Hole in the Whole

Do you feel freedom as an entrepreneur? Listen as Yana and Tom discuss this and the four liberating examples Yana and her friend came up with and how they relate to freedom. Tom and Yana also share their predictions for the economy in the next few months, and as strange as it is, they agree with their predictions. Tom also shares which industries he believes will flourish and which ones will have a harder time regrouping.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments and reviews and help us get our podcast heard. 

Today's Episode:

• [00:24] Hello, everybody!
• [00:54] Yana shares where the idea for this episode came from.
• [01:41] Why would you call the entrepreneurial lifestyle freedom?
• [01:49] Tom can relate because he has the before and after scenario.
• [03:07] Yana shares the four liberating examples she and her friend came up with.
• [06:29] Tom agrees that everything that Yana discussed has to do with freedom.
• [07:57] Have you ever tried to step outside of the scope of what you are supposed to be doing?
• [09:13] Yana agrees that their professional life hasn't really changed since launching their startups.
• [09:52] Tom says the most significant thing that keeps you from doing what you want to do is the gap between your dream and the time you think it will take to execute and the time it actually takes.
• [10:49] Overnight success is easy, but on average it takes ten to fifteen years.
• [11:06] Yana shares that the most limiting factors that she has experienced recently aren't the time but the ability to figure out how things must be done.
• [12:42] Tom says the communication between teams is very important.
• [13:58] Yana, what are your predictions for the next two months?
• [16:04] Tom's views are aligned with Yana's on what will happen in the next few months.
• [17:33] Tom shares the industries he believes will flourish and the ones he believes will have a hard time.
• [20:19] We hope you enjoyed the conversation, and we will talk to you next week.

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Listen in as your hosts Yana and Tom discuss the third phase of their digital project. They speak about distractions and what qualifies as one. Yana and Tom also chat about improvising and having uncommon scenarios that you want to achieve and whether or not that is a good thing. They agree with each other a lot on this episode, but they still make it fun and exciting, especially if you are at the edge of your seat trying to figure out what this new project is, even though they just keep teasing us.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments and reviews and help us get our podcast heard. 

Today's Episode:

• [00:24] Hello, my fellow cliffhangers!
• [00:52] Yana shares that distractions rarely happen in tech projects.
• [02:30] Yana thinks feeling fulfilled or happy about where you are is self-work.
• [04:43] Tom loves what Yana said, that it's all about you; you are in control of your circumstance.
• [06:13] Tom shares that he likes to have several scenarios ready so that if a situation happens, he can change the script.
• [07:01] Yana disagrees with Tom on the uncommon scenarios, just in case.
• [09:41] Have you ever improvised depending on your mood or where you are in your project?
• [10:17] Yana speaks about a book called Thrive by Arianna Huffington.
• [11:38] Tom totally relates to the premise of the book.
• [13:34] Yana shares what she has been experiencing lately after creating a perfect source document of the summary of their project.
• [14:57] Tom chats about sharpening the focus and becoming one voice with Yana on their project.
• [16:45] Yana says you need to imagine what your end state will be.
• [18:38] Tom says he couldn't agree more that you need to visualize an objective.
• [21:12] If you always have the big picture in mind, it becomes so clear, and the yes and no become so easy to understand.
• [23:47] Yana says the most important lesson they can share is to have a vision, create this vision from a place of what do I really want this project to be, and then measure the circumstances against that vision.
• [24:38] Tom discloses a little more about what their project is and promises more next episode.

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Do you ever ask for feedback? Listen in as your hosts Yana and Tom discuss the second phase of a project they are working on and how it is never too early for feedback. Tom says that sometimes feedback can encourage you, but Yana says that her experience is totally opposite. Would you expect anything less from these two? Listen as they give clues to what their new project is all about.

