PEERS - podcast cover

PEERS

The Peers Project www.thepeersproject.com

Australia's First BIPOC, Female-Led Founders Podcast. Est 2017.



Hello fellow founder,



Welcome to PEERS - a podcast by millennial founders for millennial founders. Join me, BIPOC female founder & Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister Michelle Akhidenor, for soul-enriching conversations with peers.



Each week, I sit down with a fellow founder or industry ally and deep dive into their entrepreneurial journey. I ask questions like: Where did they grow up? How has their upbringing impacted the choices they've made in their career to-date? How did they end up becoming a founder? How have they navigated through the inevitable challenges in business?



These conversations are honest, vulnerable and above all, human. My mission with this show is simple: to amplify diverse stories and voices; sharing conversations that matter to help fellow founders, my peers, feel less alone on their own journey.



Thank you for joining me, peers. Let's dive in!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

#109. Erika Geraerts: The Co-Founder of Frank Body on The Importance of Staying Grounded

If you’re an aspiring business owner, then it’s 100% normal to feel tempted by the siren call of success. But often, staying grounded and in touch with our true selves is far more important than wealth and status combined. In this episode, Erika Geraerts reveals the story of how she co-founded multiple thriving businesses and how staying grounded motivated her to change the face of the beauty industry. Erika Geraerts is the founder of iconic beauty brand, Fluff. Discover more: Connect with Erika...

Aug 02, 202049 min

#108. Lara Vandenberg: The Founder of Publicist on Why We Can’t Get Far Without Self-Love

Sometimes, all we need to succeed is a little TLC. In this episode, Lara Vandenberg reveals how we can practice self-love every day, how we can figure out our passion, and how we can gain the confidence to reach for bigger and better dreams. Lara Vandenberg is the Founder and CEO of Publicist and a 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 listee. Discover more: Connect with Lara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-vandenberg-2a21954b/ - Learn more about Publicist: https://www.publicist.co - Sign up now...

Jul 26, 202045 min

#107. Marine Tanguy: The Founder of MTArt Agency on Why We Need To Rethink Our Ideas On Quitting

Quitting gets a bad rep. After all, no one wants to be known as a ‘quitter.’ But sometimes, calling it quits is more necessary than we think. In this episode, Marine Tanguy reveals what quitting is truly about, how we can navigate the haters, and how we can attract the best minds in the business. Marine Tanguy is the founder of MTArt Agency and a 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 listee. Discover more: Connect with Marine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marine-tanguy-303b4a103/ - Learn more about...

Jul 19, 202052 min

#106. Kim Pham: The Co-Founder of OmSom on The Beauty of Being A Serendipitous Mess (And Why You Should Be One Too)

It’s no secret that life can be messy. But to make the most of it, we need to embrace the chaos. In this episode, Kim Pham reveals how we can navigate stressful times, the struggles of starting her company, and what we can learn from pursuing a complicated path. Kim Pham is the Co-founder of OmSom and a 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 listee. Discover more: Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimpham617/ - Learn more about OmSom: https://omsom.com/ - Sign up now for our free podcas...

Jul 12, 202049 min

#105. Kyleigh Russ: The Co-Founder of Govern for America on How We Can Step Up To Craft A Better Future

All of us are dying to make a difference in other people’s lives. The question is: how? In this episode, Kyleigh Russ reveals how we can reject conventional paths, discover the necessary areas for change, and turn a pipe dream into a reality. Kyleigh Russ is the Co-Founder and COO of Govern For America and a 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 listee. Discover more: Connect with Kyleigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleigh-russ/ - Learn more about Govern For America: https://www.govern4america.o...

Jul 05, 202048 min

#104. Will Fan: The Co-Founder of NewCampus On How To Find Your North Star

Never underestimate your impact, peers. Especially when it comes to making the world a better place. In this episode, Will Fan reveals how we can discover our true purpose, and how we can tackle important issues through business. Will Fan is the co-founder and CEO of NewCampus and a 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 listee. Discover more: Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellowillfan/ - Learn more about New Campus: http://newcampus.co/ - Listen to The RED Tales by Red by Modibodi...

