"Don't waste your chips on bad hands." Dimitar Stanimiroff has been through multiple exits, some successful, some painful shutdowns. He co-founded WePow(acquired) and Heresy (shut down after 3.5 years). His biggest financial return came from joining Stack Overflow, not founding his own company. In today's episode, I'm joined by Dimitar Stanimiroff, a seasoned SaaS founder, operator, and investor who's experienced both sides of the exit coin. After co-founding WePow and seeing it acquired, he sta...
Jul 16, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 8
"I had to let everyone go and run the entire business myself." Tara Button's Buy Me Once had raised £3 million and grown to 14 staff. They were burning through cash faster than they could raise it. The choice: close the business completely or go solo with AI automation. The result? Q4 2024 revenue exceeded Q4 2023 (with the full team) and they made their first profit ever. In today's episode, I'm joined by Tara Button, bestselling author and founder of Buy Me Once, a mission-driven e-commerce bu...
Jul 09, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Why You Can't Sustain What You Don't Enjoy Nick Baker left his successful consultancy after 25 years, burnt out from always being "on." He became a non-exec, convinced he'd never return to operational leadership. Then UK Padel came along, and he became CEO because he genuinely loved what they were building. The lesson? You can endure anything temporarily, but you can't sustain what you don't enjoy. About Nick Baker: Nick is the CEO of UK Padel and former co-founder of Alpha FMC, which he took th...
Jul 02, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 6
The CEO who takes all the meeting notes isn't leading. They're sabotaging their own team. They feel comfortable doing what they're good at rather than tackling new parts of their role. But what if the founder-to-CEO shift wasn't about doing different things? What if it was about fundamentally seeing your role differently? In today's episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Clamp, a founder coach who specialises in supporting founders through the founder-to-CEO transition. Jennifer works within the Founde...
Jun 25, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Your best marketing content creators probably aren't who you think they are. Most founders assume it has to be them. They overlook the thought leaders already inside their team. They default to safe, scripted content that feels awkward and inauthentic. But what if the future of marketing wasn’t about personal branding at all… What if it was about empowering your entire team? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Katie Street, founder and MD of Street Agency and host of the chart-topping podcast Mark...
Jun 18, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Most founders wait too long to think about partnerships. They wait until sales hit a ceiling. Until delivery starts to buckle. Until the team is stretched too thin. But what if partnerships weren’t a backup plan? What if they were the foundation of scale? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stefan Ross, a go-to-market operator who’s built revenue and partnership functions from seed to pre-IPO. Together we unpack: The right way to scale your delivery model without building an inflated team Why most...
Jun 11, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 3
What if having more fun was the key to being a better founder? Seriously. Not just to feel good, but to actually unlock better decisions, more creativity, and a business that’s built to last. In this episode, I sit down with Freddie, founder of POP and one of the most insightful coaches I know. We talk about something that doesn’t get spoken about enough in founder circles: how to reconnect with yourself as you scale. Not in a fluffy way. But in a practical, energising, real kind of way. Togethe...
Jun 04, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 2
What if the key to unlocking better leadership isn’t strategy or scale but something far more personal? In this episode of The Peer Effect podcast, I sit down with Emma Serlin, Founder and CEO of London Speech Workshop, to explore the unexpected ways authenticity can shape your leadership and business. As both a communication expert and a founder who’s navigated burnout, Emma shares lessons that are as practical as they are profound. Together, we unpack: • Why your personal values might be your ...
May 28, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 1
What does it take to scale a startup without losing sight of your vision? In this episode of the Peer Effect podcast, Jonathan Cornelias, shares the lessons learned from building four companies, including Elevent Inc, a marketplace connecting experience providers and companies to deliver unique, memorable virtual and physical experiences. Jon opens up about the mindset and strategies that have helped him navigate the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to his vision. Together we’...
Dec 19, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 37
What if work-life balance isn’t the answer? As founders, the pressure to keep moving forward can feel relentless. But what if the secret to success isn’t sprinting harder, but intentionally slowing down? In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Ryan Bailey, a serial entrepreneur who’s launched 15 startups, one of which sold for $300m, to explore the power of pausing. Kelly has mastered the art of aligning personal and professional success, turning moments of reflection into a framework for sustain...
