Now We Build in a podcast hosted by Sam Marchant, an entrepreneur turned investor. Sam's conversations with seasoned company founders and operators will give you unique insights, wisdom and practical guidance on how to build your startup for success.
Now We Build is proudly sponsored by Google Cloud, Carta, Fuelled Insurance, and Seven Legal.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Now We Build in a podcast hosted by Sam Marchant, an entrepreneur turned investor. Sam's conversations with seasoned company founders and operators will give you unique insights, wisdom and practical guidance on how to build your startup for success.
Now We Build is proudly sponsored by Google Cloud, Carta, Fuelled Insurance, and Seven Legal.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this conversation, Rory shares his journey through the marketing landscape, focusing on his experiences with disruptive brands like Gymbox and Gymnation. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the art of creating memorable campaigns, and the challenges of measuring success beyond financial metrics. Rory emphasises the need for creativity, especially when working with tight budgets, and the role of cultural adaptation in marketing strategies. He also touches on the impact of AI in marketing, advocating for a balance between technology and human curiosity.
Key takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:54 Career Path to Disruptive Marketing
03:40 Memorable Campaigns at Gymbox
09:23 The Art of Disruption in Marketing
14:03 Measuring Campaign Success
18:48 Bridging Physical and Digital Experiences
23:26 Budget Constraints as a Creative Advantage
28:22 Community Engagement and Brand Loyalty
33:19 Joining Gymnation and Future Plans
37:50 Cultural Adaptation in Marketing
42:33 The Role of AI in Marketing
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In this conversation, Alex Dirdin shares his journey from launching the e-commerce vertical at GeoPost to his role at AmmanPost. He discusses the challenges of navigating corporate politics, the importance of stakeholder management, and the differences between startup and corporate environments. Alex emphasizes the need for alignment among stakeholders, the significance of a unifying purpose, and the role of passion in rallying support for new ideas. He also reflects on the evolving landscape of e-commerce in the Middle East and the strategic decisions involved in operating within a governmental framework.
Keywords
GeoPost, AmmanPost, e-commerce, corporate startups, stakeholder management, entrepreneurial journey, logistics, innovation, career development, Middle East, business development, product management, corporate ventures, AI in business, postal operations, strategy, entrepreneurship, tech knowledge, market validation, startup insights
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"You're never the smartest person in the room."
"In startups, you fail faster and learn faster."
"Passion ignites people to support new ideas."
"Do we need to be an operator or a regulator?"
"I love being both strategist and operator."
"Alignment plays such a crucial role."
"You bypassed necessary validations."
"The founder's vision excited me."
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Alex's Career at GeoPost
08:00 Navigating Corporate Politics: Stakeholder Management Insights
12:00 From GeoPost to AmmanPost: Embracing New Challenges
19:32 Navigating Political Intrigues in Business
20:32 The Complexity of International Postal Operations
21:55 The Balance of Strategy and Operations
22:41 Challenges in Corporate Ventures
23:49 Learning from Past Experiences
26:14 Defining Business Development
28:35 The Importance of Tech Knowledge
29:41 Principles of Product Management
32:33 The Role of AI in Product Development
34:26 AI's Impact on Business Development
37:26 Embracing New Opportunities at RSA Global
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In this conversation, Yuri Misnik shares his extensive career journey from Microsoft to AWS and then to HSBC, discussing the evolution of technology, project management best practices, and the cultural differences between major tech companies. He emphasizes the importance of communication, leadership, and customer obsession in driving successful technology initiatives.
Keywords
Yuri Misnik, Microsoft, AWS, HSBC, technology leadership, project management, cloud computing, corporate culture, digital transformation, mission critical systems, leadership, innovation, banking, technology, AI, startups, vendor selection, cloud computing, digital transformation, agile
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"It's great to hit record."
"I was lucky to be at the right time."
"The trick was about the quality of people."
"Amazon was known for its customer obsession."
"My job is to remove obstacles."
"AI is a very big thing, an amazing tool."
