In this episode of Finance for Founders, host Samuel Ajala sits down with Guy Bartlett, a seasoned entrepreneur, M&A strategist, and founder of The Business Buyers Club. With over £146 million in closed deals, Guy shares powerful insights into business acquisition, SME growth, and scaling businesses the smart way.

🎯 From his military roots to becoming a leader in entrepreneurship and business coaching, Guy dives deep into the transition process, strategic acquisitions, funding options like vendor finance, and how to unlock hidden value in small to mid-sized businesses.

💡 Whether you're a founder looking to buy your first business, plan an exit, or simply want to understand how M&A strategies can fuel entrepreneurial growth, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

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📌 Key Takeaways

Business acquisitions can solve growth bottlenecks

Cash flow and people are critical success factors

Simple shifts can transform employee satisfaction

Vendor finance is a powerful (and often overlooked) funding tool

Team dynamics are everything in post-acquisition success

Business is ultimately about people and relationships

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🔊 Quotes & Sound Bites:

"You don’t need necessarily a lot of cash."
"Business is people."
"You can do it without any money."
"It’s a hearts and minds campaign."
"Money follows people."

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🔗 Connect with Guy Bartlett

👉 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybartlettuk/


👉 The Business Buyers Club:
https://thebusinessbuyersclub.co.uk/

--------------------

🔔 Subscribe for more founder-friendly finance insights every week. Like, comment, and share if this helped you!

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546

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 📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter: 
https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8

--------------------

📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/

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#BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #SMEGrowth #FinanceForFounders #ScalingBusinesses #MAStrategies #BusinessCoaching #CashFlow #VendorFinance #GuyBartlett #Leadership #StartupFunding #BusinessStrategy #Networking #BusinessGrowth #AcquisitionStrategy

In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala sits down with Astan Morarji — a serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and exited over £30M worth of businesses. Astan shares brutally honest insights on what it really takes to grow a business, build trust, and lead through chaos.

You’ll learn: 

✅ Why trust beats authority in business
✅ How to scale fast without burning out
✅ The real cost of hiring top talent
✅ Why upselling existing clients is a growth cheat code
✅ How to avoid falling for common business myths
✅ What role luck, timing, and strategy play in exits and acquisitions

From navigating legal challenges as an immigrant founder to mastering the mindset shifts from founder to CEO, Astan brings raw and practical advice for early-stage and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

🔥 Timestamps
00:00 – Intro to Astan Morarji
06:02 – The Importance of Family in Business
11:55 – Growth Strategies That Actually Work
17:58 – Rapid Scaling Secrets
22:06 – Marketing & Market Positioning
36:55 – From Founder to Leader
43:47 – Building Trust, Not Just Authority
52:47 – Upselling for Smarter Growth
01:00:03 – The Role of Luck in Business
01:09:55 – Scaling Through Acquisitions
01:17:08 – Why Turnarounds Are Brutal
01:30:00 – Debunking Business Myths
01:34:38 – Legacy, Mentorship & Giving Back

Follow Astan Morarji:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astanm/

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews like this: 

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546

 📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter: 
https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8

📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #AstanMorarji #FinanceForFounders #StartupAdvice #ScalingBusiness #FounderMindset #Leadership #TrustInBusiness

🎙 Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with Wyclef Sande, an inspiring Ugandan entrepreneur and the founder of Blue Trucco Coffee. From a humble upbringing in Uganda to building a business that champions Ugandan coffee on the global stage, Wyclef shares his remarkable journey of resilience, rejection, and passion. He discusses how coffee and travel can drive social impact, his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and why Uganda’s robusta coffee deserves global recognition.

🚀 Key Takeaways:
✔️ "Don’t rush it, but don’t delay." – Wyclef’s philosophy on growth and success.
✔️ He grew up happy despite financial hardships.
✔️ Rejection taught him valuable life lessons and fueled his drive.
✔️ Uganda is home to robusta coffee, yet it remains undervalued.
✔️ His mission is to elevate Ugandan coffee and empower local farmers.
✔️ Building a brand is about more than just a product—it’s about purpose.
✔️ Community development and giving back are central to his vision.
✔️ Transitioning from corporate roles at Nando’s and Nestlé to founding his own company.

