This episode is proudly sponsored by FounderCatalyst. Get 5% off their services by clicking this link: https://2ly.link/1zDIJ ------------------------------------------------------------------- Nick Telson-Sillett on Trumpet, Angel Investing, and Finding Purpose | Founders Unplugged After exiting DesignMyNight, Nick Telson-Sillett found himself at a crossroads—what comes next after a successful startup exit? In this episode, he sits down with Greg McCallum to discuss the journey from selling his...
Mar 19, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 59
This episode is proudly sponsored by Peer. Get started today with a free discovery audit + 20% off your first audit. 👉 Click the link to secure your offer: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/peeraudits ------------------------------------------------------------------- From Side Hustle to Multi-Million Exit: Nick Telson-Sillett’s Startup Story In this episode of Founders Unplugged, Nick Telson-Sillett joins Greg McCallum to break down his entrepreneurial journey—from selling a football m...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 58
This episode is proudly sponsored by Peer.AI is reshaping industries, and the biggest risk for businesses isn’t adopting AI—it’s not having the right data to power it. Workforce skills are a black box for most organisations, making it impossible to train AI models or automate decision-making confidently.PeerAudits solves this by transforming human-to-human skills assessments into structured, AI-ready data. Fully remote and far more cost-effective than traditional consultants, we help businesses ...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 57
This episode is proudly sponsored by PeerAudits. AI is reshaping industries, and the biggest risk for businesses isn’t adopting AI—it’s not having the right data to power it. Workforce skills are a black box for most organisations, making it impossible to train AI models or automate decision-making confidently. PeerAudits solves this by transforming human-to-human skills assessments into structured, AI-ready data. Fully remote and far more cost-effective than traditional consultants, we help bus...
Mar 10, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 56
This episode is proudly sponsored by Block Dojo: Block Dojo is a Web3 and AI-focused venture builder in London, offering a 12-week intensive program that transforms raw ideas into investor-ready startups—acting as the first funder and co-founder—while providing expert support, resources like Google Cloud and Vestd, and a proven structure for success. Apply for the next Cohort starting May 2025 to have your MVP ready by Summer 2025:https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/blockdojo -------------...
Mar 05, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 55
This episode is proudly sponsored by Block Dojo: Block Dojo is a Web3 and AI-focused venture builder in London, offering a 12-week intensive program that transforms raw ideas into investor-ready startups—acting as the first funder and co-founder—while providing expert support, resources like Google Cloud and Vestd, and a proven structure for success. Apply for the next Cohort starting May 2025 to have your MVP ready by Summer 2025:https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/blockdojo -------------...
Mar 03, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 54
This episode is proudly sponsored by Block Dojo: Block Dojo is a Web3 and AI-focused venture builder in London, offering a 12-week intensive program that transforms raw ideas into investor-ready startups—acting as the first funder and co-founder—while providing expert support, resources like Google Cloud and Vestd, and a proven structure for success. Apply for the next Cohort starting May 2025 to have your MVP ready by Summer 2025: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/blockdojo ------------...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 53
This episode is proudly sponsored by Block Dojo: Block Dojo is a Web3 and AI-focused venture builder in London, offering a 12-week intensive program that transforms raw ideas into investor-ready startups—acting as the first funder and co-founder—while providing expert support, resources like Google Cloud and Vestd, and a proven structure for success. Apply for the next Cohort starting May 2025 to have your MVP ready by Summer 2025: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/blockdojo ------------...
Feb 24, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 52
James shares how overcoming brain cancer reshaped his perspective on entrepreneurship and resilience. He and Greg discuss community, team culture, and technology’s role in efficiency. They explore the challenges of founder loneliness, embedding lessons into company culture, and the evolving impact of diversity and DEI. The conversation also touches on education, inspiring girls in STEM, AI’s potential in learning, and how lessons from parenthood apply to business—all underscoring the power of pa...
Feb 19, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 51
James Mayes shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, from early failures to a multimillion-dollar exit. He dives into the power of community, the challenges of product development, and the realities of selling a business. James also opens up about facing a life-altering health diagnosis and the resilience it took to push forward. A must-watch for founders navigating startups, exits, and personal challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to James Mayes 02:00 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 05:03...
