Podcasts

Summary In this episode of The Innovation Conversation, Jonathan Zhou shares his remarkable path from architecture into entrepreneurship, and how he’s harnessing generative AI to transform the jewelry design process. Jonathan opens up about the obstacles he faced moving from traditional architecture to a tech-centric approach, what motivated him to start his business, and why persistence and adaptability are critical in the startup world. He also draws insightful parallels between his experiences in gliding and running a company, highlighting how both require knowing when to pivot and reassess goals to keep moving forward. Takeaways Jonathan’s background in architecture l…

Summary In this engaging episode of The Innovation Conversation, Tash Rebuck shares her remarkable journey from acting to becoming a sought-after sales consultant. Tash discusses how her background in performance helped her navigate the frequent rejection that comes with sales, and why resilience and a positive mindset are so crucial. She dives into the power of personalization, the importance of listening over pitching, and how adapting to different personalities can make or break a deal. Tash also offers practical, motivating advice for new entrepreneurs, encouraging them to take action, embrace discomfort, and turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. Takeaways Tash R…

Summary In this conversation on The Innovation Conversation, Hunter Earls, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Louisville, Kentucky, shares his remarkable journey into tech and startups. Hunter discusses his project Hashtag.ai, an innovative platform that lets users interact with historical figures through AI. He talks about the challenges of building his startup, the key lessons he’s learned so far, and why education and community play such important roles in his growth. Hunter also highlights how AI can transform education by saving teachers time and improving learning experiences, while sharing his goal to graduate college without debt as he continues to chase his entrepre…

In this episode of The Innovation Conversation, Tovit Neizer delves into the critical role of storytelling in business, especially for startups striving to stand out. He explains how connecting emotionally with audiences and tailoring communication for different stakeholders can transform a startup’s impact. Tovit shares his approach to helping technical founders become compelling storytellers, offers tips for overcoming public speaking anxiety, and underscores why authenticity and transparency build trust. He also highlights the resilience needed in the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of finding a personal ‘why’ to stay motivated through tough times Takeaways…

Summary In this engaging episode of The Innovation Conversation, Mollie Jahner, CEO of Spring and Forge, shares her fascinating journey from a marketing background to leading a company at the forefront of hard tech, aerospace, and defense. She unpacks how startups can navigate military contracts and government grants, the essentials of a strong commercialization strategy, and why maintaining a clean cap table is critical. Mollie also explores the future of AI and its broader implications, closing with how listeners can connect with her for more insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 00:46 Mollie's Journey into Hard Tech and Defense 02:43 Navigating M…

In this episode of The Innovation Conversation, Yunsu Tang shares her entrepreneurial journey, influenced by her family and cultural expectations. She discusses the challenges of launching her first startup, the importance of resilience, and how her cultural identity shaped key business decisions. Yunsu also compares hustle culture in China with Western approaches and reflects on rapid technological shifts in the Chinese market. The conversation wraps up with her future aspirations and the valuable lessons she’s learned. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Yunsu Tang and Her Journey 02:37 The Path to Entrepreneurship: Influences and Challenges 05:12 Navigating Family Expect…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Lina Gallagher joins us to share her inspiring journey from a career at Deloitte to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur and e-commerce consultant in Dubai. Lina reflects on the early days of e-commerce in the Middle East, her transition into entrepreneurship, and how adaptability and resilience have been key to her success. She dives into the evolving e-commerce landscape, particularly the growing role of AI, and offers a candid comparison between the entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Middle East and Europe. Lina highlights Dubai’s digital-forward environment, while also addressing the realities of setting up a business, such…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Oli Johnson, a three-time startup founder, about his journey from burnout in the high-pressure world of finance to creating a health tech startup focused on human resilience. They discuss the importance of mental health, the innovative use of DNA and biomarker data in preventative health, and the economic impact of burnout. Oli shares insights on building a human resilience platform that leverages AI to provide personalized health recommendations and the significance of data privacy in health tech. He also offers advice for young entrepreneurs on prioritizing health and wellbeing while naviga…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ricardo Pascual interviews Anmol Goel, who shares insights about his journey as a young fund manager and the launch of https://www.gacsymventures.com/ The conversation explores the success of Indian origin founders, the impact of AI on startups, and the shifting landscape of entrepreneurship and wealth creation. Anmol discusses the importance of adaptability in startups, the factors contributing to the success of the Indian diaspora, and the challenges of risk management in entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with reflections on the changing pathways to wealth and opportunity in today's economy. In this conversation…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Dr. Georgia Fleet and Carla Southworth, co-founders of Zonova, discuss their journey in developing a novel antimicrobial technology aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections. They share insights into the challenges of transitioning from academia to a startup, the importance of addressing antimicrobial resistance, and the feedback they have received from the healthcare market. The conversation also touches on regulatory hurdles, investor relations, and the broader applications of their technology beyond medical devices. Finally, they offer advice for aspiring entrepreneurs based on their experiences. Chapters 00:00Intro…

