Groundfloor Labs: Going Up Podcast

Ellen Fischat draws on a wealth of experience as she describes where tech accelerators are getting it wrong and how we can better use technology to connect with each other. Ellen talks about her consultancy, the Story Room, her work at the Oribi Village social enterprise accelerator, and what is has been like being the South African representative for InspiringFifty. 

The conversation spans the length and breadth of Ellen's fascinating career thus far and offers a window into the connection between social work and technology. 

Alex Harris has a unique perspective on the retail industry, with over 30 years experience in building and shaping retail businesses both big and small. Alex shares what he loves about retail and what need to be changed. We look ahead at a post COVID19 reality and talk about the steps retailers need to take to survive. Lastly, we focus on technological disruption within retail and how South Africa is positioned for digital transformation. 

Notes: 
Alex's mask company: natashablack.co.za

James talks to Zulé, founder and CEO of LocumBase, about being a startup in the Medtech industry. Zulé shares about the impact of Cornavirus and how LocumBase is responding. The discussion explores how technology can enable medicine and what it's like to be a business on the verge of scaling up. 

Notes:

• At 29:05 Zulé mentions a specific regulation that prevents remote medical care except under strict conditions. These regulations have changed since recording in response to Covid19 and is likely to keep changing as the needs change. 
• 34:26 Zulé references a book. She is talking about Edward Snowden's book, Permanent Record.

Deven Moodley from RCS talks to us about the credit industry in South Africa and the impact of new technology on businesses and consumers. We also discuss COVID 19, innovation, and big data. 

Show notes: 

• https://www.startupbootcamp.org/

We talk to Pete Howie, Head of People and Product at Seattle Coffee Co. 
The conversation spans artisanal business practices, the 5 waves of the coffee industry, the impact of technology on coffee, and the values that drive Seattle to keep growing and delighting. 

This is a quick introduction to Season 1 of the GFL Going Up podcast. In this episode we:

• Introduce you to the team behind the recordings
• Explain why the podcast exists
• Let you in on what you can expect from the season
• Answer some rapid-fire questions
• Look out for the first interview and subscribe!