🎧 Listen Now:
🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5718cSZ79tVNRHaMJINBwt?si=h-KWNiGFRyOwlwYUjJDvOA
🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000695858745
🔹 YouTube: https://youtu.be/qOV0LRlIOCo?si=dumouwF7irKMe9c9

📌 Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Wyclef Sande
07:11 - Wyclef's Early Life and Challenges
14:34 - Journey to the UK and Education
20:22 - Overcoming Rejection and Building Resilience
24:10 - Creating Impact through Travel and Coffee
25:39 - Maintaining Connections: The Importance of Relationships
26:12 - A Journey of Self-Discovery and Purpose
30:50 - Cultural Shock: Adapting to Life in the UK
32:27 - Navigating Corporate Life: From Nando’s to Nestlé
38:32 - The Birth of a Passion: Transitioning to Coffee
44:15 - Championing Ugandan Coffee: A Mission to Transform
54:50 - Building a Brand: The Vision Behind Blue Trucco Coffee

💡 Notable Quotes:
📢 "I was a very happy, poor child."
📢 "I felt it was my duty to change that."
📢 "Coffee is more than a drink—it’s a movement."

🔔 Subscribe & Follow:
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps bring more inspiring stories like Wyclef’s to light.

📲 Connect with Wyclef Sande:
🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueturacocoffee/
🔹 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wycliffesande/
🔹 Blue Turacco Coffee: https://blueturacocoffee.com/pages/our-coffee

#WyclefSande #BlueTruccoCoffee #UgandanCoffee #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #Resilience #Travel #CommunityDevelopment

In this episode of Finance for Founders, we are joined by Lavinia, an award-winning blockchain consultant, international speaker, and founder of Women in Blockchain Talks. Lavinia is on a mission to introduce 50,000 women to the world of blockchain and web3 technology. Lavinia shares her journey, discussing her upbringing, the challenges she's faced in a male-dominated industry, and her passion for diversity and inclusion in tech. The conversation delves into Lavinia's personal story, her faith, and her vision for the future of blockchain. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, legacy, and the importance of representation in emerging tech industries.

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Tune in now and get inspired! 🔗:

Apple Podcast 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000690768391

Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wNBBNtx1usxyAD8ZIon4M?si=kwYFZ2lFS3qdeyq8zc4JIw

YouTube 📺: https://youtu.be/cZlmV6Iiu9Q?si=5aIVx-hgm6zsOR0a

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Women in BlockChain Talk:
https://wibt.mykajabi.com/

Lavinia Osbourne:
linkedin.com/in/laviniaosbourne

Email: [email protected]

#Blockchain #Web3 #WomenInTech #Leadership #DiversityInTech #FinanceForFounders #Podcast

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:56 Quick Fire Questions
03:16 Lavinia's Mission and Passion
05:29 Personal Background and Challenges
13:03 Discovering Blockchain
16:52 Founding Women in Blockchain Talks
27:05 Preparation Meets Opportunity
27:48 Women in Blockchain Talks: Events and Opportunities
29:20 Challenges in the Blockchain Industry
36:31 Understanding Blockchain: A Simple Explanation
41:56 The Vision for 50,000 Members
44:30 Recognition and Imposter Syndrome
47:43 The Future of Blockchain and Women in Tech
51:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Summary

In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Ryan Chenier, CEO of Mastery Fractional CFO Services. Ryan shares his journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of fractional CFO services for small and medium-sized businesses. He discusses the financial blind spots that many founders overlook and provides actionable advice for achieving financial clarity and business growth. The conversation covers the cost-effectiveness of hiring a fractional CFO, key financial focus areas for scaling businesses, and the significance of metrics in managing business performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Chernier and Mastery CFO Services
04:49 Ryan's Journey from Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur
10:19 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
15:36 The Value of Fractional CFO Services for Small Businesses
21:15 Cost Considerations for Hiring a Fractional CFO
22:49 Revenue Generation and Business Development
26:43 Translating Vision into Financial Reality
29:26 The Importance of Metrics in Business
32:11 Case Study: Cash Flow Management Success
36:18 Tech Stack for Startups
37:56 Managing the CFO-CEO Relationship
40:48 Winning New Clients as a Fractional CFO
43:38 Initial Client Engagement and Goal Setting
47:26 Final Words of Wisdom


🔊 Listen now and take control of your financial future: 

ApplePodcast 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000688473022

Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FjBxKFPYZrEvJFecl5YbD?si=J9ivguV4R8OZNcC31AU05g

YouTube 📺 : https://youtu.be/vHibC0-HSNQ?si=aWuJzZ3jWT3oSAbu


Keywords

#FractionalCFO #financialstrategies #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #financialmanagement #smallbusiness #scaling #financialclarity #Ryan Chenier #MasteryFractionalCFOServices

In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Salvatore Tirabassi, a seasoned fractional CFO and business strategist. They discuss Salvatore's extensive experience in finance, his insights on scaling businesses, and the importance of financial forecasting. Salvatore shares his journey through the venture capital landscape, the evolution of financial tools, and the challenges faced by startups in managing their finances effectively. The conversation emphasizes the need for founders to understand financial metrics and the role of a CFO in guiding businesses towards sustainable growth. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the role of a fractional CFO, emphasizing the importance of financial forecasting and the need for businesses to understand their financial data. They share insights on how to communicate the value of CFO services to founders, particularly those who have grown their companies without such support. The discussion also covers marketing strategies for CFO services, the significance of customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV), and key metrics that founders should monitor as they scale their businesses.


