Founder's Voyage

Founder's Voyage

By Spencer Walker-Fooks, Nancy NashBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Founder's Voyage episodes

  • 38 - 🎙️ Bringing Hope to Mental Health - Kratika Agarwal

    Kritika is a passionate entrepreneur and the co-founder of Manaslu, a mental health service organisation in India that aims to provide accessible and effective mental health care. With over three years of experience in the field, Kritika has successfully built a client base of more than 10,000 individuals, working with corporates, NGOs, and individuals to promote mental wellbeing. Her personal journey, marked by challenges and the influence of key mentors, has fuelled her commitment to creating a supportive therapeutic environment for those in need.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Kritika's Journey:

    🔸 Consistency is Key: The importance of maintaining consistent effort in your entrepreneurial journey, regardless of the challenges you face.

    🔸 Embrace Your Role: As a founder, you are not just a boss; you are a support system for your team, helping them navigate challenges and grow.

    🔸 Know Your Goals: Regularly revisit your personal and professional goals to maintain focus and avoid the trap of comparison with others in your industry.

    🔸 Prioritise Personalisation: In the mental health space, ensuring personalised care is crucial for effective therapy and client satisfaction.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Kratika on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    48 min
  • 37 - 🎙️ A Champion for Women's Health - Adonica Shaw

    Adonica is the founder of Wing Woman Inc., a women's health tech startup dedicated to providing peer support for individuals navigating unique health experiences, particularly in maternal and reproductive health. As a preeclampsia survivor and patient advocate, she leverages her personal journey to empower others and raise awareness about the challenges faced by women, especially women of colour. With a background in journalism and public relations, Adonica has transitioned into the health tech space, combining her lived experience with her professional expertise to create impactful solutions for women's health.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Adonica's Journey:

    🔸 Embrace Your Passion: If something keeps you up at night, give yourself a year to explore it. Pursuing your passion can lead to meaningful change and personal growth.

    🔸 The Power of Lived Experience: Personal experiences can drive advocacy and innovation. Adonica's journey illustrates how her challenges became the foundation for her mission to support others.

    🔸 Radical Self-Care: Prioritising self-care is essential for maintaining mental and physical health, especially as an entrepreneur. Setting boundaries and scheduling time for yourself can enhance your effectiveness and well-being.

    🔸 Building Consensus in Healthcare: Understanding multiple perspectives in healthcare is crucial for creating effective solutions. Engaging with diverse stakeholders can help shape a product that truly meets the needs of users.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Adonica on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    56 min
  • 36 - 🎙️ Variety and Challenging Yourself - Ximena Buffa

    Ximena is the co-founder and Director of Growth at MTI Selling, a B2B marketing consultancy specialising in the IT sector across Latin America. With over 11 years of experience in marketing and personal brand consulting, she has successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, building a thriving company that emphasises flexibility and empowerment, particularly for women in the workplace. Ximena is also a passionate educator, dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experiences with the next generation of entrepreneurs.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Ximena's Journey:

    🔸 Embrace Experimentation: Ximena emphasises the importance of trying new things and exploring different career paths, especially when you're young. This experimentation can lead to discovering your true passions and opportunities in unexpected areas.

    🔸 The Value of Mentorship: Having mentors can significantly impact your personal and professional growth. Ximena shares how her mentor guided her through her early career and helped her navigate the complexities of the business world.

    🔸 Building a Supportive Company Culture: Creating a democratic and supportive work environment is crucial for employee motivation and retention. Ximena highlights the importance of fostering a culture where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute.

    🔸 Balancing Work and Life: Ximena discusses the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance as an entrepreneur, particularly for women. She stresses the importance of self-care and surrounding yourself with a supportive team to achieve this balance.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Ximena on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    51 min
  • 35 - 🎙️ Obsession, Hard Work and Raw Talent - Parthiban S

    Parthiban is a talented robotics engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur who has made significant strides in the startup ecosystem at just 20 years old. As the founder and CEO of Creatine and My Uni Chums, he is dedicated to empowering students and local businesses through innovative solutions and creative services. His journey reflects a deep commitment to addressing educational challenges and fostering entrepreneurship among young people in India.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Parthiban's Journey:

    🔸 The Power of Obsession: Parthiban emphasises that obsession and hard work often outweigh natural talent. He believes that being deeply passionate about your goals can drive success, even in competitive fields.

