Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Founded & Grounded

The introvert who was told he looked too free-spirited, and whose software now runs ordering for the UK's biggest food brands. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

"This poor lady had to say to me, 'There are concerns that you look a bit free-spirited.' They were worried I was suddenly gonna disappear and become a yoga teacher in Goa or something."

Simon Bos has spent more than 20 years building other people's startups at Gravitywell, his Bristol venture studio, watching entrepreneurs' hearts break over cheap builds that couldn't be rescued, and learning exactly what separates the products that work from the ones that die. Then he found his own gap: one of the UK's largest food-to-go manufacturers taking thousands of daily sandwich orders through a call centre. "Three BLTs, two chicken and bacon... no, three chicken and bacon." On the phone. Every day.

That absurdity became Mezze, the B2B ordering platform for food manufacturers. Since we recorded this conversation, it has grown into exactly what Simon describes planning here: the platform now handles over £10M of orders a month for names like Samworth Brothers, Pieminister and The Real Wrap Co. It has expanded into AI features and the US market. The playbook he lays out in this episode is the playbook that worked.

Along the way: a prime example of being an introvert founder, from months without networking to discovering that one-to-many content is the introvert's cheat code, plus the no-suit mantra, the three-month reset in Laos, and the client work (including the ADHD Love app) that reminds him why any of it matters.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Cheap builds break hearts. Simon has had to tell founders "there's no way of fixing this, it's gone." Under-investing in your foundation doesn't save money; a bad build is often unrescuable, and rebuilding costs more than doing it properly once.

2. Introversion is a design constraint, not a defect. Simon went months without networking and felt guilty. The fix wasn't forcing himself into rooms; it was one-to-many: content, talks, a strong product. Build the version of visibility that suits your wiring.

3. Perspective is a tool you have to schedule. From regular stakeholder mapping to three months in Laos, Simon's pattern is to step back deliberately. When the day-to-day consumes you, you can't see the business; distance is what shows you where you actually sit in the ecosystem.

WHAT WE COVER
- 25+ years of Gravitywell: what building hundreds of products teaches you about founders
- "Entrepreneurs' hearts breaking": the truth about unrescuable builds
- The call-centre absurdity which became Mezze
- Spotting your place in the supply chain instead of trying to be the big thing
- The introvert founder: networking guilt, one-to-many, and deep 1:1s over room-working
- "You look a bit free-spirited": appearance bias, procurement, and the no-suit mantra
- The ADHD Love app, body doubling, and the messages that say "it changed my life"
- Three months in Laos and what stepping back showed him
- Asking for help with an explicit ask, and failure as raw material
- Simon's question for you: is introversion a barrier or a gift?

💬 Answer Simon's question in the comments or vote in our LinkedIn poll.

Guest: Simon Bos
Mezze: https://mezze.io | Gravitywell: https://gravitywell.co.uk | LinkedIn: Simon Bos https://www.linkedin.com/in/sibos/

Hosted by Ollie Collard and Dr Becky Sage.

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Meet Greg, the adviser who built a career on saying what 1,000+ founders didn't want to hear. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

The opener to this episode tells you two things about Greg McCallum: he's funnier than most business advisers, and he's more honest about the cost of the founder life than almost anyone we've had on the show.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Ask strangers, not friends. The most common founder mistake is failing to ask prospective customers whether the idea is good. Do it early and you're not just validating, you're building a pipeline, learning the language that sells, and writing your first sales playbook for free.

2. Sales is listening, not pitching. Professional sales hires get a three- to six-month ramp before anyone expects a deal, so give yourself the same grace. Never ask for the sale. Understand the need, demonstrate the solution, and let them ask you.

3. Honesty is the strategy. With customers, with investors, and hardest of all with yourself. Audit the skills you actually lack before you buy the domain or design the logo. Self-awareness is cheaper than failure.

Greg got kicked out of school at 15. By 16, he was running a restaurant floor. By 18, he'd quietly consulted for almost every bar and restaurant in Oxford. By his mid-twenties, banks were asking him into the boardroom. Then he deliberately took a soul-destroying telemarketing job for a year, because nobody would take his sales advice seriously until he'd done the hard yards himself. That decision led to sales leadership at Booksy (now unicorn status), C-suite roles across startups, and a mentoring practice that has helped over 1,000 founders worldwide, under a name he's turned into a brand: The No Bullshit Adviser.

In this episode, Greg gets honest about the mistake almost every founder makes, why working in sales won't teach you founder sales, the AI industry's dirty data secret his new startup Peer is built to solve, and the part nobody talks about: the anxiety, the dark years, and the alliances entrepreneurship never lets you make. Because when it all goes wrong, the question that matters is who you actually call.

Please note: this episode contains strong language throughout. Greg is called the No Bullshit Adviser for a reason.

WHAT WE COVER

- Kicked out of school, child of immigrant entrepreneurs, and managing hospitality floors at 16

- Accidentally becoming Oxford's teenage restaurant consultant

- A year of telemarketing to earn the right to give sales advice

- Booksy, C-suite roles, and 1,000+ founders mentored

- The one bad Trustpilot review that's secretly a five-star review

- Why psychometric tests are (mostly) bullshit, and skills audits beat personality labels

- Founders Unplugged: the podcast born from client calls that ran three hours over

- Peer and the dirty secret of AI: the data ceiling nobody talks about

- "Stop preaching work-life balance": Greg's unfiltered take

- Anxiety, depression, CBT, and becoming your own therapist

- The real sacrifice: friendship, founder loneliness, and why your support network is a survival mechanism

- The SaaS bubble, the bootstrapping comeback, and his one piece of advice: two words

💬 Greg's story got us thinking: when it all goes wrong, who is the one person you'd call? Tell us in the comments.

Greg also offers a free one-hour, no-strings advisory session to founders and executives. Details on his site below.

Guest: Greg McCallum

The No Bullshit Adviser: https://www.gregrcmccallum.com/the-no-bs-session

Founders Unplugged: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/founders-unplugged/id1688034102

Peer - https://peerlab.ai/peer

Hosted by Ollie Tiramuragan Collard and Dr Becky Sage.

🎧 New episodes every fortnight. Search "Founded and Grounded" on your favourite player.

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The ex-model who turned an exploding kitchen of cauliflower into the pasta brand. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

"My husband was just like, 'What's happening?' The kitchen was just an explosion of cauliflower."

That's how Sunny & Luna started, and this episode opens with it.