Today's Episode:

• [00:25] Hello, friends!
• [01:01] Yana speaks about the second phase of their project.
• [02:22] Tom shares that they found that it is never too early for feedback.
• [03:35] Tom believes that things usually get done faster in the beginning.
• [04:26] Yana wonders how Tom felt or what he learned when he received the first feedback.
• [06:28] Tom says that even if it starts as a crowded market, things can change fast, and you might be the only player left.
• [08:05] Tom says they learned early in the process that everything takes longer.
• [09:06] Yana shares that the second phase should end with a design or document.
• [10:27] Tom thinks now is the time to look at the pain points that your clients find and how you will deliver.
• [11:51] Yana chats that this episode covers from the first step, which is an idea written on a napkin to something tangible.
• [12:26] Tom shares the things that come very early in the process for him. Smoke ups, wireframes, and visuals.
• [15:06] Yana speaks about the quality of the project is directly correlated to how fast and how easy and transparent they could produce the initial mockups.
• [17:40] To conclude, they have to say something new about the project; they are talking about something they are very passionate about.

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Do you have a digital product? Listen, and your hosts Yana and Tom as they share their journeys to digital products and how they wanted them to operate. They both agree that there are many advantages to digital products and very few disadvantages. Listen as they chat about The Quintessential Challenge they are very excited about for the listeners.

Do you want to take part in our five-day The Quintessential Challenge? Please click on the link to register.

Today's Episode:

• [00:25] Hello, everyone!
• [01:15] Yana shares her path and journey to a digital product.
• [02:10] Tom discusses his journey to his digital product.
• [03:35] Yana adds to what drove her to digital product creation.
• [05:49] Tom believes that there are many advantages to digital products and very few disadvantages.
• [07:01] What do you tell someone that has no idea what to sell or where do they find their digital product?
• [09:08] Tom says the funny thing is people think there are hundreds or thousands of products out there, but there aren't.
• [10:22] What would you tell someone who is ready to create a digital product?
• [11:40] Yana shares examples of digital products like membership or subscription model.
• [14:51] Tom talks about the knowledge and experience that you start with can be part of a digital service that helps you make decisions in an automated way.
• [16:10] Any other examples of digital products or subscriptions that come to mind?
• [17:36] Tom believes that startups rarely do a digital product because of the stats that 9 out of 10 fails, so they don't jump into it as a first step.
• [18:30] Yana completely disagrees, she feels that in the space of creating digital products they fail because they give up.
• [20:10] Some don't even start because they think it's too complicated, or it takes too long.
• [22:21] Can we help our listeners make up their minds?
• [23:15] Yana encourages you to sign up for this five-day experience that starts April 24th. It's completely free!
• [24:03] Bye for now! 

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 
• The Quintessential Challenge

Have you heard about the new project Yana and Tom have started? Listen as they share how the ideation stage started and how they individually start a new project. They also speak about the importance of napkins in the business world and why pivoting in your business can allow you to focus on the value. This is one of those rare occasions where they pretty much agree on everything, and that doesn't happen often.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments, and reviews if you like what you hear.

Today's Episode:

• [01:52] Hello, friends!
• [02:46] Yana shares that this first episode is dedicated to the very first ideation stage.
• [03:15] Yana shares how a new project or phase starts for her.
• [04:11] Tom says you can call him hyper-efficient because he likes to skip this stage.
• [04:32] Tom speaks about how he wants to start a new project or a new phase.
• [06:28] Yana says she has a tendency to be excited that may not be practical.
• [07:52] Yana discusses Alvin putting a diagram of an MVP on a napkin.
• [08:38] Tom talks about napkins being powerful because many of the top names started with an idea on a napkin.
• [11:17] Yana shares what she went through to hire three new VA's.
• [13:50] Yana describes what she was looking for in a VA and how happy she is that she found the perfect fit for her. 
• [16:05] They speak about the project in a project concept.
• [17:26] Tom says he loves the Metar concept and how it relates to their project.
• [18:16] Tom believes that pivoting keeps the business value in focus, and you carve away what is not getting you fast enough to your target.
• [19:30] They speak about keeping the listeners in the dark about the new project for now.
• [20:07] Thank you so much for tuning in, and we will see you here next week. 

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Do you know the difference between a generalist and an expert? Listen as Tom and Yana disagree on whether you should be one or the other and when it is best to be both. They volley back and forth until the very end where they finally found consensus both elements are essential. This is an entertaining conversation, as always, and you won't want to miss it.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments, and reviews if you like what you hear.

