Is AI the "silver bullet" for your business, or is it just creating more noise?

In this episode of Founder Stories, Donna Owen sits down with her close friend and serial entrepreneur Andy Hallett. With a career spanning recruitment, technology, and executive coaching, Andy cuts through the current tech hype to discuss the immutable fundamentals of building a successful business.

Andy shares why he believes the best performers will always rise to the top and why "human-in-the-loop" remains the most critical factor in high-stakes sales and recruitment. They also dive into the psychological transition from "proper jobs" to prolific foundership and the importance of hitting targets before spending your capital.

In this episode, you’ll learn:


The AI Reality Check: Why technology is a tool for enhancement, not a replacement for basic business fundamentals.


Rising Above the Noise: How the top 1% of recruiters and founders thrive when the market is flooded with automated content.


The Human Closer: Why agents and bots can't replace the trust required to close a major deal.


Proving the Model: The importance of hitting your internal targets before investing heavily in expansion.


Serial Foundership: Andy’s journey through multiple ventures and what it really takes to be a "prolific" guest on the founder couch.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 – Will AI be a "silver bullet" for your business? 


00:44 – Introducing the "Prolific Founder": Andy Hallett 


01:04 – Why Donna saved the "Proper Guests" for later in the series 


25:30 – The transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship 


42:15 – Why the best recruiters will always rise above the AI noise 


51:19 – Target setting and knowing when to spend your money 


#FounderStories #Recruitment #AI #Entrepreneurship #AndyHallett #TheEngine #BusinessFundamentals #SalesTips

Is the story you’re telling yourself about your business actually a prophecy for its failure?

In this episode of Founder Stories, Donna Owen sits down with George Terry, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Winbox. George pulls back the curtain on the psychological "mental game" of being a founder, exploring how our internal narratives can either lead us to "weird places" or act as a roadmap for massive success.

Together, they dive into the harsh reality of demand generation, explaining why the majority of business struggles are actually just pipeline problems in disguise. If you’ve ever felt like your business is a series of "ups and downs" without a clear direction, George provides the framework to tune back into the story that matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Prophecy of the Story: Why the narrative you embrace during the hard times determines where your company ends up.
• The 90% Pipeline Rule: Why most founders are misdiagnosing their business problems when they actually just have a demand issue.
• Guiding the Internal Voice: How to manage the "version of yourself" in your head to avoid negative tangents and stay conscious.
• The Reality of Hard Work: Why everything worth doing is difficult and how to lean into the struggle rather than running from it.
• Avoiding "Weird Places": The importance of self-awareness and listening to your guiding voice to keep your business on track.

🕒 Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why the story you tell yourself is a prophecy.
• 00:24 – The 90% Rule: Why you probably have a demand problem.
• 05:45 – Everything worth doing is hard: Navigating the ups and downs.
• 15:30 – The Internal Voice: Managing the version of yourself in your head.
• 28:12 – Consciousness and awareness in leadership.
• 42:05 – Guiding your business away from "negative tangents."
• 46:20 – How to stay tuned in when the journey gets tough.

Welcome to The Engine Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen sits down with Chris Silvestri, a Conversion Copywriter and Founder of Conversion Alchemy, a company helping B2B SaaS businesses grow through customer-focused messaging. Chris shares how he moved from industrial automation in Italy to building a lean and profitable business in the UK. With a background in software engineering and a passion for psychology, design, and user research, Chris explains how he blends these skills to craft copy that converts. He also talks about life outside work, from music and fitness to staying disciplined without losing creativity.

In this episode, Chris shares his journey from working in industrial automation in Italy to founding Conversion Alchemy, a company helping B2B SaaS brands improve their messaging and copy. He talks about how his background in software engineering, user experience, and psychology led him to develop a method that turns customer research into powerful copy. Chris also explains why most companies overlook key messaging problems and how he helps them fix those issues from the ground up. He shares insights on routine, mindset, and building a business that stays lean while creating real value.

• How Chris shifted from industrial automation to building a copywriting business for B2B SaaS.
• Strong messaging starts with research, positioning, and customer insight.
• How Conversion Alchemy helps clients connect better with their target audience.
• The role of habits, mindset, and personal branding in building a sustainable business.
• Why using AI the right way can support but not replace expert strategy and copy.

• How Chris’s engineering background shaped his systems thinking and client approach.
• Why setting clear boundaries helps balance work, health, and creativity.
• How personal stories and values attract the right clients and build trust.
• The impact of being consistent with habits, routines, and content creation.
• Why mindset and message alignment are key for lasting business success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Start with what people are already thinking when they land on your site.” - Chris Silvestri
• “Good copy starts with strong research, not just clever words.” - Chris Silvestri
• “Set your routines first, then build your work around them.” - Chris Silvestri

Join Chris as he shares how his background in software engineering, psychology, and user experience led to Conversion Alchemy, a business helping B2B SaaS companies turn customer research into clear, effective messaging that drives results.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[00:59] - Meet the "Conversion Alchemist"

[02:04] - What is Conversion Alchemy?

[04:45] - The #1 Mistake in Marketing Copy

[07:45] - Building a Brand with a Podcast and Newsletter

[10:03] - From Industrial Robotics to Marketing

[14:28] - Scheduling Life, Not Just Work

[17:18] - The Influence of a Creative Family

[21:20] - The Built-in Business Partner: A Twin Brother

[23:43] - The Moment That Sparked the Entrepreneurial Leap

[26:03] - Is Everyone Meant to Be a Founder?

[30:28] - The Vision: A Small, Craft-Focused Agency

[31:42] - Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch

[34:32] - Going Teetotal for Clarity and...

Welcome to The Engine Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen sits down with Nathan Bethell, Founder of REFORMERPILATES.COM, a platform uniting studios, instructors, and fans of REFORMERPILATES. Nathan is also a B2B Marketing Consultant at B2B CMO, with over 20 years of experience in marketing across publishing, tech, and IT services. In this episode, Nathan shares how he went from running nightclubs as a teenager to building a fast-growing fitness community. Starting in a working-class household, his story is one of hustle, smart risks, and turning passion into impact.

In this episode, Nathan shares his journey from a working-class background to launching REFORMERPILATES.COM, a hub for studios, content, and community. He talks about how two decades in marketing shaped his business approach and why he believes there is a business inside everyone. Nathan also explains how REFORMERPILATES is growing fast and how his platform supports new studio owners with tools, guidance, and a strong network.

• How Nathan went from a 20-year marketing career to founding REFORMERPILATES.COM.
• Why REFORMERPILATES is more than a workout and how it builds lasting community.
• The power of domain ownership in creating a trusted brand in a growing industry.
• How Nathan supports studio owners with tools, content, and commercial advice.
• The value of taking risks, trusting your skills, and finding green space in any market.

