This International Women’s Day 2025, Michelle sits down with Dr. Amy Divaraniya, the brains behind Oova, to unravel her entrepreneurial journey and discuss the future of women's health. Amy’s story begins in Princeton, New Jersey, and unfolds into a narrative of innovation, determination, and resilience as she overcomes traditional expectations to create a cutting-edge fertility company. In this episode of PEERS, Amy talks candidly about her unexpected foray into business, the challenges and tri...
Mar 10, 2025•50 min
For most kids, punishment comes in the form of time-outs, groundings, and extra chores. But for this week’s special guest, acting out meant being forced to read profit and loss statements. A childhood deeply intertwined with the unwavering entrepreneurial endeavors of his father left Sam Mahmood with a simple ethos — success is not just measured in wealth, but in the positive impact one can bring to the world. In this special bonus episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Sam Mahmood, Co-Founder of S&a...
Feb 19, 2024•46 min
When it comes to picking a career, our choice can often be traced back to the influence of family. It was the gentle encouragement of her parents to pursue what fulfilled her internally that helped this week’s guest find her calling. It’s that calling — to give back and make a difference — that has Bani Singh on a mission to revolutionize the way we approach mental health care. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Bani Singh, Co-Founder of Now&Me to talk about saying goodbye to external...
Nov 19, 2023•39 min
They say you need a special kind of fire inside to make it as a founder. But what keeps that flame burning? For this week’s guest, the fuel to her fire is good old-fashioned self-empowerment. With an unwavering commitment to giving her all, Shannie Mears attributes her success to staying true to herself and fully embracing her growth and evolution with pride — and her spark isn’t going out any time soon. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Shannie Mears, Head of Talent and Co-Founder of Th...
Nov 12, 2023•39 min
What do you do when you can’t find your dream job anywhere? The answer is: you make it. Our guest this week accomplished exactly that, and it’s why she refers to herself as an accidental founder. Creating success on her own terms, Rachael De Foe isn’t afraid to write her own story — and says you shouldn’t be either. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Rachael De Foe, Founder and Managing Director of Redefy to talk about the first steps for getting your business off the ground, why building...
Nov 05, 2023•39 min
When it comes to challenges, most people would rather avoid them. But for a savvy few, such as this week’s guest, a challenge is a problem to be solved, and even an opportunity to transform something for the better. Underrepresentation in the beauty industry is a challenge Janvi Shah is taking head-on, and she’s not stopping until every face has its rightful place in the spotlight. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Janvi Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Hue to talk about the pressure to succe...
Oct 29, 2023•34 min
Going it alone as an entrepreneur can be a scary thought. With nobody standing right beside you and the weight of decisions resting solely on your shoulders, it can be a pretty daunting path to go down. But if you believe you can do it, you will — that’s the advice from this week’s guest. And it rings true, Sneha Shah may have started solo, but now she’s championing equity in the arts for everyone. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Sneha Shah, Founder of Curaty to talk about the secret t...
Oct 22, 2023•37 min
Being different can often feel like a burden, an isolating force that sets us apart from the crowd. This week’s guest knows this burden all too well, having grown up in the US unable to speak English and lacking an immigration status. Being different once created big barriers in Reyna Montoya’s life; but today, her BIPOC and immigrant identity is her superpower, enabling her to change lives for the better. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Reyna Montoya, CEO and Founder of Aliento to tal...
Oct 15, 2023•38 min
If there’s one setback every entrepreneur faces at some point, it’s rejection. While it can be disheartening, a “no” can serve as a valuable lesson and a chance for something even better. Our guest this week experienced this firsthand, as they heard the word “no” almost 100 times before finally getting a long-awaited “yes” — a “yes” that catapulted their company to new heights. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Wenmiao Yu, Director of Business Development and Co-Founder of Quantum Dice t...
Oct 08, 2023•40 min
Recognise, realise, and move on. That’s how this week’s guest tackles the bad stuff that comes with running a business. And whilst many of us would rather avoid the bad, Madhavi Shankar would much rather run headfirst into it; because to her, risks and mistakes are what make things happen. In this episode of PEERS, we’re joined by Madhavi Shankar, CEO and Co-Founder of SpaceBasic to talk about being okay with not following the crowd, how to get better at trusting your instincts, and the value of...
