Today's guest is Iqbal Ameer the founder of Livescape and All-Access.

In this conversation, Byron and Iqbal Ameer discuss the journey of Livescape, a live entertainment company, from its inception to today.

Iqbal shares insights into the challenges of organizing live events, the evolution of the music industry, and the impact of the pandemic.

They also delve into Iqbal's new project, All Access Anonymous, which aims to solve data-related issues in the live entertainment industry by authenticating fan data through a gamified experience.

In this conversation, Iqbal Ameer discusses the challenges faced by independent event organizers in the entertainment industry, the rise of NFTs and blockchain technology, and the desperation seen in the crypto space. He emphasizes the importance of community and real value in a few meme coins, as well as innovative applications of blockchain technology in various sectors, including decentralized science.

Iqbal shares his leadership philosophy, which is focused on empowering talent, and offers insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, concluding with his vision for the future of All Access and its role in transforming the live entertainment landscape.

In the episode, we discuss:

• The transition from an ice cream truck to a major event organizer

• The shift from album sales to live performances as a primary revenue source for artists

• Data authenticity is crucial for event organizers to make informed decisions

• All Access Anonymous

• Gamifying fan engagement

• The emotional connection created at live events

• Monopolistic entertainment conglomerates

• Innovative funding models

• Effective leadership

• The future of live entertainment

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All Access:

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Chapters

01:00 The Genesis of Livescape

12:55 The Evolution of Live Entertainment

24:59 Introducing All Access Anonymous

31:02 The Impact of the Pandemic on Live Events

32:57 Navigating the Entertainment Industry's Challenges

33:55 The Rise of NFTs and Blockchain Technology

35:44 Desperation in the Crypto Space

39:17 Real Value in Meme Coins and Community Building

41:45 Innovative Applications of Blockchain Technology

44:15 Decentralized Science and Funding Research

45:06 Empowering Artists Through Blockchain

46:18 Leadership and Empowering Talent

53:19 The Entrepreneurial Mindset and Advice

55:38 Vision for the Future of All Access

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In this conversation, David discusses his journey in founding Limelight, a platform for B2B influencer marketing.

He shares insights on the evolution of influencer marketing, the challenges of customer acquisition, and the importance of building a personal brand.

David also reflects on his previous ventures, including a watch company and an HR tech startup, emphasizing the significance of research and validation in entrepreneurship.

We also discuss the complexities of entrepreneurship, including the right timing for business decisions, the emotional challenges of leadership, and the importance of community and mentorship. He emphasizes the need for resilience, the joy of celebrating small victories, and the necessity of hard work and dedication in building a successful business.

He also shares insights on managing pressure and the value of learning from both successes and failures in the entrepreneurial journey.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Influencer marketing in B2B is a growing opportunity

• Distribution

• Rising customer acquisition costs

• Authenticity

• Building a personal brand

• Research and user feedback

• Consistency

• Timing in entrepreneurship is often instinctual and market-driven

• The hardest part of entrepreneurship

• Validating ideas without taking unnecessary risks

• Sales experience

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Limelight and Influencer Marketing

07:07 The Business Model of Limelight

12:52 Building a Personal Brand

19:09 The Entrepreneurial Mindset

24:45 Timing the Exit from a Business

32:09 Navigating Timing in Entrepreneurship

37:37 Thriving Under Pressure

43:25 The Importance of Resilience

50:52 Vision and Future Plans for Limelight

David:

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Today’s guest is Kate La Trobe. 

Kate is the founder of her own neurodiversity consulting and coaching business. 

In the episode she shares her journey into the field of neurodiversity consulting, discussing her personal experiences with ADHD and how they shaped her career. 

She emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, and the significance of proper diagnosis. Kate also delves into her entrepreneurial journey, the realities of running a business, and the skills necessary for success, particularly for those with ADHD. 

