Ezgi Arslantay, founder of Fucimo, discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the motivations that led her to start her advertising platform. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and accessibility in her work and how these values shape her company. Ezgi also shares her insights on team building and the qualities she looks for in potential team members. She explains the mission of Fusimo to level the playing field in the advertising space and provide accessibility to advertising knowledge and opportunities. The platform uses AI to create smart media plans for businesses of all sizes. The conversation revolves around the themes of authenticity, accessibility, and the power of networking. Ezgi emphasizes the importance of being authentic and accessible in building a platform that resonates with small businesses and local communities. She discusses the challenges faced by mom and pop shops in advertising and the need for targeted and meaningful marketing. Sean highlights the shift in advertising towards organic content and the value of speaking directly to customers. They also discuss the role of kindness in building success and the power of networking in forming meaningful relationships. takeaways Authenticity and accessibility are core values that drive Ezgi Arslanthi in her entrepreneurial journey. When building a team, Ezgi looks for self-starters who are willing to question things and wear different hats. Fusimo aims to level the playing field in the advertising space and provide accessibility to advertising knowledge and opportunities. The platform uses AI to create smart media plans for businesses of all sizes. Being authentic and true to oneself is crucial in building meaningful relationships and attracting the right partners and customers. Authenticity and accessibility are key in building a platform that resonates with small businesses and local communities. Targeted and meaningful marketing is more effective than large-scale advertising campaigns. The shift in advertising towards organic content highlights the importance of speaking directly to customers. Kindness plays a crucial role in building success and forming meaningful relationships. Networking is essential for founders and involves giving back and asking how you can help others. titles Building a Team of Self-Starters Leveling the Playing Field in Advertising The Role of Kindness in Building Success The Importance of Networking for Founders Sound Bites "Just be yourself." "Accessibility is at the core of what we do." "Being authentic and accessible in everything you do." "Authenticity and accessibility" "Targeted and meaningful marketing" "Affordable advertising for local businesses" Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 10:43 - Building a Team of Self-Starters 25:48 - Fucimo: An Advertising Marketplace 32:12 - Affordable Advertising for Local Businesses 46:43 - The Role of Kindness in Building Success 53:50 - The Importance of Networking for Founders keywords entrepreneurship, authenticity, accessibility, team building, advertising, advertising platform, AI, smart media plans, authenticity, accessibility, advertising, marketing, small businesses, local communities, organic content, kindness, networking