Jun 28, 202054 min

#103. Julie Hirsch: The Founder of Eloments Vitamin Tea On How Stepping Back Actually Pushes Us Forward

It’s tempting to act like we’ve got it all together. But, swallowing our pride and admitting ‘I don’t know,’ can be the very thing that propels us forward. In this episode, Julie Hirsch reveals how we can step back and learn from others, and how we can get clear on our mission. Julie Hirsch is the co-founder and COO of Eloments Organic Vitamin Tea and a Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Discover More: Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hirsch-a7777825/ - Learn more about ...

Jun 21, 202038 min

#102. Tim O'Sullivan: The Co-Founder of Bae Juice On Finding The Lesson In Everything

Guess what, peers. There’s a golden lesson hidden in every experience - you just need to roll up your sleeves and search for it. No one knows this better than our latest guest, Tim O’Sullivan. Tune in to hear Tim share the story behind his two thriving businesses, and how every experience can teach us valuable lessons. Tim O’Sullivan is the co-founder of Bae Juice and the co-owner of the cafe, Benny and Me. Discover more: Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-%ED%8C%80-o-...

Jun 14, 20201 hr 3 min

#101. Eva Chan: The Co-Founder of Launch Pop On The Dynamics of Diversity

Without any differences, our lives would be incredibly dull. Just ask our latest guest, Eva Chan, who knows that nothing can thrive without the power of diversity. Tune in to hear Eva reveal how she leveraged her diverse upbringing to achieve success and how it has shaped her career to date. Eva Chan is the co-founder of Launch Pop and a 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 listee. Discover more: Connect with Eva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/echandesigns/ - Learn more about Launch Pop: https://ww...

Jun 07, 202052 min

#100. Michelle Akhidenor: The Founder of The Peers Project On The 10 Unforgettable Lessons From 100 Entrepreneurs

Break out the confetti, peers. It’s our 100th episode and we’re ready to throw a party. Over the last two years, we’ve tapped into the minds of the world’s most incredible millennial entrepreneurs to learn what makes them tick. Now, we’re taking all that wisdom and handing it to you on a silver platter. Tune in to hear our founder, Michelle Akhidenor, reflect on the top 10 lessons she’s learnt after 100 groundbreaking interviews. Buckle up, peers. This is going to be one heck of a ride. Discover...

May 31, 202017 min

#099. Alice Default: The Co-Founder of Double On Embracing The Unknown

Diving into the deep end can be terrifying. But, as Alice Default reveals, all the magic happens when you leap boldly out of your comfort zone. Tune in to hear how Alice transitioned from a career at Microsoft to starting her own company, and how we can all learn to stop fearing the unfamiliar. Alice Default is the co-founder of Double and a 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Discover More: Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alicedefault - Learn more about Double: https://withdouble.co...

May 24, 202040 min

#098. Laura Colagrande: The Co-Founder of Chippin On The Comparison Trap

All of us are guilty of falling into the comparison trap. Even the entrepreneurs you see on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. But, as Laura Colagrande reveals, the only way out is by focusing on our own journey. Tune in to hear how Laura navigated her solo move to America, and how we can nip comparison in the bud. Laura is the co-founder of Chippin and a 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Discover More: Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-colagrande-0212 - Learn more about Chippin: htt...

May 17, 202043 min

#097. Vanessa Stofenmacher: The Founder of Vrai & Oro On Vulnerability Is Strength

Admitting our weaknesses can be intimidating. But as Vanessa Stofenmacher reveals, the only way to truly grow is to embrace vulnerability. In this episode, Vanessa shares her incredible story on how vulnerability shaped her career, and how we can get better at taking risks. Vanessa is the founder of Vrai & Oro, a thriving Los Angeles based fine-jewellery company, and a Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Discover More: Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessastofenmacher - Learn more...

