Founders Unplugged - podcast cover

Founders Unplugged

Greg McCallumwww.thinkwork.info
Founders Unplugged is a web series capturing long-form conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.
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Episodes

Investor Insights: Raja Skogland on Building a Startup Ecosystem w/ Raja Skogland

Raja Skogland shares her journey from a career in private banking to becoming a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem in Norway. She discusses the importance of risk management, building a reputation as a founder, and the dynamics of relationships within founding teams. Raja emphasizes the significance of networking and shares valuable lessons learned from her experiences in various startups, including her successful venture, Hub.io. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies ...

Nov 24, 202456 minSeason 3Ep. 30

E-Sports to Boxing: How Olly Weingarten is Disrupting Sports Management w/ Oliver Weingarten

Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- Welcome to Part Two of our conversation with Oliver. Check out Part One here: https://youtu.be/3CjHdOoZ45A Ollie Weingarten shares his journey from being a lawyer to founding Summit Sports, an athlete content creator management agency. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a corporate...

Nov 20, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 29

From Premier League Lawyer to Sports Tech Founder w/ Olly Weingarten

Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- Oliver Weingarten shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming an entrepreneur in the sports industry. He discusses his early career at the Premier League, the autonomy he experienced, and how his background shaped his entrepreneurial skills. Ollie reflects on the challenges and rewards of ...

Nov 17, 202456 minSeason 3Ep. 28

The Power of Being Yourself in Venture Capital w/ Amrit Sami

Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- In this conversation, Amrit and Greg delve into the complexities of investing in deep tech and AI startups, discussing the importance of trust, human connection, and the attributes that make successful founders. They explore the challenges posed by big tech companies, the evolving landscape of Sa...

Nov 14, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 26

Beyond the Pitch: Understanding the VC Perspective w/ Amrit Sami of Mercia & Focal

Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- Watch Part One of the conversation here: https://youtu.be/GMHwiiYDkmI In Part Two of this conversation, Amrit and Greg delve into the intricacies of startup leadership, focusing on the importance of unique insights in pitch decks, effective communication, and the red flags to watch for in founder...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 27

The Art of Exiting: Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur

Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- Check out Part One of this conversation here : https://youtu.be/bEY7wJT1qBc Welcome to Part Two of our conversation with David Graham. In this conversation, David Graham shares his career journey from exiting his first business to exploring new ventures, including consulting and building an EdTec...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 25

The Art of Building Company Culture: Lessons from Hospitality and Tech

Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- In Part One of this conversation, David Graham shares his journey as a four-time executive founder, discussing his early ventures in e-commerce and hospitality. He reflects on the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, the importance of creating a strong company culture, and the need for ef...

Nov 03, 202459 minSeason 3Ep. 24

An Exited Founder Tells All: : Navigating Growth From Startup to Scale w/ Mark Dallimore S3 E14 P2

Welcome to Part Two of our conversation with Mark Dallimore, exited Founder, Angel Investor and Co-Founder & CEO of Continuous Software. In this conversation, Mark Dallimore shares his extensive experience in entrepreneurship, particularly in the project management software space. He discusses his journey through various startups, leading to the founding of Continuous Software and its flagship product, Engine. Mark emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, data utilization, and custom...

Oct 30, 202448 minSeason 3Ep. 23

Grit and Grind: Essential Qualities for Startup Success w/ Mark Dallimore - S3 E14 P1

Welcome to Part One of our conversation with Mark Dallimore, co-founder and CRO of Continuous Software. In this part, Mark shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem and technology sector. He discusses the evolution of technology, the importance of innovation, and the challenges faced by startups. Mark emphasizes the significance of customer trust, grit, and determination in navigating the startup landscape. He also reflects on his personal journey into technology, highlighting how...

Oct 27, 202447 minSeason 3Ep. 22

Navigating Influencer Marketing: Insights from a Creator Economy Expert w/ Xander Wilkins S3 E13 P2

Welcome to Part Two of our conversation with Xander. Watch Part One here: https://youtu.be/jvs7CnwKNng In this conversation, Gregory McCallum and Xander discuss the intricacies of business development, particularly for startups and tech companies. They explore the importance of persistence, listening, and providing value in business relationships. The discussion also delves into personal branding, influencer marketing, and the evolving landscape of content creation. Xander shares insights on bui...

Oct 23, 20241 hrSeason 3Ep. 21

The Future of Content Creation: AI, Community, and New Revenue Streams w/ Xander Wilkins S3 E13 P1

In this conversation, Xander, head of business development at Wild Vision, shares his journey into the creator economy, discussing the evolution of content creation, the importance of community, and the challenges faced by investors in understanding this dynamic industry. He highlights the role of AI in content creation, the nuances between influencers and creators, and the impact of the adult industry on the creator landscape. The discussion also touches on the significance of community managem...