• How Nathan’s early hustle shaped his mindset as a founder and marketer.
• The role of community in both fitness and business success.
• Why is there still untapped space for digital platforms in niche markets?
• The importance of helping first-time studio owners grow with the right tools and support.
• How personal connections and real value build long-term business trust.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “There is a business in everyone.” - Nathan Bethell
• “You won’t run out of things to learn with REFORMERPILATES.” - Nathan Bethell
• “Don’t be scared about the things you don’t have. Just get started.” - Nathan Bethell

Join Nathan as he shares how his background in marketing and love for fitness led to REFORMERPILATES.COM, a platform built to support studio owners and grow a strong Pilates community through content, tools, and real connections.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:20] - Intro to Nathan Bethell and REFORMERPILATES.COM

[04:41] - REFORMERPILATES for Everyone

[09:02] - From Marketing to Pilates

[12:04] - Building the REFORMERPILATES.COM Hub

[14:56] - Empowering Studios to Grow

[19:58] - From Hustle to Entrepreneurship

[24:35] - Lessons from Football and Family

[26:53] - Working-Class Roots and Simpler Times

[28:37] - From Football to Film to Marketing

[32:25] - Marketers, AI, and Entrepreneurship

[35:48] - Staying Human in the AI Era

[38:46] - Celebrating Studio Success

[41:20] - Creating a Marketplace for Studios

[45:50] - Growth, Retention, and Risk

[49:16] - Why You Should Try Reformer Pilates

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY:

• Nathan Bethell:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Luke B. (Luke Barry), Co-Founder and Head of Growth & GTM of How Ya Doing, a talent-as-a-service firm that combines deep sales expertise with executive search proficiency. Before launching his own business, Luke spent 15 years in enterprise sales and payments with Lloyds Bank and Citibank. His journey into the corporate world began in an unexpected place: hairdressing. However, after a life-changing accident, Luke made a career pivot to banking, where he discovered the true value of relationships.

In this episode, Luke shares his unique path from hairdressing to corporate banking and how his experiences in sales and payments shaped his approach to recruitment. He also discusses how How Ya Doing is tackling the gaps in traditional recruitment by offering a more personalized, relationship-driven model.

• How Luke transitioned from banking to founding How Ya Doing.
• The unique talent-as-a-service business model that mixes sales expertise with recruitment.
• Building strong relationships has been the foundation of Luke's career.
• Lessons learned from the challenges of recruitment, especially in specialized fields like FinTech.
• The journey from a corporate job to a startup founder, including moments of doubt and self-discovery.

• How Luke’s background in sales and payments informs his approach to recruitment.
• The importance of having the right support systems in life and business.
• The value of networking and maintaining strong relationships throughout one’s career.
• Why the future of recruitment might be about more than just finding candidates, but about understanding and fitting into the business culture.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Just get out there and do it.” - Luke Barry
• “You have to pay into your emotional bank account to take out later.” - Luke Barry
• “If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.” - Luke Barry

Join Luke as he shares how his career in sales and recruitment led to the founding of How Ya Doing, a company that focuses on relationships and delivering tailored talent solutions to startups and growing companies.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:15] - Redefining Recruitment with a Two-Partner Model

[04:04] - From Failure to Growth-Focused Success

[09:02] - How Relationships and Fintech Shaped Luke

[13:31] - From Hairdressing to Banking

[16:19] - Kindness and Relationships in Career Growth

[18:18] - Resilience and Reflection in Founding

[22:19] - Turning Frustration into Opportunity

[29:32] - Startup Life, Family, and Late Nights

[37:19] - Avoiding Startup Hiring Mistakes

[43:34] - Keeping the Human Touch in Hiring

[45:36] - The Future Vision for “How Ya Doing”

[49:11] - Taking the Leap and Building Relationships

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY:

• Luke B.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-b-83b757aa
• How Ya Doing:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Jules Robertson, Co-founder of Tally Workspace, a platform helping startups and scale-ups find flexible office spaces. Jules shares how COVID sparked the idea, how she and her co-founder bootstrapped early on, and why speaking to thousands of businesses shaped their growth. She also talks about balancing work with motherhood, building a strong team, and how modern offices are progressing to attract talent.

Jules isn’t just a founder; she’s someone who listens, adapts, and solves real problems. From spotting gaps during COVID to helping startups find better office spaces, her journey shows smart thinking and care. By mixing tech, data, and human touch, she’s making workspaces work better for growing teams. She spent years in startups, learning fast and thinking ahead. After starting Tally Workspace, she used her skills to fix how teams find office space. Tally makes it easy to book desks, meeting rooms, or full offices. By mixing tech with real help, Jules built a service that grows with every business.

• Jules’ path from startup idea to Co-Founder of Tally Workspace.
• How COVID sparked a new way to think about office space.
• Why team needs’ shape how and where we work?
• The role of tech and people in finding the right workspace.
• Building a business while balancing new motherhood.

• How Tally helps teams find spaces that truly fit.
• Jules’ journey from banking to startup founder.
• Why speaking to customers shaped early success.
• The value of good spaces, real help, and moving fast.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Just get out there and do it.” - Jules Robertson
• “Your office should feel better than home.” - Jules Robertson
• “If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.” - Jules Robertson

Join Jules as she shares how Tally Workspace blends tech, data, and human help to make finding the right office easier, smarter, and better for growing teams.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[00:55] - Introduction to Jules Robertson & What Tally Workspace Does

[02:49] - Office Pain Points & Flexibility

[05:12] - Tech, Data & Human Touch Combo

[06:58] - How COVID Sparked the Idea

[08:37] - Talking to Startups & Early Wins

[10:54] - Workspace Trends & Quality Shift

[13:25] - Dogs, Gyms & What Teams Want

[14:50] - Office Design for Productivity

[19:26] - Jules’ Career Path & MBA Impact

[28:31] - Founding Journey & Balancing Jobs

[33:18] - Sales, AI & Human Connection at Tally Workspace

[37:48] - Why Office Search Needs Support

[43:25] - Jules’ Advice & Final Thoughts

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HER COMPANY:

• Jules Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julestallyworkspace/ 
• Tally Workspace: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tally-workspace/ 

Website:   

• Tally Workspace: https://www.tallyworkspace.com/ 

FOLLOW...

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen talks with Darren Westall, Co-Founder and CEO of Paiger, a business development tool for recruiters. Darren shares how his tech background and early sales hustle helped him build Paiger from the ground up. He opens up about learning by doing, bootstrapping the company, and growing it while balancing family life. Darren also reflects on building a strong team, staying hands-on as a leader, and how personal drive and real connections shaped Paiger’s success.

Darren isn’t just a founder; he’s someone who builds by learning and doing. From failing college to building websites and now leading Paiger, his path shows real grit. By mixing tech skills, smart sales thinking, and personal drive, he’s helping recruiters grow with better tools and strong human connections.

Darren spent years in tech, learning by doing and growing through hands-on work. After building Paiger, he used those skills to help recruiters do better business. Paiger makes it easy to find leads, build personal brands, and grow sales. By staying focused and human, Darren built a tool that truly helps teams succeed.

• Darren’s journey from techie to CEO of Paiger.
• How LinkedIn posts helped build the brand.
• Why real human connection beats full automation.
• Lessons from bootstrapping and early sales hustle.
• Staying hands-on while leading a growing team.

• How Paiger helps recruiters grow with smart tools.
• Darren’s story from coder to business leader.
• Why focus and honesty matter in early growth.
• The power of showing up, not just selling.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “If you’re not embarrassed by your first product, you launched too late.” - Darren Westall
• “People buy from people. Just show up and be real.” - Darren Westall
• “I’ll stop when I stop having fun.” - Darren Westall

Join Darren as he shares how Paiger’s smart tools, real-world hustle, and people-first thinking are helping recruiters sell better, grow faster, and build lasting success.

