices in the first few years to get it to a place where it's got to survive..." Today's 40 Minute Mentor epitomises what it means to be Tech for Good. We’re joined by Sanjay Lobo MBE, the Founder & CEO of OnHand - the all-in-one tool to engage your team in volunteering and environmental action. Dubbed the ‘Uber of volunteering’, OnHand lets employees learn and take action on the issues that matter. Here’s what we talk about in today’s episode: ➡️ Finding his path to entrepreneurship [04:02]
➡️ Connect with Sanjay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaylobo/ ➡️ Find out more about OnHand: https://www.beonhand.co.uk/ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| World Suicide Prevention Day Special with Clarke Carlisle | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:16:14 | |
⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains topics of mental health and suicide attempts, that may be harmful or traumatising to some audiences. If you’re affected by any of the topics discussed, please make sure you reach out to the helplines listed below. ⚠️
Suicide is a major public health problem, with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. According to the World Health Organisation, there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide. Following yesterday’s World Suicide Prevention Day and to play our part in breaking the perceived taboo of speaking about suicide, we’re releasing this special episode with clips from our conversation with Clarke Carlisle. Clarke is a former professional footballer, mental health advocate and ambassador for the mental health charity Mind. He has had an illustrious football career, having played for a number of top clubs, including Leeds United, Watford and Burnley, and winning three caps for England under 21s. Alongside all of this success, however, Clarke also had to deal with plenty of hardship, including serious injuries, his battle with depression and attempted suicide. In today’s episode, Clarke shares more about his own experience with depression and suicide and his advice for anyone struggling with their mental health.
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Tune into the full episode with Clarke here: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/from-the-premier-league-to-mental-health-advocate-with-clarke-carlisle/ ➡️ More about the work Clarke and Carrie are doing: https://www.clarkeandcarrie.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| From Being The First Female Managing Partner at SoftBank to Building a Portfolio Career with Catherine Lenson, Angel Investor, Founder and Venture Partner at LocalGlobe | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:48:02 | |
“Everything I have done has centred around teams and individuals, and how do you get the most out of them…” Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is the brilliant Catherine Lenson, Angel Investor, Founder, Venture Partner at LocalGlobe and CEO of Andante Advisory. Catherine has had a hugely successful career, having spent her formative years at UBS and becoming the first female Managing Partner at SoftBank. Today, Catherine is the Founder and CEO of Andante Advisory, a boutique consultancy firm which operates as a trusted partner to senior executives and leading organisations on Culture, People and Purpose. She is also a Venture Partner at LocalGlobe, an angel investor in early-stage tech companies across the UK, US and Israel, and is the UK’s first Fair Play facilitator. Tune in to today’s episode to discover: ➡️ Reliving her days when a rogue trader almost brought down UBS [03:32] ➡️ The privilege of entrepreneurship [05:29] ➡️ From her love for music to Cambridge and ending up in London [06:39] ➡️ Scaling from 20 to 500 people in four years [10:04] ➡️ Becoming the first female Managing Partner at SoftBank [13:34] ➡️ Building a portfolio career [16:49] ➡️ Angel Investing and joining LocalGlobe [24:39] ➡️ Common culture mistakes [32:32] ➡️ Fair Play and creating more equality in the household [36:47]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lenson/ ➡️ Find out more about her work: https://www.catherinelenson.com/ ➡️ Find out more about LocalGlobe: https://localglobe.vc/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Building A Robust Go-To-Market Strategy with Tarun Gidoomal | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:20:24 | |
“The most impactful piece of advice I got early on in my career was - You need to grow where you're planted.” In today’s bite-sized 40 Minute Mentor episode, we take a deep dive into a core component of any successful startup - the Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy. To guide us through the essential components of building and executing a GTM strategy, we’re joined by Tarun Gidoomal. Tarun has led some of Europe’s most notable tech Scaleups, including Next Jump, where he led its international expansion to reach £3bn GMV, and more recently, at Ankorstore, where as UK GM he established its footprint in the UK as it became one of Europe’s fastest growing tech unicorns. Today, Tarun shares more about: ➡️ His upbringing and career to date [01:30] ➡️ The fundamentals of a GTM Strategy [03:40] ➡️ Examples of successful GTM Strategies and mistakes made [06:38] ➡️ Getting buy-in across the team [10:31] ➡️ Questions to ask to assess your team culture [12:53] ➡️ The most impactful career advice he’s received [14:37] ➡️ Startup life and dealing with burnout [17:11]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Tarun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarungidoomal/
🤫 P.S - It’s your FINAL chance to vote for us in this year’s Great British Podcast People’s Choice Awards. 🏆
