Founders Unplugged

By Greg McCallum

Founders Unplugged is a web series capturing long-form conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.... more

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FAQs about Founders Unplugged:

How many episodes does Founders Unplugged have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.

Founders Unplugged episodes:

February 04, 2024S2 E23 Founder & CEO of Founder + Lightning; Matt Jonns
In this episode, our host Greg Mccallum sits down with the brilliant Matt Jonns, Founder & CEO of Founder + Lightning, a venture studio that partners with non-technical founders to build their tech companies. Matt's unique background as a founder who doesn't code, gives him valuable insights into the challenges faced by non-technical entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we cover the following topics:
Matt's journey from taking over his family's analog music instrument business to digitizing it and founding Founder & Lightning.
The importance of having a clear vision and effectively communicating it to others.
The role of the founder in the company and how Matt operates as the CEO.
The challenges faced by founders in the commercial side of their businesses and the need for a balance between technical and commercial expertise.
The unique business model of Founder & Lightning, which involves discounting fees in return for equity and their recent pivot to directly investing in the companies they work with.
The significance of community engagement and the role of founders in reaching out to a wider audience.
The impact of digitization on startups and the opportunities it presents for building sustainable companies.
Matt's perspective on the future of Founder & Lightning and their focus on digitalization and diversity.
Join us for this insightful conversation as we delve into the world of non-technical founders, the challenges they face, and the strategies for building successful tech companies. Don't miss out on this episode of Founders Unplugged with Matt Jonns, Founder & CEO of Founder & Lightning!
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jonns/
Check out Founder + Lightning here: https://www.founderandlightning.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork?https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 57min
January 28, 2024S2 E22 Founder & CEO of DealerDoc; Richard Hannaford
In this exciting episode of Founders Unplugged, join host Greg Mccallum as he sits down with Richard Hannaford, Founder & CEO of DealerDOC, to delve into the fascinating journey of this resilient entrepreneur.
Richard discusses the challenges he faced; from dropping out of school to finding his way in the military, the pivotal moments that shaped Richard's character and instilled in him a drive for personal growth and success and the transition from serving in the military to becoming a top-performing salesperson in the automotive industry.
Get ready for an insightful conversation that covers a range of topics, including:
Resilience and Overcoming Challenges: Richard shares his personal story of resilience, drawing inspiration from his father's experience of running a business despite facing multiple heart attacks. Discover how he bounced back and found success in the face of adversity.
The Importance of Authority and Purpose: Greg and Richard delve into the significance of having an authority figure who commands respect and guides individuals towards their goals. They discuss how purpose-driven leadership can make a significant difference in the success of a startup.
The Pitfalls of Assumptions in the Motor Trade: Richard and Greg explore the common assumptions made in the motor trade industry and how they can hinder growth and success. They emphasize the need for businesses to adapt and evolve their sales strategies to meet the changing demands of customers.
Incremental Changes for Massive Impact: Richard highlights the power of making small, incremental changes within a business to achieve significant results. Discover how these changes compound over time and can transform the overall performance and success of a startup.
The Value of Best Practice Sharing: Greg and Richard discuss the importance of sharing best practices within a sales team. They emphasize the need for sales managers to extract the best practices from top performers and share them with the rest of the team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Analysing the Business as a Whole: Richard emphasizes the importance of analysing a business in its entirety, rather than focusing on isolated parts. He shares examples of how looking at different areas of a business can lead to a better understanding of its overall performance and potential areas for improvement.
Creating a Solid Business Model: Greg and Richard discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on a few top performers within a business. They highlight the importance of building contingencies and creating a solid business model that doesn't solely rely on a select few individuals.
Adapting Sales Strategies to Changing Customer Expectations: Richard and Greg emphasize the need for businesses to constantly adapt their sales strategies to meet changing customer expectations. They discuss the importance of understanding how customers buy and tailoring sales approaches accordingly.
Join Greg Mccallum and Richard Hannaford in this thought-provoking episode of Founders Unplugged, as they explore the journey of an entrepreneur who has overcome adversity and embraced innovation to revolutionize the motor trade. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that will leave you motivated and ready to take on new challenges in your own entrepreneurial journey.
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hannaford/
Check out DealerDoc here: https://dealerdoc.cloud/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
2h 2min
January 21, 2024S2 E21 Founder & CEO of Canopey; Thomas Panton
In this episode, our host Greg Mccallum sits down with Thomas Panton, the Founder & CEO of Canopy. Get ready to dive into the world of sustainable shopping and learn how Canopy is revolutionizing the way we shop for ethical and eco-friendly products.
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
Thomas Panton shares his journey from working with environmental organizations to founding Canopy, a platform that connects consumers with verified ethical brands.