Episode Highlights

[00;00] - Teaser

[01:02] - Intro & Darren’s Early Days in Recruitment Tech

[03:38] - Selfies, Hustle & Brand Building

[05:56] - Teaching Business & Failing College

[13:30] - Sales, Human Touch & Career Start

[18:59] - 11 Years at Broadbean

[20:33] - Quitting CTO Role to Start Pager

[26:11] - Bootstrapping & Solo Building

[29:48] - Growth, Relevance & No Exit Plans

[35:37] - US Plans & Team Growth

[39:10] - Disney, Moving & Hiring Friends

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY:

• Darren Westall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenwestall/ 
• Paiger: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paigerco/ 

Website:   

• Paiger: https://paiger.co/ 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnalowen/ 
• Company LinkedIn:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen talks with Leroy Lawrence, the Founder of Pigee Inc, CEO of Quadron Capital Ltd, Angel Investor and Director at Lawrence Investment Holdings Ltd, and Chairman of Wellbeing of My Baby. Leroy shares how his travel struggles inspired Pigee, an AI-powered shipping tool that helps tourists and local shops send items home easily. He explains how he shifted from selling to travelers to working with global merchants, and how tech and data have guided the growth. Leroy also opens up about his journey, lessons from past businesses, and how he’s helping others succeed worldwide.

Leroy isn’t just a founder; he’s driven to fix real problems. His journey from frustrated shopper to building Pigee shows his mission to help local sellers and global buyers connect with ease. By using tech, AI, and smart sales methods, he’s turning shipping struggles into a simple, helpful solution.

Leroy spent years traveling and facing shipping problems before building Pigee to help others. His platform uses AI to make it easier for shoppers and shops to send goods worldwide. By focusing on real needs, Pigee helps local sellers grow, improves shipping, and creates new chances for people everywhere.

• Leroy’s path from traveler to founder of Pigee.
• How AI helps make global shipping easier.
• Why listening to feedback shaped the product.
• The role of data and automation in smart growth.
• Helping shops and sellers earn more with Pigee.

• How Pigee’s AI helps shops send items with ease.
• Lessons from Leroy’s journey through wins and losses.
• The value of testing, feedback, and real-world learning.
• How simple tools can solve big shipping problems.
• Building a global business that helps sellers grow.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Start small, test it, then put it on steroids.” - Leroy
• “Quitting never crosses my mind, just pivot until it works.” - Leroy
• “I don’t need validation. The data tells me if I’m right.” - Leroy

Join Leroy as he shares how Pigee’s smart tech, global mindset, and hands-on approach are helping sellers ship easier, grow faster, and turn simple ideas into a big business.

Episode Highlights

[00;00] - Teaser

[01:16] - Introduction to Leroy Lawrence

[01:51] - The Problem Leroy Was Trying to Solve

[09:17] - How Pidgey Works

[12:14] - AI and Automation in Shipping

[15:56] - Leroy’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey

[24:18] - Leroy’s University Experience and Early Ventures

[27:44] - Career in Financial Markets

[34:41] - Dynamic Pricing, Obsession with Excel, and Balancing Work and Life

[43:47] - Building a Team and Company Culture

[46:00] - International Expansion & Social Impact

[54:24] - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

[57:25] - Wrap-up and Closing Thoughts

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY:

• Leroy Lawrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroylawrence/ 
• Pigee Inc:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Cameron Briggs, the CEO and Co-Founder, and Itamar Yeshua, the COO and Co-Founder of Vente AI. They share how their experience in recruitment led them to create Venti, an AI-driven platform designed to help recruiters find leads and connect with hiring managers quickly. Cameron talks about his passion for sales, while Itamar discusses how their teamwork and complementary skills have fueled the company’s success. Together, they explain the challenges, the role of AI in their product, and how they’re helping recruitment agencies boost their business development efforts.

Cameron and Itamar aren’t just founders; they’re passionate about helping recruiters thrive. Their journey from recruitment to Venti reflects their drive to improve business development for agencies. By sharing tools and insights from their own experiences, they show how AI and teamwork can transform recruitment challenges into real success.

Cameron and Itamar spent years in recruitment before creating Venti to help agencies succeed. Their platform uses AI to streamline lead generation and connect recruiters with hiring managers faster. With a focus on simplifying complex tasks, they help recruiters be more efficient, build stronger relationships, and grow their businesses.

• Cameron and Itamar’s journey from recruitment to founding Venti.
• How AI simplifies lead generation for recruiters.
• The power of teamwork in business growth.
• The importance of building confidence through tools and tech.
• Helping recruiters be more efficient and successful with Venti.

• How Venti’s AI helps recruiters find leads faster.
• Lessons from the founders’ experience in recruitment and tech.
• The importance of teamwork in driving business success.
• How Venti simplifies complex tasks for better efficiency.
• Building a business that empowers recruiters to succeed.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Sales isn’t about scripts; it’s about building real connections.” - Cameron
• “AI doesn’t replace the human side, it just amplifies it.” - Itamar
• “Teamwork and clear roles can take a business from good to great.” - Cameron

Join Cameron and Itamar as they share how Venti’s AI, teamwork, and real-world experience are helping recruiters streamline their work, build confidence, and drive business growth.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:41] - Introduction to Founder Stories

[02:21] - Early Experiences and Sales Approaches

[03:43] - Embracing Imperfections in Sales

[04:11] - What is Venti?

[05:42] - Roles at Venti and its Co-Founder Dynamic.

[08:17] - Venti’s Value Proposition, Customer Insights, and Product Development.

[10:56] - How Venti’s AI Works and Scaling Opportunities for Recruiters.

[13:04] - Niche Recruiting Focus and Early ROI Success.

[14:59] - The Journey from MVP to Scaling

[17:57] - Product Focus: Job Data and CRM Integration

[19:46] - Fundraising and Building a Strong Support Network.

[23:08] - Managing Friendships and Business Partnerships

[32:36] - The Role of Education and Risk

[33:34] - Entrepreneurial Mindset and Risk

[36:06] - Reflection on Life Choices and Delayed Gratification

[42:46] - The Founder’s Drive: Conviction and Delayed...

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Marina Robertson, who is the Owner and Founder of BERKANO Consulting. Marina shares how her love for learning, her journey from Greece, and years in construction shaped her business. She talks about leadership, building confidence, and helping others grow with the right tools.

Marina isn’t just a founder; she’s focused on helping future leaders grow. Her journey from Greece to Group MD shaped her mission with Berkano. By sharing tools from real-world experience, she proves that learning, purpose, and courage can turn career changes into a powerful way to guide and support others.

She spent over 20 years in the built environment before starting Berkano to help leaders grow their impact. Her tools share real lessons on strategy, people, and change. With a passion for learning and purpose, she turns deep experience into clear support that helps others lead better, feel confident, and build strong careers.

• Marina’s journey from public sector leader to founder.
• Simple tools that help leaders make better decisions.
• How lifelong learning shaped her growth.
• Facing fears and building confidence in public speaking.
• Leading with purpose to help others grow.