"You will be fired if you're not using AI."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings
02:51 Transition to Microsoft and Mission Critical Projects
06:02 Best Practices in Project Management
08:57 Joining AWS and Cultural Insights
11:57 Cultural Differences: Microsoft vs. Amazon
15:07 Leadership at HSBC and Managing Large Teams
19:06 Empowering Leadership and Trust
20:37 Innovation in Banking: A Cultural Shift
22:31 Balancing Control and Innovation
24:06 Vendor Selection: Agile vs Traditional
25:30 Advice for Startups Selling to Enterprises
27:25 Transitioning to the National Australia Bank
30:08 The Excitement of AI in Technology
33:25 Caution in AI Adoption and Development
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In this conversation, Santi Rasanayagam shares his journey from CFO to CEO of the Sahara Group, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to change, understanding client needs, and the strategic role of acquisitions in business growth. Santi reflects on the differences between his roles as CFO and CEO, highlighting the importance of mindset and the need for leaders to engage with clients and their teams.
Keywords
CFO, CEO, acquisitions, logistics, leadership, business growth, East Africa, Sahara Group, finance, strategy, business transitions, acquisition preparation, CFO role, CEO-CFO relationship, business growth strategy
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"I've never been a CFO before."
"I was made the CEO in 2021."
"Being a CEO can be a bit lonely."
"We actually let some customers go."
"You can't just buy and forget about it."
"A CFO needs to think about risk."
"You need to have your finances in order."
"You have to be on the same page."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:58 Transition to CFO Role
05:55 Becoming CEO and Leadership Challenges
08:53 Acquisitions and Growth Strategy
20:43 Navigating Business Transitions
23:59 Preparing for Acquisition: Key Considerations
28:17 The Role of CFO in Growing Businesses
34:50 CEO and CFO: A Unified Vision for Success
39:31 Final Thoughts on Business Growth and Strategy
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In this conversation, Jing Ouyang shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his first business, Podlearn, which aimed to democratize medical education. He discusses the challenges faced in transitioning to a social enterprise with Healthy Future and the lessons learned from both ventures. The discussion then shifts to the founding of Patchwork, inspired by the inefficiencies in healthcare staffing, and how personal experiences and insights led to the creation of a marketplace model for doctors. Jing emphasizes the importance of understanding pain points and validating ideas through real-world experiences.
Keywords
entrepreneurship, medical education, e-learning, social enterprise, healthcare innovation, Patchwork, locum shifts, startup journey, business challenges, medical technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, fundraising, NHS, startup mistakes, clinician experience, growth strategies, medical students, MVP, cost savings
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"This is not just something unique to us."
"We proved the core mechanic."
"We made so many mistakes."
"None of those mistakes were fatal."
"Fundraising is never easy."
"We could gain traction despite the odds."
"Clinician experience is at its core."
"Start early and launch things."
Chapters
00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
07:17 Transitioning to Social Enterprise
13:27 The Birth of Patchwork
20:02 Testing the Waters: Building a Marketplace
21:58 Building the MVP and Initial Success
22:48 Lessons Learned from Early Mistakes
25:29 Navigating the Fundraising Journey
29:51 Measuring Success and Growth Opportunities
32:41 Driving Growth in the NHS
36:34 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurial Clinicians
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In this conversation, Eli shares his unique journey from a high school tragedy that sparked his entrepreneurial spirit to his experiences in the music industry and the Web3 space. He discusses the transition from being a founder to a chief of staff, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Eli reflects on the skills gained from working in the C-suite and the challenges of navigating leadership dynamics, particularly in a dual CEO environment. His insights highlight the blend of personal growth, strategic thinking, and the value of mentorship in shaping a successful career.
Keywords
entrepreneurship, chief of staff, music industry, web3, leadership, personal growth, education, business strategy, C-suite, mentorship, Chief of Staff, Board Management, Corporate Transition, Startup Culture, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Career Development, Inclusive Fashion, Team Dynamics, Professional Growth
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"How do we find resolution?"
"It's a people role."
"This is totally different."
"What can I do to teach people?"
"Do cool shit with cool people."
"I don't really like titles."
"I love meeting cool people."