Discover how Canopy is making sustainable shopping convenient and accessible for everyone, addressing the challenges of greenwashing and providing evidence-backed green claims.
Learn about Canopy's unique position in the market, supporting startups and vendors by promoting their products and helping them gain traction.
Gain insights into the importance of behavioural change and how Canopy is making it easier for consumers to make better choices without sacrificing convenience.
Explore the broader impact of Canopy and other innovative startups in the climate tech space, and how they are collectively driving change and putting pressure on governments.
Join Greg and Thomas as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sustainable shopping industry, and how Canopy is leading the way towards a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and colleagues who are passionate about sustainability and ethical consumerism. Together, we can make a difference!
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspanton/
Check out Canopey here: https://canopey.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
2h 22min
January 14, 2024S2 E20 Co-founders of Nova Square; Mathieu Bayou & Nicolas Jellab
Welcome to another exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Mathieu Bayou and Nicolas Jellab, the co-founders of NovaSquare. Join us as we dive deep into their journey of building a unique platform that combines streaming and AI technology.
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
Insights into NovaSquare's Origin Story: Mathieu and Nicolas share their background as software engineers and how their passion for music and streaming led them to create NovaSquare. Discover how their love for music and technology converged to form the foundation of their innovative platform.
The Power of Community: Learn how NovaSquare has fostered a diverse and vibrant community of streamers and viewers. Mathieu and Nicolas discuss the importance of engaging with their users and how they have incorporated user feedback into their platform's development.
Behind the Scenes of NovaSquare: Get an exclusive look into the inner workings of NovaSquare. From the challenges they faced during the early stages to the evolution of their AI technology, Mathieu and Nicolas provide valuable insights into the development process and the future of their platform.
The Magic of Streaming: Discover the unique experiences and moments that streaming on NovaSquare has created. Mathieu and Nicolas share entertaining anecdotes and inside jokes that have emerged from their community, highlighting the fun and engaging nature of their platform.
Looking Ahead: Join us as we explore the future of NovaSquare and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Mathieu and Nicolas discuss their vision for the platform and how they plan to continue innovating and providing value to their users.
Don't miss out on this captivating conversation with Mathieu Bayou and Nicolas Jellab as they share their entrepreneurial journey and the story behind NovaSquare. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and be inspired by their passion for music, streaming, and AI technology.
Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring episodes of Founders Unplugged!
Connect with Mathieu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieubayou/
and Nicolas here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-jellab/
Check out NovaSquare here: https://www.novasquare.io/
And sign up to the ai_licia beta for your Twitch channel here: https://streamer-dashboard.ailicia.live/en/signup/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
2h 3min
January 07, 2024S2 E19 Founder of Viatitude Health Ltd; Martina Meyer
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, join host Greg Mccallum as he sits down with Martina Meyer zu Selhausen, the brilliant mind behind Viatitude Health Ltd. Get ready for an engaging conversation that delves into the world of health, nutrition, and entrepreneurship.
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
Insights into Martina's Personal Journey: Martina shares her personal story of overcoming health challenges and how it led her to start Viatitude Health Ltd. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she learned along the way.
Unveiling the Power of Nutrition: Martina discusses the impact of nutrition on our overall well-being, particularly in relation to cognitive and brain health. Gain valuable insights into the role of food proteins, such as gluten, dairy, and egg, and how they can affect our immune system and overall health.
Challenging the Status Quo: Greg and Martina explore the limitations of traditional medical practices and the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare. Discover why Martina believes that doctors should spend more time understanding the role of nutrition and lifestyle in treating and preventing diseases.
Empowering Yourself through Mindset: Martina emphasizes the importance of trusting your own body and listening to its signals. Learn how to change your mindset and take control of your health by making informed choices and embracing a personalized approach to wellness.
The Future of Shopping and Food: Greg and Martina discuss the potential for revolutionizing the way we shop for food. Explore Martina's vision of a supermarket layout based on health benefits, where an app guides consumers to fulfill their body's specific needs.
Tips for Founders and Lifestyle Changes: Martina shares her top tips for founders looking to make positive lifestyle changes. From trusting yourself to exploring the power of nutrition, discover practical advice to improve cognitive and brain health while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Join Greg Mccallum and Martina Meyer zu Selhausen in this thought-provoking episode of Founders Unplugged. Gain valuable insights into the intersection of health, nutrition, and entrepreneurship, and be inspired to take control of your own well-being. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow founders and entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more exciting conversations on Founders Unplugged!
Connect with Martina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-meyer-zu-selhausen-928152/