The Authentic Entrepreneur: John Stapleton on Building Bold FMCG Brands In this episode of Innovation Conversation, we sit down with John Stapleton, often called the Authentic Entrepreneur, to explore his remarkable 30+ year journey in building pioneering consumer brands in the UK and US. John shares the inside story behind the creation of The New Covent Garden Soup Co., which introduced fresh soup to the UK market, and the operational hurdles he faced expanding to the US with Glencoe Foods Inc.. He also reflects on launching Little Dish, a brand that redefined toddler meals, and scaled it to £15M in revenue before its successful exit. We dive into the real-world challeng…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Sara Landi Tortoli shares her journey from being a product manager in AI and machine learning to becoming a solopreneur. She discusses the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, the importance of having a solid distribution strategy, and the critical role of co-founders. Sara also delves into her startup idea of creating an AI companion to combat loneliness and reflects on her experiences in podcasting, emphasizing the need to communicate technology effectively to a broader audience. In this engaging conversation, Ricardo Pascual and Sara Landi Tortoli explore various themes surrounding Berlin's vibrant culture, …

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Diana Florescu, founder of Media for Growth, shares her journey from tech to media capital investment. She discusses the cultural differences in business practices between the US and Europe, the challenges of entering the US market, and the importance of a growth mindset. Diana also emphasizes the need for startups to adapt their strategies when moving to the US and the evolving landscape of media investments. The conversation highlights the resilience required in entrepreneurship and the future of media capital investments Takeaways Diana founded Media for Growth to support emerging consumer brands.Cultural differences i…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Prakriti Garb, a second-year management student at LSE and managing director of Kickstart Global, the UK's largest student incubator. They discuss Prakriti's journey into entrepreneurship, the mission of Kickstart Global to support young founders, the challenges faced by student entrepreneurs, and the importance of community and mentorship. Prakriti shares insights on the investor landscape for young founders, common mistakes made by entrepreneurs, and the need for more female representation in the startup ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the role of universities in fostering entrepren…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ross McCarthy, founder of Frugal, discusses his journey in the insurance industry, emphasizing a customer-centric approach to disrupt traditional insurance models. He shares insights on the challenges of starting a new venture, the importance of fundraising, and the need for innovation in the insurance sector. Ross also reflects on personal experiences, influences, and the future vision for Frugal, highlighting the potential for significant change in how insurance is perceived and utilized by customers. Takeaways Ross founded Frugal to address customer complaints in insurance.The startup focuses on a customer-first approach…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with entrepreneur and podcaster Stephanie Melodia. They discuss Stephanie's journey from art school to running her own successful marketing consultancy, the importance of urgency in starting a business, and the need for prioritization in entrepreneurship. Stephanie shares insights on managing energy over time, overcoming challenges, and finding balance in a busy entrepreneurial life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity, mentorship, and taking actionable steps towards business success. In this engaging conversation, Stephanie shares her insights on entrepreneurship, the impo…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Cyrus Wong shares his remarkable journey as a young entrepreneur, detailing how he started his first business at a young age and navigated the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape. He discusses the importance of confidence, resilience, and community support in achieving success. Cyrus also emphasizes the influence of his cultural background on his entrepreneurial mindset and offers valuable advice for aspiring young entrepreneurs. As he looks to the future, he expresses his ambition to build a fashion tech startup and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UK. Chapters 00:00Cyrus Wong: A Young Entrepreneu…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Tessa Debruyne shares her journey from working in sales to launching her own social-first agency, Myth Marketing. She discusses the challenges startups face in marketing, the importance of authenticity in branding, and effective content creation strategies. Tessa emphasizes the need for startups to prioritize social media engagement and navigate the complexities of algorithms while creating engaging video content. In this conversation, Tessa Debruyne and Ricardo Pascual explore the evolving landscape of social media content creation, emphasizing the importance of vertical video formats, particularly on platforms like TikTok…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Chet Hirani, an executive performance coach, shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, prioritizing health, and managing guilt while pursuing business goals. Chet discusses the balance between ego and productivity, the necessity of self-belief, and the significance of taking control of one's narrative. He also highlights the art of self-assessment and awareness as crucial elements for growth and success in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Chet Hirani discusses the balance between innovation and customer needs, the importance of asking the right question…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Annie Siara, CEO and founder of One Way X, discusses the evolution of immersive commerce and its significance in bridging the gap between offline and online retail experiences. She shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of understanding consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations. Annie emphasizes the need for persistence, grit, and a clear vision in entrepreneurship, while also reflecting on her past experiences and the lessons learned in leadership and team dynamics. The conversation concludes with insights on managing uncertainty and valuable book recommendation…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ahana Banerjee, founder and CEO of Clear, shares her journey from studying physics at Imperial College London to launching a beauty tech startup. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the impact of privilege, and her experience with Y Combinator. Ahana reflects on her personal struggles with skincare, which inspired her to create an app that helps users track their skincare routines. She also delves into the complexities of fundraising as a female founder and the decision-making process that led her to focus on Clear over other ideas. In this conversation, Ahana Banerjee shares her experiences as a female found…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo speaks with Lance Cottrell, an experienced entrepreneur and investor. They discuss the cyclical nature of the startup world, the importance of customer focus, and the key elements of a successful pitch deck. Lance shares insights on team dynamics, the necessity of pivoting, and the mindset required for building a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of honesty in founder-investor relationships and explores the unique aspects of the US startup ecosystem. The conversation also touches on managing investment risks, knowing when to quit, and the value of learning from past failures. Lance provides advic…