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Claire Davenport on career bets, leading through change & getting more women into the C-suite | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:39:12 | |
Welcome back to Season 14 of 40 Minute Mentor! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Claire Davenport, a seasoned tech operator whose career spans investment banking at Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, Chief of Staff at Skype, CEO roles at VoucherCodes, HelloFresh UK and Not On The High Street, as well as board and angel investing. Today, Claire is a prominent figure in the Tech world as a NED, COO at Multiverse and Angel Investor. She is also a staunch advocate for women leaders, having founded WITSEND, a fast-growing network for C-Suite women in tech. In this conversation, Claire shares candid lessons on leading in a crisis, making the leap to CEO, landing your first non-exec role, retaining top talent, and the real state of gender balance in executive leadership. 📚Episode Chapters: ➡️ From banking to ops - Claire’s pivots & biggest lessons [08:12] ➡️ The hardest chapter [13:00] ➡️ Becoming a CEO [16:00] ➡️ How headhunters can help your career advancement [18:00] ➡️ What great C-level leadership looks like [22:00] ➡️ How to land your first board seat [24:13] ➡️ Attracting & retaining top talent [29:30] ➡️ The power of peer mentorship & community [33:00] ➡️ Women in leadership roles - the progress & gaps [35:30] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Connect with Claire: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-davenport-online/en ✨ More about Multiverse: https://www.multiverse.io/en-GB ✨More about WITSEND: https://www.witsend.online/ ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also like: | |||
| Limiting The Stress Of Debt with Tim Chong, Co-Founder & CEO of Yonder | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:50:21 | |
"Founders are made to look like superheroes. They get up at 4am, meditate, take ice baths, work 100 hours a week… I think it's a super unhealthy culture." Today's 40 Minute Mentor shines a light on the realities of Founder life, and his passion for reframing how the world sees and perceives credit. We are excited to welcome Tim Chong, Co-Founder and CEO of Yonder, to the podcast. Yonder is on a mission to build a credit experience that empowers young people to live their best lives and build responsible spending habits, at the same time. Tune in to today’s episode to discover: ➡️ The unhealthy culture surrounding Founder life [03:53] ➡️ Growing up around computers and the influence on his tech journey [05:25] ➡️ Exploring the world and creating high impact as a consultant [07:33] ➡️ Pivoting from consultant to Founder [10:17] ➡️ How a revolutionised economy in Kenya started the story of Yonder [15:02] ➡️ How Yonder is supporting young people and their social lives via credit spend [21:35] ➡️ Tuning in to Founder interviews to scope out early stage challenges [26:50] ➡️ How to keep going during an economic downturn [29:57] ➡️ Selling the long-term thesis to win over investors [35:40] ➡️ The significant impact of early hires and Yonder’s culture [39:58]
➡️ Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-chong/ ➡️ Find out more about Yonder: https://www.yondercard.com/ 🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| The Rise of The Generalist, with Milly Tamati, Founder of Generalist World | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:24:44 | |
“The traditional definition (of a Generalist) has been a ‘Jack of all trades’, which often comes with a negative connotation.” In today’s bite-sized 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Milly Tamati to explore the rise of the Generalist. Milly is not only a Generalist, but a Community builder and Founder of Generalist World. Before leaning into all things Generalist, Milly built businesses all over the world, including co-owning a hostel in Thailand, a wine tour in Australia and an illustration agency in the UK. Today, we explore: ➡️ The making of her Generalist skill set [01:33] ➡️ Defining what a Generalist really is [03:53] ➡️ Specialists vs Generalists [05:34] ➡️ Ending the “Jack of all trades” narrative [08:15] ➡️ Framing your Generalist career to employers [09:47] ➡️ The Generalist World community [13:05] ➡️ Quality over quantity in community building [15:43]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Milly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-tamati/ ➡️ Check out Generalist World: https://www.generalist.world/
🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Lessons Of Resilience: Scaling Love Koffee To Exit and Living Through Made.com’s Collapse with Dimple Patel, CEO of Trouva | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:43:42 | |
“We had one month to refinance the business, or lose our home….” Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Dimple Patel, exited Founder, Advisor and CEO of Trouva - the leading global marketplace for independent boutiques. With roots at Goldman Sachs, Dimple’s story is one of endless resilience, having navigated recessions, a major re-brand that almost cost her her home, a global pandemic and multiple acquisitions, including Made.com’s collapse. In today’s episode, we dive into all of the above, plus: ➡️ Growing up on a Council Estate [05:00] ➡️ Joining Goldman Sachs during a recession and amid mass layoffs [07:12] ➡️ Exploring entrepreneurship as a first-time Founder in a recession [09:38] ➡️ Going from side hustle to full-time Founder [11:47] ➡️ Spotting burnout and the importance of routine rest [14:01] ➡️ Freedom vs Security as a first-time Founder [15:00] ➡️ The decision that almost led to the loss of her house [17:19] ➡️ Exiting her business and navigating what’s next [20:00] ➡️ Making the shift from COO to CEO of Trouva [27:48] ➡️ The collapse of Made.com and leading with kindness [30:24] ➡️ Roulette question: Working as a Venture Partner and the Founders she backs [40:13]