Giulia Berretti spent her teens modelling in New York on as little as 800 calories a day, inside an industry that treated food as the enemy. The daughter of a winemaker and a restaurateur, taught to make pasta by her nonna, she walked away. When COVID hit, she rebuilt her relationship with food into a business: vegetable-packed fresh pasta, born in her own kitchen.

She sold her first batches to neighbours on Nextdoor, pitched at the Bread & Jam festival with four gnocchi in a plastic bag, and Whole Foods and Planet Organic loved it. She then spent six months knocking on the doors of Italian manufacturers who kept asking "who are you?" until one said yes. When we recorded this conversation, Giulia was days from her first national listing and closing a £500K angel round. Today, Sunny & Luna is on the shelves of Sainsbury's, Ocado, Whole Foods and Planet Organic. Proof that everything she talks about in this episode worked.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Never compromise on your non-negotiables. When the Ukraine war sent costs spiralling, Giulia held her quality line and raised prices instead of cutting corners, and customers rewarded her for it. Know what you won't trade, and price accordingly.

2. Passion plus authenticity beats playbooks. She built a standout brand in a category nobody had disrupted (fresh pasta) by staying close to what she genuinely knows and loves. Innovation came from her story, not from copying someone else's.

3. Persistence needs patience. "When the train is coming, you don't have to jump straight away." Ups and downs are the job. The founders who make it are the ones who keep going without rushing decisions that compromise the long-term vision.

WHAT WE COVER

- Modelling in New York at 18: the money, the pressure, and restricting to 800 calories a day

- Nonna's kitchen: the pasta-making childhood that became the business

- Testing demand on Nextdoor, and pitching retailers with a plastic bag of gnocchi

- Six months driving around Italy to find a manufacturer, and selling them the dream

- Why she'd never compromise on quality, even when costs exploded

- Two days of maternity leave, pitching Ocado ten days after giving birth, and the lesson in slowing down

- "A company fails when the founder is tired": mental health, therapy, and switching off

- Funding: bootstrapped on modelling savings, then a £500K round from angels who back her

- The future of food: real ingredients over fake meat, and Sunny & Luna as a lifestyle brand

- Why the business is named after her cats

💬 Giulia has a question for you. See the pinned comment and tell us your favourite.

Guest: Giulia Berretti

Sunny & Luna: https://sunnyandluna.co.uk | Instagram: @sunnyandlunaeats

Hosted by Ollie Tiramuragan Collard and Dr. Becky Sage.

🎧 New episodes every fortnight. Search "Founded and Grounded" on your favourite player.

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Nobody would give Hannah a room. So Hannah decided to control who gets one.Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

"I cold called all of the landlords I'd ever met at Bristol and got horribly rejected by most. Definitely cried a lot in the first few weeks."

That's how Hannah Chappatte started hybr and this episode opens with it.

Rejected by the University of Bristol on her predicted grades, she proved them wrong, got in, got a first, then skipped the consulting grad schemes to fix the thing every student complains about: finding a house. Fast forward, hybr has raised a £3.24M seed round and is building the one-stop rental platform for the UK's 3 million students, first-time renters drowning in jargon, deprioritised by agents, and at risk of exploitation.

This is a masterclass in validation, resilience and focus from a founder who did it with no network, no funding and no playbook, and who'll tell you straight: if you can avoid raising money, avoid it.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Rejection is the R&D. Every landlord "no" became a rewritten pitch and a rebuttal, until the yeses came. Persistence isn't gritting your teeth; it's a feedback loop. Validate by selling, not by building in silence.

2. Focus is a system, not a feeling. Two company objectives per quarter, one North Star metric. If a project doesn't ladder into them, it doesn't get worked on, however shiny.

3. Build sustainably from day one. Validate on the smallest possible scale with minimal tech investment, prove the problem and market are big enough, and design for profitability early; it de-risks everything that comes after. And it applies to you too: Hannah calls out the sleep-under-the-desk myth. Sprints are real; burnout kills businesses. 

WHAT WE COVER - Cold-calling landlords, crying through rejections, and rewriting the pitch every time - The consulting grad-scheme escape and throwing herself in 100% after graduation - Going from co-founder to sole founder after three months , and why her next business will have one - Both sides of the marketplace: what students and landlords actually need - Raising a £3.24M seed in a market where 2% of funding goes to women - The worst advice ever: the VC who'd only invest if she pivoted to food - The power of being underestimated - The event where 100 people RSVP'd and one turned up - Radical Candor, building a team of 15, and rejecting hustle culture - Gen Z, mental hygiene, remote-vs-office, and her vision: no empty rooms in the UK 

💬 Hannah has a question for you , see the pinned comment and tell us your answer. Guest: Hannah Chappatte LinkedIn: Hannah Chappatte | HYBR: https://hybr.co.uk Socials: @hybr.uk on TikTok, Instagram and X Hosted by Ollie Tiramuragan Collard and Dr. Becky Sage. 

🎧 New episodes every fortnight. Search "Founded and Grounded" on your favourite player. 👍 If you got value, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , it genuinely helps the show grow. #FoundedAndGrounded #StartupPodcast #Entrepreneurship #PropTech #FemaleFounder

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Surviving crisis - from a Beirut hostage ordeal to losing every client overnight. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. 

Dave Mason has survived two crises most people never face: being held hostage in Beirut and every client cancelling in a single afternoon. Now he helps companies survive theirs. 

⚠️ Note: this episode contains a first-hand account of violence and trauma (a hostage situation and PTSD). 

Listener discretion advised. In 2006, Dave Mason was reporting on displaced families in Beirut when his car was surrounded by a mob. Dave and his colleague held on in the back of that car, fighting for their lives, punched, robbed, and threatened- before, of all groups, Hezbollah ended up getting them to safety, and he was taken to meet the Prime Minister of Lebanon. 

This is not the only crisis Dave has survived. From a media-obsessed teenager -  fired up by a single teacher's offhand comment - Dave built a 30-year career spanning local radio (he founded the much-loved Orchard FM), GMTV breakfast TV and NATO media training. Then he backed himself, financing a management buyout against his own pension to buy the agency he worked for. Three months later, COVID hit and every single client cancelled in one afternoon. This is how he rebuilt in 48 hours, turned crisis into a four-day-week business, and spun out Splutter -  a real-time social media crisis simulator now used in one of the world's largest financial-sector crisis exercises (1,000+ participants, Hong Kong). 