    🔸 Start Early and Experiment: He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start their ventures at a young age, highlighting that early experimentation can lead to valuable learning experiences and opportunities.

    🔸 Identify and Solve Real Problems: Parthiban's success stems from his ability to identify pressing issues faced by students and local businesses, demonstrating the importance of addressing real-world problems through entrepreneurship.

    🔸 Leverage Community and Networking: He stresses the significance of building a network and community, as collaboration and mentorship can provide essential support and resources for budding entrepreneurs.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Parthiban on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about his journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    49 min
  • 34 - 🎙️ Lighting Candles - Wycliffe Barasa

    Wycliffe is a passionate social entrepreneur and the Head of Donor Relations and Fundraising at Impact Africa Network. He is also the founder of Kosi Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young Africans through education, mentorship, and leadership training. Wycliffe's journey from a challenging childhood on the streets of Kampala to becoming a leader in social entrepreneurship exemplifies resilience and a commitment to uplifting others. His work focuses on igniting the potential of young people and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to address community challenges.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Wycliffe's Journey:

    🔸 Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Wycliffe emphasises that failure is an essential part of innovation. He believes that if you are not failing, you are not truly innovating, and that each setback provides valuable lessons for future success.

    🔸 The Importance of Mentorship: Throughout his life, Wycliffe has been profoundly influenced by mentors, particularly women. He advocates for the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.

    🔸 Focus on Purpose Over Profit: Wycliffe encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to define their "why" and focus on solving real problems rather than solely chasing financial gain. He believes that a strong purpose will naturally lead to success and sustainability.

    🔸 Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Wycliffe stresses the need to shift perspectives from seeing problems as obstacles to viewing them as opportunities for innovation. He mentors young people to develop solutions that address community needs.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Wycliffe on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about his journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    1 hr 4 min
  • 33 - 🎙️ AI and Women Tech Makers - Aashi Dutt

    Aashi is a founding AI engineer at MIT Engage Healthcare Pvt. Limited, where she is dedicated to leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes. As a Women Techmakers ambassador and lead organiser of the TensorFlow User Group in Chandigarh, she actively fosters a community of tech enthusiasts passionate about AI and machine learning. With a background in electronics and communication engineering, Aashi has a unique perspective on problem-solving and innovation in the tech space.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Aashi's Journey:

    🔸 Embrace Failure: Aashi emphasises that it's okay to make mistakes and that each failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and try new things, as valuable lessons often come from unexpected experiences.

    🔸 Prioritise and Simplify: Aashi shares her mantra of keeping things simple by prioritising tasks and focusing on one thing at a time. This approach helps her manage her responsibilities effectively and maintain a balanced life.

    🔸 The Importance of Community: Through her involvement with Women Techmakers and the TensorFlow User Group, Aashi highlights the significance of building supportive networks. She believes that collaboration and mentorship can empower individuals, especially women in tech, to thrive.

    🔸 Data Privacy and Ethics: Aashi discusses the critical importance of data privacy in AI, advocating for responsible data usage and the need for regulations. She emphasises the role of consent and transparency in building trust with users.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Aashi on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    53 min
  • 32 - 🎙️ Trailblazing Scientist - Patricia Silveyra

    Patricia is an accomplished associate professor and director of the Bell and Bear Stretcher Blackwell Distinguished Term Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill. With a focus on sex-specific mechanisms of lung inflammation and inflammatory lung disease, Patricia utilises a multidisciplinary approach that combines molecular biology, immunology, and endocrinology. Her dedication to advancing research in her field, along with her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, makes her a prominent figure in academia.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Patricia's Journey:

    🔸 The Importance of Representation: Patricia emphasises the need for diversity in research, particularly in understanding sex differences in medical studies. She advocates for including both male and female models in research to ensure that findings are applicable to all populations.

    🔸 Navigating Challenges in Academia: She shares her experiences of overcoming obstacles in her academic journey, including the challenges of transitioning to a new country and adapting to different educational systems. Her resilience serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs facing similar hurdles.

