Welcome to The Startup Sensations Podcast, the weekly transatlantic business podcast that takes you on a journey into the world of startups from Both Sides of The Pond. Join us as we explore the stories, strategies, and successes from the most innovative startup founders, industry experts and active investors in North America, the UK and from around the world.
The show is hosted from the UK by Bulent Osman, exited tech founder, and from the US by Shelley Bays, founder of three international advisory firms. From Silicon Valley to London's tech scene, they will bring you interviews with inspiring founders, investors and experts who are making waves in the startup world.
Whether you're a serial entrepreneur or just starting out, an investor, a sector service provider, or someone who is fascinated to learn more, The Startup Sensations Podcast has something informative and motivational for you.
Subscribe to this podcast on your favourite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.
Email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Join our community on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn Page and watch video highlights on YouTube.
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From Dial-Up Failures to Hollywood Success: A Startup’s Journey with Branding and Reinvention
Season 5 · Episode 12
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 38:51
Jesse DeCosta is a creative entrepreneur, artist, and founder of DeCosta Global, a leading branding and marketing firm working with some of the world’s biggest names, from Hollywood stars to global corporations.
In this insightful episode, Jesse shares the unvarnished truth behind his journey – from drawing caricatures at a theme park to building a multi-division business with decades-long partnerships in the entertainment industry. The conversation touches on the realities of starting up with no clear plan, the challenges of constant reinvention in the face of technological change (including the rise of AI), and the delicate balance between creativity, efficiency, and reputation management.
Jesse also reflects on the importance of humility, resilience, and treating people with respect, offering rich lessons for founders and creatives alike.
🎙️ Key Topics:
Breaking into the entertainment industry and working with names like Will Smith, Kevin James, the Jacksons, and more
The three pillars of DeCosta Global: product development, creative services, and marketing
Crisis and reputation management for high-profile clients in the age of social media
The impact (and heartbreak) of AI on creativity, job roles, and the future of creative businesses
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Jesse DeCosta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-decosta-021557141/
DeCosta Global - https://www.decostainc.com/
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Space: The Final Frontier - Investing in Startups, Satellites and European Innovation
Season 5 · Episode 11
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 44:16
S5 Ep11 – Ted Elvhage is a pioneering Swedish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Expansion Aerospace Ventures, one of Europe’s largest space and defence-focused VC funds.
In this enlightening episode, Ted joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to unpick the accelerating world of space technology, revealing how “space” is already an essential part of our daily lives. From his own transformative journey—from Harvard Medical School to leading pan-European investment in aerospace—Ted discusses the seismic changes in rocket and satellite tech, the pivotal role of software, and the challenges unique to building and funding startups in this frontier sector. Expect candid insights into everything from pan-European collaboration to the real qualities investors seek in founders.
🎙️ Key Topics:
The evolution of Europe’s commercial space and defence sector
Cultural differences in entrepreneurship and investment across Europe and the US
The unexpected ways satellites and space tech support climate action, agriculture, and telecoms
Top mistakes founders make when pitching for investment and how to rectify them
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com
Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP
Ted Elvhage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedelvhage/
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Startup Advice for Solopreneurs: Lessons from a Digital Entrepreneur
Season 5 · Episode 10
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 40:34
S5 Ep10 - Marta Emerson is a dynamic Spanish entrepreneur, renowned for her influential YouTube presence and her dedication to empowering solopreneurs and small business founders through online education and mentoring.
In this insightful episode, Marta shares her personal journey from humble beginnings and navigating the early Spanish startup environment, to building a thriving personal brand that now supports over 20,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. She discusses the key differences between scaling startups and building smaller, lifestyle businesses, and offers practical advice on personal branding, business modelling, and sales strategies.
Marta also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she generates multiple streams of passive income, the importance of authenticity on social media, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the Spanish and wider Spanish-speaking startup ecosystem.
🎙️ Key Topics:
Building a personal brand and business as a solopreneur in the Spanish-speaking market
Practical steps for creating and optimising sales funnels for consultants and small businesses
Strategies for generating passive income streams, from YouTube to affiliate marketing
The evolving entrepreneurial landscape in Spain and navigating change in a world shaped by technology and AI
FOLLOW this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP
Marta Emerson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martaemerson/
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Why HR Matters: Expert Guidance on Leadership and Organisational Culture
Season 5 · Episode 9
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • Duration 39:30
S5 Ep9 – Michelle Blieberg is a seasoned HR leader, executive coach, and architect of leadership programmes, whose career spans global giants such as Charles Schwab, UBS Investment Bank, and Time Warner, as well as nimble startups.
In this practical and insightful episode, Michelle joins Shelley and Bulent from Connecticut in the US to unpack the real-world contrasts of leading HR in large versus small companies. She also discusses the evolving landscape of work post-pandemic. The discussion ranges from navigating resource constraints in startups to the enduring importance of trust and psychological safety, the nuances of leadership development, and actionable advice for founders and aspiring leaders alike. Michelle illuminates the cultural differences between the US and UK workplace environments, shares powerful anecdotes from her career, and casts a thoughtful eye over the promise and pitfalls of AI in business.
🎙️ Key Topics:
The realities of HR in startups vs. established corporations
Building workplace trust and psychological safety post-Covid
Creative approaches to leadership and talent development
The impact of AI and the critical importance of inspiring leadership
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
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How to Brew Growth: Revolutionising the Tea Industry with Happiness
Season 5 · Episode 8
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 41:38
S5 Ep8 - Mike Turner, co-founder and Managing Director of Bird and Blend Tea Company, shares his journey from starting out with his ex-wife to building a thriving tea company with now 25 stores across the UK.