Along the way: honest financial advice for freelancers, why local media still matters, what AI really means for PR, and why your health is worth more than the money. If you're a founder weighing up a risky bet, a management buyout, or how to survive when the market disappears overnight, this one's for you. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 1. Resilience is adaptability. Dave didn't survive COVID by waiting it out,  he rebuilt in 48 hours and pivoted his media training into a digital-first product. When the market vanishes, the move is to reshape what you offer, fast. 

2. Use AI to amplify people, not replace them.

3. Your health is the real wealth. Dave's line "if you've got your health, you are a millionaire" rings so true. Money is the trade-off freelancers make; protecting your wellbeing is what makes the success sustainable. 

WHAT WE COVER - Beirut, 2006: 45 minutes that became a near-death experience - and the PTSD treatment that followed - The teacher's comment that lit the fire, and breaking into media with cold letters as a 15-year-old (75 rejection letters kept to this day) - Founding Orchard FM - why local radio mattered, and what we lost when the corporates took over - The freelance reality: "no show, no dough", saving for sickness, and the holiday that costs double - Financing a management buyout against your pension - and what the regulators put him through - The COVID afternoon every client vanished - and the 48-hour pivot that saved the business - Building Splutter: simulating thousands of hostile avatars to stress-test real organisations - What AI really means for PR, focus vs adaptability, and why careers only make sense looking backwards 

💬 Over to you: what's the toughest crisis you've had to navigate in your business? Tell us in the comments. 

Guest: Dave Mason LinkedIn: Dave Mason | X: @DaveMasonTV Splutter: https://splutter.training Mentor Media Training: https://mentormediatraining.co.uk

Hosted by Ollie Tiramuragan Collard and Dr. Becky Sage. 

🎧 New episodes every fortnight. Search "Founded and Grounded" on your favourite player. 👍 If you got value, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts; it genuinely helps the show grow.

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They bought an office in lockdown when nobody else was buying. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/founded. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

Two mates met on a rugby pitch, became accountant and client, then bought an office building in the middle of lockdown, when no one else was buying.

In this episode, Ollie speaks to Rhys Jones (The Online Accountant) and Olly Ladbrooke (Moose Studios), business partners behind the Bristol Office Hub, about going from corporate life to running multiple businesses side by side.

They get honest about the mindset shift from employee to serial entrepreneur, the brutal moment a down-valuation left them scraping to fund a leaking roof, why complementary skills beat codified roles, and how community and referrals (not contrived networking) quietly built everything. Plus, we explore AI in accountancy and marketing, and why "just show up and take action" still wins.

Whether you're a solo founder feeling the isolation or weighing up a big risk, this one's for you.

LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

1. Resilience isn't a trait; it's a position. Their first building ran "like a dream", which is exactly what gave them the confidence and cushion to survive a brutal down-valuation on the second.

2. Cash buys you calm. Build six to twelve months of runway in the first two years, keep it lean, and you stop pouring energy into chasing bills instead of growing.

3. Action beats overthinking. No scaremongering about AI, these business partners just show up, make the call, and move forward. 90% of success is being there and taking the next step.

GUESTS

Rhys Jones, accountant and co-founder of The Online Accountant and The Property Accountant. Left corporate life to go solo, took on Olly as client number one, now runs a six-person practice.

Olly Ladbrooke, chartered surveyor (ex-BNP Paribas) and founder of Moose Studios, a marketing agency with offices in Bristol and London. Together they own and run the Bristol Office Hub.

Bristol Office Hub — bristolofficehub.co.uk (195–197 Whiteladies Road, Bristol)

Moose Studios - moosestudios.co.uk

The Online Accountant - theonlineaccountant.com

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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Is software dead, or just being rebuilt? Ollie spent two weeks obsessing over Claude Cowork and turned 100 episodes of Founded & Grounded into a content engine. Becky spoke alongside the legendary Steve Blank.

We break down agentic AI, SaaS valuations, customer development, pricing as conversation, and why human connection is the moat that AI cannot copy. This will leave you wanting to experiment right now. 

Key takeaways

- Agentic AI is not a tool you add. It's the sand between your existing software stack, doing the connective work while you sleep, so you stop running the business by hand.

- Pricing is a conversation, not a number. Steve Blank's lesson is simple. Ask the customer the question, listen to the answer, then build the proposal. Skip that step, and you're guessing with someone else's money.

- AI raises the floor on output. It does nothing for trust. The founders who win the next cycle are the ones in rooms without laptops, building relationships that agents cannot fake.

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How do founders navigate a business landscape shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity?

In this live conversation, we speak with Matt Wilde from SWIG Finance about the funding gaps many businesses still face and what it really takes to grow in an unstable global environment. From working capital and supply chains to the role of trusted advisors and stronger ecosystem support, Matt shares what founders need to get right when the pressure is on.

Key takeaways:

• Businesses that want to thrive in uncertain times need strong foundations, especially around working capital and effective supply chain management.
• Social impact lenders like SWIG Finance play an important role in supporting a wide range of businesses with tailored financial solutions that help them grow and sustain operations.
• AI can free up time for more valuable human-centred work, but businesses need to balance efficiency with sound judgement and human values. 

We also explore the role of SWIG Finance as a social enterprise lender, supporting businesses with finance options that help founders start, sustain and scale. The conversation looks at the importance of good advisors, access to capital and stronger ecosystem connectivity, and how these factors shape a founder’s ability to build a resilient business.

Alongside this, we discuss the growing influence of AI on the way businesses operate. While technology can create efficiencies, Matt makes the case for keeping human judgment at the centre of decision-making.

The episode closes with real examples, reflections on smarter financial decisions and a broader look at what founders need to succeed in a VUCA world.

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7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger. 

Managing one of the world’s biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen’s explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public. 

The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through strategic partnerships and leveraging their audience. This is a masterclass in staying relevant, building with intention, and growing without losing who you are.

Key takeaways

🔥 Know yourself to grow yourself. Jordan believes brutal self-awareness and personal branding are essential. When you understand who you truly are and fully embrace it, you unlock clarity, confidence, and business momentum. 

📹 Don’t just create. Document. It’s not just about creating content. Jordan shows how documenting your journey with purpose builds trust, drives growth, and keeps your brand aligned with your goals.

🤝 You can’t win alone.  Strategic partnerships are the key ingredient to scale. Find operators who complement your strengths and share your vision.

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/lqtT800N1V6

Hit play and discover how to build something that actually lasts.