Dec 11, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 36
Has your identity become wrapped up in your business? Setting boundaries and separating your identity from your business could be the first step to building a successful business sustainably. Sean Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO at Cascade Insights, has navigated this very issue for the past 25 years and has learned through the ups and downs of running two businesses. Together we unpack: How to separate your identity from your work. The importance of delegating and creating space for your team. W...
Dec 05, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 35
What is the true cost of a bad hire for your company? In this episode, we’re joined by Akbar Karenga, founder of Maarusi, a talent and people consultancy driven by his passion for diversity, equity and inclusion. Akbar is an expert in high-stakes hiring and shares powerful tips for founders who need to hire fast without skipping steps. Together, we discuss: • The key difference between hiring to grow versus hiring to simply keep up. • When to bring in pro recruiters and how to create an effectiv...
Nov 27, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 34
What does it really take to scale beyond the early wins? For founders who’ve already seen a degree of success, reaching the next level means facing new challenges, and Keven Lavelle, founder of Harbor and Mizzen + Main knows all about it. He’s taken both companies to impressive heights, from securing a spot on Time Magazine’s 2024 Best Inventions list to hitting hundreds of millions in revenue! Together, we dive in: How joining a founder forum can offer you unmatched support & accountability...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of starting and scaling a business? In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Bowdon, founder and CEO of VidaFair, a pay-per-stream video platform. Bob has worked as a reporter and producer for companies such as Bloomberg, Choice Media, and PBS. Together, we explore: • How leveraging your immediate network can make all the difference in hiring. • The importance of embracing a sustainable growth mindset for long-term success. • Knowing when it's time to pivot in...
Nov 06, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 32
In this special mashup episode of Peer Effect, we bring together insights on mental health, well-being, and sustainable performance from leaders who are making it happen! Michael Matania, Sam Rosen, and Dan Brownsher share real experiences on cultivating a workplace culture that prioritises authenticity, trust, and sustainability. Learn about: Creating psychological safety and fostering open feedback Moving from high-intensity performance to sustainable, balanced growth Practical strategies for ...
Oct 30, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this special mashup episode of Peer Effect, we’ve gathered insights from four tech founders who have successfully scaled their companies. From navigating the complexities of AI integration to finding balance between innovation and operations, these founders reveal the critical strategies that propelled their companies forward. Links: Follow Eric Daimler on LinkedIn ! Follow Richard White on LinkedIn ! Follow Chuck Rinker on LinkedIn Follow Kirsten Lum on LinkedIn ! More from James: Connect wi...
Oct 23, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Ever thought that Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are just for the big names with endless cash? In this episode, ex-Goldman Sachs sailor and ‘Forbes 30 under 30’, Matt Bodnar explores how founders can leverage acquisition strategies without needing a massive war chest. Together we explore how you can use M&A to scale your business, by understanding these key insights: 1. Creative structuring and resourcefulness can open doors to acquisition opportunities earlier in your business journey t...
Oct 16, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Does character and trust matter more than high performance? In this episode, of Peer Effect, we’re joined by Logan Naidu, Founder and Group CEO of Kernel Global. He’s successfully scaled his company to $50 million in revenue and today, he’s sharing his #1 tip on how other founders can do the same by focusing on who they surround themselves with. Together we, uncover key insights for founders, like: How character and trust can outweigh even the highest performers. Why surrounding yourself with th...
Oct 09, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 28
What does it take to keep a team aligned, motivated, and moving towards a shared mission, even when things get tough? In this episode, Alice Olafare shares her insights as an ex-founder and her experience working with more than 120 founders. Together, we explore: • The concept of aligning a common "North Star" vision to maintain cohesion, improve performance, and avoid misunderstandings. • The power of having ongoing, open conversations, as well as external facilitation. • The process of knowing...
Oct 02, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Are you hiring the fans of your company, and the people who already love your business’ product? In this episode of Peer Effect, Richard White, Founder and CEO of Fathom, offers valuable insights from his lessons learned in scaling his team from 15 to 50 this year and securing a $17m series A. Together, we uncover: How to build a motivated and efficient team early on, allowing founders to focus on strategic, high-impact work. Why delegating small tasks is crucial for founders to avoid burnout an...