Feb 17, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Greg McCallum and Gorish explore the challenges of scaling a startup at Series A, from team dynamics and cultural shifts to AI's role in internal communication. They discuss the advantages of being in Silicon Valley, the value of Y Combinator, and strategic decisions in product development and sales tech. The conversation highlights the need to humanize sales, the impact of AI on hiring, and the growing talent gap in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Series A: A Founder's Perspective 03:11...
Feb 12, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Gorish, CEO of Sybill.ai, shares his journey from academia to building an AI-driven sales assistant. He discusses pivoting from his initial idea, the role of AI in sales, and the balance between automation and human oversight. Greg and Gorish explore AI’s limitations, the evolving sales landscape, the future of procurement, and the impact of automation on careers. They also discuss shifting talent dynamics, salary gaps, and the rise of freelancing in the future of work. Chapters 00:00 Introducti...
Feb 10, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Check out Part One of this conversation with Gavin here: https://youtu.be/56GWp9cRkKE Gavin Johnson explores real estate tokenization, enabling individuals to invest in properties tied to their passions, like sports teams or community projects. He highlights blockchain’s role in making real estate finance more efficient and accessible, along with challenges in scaling and competition. The discussion covers community-driven investments, distressed assets, and local councils managing public proper...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 47
Gavin Johnson shares his journey as the founder of Irealise, a startup focused on real estate tokenization. He and Greg McCallum discuss the intersection of law and technology, blockchain’s role in community investment, and the challenges lawyers face transitioning to entrepreneurship. They explore B2B vs. B2C dynamics, user-centric communication in tech, and shifting perceptions of blockchain and AI. The conversation also covers startup challenges, the importance of mentorship, and investor min...
Feb 03, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 46
Watch Part One of our conversation with Nick here: https://youtu.be/sui__oZ_qgQ Greg McCallum and Nick McEvily discuss the launch of Nick's new venture, Pinché Agua, a canned water brand in Mexico City targeting the punk and heavy metal scenes. They explore the importance of counterculture, social consciousness, and transparency in building trust. The conversation also delves into cultural heritage, the influence of moving to Mexico, and lessons from parenting. Nick shares insights on testing co...
Jan 29, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Nick McEvily reflects on his journey as a product designer and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs, balancing data with intuition, and the intersection of design and leadership. He discusses lessons from the startup ecosystem, the value of collaboration, and the evolving venture capital landscape. Nick also introduces his latest venture in the water industry, aiming to address water security in Mexico while prioritizing customer value and societal impact ove...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 44
This is Part Two of our conversation with Mike Bank. Be sure to watch Part One here: https://youtu.be/EkiUQ8nddbY Mike Bank discusses his work with UnderdogX, a startup accelerator that supports founders without requiring them to quit their jobs or relocate. Drawing on his mentoring of over 100 founders, he emphasizes the realities of startup success, common challenges, and the need for a supportive ecosystem. In conversation with host Gregory McCallum, they explore the multifaceted nature of su...
Jan 22, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Huge thanks to Yariv Ganor Startup Psychologist for sponsoring this episode. If you are a founder, learn how Yariv works with founders to provide support throughout the startup journey by booking a free consultation with him today: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast... ----------------------------------------- Mike Bank shares his journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship, highlighting his motivations, challenges, and transition into venture capital. He reflects on family influences...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 42
Watch Part One of this conversation with Nick Mitushin here: https://youtu.be/i_nvOpPjLnE In Part Two, Nick and Greg discuss the state of venture capital, focusing on the exponential growth of startups, AI's transformative role, and democratizing access to private capital. They explore challenges for immigrant founders, VC investment criteria, and the importance of strong teams and skill gaps in startup success. The conversation also highlights streamlining fundraising and building a talent plat...
Jan 15, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Nick shares his journey from student to entrepreneur and venture capitalist, exploring the role of curiosity, innovation, and startup analytics in driving success. He and Greg discuss building supportive ecosystems, empowering entrepreneurs with data, and the societal impact of entrepreneurship. Nick also delves into creativity, the startup house concept, the spiritual side of entrepreneurship, and balancing family life with entrepreneurial challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick and His...
