40 Minute Mentor

"There's some horrible sacrifices in the first few years to get it to a place where it's got to survive..."

Today's 40 Minute Mentor epitomises what it means to be Tech for Good. 

We’re joined by Sanjay Lobo MBE, the Founder & CEO of OnHand - the all-in-one tool to engage your team in volunteering and environmental action. 

Dubbed the ‘Uber of volunteering’, OnHand lets employees learn and take action on the issues that matter. 
You may even recognise Sanjay from his recent appearance on BBC's Dragons’ Den, where he successfully secured investment from FOUR dragons. 

Here’s what we talk about in today’s episode:

➡️ Finding his path to entrepreneurship [04:02]
➡️ Moving from law into tech [06:58]
➡️ How Parkinson's disease became Chapter 1 of the OnHand story [11:05]
➡️ Engaging employees in volunteering and environmental action [13:45]
➡️ The significance of a great team in a scaling business [15:08]
➡️ Managing stress and pressures as a Founder [16:38]
➡️ Business benefits of company-wide volunteering opportunities [22:08]
➡️ Advert: More about JBM [25:36] 
➡️ A Behind the Scenes look at Dragons’ Den [27:10]
➡️ Working with the Dragons after the show [29:31]
➡️ Advice for other Founders looking to get on Dragons’ Den [31:13] 
➡️ Dealing with increased media attention [32:29] 
➡️ Applying to OnHand [35:10] 
➡️ Audience Question: Advice for anyone starting their volunteering journey [38:51]

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Sanjay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaylobo/

➡️ Find out more about OnHand: https://www.beonhand.co.uk/ 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains topics of mental health and suicide attempts, that may be harmful or traumatising to some audiences. If you’re affected by any of the topics discussed, please make sure you reach out to the helplines listed below. ⚠️

Suicide is a major public health problem, with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. According to the World Health Organisation, there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide. 

Following yesterday’s World Suicide Prevention Day and to play our part in breaking the perceived taboo of speaking about suicide, we’re releasing this special episode with clips from our conversation with Clarke Carlisle. 

Clarke is a former professional footballer, mental health advocate and ambassador for the mental health charity Mind. 

He has had an illustrious football career, having played for a number of top clubs, including Leeds United, Watford and Burnley, and winning three caps for England under 21s. 

Alongside all of this success, however, Clarke also had to deal with plenty of hardship, including serious injuries, his battle with depression and attempted suicide.  

In today’s episode, Clarke shares more about his own experience with depression and suicide and his advice for anyone struggling with their mental health. 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Tune into the full episode with Clarke here: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/from-the-premier-league-to-mental-health-advocate-with-clarke-carlisle/

➡️ More about the work Clarke and Carrie are doing: https://www.clarkeandcarrie.com/

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

“Everything I have done has centred around teams and individuals, and how do you get the most out of them…” 

Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is the brilliant Catherine Lenson, Angel Investor, Founder, Venture Partner at LocalGlobe and CEO of Andante Advisory. 

Catherine has had a hugely successful career, having spent her formative years at UBS and becoming the first female Managing Partner at SoftBank. 

Today, Catherine is the Founder and CEO of Andante Advisory, a boutique consultancy firm which operates as a trusted partner to senior executives and leading organisations on Culture, People and Purpose. 

She is also a Venture Partner at LocalGlobe, an angel investor in early-stage tech companies across the UK, US and Israel, and is the UK’s first Fair Play facilitator. 

Tune in to today’s episode to discover: 

➡️ Reliving her days when a rogue trader almost brought down UBS [03:32] 

➡️ The privilege of entrepreneurship [05:29] 

➡️ From her love for music to Cambridge and ending up in London [06:39] 

➡️ Scaling from 20 to 500 people in four years [10:04] 

➡️ Becoming the first female Managing Partner at SoftBank [13:34] 

➡️ Building a portfolio career [16:49] 

➡️ Angel Investing and joining LocalGlobe [24:39] 

➡️ Common culture mistakes [32:32] 

➡️ Fair Play and creating more equality in the household [36:47] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lenson/

➡️ Find out more about her work: https://www.catherinelenson.com/

➡️ Find out more about LocalGlobe: https://localglobe.vc/

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

“The most impactful piece of advice I got early on in my career was - You need to grow where you're planted.” 

In today’s bite-sized 40 Minute Mentor episode, we take a deep dive into a core component of any successful startup - the Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy.

To guide us through the essential components of building and executing a GTM strategy, we’re joined by Tarun Gidoomal. 