    🔸 The Value of Networking: Patricia highlights the significance of building a strong professional network. Her participation in the Rotary Club and other organisations not only provided funding opportunities but also opened doors for collaboration and mentorship.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Patricia on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    1 hr 15 min
  • 31 - 🎙️ Education, Technology, and Passion - Shamyl Bin Mansoor

    Shamyl is the co-founder and chief technology officer of LearnOBots, an innovative edtech company dedicated to making learning playful, fun, and interactive. With a background in engineering and experience as an assistant professor, Shamyl has spent over seven years addressing the challenges of traditional education by integrating technology and hands-on learning experiences. His passion for problem-solving and commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators have led to the successful development of engaging educational programs that empower students to explore their interests in STEM fields.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Shamyl's Journey:

    🔸 The Importance of Passion: Shamyl emphasises that maintaining passion for your work is crucial, especially during challenging times. This passion can help you persevere through setbacks and keep you motivated to achieve your goals.

    🔸 Adapting to Change: Shamyl's journey illustrates the necessity of being flexible and willing to pivot your business model when faced with challenges. His transition from a hands-on workshop model to a scalable SaaS platform demonstrates how adaptability can lead to greater success.

    🔸 Community and Networking: Building a supportive community is vital for entrepreneurs. Shamyl highlights the value of connecting with like-minded individuals and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement throughout your journey.

    🔸 Focus on Problem-Solving Skills: Shamyl advocates for an education system that prioritises problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking over rote memorisation. He believes that equipping students with these skills is essential for preparing them for the future job market.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Shamyl on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    46 min
  • 30 - 🎙️ Embracing Challenges as Opportunities - Selene Garcia

    Selene is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in various industries, including food and beverage, personal care, health, energy, and automotive. She is a graduate of the MIT Bootcamp in Innovation Leadership and currently serves as a cybersecurity business developer and customer success manager, helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Selene's journey is marked by her resilience and adaptability, having pivoted from a traditional role in the paper and packaging industry to embrace the dynamic field of cybersecurity.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Selene's Journey:

    🔸 Embrace Change as Opportunity: Selene emphasises the importance of viewing setbacks, such as being laid off, as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than failures.

    🔸 The Value of Mentorship: She highlights the significant impact her father had on her life, teaching her the importance of hard work, resilience, and the necessity of facing challenges head-on.

    🔸 Learning Through Experience: Selene advocates for hands-on learning and the importance of gaining diverse experiences across different industries to discover one's true passions and strengths.

    🔸 Work-Life Balance: She shares her journey towards achieving a healthy work-life balance, particularly during the pandemic, and how remote work has allowed her to prioritise her personal well-being while maintaining professional productivity.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Selene on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about her journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    1 hr
  • 29 - 🎙️ AI, Football and Doing What You Love - Hassan Hankir

    Hassan is an accomplished mathematician, entrepreneur, and research scientist with a passion for technology and its potential to improve lives. An MIT bootcamp alumnus, Hassan has successfully navigated the worlds of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, co-founding a VR startup and currently working as a scientific R&D consultant. His diverse interests also include playing soccer and producing music, showcasing his multifaceted approach to life and work.


    💡 What You’ll Learn from Hassan's Journey:

    🔸 Pursue Your Passion: The importance of doing what you love is paramount. Hassan emphasises that choosing a path based on passion leads to greater fulfilment and success in both personal and professional endeavours.

    🔸 Embrace Technology: Staying updated with emerging technologies, such as AI and VR, can open doors to new opportunities. Hassan's journey illustrates how being at the forefront of tech can enhance your career and entrepreneurial ventures.

    🔸 Adaptability is Key: The ability to pivot and adapt to new trends and technologies is crucial for entrepreneurs. Hassan's transition from VR to AI highlights the importance of being flexible and responsive to market demands.

    🔸 Teaching as a Tool for Growth: Sharing knowledge through teaching not only benefits others but also reinforces your own understanding. Hassan's experience as a tutor and educator demonstrates the value of mentorship in personal and professional development.


    You can find the link to our in-person events ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    You can follow Hassan on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ to learn more about his journey!


    🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.


    👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.


    🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Jacques’.


    #FoundersVoyage#Entrepreneurship#Podcast

    56 min

About Founder's Voyage

From the publisher's feed

Founder’s Voyage is a podcast for the ones building in the dark, the ones failing forward, and the ones figuring it out as they go.

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