Oct 20, 202448 minSeason 3Ep. 20

Founders Helping Founders: Inside Hotbed's Unique Approach w/ M Coyle and Perdie Alder

In Part Two of my conversation with Perdie and M from Hotbed we delve into the intricacies of the startup ecosystem, emphasizing the need for more in-depth discussions about entrepreneurship. We explore the challenges founders face, including the overwhelming amount of conflicting advice, the importance of authenticity, and the dynamics of investor relationships. The conversation also addresses mental health issues within the startup community, the impact of social media on founders, and the oft...

Oct 16, 202452 minSeason 3Ep. 19

From Tech Hub to Hotbed: Building a Global Startup Community w/ Perdie Alder & M Coyle of Hotbed

In this conversation, the founders of Hotbed, M and Perdie, share their unique entrepreneurial journeys and discuss the evolution of Hotbed from its early roots at Tech Hub to becoming a virtual accelerator designed to support founders globally. They explore the challenges and opportunities they faced during the pandemic, the development of Hotbed’s revenue model, and the importance of community building in virtual settings. The conversation also dives into their personal backgrounds, the excite...

Oct 13, 202453 minSeason 3Ep. 18

The Future of Sales: Human Touch vs. AI Efficiency w/ Sam Oliver - S3 E11 P2

Welcome to Part Two of my conversation with Sam Oliver. Here we discuss the complexities of building software, particularly in the financial sector, and the potential of AI in automating sales processes. He emphasizes the importance of customer engagement and the evolution of conversational AI, while also addressing ethical considerations and the balance between innovation and regulation. Sam shares his personal ambitions and thoughts on the future of his career, highlighting the significance of...

Oct 09, 202431 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Startup Acquisitions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly w/ Sam Oliver - S3 E11 P1

In Part One of my conversation with Sam Oliver, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing his experiences from starting his first startup at age 20 to his current venture, OpenFi, which aims to revolutionize the sales development process using AI. He discusses the importance of customer experience, the challenges faced during the acquisition of his previous company, and the legal hurdles that followed. Sam emphasizes the lessons learned throughout his journey, particularly regarding sales...

Oct 06, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 16

From Kebab Shop to VC: One Founder's Unlikely Road to Success w/ Soma Pirityi - S3 E10 P2

Welcome back to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this second part of my conversation with Soma Pirityi, co-founder and CEO of ETA Technologies, we explore his remarkable journey from Hungary to the UK and the entrepreneurial experiences that shaped his path. Soma shares the challenges he faced regarding the perception of entrepreneurship in Eastern Europe and his initial struggles after arriving in the UK. He reflects on pivotal moments that led him to the startup world, disc...

Oct 02, 202449 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Why 70% of Startup Teams Are Misaligned (And How to Fix It) w/ Soma Pirityi - S3 E10 P1

Welcome back to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this first part of my conversation with Soma Pirityi, co-founder and CEO of ETA Technologies, we dive into the intersection of entrepreneurship and venture capital. Soma shares valuable insights on the importance of team dynamics and psychometric testing for startup success. We discuss how to assess founder alignment and the critical role of communication within teams. Soma highlights the challenges faced during the transition ...

Sep 29, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 4Ep. 14

The Human Side of Entrepreneurship: Family, Stress, and Success w/ Toby Kernon S3 E9 P2

Welcome back to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this second part of my conversation with Toby Kernon, CEO and founder of Wagonex, we delve deeper into the entrepreneurial journey and the challenges that come with it. Make sure you have watched or listened Part One. Toby shares insights on the importance of having an entrepreneurial partner who understands the highs and lows of startup life. We discuss how his family's entrepreneurial background influenced his own path. The c...

Sep 25, 202454 minSeason 3Ep. 13

From Financial Trader to Pioneering Car Subscription Entrepreneur w/ Toby Kernon S3 E9 P1

Welcome to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In Part One of my conversation with Toby Kernon, the CEO and founder of Wagonex, we discuss his entrepreneurial journey in the car subscription industry. Toby shares the challenges he faced in transitioning from trading to startups, the importance of building strong partnerships, and the realities of running a startup. We delve into the complexities of customer acquisition, integrating insurance into a platform, and the significance of...

Sep 22, 202449 minSeason 3Ep. 12

The Future of Business: Balancing Profit, People, and Planet w/ Naman Tekriwal - S3 E8 P2

Welcome back to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this second part of my conversation with Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and Breer co-founder and COO, Naman Tekriwal, we dive deeper into the practicalities of building a socially responsible company. Naman explains how Breer partners with bakeries like Maxims—the largest F&B group in Hong Kong—to collect surplus bread and turn it into craft beer. We discuss the challenges of balancing profit with purpose and the importanc...

Sep 18, 20241 hrSeason 3Ep. 11

Tech for Good: How This 23-Year-Old's Invention is Saving the Planet w/ Naman Tekriwal S3 E8 P1

Welcome to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this two-part conversation, I sit down with Naman Tekriwal, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and the co-founder and COO of Breer. Naman shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in India to creating a sustainable craft beer company in Hong Kong. At just 13 years old, he founded High School Investors to promote financial literacy among students. Later, he launched Rural Invest, providing investment op...