Oct 01, 2023•39 min
Welcome to the new and improved PEERS — a podcast by BIPOC founders for BIPOC founders. Join me, proud biracial Australian and Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister, Michelle Akhidenor, for soul-enriching conversations with my peers — fellow BIPOC founders. Each week, I dive deep into the personal journey of my award-winning guests and unpack who they really are at their core. I ask questions like: Where did they grow up? How has their culture helped or hindered them along the way? What is it really like to...
Sep 29, 2023•6 min
From waking up every day energized to feeling happy and fulfilled, there are plenty of reasons why pursuing your passion is worth the hustle. But when the grind gets tough, we need a little bit of motivation, and a whole lot of optimism, to keep us going on our entrepreneurial journey. If you’re searching for some encouragement right now — don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this special bonus episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’ve pulled together the ultimate, inspirational highli...
Mar 30, 2023•39 min
They say independent thinkers make great leaders. They’re confident in themselves, their problem-solving skills and the new ideas they often bring to the table. This week’s guest was raised to think for herself above all else, so nothing was going to stop her from doing what she thought was best for her — and that just happened to be becoming an entrepreneur. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’re joined by Celeste Durve, Co-Founder of VIPER to talk about tackling social media...
Mar 26, 2023•35 min
The child of a funeral director and a hospice nurse, this week’s guest had no choice but to grow up surrounded by death. Whilst some may find that frightening, for Mallory Greene it was the catalyst for starting her business — one that aims to normalise grief, and help people build communities to talk about their loss. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’re joined by Mallory Greene, CEO and Co-Founder of Eirene to talk about how she built up her confidence, the importance of t...
Mar 19, 2023•38 min
On the walk of life, we all inevitably reach a fork in the road. A moment where we have to make a choice and decide which direction we want to take. When this week’s guest reached that fork, she had two options — become a doctor: just like her parents, just like she’d always planned, or pursue the uncertain unknown that is entrepreneurship. Spoiler alert: she picked the latter and still ended up improving people’s lives. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’re joined by Annie R...
Mar 12, 2023•30 min
Let’s be real — running a business is tough; but this week’s guest is so passionate about helping people, she runs 3. No big deal. Crediting the drive that comes with being an immigrant and her upbringing in the impoverished Democratic Republic of Congo, Nohémie Mawaka is putting health and tech hand-in-hand to support her people — and she’s only just getting started. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’re joined by serial entrepreneur and Founder of Aluuka, Nohémie Mawaka, to...
Mar 05, 2023•29 min
After working as an investment banker and helping other entrepreneurs with their passion projects, this week’s guest figured it was time to throw her hat in the ring too. And even though her first company flatlined, Jada McLean wasn’t about to let a little failure stop her from tackling the biggest crisis of our generation and creating a more sustainable world for all. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’re joined by Jada McLean, CEO and Founder of Ethically to talk about how ...
Feb 26, 2023•32 min
Navigating adolescence is tough, and it can be especially hard for neurodivergent people. This week’s guest can relate — having been diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 14. What she didn’t know, however, was that overcoming the mental health and social challenges that many autistic youth face would not only lead her to find her people, but also her mission. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we’re joined by Vanessa Castañeda Gill, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Cipher to discuss...
Feb 19, 2023•36 min
As a facilitator for student-aged entrepreneurs, it’s not surprising that this week’s guest is a fount of practical knowledge about growing in the independent business space. But practical lessons, like finding your people, prioritising relationships, and taking time for yourself can only get you so far. You need to learn how to find “the energy” which pushes you forward, even when it’s not fun, and even when it’s not lucrative. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, Co-Founder of R...
Feb 12, 2023•36 min
For Lacey Kaelani, a 9-5 work day was never the dream. And even when it was a reality, her parents were in her ear, giving her business ideas and telling her it was time to follow the dream of entrepreneurship that had permeated throughout her entire life. But for Lacey, the hardest choice wasn’t committing to a less traditional career, it was the transition from whiteboard to product, a process she laments is one of the most difficult parts of going out on your own. In this episode of Peers2Pee...