Our conversation highlights the need for support and understanding for both individuals and their families. We discuss Kate’s approach to ADHD coaching, emphasizing a strengths-based perspective and the importance of collaboration with parents. She highlights the evolving understanding of ADHD and neurodiversity, challenges stereotypes, and explores how neurodivergent traits can be viewed as strengths or superpowers. 

Kate shares her vision for a future where neurodiversity is fully integrated into society, advocating for inclusive environments and greater awareness.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Kate's business journey

• Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for creating inclusive spaces

• How ADHD differs in adults and children

• The relief of diagnosis

• Imposter syndrome

• Networking and finding clients

• Social media glamorizes entrepreneurship

• Asking for help

• Parents gaining confidence and understanding of their child

• Stereotypes 

And much more

Kate: 

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This week's guest is Sydney Sam, the founder of Workspace Global. 

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of Workspace Global from a traditional agency to a SaaS model designed to support small businesses with creative services. 

Sydney shares his insights on the challenges of educating the market, sourcing talent from Africa, and the importance of a robust vetting process for quality assurance. 

He also reflects on the future of business operations, the gig economy, and his personal journey into entrepreneurship, emphasising the need for action and problem-solving in business.

We discuss the complexities of entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of validating ideas, the balance between personal fulfilment and financial success, and the challenges of leading a team.

He shares insights on personal growth, the impact of toxic traits, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance. Sydney also outlines his vision for Workspace Global and his non-profit OpenSpace, emphasizing the need for patience and resilience in achieving long-term goals.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Workspace Global’s subscription model

• The transition from agency to SaaS 

• Educating the market

• Africa poised to be a major player in the global workforce.

• The future of business

• Self-discovery

• The Ikigai concept 

• Effective Networking 

• Personal growth

• Future aspirations

Sydney: 

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OpenSpace:

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This week's guest is Greg Cooke, the founder of Rafiki.

In this conversation, we discuss his startup's evolution from a recruitment agency to a platform that connects freelancers in Africa with global businesses.

Greg shares insights on the freelancer economy, the challenges faced in sourcing talent, and the benefits for both freelancers and clients. The discussion also touches on the future of work, the importance of continuous learning, and the fundraising journey through an accelerator program.

Greg highlights the development of Rafiki X, a SaaS platform aimed at enhancing collaboration among freelancers, and shares his vision for the company's growth in the next five years.

We also chat about his experience with podcasting and the value of authentic content creation.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Rafiki connecting freelancers in Africa to global businesses

• The company’s evolution

• The freelancer agency model

• Upskilling.

• Africa’s rapid growth

• The future of work

• Podcasting

• Authenticity

Greg:

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Rafiki:

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Diet Starts Monday Podcast:

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This week's guest is Veronica Brits, the founder of Feedflex Creatives.

A company that focuses on driving creative and media teams into full automation and digital transformation. They use data-driven strategies to build feed structures for audience targeting and custom ad scripts.

The company also offers the FeedFlex Bridge, a microservice methodology that helps traditional creative and media teams transition into big data skill sets. They primarily work in advertising, including Google ads and TV 360, to enrich targeting and personalize campaigns.

Feedflex Creatives aims to empower teams and accelerate innovation while embracing the future of work and technology.

In the episode, we discuss:

• What Feedflex Creatives is and how it works

• Overcoming Fears and Pursuing Entrepreneurship

• Helping traditional teams transition into big data skill sets.

• The Future of Work

• The Role of Mentors in Veronica's Career

Veronica:

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Feedflex Creatives:

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Chapters

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Emily is the founder of the Good Marketing Club and she shares her journey of starting her own business and the principles she lives by.

Emily tells us what a fractional CMO is and does and explains how she helps early-stage startups with their marketing strategies. We also discuss the value of personal branding and the challenges and rewards of starting her own business.

We speak about the benefits and challenges of being your own boss and the importance of work-life integration. Emily shares how she manages her time, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of mentorship in her journey.

It's important to stay curious, stay up to date with trends and just get started!