Sep 15, 202459 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Raw Truth: Faith, Legacy, and Italian Grit w/ Elisabetta Torretti - S3E7P2

This is part two of our conversation with Elisabetta. Be sure you have checked out Part one before jumping in here. In the second part of this insightful episode, Greg and Elisabetta dive deeper into personal histories, spirituality, and the cultural impact on their professional lives. They discuss how their working-class backgrounds shaped their drive and independence. Elisabetta emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and career-building for women, highlighting societal expectations and ...

Sep 13, 202443 minSeason 3Ep. 9

From Italy to London: An Entrepreneur's Journey in Startup Recruitment w/ Elisabetta Torretti - E7P1

In this engaging episode, Elisabetta, an Italian entrepreneur thriving in the UK, shares her insightful journey from moving to London to founding a recruitment agency dedicated to startups. Elisabetta discusses her initial challenges in sourcing talent for her own startup, inspiring her to aid fellow founders. She highlights the importance of embracing one's cultural background and accent to enhance relationship building in sales. Elisabetta also reflects on her viral success on LinkedIn, emphas...

Sep 08, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Building Company Culture in a Remote World w Eisha Armstrong - S3 E6 P2

Join host Greg McCallum in part two of this enlightening episode of Founders Unplugged as he continues his conversation with Eisha Armstrong, co-founder and executive chair of Vecteris. Not seen Part One? Catch it here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gregory-mccallum/episodes/Mastering-Productization-Strategies-for-B2B-Service-Providers-w-Eisha-Armstrong---S3-E6-P1-e2nsa42 In this segment, they dive into the challenges and strategies of building a strong company culture in a remote worl...

Sep 04, 202438 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Mastering Productization: Strategies for B2B Service Providers w Eisha Armstrong - S3 E6 P1

Join host Greg McCallum in part one of this engaging episode of Founders Unplugged as he converses with Eisha Armstrong, co-founder and executive chair of Vecteris. Dive into the world of productization and learn how B2B service companies can transform their offerings into scalable, standardized products. In this segment, Eisha shares her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and rewards of building a company focused on helping businesses productize their se...

Sep 01, 20241 hr

Navigating Due Diligence and Web3 Innovations with Gareth Hawkins | Founders Unplugged S3 E5 P2

Join host Greg McCallum in part two of this engaging episode of Founders Unplugged as he continues his conversation with Gareth Hawkins, investor and co-founder of BizCrunch. Dive deeper into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship through acquisition and gain insights into the due diligence process that can make or break a deal. In this segment, Gareth discusses the common pitfalls in due diligence, the importance of a well-structured data room, and how BizCrunch is preparing business owners for ...

Aug 28, 20241 hr 5 min

Navigating Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition with Gareth Hawkins S3 E5 P1

Join host Greg McCallum in part one of this engaging episode of Founders Unplugged as he sits down with Gareth Hawkins, Investor, and co-founder of BizCrunch, to explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship through acquisition. In this conversation, Gareth shares his journey from the metal fabrication industry to becoming a pivotal figure in the entrepreneurship space. Discover the intricacies of acquiring businesses, the challenges of succession planning, and the innovative solutions BizCrunch...

Aug 25, 20241 hr 1 min

Collaboration Over Competition & The Importance of Practical Advice: Ollie Collard - S3 E4 P2

Founders Unplugged: Part Two with Ollie Tiramuragan Collard Check out part One here: https://youtu.be/qcGxs7IjnKI Welcome back to Part Two of this insightful episode of Founders Unplugged! Our host, Greg McCallum, continues his deep dive with the inspiring Ollie Tiramuragan Collard, an experienced entrepreneur and podcaster. In this segment, they explore more about Ollie's journey, the realities of entrepreneurship, and valuable insights for founders. Episode Breakdown and Chapters 00:00 - Intro...

Aug 21, 20241 hr 1 min

The Reality of Entrepreneurship & The Importance of Mental Health: Ollie Collard - S3 E4 P1

Founders Unplugged: Part One with Ollie Tiramuragan Collard Welcome to Part One of this exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this series, our charismatic host, Greg McCallum, dives deep into the journeys of inspiring entrepreneurs, uncovering the raw and unfiltered realities of startup life. This episode features the dynamic Ollie Tiramuragan Collard, a seasoned entrepreneur and podcaster with over 14 years of experience in the startup ecosystem. Episode Breakdown and Chapters 00:00 - Intr...

Aug 18, 202457 min

The Loneliness of Leadership & Remote Work VS Culture: Paul Hetherington - S3 E3 P2

Founders Unplugged - Part Two with Paul Hetherington Check out Part One of this conversation here: https://youtu.be/a6CNZariEVY Welcome to Part Two of this episode of Founders Unplugged! Join our host, Greg McCallum, as he continues his engaging conversation with Paul Hetherington, a seasoned Vistage Chair and non-executive director. Founders Unplugged is a podcast where we explore the journeys and insights of successful founders and business leaders, providing listeners with valuable lessons an...

Aug 14, 20241 hr
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