Chapters
00:00 Eli's Journey Begins: From Tragedy to Entrepreneurship
02:08 Diving into the Music Industry: Early Experiences
04:06 Exploring Web3: Ventures and Challenges
06:10 The Value of Experience: Learning vs. Education
07:12 Transitioning to Chief of Staff: A New Role
10:20 Lessons from the C-Suite: Skills and Insights
12:30 Navigating Leadership: The Role of a Chief of Staff
14:03 Understanding Growth: When to Hire a Chief of Staff
16:12 Working with Dual CEOs: Balancing Perspectives
17:22 Navigating Board Dynamics
20:03 Transitioning from Startup to Corporate
26:54 Finding the Right Chief of Staff Role
31:25 Building Inclusive Fashion Brands
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In this conversation, Denis Konoplev shares his experiences navigating different startup ecosystems, particularly contrasting the UK, UAE, and US markets. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in each region, emphasizing the importance of customer validation and the need for startups to adapt to local market dynamics. Denis also highlights his journey with Moonin, the significance of building relationships in sales, and the exciting potential of leveraging technology in traditional industries.
Keywords
startup, entrepreneurship, Disperse, Seafood Souq, venture capital, ideation, user experience, accelerator, founder market fit, technology, startup ecosystems, UAE, UK, US market, customer validation, selling strategies, technology, financial freedom, venture building, entrepreneurship
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:02 The Journey of Disperse: Ideation and Problem Discovery
03:59 Early Validation and Monetization Challenges
06:04 Accelerator Experience and Pivoting Strategies
09:02 Raising Capital and Navigating VC Landscape
11:55 Founder Market Fit and Validating New Opportunities
15:07 Transition to Seafood Souq: A New Venture
16:59 Lessons Learned and User Experience in Software Development
21:31 Navigating Startup Ecosystems: UK vs UAE
24:58 Scaling Ventures: Insights from the US Market
26:29 The Founding Journey of Moonin
31:22 The Importance of Customer Validation
34:42 Selling in the US: Strategies for Success
37:36 Embracing Technology in Traditional Industries
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In this conversation, Nelio shares his journey from corporate life at L'Oreal to the startup ecosystem with Careem. He discusses the insights gained from understanding consumer behavior in emerging markets, the challenges of building a brand in a new market, and the innovative strategies that led to Careem's growth. Nelio emphasizes the importance of a culture that allows for experimentation and learning from failures, as well as the significance of maintaining brand consistency while scaling across different regions.
Keywords
growth, marketing, startups, Careem, brand strategy, consumer behavior, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, innovation, corporate experience, Kareem, Washman, startup culture, growth strategies, customer acquisition, founder mistakes, DTC, brand building, operational excellence, team dynamics
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Corporate Roots and Market Entry
03:03 Insights from the Ground: Understanding Consumer Behavior
06:03 The Leap to Startups: Embracing Change and Opportunity
09:02 Building a Brand: Growth Strategies at Careem
11:59 Navigating Challenges: Trust and Brand Positioning
15:01 Innovative Campaigns: Learning from Wins and Losses
21:04 Scaling Culture: Maintaining Consistency Across Markets
23:06 Building a Meaningful Culture at Kareem
27:19 Transitioning to Washman: A New Challenge
31:32 Growth Strategies and Customer Acquisition at Washman
37:49 Common Growth Mistakes Founders Make
42:14 The Importance of Selling Before Building
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In this conversation, Tara Sakhuja shares her insights on the differences in business culture between the US and UK, the transition from corporate roles at Facebook and Bumble to founding her own startup, Data Dumpling. She discusses the importance of customer feedback in product development, the often underestimated role of sales in a startup, and how to evolve product strategy in a rapidly changing environment. Tara emphasizes the need for flexibility and customer-centricity in building products, and she encourages aspiring founders to focus on understanding sales and customer relationships.