May 10, 20201 hr

#096. Melanie Holohan: The Co-Founder of Stacker On Teaming Up For The Better

Riding solo has its perks. But as our next guest reveals, running with the pack can often lead to extraordinary outcomes. In this episode, Melanie Holohan shares the importance of working with intelligent, like-minded people, and how we can avoid the dreaded burn-out. Melanie Holohan is the co-founder of Stacker and a 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Discover More: Learn more about Stacker: https://thestacker.com/ - Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melanieholohan - Listen to the ...

May 03, 202038 min

#095. Maxxie Goldstein: The Founder of MEYVYN On The Challenge To Be Curious

We’ve all heard the saying, ‘curiosity killed the cat.’ But really, that’s not the case at all. Our latest guest, Maxxie Goldstein, knows just how vital curiosity is to achieving extraordinary success. Not only did her inquisitive nature push her to think outside of the box, it also challenged her to start MEYVYN, a thriving NYC based digital marketing agency. Tune in to hear Maxxie dive deep into her captivating journey and how curiosity can help us build our resilience. Maxxie is the founder o...

Apr 26, 202047 min

#094. Jaclyn DiGregorio: The Author of ‘Stop Getting In Your Own Way’ On Finding the Next Step

Too often, the big audacious goals that we set for ourselves can actually make us feel overwhelmed. But as Jaclyn DiGregorio reveals, the key to pushing forward is to figure out your next step and commit to it with fierce passion. Tune in to hear Jaclyn’s fascinating story on how she wrote her best-selling book, ‘Stop Getting In Your Own Way.’ and how we can take our first steps towards fulfilling our passion. Discover More: Learn more about Jaclyn and her new book, 'Stop Getting In Your Own Way...

Apr 19, 202057 min

#093. Katie Prowd: The Founder of Hypometer Technologies On Getting A Bigger Plate

Whether you’re running your own business, juggling university and a social life, or just trying to get through your 9-5, all of us have felt overwhelmed at one point or another. No one knows this more than our latest guest, Katie Prowd. As the founder, director, and CEO of Hypometer Technologies, Katie is all too familiar with wearing multiple hats. But as she reveals, it’s all about getting a bigger plate - physically and metaphorically. Tune in to hear how we can get better at juggling multipl...

Apr 12, 202049 min

#092. Jacqui Savage: The Founder of MedCorp Technologies On Creating a Life-Changing Product

Sometimes, all you need to change the world is a bucket of determination and a really, really good idea. That’s exactly what pushed our next guest to create a life-changing product at just 21 years old. In this episode, Jacqui Savage reveals how she created an innovative medical technology company at the age of 21, how she wrestled with imposter syndrome, and how we can find what we’re passionate about. Discover More: Learn more about MedCorp Technologies: https://www.medcorptechnologies.com/ - ...

Apr 05, 202057 min

#091. Ali Terai: The Founder of Future Golf On Taking Imperfect Action

If you’ve ever believed that you needed to be perfect in order to start a successful business, this episode is for you. After hitting rock bottom in his high school days, Ali Terai never thought he would be accepted into university, let alone start a successful business. But, through his determination to prove others wrong and a series of imperfect actions later, Ali became the founder of Future Golf and winner of the 2019 Telstra Business Awards. Tune in to hear Ali’s riveting journey, the step...

Mar 29, 202055 min

#090. Sarah Agboola: The Founder of m-Time On Living Outside the Box

In the words of the Backstreet Boys, what makes you different, makes you beautiful. This is definitely the case for our next guest, Sarah Agboola. As a woman of colour growing up in country NSW, Sarah always knew she was living outside the norm. But, by embracing her uniqueness, she was able to say no to the traditional path and become the thriving entrepreneur she is today. Tune in to today’s episode to hear how Sarah grew comfortable with being different and how she harnessed this to create an...

Mar 22, 202044 min

#089. Lauren Crystal: The Co-Founder of Hassl and Managing Director of Your Creative On The Astronomical Heights of Entrepreneurship

Life can often feel like a labyrinthine of wrong turns and disasters. But, for Lauren Crystal, it was life’s doozy curveballs that led her to becoming the incredible entrepreneur she is today. Tune in to this episode to hear Lauren’s journey from Edinburgh to Australia, and how she started not one, but two thriving companies. Lauren Crystal is the Managing Director of Your Creative and winner of the 2019 Telstra Business Victorian Emerging Leaders Award. Discover More: Connect with Lauren on Lin...