• How Marina’s tools support leaders with real-world challenges.
• Lessons from shifting careers after decades in leadership.
• The role of strategy models like the Balanced Scorecard.
• Why structure and purpose matter in leadership.
• Embracing change to build something meaningful.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Life is to be lived - and whatever that looks like for you.” - Marina Robertson
• “Everything you learn, unless you apply it, doesn’t become part of you.” - Marina Robertson
• “You create neural pathways by doing - not just by thinking.” - Marina Robertson

Join Marina Robertson as she shares how leadership tools, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven work are helping future leaders grow their impact, gain confidence, and lead with clarity.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[02:01] - Intro & Guest Welcome

[02:50] - Why Marina Started Berkano

[07:02] - Her Passion for the Built Environment

[12:45] - Greek Roots and the Search for Freedom

[17:40] - Are Founders Wired Differently? Psychology and Risk

[21:21] - Tackling Tough Roles & Lifelong Studying

[25:44] - Lessons from the MBA & Balanced Scorecard

[35:28] - Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

[41:10] - Future of Work, AI, and Purposeful Living

[49:38] - Building “Leadership Hardware” for Leaders

[53:48] - Reflections, Gratitude, and Staying Connected

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Marina Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-robertson-mba-mrics-fcmi-6b531312/ 
• Croydon Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/croydon-council/ 
• BERKANO Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/berkano-consulting/ 

Websites:   

• Croydon Council:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by David Clark is Founder of bobcheck, Managing Director of Cataphract, and Investor at Equitas. David shares how his years in recruitment, a lightbulb idea during lockdown, and his ADHD journey shaped his business. He discusses building a niche product, lessons on persistence, and turning challenges into strengths.

David isn’t just a founder; he enjoys creating tools that fix real problems. His path from years in recruitment to launching bobcheck shows how turning a common issue into a simple SaaS product can protect revenue and improve processes, while proving that focus and persistence can turn challenges into success.

David worked in recruitment for over a decade before creating bobcheck to help agencies spot missed fees. His SaaS tool runs in the background, giving recruiters clear data to protect revenue. Drawing on his industry knowledge and problem-solving skills, he builds simple, focused tech that makes processes smoother and businesses stronger.

• Solving Missed Fee Issues: David shares how bobcheck helps recruiters find lost revenue.
• Building a SaaS Business: Insights from turning a lockdown idea into a growing company.
• Niche Focus: Why staying in your lane leads to stronger results.
• ADHD and Entrepreneurship: How understanding his mind has boosted his success.
• Smarter Operations: Using tech to improve processes and client relationships.

• Using Tech for Revenue Protection: David explains how bobcheck helps agencies spot and recover missed fees.
• Starting from an Idea: The steps and effort it took to grow a lockdown concept into a SaaS business.
• Learning from Recruitment: How years in the industry shaped his product design.
• Making Work Easier: How automation saves time and improves accuracy.
• Adapting to Succeed: Why staying focused and open to change drives growth.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Even one missed fee found can pay for the whole system.” - David Clark
• “Staying in your lane helps you grow stronger.” - David Clark
• “Your brain works fine – it just works differently.” - David Clark

Join David Clark as he shares how niche tech, automation, and persistence are helping recruiters protect revenue, improve processes, and build stronger, more efficient businesses.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:13] - Intro & Guest Welcome

[02:04] - What bobcheck Is & The Problem It Solves

[04:23] - Turning Missed Fees into Revenue Opportunities

[07:21] - SaaS Model & Pricing Approach

[09:32] - Staying Focused on the Niche

[14:59] - Origin Story of bobcheck

[16:21] - ADHD Journey & Career Impact

[29:45] - Parenting and Leadership with ADHD Insights

[42:34] - Maintaining Positivity & Managing Client Churn

[45:20] - Future Plans & New Features

[55:15] - Advice for Founders with ‘Different’ Thinking

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

LinkedIn Accounts: 

• David Clark:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Thomas Vose, founder of HireAra, a startup that uses AI to help recruiters format CVs. From a student project to a big tech acquisition, Tom talks about how he turned a simple idea into a fast-growing business and shares lessons on risk, teamwork, and the future of AI.

Thomas isn’t just an entrepreneur; he loves finding smart solutions to problems. His journey from launching a startup to a major tech acquisition shows how spotting small pain points and using AI can change industries, especially in making processes faster and easier for businesses.

Thomas has a background in aerospace and engineering before starting his company to improve recruitment. At his company, HireAra, he uses AI to streamline CV formatting, making the process faster and easier. He focuses on smart tech and efficiency, applying his experience in engineering and problem-solving to help businesses grow.

• Solving Recruitment Problems: Tom explains how AI can make CV formatting easier.
• Building a Startup: Lessons learned from taking risks and following his vision.
• Innovative Thinking: Why using new tech can change traditional industries.
• Tech and Engineering: How Tom’s background in engineering shaped his business.
• Faster Processes: How AI speeds up work and makes things more efficient.

• Using AI for Efficiency: Tom shows how AI can improve recruitment processes.
• Building a Business: The challenges and rewards of starting from scratch.
• Learning from Experience: How Tom’s background in engineering helped him innovate.
• Simplifying Work: How AI makes tasks faster and more effective.
• Adapting and Growing: Why being open to new ideas helped Tom scale his company.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Entrepreneurs are always looking for better ways to solve problems.” - Thomas Vose
• “A safety net lets you take risks without fearing failure.” - Thomas Vose
• “AI is changing industries, but human creativity makes it powerful.” - Thomas Vose

Join Thomas Vose as he shares how innovative thinking, AI, and entrepreneurship are transforming recruitment and paving the way for faster, smarter business growth.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:04] - Guest Introduction: Thomas Vose

[03:08] - Early Entrepreneurial Journey and the Influence of Family

[05:30] - The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Drive, Curiosity, and Problem-Solving

[07:30] - From AI and Policy to Solving Recruitment Pain Points

[10:55] - The Future of AI: Speed, Revenue, and Corporate Adoption

[14:05] - The Journey from Startup to Acquisition and Rapid Growth

[16:50] - The Hidden Challenges of Acquisition and Key Lessons for Founders

[20:20] - Building a Team: Trust, Relentless Drive, and Friendship

[22:45] - The Power of Teamwork and Stress During Rapid Growth

[26:01] - The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking and Human Intelligence

[27:49] - Founder Mindset, Risk, and the Power of Perspective

[35:35] - Building a Sales Team with the Right People and Process

[41:50] - Final Thoughts: Embracing Risk and Starting a Business

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

LinkedIn Accounts: 

• Thomas Vose:

How does a "rebellious" student who failed his A-Levels go on to build a 25-person agency by age 22 and later launch a market-defining AI company? In this episode of Founder Stories, Donna Owen sits down with Leo Rogers, the founder of Curvo.

Leo shares his unconventional journey from fixing corporate IT servers at 16 using nothing but a Google search bar to revolutionizing the sales industry with real-time AI coaching. This is a deep dive into the grit, "naive optimism," and the rigorous science required to scale a high-performance sales organization.

In this episode, you’ll learn:


The "Naive Optimism" Factor: Why the certainty to tackle challenges you don't yet understand is a prerequisite for survival in the early days.


Managing "Gray Hair" at 22: Leo’s experience hiring and leading a senior leadership team with decades more experience than him.


The $1 Million Founder Rule: Why founders must stay in the trenches and hit the first £1M in revenue before hiring an AE function.


Gamifying MEDDPICC: How to move away from laborious "check-box" deal reviews and turn sales methodology into a live, fun, and high-adoption experience.


The Future of Sales Tech: Why the trend for 2026 is moving away from annoying meeting bots toward seamless, on-device AI copilots.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 – The 75% jump in meeting Notetaker adoption in 2025.

01:55 – What is Kvo? Giving sellers a "second brain" in 500 milliseconds.


05:12 – The Science of Selling: Why MEDDPICC and Gap Selling are non-negotiable.


07:51 – Turning a "weaponized" methodology into a gamified experience.


11:24 – The "Lobby Bot" Fatigue: Why on-device recording is the future.