Jan 14, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Watch Part One of the conversation with Yuriy here: https://youtu.be/IvgBiNlC97c Greg McCallum and Yuriy discuss how AI is transforming sales and education. They examine AI's potential to automate SDR tasks, enable AI procurement agents, and reshape consumer shopping while emphasizing trust and emotional intelligence in sales. Topics include AISDR's growth, innovative sales outreach, balancing AI with human interaction, and parallels between cold calling and email outreach. They also touch on cu...
Jan 08, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Yuriy, CEO and co-founder of AiSDR, joins Greg McCallum to share his journey from law to tech entrepreneurship. They explore the impact of generative AI on industries, the role of Y Combinator in shaping startups, and the challenges and rewards of building a company today. Topics include the rise of micro-entrepreneurs, the value of accelerators, legal hurdles for international founders, and how AI can streamline founder-led sales. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and AiSDR 02:57 ...
Jan 06, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- This is Part Two of the conversation. Watch Part One here: https://youtu.be/tQw3jZW6ny0 We continue the conversation with Jen Lothian as she shares her journey building MyArk, highlighting the challenges of startup life, product development, and team dynamics. She discusses MyArk's innovative fea...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Huge thanks to Deel for sponsoring this episode. Learn how their people management software can streamline your global organisation here: https://bit.ly/4eZeJ88 ----------------------------------------- Jen Lothian, co-founder and CEO of MyArk, shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship. She discusses overcoming adversity, the challenges of fundraising and transitioning to civilian life, and the role of purpose and resilience in her success. Jen reflects on founding MyArk to pr...
Dec 15, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Huge thanks to Yariv Ganor Startup Psychologist for sponsoring this episode. If you are a founder, learn how Yariv works with founders to provide support throughout the startup journey by booking a free consultation with him today: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/EMQp ----------------------------------------- In part two of this engaging Founders Unplugged conversation, host Greg Mccallum continues his chat with Gabriel, the innovative founder behind Super Scout. Watch Part One here: h...
Dec 11, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Huge thanks to Yariv Ganor Startup Psychologist for sponsoring this episode. If you are a founder, learn how Yariv works with founders to provide support throughout the startup journey by booking a free consultation with him today: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/EMQp ----------------------------------------- In part one of this two-part conversation on Founders Unplugged, host Greg Mccallum sits down with Gabriel, a serial entrepreneur who shares his exhilarating journey from Tooty to...
Dec 08, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this special Bonus episode, Yariv Ganor, a seasoned Startup operator turned Startup Psychologist, joins our host Greg Mccallum, to talk about some hard truths, interesting discoveries and hidden secrets within the psychology of being a startup founder. In this fascinating exploratory conversation, Yariv and Greg look back at clips from previous Founders Unplugged episodes to get Yariv's take and reaction to comments, and observations made by previous guests around the subject of mental health...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 43 min
Huge thanks to Yariv Ganor Startup Psychologist for sponsoring this episode. If you are a founder, learn how Yariv works with founders to provide support throughout the startup journey by booking a free consultation with him today: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/EMQp ----------------------------------------- This is Part Two of Greg's conversation with Clément. Watch Part One here: https://youtu.be/wf3HC6arJpA Greg and Clément delve into the evolving food and beverage industry, examin...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Huge thanks to Yariv Ganor Startup Psychologist for sponsoring this episode. If you are a founder, learn how Yariv works with founders to provide support throughout the startup journey by booking a free consultation with him today: https://link.foundersunpluggedpodcast.com/EMQp ----------------------------------------- In this conversation, Clément Helinckx shares his journey into the world of venture capital, detailing his experiences at DLF Ventures, a consumer-focused venture fund. He discuss...
Dec 01, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Welcome to Part Two of our conversation with Raja Skogland. Watch Part One here: https://youtu.be/e7HOPsd4YhE Greg McCallum and Raja Skogland discuss the importance of governance programs for board members, the transition from founder to CEO, and the need for skill development among founders. They explore the role of advisors and mentors in guiding entrepreneurs, the dynamics of board governance, and the complexities of board member compensation. Additionally, they touch on the impact of tax pol...
Nov 27, 2024•58 min•Season 18Ep. 31