➡️ Connect with Dimple: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimple-patel-uk/ ➡️ Find out more about Trouva: https://www.trouva.com/ 🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| A Deep Dive Into The CPO Role with James Routledge, VP of Product at Converge | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:30:03 | |
“If you don't work well with other teams, everyone else's problem will become a product problem.” In today's episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of Product… To do so, we’re joined by Product legend, James Routledge, VP of Product at Converge. James has tons of experience, including helping a NASDAQ business go from 100 million to $250 million revenues and working with 400 person Series B businesses. The role of the CPO has evolved significantly over the last few years, so we loved getting a first-hand account of the past, present and future of Product roles, including: ➡️ His own impressive career in Product [01:08] ➡️ The top 3 skills great Product people need [02:59] ➡️ Scope and responsibilities in your product journey [05:42] ➡️ The power of mentorship in Product roles [08:54] ➡️ The evolution of the CPO and putting customers first [12:28] ➡️ Working cross-functionally as a CPO [17:18] ➡️ UK vs USA Product roles [25:49]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesroutledge/ ➡️ Find out more about Converge: https://www.converge.io/
🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Demystifying Angel Investing with Andy Ayim MBE, Founder of Angel Investing School | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:47:11 | |
“So many people are suffering from a lack of knowing who they are and what their worth is, so they downplay and restrict it to a job role.” Welcome back to 40 Minute Mentor, and a brand new series… Kicking off Series 10, we’re joined by one of the most requested guests on the podcast - the brilliant Andy Ayim, MBE. You may have come across Andy through his DE&I work in tech, or his angel investing training programs at the Angel Investing School, which empowered over 350 new angels. Andy has also invested in over 17 Startups himself, including some of which have been featured on this podcast, such as Patch and Unplugged. In today’s episode, we unpack his own journey to entrepreneurship and demystify angel investing once and for all: ➡️ Shaking off imposter syndrome and backing yourself [04:09] ➡️ How growing up in a multicultural melting pot shaped his path [06:34] ➡️ His path to starting the Angel Investing School [10:24] ➡️ Making angel investing more accessible [14:09] ➡️ Who the Angel Investing School is for [16:37] ➡️ The biggest driver of wealth creation and beginning your journey in investing [20:02] ➡️ Andy’s biggest investment mistake [21:39] ➡️ Angel syndicates and investing with as little as 1k [24:30] ➡️ Assessing pitches and controlling your risk [28:31] ➡️ Choosing between Angel or VC investment as a Founder [33:24] ➡️ Receiving an MBE and driving DE&I in the industry [38:07] ➡️ Fundraising advice and common Founder mistakes [41:41] ➡️ Audience Questions: Untapped opportunities and emerging trends [44:06]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/ ➡️ Sign up to the Angel Investing School: https://angelinvestingschool.com/
🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Saving The Planet Through Carbon Removal, with Marta Krupinska, Co-Founder & CEO of CUR8 | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:22:51 | |
"One doesn't leave the best job in the world for anything less than an opportunity that can genuinely, if we're lucky, save the planet." As we’re kicking off Series 10, we’re also introducing our Monday Startup spotlight series. In our first instalment, we’re joined by a familiar face - Marta Krupinska, Co-Founder and CEO of carbon removal startup, CUR8. Marta has previously come on the podcast, in Series 7, when we talked about her Founder journey and her role with Google for Startups - find a link to the episode below. Since then, Marta has jumped back into the Founder seat and chats to us about: ➡️ The opportunity of a lifetime that made her step down from Google for Startups [01:07] ➡️ Connect with Marta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martakrupinska/ 🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Series 10 Trailer | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:03:40 | |
Successes, mistakes and lessons learned… We cover all of the above and more in our BRAND NEW series of 40 Minute Mentor…coming to a set of headphones near you, next week! Inspiring conversations with category-defining Founders, CxOs and Investors, who have been through it all…the good, the bad and the in between, along the way. Resilience. Angel Investing. Burnout. Saving the planet. Plus, SO much more.... Get a little taster of what's to come this series, in today's trailer. Series 10, we are ready.....are you? 🌟 Make sure you hit the 'subscribe' button, to be the first to know about Episode 1 launching next week! | |||
| From Uni Friends to Mentorship - A Lesson In Boundaries with Béa Fertility Founder, Tess Cosad and Executive Coach, Chloé HC | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:44:13 | |