Today's Episode:

• [00:23] Hello and welcome back to the show!
• [00:30] Tom shares the topic they are discussing today.
• [02:23] Tom defines a generalist as someone who specializes in many areas.
• [03:22] Tom believes an expert specializes in a few domains, one who can dig down to the nitty-gritty.
• [04:57] Yana respects what Tom said, but she feels they are missing the big picture.
• [06:22] Have you heard of expert tunnel vision?
• [06:45] Yana believes that tunnel vision means something different.
• [07:37] Yana shares when she believes being a generalist is essential.
• [09:19] She believes that it is good to start as an expert, but the higher you get the more you need to be a generalist.
• [10:11] Tom explains that he agrees with some of what Yana says, but he shares his own insight.
• [13:09] Tom chats about being able to evaluate different situations is a level of domain expertise.
• [14:29] Tom's point of view is that you can't get by with being one or the other; he feels you need to have both.
• [16:00] Yana states that the longer she is on this entrepreneur journey and the longer she learns to solve problems, facts don't help as much.
• [17:19] They agree that both elements are very relevant.
• [18:37] What was a fact two years ago isn't a fact now because they operate in a fast-paced environment.
• [20:17] Thank you, and we will see you next week.

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn

Creating fresh new ideas is sometimes very difficult. Listen as Yana and Tom discuss ways they generate new ideas and why it is harder when you have a deadline. They also chat about junior entrepreneurs being afraid of someone stealing their ideas and why they have never worried about it.  Creation in any form is the lifeblood of an entrepreneur, so if you are struggling with this and need help, you won't want to miss this episode.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments, and reviews if you like what you hear.

Today's Episode:

• [00:23] Hello everyone, hope you are all doing well!
• [00:36] Yana shares today's topic of how to generate new and fresh ideas.
• [01:25] Yana says that her best ideas come when she is relaxed and has free time.
• [03:18] Tom chats about sitting down in front of an empty file or a blank sheet of paper and starts scribbling generic thoughts.
• [04:43] Yana relates to staring at a blank piece of paper, but not knowing where to.
• [05:32] Is it different when you compare writing to business models?
• [07:44] Tom speaks about coming up with new ideas when you have a deadline or are under pressure.
• [09:33] They discuss learning from throwaway ideas and reworking them for the long term.
• [11:45] Yana shares an example from something that happened in her office.
• [13:46] Can you reuse some arguments that worked previously?
• [14:45] Tom believes that many junior entrepreneurs worry too much about protecting their ideas.
• [15:31] Yana chats that she was never worried about people stealing her ideas.
• [17:10] Tom, do you have any other ways to generate ideas?
• [17:33] Using a point or a situation that multiple parties share and each tries to tackle from their point of view is an excellent area for training.
• [19:40] Yana shares what bugs her when she has an opportunity to co-create.
• [20:48] Do you need to know your co-creators before you start working with them?
• [21:36] Creation in whichever form it comes in is the lifeblood of being an entrepreneur.
• [22:15] Yana speaks about making time for doing something new.
• [23:55] See you next week, bye!

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Has the coronavirus pandemic made you rethink your business model? Listen as Yana and Tom discuss working remotely versus working in the office and the effect the COVID-19 has had on business. They speak about the economic impact that it has had and the fact that no one knows how long it will take to rebound. It must be the nature of the conversation that has them agreeing more often than usual, so this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments, and reviews if you like what you hear.

Today's Episode:

• [00:23] Hello everybody!
• [00:42] We feel like this is something we should talk about.
• [01:18] Yana believes that every crisis always has a significant impact.
• [01:41] They want to concentrate on the economic implications of the Coronavirus on startups and entrepreneurs.
• [02:50] Yana shares that she is very proud of several of the teams she has worked with.
• [04:28] Can you show that your operations are business as usual to the regulators?
• [06:08] Tom chats about organizations that have had to learn how to deal with how this virus affected their businesses overnight because they weren't prepared.
• [08:13] Yana discusses the teams she manages all over the world that work remotely.
• [10:31] Tom shares what he communicated to his team and remote employees.
• [12:43] What have you learned about your business model that you might need to change in the future?
• [15:11] Tom agrees that there will be a substantial economic impact, but no one knows how large so make a backup plan.
• [16:38] Yana has noticed that a lot of projects are being put on hold but she made changes in her business last year which is allowing her to weather this crisis.
• [18:16] Yana says that this is a perfect time to figure out if your business needs interaction with people in person or if it can be digitized.
• [20:35] Can you assess people by phone or video call? Do you need a personal face-to-face type relationship?
• [22:16] Yana believes that when people say what they mean when you listen carefully and ask the right questions, the medium doesn't matter.
• [24:10] Yana gives examples of why she believes that digital or personal doesn't matter.
• [26:41] Tom believes the new norm will be to get to know people over time.
• [28:13] Tom gives his key lessons and takeaways from this crisis.
• [28:38] Yana gives her key takeaways from this crisis.
• [30:20] Yana believes that she will assess projects slightly differently.
• [32:11] Grasping digital in an abstract way is easy, but implementing and the building is a lot more complicated.
• [33:54] Be safe and take care!