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Salvatore Terabassi
02:49 Quick Fire Questions: Insights into CFO Life
05:13 Key Milestones in Salvatore's Career
07:46 Comparing Past and Present: The Financial Landscape
10:30 Understanding Financial Management for Founders
12:24 The Importance of Financial Forecasting
15:01 Challenges in Startup Financial Management
23:07 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
30:27 Marketing Strategies for CFO Services
31:28 Decoding CAC and LTV for Founders
44:30 Key Metrics for Scaling Businesses


🎧 Listen now on your favourite platform and unlock growth strategies for 2025!

Youtube 📺 : 
https://youtu.be/Eu8zfXChFsA

Apple Podcast 🍎: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-financial-forecasting-for-startups/id1754190164?i=1000684653397

Spotify 🎧 : 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mD9D7egUH7OHi5EmQZtTR?si=6301a15ad0014a14


Contact details:

Drive your business with strategic and analytical fractional CFO Services.
Expert in financial forecasting, budgeting, reporting, analytics, debt and equity.
Data-driven decisions can be a reality. We have years of experience bringing data into production in a usable and effective way. Our approach always keeps an eye on financial strategy and value creation. Real, tangible results. Reach out to learn more.

Website: www.cfoproanalytics.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stirabassi/


#CFO #finance #startups #financialforecasting #businessstrategy #cashflow #equity #debt #financialmanagement #entrepreneurship #FractionalCFO #clientacquisition #financialforecasting #CAC #LTV #businessgrowth #marketingstrategies #cash flow #metrics #entrepreneurship

Summary
In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Nana Parry, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Tectonic. They discuss Nana's journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting and scaling a business, and the importance of customer insights. Nana shares his experiences with Tectonic, the role of AI in business, and the significance of maintaining a human touch in customer interactions. He also emphasises the value of networking, mentoring, and mental health for entrepreneurs, while providing advice for aspiring founders.

Takeaways
- Nana Parry emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs.
- Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.
- Building a business around a first customer can lead to immediate revenue.
- AI can enhance customer insights but should not replace human interaction.
- Networking is crucial for business success and can lead to valuable connections.
- Mental health is vital for entrepreneurs; taking breaks is essential.
- Diversity in teams can lead to better business outcomes.
- Practical experience is as important as mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Gratitude journaling can improve mental well-being.
- Focus on taking small steps towards your goals.

You can listen on:

Spotify 🎧: 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QKPGqKgDOfZNHib46LWMl?si=dyDLNdiXTbmeqQLM_qr0TQ

Apple Podcast 🍎: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000683775085

YouTube 📺: 
https://youtu.be/raRELGwM7dQ

Details:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nana-parry/
Website: http://tectoniclondon.com
Website: https://www.cluso.com/

Summary

In this episode of Finance for Founders, host Samuel Ajala interviews Sharon Gillenwater, co-founder and former CEO of Boardroom Insiders. Sharon shares her journey from her upbringing in California to building a successful tech startup that sold for $25 million. She discusses the challenges she faced, including her experiences with venture capital, the lessons learned from her early ventures, and her current endeavors in supporting other entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, integrity in business, and the often-overlooked stories of entrepreneurs outside the Silicon Valley narrative. In this conversation, Sharon Gillenwater shares her journey from facing job loss after the dot-com crash and 9/11 to becoming a successful freelancer and eventually founding Boardroom Insiders. She discusses her experiences in big tech marketing, the importance of C-suite engagement, and the challenges of transitioning from consulting to a SaaS business model. Sharon also reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of exiting her business and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Sharon Gillenwater shares her journey through the complexities of selling her business, the emotional challenges she faced during the transition, and the lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of due diligence, choosing the right banker, and the excitement and pain of closing a deal. Sharon also discusses the emotional rollercoaster post-sale, the significance of building a supportive network, and key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly around product market fit and the value of community.