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What separates a great podcast from the noise? We uncover the secrets of podcasting success with Gareth Evans, founder of 18Sixty, an agency that helps brands connect with their audience through high-quality audio storytelling.

From working with Virgin/Absolute Radio and BBC Radio to launching his own agency, Gareth shares his journey through the evolution of podcasting, revealing what it takes to create audio content that really holds the audience's attention. 

Key Takeaways

Knowing your audience: The key to a successful podcast lies in deeply understanding your listeners and crafting content that serves their needs

Finding Balance: Effective time management, habit stacking, and prioritisation are essential for navigating business demands while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Business growth strategies:  Differentiating yourself, leveraging word-of-mouth, and building strong connections are crucial for scaling your business. 

Whether you're an early-stage founder, an aspiring podcaster, or just curious about the future of branded podcasts, this episode is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom. 

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/j54mNsooOdH
 

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From $0 to $400 Million Valuation: The Incredible Journey of Tim Fung and Airtasker. From humble beginnings to a marketplace giant. 

But Tim's journey is much more than just success.

Through resilience, identifying mutual benefit, and embracing change, he has created a company that has changed the future of work.

Tim delves into his upbringing, the inception of Airtasker, and the company's funding journey, offering valuable advice for new founders.

 Explore the balance between transparency and forward planning, Tim's IPO experience, and the transition from blitzscaling to a lean approach. Learn about the significance of humility, team support, and managing expectations. We conclude the episode by discussing the future of work, embracing AI, and societal changes.

Key Takeaways

• High expectations can undermine resilience, so maintaining realistic goals can help sustain long-term motivation and perseverance.
• Aligning business strategies and goals among all stakeholders ensures smoother operations and mutual benefits, making it easier to achieve sustainable growth.
• Adapting to market conditions and being open to changing strategies, even if it means shifting from aggressive expansion to a leaner approach, is crucial for long-term success.
  
  Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website
  https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/z0Sw0OlIhm1

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What do Stephen Hawking, AR glasses, and open-source design have in common?

Join us as we chat with Bobak Tavangar, co-founder of Brilliant Labs, about his remarkable journey and insights into innovation.

From leadership lessons to fundraising advice, this episode is packed with valuable gems for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.

Bobak discusses his career, including a memorable encounter with Stephen Hawking and the role of open-source design in innovation. He explores the challenges of AR adoption, company culture, and hardware startups, offering leadership lessons on humility and communication. Hear Bobak's advice on fundraising, cofounder dynamics, and balancing startup life. Finally, we end with reflections on AI's future, data privacy, and the influence of faith in entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

- AI and AR technologies have the potential to revolutionise memory augmentation, providing perfect recall and proactive insights based on an individual's life experiences.

- Building a successful global team requires extreme specificity and over-communication to avoid costly miscommunications, especially in hardware development.

- Achieving a balance between openness and data privacy is crucial for tech companies to build trust and positively influence industry standards.

Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/X7Y6MMrIIzw

 

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From academia to entrepreneurship: The remarkable story of Nick Tune and the secrets to converting research into commercial success, with his spinout company Optimise AI. 

Gain valuable insights on the mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from corporate to startup life, the importance of support networks, and how to embrace failures. Uncover the economic impact of Nick's spinout company Optimise AI, their differentiators in the market, and his valuable advice on team growth and work-life balance for early-stage founders.

Key Takeaways

- Balancing financial management and growth is crucial for startup survival, requiring careful attention to both spending and cash runway.

- Utilising fractional experts can provide startups with strategic and operational support without the high costs of full-time roles.

- A strong support system and maintaining personal well-being are essential for founders to sustain their passion and resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now

https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/hLPd1Wv9x0T

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From performing magic for prime ministers and billionaires to gracing stages on shows like Britain's Got Talent. Alfie Whattam shares his unorthodox journey from entertainment to launching his own recruitment startup, Alfa Technology. Alfa builds software engineering teams for businesses operating in cutting-edge technologies like AI and Web3. 
 
Uncover Alfie's game-changing insights on cultivating a bulletproof mindset, building effective content strategies, and disrupting outdated industries ripe for innovation. 

The recruitment industry is broken. Hear how Alfie is challenging the status quo, taking on the incumbent ‘dinosaurs’, questioning unethical practices, and doing things differently. 
 
Alfie's insights delve into pressing issues, like the ethical implications of AI, and the exponential speed of development, which could soon reach an irreversible tipping point. Alfie emphasises the need for genuine community-driven approaches in recruitment. 

Key takeaways

- How to build a winning Content Strategy – Alfie shares his blueprint so you can drive inbound demand for your business. He stresses the importance of consistency and a clear strategy to make content work effectively for your goals. 

- Delegation and Automation - Alfie emphasises the significance of delegating tasks, systematising, and automating to avoid burnout and maximise productivity. 

- The potential and dangers of AI and Web3 technologies. Hear the immense potential for transforming entire industries and creating new business opportunities. But the rapid evolution also poses ethical and existential questions that we explore

Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website

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Support the show

Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:

National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don’t leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:

NPSA.gov.uk/innovation

Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to:

hexafinance.co.uk/contact

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How this entrepreneur overcame ADHD and dyslexia and used these diagnoses as his superpower to build two businesses worth millions. 

Hear the inspiring story of Roei Samuel, who discusses the importance of self-belief, transparency, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Roei got an exit with his first business, Real Sport, and has gone on to build the UK's fastest-growing startup community in Connectd.

The platform has shaken the early-stage investment landscape by utilising data to ensure transparency, trust, and better connectivity in the investment process. By the end of the episode, you'll be encouraged to think bigger, embrace bold decisions, and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with more confidence and resilience.

Key Takeaways

- How to create an unstoppable mindset - Roei shares how he has created an intoxicating self-belief to overcome challenges and remove crippling self-doubt.

- Develop self-awareness and play to your strengths - How to become more self-aware and focus on your personal strengths. Embrace who you are and prioritise self-care to achieve long-term success and happiness.

- Create a big vision - Roei is on a mission to democratise the investment landscape and empower entrepreneurs worldwide. 

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Meet the power couple who quit their jobs and made Dragons' Den history, by giving away 5% of their business for £5. 

Introducing Charlene Mitchell-Hood and Simon Hood, the founders of Sooper Books. Hear their incredible journey, which started as a simple idea to aid their daughter’s bedtime routine, which quickly turned into the world's number one bedtime story streaming service and saw all five Dragons invest. 

Their journey will inspire you and arm you with valuable insights for your own startup. Don't miss this masterclass on how you can turn your passion into a category-defining leader.