"She comes to the table with no judgement and all curiosity and allows me to explore in a way that I do my best thinking because I feel safe to do it.” This week is the final episode in our mentorship feature series, and what a four weeks it has been! In this series finale, James and Hannah are joined by the dynamic duo of Tess Cosad and Chloé HC. Tess is the Co-Founder and CEO of Béa Fertility, the ambitious FertilityTech startup, focused on democratising access to safe, affordable fertility treatment. Chloé is an accomplished product leader and coach with over 10 years experience working directly with CEOs and founding teams to shape vision, drive strategy and deliver day to day execution from Seed to Series B. Tess and Chloé have been friends for many years after meeting at University, and although their careers went in different directions, they stay connected with their friendship ultimately evolving into one of mentorship. We can’t wait for you to hear all about their highs and lows, and feel their energy throughout, where we discover: ➡️ From uni friendship to tackling loneliness as a Startup Founder [04:07] ➡️ Hopping between the friend zone and mentor zone [05:36] ➡️ Setting topic boundaries for a smoother mentorship process [08:08] ➡️ The beauty of working in different backgrounds and having different perspectives [10:39] ➡️ Unlocking business decisions as a mentor, from a bench in New York [14:11] ➡️ Putting your ego aside to navigate disagreements [18:15] ➡️ A no-judgement, all-curiosity approach to mentorship [22:11] ➡️ Finding a connection and being challenged in a safe space [29:56] ➡️ How to positively un-couple and move on [34:36] ➡️ Helping you find your voice, without being over-mentored as a female Founder [35:51] ➡️ Assessing the power dynamic and nature of relationship with a prospective mentor [39:20]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Tess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-isabelle-cosad/ ➡️ Connect with Chloe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlo%C3%A9-hajnal-corob-97a3407b/ ➡️ More about Béa Fertility: https://beafertility.com/ ➡️ More about Resonate coaching: https://resonatecoaching.co/about
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 3. Job done ✅ Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
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| The Power of Community & Mentorship with Startup OG Peter Nixey & AJ, CEO of Foundrs | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:42:36 | |
"What I try to do is listen to the problem, understand how it fits stuff I've seen before, then relate how I think it'll play out…” In this week's 40 Minute Mentor episode, we're joined by a mentorship duo connected by their love and passion for the startup world. Peter Nixey - serial entrepreneur and OG of the UK Startup scene, joins us together with his mentee, AJ, who has been the CEO of the invite-only community, Foundrs. Peter founded Clcikpass.com which raised investment from YC and several angels, before selling the company to Yola.com. His most recent ventures include Copyin, a platform for progressional communities built entirely in email and Intentional.io - a day planner that focuses you on managing your time, rather than your tasks. AJ has been the CEO of Foundrs for the past two years and is soon moving on to start his own company that will support others looking to build communities like Foundrs. From structuring sessions with pre-set agendas, to open conversations around personal life challenges, this episode explores the real ins and outs of a solid mentorship relationship, including: ➡️ Evolving from community check-ins to full-scale mentorship [04:25] ➡️ The importance of agendas and time management [06:13] ➡️ The power of pushing back AND being open to feedback, as a mentee [09:06] ➡️ Using previous problems to tackle current challenges [12:50] ➡️ Overlapping topics and progression to propel the mentor relationship [14:39] ➡️ Allowing space for emotionally charged conversations [20:48] ➡️ Opinions vs shared experiences from a serial entrepreneur [23:54] ➡️ From PhD dropout to a mentorship awakening [28:57] ➡️ The significance of community in the Startup world [32:02] ➡️ Providing value from both sides of the mentor relationship [35:09] ➡️ Being a cheerleader and staying inquisitive on your mentorship journey [36:38]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with AJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-foundrs/ ➡️ Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternixey/ ➡️ More about Foundrs: https://www.foundrs.co/ ➡️ More about Intentional.io: https://intentional.io/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? | |||
| Mentorship vs Coaching, with Ashleigh Tennent, Founder of More Happi & Lisa Rodwell, CEO at Daye | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:41:26 | |
“You want someone who's lived that same experience, and hopefully they can pass on what worked for them, but also what didn't work for them.” The golden mentorship moments keep on coming as we head into episode two of our new mentorship feature series. This week, James and Hannah are joined by Ashleigh Tennent, Founder of the coaching platform, More Happi and Lisa Rodwell, the CEO of Daye, the company bridging the gender gap in medical research and innovation. Together, the four discuss how to find your perfect match in a mentor and a coach and how to nurture those relationships, including: ➡️ Blossoming from colleagues to mentorship and friendship [04:54] ➡️ The value of trust in building a mentor relationship [07:17] ➡️ The art of not wasting time [09:11] ➡️ Balancing a range of roles, as a mentor [10:38] ➡️ Finding common ground to rocket your relationship [13:47] ➡️ Paying it forward and the benefits of ‘reverse’ mentorship [15:26] ➡️ Respecting busy lifestyles and managing expectations [19:00] ➡️ Navigating conflict and misunderstanding [22:11] ➡️ Using missions or problems to hook in a prospective mentor [27:48] ➡️ Mentor vs Coach, what’s the difference? [29:27] ➡️ Reflections and advice for aspiring mentees and mentors [33:23] ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Ashleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleightennent/ ➡️ Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisarodwell/ ➡️ More about More Happi: https://morehappi.com/ ➡️ More about Daye: https://www.yourdaye.com/