14:02 – Failing A-Levels and the "nail in the coffin" of academia.


17:15 – Naive Optimism: Fixing architecture servers at age 16.


21:11 – Respect in the Boardroom: Leading a senior team at age 22.


27:23 – Solving the Demand Problem: Why the founder must lead the first million in sales.


31:22 – Network Effects: Building a cap table of 18 top sales leaders.


38:00 – The Knowledge-Performance Gap: Selling complex tech to CTOs.


45:47 – Launching Kvo Self-Serve: The 2026 roadmap.


47:40 – Work-Life Integration: From the office to salsa dancing.

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Luke P. (Luke Pilfold Thomas). He is an investor and board advisor at ProDataStack, an investor and NED at Dote and Talentloop, as well as the investor and co-founder of Aitemology. Additionally, he serves as the investor and chief strategy officer at Finity and a behind-the-scenes entrepreneur who's helped build 15+ companies. Luke talks about growing up introverted, learning by doing, and why he avoids the spotlight. He shares thoughts on education, parenting, and the future of work. With honesty and care, Luke reveals what really drives him and how he finds meaning in helping others succeed.

Luke isn’t just a founder; he’s the quiet force behind many growing companies. His journey from school tuck shop to serial investor shows how introverts can lead with impact. His focus on people, purpose, and doing things differently is shaping how early-stage businesses grow.

Luke started out running a school tuck shop and went on to work at places like BlackBerry and big retailers. Now, he backs early-stage startups with funding and advice. He uses lessons from his own journey to help founders build strong teams and smart systems from day one.

• Behind the Scenes: Luke shares why he avoids the spotlight and helps others shine.
• From Tuck Shop to Boardroom: His journey from selling sweets to backing startups.
• Education Gaps: Why schools need to teach real-life skills like money and tech.
• Building Right: Tips for structuring teams and systems that can scale.
• Parenthood Shift: How becoming a dad changed his work-life balance.

• Helping Founders: Luke backs people, not just ideas, with time and advice.
• Hard Truths: Talks openly about stress, lost friends, and missed holidays.
• System First: Why building good systems matters more than quick hires.
• Big Picture: Shares views on AI, education gaps, and future risks.
• Doing What Matters: Choose work that brings joy, not just money.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “I'm not made for the spotlight, I’d rather help others shine.” - Luke
• “Being smart isn’t the same as being academic.” - Luke
• “Build systems first, then hire people to run them.” - Luke

Join Luke as he shares how quiet drive, clear systems, and honest lessons are helping early-stage founders grow strong teams and smart businesses.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:42] - Intro to Luke Pelfold Thomas: Quiet Builder Behind 15+ Companies

[02:53] - Why He Stays Behind the Scenes, Not in the Spotlight

[04:31] - Childhood & School: Books Over Exams

[09:01] - Early Hustle: Tuck Shop and the First Business Steps

[11:18] - Career Start: BlackBerry and Big Retail Lessons

[14:05] - Going Solo: Leaving the 9-5 Life

[15:59] - MBA Reflections: Learning About Himself

[18:03] - Views on School: Broken System and Real Skills

[20:47] - Financial Literacy Gap: Kids and Money Awareness

[24:27] - From Student Hustler to Founder Life Realization

[27:17] - Founder Advice: Efficiency and System Over Staff

[31:01] - Modern Balance: Fatherhood and Work-Life Edges

[34:23] -...

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Holly Langley, founder of RE:STACK, a company helping recruiters get more from their tech. Holly shares how she went from nannying to leading a niche CRM consultancy. She talks about the power of saying no, building a strong team, and learning cash flow the hard way. With honesty and humor, Holly shares her journey, her lessons, and what it really takes to grow a business in a space few people understand.

Holly isn’t just a founder; she’s focused on making tech work better for recruiters. Her path from childcare to leading a CRM consultancy shows how passion and logic can build strong tools. Her belief in finding a niche and leading with purpose is helping change recruitment tech.

Holly worked in ops at a recruitment agency before starting RE:STACK, a firm that helps agencies use their tech better. At RE:STACK, she focuses on automation and smart tools to improve systems. She uses her real-world experience to solve common tech problems in recruitment.

• Starting RE:STACK: Holly shares why she built a tech-focused consultancy.
• Saying No Pays Off: How turning down work helped her grow faster.
• Cash Flow Lessons: Learning the hard way about managing money.
• Team Growth: Building a strong, fun team with clear roles.
• Content That Works: Why adding value helped grow her brand.

• Niche Tech Help: Holly explains how RE:STACK supports Bullhorn users.
• Startup Truths: The highs and lows of growing with little money.
• Learning Fast: Mistakes that taught her to lead and plan better.
• Leading with Heart: How her energy and belief shape her team.
• Big Goals Ahead: Why she’s thinking bigger for RE:STACK’s future.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Find a niche, own that niche, and stick with it.” – Holly
• “Running a business is the best and hardest thing I’ve done.” – Holly
• “Add value first, even if they don’t need you yet.” – Holly

Join Holly as she shares how focus, fun, and smart systems are helping recruiters get more from their tech and grow stronger in their niche.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:33] - Meet Holly Langley: Founder of RE:STACK and CRM Expert

[02:45] - What RE:STACK Does: Helping Bullhorn Users with Tech

[03:45] - Saying No to Stay Focused: Why It Pays Off

[04:50] - From Head of Ops to Automation Lover: The Bullhorn Story

[06:29] - School Days to Startup Drive: Holly’s Early Years

[09:33] - First Career as a Nanny: Building People Skills

[14:19] - From Nanny to Recruitment: The Office Leap

[18:48] - Leaving the Job: Starting RE:STACK with No Plan B

[22:13] - Startup Struggles: The Fish & Chips Cash Flow Story

[24:45] - Too Many Clients: Fixing Internal Systems and Planning

[26:41] - Leadership Style: Fun, Equality, and Team Building

[29:58] - Office Culture: Mice Phobia and Bridesmaid Dresses

[32:42] - Funny Moments: Glastonbury and Bullhorn Merch

[34:09] - Content Strategy: Why Giving Value Built the Brand

[39:39] - Looking Ahead: RE:STACK’s Team and Training Plans

[42:13] - Big Vision: Agency Acquisitions and System Success

[44:08] - Advice to Founders: Niche, Belief, and Cash Flow Planning

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

LinkedIn Accounts: 

• Holly Langley:

Welcome to the Founder Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen talks with Alexandra Chirica, founder of Recfindr, a new tech tool helping recruiters manage client deals better. From her early days in recruitment to starting a tech business, Alexandra shares her journey, why she pivoted her product, and how she raised funds as a solo founder. She opens up about the hard lessons, the power of believing in your “why,” and what it takes to launch a startup in a space that’s new and challenging.

Alexandra isn’t just a founder; she’s driven by a clear purpose to improve how recruitment agencies work with clients. Her journey from recruiter to tech builder shows how a strong belief in a mission can shape better tools. Her focus on learning and pivoting is helping reshape recruitment tech.

Alexandra ran a recruitment agency before starting Recfindr, a tech tool to help agencies manage deals better. At Recfindr, she uses smart tools to improve how agencies work with clients. She focuses on solving real problems and learning from users, using her past to build better ways to work in recruitment.

• Building Recfindr: Alexandra talks about starting a tech tool for recruiters.
• Why the Pivot: How changing her idea helped her stay true to her mission.
• Raising Funds: What she learned from pitching and getting investment.
• From Recruiter to Founder: How her past work shaped her product.
• Smart Recruitment Tools: Using tech to help agencies work better and faster.

