Innovation Conversation: Growth Mindset, Testing Demand, and Startup Lessons with Hattie Willis

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Hattie Willis, founder of Guessworks, If We Raise, and Angel Syndicate, to discuss her journey through the startup world and the lessons she’s learned from launching multiple ventures. Hattie shares how she teaches early-stage innovation skills, helps founders assess fundraising readiness, and fosters new groups of angel investors.

They dive into:

• The importance of having a growth mindset and learning new skills as a founder.
• How to use a criteria-based approach for making better decisions — focusing on impact, financial sustainability, and personal enjoyment.
• Hattie’s unconventional entry into the startup world and how it shaped her entrepreneurial path.
• Why testing demand early is crucial to avoid building products no one needs.
• The value of building a strong network of co-founders, mentors, and supporters.
• Practical advice for first-time founders about risk, resilience, and decision-making.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with real-world startup advice and hard-won entrepreneurial insights.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 07:44 — The Power of a Growth Mindset 14:07 — From Kicking a Man Out of a Bar to Startup Success 30:38 — Dealing with Doubts and Seeking Support 40:41 — Advice for First-time Founders