Mar 15, 202048 min

#088. Alex Andrews: The Co-Founder of Verve Super On The Superwomen of Women’s Super

Heads up, peers. Preparing for our retirement may need to happen sooner than we think. After learning that women are retiring with 47% less super than men, Alex Andrews knew that something had to change. Along with two incredible women, Alex co-founded Verve Super, Australia’s first ethical super fund for women, by women. Tune in to this episode to hear how Alex co-founded Verve Super, where exactly our money is being invested in, and how we can get more savvy about our financial future. Discove...

Mar 08, 202047 min

#087. Anthony Femia: The Owner of Maker & Monger on Passion vs Predictability

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This is definitely the case for Anthony Femia who found himself captivated by the humble dairy product: cheese. After watching his mum bring joy to the community through her love for food, Anthony resolved to follow in her footsteps. So began his lifelong journey to learn about the rich history of cheese and bring joy to the people around him. In this episode, Anthony Femia reveals how he ditched his pursuit of stability for his passion, ...

Mar 01, 202050 min

#086. Michael Pirone: The Co-Founder of Vidico on The Spoonful of Persistence

Good news, peers. Spending time in front of the TV when you’re a kid can actually lead to a bright, bright future. Just ask Michael Pirone; who went from watching videos to producing them for some of the most innovative tech companies. While this may sound like a dream come true, it wasn’t always a smooth ride to the top. In this episode, Michael opens up about the early struggles he faced when co-founding Vidico, and how peers everywhere can learn to persist in the right direction. Michael Piro...

Feb 23, 202039 min

#038. Flash Fridays: The Trick to Overcoming Fear

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Charlotte Hamill reveals her trick to overcoming fear. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Charlotte Hamill - COO of Born Social Listen to Charlotte’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-71-charlotte-hamill/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 20, 20204 min

#085. Marita Cheng: The Founder of aubot on How Girls Run The World

Empowered women empower women. That’s what Marita Cheng has been inspired to do ever since she watched her single mum raise her children on her own. And achieve this, she did. After successfully starting three companies in the robotic space and empowering other women to pursue careers in STEM, Marita has been named one of the World’s Top 50 Women in Tech by Forbes. In this episode, Marita reveals how she gained the courage to step out and up on her own, the stories behind her different robotic v...

Feb 16, 202042 min

#037. Flash Fridays: The Truth About Entrepreneurship

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Andrea Bonaceto reveals the truth about entrepreneurship . Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Andrea Bonaceto - founding partner and CEO of Eterna Capital Listen to Andrea’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-72-andrea-bonaceto/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 13, 20207 min

#084. Shane Hodgkins: The CEO of Matrak Industries on Creating a Construction Tech Unicorn

Sometimes, pursuing your dreams can take you right across the globe. And other times, it can lead you right home. Although Shane Hodgkins once had ambitions to change the world with his music, it was his family’s window installation company that catapulted Shane and his brother into the construction tech world. Now, Shane is the CEO of Matrak Industries, which has been hailed as the next construction tech unicorn. In this episode, Shane reveals how the idea for Matrak Industries came about, the ...

Feb 09, 202038 min

#036. Flash Fridays: Wrestling With Our Identities

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Amanda Slavin reveals what happened after she wrestled with her identity . Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Amanda Slavin - CEO and founder of CatalystCreativ Listen to Amanda’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-63-amanda-slavin/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 06, 20205 min

#083. Linda Monique: The Founder of Almo Milk on Having A Career Like no Udder

A career that revolves around eating, studying, and designing food sounds too good to be true, right? Well, for our next guest Linda Monique, it’s a dream she made happen thanks to her determination and boundless curiosity. After hearty hustling and closely observing the food industry, she stumbled onto a way she could make almond milk like ‘no udder.’ The result: even better, tastier, and creamier almond milk for our lattes. In this episode, Linda reveals how she uses her curiosity as a driving...

Feb 02, 202046 min
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