Sep 25, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 26
The future of AI in business? It’s already arrived. Eric Daimler, a titan in the AI space with over 20 years of experience, joins Peer Effect to show you why. With a background that spans advising the White House, co-founding over 6 tech startups, and leading Conexus AI, Eric brings some incredible insights into the transformative power of AI. Together, we dive into: • The importance of timing and adaptation, and why philosophies like "Blitz Scaling" and "Failing Fast" may not always apply to yo...
Sep 18, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Ever thought about how prioritising diversity and inclusion could unlock new growth for your business? What does "culture fit" really mean and do you make your company culture measurable? In this episode, Jo Major, founder of Diversity in Recruitment dives into redefining traditional recruitment filters and offers practical advice on creating an evidence-based approach to hiring while keeping diversity in mind. Together, we uncover: The critical importance of embedding DE&I early in your com...
Sep 11, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 24
A founder can make or break company culture! In this curated episode of Peer Effect, we explore essential leadership strategies with Dean Seddon (founder and CEO of MAVERRIK ), Dan Brownsher (Founder & CEO of Channel Key ), and Nigel Thomas (founder of David to Goliath ). Their insights provide valuable guidance on fostering effective leadership and building trust within growing teams. In this episode, we delve into: The crucial role of a founder’s presence in shaping and maintaining company...
Sep 04, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this curated episode of Peer Effect , we've gathered insights from four industry leaders on the strategies behind successful scaling and decision-making. Sam Rosen (founder and CEO, DeskPass), Bartosz Skwarczek (founder and president, G2A.com), David King (co-founder and co-CEO, Artificial Labs), and Anouk Agussol (founder, Unleashed) share their experiences, highlighting the critical decisions that propelled their companies forward, the challenges they faced, and the leadership practices tha...
Aug 28, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 22
How does a startup become the world’s largest online marketplace for gaming without any funding? In this insightful episode, I'm joined by Bartosz Skwarczek, the mastermind behind G2A.com, as he shares his remarkable journey from a modest beginning in Poland to leading the world's largest online marketplace for gaming. Together, we explore: How collaboratively defining company values from the outset can foster a cohesive and motivated team environment. The strategic decisions that led to priorit...
Aug 21, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 21
What if the secret to scaling your business successfully lies not in speeding up but in slowing down? In this episode, I explore this unconventional yet powerful strategy with Sam Rosen, co-founder and CEO of DeskPass. From the inception of DeskPass to its current state post-Series A, Sam shares his transformative journey of stepping back to make thoughtful, less emotionally charged decisions. Listen to the full episode as we unpack: • The critical role patience and empathy play in leadership • ...
Aug 14, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Is your startup ready to pivot when opportunity knocks? In this episode, we dive into the secrets of running a successful tech startup with David King, co-founder and co-CEO of Artificial Labs. From its inception in 2013 to raising over £22 million in funding to date, discover how David navigated the tricky waters of refining his company's niche in algorithmic and augmented underwriting for the commercial specialty sector. Together, we discuss: • Invaluable insights on the importance of timing, ...
Aug 07, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Imagine a simple observation in a Starbucks queue changing the trajectory of your entire career. In this episode of Peer Effect, we delve into the mind of Alex Nocifera. Alex's entrepreneurial journey started back in 2005, with the inception of his first venture, Ripple TV. Almost 20 years and four tech companies later, Alex is now leading LOMA , pioneering new ways to integrate digital strategies into physical locations to redefine customer engagement. Together, we explore: How Alex's approach ...
Jul 31, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Is your approach to people management setting you up to scale or fail? In this episode of Peer Effect, Anouk Agussol, founder of Unleashed, shares invaluable insights into strategic human resources practices, effective leadership, and resilient team dynamics that are pivotal for transforming a startup into a scalable enterprise. Together, we explore: The pivotal role of strategic HR practices from the start-up phase through scaling. The importance of a founder's presence and attitude in shaping ...
Jul 24, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Imagine having the secrets of billionaire real estate moguls at your fingertips, transforming the way you manage your most significant investment—your home. Today, we uncover how Colton Pace, CEO of OwnWell, is democratising high-end real estate management tools for everyday homeowners and investors. In this episode, we explore: How Colton Pace's exposure to billionaire real estate strategies inspired the creation of OwnWell. The importance of embracing risks and the impact of strategic investme...
Jul 17, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 16