Sooper Books is a storybook streaming service offering hundreds of world-class stories and audiobooks to millions of families around the world, completely free of charge.

Key Takeaways

- Value of relationships over money. Learn why and how they prioritised connections over cash, which has opened doors and fostered significant growth for Sooper Books. This illustrates that sometimes, who you know is as important as what you know.

- Authenticity in pitching and brand building. Learn how their genuine approach in the Dragon's Den and beyond has not only differentiated them from competitors but also helped build a brand that's beloved by families worldwide.

- Balancing business and personal life. Discover the delicate art of managing a business with your spouse, the importance of delegation, having clear boundaries in place and the pivotal role of learning from failures to ensure both business and personal growth.

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A teaser for Season 5. We deep dive into the minds of early-stage founders, who are only a couple of steps ahead.

Our unique podcast format, blending interviews with analysis, brings you closer to the action. Our hosts, Dr Becky Sage and Ollie Tiramuragan Collard unpack the business lessons for you.

Join us as we tackle taboo topics and feature a diverse range of guests, with over 1 in 3 being female founders and 1 in 4 being from an ethnic minority background since the podcast was launched in 2019.

We delve into Ashleigh Tennent's journey in the coaching industry. We also hear about Andy Welsh's financial struggles. Eric Fulwiler shares his career journey, marketing insights, and experiences with Gary Vaynerchuk.

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The untold story of how one woman's mental health crisis led her to create a revolutionary mindset company for women.

Meet Kim Palmer founder of Clementine, a company on a mission to free women from unhelpful thoughts, feelings & expectations.

Kim's very personal crisis led her to champion mental well-being and create a movement for women. Clementine is reimagining mental health and paving the way for digital therapeutics. Kim risked it all as the main breadwinner, giving up her well-paid job in strategy to follow her dreams. 

Key Takeaways

- Expansion and growth: Explore Clementine's strategic shift from an App to a mindset company

- Founder well-being: Kim discusses the critical role of self-care, the power of trusting one's intuition, and maintaining emotional well-being amid the demands of startup life

- The Importance of Customer Discovery: How to effectively use customer insights to validate your business model, fuel growth and build an engaged community

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Get a rare insight into one entrepreneur's remarkable journey to a $1.5B market cap. 

Discover John Williams's insider strategies and personal challenges as he co-founded and scaled Kudan from startup through to IPO. John's next chapter is building SCVC, a deep tech VC he and partner Harry Destecroix wished they had as founders.

This episode is a must-listen for every entrepreneur and tech enthusiast.

Key Takeaways

- Insider IPO Strategies: from leading Kudan through to a historic IPO, John shares his untold story of the strategic manoeuvres and personal challenges of scaling a company to achieve a billion-dollar-plus valuation. 

- Venture Capital Reimagined: discover SCVC's unique approach as a deep tech VC firm that supports early-stage founders, focused on transforming academic research into commercial spinouts.
 
- Technology product fit, learn how a deep understanding of your technology can guide you to the right product and market.

Investor mindset -  hear how SCVC is helping early-stage founders navigate the complex and long journey from academic research to spinout success. 

Hear how John hopes to leave a legacy and go beyond his massive IPO milestone,  by backing the best technical founders who are creating the fourth industrial revolution.

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Meet Conal Cunningham, a music industry veteran turned pet food innovator, and discover his remarkable business journey of perseverance and innovation.

We deep-dive into the origins of Mr Bug, a company redefining pet nutrition through sustainably bred insect protein. 

This startup story has everything from kitchen experiments to funding struggles and scaling triumphs. 

Whether you're a founder, an eco-conscious individual, or simply curious about the intersection of sustainability and business, this episode is a must-listen. 

Key Takeaways:

- Understand how starting small and bootstrapping can be leveraged as a strategic advantage for learning, evolving, and growing your business

- How to engage with your customers early on and how this can lead to immediate sales and traction when you launch your startup

- The framework for building a stand-out brand in a crowded marketplace

- The potential of insect protein to contribute to food security and the circular economy.

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Entrepreneurship is a lot like dancing; both require resilience, adaptability, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

Find out how one startup, SOS Dance Global, is combining these elements to reach the top of the industry. This is a story of empowerment, resilience, and defying the odds.

Bonnie Parsons, shares her remarkable journey from professional dancer to pioneering entrepreneur, and how she's empowering a generation of women through the universal language of dance.

Key Takeaways

- How to confront challenges head-on. Hear the harsh truths behind the obstacles facing female founders and the keys to success in balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. 

- Empowerment as strategy. For Bonnie, she's clear on her mission to positively impact lives globally, providing strength and confidence to women. 

- Scaling up requires a transformative mindset, implementing systems, and spreading culture and processes for business growth

- Persistence pays off. Building a startup is a long game where patience, strategic planning, and understanding your worth are essential ingredients for success.

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Experiencing the collapse of a startup can be devastating, yet for Vasily Alekseenko, it was the catalyst for change. 

After witnessing the dark side of fundraising, Vasily took matters into his own hands. Rare Founders was born with a simple mission to connect founders and investors.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of networking, pitching, investment, and the magic that happens when founders come together to uplift one another.

We discuss the importance of diversity in the investment landscape, the significance of community, and the future of early-stage funding.

Key Takeaways

- How to be more resourceful and do more with less. Focus on creative solutions and confidence in your vision

- How to overcome your insecurities and pitch with confidence

- Fun as a foundation. How to inject fun into your startup and gamify life as a founder

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The innovator turning forgotten spaces into thriving community hubs.

Meet Felix Atkin, founder of tech startup Sharsey - the Airbnb for community spaces.

What stemmed from a personal problem of trying to book a local venue for his kids' birthday party has blossomed into a business that has already generated over £1million in bookings.

Felix delves deep into his journey, unveils the strategic steps behind Sharesy's considered growth, and shares invaluable insights on coping with the demands of startup leadership.

Key Takeaways

- Self-Care Is Paramount. Amidst the drive for success, remember that personal well-being is crucial for sustaining long-term ambition.

- Resilience in Fundraising. Embrace rejections as learning opportunities. Maintain transparency with your investors and lean on your support network during challenging times.

- Learn the secret of how to context switch  between high-level strategic planning and the nitty-gritty of day-to-day operations in your business
- How to win at founder-led sales

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Meet Kaushal Shah, the impact entrepreneur behind envoPap, who is on a mission to help save the planet while making a profit. He turns agricultural waste into sustainable paper and packaging, and in this conversation, he shares his secrets to success in business and beyond.