Keywords
product management, startups, data-driven decisions, cultural differences, Bumble, Facebook, product development, entrepreneurship, marketing, career journey, business culture, startup, product management, sales, entrepreneurship, customer feedback, product development, AI tools, data dumpling, corporate experience
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Journey into Product Management
03:03 Cultural Differences in Product Management Across Geographies
06:04 Data-Driven Decision Making in Product Development
08:52 Navigating Startup Challenges with Data
12:04 Transitioning to Bumble: New Opportunities and Challenges
15:02 Comparing Product Management in the UK and US
18:10 Cultural Differences in Business Speed
22:13 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup
26:20 Building a Product: Feedback and Iteration
30:00 The Surprising Role of Sales in Founding
32:50 Evolving Product Strategy in a Startup
35:33 Connecting with Tara and Data Dumpling
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In this conversation, Sam Marchant interviews Steve, a prominent figure in e-commerce and marketing, discussing his journey from EE to GiffGaff. Steve shares insights on online transformation, customer acquisition strategies, and the importance of behavioral marketing. He emphasizes the significance of creating a strong customer relationship and the innovative approaches taken at GiffGaff to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
Keywords
e-commerce, marketing, customer acquisition, behavioral marketing, online transformation, GiffGaff, EE, customer experience, conversion rate optimization, cycling, Gift Card Portfolio, Virgin Mobile, PropTech, Customer Engagement, Behavioral Marketing, Data Utilization, Market Strategies, Customer Satisfaction, Mobile Industry, UAE Market
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"He's one of the strongest cyclists here in the UAE."
"I was one of the first employees actually within EE."
"We launched 4G at the time as well."
"We were running tests basically all the time."
"We started this storm of positive feedback."
"We were launching the telco on an app only."
"We had a beautiful moment in time at Virgin."
"We treated our agencies as consumers essentially."
"The subconscious was running the show."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Steve and His Cycling Background
01:01 Steve's Journey at EE: Online Transformation
04:32 Transition to GiffGaff: A New Challenge
06:17 Customer Acquisition Strategies at GiffGaff
09:11 Creating Customer Love at GiffGaff
11:41 Scaling Customer Relationships
12:55 The Importance of Behavioral Marketing
15:21 Testing and Insights: The SIM Pack Experiment
21:03 Ongoing Customer Relationships and Behavioral Marketing
23:07 Understanding Gift Card Portfolio Dynamics
29:11 Transitioning to Virgin Mobile in the UAE
35:40 Innovating in PropTech with Property Finder
41:12 Behavioral Insights and Customer Engagement Strategies
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In this conversation, Dhruv Ghulati shares his unique journey from finance to the tech startup world, detailing his experiences at various companies, including Import IO and Weave AI. He discusses the cultural shift he experienced, the importance of data in startups, and how his background in finance shaped his understanding of technology. Dhruv reflects on the evolution of AI and the necessity for founders to possess technical knowledge in today's competitive landscape. He also emphasizes the value of education and self-reflection in his journey towards becoming a founder.
Keywords
startups, AI, technology, entrepreneurship, data, finance, career journey, product management, machine learning, tech culture, entrepreneurship, AI, fact-checking, fundraising, investor alignment, tech journey, product management, self-awareness, career transition, startup challenges
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"I got really passionate about tech."
"You have to understand technically what you're building."
"I learned more the skills of product management."
"I felt kind of articulate about those things."
"It was less risky, right? Cause it was credentialism."
"I was getting at it from scratch."
"I wanted to build a fact checking system."
"I took this 50K and that led to the journey of Factmata."
"I took out like a 25K loan."
"I got a reply back that he was interested in."
"I think they’re completely useless."
Chapters
00:00 Journey into Startups: The Beginning
03:02 From Finance to Tech: A Shift in Career
06:01 The Culture of Technology: Learning and Growth
08:59 Data-Driven Insights: The Role of Data in Startups
11:58 The Path to Founding: Lessons from Import IO and Weave AI
15:02 The Evolution of AI: Comparing Past and Present
17:57 Building a Startup: The Importance of Technical Understanding
20:58 The Catalyst for Change: Education and Self-Reflection
27:29 Navigating the Path of Curiosity
28:54 The Journey of Idea Development
30:52 Building a Fact-Checking System
32:17 From Thesis to Entrepreneurial Venture
34:38 The Challenge of Fundraising
36:05 Investor Alignment and Storytelling
39:12 Lessons from Building a Groundbreaking Company
41:28 The Decision to Step Back as CEO
46:19 Transitioning to Uber AI
52:40 Embracing Entrepreneurial Spirit at Uber
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In this conversation, Sammy Ennebt shares his experiences building in the Australian banking ecosystem before 2008, the rise of digital banking, and his journey with Revolut and WIO in the GCC. He discusses the transformation of the banking sector, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the regulatory landscape that supports innovation. Sammy also highlights the exciting opportunities in Saudi Arabia's growing economy and the importance of mentorship in the region.