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? | |||
| Season 14 Trailer | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:04:45 | |
Welcome back to Season 14 of 40 Minute Mentor! We’re so excited to kick off the season this Wednesday, and with that, the launch of episode 300! Before we get into this new season, here is a short preview of the brilliant conversations we’ve got lined up for the coming 10 weeks. If you’re new to 40 Minute Mentor, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you’re the first to hear about new episodes. And don’t forget to dive into our archives of nearly 300 episodes of pocket-sized mentorship. | |||
| From Line-Manager To Mentor. A Mentorship Deep Dive with Freddie Fforde & Varun Vassanth from Patch | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:39:55 | |
“Do it because you care. Find out who you are, where you can be most useful, and how you want to go about it, but only do it if you care.” We’re big believers in the power of mentorship, it’s why we started this podcast! In this brand new feature series, we’ll take a deep dive into the different forms and shapes of mentorship and answer some of your most common questions, e.g. How do you approach a mentor? How do you manage the day to day? When do you know it’s time to part ways? And to change things up even more this series, we’re also not just have one but two hosts. For the first time ever, James, JBM Founder and resident 40 Minute Mentor host, will be joined by our Head of Marketing and Podcast Producer, Hannah Urbanek.
We dig deep into their mentorship relationship and uncover: ➡️ Naturally falling into the mentor-mentee relationship [03:54] ➡️ The impact of an informal approach to mentorship [06:12] ➡️ What mentorship can mean to different people [09:09] ➡️ Crafting a virtual board of stellar advisors [12:35] ➡️ Separating mentorship from management and respecting boundaries [14:55] ➡️ Building mutual respect for effective mentorship [17:52] ➡️ Instilling mentorship to drive your company culture [21:50] ➡️ Parting ways [28:53] ➡️ The do’s and don’ts of mentorship [31:40] ➡️ Being selective about the advice you’re giving as a mentor [36:06]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Freddie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddiefforde/ ➡️ Connect with Varun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunvassanth/ ➡️ More about Patch: https://www.patch.work/ ➡️ Check out Freddie’s previous episode: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/feature-series-freddie-fforde/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk | |||
| Building Lasting Founder-Investor Relationships with Yvonne Bajela, Partner at LocalGlobe & Venture Partner at Impact X | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:32:21 | |
“If you can be very clear in articulating what you are trying to do, why the world needs it and why you are the best person to work on it, the money will follow.” And just like that, we come to the end of our 40 Minute Mentor VC feature series. BUT, before we kick off our next series, we have one more VC mentorship packed episode in store for you…. Today, we’re joined by Yvonne Bajela, Partner at LocalGlobe and Latitude, and Venture Partner at Impact X Capital. Yvonne talks about her journey from Goldman Sachs to VC, her first investment and the formative influence her father had on her career. Having invested over £200m across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Yvonne has backed some of the most category-defining Founders, including the teams behind Unicorn InsurTech, Marshmallow and OG FinTech Unicorn, Wise. Tune in to discover: ➡️ The influence her late father had on her career [03:28] ➡️ The success story of her investment in Marshmallow [09:04] ➡️ Local Globe’s investment thesis [13:07] ➡️ Building a founder-investor relationship for the long-haul [14:07] ➡️ Characteristics she looks for in Founders she invests in [16:18] ➡️ Common mistakes she sees Founders make [18:21] ➡️ Closing the funding gap for under-represented Founders [20:58] ➡️ Navigating the current fundraising climate [22:45] ➡️ Building a successful board of advisors [24:57] ➡️ Motherhood and returning to VC [27:28]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Yvonne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnebajela/ ➡️ More about LocalGlobe: https://localglobe.vc/ ➡️ More about Latitude: https://latitudeventures.vc/ ➡️ More about Impact X Capital: https://www.impactxcapital.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? | |||
| From Operator To VC - Navigating A Challenging Market with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures | 03 Jul 2023 | 00:22:09 | |
“It’s a really great time if you want to learn how to be a disciplined Investor and to really be able to hunt down the best Founders and best opportunities.” In the final part of our bite-sized VC feature series, Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures, talks to us about navigating the current landscape and shares tangible advice for any Founders, looking to fundraise. This episode is jam packed with advice - no matter, if you’re a Founder looking for investment or an aspiring VC, looking to get a foot in the door. Have your notebooks ready and if you haven’t already, make sure you catch up on the previous 3 parts of this feature series.