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Do you believe that data ethics are important? Listen as Yana and Tom discuss why this is such a talked-about issue and how many people think it is creepy, primarily when their data is being used for others to make. Yana and Tom tend to disagree on some points, but since they both have great insight, you won't want to miss this episode.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments, and reviews if you like what you hear.

Today's Episode:

• [00:25] Happy Monday everybody!
• [01:01] Tom discusses data ethics and how he is seeing it being used.
• [03:31] Yana's observation is similar, but she has also noticed that many people don't mind sharing their data.
• [04:55] Honest people tend to over-share, and fraudsters hide and not disclose much about themselves.
• [06:29] Tom speaks about being a victim of credit card fraud.
• [07:18] Yana discusses the stories around Facebook and why she believes that the media overreacts with large companies.
• [08:27] Tom chats about social networks and how society is still in a learning phase.
• [10:22] Tom shares about data science and how to structure it to be leading edge but still taking users seriously.
• [11:44] Yana speaks about the two elements in dealing with data.
• [13:35] Tom describes the Chinese model that does large-scale algorithms on its citizens.
• [15:07] Yana shares her opinion on the CS model and at what point it would scare her.
• [17:03] Have you ever been scared that your cell phone or home devices might listen to what you say?
• [20:01] Having your core principles down and having everyone agree to it can alleviate some stress.
• [20:21] Yana believes that Facebook has the best marketing algorithms.
• [22:30] Tom disagrees with some of what Yana says and gives his opinion.
• [25:05] Yana concedes the point to Tom and gives her final thoughts.
• [26:36] Thank you for listening to this episode.

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn 

Would you rather learn by going to college or by hands-on training? Listen as Yana and Tom discuss the different ways people continuously learn, whether through formal education, brainstorming, or daily challenges that you learn to overcome. Yana believes that people sometimes use the lack of education as an excuse not to succeed, and Tom shares his opinion that it is a dilemma for people who overthink things. No matter which side you are on, we can all agree that life is a journey of learning.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with friends, leave comments, and reviews if you like what you hear.

Today's Episode:

• [00:25] Hello everybody and welcome back!
• [00:34] Yana shares this week's topic, continuous learning.
• [01:12] Do you feel like a lack of education is keeping you from starting or expanding a business?
• [01:31] Tom believes it is a dilemma for people who overthink things?
• [03:15] Yana discusses people using learning as an excuse for not doing something.
• [04:43] Tom shares that there is a lot of learning by doing and figuring things out.
• [05:56] Yana chats about a course she took that helped her learn the basics of color design for websites.
• [07:31] Tom says that getting into the details, learning the theory, and the background to try it out and apply it is what continuous learning is about.
• [08:40] Yana says another type of education is brainstorming or masterminding, which allows you to share your ideas with others.
• [11:33] Yana is a member of two different masterminds, and she finds them very inspirational.
• [12:22] Have you become disillusioned with formal and institutional education? Do you expect your kids to go to college?
• [14:10] Tom shares that two different professors told his son Fabio that he didn't need to complete his degree to be successful in business.
• [15:59] Toms speaks about an analytics team that has structured talent management in a way that allows employees to sketch out where their skills will enable them to go.
• [17:48] Tom and Yana believe that we are all on a path of lifelong learning.
• [18:25] Here's to learning!

Show links:

• How to get in touch with us, if you'd like to tell your startup story: Yana on Instagram, Tom on LinkedIn