In the episode, we discuss:

• What The Good Marketing Club is

• What good marketing is

• Enjoying what you do

• Being a fractional CMO

• Personal branding

• Starting your own business

• Building a strong LinkedIn presence and network

• Trusting your gut and taking calculated risks

• Jumping between jobs

• Time management and self-compassion

• Mentorship & Curiosity

Emily:

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The Good Marketing Club:

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Chapters:

01:00 Introduction to the Good Marketing Club

02:49 Emily's Principles for Good Marketing

07:17 Choosing Marketing Tactics for Clients

09:51 The Role of a Fractional CMO

13:42 The Value of Personal Branding

16:21 Starting Your Own Business

18:23 Finding Clients and Building a Network

20:45 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Risks

22:37 The Surprises and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

27:31 The Benefits of Working for Yourself

30:22 Understanding and Catering to Individual Drivers

33:40 Time Management and Self-Compassion as an Entrepreneur

38:15 The Value of Mentorship in the Journey

40:09 The Role of Curiosity and Staying Up-to-Date in Marketing

44:21 Just Get Started and Believe in Yourself

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This week’s guest is Sarah Weller, the CEO of OpenFormat.

OpenFormat is shifting the power dynamics in digital economies by enabling creators and builders to make a sustainable income. They’re doing this by bringing together game economies, blockchain-based technologies, and AI. 

They’re building a tech stack that includes revenue splitting, micro payments, decentralized applications, and AI assistants. The five co-founders of Open Format have diverse skills and backgrounds, and they came together with a shared mission to redistribute wealth and rethink value exchanges. They are focused on creating real utility and working with people who are already aligned with their vision. 

We discuss the challenges of straddling the present and the big vision, the importance of being a learner, and the different perspectives on risk. She shares personal experiences and emphasises the need for honesty, humility, and transparency in business.

In the episode, we discuss:

• What OpenFormat does

• Their goals

• How it all works

• Having five co-founders

• Making a positive impact 

• Being a learner and having a learner mindset

• Taking calculated risks 

• Honesty, humility, and transparency

Sarah: 

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OpenFormat: 

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This week’s guest is Andrew Borovsky, the founder and CEO of Visible and Rent App.

Visible is a company that aims to create a financial network for real estate. They’ve built Rent App, a platform that simplifies rent payments and helps renters build credit. The company focuses on tackling the complex, time-consuming, and costly aspects of real estate transactions and has chosen to start with rent payments because it is a large market and there is a need for digital solutions. 

Andrew has a background in product design and has previously started two other businesses. He believes in taking leaps and building products that he wants to exist in the world. He shares his insights on building great products and companies, the importance of team and culture fit, and the future of entrepreneurship. He emphasises the need to focus on building a great product first, as a great company will follow. 

He also discusses the role of venture funding in the AI and crypto industries and the importance of finding the right team and founder to succeed. Andrew shares his approach to team building and the importance of cultivating relationships throughout his career. He also discusses the future plans for Visible, focusing on complexity, speed, and cost in the real estate industry.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Simplifying real estate transactions and making them easier, faster, and cheaper.

• Rent App and how it works

• Taking leaps and building products we want to exist in the world.

• Advice to start a business 

• The right team

• Cultivating relationships 

• AI’s growth potential.

• Plans for Visible's 

Andrew: 

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Visible: 

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Rent App:

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This week’s guest is Claire Millward, the founder of Block Digital.

Block Digital is a marketing agency for blockchain companies. 

In the episode, Claire discusses the importance of building meaningful blockchain brands and the role of organic social media content in achieving this. She explains that she decided to start Block Digital after experiencing a dip in her freelance business and wanted to rebrand and scale. 

She emphasises the importance of taking action, building relationships, and being confident in entrepreneurship. Claire also discusses the significance of mindset, habit-building, and the power of community in achieving success.

In the episode, we discuss: 

• Building meaningful blockchain brands

• Taking action and building relationships

• Mindset and habit-building

• Risk-taking 

• Building a community and seeking support from mentors

Claire: 

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Block Digital: 

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