• Tech for Recruiters: Alexandra shares how Recfindr helps agencies close deals.
• Starting from Scratch: The ups and downs of building a product alone.
• Learning by Doing: How Past Mistakes Helped Shape Smarter Ideas.
• Believing in the Why: Why purpose matters more than the product.
• Growth by Change: How being open to new paths helped Recfindr grow.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Stick to your why, that’s what keeps you going.” - Alexandra
• “Raising money is hard, but belief in yourself is key.” - Alexandra
• “Tech can make recruitment smarter and simpler.” - Alexandra

Join Alexandra as she shares how purpose, learning, and smart tech are changing recruitment, helping agencies work better and connect more with their clients.

Episode Highlight

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:02] - Introducing Alexandra: From Recruitment to Recfindr

[01:28] - What Is Recfindr? Explaining a Digital Sales Room for Recruiters

[02:26] - Finding the Right Words: Messaging Recfindr to Recruiters

[04:07] - The Pivot Story: From Marketplace Idea to Deal Room Solution

[07:50] - Bootstrapping the Startup: Personal Investment and Hard Lessons

[08:20] - From Boutique Agency to Tech Builder: The Real Start of Recfindr

[11:39] - Raising Investment: From Angel Rejections to a VC Win

[14:58] - Post-Investment Shift: Rest, Reflection, and Real Product Discovery

[16:15] - Hiring and Product Discovery: Building a Strong Startup Team

[19:02] - The Early Years: Alexandra’s Journey from Law Aspirations to Recruitment

[22:54] - Creativity in Recruitment: How Alexandra Learned Her Niche

[24:17] - Getting Bored of Success: Why She Needed a New Challenge

[27:08] - Taking the Leap: How the Idea for Recfindr Took Shape

[28:32] - Darker Days: Stress, Fundraising Pressure, and Mental Strength

[32:25] - Looking Ahead: Scaling Recfindr and Embracing Growth

[35:26] - What’s Next: Investing,...

Welcome to the Founder Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Royden Greaves, founder of Jarvis, a fintech company that helps people understand and manage their pensions. From his early days growing up in Montserrat to leading a tech startup, Royden shares his journey, his passion for financial education, and how Jarvis is making pensions easier for everyone. He discusses his drive to help others, lessons from his career in finance, and the future of financial freedom.

Royden isn’t just a founder; he’s driven by helping others understand finances. His journey from growing up in Montserrat to creating Jarvis highlights how using simple tools and clear knowledge can change the way people manage their pensions. His passion for financial education is making a real difference.

Royden has a background in engineering and finance before founding Jarvis to help people with their pensions. At Jarvis, he uses tech to simplify financial planning and make understanding pensions easier. He focuses on education and smart solutions, using his experience to improve financial freedom for everyone.

• Making Pensions Simple: Royden shares how tech can simplify pension management.
• Building Jarvis: Lessons from starting a business and focusing on financial education.
• Empowering Others: Why teaching people about money can change lives.
• Background in Finance: How Royden’s experience in finance shaped his approach.
• Smart Solutions: How technology can make financial planning easier and more accessible.

• Tech for Financial Freedom: Royden explains how tech can simplify pensions.
• Starting Jarvis: The challenges and rewards of building a business from scratch.
• Learning from Failure: How Royden’s background in finance shaped his journey.
• Empowering People: How simple financial education can help individuals make better choices.
• Growth Through Innovation: Why embracing new ideas helped Royden scale Jarvis.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Financial education can change lives.” - Royden Greaves
• “Failure is just part of the journey, keep learning.” - Royden Greaves
• “Tech can simplify complex problems for everyone.” - Royden Greaves

Join Royden Greaves as he shares how financial education, innovation, and tech are making pensions simpler and empowering people to take control of their financial future.

Episode Highlight

[00:00:00] - Teaser

[00:01:29] - Introducing Royden: From Financial Services to Founding Jarvis

[00:01:58] - Childhood & Drive: Creativity, Failure, and Restlessness

[00:05:19] - From Cardboard Wings to Corporate Desks: Journey into Financial Services

[00:10:16] - Ethics Over Profit: Royden's Real Reason for Founding Jarvis

[00:19:23] - The Birth of Jarvis: A Desk, A Thought, A Revolution

[00:25:03] - Why Pensions Are a Mess: Historical Context & Modern Ignorance

[00:32:06] - Unpacking the £36 Billion Problem: Lost Pots and Missed Opportunities

[00:38:14] - Building Jarvis: Vision, Lean Execution, and Empowering the Underserved

[00:45:55] - Pearls of Wisdom: How to Reclaim Time and Take Control of Your Financial Future

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

LinkedIn Accounts: 

• Royden Greaves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roydengreaves/ 
• Jarvis:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Thomas Vose, founder of HireAra, a startup that uses AI to help recruiters format CVs. From a student project to a big tech acquisition, Tom talks about how he turned a simple idea into a fast-growing business and shares lessons on risk, teamwork, and the future of AI.

Thomas isn’t just an entrepreneur; he loves finding smart solutions to problems. His journey from launching a startup to a major tech acquisition shows how spotting small pain points and using AI can change industries, especially in making processes faster and easier for businesses.

Thomas has a background in aerospace and engineering before starting his company to improve recruitment. At his company, HireAra, he uses AI to streamline CV formatting, making the process faster and easier. He focuses on smart tech and efficiency, applying his experience in engineering and problem-solving to help businesses grow.

• Solving Recruitment Problems: Tom explains how AI can make CV formatting easier.
• Building a Startup: Lessons learned from taking risks and following his vision.
• Innovative Thinking: Why using new tech can change traditional industries.
• Tech and Engineering: How Tom’s background in engineering shaped his business.
• Faster Processes: How AI speeds up work and makes things more efficient.

• Using AI for Efficiency: Tom shows how AI can improve recruitment processes.
• Building a Business: The challenges and rewards of starting from scratch.
• Learning from Experience: How Tom’s background in engineering helped him innovate.
• Simplifying Work: How AI makes tasks faster and more effective.
• Adapting and Growing: Why being open to new ideas helped Tom scale his company.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Entrepreneurs are always looking for better ways to solve problems.” - Thomas Vose
• “A safety net lets you take risks without fearing failure.” - Thomas Vose
• “AI is changing industries, but human creativity makes it powerful.” - Thomas Vose

Join Thomas Vose as he shares how innovative thinking, AI, and entrepreneurship are transforming recruitment and paving the way for faster, smarter business growth.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:04] - Guest Introduction: Thomas Vose

[03:08] - Early Entrepreneurial Journey and the Influence of Family

[05:30] - The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Drive, Curiosity, and Problem-Solving

[07:30] - From AI and Policy to Solving Recruitment Pain Points

[10:55] - The Future of AI: Speed, Revenue, and Corporate Adoption

[14:05] - The Journey from Startup to Acquisition and Rapid Growth

[16:50] - The Hidden Challenges of Acquisition and Key Lessons for Founders

[20:20] - Building a Team: Trust, Relentless Drive, and Friendship

[22:45] - The Power of Teamwork and Stress During Rapid Growth

[26:01] - The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking and Human Intelligence

[27:49] - Founder Mindset, Risk, and the Power of Perspective

[35:35] - Building a Sales Team with the Right People and Process

[41:50] - Final Thoughts: Embracing Risk and Starting a Business

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

LinkedIn Accounts: 

• Thomas Vose:

Ready to supercharge your growth? Join Donna Owen on The Engine – Founders Stories, where she sits down with SaaS and fintech trailblazers who’ve broken free from the founder-led sales grind and built predictable, scalable revenue engines. In each bite-sized episode, you’ll pick up real-world tactics—from hiring that crucial first rep to rolling out budget-smart tech stacks—that you can put into action today. Whether you’re a founder, sales leader, or advisor hungry for fresh, proven playbooks, Donna’s candid chats deliver the inspiration and know-how to fuel your next breakthrough. Subscribe now and let’s kickstart your revenue revolution!