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Rosie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-barnett-672329134/ ➡️ Check out Delin Ventures: https://www.delinventures.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk | |||
| From Building A Unicorn To Investing In Them with Suranga Chandratillake OBE, General Partner at Balderton Capital | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:44:19 | |
“If you think there’s something that needs to be changed in the world, I think that starting a company is the best and easiest way to achieve that change.” For our penultimate episode in this VC feature, we’re joined by Suranga Chandratillake OBE, former engineer and entrepreneur, now General Partner at Balderton Capital, one of Europe's leading early stage technology venture capital firms. Before joining the world of VC, Suranga founded blinkx, an intelligent video search engine, which he took public and reached a peak market cap of $1bn. Now mainly investing at Series A, Suranga has backed some huge names in the industry, including Tessian, Wayve and Beauty Pie. Tune in to this week’s episode to find out more about: ➡️ How Bill Gates sparked his curiosity for entrepreneurship [05:23] ➡️ His Silicon Valley inspired business, bllinkx [07:40] ➡️ Building a business from 0-$200m a year [10:06] ➡️ Overcoming common Founder challenges [13:12] ➡️ Transitioning from Founder to Investor [16:47] ➡️ Why empathy is so important [20:26] ➡️ Helping Founders change the world at Balderton Capital [23:21] ➡️ Red flags when assessing Founders [27:10] ➡️ Advice for Founders on building healthy habits, while spinning many plates [32:23] ➡️ Championing diversity in the VC ecosystem [37:27]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Suranga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suranga-chandratillake-6a839363/ ➡️ More about Balderton Capital: https://www.balderton.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk | |||
| From Operator To VC - Adapting To The Industry with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:12:54 | |
“Spend some time with the team to shadow and see what they actually do day to day, before you join. It’s invaluable because it gives you an opportunity to try before you buy.” In part 3 of our bite-sized ‘Operator to VC’ feature, Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures, talks to us about making the transition to VC. We hear the criteria Rosie looked at when deciding which VC to join and the crucial steps she took to adapt to the new industry. She also shares some of the great communities she’s a part of and why immersing herself ahead of becoming a VC has been so helpful. For even more resources to check out, make sure you tune into episode 2, which has a full list of podcasts, newsletters and reading materials for you to check out: https://dashboard.simplecast.com/accounts/11fd722f-4096-45f5-bd6e-62327f8088ce/shows/6ef8fc38-9e69-482e-bf6c-3c1489829886/episodes/62416790-27dd-4dee-a7d3-b4ad50f74f70/
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Rosie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-barnett-672329134/ ➡️ Check out Delin Ventures: https://www.delinventures.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk | |||
| Investing In FinTech, Crypto & Emerging Markets with Zeynep Yavuz, Partner at General Catalyst | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:30:41 | |
“If you have the passion to solve a problem, you will find a way to solve it, no matter what comes in your way.” General Catalyst is a top-tier VC that invests from early stage through to growth equity stages, having backed some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Airbnb, Warby Parker and Stripe. Having grown up in Turkey with entrepreneur parents, Zeynep saw first-hand that a more mature VC ecosystem in the country could have been really transformational for Founders in the area. To be a part of that change, she now focuses on FinTech and Crypto investments on a global scale, and particularly with a focus on emerging markets. In today’s episode, we dive more into Zeynep’s journey, her advice for Founders and the future of VC, including: ➡️ VCs unlocking ambitious risks [04:41] ➡️ Building products from 0-1 as an Operator [07:52] ➡️ The importance of diversity of thought in VC [09:26] ➡️ Why venture should be recession proof [11:30] ➡️ Advice on getting into VC [13:42] ➡️ How to stand out when interviewing with General Catalyst [16:03] ➡️ Why emerging markets [17:18] ➡️ Why Founders need to know and convey their ‘Why’ in pitches [19:59] ➡️ Investment process at GC [21:15] ➡️ Changes in the market [22:24] ➡️ Common mistakes Founders are making [24:49]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Zeynep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeynep-yavuz-72362379/ ➡️ More about General Catalyst: https://www.generalcatalyst.com/ ➡️ The Finstack Newsletter: https://finstack.substack.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? | |||
| From Operator To VC - Skills & Resources For Your Move Into VC with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:24:54 | |