Key takeaways

- Sustainable Innovation: Learn how Kaushal has built out an end-to-end sustainable business model focused on both community development and economic growth

- Smart scaling: We peel back the layers to unpick how Kaushal achieves economic growth whilst successfully diversifying the business

- Grounded Mindset: How does Kaushal deal with cultural differences and large supply chain issues? By staying grounded through self-care practices like meditation

Finally, hear why falling in love with the problem, not just the solution, is vital to entrepreneurial success

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The former MD of Gary Vee's Vayner Media left everything behind to pursue his dream, and the results will leave you inspired. 

Tune into a thought-provoking journey with Eric Fulwiler, the visionary co-founder behind the growth marketing consultancy Rival.

What was the tipping point that compelled him to take the plunge? In reality, there wasn't one...

Eric pulls back the glitzy entrepreneurial curtain and reveals the unfiltered realities of day-to-day startup life.

Key Takeaways

- Define Your Own Success Metrics: It’s not just about growth; in Eric's case, it's about building a business that is so strong that someone else would want to purchase it. Learn his philosophy: don't challenge the market; change it.

- Prepare for the Marathon: Entrepreneurship is a journey of endurance. Eric's advice? Build emotional and psychological resilience. It’s about ensuring the longevity of both your mental health and your business. Take care of yourself, your team, and truly understand your customers' needs.

- More Than Just Profit: Eric sees Rival, and business in general, as a vehicle for positive change. Aim for a social and environmental impact; embody the challenger brand mindset, and drive innovation that matters.

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What comes to mind when you think of the future? Flying cars, human-like robots, time travel? But what about quantum computing?

Prepare to have your mind blown.

Join us for an exhilarating journey into the future with Phasecraft, a groundbreaking startup that is pushing the boundaries of algorithmic innovation in the quantum realm.

Get an insider view from Ashley Montanaro - co-founder & CEO - as he unravels the mysteries of quantum computing

Key Takeaways

- Explore the Infinite: Discover the transformative potential of quantum algorithms and witness how Phasecraft will help create breakthroughs in battery development and material science.

- Inspiration: Hear the unvarnished accounts of the co-founders' personal lives that blend life and work, whilst raising young families.

- Shape the Future: Uncover the impact of quantum computing on future technologies and industries

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We are currently facing a public health crisis. In this episode, you'll hear the story of Andy Welsh, the ambitious founder of SRSLY Low Carb. After a wake-up call, he left the corporate world to enter the challenging world of health-focused entrepreneurship. 

Picture this: You're trying to offer healthier food options in a market that is dominated by six conglomerates producing ultra-processed food. Quite a challenge, right?  

 What's his secret weapon? It's listening to his customers. Their feedback and loyalty have been his guide and his driving force, reinforcing the power of customer-centric businesses. 

Key Takeaways

- Resilience is at the Heart of Entrepreneurship: Andy's experience reminds us that overcoming obstacles, such as personal financial risk and market resistance, requires a strong support system and an ability to adapt under pressure.

- The Power of Quality and Customer Loyalty: Prioritising product integrity and building close customer relationships can lead to organic growth and brand trust, often reducing the need for heavy marketing investment.

- Financial Literacy is Fundamental: The conversations underscore the essential need for entrepreneurs to understand their financials deeply. Money problems in business can't be ignored and must be managed proactively to ensure stability and growth.

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From advising UK Prime Ministers to spearheading green innovation. Mat Ilic takes us from the corridors of Whitehall to the frontlines of green innovation.

Discover his journey from Belgrade to becoming a UK visionary. Mat spent his career advising the likes of Boris Johnson and Theresa May.

Now, he’s on a mission with Greenworkx to foster environmental change and generate 10 million green jobs

Key Takeaways

- How can small steps lead to massive impact? This conversation holds the answers. 

- Bridging the Green Gap: There's a pressing need to address the skills gap in the green sector. Greenworkx's mission is to empower 10 million individuals with green jobs, fostering a low-carbon, sustainable world.

- Step by Step Innovation: Mat Ilic champions the iterative approach in business, reminding us that significant progress comes from small, consistent steps.

- Diversity Fuels Change: Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's crucial for progression. By aiming to recruit from underserved communities, Greenworkx addresses workforce diversity head-on, ensuring that the transition to a greener economy is wide-reaching.

Join us for an insightful conversation where passion meets purpose, and innovation creates a greener world.

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The incredible journey of Hexa Finance is not just a tale of success; it's a true story of how being bold and true to yourself can pay dividends.  

From a simple idea in 2016 to launching amidst the global lockdown, co-founders Ben Davies and Stu Mason have navigated it all.

They dive deep into their journey, sharing the sacrifices made, the critical role of timing, and the essence of trust and understanding in their partnership.

Key takeaways

- Back yourself and go for it, as you've started something for a reason and should have complete confidence in your vision.

- The Power of Teamwork: Ben and Stu stress the significance of a team that complements your skills and fosters mutual support. 

- The Art of Saying 'No': Learn the value of simplicity in complexity. Embracing your niche, the bravery in critical decisions, and the wisdom in choosing your battles. 

- Making Finance Relatable: Steering away from traditional corporate norms, Hexa Finance champions an open & comfortable environment, demystifying finance and making it accessible to all. 

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As an early-stage founder, the decision to bootstrap or raise capital can make or break your business.

But don't worry, serial entrepreneur Dominic Mills has been there and has the answers you need to succeed.

We uncover the power of community, localism, and entrepreneurship as we follow Dominic's journey from exit to founding his latest startup, Yuup -  a marketplace that connects people with local experiences.

Key Takeaways

- Community as a Catalyst: Learn from Dominic's experience with 'Yuup' about the power of community in accelerating business growth

- Balancing Acts: Hear Dominic's take on the advantages and challenges of bootstrapping versus taking on external funding

- Leadership Mastery: Discover how to become an effective leader

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Unlock the secrets to overcoming fear, addressing burnout, and finding happiness with the power of coaching.

Meet Ashleigh Tennent, founder of More Happi - a platform making coaching affordable for all.

Discover how she conquered her fears, recognised burnout, and built a successful coaching business that's changing lives.

Key Takeaways  

- Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs: Learn how Ashleigh tackled her fear of public speaking, which was rooted in her childhood

- Addressing Burnout: Discover how Ashleigh recognised and navigated burnout with the guidance of a coach, emphasising the importance of reflection and gaining perspective.