Tarun has led some of Europe’s most notable tech Scaleups, including Next Jump, where he led its international expansion to reach £3bn GMV, and more recently, at Ankorstore, where as UK GM he established its footprint in the UK as it became one of Europe’s fastest growing tech unicorns.  

Today, Tarun shares more about: 

➡️ His upbringing and career to date [01:30] 

➡️ The fundamentals of a GTM Strategy [03:40] 

➡️ Examples of successful GTM Strategies and mistakes made [06:38] 

➡️ Getting buy-in across the team [10:31] 

➡️ Questions to ask to assess your team culture [12:53] 

➡️ The most impactful career advice he’s received [14:37] 

➡️ Startup life and dealing with burnout [17:11] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Tarun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarungidoomal/  

🤫 P.S - It’s your FINAL chance to vote for us in this year’s Great British Podcast People’s Choice Awards. 🏆

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 
ENTRIES CLOSE 5th SEPTEMBER

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

"Founders are made to look like superheroes. They get up at 4am, meditate, take ice baths, work 100 hours a week… I think it's a super unhealthy culture."

Today's 40 Minute Mentor shines a light on the realities of Founder life, and his passion for reframing how the world sees and perceives credit. We are excited to welcome Tim Chong, Co-Founder and CEO of Yonder, to the podcast. 

Yonder is on a mission to build a credit experience that empowers young people to live their best lives and build responsible spending habits, at the same time. 

Tune in to today’s episode to discover: 

➡️ The unhealthy culture surrounding Founder life [03:53] 

➡️ Growing up around computers and the influence on his tech journey [05:25] 

➡️ Exploring the world and creating high impact as a consultant [07:33] 

➡️ Pivoting from consultant to Founder [10:17] 

➡️ How a revolutionised economy in Kenya started the story of Yonder [15:02] 

➡️ How Yonder is supporting young people and their social lives via credit spend [21:35] 

➡️ Tuning in to Founder interviews to scope out early stage challenges [26:50] 

➡️ How to keep going during an economic downturn [29:57] 

➡️ Selling the long-term thesis to win over investors [35:40] 

➡️ The significant impact of early hires and Yonder’s culture [39:58] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-chong/

➡️ Find out more about Yonder: https://www.yondercard.com/

 

🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? 
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... 

Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 

🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙(VOTES CLOSE 5th SEPT)

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

“The traditional definition (of a Generalist) has been a ‘Jack of all trades’, which often comes with a negative connotation.”

In today’s bite-sized 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Milly Tamati to explore the rise of the Generalist. 

Milly is not only a Generalist, but a Community builder and Founder of Generalist World. 

Before leaning into all things Generalist, Milly built businesses all over the world, including co-owning a hostel in Thailand, a wine tour in Australia and an illustration agency in the UK. 

Today, we explore: 

➡️ The making of her Generalist skill set  [01:33] 

➡️ Defining what a Generalist really is [03:53] 

➡️ Specialists vs Generalists [05:34] 

➡️ Ending the “Jack of all trades” narrative [08:15] 

➡️ Framing your Generalist career to employers [09:47] 

➡️ The Generalist World community [13:05] 

➡️ Quality over quantity in community building [15:43] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Milly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-tamati/

➡️ Check out Generalist World: https://www.generalist.world/

🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? 
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... 

Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 

🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 
ENTRIES CLOSE 5th SEPTEMBER. 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

“We had one month to refinance the business, or lose our home….”

Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Dimple Patel, exited Founder, Advisor and CEO of Trouva - the leading global marketplace for independent boutiques. 

With roots at Goldman Sachs, Dimple’s story is one of endless resilience, having navigated recessions, a major re-brand that almost cost her her home, a global pandemic and multiple acquisitions, including Made.com’s collapse. 

In today’s episode, we dive into all of the above, plus: 

➡️ Growing up on a Council Estate [05:00] 

➡️ Joining Goldman Sachs during a recession and amid mass layoffs [07:12] 

➡️ Exploring entrepreneurship as a first-time Founder in a recession [09:38] 

➡️ Going from side hustle to full-time Founder [11:47] 

➡️ Spotting burnout and the importance of routine rest [14:01] 

➡️ Freedom vs Security as a first-time Founder [15:00] 

➡️ The decision that almost led to the loss of her house [17:19] 

➡️ Exiting her business and navigating what’s next [20:00] 

➡️ Making the shift from COO to CEO of Trouva [27:48] 

➡️ The collapse of Made.com and leading with kindness [30:24] 

➡️ Roulette question: Working as a Venture Partner and the Founders she backs [40:13] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Dimple: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimple-patel-uk/

➡️ Find out more about Trouva: https://www.trouva.com/

 

🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? 
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... 

Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 

🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙(You have until 5th Sept!)

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

“If you don't work well with other teams, everyone else's problem will become a product problem.”

In today's episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of Product… 

To do so, we’re joined by Product legend, James Routledge, VP of Product at Converge. 

James has tons of experience, including helping a NASDAQ business go from 100 million to $250 million revenues and working with 400 person Series B businesses. 

The role of the CPO has evolved significantly over the last few years, so we loved getting a first-hand account of the past, present and future of Product roles, including: 

➡️ His own impressive career in Product [01:08] 

➡️ The top 3 skills great Product people need [02:59] 

➡️ Scope and responsibilities in your product journey [05:42] 

➡️ The power of mentorship in Product roles [08:54] 

➡️ The evolution of the CPO and putting customers first [12:28] 

➡️ Working cross-functionally as a CPO [17:18] 

➡️ UK vs USA Product roles [25:49] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesroutledge/

➡️ Find out more about Converge: https://www.converge.io/

🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? 
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... 

Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 

🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 
ENTRIES CLOSE 5th SEPTEMBER. 

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

“So many people are suffering from a lack of knowing who they are and what their worth is, so they downplay and restrict it to a job role.”

Welcome back to 40 Minute Mentor, and a brand new series… 

Kicking off Series 10, we’re joined by one of the most requested guests on the podcast - the brilliant Andy Ayim, MBE. 

You may have come across Andy through his DE&I work in tech, or his angel investing training programs at the Angel Investing School, which empowered over 350 new angels. 

Andy has also invested in over 17 Startups himself, including some of which have been featured on this podcast, such as Patch and Unplugged. 

In today’s episode, we unpack his own journey to entrepreneurship and demystify angel investing once and for all: 

➡️ Shaking off imposter syndrome and backing yourself [04:09] 

➡️ How growing up in a multicultural melting pot shaped his path [06:34] 

➡️ His path to starting the Angel Investing School [10:24] 

➡️ Making angel investing more accessible [14:09]

➡️ Who the Angel Investing School is for [16:37]

➡️ The biggest driver of wealth creation and beginning your journey in investing [20:02]

➡️ Andy’s biggest investment mistake [21:39] 

➡️ Angel syndicates and investing with as little as 1k [24:30]

➡️ Assessing pitches and controlling your risk [28:31]

➡️ Choosing between Angel or VC investment as a Founder [33:24]

➡️ Receiving an MBE and driving DE&I in the industry [38:07]

➡️ Fundraising advice and common Founder mistakes [41:41]

➡️ Audience Questions: Untapped opportunities and emerging trends [44:06]

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/

➡️ Sign up to the Angel Investing School: https://angelinvestingschool.com/  

🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? 
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... 

Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 

🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙(You have until 5th Sept!)

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

"One doesn't leave the best job in the world for anything less than an opportunity that can genuinely, if we're lucky, save the planet." 

As we’re kicking off Series 10, we’re also introducing our Monday Startup spotlight series. 

In our first instalment, we’re joined by a familiar face - Marta Krupinska, Co-Founder and CEO of carbon removal startup, CUR8. 

Marta has previously come on the podcast, in Series 7, when we talked about her Founder journey and her role with Google for Startups - find a link to the episode below. 

Since then, Marta has jumped back into the Founder seat and chats to us about: 

➡️ The opportunity of a lifetime that made her step down from Google for Startups [01:07] 
➡️ Returning to the world of entrepreneurship and the privilege it holds [05:40] 
➡️ Building with the scientific community [07:45] 
➡️ Fundraising as an experienced entrepreneur [10:21] 
➡️ Building the future of carbon removals [13:29] 
➡️ Joining the CUR8 mission [15:28] 
➡️ What we can all do to save the planet [18:26] 

⛳ Helpful links:

➡️ Connect with Marta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martakrupinska/
➡️ Find out more about CUR8: https://cur8.earth/ 
➡️ Listen to Marta’s previous 40 Minute Mentor episode: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/scaling-lessons-with-google-for-startups-uks-marta-krupinska/

🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? 
Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... 

Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 

🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 

1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 
2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 
3. Job done ✅ 

Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 
ENTRIES CLOSE 5th SEPTEMBER

⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.