“Founders want to work with investors who can understand what they are going through.” Welcome back to week two of our popular VC feature, where we’re joined by the biggest movers and shakers in the industry, with stellar mentorship for anyone looking to get into VC and guidance for any Founders currently fundraising. We’re back today with another bite-sized episode with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on practical advice for Operators transitioning into VC. Not only does Rosie share the benefits of making the move, but she also shares the skillset needed to make it work and tons of resources that will help along the way - some of which we've linked to in the section below. ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Rosie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-barnett-672329134/ ➡️ Check out Delin Ventures: https://www.delinventures.com/ ➡️ Acquired podcast: https://www.acquired.fm/ ➡️ Big Picture Medicine podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5707RPmWOJkVZyUHNRSUfS ➡️ Invest Like The Best podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/22fi0RqfoBACCuQDv97wFO ➡️ This Week In Startups podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-week-in-startups/id315114957 ➡️ Pietro Invernizzi’s blog: https://pinver.medium.com/ ➡️ Out-Of-Pocket newsletter: https://www.outofpocket.health/ ➡️ Exec Sum newsletter: https://www.execsum.co/ ➡️ Wall Street Prep: https://www.wallstreetprep.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk | |||
| Quantum Physicist Turned VC Partner, with Sasha Vidiborskiy, Partner at Atomico | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:44:58 | |
“The most successful companies are the ones that went against what is considered the status quo.” Atomico is a $5bn+ AUM VC fund, investing in ambitious tech Founders at Series A and beyond, with a particular focus on Europe. Founded in 2006, Niklas Zennstrom, former CEO and Co-Founder of Skype, Atomico has partnered with over 100 ambitious teams, including those at Klarna, Supercell, MessageBird, Pipedrive, Hinge Health, Ben, and many more. In today’s episode, we dig into Sasha’s background, his move into VC and tons of advice for aspiring investors, including: ➡️ The effects of sending out rejections [05:36] ➡️ An overlooked area in VC [07:43] ➡️ From electrical engineering and quantum physics to VC [09:13] ➡️ A taster of Founder life & lessons for investors [14:54] ➡️ Why Atomico & how Sasha works with Founders [19:09] ➡️ The Partner role explained [26:10] ➡️ Pitching advice for Founders [29:01] ➡️ Purposeful investments that get a good return [33:24] ➡️ Advice for aspiring Investors [37:47]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Sasha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidiborskiy/ ➡️ More about Atomico: https://atomico.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? | |||
| From Operator To VC - Busting Industry Myths with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:18:22 | |
“You can still have an incredibly successful business, without it being a triple decker Unicorn.” This week we’re launching another series of our popular VC feature, where we’re joined by the biggest movers and shakers in the industry, sharing exclusive market insights, mentorship for anyone looking to get into VC and guidance for any Founders currently fundraising. Alongside our Wednesday episodes, we are also launching four bite-sized episodes on Monday, taking a deep dive into one of the biggest trends we’ve seen in VC - Operators becoming Investors. To bring this to life, we’re joined by Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures. In today’s episode, we dive into Rosie’s background as a Physician, why she decided to move into VC and she busts some very common industry myths.
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Rosie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-barnett-672329134/ ➡️ Check out Delin Ventures: https://www.delinventures.com/
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk | |||
| Community & Purpose - A Series 9 Roundup | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:12:19 | |
"Community for me has always been - What is our purpose? Why do we exist? What's it all for? Why does it even matter?” In this week’s episode, we’ve rounded up some of the best advice from our most recent Series, including: ➡️ Vanity metrics vs Impact - Nikki Wicks, CEO of The Body Coach [00:41] ➡️ Meaningful exchanges over numbers - Abadesi Osunsade, Founder of Hustle Crew [03:28] ➡️ Staying true to yourself throughout the journey - Simmy Dhillon, Founder of Simmer [05:23] ➡️ The dark side of social media - Sue Fennessy, Founder of WeAre8 [06:13] ➡️ Fixing problems with purpose-driven solutions - Nader AlSalim, Founder of Gaia [07:29] ➡️ Bringing change-makers into your network - Pierre Paslier, Co-Founder of Notpla [09:13] ➡️ Tapping into what your community wants - Alice Pelton, Founder of The Lowdown [10:46]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ For the full Series 9 episodes, check out our 40 Minute Mentor archives: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/category/40-minute-mentor/ ➡️ And for more mentorship, make sure you follow JBM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbm-consulting-ltd/
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| James Mitra: Season 13 Recap & What's next | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:02:59 | |
In this 40 Minute Mentor bonus episode, you'll hear directly from your Host, James Mitra, as he recaps another brilliant 10 weeks of mentorship. James shares some of his own highlights from this season and shares more about our upcoming plans. If you haven't caught up on this season yet, make sure you scroll back through Season 13...and our 250+ episodes in the archives. 📣 Don't forget to check out our season sponsors: ✨ Capsule - the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses. Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business. If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more. ✨Foundation Partners - an Amplified People Group business, reinventing how ambitious, early-stage companies access People & Talent support. They offer a fully flexible, fractional People & Talent team with specialist skillsets and hands-on delivery that starts driving impact in just 2 weeks. As a 40 Minute Mentor listener, you can book a FREE 1-hour advisory call with a Managing Partner. Just head to www.foundationpartners.co.uk/contact and reference 40 Minute Mentor. ⭐ Enjoyed this season? ⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| The Truth About Diets & Nutrition Advice For Busy Execs with Rhiannon Lambert | 31 May 2023 | 00:39:40 | |