Mike discusses a wide range of topics, from the company's unique approach to creating innovative tea blends and spreading happiness to the challenges of growing a business amid changing economic climates. He opens up about the significance of maintaining company culture, the insights gained from the pandemic, and managing an evolving business structure. Mike also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building a lasting, impactful enterprise.
🎙️ Key Topics:
Bird and Blend: From Concept to Community-Sourced Success
Resilience and Adaptation: Managing Growth and Economic Challenges
The Power of Culture: Keeping 250 Staff Passionate and Engaged
Insights on Balancing Online Presence and Physical Stores in Retail
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP
Mike Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeajturner/
Bird & Blend Tea Co. - https://www.birdandblendtea.com
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The Podcast Revolution: Building The Success of Goalhanger
Season 5 · Episode 7
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 43:36
S5 Ep7 - Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, joins us to share insights from his journey in the podcast industry. Recognised as a titan in British podcasting, Tony, along with his co-founder, Gary Lineker, the former professional footballer and TV host, is behind some of the UK’s most successful podcasts like The Rest Is History.
In this engaging episode, Tony discusses the podcasting landscape in the UK versus the US, the evolution of media with on-demand content, and his personal journey from television to the world of podcasts. He also explains the intricacies of building a business without traditional marketing, the importance of community-building, and offers advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the podcast world.
🎙️ Key Topics:
The UK vs. US Podcast Advertising Market
Transition from TV Production to Podcast Dominance
Building an Audience: Marketing Strategies and Organic Growth
Engaging with a Community for Long-Term Podcast Success
Follow the show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Tony Pastor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-pastor-a910a610a/
Goalhanger - https://www.goalhanger.com/
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The Role of AI in Shaping Modern Startups
Season 4 · Episode 6
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 49:27
S4 Ep6 - Jeff Wallace, a prominent figure in the world of startups, is an expert in accelerating businesses with his initiatives, Silicon Valley in Your Pocket and The Batchery. Joining the conversation from New Zealand, Jeff brings valuable insights from his extensive experience across continents.
In this thought-provoking episode, Jeff Wallace shares his journey from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, detailing his seamless transition from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Together with hosts Bulent Osman and Shelley Bays, Jeff explores the pervasive impact of AI on startups, the unique challenges of global entrepreneurship, and the innovative ecosystem in New Zealand, providing listeners with a rare inside look at the dynamics of starting up internationally.
🎙️ Key Topics:
The Evolution of Entrepreneurship and the Role of AI
Insights on Creating Global Accelerator Programmes
Navigating Cultural Differences in International Startups
A Look into New Zealand's Vibrant Startup Ecosystem
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Jeff Wallace - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwallace913/
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How To Scale a Startup: Credibility, Culture and Leading with Empathy
Season 5 · Episode 5
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 44:15
S5 Ep5 - Carrie Osman is the founder and CEO of Cruxy, a growth intelligence specialist company based in London. With a background from Mars and an entrepreneurial mindset nurtured from childhood, Carrie has built a dynamic business serving high-growth B2B tech sectors globally.
In this engaging episode, Carrie shares her journey from the early challenges of starting Cruxy to the successes she enjoys today. The conversation delves deep into the nuances of sales across different cultures, the importance of building strong, systematic processes, and the balance required in leadership to inspire and support a high-performing team. Her insights into the ‘Trust Equation’ in sales and her approach to motivating her team offer valuable takeaways for budding entrepreneurs.
🎙️ Key Topics:
Navigating Cultural Differences in Sales
The Trust Equation: Intimacy, Reliability, and Credibility
Leadership Insights: Balancing Strength with Support
Scaling a Business with Systematic Processes
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Carrie Osman -https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-osman-7570a216/
Cruxy - https://cruxy.co.uk/
Our thanks to this week’s sponsor, Curvo.ai - https://curvo.ai/
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Bridging the International Gap: From Rome to Silicon Valley
Season 5 · Episode 4
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 35:02
S5 Ep4 - Tommaso Trionfi is an Italian serial entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Noro, a company revolutionising the business travel experience with life-size immersive portals.
In this engaging episode, Tommaso shares his journey from being a curious young man in Rome to becoming a pioneering force in the tech industry across multiple continents. He discusses the inception and evolution of Noro, which aims to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person meetings with innovative technology. The conversation also explores the entrepreneurial environment in the US compared to Europe, offering insights from Tommaso’s extensive international experience.
🎙️ Key Topics:
The Origin and Mission of Noro
Navigating Business Across Different Cultures
Advantages and Challenges of Entrepreneurship in the US
Overcoming the Constraints of Traditional Video Conferencing
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
Tommaso Trionfi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trionfi/
Noro - https://www.noro.co/
Our thanks to this week’s sponsor, Curvo.ai - https://curvo.ai/
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How Curvo Elevates Sales: Insights from Founder Leo Rogers
Season 5 · Episode 3
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Duration 38:00
S5 Ep3 - Leo Rogers is the innovative co-founder and CEO of Curvo, a burgeoning tech startup leveraging AI to revolutionise sales enablement and coaching.
In this invigorating episode, Leo divulges his entrepreneurial journey, from dropping out of university to founding Curvo, which aims to provide real-time coaching to sales representatives using artificial intelligence. He opens up about the initial challenges of starting his new venture, funding strategies, and the technology behind Curvo. Leo also offers invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs and paints a vivid picture of the realities behind startup life, including both the highs and the inevitable challenges.
🎙️ Key Topics:
The inception and mission of Curvo in the sales enablement space
Leveraging AI and machine learning for real-time sales coaching
Overcoming early-stage startup challenges, including funding and team dynamics
The entrepreneurial mindset: resilience, learning, and thriving in discomfort
Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.
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