Check out Viatitude Health Ltd here: https://viatitudehealth.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 51min
December 27, 2023S2 E18 Founder & Alchemist at The Wellness Revolution; Teresa Clark
Welcome to another exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, our host, Greg McCallum, sits down with the incredible Teresa Clark, Founder and Alchemist at The Wellness Revolution. Get ready to dive into the world of workplace well-being and discover how Teresa's journey through mental health and her passion for transformation led her to create a revolution in the corporate world.
Here's what you can expect from this enlightening conversation:
Unveiling the Alchemist: Greg and Teresa discuss the inspiration behind Teresa's unique title as the Alchemist and how it reflects her mission to transform energy and culture in workplaces.
From Trauma to Triumph: Teresa opens up about her own traumatic background and how it shaped her path towards working in mental health. Discover how she transformed herself from the inside out and now helps organizations create supportive and thriving cultures.
The Wellness Revolution: Teresa shares her vision for The Wellness Revolution and how it aims to unleash the potential of workplaces by prioritizing employee well-being. Learn how Teresa's background in mental health and her belief in the power of the business world to drive social change led her to create this innovative consultancy.
Bespoke Solutions for Well-being: Greg and Teresa delve into the practical side of The Wellness Revolution. Explore how Teresa's consultancy works closely with organizations to identify their specific well-being needs and co-create tailored programs and services. Discover the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and building a culture of well-being that supports employees' mental and physical health.
The Creative Connection: Greg and Teresa discuss the role of creativity in well-being. Learn how engaging in creative outlets can help build resilience, reduce stress, and foster innovation in the workplace. Discover why Teresa believes that everyone is creative and how she incorporates creativity into her work with organizations.
Reframing Challenges: Teresa and Greg explore the power of reframing challenges and shifting from a victim mentality to a growth mindset. Discover how self-belief and conscious choice can empower individuals to overcome obstacles and create positive change in their lives.
Inspiration for Change: Greg and Teresa highlight the importance of role models and inspiring stories of individuals who have turned adversity into success. Learn how these stories can motivate and guide us in our own journeys of personal and professional growth.
Join Greg McCallum and Teresa Clark in this thought-provoking episode as they uncover the secrets to creating thriving workplaces through well-being. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to unleash your own potential!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and colleagues who are passionate about workplace well-being. Together, let's revolutionize the way we work and live!
Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-clark-the-wellness-revolution/
Check out The Wellness Revolution here: https://thewellnessrevolution.co.uk/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 60min
December 20, 2023S2 E17 Founder & CEO of Hoopsy; Lara Solomon
Welcome to another exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, our host Greg McCallum sits down with the brilliant and passionate Lara Solomon, Founder and CEO of Hoopsy. Get ready for an engaging conversation as they dive into the world of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the challenges of building a startup.
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
1. Unveiling the Journey: Lara shares her inspiring journey of founding Hoopsy, an environmentally friendly midstream test made from 99% paper and 99% plastic-free. Discover how Lara's vision and determination led her to create a product that not only helps people but also contributes to a sustainable future.
2. Overcoming Obstacles: Join Greg and Lara as they discuss the hurdles faced by entrepreneurs in the startup world. Lara opens up about the initial struggles of choosing a brand name and navigating the direct-to-consumer market. Gain valuable insights into the challenges of targeting the right audience and the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks.
3. The Power of Feedback: Lara shares her experiences with receiving feedback and the impact it has had on her business. Discover how constructive criticism and a willingness to adapt can lead to significant improvements in pitching and product development. Learn from Lara's journey as she embraces feedback and continuously refines her approach.
4. The Importance of Community: Greg and Lara delve into the significance of building a supportive community in the startup ecosystem. Lara highlights the value of events and networking opportunities, sharing her positive experiences with the vibrant startup community in Brighton. Gain insights into the power of collaboration and the benefits of connecting with like-minded individuals.
5. Celebrating Wins: Lara candidly discusses the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship and the importance of celebrating even the smallest wins. Discover how a win, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can fuel motivation and drive. Join Greg and Lara as they explore the emotional journey of being a founder and the resilience required to keep pushing forward.
Don't miss out on this captivating episode of Founders Unplugged, where Lara Solomon shares her entrepreneurial journey, insights, and the story behind Hoopsy. Get ready to be inspired and motivated as you dive into the world of startups and sustainability. Hit that play button and join us for an engaging conversation with Lara Solomon, the visionary founder of Hoopsy!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow founders and entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more exciting conversations on Founders Unplugged!
Connect with Lara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larasolomon/
Check out Hoopsy here: https://www.hoopsy.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 56min
December 17, 2023S2 E16 Founder & CEO of TILLIT; Felicia Hjertman