- The Power of Mentors and Coaches: Understand the difference between mentors and coaches

If you're able to support an amazing cause on behalf of Laura Rawlings, please do kindly donate to Macmillan Cancer, link below

https://coffeefundraising.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/cm23059103

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Depression affects 1 in 6 adults in the UK, with medication being the most common treatment.

But what if there was a drug-free approach that actually works?

The CEO of Flow Neuroscience, Erin Lee, reveals how their innovative headset is changing the game in mental health treatment.

Key Takeaways

- Embracing uncertainty is part of the startup journey, and as your knowledge grows, the awareness of what you don't know increases.
 
- Authenticity in leadership, Erin reveals how sharing your flaws and uncertainties can unify a team and contribute to a more genuine work environment.
 
- Persistence and passion are critical for startup success, and why you need to be starting a business for the right reasons

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Twin brothers.

A unique vision.

And a determination to create a global nature brand against all odds.

This is the remarkable story of Unyoked: hear from co-founder Cam about his unstoppable startup that has overcome bushfires, floods, and a pandemic to bring sustainable off-grid cabins to the world.

Key Takeaways

- Creating a category is a bold move that differentiates your startup from competitors and requires deep market understanding, a clear USP, and significant marketing efforts to educate consumers.
- Having a co-founder with aligned values and life stages is crucial for a harmonious relationship and the success of a startup.
- A startup journey will inevitably encounter challenges, and maintaining resilience and a problem-solving mindset is crucial in navigating and overcoming these obstacles.

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Join us on board a real Boeing 727 as we dive deep into the mind of a passionate business leader, entrepreneur, and activist, Johnny Palmer.

From software to hospitality to renewable energy, he has built multiple successful ventures and now shares his blueprint for success with you.  Are you ready to join the ride?

We discuss his core values of disruption, growth, and sustainability, the importance of delegation and trust, the benefits of building a support network, and the challenges of dealing with loneliness in business.

Key Takeaways

- The importance of taking personal responsibility for one's actions and outcomes, viewing every challenge or failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. 

-Johnny's blueprint to go from idea to execution and how to nurture embryonic concepts

-The power of collaboration, leadership, and delegation, suggesting that success in business involves trusting and empowering others, having a clear and energetic vision, and being open to the chaos that can lead to innovation.

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Imagine seeing all your fitness progress in a Magic mirror, powered by AI. 

That's exactly what entrepreneur Varun has created with his tech-first personal training solution after his personal battles with unhealthy habits. 

Discover how he overcame investor rejection and built an MVP, plus the sacrifices he made along the way.

Key Takeaways

- How to fund and build an MVP

- Having a co-founder with complementary skills can be invaluable for supporting and sharing the entrepreneurial journey, making the challenges of startup life less lonely. 

- Criticism and feedback, even when harsh, can serve as a catalyst for improving your business approach and refining your pitch to investors.

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How one entrepreneur turned his struggles into a thriving business.

We speak with serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Heights and host of the Secret Leaders podcast, Dan Murray-Serter. 

Hear how Dan went from struggling with insomnia and anxiety to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the world of nutrition and wellbeing.

Discover Dan's insights on resilience, building a unique brand, and creating your own category. 

Key Takeaways

- Find out how Dan used a newsletter to grow his business and the mistakes he made that we can all learn from

- Dan's investment philosophy, based on investing in over 50+startups and how to invest in people, not businesses

- Taking yourself too seriously as a founder can lead to a loss of enjoyment and fulfilment in the startup journey, so it's essential to maintain the ability to laugh at yourself and find joy in the process.

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Do you dream of being an angel investor but don't know where to begin?

Learn from the co-founder of The Angel Investing School, Andy Ayim , about how he is democratising the world of angel investing and why being a non-conformist can lead to great leaps in learning.

Find out how Andy's backpacking trip at 21 sparked personal and professional growth and led him on the path to entrepreneurship and angel investing.

Key Takeaways

- Find out what keeps Andy moving forward with confidence, and how someone becomes a trusted advisor to new businesses. 

- We explore toxic company cultures, the importance of being true to oneself, and the democratisation of angel investing.

- Lack of diversity in angel and VC funding and the need for equal access to opportunity for all

- The importance of serving customers rather than investors, especially in challenging climates, reminding founders to focus on their intrinsic motivations 

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Get an inside look at the mind of a successful serial entrepreneur and investor.

Former Dragon, Piers Linney shares his upbringing, mistakes, and what really drives him in business. 

In this interview, he shares his personal story and key insights on starting and growing businesses that will fascinate and motivate any founder or aspiring entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways

- Pursue what you enjoy and collaborate with people you like working with

- The importance of pivoting or starting anew if your business isn't working out, as the first venture often serves as a learning experience rather than a financial success.

- The vision for Moblox and what the future holds in tech and AI

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Some say the best ideas come over a drink, and for these lifelong friends, tequila sparked their entrepreneurial journey.

But there’s more to tequila than 3am shooters, sucking a lemon and licking salt.

They went all in, quit their day jobs, and went on a wild Mexican adventure.

Here's the inspiring story of how they turned a simple idea into a successful startup  El Rayo.  It’s bonkers and brilliant - and likely to make you ask yourself - what am I waiting for?

Key Takeaways

- Trust your instincts and what you think will be best for the business, as some of the best ideas can come from spontaneous moments or casual conversations.

- Resilience is a crucial skill for business owners, as you will often face rejection and challenges, but it's important to push through and enjoy the journey of building your business.

- When starting a business without industry experience, don't be afraid to ask questions and seek advice, but also be prepared to admit what you don't know and learn from others.

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From tragedy to triumph.  How a sister's life-saving transplant led to the creation of a natural skincare business.

By Sarah London, stands for something much larger, their deeply personal story has sparked a strong sense of mission and purpose when it comes to business - which shines through in this conversation.

Key Takeaways

- Learn how to shake off imposter syndrome and reframe failure
 
- How to stand out and take on the industry giants.  By Sarah London gives 100% transparency in their ingredient listings and became a B Corp, showing their sustainability values.  
 
- How to deal with major business challenges. Hear how they dealt with Brexit and withdrawing from the EU market, they've used direct-to-consumer strategies and social media to maintain and grow their customer base, enabling them to plan a return to the EU market.

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From losing millions to founding a sustainable fashion brand, Responsible.

Hear from Mark Dowds about how to bounce back and find success.