Keywords
Australian banking, digital transformation, Revolut, WIO, GCC fintech, regulatory environment, Saudi Arabia, banking innovation, customer experience, startup ecosystem
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"It was kind of the good old days of cheap credits."
"There's only one Revolut and it's hard to explain."
"Saudi Arabia is an amazing story."
"This is a young, vibrant, highly intelligent economy."
"I just love to build stuff."
Chapters
00:00 Building in the Australian Ecosystem Pre-2008
02:53 The Rise of Digital Banking and Revolut's Expansion
06:09 Transitioning to WIO: Opportunities in the GCC
09:03 Navigating the FinTech Landscape in the GCC
11:47 Regulatory Challenges and Innovations in Banking
14:58 Building in Saudi Arabia: Insights and Opportunities
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In this conversation, Hubert Behaghel shares his journey from a young coder to a prominent tech leader, discussing his experiences at Sky, Marks and Spencer, and Typeform. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in corporate environments, the often-overlooked value of internal tech optimization, and the challenges of leadership in tech. Hubert also reflects on his transition to a startup environment and the lessons learned in motivating teams and fostering a culture of collaboration. In this conversation, Hubert Behaghel discusses his journey through midlife and the entrepreneurial mindset he developed while working in large tech companies. He shares insights on scaling challenges, tech debt, and the importance of strong leadership in startups. Hubert emphasizes the need for hands-on leadership, the significance of a solid technical foundation, and the evolving role of AI in decision-making processes. He also addresses the complexities of the CTO role and the impact of inflation on job titles in the tech industry.
Keywords
engineering, innovation, corporate tech, leadership, internal optimization, Marks and Spencer, Typeform, motivation, technology, career journey, entrepreneurship, scaling, tech debt, leadership, startups, AI, CTO, budgeting, growth strategies, team dynamics
Takeaways
Titles
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Career Journey
02:55 Innovation in Corporate Environments
06:00 The Importance of Internal Tech Optimization
08:47 Leadership Challenges in Tech
11:51 Transitioning to Marks and Spencer
15:05 Building Teams and Motivating Engineers
17:59 Joining Typeform and the Startup Experience
25:19 Navigating Midlife and Entrepreneurial Aspirations
26:11 Scaling Challenges in Tech Companies
27:09 Understanding Tech Debt and Company Growth
28:59 Cost Management and Budgeting in Startups
30:20 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Startups
31:23 Building Strong Foundations for Growth
34:40 The Role of the CTO in Startups
41:14 AI's Impact on Technology and Decision Making
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In this conversation, Ziyaad Ahmed shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the founding of Spotii, a FinTech company in the UAE, and the challenges faced in building a startup in a developing ecosystem. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior, the fundraising landscape in the UAE, and the unique dynamics of being co-founders with his sister. Ziyaad also reflects on the acquisition of Spotii by Zip and the subsequent transition to a new venture focused on AI.
Keywords
Spotii, FinTech, UAE, entrepreneurship, COVID-19, fundraising, sibling co-founders, acquisition, AI, startup ecosystem
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"This is a product that could do really well."
"The UAE has made great strides over the past five years."
"65% of startups will fail because of founder disagreement."
"We want to build out a global BNPL platform."
"It's incredibly flattering when someone wants to acquire you."
"We managed to sign on Amazon, for example."
"We decided to pivot the business to avoid capital requirements."
Chapters
00:00 The Founding Journey of Spotii
02:56 Navigating the UAE Startup Ecosystem
05:55 Impact of COVID-19 on Business
08:48 Fundraising Landscape in the UAE
11:56 Sibling Co-Founders: A Unique Dynamic
14:58 Acquisition Journey of Spotii
17:50 Transitioning to AI and Future Prospects
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In this conversation, Sam Marchant interviews Paul, exploring his journey from launching his first business in the oil and gas sector in 1999 to creating one of the world's first carbon credit platforms. They discuss the challenges of navigating industry skepticism, the investment landscape during the dot-com boom, and how Paul maintained his entrepreneurial spirit while working in large corporates. The conversation also delves into leadership styles and the importance of fostering innovation within teams. Paul discusses the importance of creative problem-solving in teams, the strengths and challenges of the UK FinTech ecosystem, the traits of successful FinTech founders, and the exciting innovations currently shaping the industry. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment, particularly in the context of financial services and technology.
Keywords
startups, FinTech, AI, entrepreneurship, carbon credits, investment, leadership, innovation, technology, oil and gas, FinTech, creativity, teamwork, UK ecosystem, successful founders, innovation, emotional intelligence, compliance, AI, workflows
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:52 Navigating Industry Skepticism
12:02 Transition to Carbon Credits
18:04 Leadership and Team Dynamics
24:27 The UK FinTech Ecosystem: Strengths and Challenges
30:59 Traits of Successful FinTech Founders
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Andy and Sam discuss the founding journey of Andy's meat alternative brand and the flash of insight that led to its creation. They explore the process of developing the product and the challenges of finding a manufacturer. Andy shares his controversial views on consumer testing and the importance of familiarity in product development. They also discuss the branding strategy and the educational aspect of introducing a new product to consumers. Andy provides insights into the international growth plan and the fundraising experience, including the challenges of working with institutional investors. In this conversation, Andy, the founder of a successful FMCG company, discusses his experiences and insights as a startup founder. He challenges conventional norms in the startup world, such as the concept of needing a lead investor and founder vesting. Andy also shares his thoughts on the future of FMCG, including the potential for more meat alternatives and the development of new protein delivery options. Additionally, he introduces his new charity, A Bit Weird, which aims to question and scrutinize societal norms regarding animal welfare.
Keywords
founding journey, meat alternative, flash of insight, product development, manufacturer, consumer testing, branding strategy, educational aspect, international growth plan, fundraising, institutional investors, startup founder, FMCG, lead investor, founder vesting, future of FMCG, meat alternatives, protein delivery options, animal welfare
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Founding Journey and Flash of Insight
06:29 The Role of Branding in Differentiation
39:44 The Future of FMCG: Tapping into Slumbering Demand
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In this conversation, Sam Marchant and Naomi Fitzpatrick delve into the intricacies of product management, particularly focusing on the integration of AI in product development. Naomi shares her experiences at Intercom and Typeform, discussing the evolution of AI, the importance of customer-centric solutions, and the challenges of product retention. They explore the significance of collaboration within product teams, the necessity of building great user experiences, and the common pitfalls in AI product development. Naomi emphasizes the characteristics of great product people and the importance of aligning teams towards shared goals to drive success.
Keywords
product management, AI in product, customer support, user experience, product retention, collaboration, product development, product-led growth, product leadership, team alignment
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"AI can probably solve some of that."
"It's more about how do we encourage people to use Typeform."
"If you make the end user experience outstanding."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Product Leadership
03:01 The Evolution of AI in Product Development
06:00 Customer-Centric AI Solutions
08:58 Navigating Product Retention Challenges
12:06 Understanding User Engagement and Value
14:55 The Role of Collaboration in Product Teams
17:59 Building a Great User Experience
21:06 AI Integration in Product Design
24:01 Common Pitfalls in AI Product Development
27:06 Characteristics of Great Product People
30:01 Aligning Teams Towards Shared Goals
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In this conversation, Adam Spector shares his extensive experience as a four-time founder and angel investor, discussing the evolution of AI and machine learning, the challenges of building startups, and the importance of focus and delegation. He emphasizes the need for founders to measure the value they provide, control their narrative, and recognize when to pivot or move on. Adam also highlights the significance of obsession in successful founders and the power of compounding in entrepreneurship, while contrasting the journeys of bootstrapped versus VC-funded startups.