How do you go from dropping out of school at 17 to building, scaling, and selling a massive B2B software company? In this episode of Founder Stories, Donna Owen sits down with Ed Johnson—the "original influencer" before the word even existed.

Ed shares the raw, unfiltered truth about his entrepreneurial journey, including the "bugs" and roadblocks of his early ventures and the critical lessons he used to drive his previous company, Push Far, to a successful private equity acquisition in 2023. Now, he’s doing it all again with URoutine, a new platform centered on the one thing that actually drives success: Accountability.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The $5.99 Rule: Why "sweating the small stuff" early on sets the standard for a team of 50+.

The Co-Founder Trap: Why you must sign your agreement when you're still happy—and why one co-founder should always be more "senior" on paper.

The "Zero AI" Strategy: How simple, "un-shiny" ideas can gain more traction than the latest tech trends.

Revenue vs. Reality: Why first-time founders fail by rushing to monetize too soon.

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – The "Misfire": When starting a business takes 5+ years of your life.

01:22 – What is URoutine? Solving the accountability gap.

04:18 – The hard lesson: Why revenue should follow technology, not lead it.

06:58 – Budgeting 101: Questioning every 5.99 subscription.

09:32 – Career "Job Hopping" and why Ed never stayed more than a year.

13:54 – Being a YouTube Partner at age 10: 15 Million views and counting.

20:32 – The 2-year "Side Hustle": Building Push Far while working a 9-5.

23:06 – Potholes & Failures: The social app that crashed at 10k downloads.

30:42 – The CEO's responsibility: Roles, responsibilities, and tempering your stress.

38:52 – How Ed is using URoutine to write a 250-page romantic fiction novel.

What happens when you go from being a well-known industry leader in your home country to a total stranger in a new one?

In this episode of Founder Stories, Donna Owen sits down with Paul Ryazanov, the founder of MageCloud. Paul’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, moving from a childhood in the Soviet Union to building a premier global e-commerce agency.

Paul discusses the psychological and operational "grind" of the immigrant founder-the necessity of shedding your ego, proving your worth from scratch, and the power of simple human connection in building a world-class network.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The "Zero Reputation" Reality: Why moving to a new country means no one cares about your past success and how to build a new name from the ground up. 

The Soviet Foundation: How Paul’s early life shaped an immutable drive to seek a better life and build something lasting. 

The "Small Things" Networking Hack: Why the most powerful way to enter a new room is by offering small, immediate value—like a simple introduction. 

Understanding Local Needs: The importance of getting in the trenches, attending meetups, and talking to people to find the "gap" in a new market. 

Scaling MageCloud: Insights into the operational grit required to manage a global team and maintain high-level growth. 

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 – Starting from scratch: Why new countries don't care about your history. 


00:45 – The Soviet Foundation: How a childhood in the USSR fueled the drive for more. 


05:20 – Proving your worth: The psychological shift of being a "nobody" again. 


12:15 – The Power of Connection: Using small acts to open big doors. 


18:30 – Networking from Zero: Why physical meetups are a founder's best friend. 


25:40 – Building MageCloud: Scaling an agency across borders. 


34:10 – The "Better Life" mindset: Turning obstacles into fuel. 


46:10 – How to connect with Paul and join the MageCloud community. 

Welcome to The Engine – Founders' Stories Podcast. In this episode, host Donna Owen is joined by Rodrigo Malachias, Co-Founder of MedibleGo and CEO at Medible. Rodrigo shares how he built two global companies by combining technology, strategic consulting, and a deep commitment to understanding SMEs. He takes us through his journey from early technical training in Brazil to leading multinational teams, teaching innovation, and now scaling an AI-powered platform designed to help small businesses grow.

Rodrigo explains how MedibleGo uses AI to bridge the information gap between SMEs and banks, unlocking better access to financing while giving founders the insights they need to succeed. He also shares candid reflections on burnout, resilience, and how running became an anchor for his mental and physical wellbeing. From global expansion to the importance of customer listening, Rodrigo offers grounded, practical wisdom for founders building with purpose.

In this episode, Rodrigo breaks down how he transformed years of consulting experience into an AI-driven product trusted by both SMEs and financial institutions. He talks about bootstrapping two companies, securing Innovate UK grants, and why customer insight - not investment - is at the heart of sustainable growth. Rodrigo also opens up about his background, the turning points that shaped his career, and why balance, authenticity, and curiosity are essential to long-term success as a founder.

Key Takeaways

1. How MedibleGo uses AI to close the global SME financing gap.
2. Why customer conversations matter more than investor conversations.
3. Burnout, recovery, and how running became part of Rodrigo’s life philosophy.
4. The power of iteration, listening, and humility in building a tech company.
5. Global expansion and how the UK’s Global Entrepreneur Programme accelerated growth.

Additional Insights

1. Rodrigo began as a trained electrician and worked in manufacturing at 14.
2. His non-technical PR degree sharpened his communication, teaching, and leadership skills.
3. Years of consulting for global brands shaped Medible’s methodology and product evolution.
4. He teaches innovation in Chile and is writing a book about resistance to new technology.
5. Rodrigo believes scarcity environments (LatAm, Africa) create more resilient founders than wealthy ecosystems.
6. 
   

Quotes from the Episode

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Riaz Kanani, a Serial Entrepreneur. Riaz shares his journey from starting businesses at a young age to leading successful ventures. He talks about his experience in building companies, exiting major players like IBM, and his approach to scaling businesses. Riaz also discusses the importance of adapting to changing markets, learning from customers, and finding the balance between highs and lows in the entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes staying true to yourself and focusing on long-term goals.

In this episode, Riaz shares how he helps businesses grow by building and scaling successful ventures. He talks about how he has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. Riaz explains why adapting to changing markets and understanding customer needs is key to success. He shares lessons from his experience exiting companies to major players like IBM and how he approaches leadership. Riaz also discusses the importance of balancing highs and lows in the startup journey and why staying true to yourself is vital in business.

1. Riaz’s journey from starting businesses at a young age to leading successful ventures.
2. Adapting to market changes and understanding customer needs is key to success.
3. Scaling a business requires a focus on long-term goals and smart strategies.
4. Learning from both successes and setbacks is crucial for growth.
5. Staying true to yourself and maintaining balance is essential in leadership.