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, join host Greg Mccallum as he sits down with Felicia Hjertman, the Founder & CEO of TILLIT, a startup focused on helping fund investors take control of their long-term investments.
Key Highlights:
Greg and Felicia discuss the importance of research and vetting in investment decisions, with TILLIT acting as the guardrails for their customers.
They explore the need for education and understanding in the investment space, highlighting the risks associated with lack of knowledge.
Felicia shares her journey from being a fund manager to starting TILLIT, emphasizing the goal of empowering individuals to make better investment decisions.
The conversation touches on the challenges of breaking old habits and the role of both the government and private sector in promoting financial education.
Greg and Felicia delve into the myths surrounding investing and the need for transparency and demystification in the industry.
They also discuss the concept of time and how it can feel both fleeting and eternal when running a business.
Join Greg and Felicia as they provide valuable insights into the world of investing, entrepreneurship, and the mission of TILLIT to empower individuals on their financial journey.
Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation between Greg Mccallum and Felicia Hjertman, where they shed light on the world of investing and the mission of TILLIT to empower personal investors. Tune in now!
Connect with Felicia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciahjertman/
Check out TILLIT here: https://tillitinvest.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 35min
December 10, 2023S2 E15 Founder & CEO of Sinless Treats; Beata Lerman Ph.D
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, join host Greg Mccallum as he sits down with the incredible Beata Lerman, Founder and CEO of Sinless Treats. Prepare to be amazed by Beata's inspiring journey and her innovative approach to redefining chocolate.
Highlights:
Beata Lerman, a scientist and immunologist, shares her passion for health and her journey in the biomedical field.
Discover how Beata's personal experience with cancer led her to cut out sugar entirely and adopt a ketogenic lifestyle.
Learn about Beata's groundbreaking work in genetic engineering and gene therapy, where she developed technologies to fix mistakes in human DNA.
Be inspired by Beata's determination to challenge the establishment and create a legacy company that prioritizes innovation and health.
Explore the world of chocolate through Beata's unique perspective as both a chocolate maker and chocolatier.
Gain insights into the importance of clean ingredients and the challenges of crafting chocolate that is both healthy and palatable.
Beata's Sinless Treats offers a range of delicious and nutritious chocolate products, including bars with high fiber content and low sugar.
Discover the fascinating process of cacao bean fermentation and how it contributes to the quality of chocolate.
Beata's commitment to health extends beyond her business, as she shares her knowledge and helps others navigate the healthcare system.
We talk about diets, big pharma, big food, scientific institutions, public perception of science and nutrition and so much more.
A real-life Willy Wonka making chocolate not only healthy but a superfood!
This is a journey you do not want to miss.
Join me, Greg Mccallum, and Beata Lerman in this captivating episode of Founders Unplugged as they delve into the world of chocolate, innovation, and the pursuit of a healthier future. Don't miss out on this incredible story of resilience, creativity, and the power of scientific thinking.
Connect with Beata on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beata-lerman-ph-d-b813a062/
Check out Sinless Treats here: https://sinlesstreats.us/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
2h 21min
December 03, 2023S2 E14 Founder & CEO of Workjoy; Hans-Kristian Bjerregaard
Welcome to another exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, our host, Greg McCallum, sits down with the brilliant and innovative Hans-Kristian Bjerregaard, Founder & CEO of WorkJoy. Get ready to dive into the world of WorkJoy, a company that aims to make employees just as excited about Mondays as they are about Fridays.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Personalized Outreach: Hans-Kristian shares his insights on the importance of personalized outreach and building relationships with potential customers. He emphasizes the value of understanding their needs and offering solutions that truly resonate with them.
The Future of Remote Work: Discover how WorkJoy is embracing the remote work revolution. Hans-Kristian discusses the company's global approach and the benefits of being a remote-first organization. Learn how WorkJoy is helping companies create a flexible and productive workforce.
The Art of Building Software: Gain valuable insights into the challenges of building software that truly meets the needs of users. Hans-Kristian shares his experiences and the importance of listening to feedback from real employees to shape the future of WorkJoy.
Creating Rhythms in the Workplace: Explore the concept of creating rhythms in the workplace and how it can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Hans-Kristian draws parallels between music and work, highlighting the importance of finding the right balance between structure and flexibility.
The Journey of a Founder: Join Greg and Hans-Kristian as they discuss the journey of a founder, including the highs and lows of building a company from scratch. Gain valuable insights into the mindset and experiences of a seasoned entrepreneur.
Don't miss this captivating conversation with Hans-Kristian Bjerregaard, where he shares his wisdom and experiences in the world of entrepreneurship and building a successful company. Tune in to Founders Unplugged and get inspired to create a workplace where employees thrive and find joy in their work.
Connect with Hans on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-kristian-bjerregaard/
Check out Workjoy here: https://workjoy.co/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 58min

FAQs about Founders Unplugged:

How many episodes does Founders Unplugged have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.