Immigrants Building Companies

By Asim Amin

Welcome to Immigrants Building Companies, where we uncover the extraordinary journeys of entrepreneurs who crossed borders, overcame challenges, and redefined success. Hosted by Asim Amin, Founder and... more

· Business

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FAQs about Immigrants Building Companies:

How many episodes does Immigrants Building Companies have?

The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.

Immigrants Building Companies episodes:

March 05, 2025 Immigrant to Innovator: How Rudy Parengal Built a Food Tech Empire in the UK
This conversation explores the immigrant journey of Rudy, who moved to the UK from India in 2019. He shares his experiences navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of community support, and the cultural identity that shaped his entrepreneurial aspirations.
Rudy discusses the birth of his food business, Abjak, and the challenges faced in the food industry, emphasising the need for innovative solutions and a more risk-tolerant culture in the UK. In this conversation, we discusses the evolution of their business model from dark kitchens to a micro food hall network, emphasizing the importance of supporting food entrepreneurs and leveraging technology for operational efficiency.
They reflect on their personal journey, the challenges of the food industry, and their vision for a future where food entrepreneurs can thrive while providing diverse culinary experiences to consumers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Immigrant Journey
03:12 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
05:57 Building a Business from Scratch
09:08 The Role of Community and Support
11:56 Cultural Identity and Economic Opportunities
14:57 Entrepreneurship in the UK vs. US
17:59 The Birth of Abjak: A Food Business Idea
20:57 Understanding the Food Industry Challenges
23:52 Innovative Solutions for Food Entrepreneurs
27:00 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
43:57 Building a Micro Food Hall Network
52:45 The Shift from Dark Kitchens to Micro Food Halls
01:01:33 Future Expansion and Technological Integration
01:13:02 Reflections on Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship
...more
1h 4min
February 26, 2025 From Immigrant Roots to Tech Revolution: The Sustainability Shift
In this episode, Asim sits down with Asad to uncover his journey from an immigrant upbringing to building a thriving business in tech and sustainability.
They dive into the power of community, the relentless drive behind success, and the urgent mission to combat electronic waste through smarter, more sustainable tech solutions.
Asad reveals how designing products for longevity, rethinking the tech lifecycle, and embracing refurbished technology can transform the industry.
They also explore the challenges of scaling an IT support model for fast-growing companies, the critical role of cybersecurity, and the art of building lasting client relationships.
Packed with insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal growth, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to make an impact in the evolving tech landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Family Roots and Immigration Journey
10:18 The Role of Community in Success
18:00 Hunger and Drive for Success
24:50 Sustainability and the Electronic Waste Crisis
34:26 Designing for Longevity in Tech Products
37:22 The Lifecycle of Tech: From Purchase to Recycling
38:02 Understanding the Refurbished Tech Supply Chain
41:49 Comprehensive IT Support for Scale-Ups
44:45 Building Long-Term Relationships with Clients
51:54 Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges
52:47 Scaling Click: Future Aspirations and Growth
01:04:25 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Goals
...more
1h 8min
February 19, 2025 Hustle, Heart, and Hard Truths: Amardeep on Content Chaos, and Building a Movement
In this insightful conversation, Asim and Amardeep explore the immigrant experience, cultural identity, and the power of empathy in connecting across diverse backgrounds.
They share their personal journeys, reflecting on the challenges of transitioning from traditional career paths to writing, content creation, and entrepreneurship.
The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity in building an online presence, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, and the value of community in supporting professional growth. Amardeep shares his experience founding BaeHQ, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of fostering a space for entrepreneurs.
The conversation also touches on deeper themes, including navigating grief, personal growth, and the lessons learned from successful founders.
Asim and Amardeep offer candid insights into the pressures of content creation, the realities of podcasting, and the responsibility founders carry in building sustainable businesses.
Throughout, they underscore the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and pushing past limitations to achieve meaningful success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Immigrant Experience
03:07 Cultural Identity and Growing Up in Ilford
06:01 Navigating Different Backgrounds at University
08:51 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
12:02 Career Path and Early Experiences
15:07 Transitioning to Writing and Content Creation
17:52 The Journey of Becoming a Writer
20:47 Building a Community on LinkedIn
24:08 Reflections on Personal Growth and Loss
26:54 The Craft of Writing and Storytelling
30:06 The Role of Authenticity in Online Presence
36:28 The Pressure of Posting and Clarity of Thought
39:36 The Importance of Communication in Business
42:30 Building BaeHQ: A Community for Entrepreneurs
45:13 Navigating Grief and Legacy
49:14 Creating a Sustainable Community
52:33 The Role of Founders and Personal Growth
56:12 Scaling Beyond Yourself
01:00:30 The Reality of Podcasting and Content Creation
01:03:07 Learning from Successful Founders