Summary In this episode of The Innovation Conversation, Lorraine Carter discusses her extensive experience in building brands to drive growth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer psychology, emotional drivers, and the need for cultural sensitivity in branding. Lorraine provides valuable advice for early-stage founders on how to position their brands effectively in the market, handle mistakes, and maintain transparency with customers. She also explores the concept of scarcity in branding and the role of visionary leadership in educating consumers about new products. Chapters 00:00Building Brands for Growth 04:47Advice for Early Stage Founders 10:32Cul…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Sumeet Ahuja, a seasoned innovator and entrepreneur, about his journey from the Middle East to Silicon Valley. Sumeet Ahuja shares insights on fostering innovation within corporations, the importance of bridging the skills gap in emerging markets, and the impact of technologies like blockchain and AI on the future of business. He emphasizes the need for startups to maintain transparency with investors, the significance of metrics in decision-making, and the personal growth that comes from reading influential books. The conversation provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and e…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ricardo speaks with Benjamin Whitby, a technologist and quantum physicist who transitioned from investment banking to the crypto space. Benjamin shares his journey into crypto, the challenges he faced, and the launch of his project, Governor, which aims to facilitate cross-chain liquidity and empower users with self-sovereign control over their assets. The conversation delves into the complexities of the crypto landscape, the importance of governance, and the future of innovation in the blockchain space. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Benjamin Whitby 02:52Transition from Traditional Finance to Crypto 05:48The Launch of Gover…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Wojtek Buczynski shares his journey from a stable corporate career in financial services to launching his own startup, Fast Audit AI. He discusses the motivations behind his transition, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of mental resilience and teamwork. Wojtek also delves into the functionality of Fast Audit AI, its target audience, and the potential it holds in the financial sector. He offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for a supportive team and the ability to handle rejection. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Wojtek Buczanski and His Journey 02:49Transition from Corp…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo speaks with Rachel Murphy, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of The Grafter. Rachel shares her extensive journey from working in government roles, particularly in healthcare, to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the common pitfalls that entrepreneurs face, the importance of teamwork, and how to stay grounded while building a business. Rachel emphasizes the significance of mental health, community support, and the role of exercise in maintaining well-being. She also offers valuable advice for young entrepreneurs and reflects on her inspirations and future aspirations. Chapters 00:00Introducti…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Maria Andrianova shares her journey from corporate life in Russia to becoming a serial entrepreneur and angel investor in Dubai. She discusses her innovative recruitment tool, Neuroframe, which uses deep personality diagnostics to match candidates with roles. Maria emphasizes the importance of mental health in the workplace and how small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in employee satisfaction. She also highlights the need for resilience in entrepreneurship and the value of following one's passion. Throughout the conversation, Maria encourages listeners to build supportive networks and to be self-aware in t…

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Azahara Vera Cobos, head of scouting and programs at Startupwise Guys, shares insights into the world of startups, focusing on the factors that contribute to successful exits, the importance of strong founding teams, and effective fundraising strategies. She emphasizes the need for a global mindset among startups and the significance of choosing the right investors. Azahara also discusses the legal considerations that founders should keep in mind to protect their ventures Chapters 00:00Introduction to Startupwise Guys and Azahara Vera Cobos 06:04Identifying Trends in Startup Success 11:48Building a Strong Founding Team 16:2…