Feb 05, 2023•36 min
Zara Perumal has always been grateful: of her supportive parents who embraced her love of computer science, to her career opportunities earned at places like Google. But most of all, she was grateful that she got to the position to fully follow and realise her dreams by founding Overwatch Data. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, Zara Perumal joins the podcast to discuss the dangers of believing your own hype, the importance of gratitude, and how learning to surf reminded her of ...
Jan 29, 2023•28 min
It’s unlikely “entrepreneur” was your first job. It probably took you a while to get there: keeping yourself afloat while you honed your passions and direction. But time spent learning isn’t time wasted. When it came time to start her own venture, this week’s guest found she’d already learned the skills she needed along the way. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, Irene Liu joins the podcast to discuss the good work of Chiyo: a food delivery service that provides pregnancy and po...
Jan 22, 2023•31 min
How can you help the world around you, Peers? It’s a question we ask ourselves often, but the answer can usually be found right in our backyard. In today’s episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we hear from Lach Baniya, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Icarus Media. While she founded her media company in 2013, she had to overcome many hurdles including responding to the crises in Myanmar, to ultimately take her business to the next level. In this ep, Lach shares how she empowers the...
Jan 15, 2023•33 min
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the luxury and glamour of social media. While everyone may be living their best lives, it’s often not the full picture and honestly, it’s not what’s really important. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we sit down with Mladen Jovanovic, the Co-Founder of BindiMaps, an Australian tech startup that helps the visually impaired navigate unfamiliar or complex indoor spaces with a navigational mobile app. Mladen shares the importa...
Jan 08, 2023•34 min
When has life dealt you a rogue hand, peers? While at the time it can feel unfair or pull you away from your current path, sometimes that seemingly random hand can lead you to great things. Today’s guest Stuti Gupta discovered this when her father became ill and struggled to continue with his flailing ayurvedic healthcare company. Stuti returned to her home town with her brother and cared for both her father and the family business. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, the head of...
Jan 01, 2023•27 min
What a year, peers. As 2022 comes to a close and OOO email signatures are beginning to be written, we thought it’d be the perfect time for a recap. In this very special episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, TPP Founder Michelle Akhidenor gets on the other side of the mic. Interviewed by TPP’s Business Strategist Kim Kerton, the duo shares the highs and lows of 2022, why they’re challenging the idea of hustle and what the future of TPP holds. Don’t miss this one. Discover more: Start your S...
Dec 25, 2022•36 min
When did you notice that the world isn’t what you thought, peers? For today’s guest, she grew up surrounded by strong and independent women. It wasn’t until she was 12 years-old when she realised the impact that gender inequalities have on society. But, as a result of her upbringing, Paloma Schackert now dedicates herself to creating jobs for women in the apparel manufacturing industry. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, Paloma shares the story of Co-Founding Ethical Apparel Afr...
Dec 18, 2022•33 min
What helps you get through the hard times, peers? For today’s guest, it’s remembering that his purpose is bigger than himself. By focusing on his community and ultimately, his target demographic, Austin Martin is able to get over the roadblocks and continue his mission of helping disadvantaged kids. In this episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we sit down with Austin Martin, the Founder of Rhymes with Reason, an Educational Technology company that helps students learn literacy through the...
Dec 11, 2022•26 min
Are you feeling a bit lost at the moment, peers? Maybe you don’t know where you’re meant to go next or what this moment right here is even leading to. This feeling can ring especially true as an entrepreneur. In today’s episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we hear the journey of Dr. Katherine Grill, the CEO and co-founder of Neolth, a technology company that provides personalised mental health support to teens through a self-guided platform. While it sounds super impressive (and it is), D...
Dec 04, 2022•32 min
For many of us, we’re taught to move through the world “safely”. Get good grades in order to get a “good” job. Work hard as an employee in order to gain respect and value. But what if this traditional way of work and life is outdated? What if it isn’t “safe” at all? In today’s episode of Peers2Peers, powered by Shopify, we hear from Stephanie Michelsen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Jellatech, a company that aims to use biotechnology to synthesise animal proteins – without killing the animals. Steph...
Nov 27, 2022•29 min