1. Riaz started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age, founding businesses before finishing school.
2. His experience with exiting companies like IBM shaped his approach to scaling ventures.
3. He believes understanding technology and adapting to change is crucial for business success.
4. Riaz values staying true to oneself and maintaining balance throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
5. He encourages founders to focus on long-term goals and listen to customers to drive growth.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. "Understanding technology and adapting to change is key to business success." - Riaz Kanani
2. "Success isn’t just about exits; it’s about the long-term journey and learning from setbacks." - Riaz Kanani
3. "Staying true to yourself and maintaining balance is the key to effective leadership." - Riaz Kanani

Join Riaz as he shares how his experience in building and scaling businesses helps founders navigate challenges,

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Bianca Bass, Chief Marketing Officer at Privalgo and brand consultant. Bianca shares how she helps companies grow by aligning brands with business goals. She talks about her journey from working in large companies like TripAdvisor and Selfridges to advising startups on marketing and storytelling. Bianca explains why understanding customers deeply is key and how creativity can cut through noise. She also opens up about burnout, her background, and why staying true to yourself matters in leadership.

In this episode, Bianca shares how she helps businesses grow by connecting brands with revenue. She talks about her work as CMO at Privalgo and as a consultant for startups that need clear and creative marketing. Bianca explains why brand is not just design but a key part of sales and business success. She shares lessons from working at big companies like TripAdvisor and how she moved into startups to make a bigger impact. Bianca also talks about burnout, staying well, and why being yourself is the best way to lead and connect with others.

• Bianca’s move from big brands to startups to drive real impact.
• Brand is a business tool that supports sales and growth.
• Great marketing starts with truly knowing your customer.
• Creative, low-cost ideas can cut through noise and build trust.
• Success means staying well, being yourself, and leading with purpose.

• Bianca started in copywriting before moving into senior marketing roles.
• Her time at TripAdvisor showed the limits of staying siloed in big companies.
• She believes brands should sit at the heart of business strategy.
• Bianca supports women and underrepresented groups in finding their voice.
• She encourages founders to use creativity over big budgets to stand out.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Brand is the golden thread in everything we do.” - Bianca Bass
• “I don't like everyone, so why do I need everyone to like me?” - Bianca Bass
• “My biggest motivation in my career is extending the table.” - Bianca Bass

Join Bianca as she shares how her passion for brand, storytelling, and customer insight helps founders grow their business with purpose, creativity, and a clear strategy that drives real results.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:00] - Introduction

[01:28] - Bianca’s Role as CMO

[03:09] - Brand & Sales Alignment

[05:30] - Consulting & Customer Insight

[08:00] - Health & Wellbeing

[10:23] - Bianca’s Background

[13:50] - Career Shift to Startups

[17:58] - Impact & Authenticity

[21:59] - Future of Marketing & AI

[25:00] - Advice for Founders

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HER COMPANY:

• Bianca Bass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancabass/ 
• Privalgo: https://www.linkedin.com/company/privalgo/ 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn:

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Mike Adams, Founder & CEO of introstars, and Founder & Startup Mentor at Skyler Gotham. This platform rewards people for making warm business introductions and is quickly growing across London and New York. Mike shares how he went from being a shy, introverted teen to a top networker attending over a thousand events. He talks about his experience at Zoom during its rapid growth and how it shaped his startup. Mike also explains the value of building real relationships and offers tips for overcoming the fear of networking.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from being a shy, tech-loving teen to becoming a super connector and founder of Introstars, a platform that rewards people for making warm business introductions. He explains how attending over a thousand networking events led him to see the true power of trusted connections. Mike also talks about his time at Zoom, where he built partner programs across Europe and learned how to scale fast. He offers tips for founders on how to network with purpose, avoid burnout, and build strong relationships that support both business and personal growth.

• Mike's journey from shy gamer to top networker and founder of Introstars.
• The platform rewards users for making warm business introductions.
• Networking is seen as a way to build trust, not just gain clients.
• Success comes from real connections, not cold outreach or hard sales.
• Founders should balance hard work with self-care to avoid burnout.

• Growing up in a family business gave Mike early exposure to entrepreneurship.
• His experience at Zoom taught him how to build and scale partnerships fast.
• Making introductions is both a way to help others and build a strong reputation.
• Founders should join events for energy and support, not just leads.
• Mike believes in a future where connecting people becomes a valued side gig.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Everyone loves to connect people because you are solving a puzzle.” - Mike Adams
• “You are not trying to sell, you are trying to build a relationship.” - Mike Adams
• “In the age of AI, human trust becomes even more important.” - Mike Adams

Join Mike as he shares how his passion for connecting people led to introstars, a platform that rewards warm business introductions and helps founders grow through real relationships built on trust.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[00:58] - Donna’s Introduction and Excitement for the Episode

[03:04] - The Human Nature of Connecting and Solving Puzzles

[05:03] - Shifting Focus to Mike’s Personal Founder Story

[09:42] - The Power of Relationships vs. Cold Outreach

[13:09] - Why Sales Leaders Should Rethink Networking Metrics

[19:28] - Career Highlights: Apple, HP, and Hypergrowth at Zoom

[23:40] - Burnout, Purpose, and Maintaining Balance

[26:24] - Networking as Self-Care and a Non-Negotiable Priority

[32:51] - Tools for Finding Events: Luma and Meetup.com

[35:27] - The Evolution of Networking: From Transactional to...

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by George Lineker, Co-Founder of YourBusinessNumber. This company provides a second phone number and eSIM to help freelancers and small businesses separate their work and personal lives. George shares his journey from a previous failed app to building a lean, bootstrapped business over four years. He discusses the challenges of relying on platforms like WhatsApp and his vision for a more complete product. George also opens up about his privileged background, his learnings from past ventures, and the importance of routine and a strong team.

In this episode, George shares his journey from a previous venture in second-number apps to co-founding YourBusinessNumber, a company helping freelancers and small business owners separate their work and personal communications. He talks about how identifying the persistent problem of managing two phones led him to build a simple and affordable solution. George also explains the challenge of relying on another platform like WhatsApp Business and his strategic move into eSIM technology to create a more complete product. He shares insights on building a lean team, learning from past failures, and his pragmatic approach to growing the business.

• George's journey from a failed app to a successful two-in-one phone solution.
• His company offers virtual numbers for WhatsApp and a full eSIM plan.
• Growth is driven by a lean team and targeted Google Ads.
• Success relies on a strong team and learning from past ventures.
• The future is focused on the independent eSIM product.

• How a privileged background provided the safety net to take entrepreneurial risks.
• Maintaining a daily routine is crucial for focus when working from home.
• The importance of having a skilled team where each member handles a specific area.
• Believing in the core idea is vital for persevering through challenges.
• How past business failures provided essential lessons for the current venture.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "I know there are 20,000 people out there who have a use for two numbers on one phone for work." - George Lineker
• "If you have a good team around you, that's key." - George Lineker
• "I think it's normal to have things go wrong." - George Lineker

Join George as he shares how his belief in solving the two-phone problem led to YourBusinessNumber, a company helping freelancers and small businesses get a separate work number to improve organization and enable them to switch off.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[00:59] - Intro to George Lineker

[01:57] - What The Company Does

[03:10] - Solving The Two-Phone Problem

[05:44] - Origin of The Business Idea

[07:31] - Funding and Team Structure

[09:07] - Go-To-Market Strategy

[10:24] - The Challenge of Selling WhatsApp

[11:19] - Introducing The New eSIM Product

[12:44] - George's Background and Schooling

[14:24] - Privilege and Risk-Taking

[19:14] - The "Last Go" Before a Job

[24:09] - Key Learnings as a Founder

[28:19] - The Fully Automated Customer Journey

[30:40] - Total Addressable Market

[33:00] - Future Focus: The eSIM

[35:20] - What's Next for the Business, Personal Aspirations

FOLLOW THE