TW: This episode includes conversations around eating disorders and extreme quick fixes that are not recommended or endorsed. If you are struggling with the topics covered, please seek professional help. "A Mediterranean style diet can be more effective than anti-depressants." The nation's health is arguably the worst it's been in generations, and that predominantly comes down to our relationship with food…. What if everyone knew the truth about fad diets? Are calories actually to blame? Is plant-based the way to go? In today's final episode of our wellbeing feature, we're joined by Rhiannon Lambert, one of the UK’s leading nutritionists, a Sunday Times bestselling author and chart-topping podcast host. We chat about Rhiannon's career defining pivot and realistic, tangible nutrition advice for the busiest Execs, including: ➡️ Pursuing a Music career at the age of 17 [03:04] ➡️ The toxicity of body image in the limelight [07:08] ➡️ Her pivot into nutrition and becoming a Founder [11:16] ➡️ Opening her Harley Street clinic [14:45] ➡️ The making of her 'Food For Thought' podcast [22:48] ➡️ Tangible nutrition advice for the busiest professionals [28:57] ➡️ How parents can help tackle childhood obesity [32:57] ➡️ Making healthy and affordable choices in a cost of living crisis [35:30] AND spoiler alert, you CAN have chocolate after breakfast.... ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Rhiannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhitrition/ ➡️ Check out Rhitrition: https://www.rhitrition.com/
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| Boosting Your Financial Wellbeing with Vivi Friedgut, Founder of Blackbullion | 24 May 2023 | 00:42:31 | |
“Most people listening need to understand that the government is not coming to save us. There is not going to be a huge pension when we retire. What you have is what you will have.” With interest rates on the rise, and the cost of living higher than ever, all of us are feeling the strain of financial stress… To help us get money smart and enhance our financial wellbeing, we’re joined by Vivi Friedgut, the Founder of Blackbullion - a financial wellbeing platform that equips young people with financial skills for life and improves access to funds. Blackbullion is currently available to over 1 million students at almost 50 partner universities and colleges across the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The platform includes resources covering spending habits, loan calculators and shines a light on schemes, such as buy now pay later. At a time where the world has never needed to be more money smart, Vivi brings her infectious energy to this week's episode, where we dive into: ➡️ Being raised financially savvy and the idea behind Blackbullion [03:46] ➡️ What to expect from the Blackbullion platform [07:40] ➡️ Navigating a slow sector in a fast moving world [13:23] ➡️ The relentless early days as a Founder [16:03] ➡️ The hurdles and advantages of female Founders [22:48] ➡️ Making your money work for you & other actions to take [25:14] ➡️ Financial wellbeing advice for students [27:01] ➡️ Closing the financial literacy gap [29:05] ➡️ Simple but effective money tips to utilise right now [36:22] ➡️ Running a 11-month fundraise and dealing with 78 rejections [37:52]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Vivi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivifriedgut/ ➡️ Check out Blackbullion: https://www.blackbullion.com/
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||
| From Burnout To Improving Team’s Mental Health with Sançar Sahin, Co-Founder of Oliva | 17 May 2023 | 00:41:39 | |
“Everybody has something, everybody is travelling through this thing called life, and life is not all sunshine and rainbows.” Did you know, around 12 billion working days globally, are lost every year to depression and anxiety? These staggering stats find us amidst a mental health crisis, and a huge demand for increased support for employee wellbeing… What gives you energy? And what takes it away? What boundaries do you set? Figuring this out is at the heart of wellbeing for this week’s 40 Minute Mentor, Sançar Sahin, Co-Founder of Oliva, a platform that provides proper mental health care for employees. How is Oliva different? They provide on demand therapy, coaching, classes and content to help your people show up feeling their best AND doing their best work… all in one platform. After all, what is a successful company without healthy employees? Our mental health, much like Founder life, is full of ups and downs, and we are continuing the conversation around wellbeing in today’s episode, where you’ll uncover: ➡️ The journey from marketing to disruptive Founder [05:14] ➡️ Building more than a SaaS solution [11:22] ➡️ Digging deeper to reveal employee struggles [15:24] ➡️ Combining technology and people [17:23] ➡️ How Oliva can enhance your employees wellbeing [22:09] ➡️ Pivotal moments of realising you’re burnt out [26:55] ➡️ Looking after your mental health as a Founder and looking after your team [33:16] ➡️ Wellbeing benefits that actually make a difference [36:25]
⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ More about Sançar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sancarsahin/ ➡️ Check out Oliva: https://www.oliva.health/
🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene?
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm | |||