In this 40 Minute Mentor bonus episode, you'll hear directly from your Host, James Mitra, as he recaps another brilliant 10 weeks of mentorship. James shares some of his own highlights from this season and shares more about our upcoming plans. If you haven't caught up on this season yet, make sure you scroll back through Season 13...and our 250+ episodes in the archives. 📣 Don't forget to check out our season sponsors: ✨ Capsule - the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefinin...
Jun 13, 2025•3 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Adriana Restrepo, Co-Founder of crypto FinTech, Deblock. Before building Deblock, Adriana spent 3 years at Revolut, overseeing People Operations and holding the COO role. While she never expected to step into a Founder role, today, Adriana is building the world’s safest account for seamless management and exchange of crypto and cash, ensuring users truly own their money. In this episode, you’ll hear more about the significant lessons she learn...
Jun 11, 2025•47 min•Season 13Ep. 10
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by the leadership team of Amplified People Group - Dr Andy Meikle, Anouk Agussol and Andrew Richardson. Together, they answer some of the burning questions leaders ask them: from navigating the messy world of people, talent and culture to early-stage blind spots, the UK’s employment landscape and practical tips on embedding AI in your teams. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Common oversights when building culture [05:00] ➡️ The importance of values and ex...
Jun 04, 2025•37 min•Season 13Ep. 9
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Tamara Lohan MBE, Co-Founder and CEO of boutique hotel travel specialists Mr & Mrs Smith. Tamara founded Mr & Mrs Smith together with her husband James in 2002. Since then, the pair have been on an incredible journey, including scaling the business to over 1.5 million members worldwide, growing their distributed team, being awarded with an MBE for their services to the British travel industry, getting B Corp certified and being acquire...
May 28, 2025•45 min•Season 13Ep. 8
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Simon Franks, multi-exited entrepreneur, Managing Partner of early-stage firm, Redbus Ventures and the Founder of Franks Family Foundation, the UK-based charitable organisation. Simon’s career has been filled with building and scaling some of the most successful businesses in Europe, including as a Founder and now Investor. Today, he doesn’t just back brilliant businesses like Perkbox and Cleo, but his main focus has been his philanthropic pur...
May 21, 2025•42 min•Season 13Ep. 7
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Nicky Goulimis and Nico Barawid, the Founders of early-stage FinTech Tunic Pay, the only fraud vendor designed specifically for scams. Prior to building Tunic Pay, Nicky scaled Nova Credit, the credit infrastructure and analytics company that enables businesses to grow responsibly by harnessing alternative credit data. And Nico built Casai, which was Latin America's largest short-term rental operator. With so much experience in building succes...
May 14, 2025•50 min•Season 13Ep. 6
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Dr Ben Maruthappu, Founder and CEO of Cera - the UK’s largest HealthTech and one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe. We’ve all come across the headline of increasing pressures on the NHS and especially hospitals. Cera is revolutionising Healthcare, using technology and AI to shift care from hospitalisation to patients’ homes, creating a more sustainable model for an ageing population. In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about Cera’s ori...
May 07, 2025•47 min•Season 13Ep. 5
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by James Collier, a registered Nutritionist, Co-Founder of Huel and author of his brand new book, ‘Well Fed: How modern diets are failing us (and what we can do about it)’’. In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Huel’s growth journey, James’ new book and plenty of simple nutrition advice for you to implement in your day-to-day, no matter how busy you are. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ From bodybuilding to nutrition [03:30] ➡️ Starting & growing Hue...
Apr 30, 2025•46 min•Season 13Ep. 4
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor bonus episode, we’re introducing our brand new partnership with Ethos, the next-generation expert network using AI to match industry leaders with earning opportunities. Tune in to find out why we decided to partner with Ethos and more about what James Lo is building, who it is for and why this is such an exciting opportunity for experts. Plus, there’s a special offer up for grabs for you, so you really don’t want to miss it! 🔍 Find out more: ✨ More about Ethos: https...
Apr 28, 2025•13 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vivien Wong, Co-Founder of Little Moons, the popular mochi ice cream brand. Vivien started her career in banking before spotting an opportunity in 2010 to bring mochi ice cream to Europe with her brother Howard. Fast-forward to today: Little Moons is a viral brand which launched in big retail brands in the UK and internationally, and has a team of over 200. Tune into this episode to learn about Vivien’s journey from the early days of building ...
Apr 23, 2025•42 min•Season 13Ep. 3
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, the UK-based satellite company on a mission to monitor and combat climate change. Founded in 2015, Open Cosmos delivered its first satellite in record time with a team of just five people. Since then, the business has scaled to over €100 million in satellite contracts, a team of over 130 employees in Spain, Portugal, Greece and the UK, and $50 million in Series B funding from leading Investo...
Apr 16, 2025•44 min•Season 13Ep. 2
To kick off 40 Minute Mentor’s Season 13, we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, leading wellbeing coach, podcast host and author. Listed as one of the ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to watch’ by HSBC and UKBBS, Adrienne is a trailblazer inspiring individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. In today’s episode, we won’t just explore Adrienne’s incredible career to date but also discuss her latest book ‘Decision That Matter’ in detail. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The power of storytelling [04:...
Apr 09, 2025•50 min•Season 13Ep. 1
Ahead of launching Season 13 of 40 Minute Mentor next week, we thought we'd give you a preview of some of the pocket-sized mentorship you have to look forward to. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure you do so now to be the first to hear about our next episode launching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 02, 2025•7 min•Season 13Ep. 1
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, our final episode of our VC feature series, we’re joined by Pooja Sikka, General Partner at KHP Ventures. KHP Ventures is a collaboration between King’s College London, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The fund offers equity investments with Healthcare expertise for groundbreaking MedTech and digital startups. In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Pooja’s squiggly career into Ventur...
Mar 26, 2025•49 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vegard Medbø, Co-Founder and COO at Antler, the global early-stage fund helping entrepreneurs go from zero to one. Before founding Antler, Vegard spent his early career in the Coastal Ranger Command of the Norwegian Armed Forces and at McKinsey, where he worked with the world’s top energy companies, helping them apply machine learning to renewable and non-renewable energy. Since founding Antler, the team have invested in over 1,000 companies a...
Mar 19, 2025•38 min
In this final 40 Minute Mentor VC bonus episode, we’re joined by Corinne Thompson, Founder of Ecap Financial. Today’s episode follows a slightly different format, with Corinne sharing a quick-fire checklist for you next fundraise. From the key metrics and data points investors really care about, to the biggest red flags and crucial questions Founders should ask their potential investor - this episode will equip you with everything you need to keep in mind as you’re raising your next round. 📣Lea...
Mar 14, 2025•8 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by George Robson, Partner at Sequoia, the fund helping daring Founders build legendary companies from idea to IPO and beyond. From Investment Banking to Revolut and becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25, George’s CV is nothing but impressive and minutes into today’s episode, you’ll understand where his incredible drive and entrepreneurialism comes from. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The impact of education [03:30] ➡️ Foundations in Investment ...
Mar 12, 2025•43 min
This 40 Minute Mentor VC feature season, we’re bringing you a special three-part bonus feature, brought to you by Ecap Financial and their Founder, Corinne Thompson. In today’s episode, Corinne shares helpful advice for setting up your company and team for an exit. We’ll discuss: ✅ What it actually means to “set up for an exit” as a Founder ✅ When you should start thinking about preparing for an exit ✅ The do’s and don’ts of navigating the transition 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s e...
Mar 07, 2025•14 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Molly Alter, Partner at Northzone, the multi-stage fund partnering with Founders from Seed to Growth, across Europe and the US. Molly started her career in VC in 2016, straight out of Harvard University. Since then, Molly has worked with some of the biggest funds in the industry, including Insight Partners and Index Ventures. Now, at Northzone and back in New York, Molly focuses on vertical SaaS and AI, across early and growth stages. In today...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min
This 40 Minute Mentor VC feature season, we’re bringing you a special 3-part bonus feature, brought to you by Ecap Financial and their Founder, Corinne Thompson. In today’s episode, Corinne helps us take it all the way back to the beginning of the fundraising journey. We’ll discuss: ✅ The key steps you need to follow before your investor meeting ✅ Figuring out when the time is right to start fundraising ✅ What to keep in mind when choosing between VCs, angels or alternative funding routes ✅ How ...
Feb 28, 2025•15 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Dinika Mahtani, Partner at Cherry Ventures, the early-stage VC firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies, such as Zalando and Spotify. Prior to her move into VC, Dinika was an Operator, working across Banking, UberEats EMEA and Uber’s JUMP e-bike product in the UK. She also served as Director of Finance and Operations at ClimateTech startup, Kaluza. Today, we take a trip back down memory lane, discussi...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re revisiting our popular episode with Ian Hogarth, Co-Founder and former CEO of Songkick, Partner at Plural Platform and Chair of the UK AI Safety Institute. In this episode, we talk about his rollercoaster ride with Songkick and how mentorship got him through the worst days, and what led him to building Plural, an early-stage platform dedicated to investing in Europe’s next-generation of tech companies with global ambitions. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Lesso...
Feb 19, 2025•46 min
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re revisiting our popular episode with the brilliant Alice Bentinck MBE, Co-Founder of Entrepreneur First and author of “How to be a Founder”. Frustrated by a business landscape that found latent talent shackled by predetermined career paths, Alice set out to challenge cultural norms when she co-founded Entrepreneur First in 2011 – an accelerator that celebrates and invests in talented, ambitious individuals and looks to match-make Co-Founders to launch su...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min
The hiring market has seen some major shifts over the past few years, and as businesses continue to navigate economic changes, evolving workplace trends, and shifting candidate expectations, staying ahead of these trends has never been more important, than in 2025. In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re diving deep into the key hiring and talent trends for the year ahead. You’ll hear from some of the JBM and the wider Amplified People Group teams who share their insights on how the Hiring an...
Feb 05, 2025•13 min
How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Research shows that most of us drop our New Year’s resolutions by the second Friday in January. As we’re approaching the end of January, we’re resharing some of the best wellbeing and healthy habits advice we’ve received on the podcast from subject matter experts: Dr Rupy Aujla, Founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen Rhiannon Lambert, leading Nutritionist and best-selling author Nikki Wicks, CEO of global fitness brand, The Body Coach Lottie Whyte, Foun...
Jan 29, 2025•38 min
James Lo, one of our most popular 40 Minute Mentors and Co-Founder of Ethos, joins us for today’s 40 Minute Mentor, Where Are They Now feature. A lot has happened since the last time James came on the podcast. In today’s episode, we dive into every twist and turn in his journey since building and eventually exiting education platform, Mana, all the way through his latest venture - Ethos, the opportunity engine for humanity, currently in stealth. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Pivoting & exiting Man...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min
Tom Elvidge, Co-Founder of UK-focused solar energy company, Synth Solar, joins us for today’s 40 Minute Mentor, Where Are They Now feature. In today’s episode, Tom shares the ins and outs of his transition from being an Operator to founding Synth Solar, and all the key lessons he’s learned on that journey. Plus, Tom gives us an exclusive sneak peek into what’s to come and why now is a great time to get into the energy sector. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Transitioning from Operator to Founder [01:25]...
Jan 15, 2025•22 min
Anouk Agussol, Founder of Unleashed, an Amplified People Group business, joins us on today’s 40 Minute Mentor Where Are They Now series. Following her initial appearance on the show, in Season 9, Anouk joins us today to share how Unleashed has evolved since almost going into administration and being acquired by Amplified People Group. Plus, she shares actionable advice on building high-performing teams in 2025, and beyond. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The Evolution of Unleashed - [01:50] ➡️ Joining A...
Jan 08, 2025•27 min
Happy New Year and welcome back to 40 Minute Mentor! For our first episode of 2025 we’re taking one last chance to look back on the fantastic year of pocket-sized mentorship we’ve had. At the end of last year, we asked YOU to vote for your favourite 40 Minute Mentor of 2024. 🌟 For the first time ever, we collected votes across three categories: 🏆 Top VC of the year 🏆 Best topic covered 🏆 Best 40 Minute Mentor of the year Tune in to find out who the big winners are for each of the categories....
Jan 01, 2025•31 min•Season 12Ep. 12
Before the 40 Minute Mentor team heads into hibernation until 2025, your Host, James Mitra shares a short festive message with you. Tune in to hear some of James’s favourite moments on the podcast this year and some of the biggest milestones the JBM team have achieved this year. 🥂 Happy Holidays from all of us at 40 Minute Mentor, JBM, and Amplified People Group! 🥂 See you for more pocket-sized mentorship in the New Year! ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Listen through 260+ episodes in our archives: https:...
Dec 18, 2024•6 min•Season 12Ep. 11