Mark is a serial founder and super angel investor who knows the entrepreneurial rollercoaster like the back of his hand.

Mark shares his insights on investing in early-stage startups, overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, and the significance of an abundant mindset in business

Key Takeaways

- The problem you're solving with your startup should be crystal clear in your own mind; if it's not, it's worth reevaluating if it's the right venture to pursue.

- Being too early to market with an innovative product can be a disadvantage, so it's crucial to validate the market demand and timing before fully committing resources.

- Listening to your fears and treating them as feedback can lead to growth and learning, helping you become more resilient and adaptive as an entrepreneur.

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Discover the secret to business success straight from a former intelligence expert.

Meet Steve Mason, former Technical Director at GCHQ. Having defended the UK from cyber attacks, he now runs Nova Blue, helping businesses stay safe.  

But this isn’t a tech conversation - in this episode, Steve shares the key ingredients that help him make business decisions and how he attracts clients and deals with setbacks - including the mistake that almost cost him his business.

Key Takeaways

- Being a founder doesn't automatically equate to being an effective CEO, as the two roles require different mindsets and skill sets.

- Cybersecurity is more than just technology protection; it encompasses culture, leadership, governance, and policies that safeguard digital assets.

- How to become effective at sales. Even the most experienced individuals can struggle if they cannot communicate their ideas or services effectively.

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Unlocking the future of work: How Tally Workspace is revolutionising the way we work.

Since Covid, hybrid working has become the norm and workplaces have evolved

Laura Beales and her co-founder Jules Robertson, saw the potential to create a platform that makes finding a workspace easy, wherever, whenever. 

Laura also delves into her biggest failures, lessons learned and the importance of a support network.

Key Takeaways

- Start with the problem you're solving. Tally Market was born out of a need for more flexible and varied workspace solutions for businesses and individuals seeking alternatives to traditional office leases and remote working from home.

- The importance of co-founder alignment. Laura and Jules, complement each other with their different skill sets and perspectives, which strengthens their business partnership and strategy development.

- How to test the simplest version of a product or service. This can be more beneficial than investing in a complex version, as it allows for quick iteration based on real user feedback and demand before significant resources are committed.

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Rum entrepreneur Edmund Wood quit his job to pursue his dream of starting his own business. He didn’t have a clue what it would be, but he decided he had to ‘leap and look’ for an idea he was passionate about— rum. Belgrove was born. 

It’s a story about being bold, quick to adapt when plans go pear-shaped and learning you have to be kind to yourself. 

If you have ever dreamt of quitting your day-to-day and doing something else - this is a must-listen for you. 

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Rupal Patel, former agent, now serial entrepreneur, shares her honest and personal journey of the challenges she faced and how she kept going in high stakes, high-pressurised environments in the field and in the boardroom. 

Rupal reveals how the CIA mindset teaches you to be resilient and persistent to achieve your goals. She also shares some great advice on ‘tactical ignorance’ and how it can help deal with imposter syndrome and the inner critic.

Her book ‘From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better, and Being Bolder’ is out now.

Go to www.rupalypatel.com to find out more about Rupal. 

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Hear from Mark Panay - Co-founder and MD of one of Bristol’s most prolific software agencies , Simpleweb.

Learn Mark's highs and lows of running a business, and how his natural curiosity and fascination for learning has shaped his career.  Discover what Mark thinks makes a good start-up investment, and what he sees as the biggest challenges of being the boss.

Presented by Laura Rawlings, with analysis from Ollie Collard.

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Meet Simon Squibb, serial entrepreneur, investor and founder of The Purposeful Project. 

Simon’s mission is to help and inspire 10,000,000 people to startup and scale a business for free. He believes there should be a Start Up Centre to replace the Job Centre - and as an angel investor and entrepreneur, Simon’s got the credentials to make this a reality.

In this insightful conversation with Founded and Grounded, Simon reveals how being homeless at 15 made him realise he had what it takes to be an entrepreneur. He shares his journey, failures and lessons learnt, including how to increase your luck and why being clear about your purpose is key to business success.

Thanks to our sponsors Nova Blue and Tally Market.

Presented by Laura Rawlings, with analysis from Ollie Collard.

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Meet Kelli Fairbrother, co-founder and CEO of xigxag.

She has the vision to make audiobooks more engaging. xigxgag has taken on a big global player and forged ahead developing a listen-and-read book, called the x-book.

Kelli started in the US army, a place she credits with teaching her the grit and determination required to be an entrepreneur and where she first realised she could be a leader. She then spent 20 years in consumer tech before having the confidence to set up her own business. xigxag is her first venture.

Kelli joins Founded & Grounded to discuss how you know when you’ve got a great idea, the value of having an experienced advisor when it comes to making your pitch and signing deals, and the difference it makes both financially and mentally having a network.

Presented by Laura Rawlings, with analysis from Ollie Collard.

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In an age where we have a constant stream of personal data on our wrists, and home testing has become second nature, one UK company is nicely poised to ride the crest of a wellbeing wave.

Forth is a digital health business pioneering personalised biomarker profiling. Its founder and CEO, Sarah Bolt, caught up with Founded & Grounded to talk about how Forth are on a mission to improve health and wellbeing and, in particular, close the gender health gap.

But it's a conversation as much about the less-than-straightforward path to success as Sarah reflects on the challenge of convincing investors outside Forth's target demographic, the success rates of sole founders versus partnerships, and how running a business can sometimes feel like coming at the expense of those closest to you. 

Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis from Ollie Collard and listener feedback courtesy of Samantha Miles.

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“If you do what you don't love, that's stress. If you do what you love, that's passion.”

Author, Podcaster, Motivational Speaker...and for good reason.

Jeff Dewing has a story to tell.

He's seen it all in the world of Facilities Management - good and bad. Restless, and far from content with maintaining the status quo, Jeff founded Cloudfm to disrupt the industry for the better. 

Over 10 years later, he's CEO of an award-winning company that's blazing a trail for the next decade. But, as with all entrepreneurial journeys, there have been a few twists and turns along the way.

In conversation with Founded & Grounded, Jeff talks about finding fulfilment in life, and why the impact of Covid on Cloudfm was transformative for his leadership style - and how showing 'vulnerability' enabled his people to be the best versions of themselves. 

Overall, there's powerful advice here for life and business in general - including the importance of simply asking yourself the question 'Why?'   

Presented by Andrew Parsonage, with analysis and input from Ollie Collard & Samantha Miles.

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