Takeaways

• Sharon's upbringing as an only child fostered her independent thinking.
• Boardroom Insiders was born from a consulting practice addressing tech sales challenges.
• Raising venture capital can lead to unforeseen challenges and risks.
• The venture capital experience taught her to be cautious about external funding.
• C-suite engagement is crucial for tech companies selling to larger organizations.
• Building a robust database was key to the success of Boardroom Insiders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sharon Gillenwater
04:56 Sharon's Upbringing and Its Impact on Entrepreneurship
11:51 The Journey of Boardroom Insiders
17:53 Lessons from Early Ventures and the Venture Capital Experience
30:07 Resilience and the Path Forward
34:59 Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
39:21 Navigating Life's Challenges: From Job Loss to Freelancing
42:46 Building Expertise in Big Tech Marketing
45:48 C-Suite Engagement: Strategies for Success
49:13 The Birth of Boardroom Insiders
56:49 Understanding the C-Suite: Insights from Events
01:01:19 Transitioning from Consulting to SaaS
01:11:18 The Emotional Journey of Exiting a Business
01:22:20 Navigating the Due Diligence Process
01:24:23 Choosing the Right Banker
01:25:51 The Excitement and Pain of Closing a Deal
01:27:52 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business
01:30:41 Celebrating the Sale
01:33:27 Transitioning Post-Sale
01:36:34 Finding New Purpose After Exit
01:39:05 Building a Network and Sharing Knowledge
01:55:29 Key Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


Keywords

#entrepreneurship #tech #startups #venture capital #resilience #business lessons #Boardroom Insiders #Sharon Gillenwater #scaling business #integrity in business #women in tech #Sharon Gillenwater #entrepreneurship #freelancing #big tech marketing #C-suite engagement #Boardroom Insiders #SaaS #business exit #event marketing #startup challenges #due diligence #business sale #investment banking #emotional transition #entrepreneurship #networking #product market fit #women in business #startup advice #business exit

Summary

In this episode, Giuseppe Baidoo, co-founder of Gusto Snacks, shares his inspiring journey from Italy to the UK, highlighting the challenges he faced as a minority founder and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the innovative marketing strategies that set Gusto apart in the competitive healthy snacks market, the funding challenges they overcame, and the personal growth he experienced throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Giuseppe emphasizes the significance of resilience, consistency, and having a purpose-driven mindset in achieving success.

Takeaways:

- Giuseppe's journey began with a passion for reducing food waste.
- Gusto Snacks aims to change consumer habits for healthier snacking.
- Mentorship played a crucial role in Giuseppe's entrepreneurial journey.
- Building a strong partnership with Claudio was key to Gusto's success.
- Innovative marketing strategies helped Gusto stand out in a crowded market.
- Funding challenges are common for minority founders, but perseverance is essential.
- Personal growth and resilience are vital for entrepreneurs.
- Consistency in business communication can lead to better opportunities.
- Having a supportive partner is crucial during challenging times.
- A purpose-driven mindset can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/axJrg2ZHtjY?si=8nKbnu1SSxrjHMJ3

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000679691313

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5p09lCWTKu07plCC5CbNu4?si=zcWXHOHIRbGEqBMqUQiCMw

Join host Samuel Ajala in this insightful episode of 'Finance for Founders' where he converses with Dr. Valentine Obi, the founder and CEO of eTranzact Global. Dr. Obi shares how he spearheaded financial inclusion in Africa with the continent's first multi-channel electronic transaction platform, and his vision behind the newly launched Xcelapp. Dive deep into the challenges of scaling a fintech business across Africa, lessons in leadership, financial discipline, and the importance of purpose and authenticity in entrepreneurship. Learn about Dr. Obi's personal journey, including his faith, family life, and the drive to innovate and solve problems. This episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, emphasising the creation of unique value, disciplined financial management, and the inspiration that comes from a clear purpose.

eTranzact: https://www.etranzact.com/#/
Xcelapp: https://www.xcelapp.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-valentine-obi-8014397/

XcelApp Offer:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/xcel-business/id1574115302
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/xcel-app/id1506145493
Code: Issuer and reference code 1220

🎧 Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SOMXpyOtYDdFG6wy4jVhF?si=c1W7AjtJR_aaBjY0CjpjDw&t=417

🍏ApplePodcast: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000678735200

📺 Youtube: 
https://youtu.be/u4_j-GkiGI8

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to Finance for Founders
00:20 Meet Dr. Valentine Obie: Fintech Trailblazer
01:06 The Vision Behind eTransact
02:28 Challenges and Innovations in Fintech
06:41 Personal Journey and Background
09:41 Faith, Family, and Leadership
15:28 Scaling eTransact: Obstacles and Successes
20:25 Funding and Mentorship in Fintech
24:22 Introduction to Excel App
24:55 Community and Financial Transactions
25:45 Excel as a Service
26:18 UK Bank Account Features
26:53 Entrepreneurial Advice
28:32 Leadership and Team Inspiration
29:27 Challenges in Starting a Bank
31:35 Vision for Excel App
32:15 Communicating Value to Customers
36:09 Advice for New Entrepreneurs
41:22 Personal Insights and Preferences
46:54 Conclusion and Farewell