Keywords
AI, machine learning, angel investing, startup trends, B2B SaaS, founder traits, delegation, bootstrapping, compounding, entrepreneurship
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"AI is going to provide value and dramatically change lives."
"You need to control your narrative."
"Focus on what is going to get delightful outcomes."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Adam Spector
01:43 The Evolution of AI and Machine Learning
04:28 Building LiftIgniter: Challenges and Lessons Learned
07:48 Trends in B2B SaaS and Founder Focus
10:42 Measuring Value in Product Offerings
12:25 Controlling the Narrative for Founders
14:40 The Importance of Delegation and Focus
18:00 Key Traits of Successful Founders
21:31 The Power of Compounding in Entrepreneurship
23:42 Contentment in the Founder Journey
26:51 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding
30:52 Compounding Skills in Startup Careers
34:15 Hacks for Building a Successful Startup
36:47 Obsessive Founders: A Case Study
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In this conversation, Chris Wickson shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the launch of his first business, RMP, during university. He discusses the challenges and successes of scaling the business, the transition to a new venture, Akkroo, and the lessons learned along the way. Chris emphasizes the importance of focus, iteration, and leveraging experience as a repeat founder. He also introduces his latest venture, ReelFlow, which aims to revolutionize B2B marketing through interactive video content. The conversation highlights key strategies for growth, the significance of team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of go-to-market efforts.
Keywords
entrepreneurship, startup journey, business growth, go-to-market strategy, video marketing, team dynamics, funding, scaling, early-stage startups, repeat founders
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"There's never a better time to start than university."
"We were very naive, we knew nothing about technology."
"We started generating a little bit of revenue."
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Launching RMP
03:04 Scaling and Team Dynamics
05:58 Transitioning to Akkroo: Identifying New Opportunities
08:52 Raising Capital: The Growth Journey
11:59 Strategies for Growth: Achieving 100% Year-on-Year
14:58 Lessons Learned: Focus and Iteration in Go-to-Market
18:06 Real Flow: A New Venture in Video Marketing
21:09 Building on Experience: The Advantages of Being a Repeat Founder
23:55 Navigating the Market: Finding the Right Customer Fit
26:52 Conclusion: Connecting with Chris Wickson
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Mike Soutar discusses the challenges of building a founding team and the importance of complementary skills. He shares his experience as the CEO of the Evening Standard, a business that was losing 30 million pounds a year, and explains why he took on the challenge. Soutar emphasizes the need for clear strategy and purpose when leading a company through change. He also discusses the ability of large organizations to adapt quickly and offers advice on how to instigate and structure change. Soutar shares insights on hiring individuals who are open to change and operate with speed, and he highlights the importance of having a blend of different skills within a team. Lastly, he talks about working with founders who are going through pivots and offers guidance on embracing change.
Keywords
financial crisis, business model, lean, advertising, scaling, co-founding team, founding team, complementary skills, CEO, challenge, strategy, purpose, change, large organizations, adaptability, hiring, speed, pivot, embrace change
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
"Make every penny a prisoner"
"You've got six months, maybe nine months to prove your worth"
"Clarity of strategy and simplicity of business model"
"The benefit of having somebody who you share everything with on an equal basis is just, it's like rocket fuel."
"The power to make decisions, lots of decisions in the absence of pure, accurate, reliable data. That for me, that's the game."
"What role does a newspaper play anyway in society? What role would that have in the future?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:35 Shortlist Media and the 2008 Financial Crisis
02:37 Staying Lean and Focused
08:15 Mistakes to Avoid
12:32 The Importance of a Strong Co-founding Team
16:13 Scaling Internationally through Strategic Partnerships
20:04 Building a Complementary Founding Team
21:32 Leading Through Change: Strategy and Purpose
23:09 Adapting Quickly in Large Organizations
25:26 Hiring for Change and Speed
27:21 Embracing Change and Pivoting for Growth
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