01:09:25 The Responsibility of Founders
01:12:48 Encouragement for the Next Generation
...more
1h 15min
February 12, 2025 How to Integrate Into a New Culture Without Losing Your Identity
In this conversation, Faris shares his unique perspective on the immigrant experience, cultural identity, and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership.
He reflects on his family's journey from Palestine to the UK, the challenges of cultural integration, and the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Faris also discusses his transition from consulting to building his own business, highlighting the need for effective communication and collaboration within teams to drive success.
The speakers explore the complexities of communication, team development, and the realities of entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of mastering communication skills, investing in team dynamics, and maintaining a balance between focus and enjoyment in a business environment.
The discussion also underscores the value of failure as a learning tool and the art of conveying one's message with clarity.
Through personal anecdotes and insights, the speakers offer valuable advice for future entrepreneurs, providing a thought-provoking perspective on leadership, growth, and resilience.
Chapters
00:00 The Immigrant Experience: A Family Perspective
06:50 Cultural Integration and Identity
12:40 Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
18:56 Building a Business: The Journey of a Consultant
30:38 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
32:18 Mastering Communication Skills
34:00 Investing in Team Development
36:50 The Journey of Building a Business
39:39 The Importance of Fun in Business
42:05 Navigating Success and Failure
44:57 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
50:02 The Art of Articulating Your Message
56:49 Advice to My Younger Self
...more
1h 1min
February 05, 2025 From Idea to Impact: Scaling a Business That Drives Social Change
In this episode, Sanjay Lobo MBE shares his family's immigrant journey from East Africa to the UK and the challenges of cultural identity and social class. He reflects on his career shift from law to entrepreneurship, the role of hard work vs. luck, and the realities of building a social impact startup.
As the founder of OnHand, he discusses the evolution of funding, revenue models, and behavioral change in business, along with the rise of responsible leadership. Sanjay also touches on his MBE recognition and the personal growth that comes with leading a purpose-driven venture.
00:00 Sanjay's Immigrant Family Background
03:10 The Evolving Identity of Immigrants in the UK
06:12 Navigating Cultural Identity and Acceptance
09:03 The Impact of Class and Social Dynamics
12:05 The Role of Hard Work and Luck in Success
15:00 Sanjay's Career Journey and Transition to Entrepreneurship
18:11 The Birth of On-Hand and Its Social Impact
21:07 Recognition and Reflection on Achievements
32:52 Reflecting on Career Choices and Entrepreneurship
35:07 The Reality of Startup Life
39:07 Understanding the Driving Force Behind Entrepreneurship
42:09 Navigating Funding and Revenue Models
48:26 User Experience and Business Model Evolution
56:30 Impact and Behavioral Change in Business
...more
1h 5min
January 29, 2025 Personal Branding Secrets: Lessons from an Icelandic Content Pioneer
In this episode of the Immigrants Building Companies, Nok Orison shares his journey from being a passionate content creator in Iceland to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the UK.
He discusses the evolution of influencer culture in Iceland, the challenges of transitioning to a new market, and the importance of personal branding. Nok emphasises the psychological aspects of content creation, the struggle with self-doubt, and the transformative power of sharing one's story to help others thrive.
In this conversation we discuss the importance of building a community among entrepreneurs, the inspiration behind the name Lydia, and the evolution of content creation in the digital age. We emphasise the significance of authenticity in content creation, the challenges of maintaining a public persona, and the impact of social media on youth. The discussion also covers the future of influencer marketing and the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs to achieve personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of an Influencer in Iceland
06:38 Transitioning to the UK: New Beginnings
12:11 The Psychology of Content Creation
18:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Personal Branding
24:28 The Power of Personal Branding for Impact
30:00 Finding Home in a New Country
38:33 Building Community Through Loneliness
39:04 The Inspiration Behind Lydia
41:00 The Evolution of Content Creation
44:38 Authenticity in Content Creation
46:55 The Challenge of Maintaining a Persona
49:55 The Importance of Being Authentic
54:05 The Impact of Social Media on Youth
01:02:23 The Future of Influencer Marketing
01:09:13 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
...more
1h 15min
January 22, 2025 How an Immigrant Founder is Transforming Period Pain Treatment in the UK
In this episode of the Immigrants Building Companies Pod, Emile shares her remarkable journey from Lithuania to the US and finally to the UK.
Emile reflects on her experiences in education, including her time at Harvard, where she highlights the importance of need-blind admissions and the opportunities they create for underrepresented talent. She discusses her passion for driving innovation in mental health and addressing systemic challenges within healthcare.
The conversation explores the complexities of cultural adaptation, including navigating differences in communication styles across Lithuania, the US, and the UK. Emile opens up about the unique challenges women face in mental health, particularly those tied to hormonal changes and societal expectations.
She introduces her latest venture, which focuses on direct-to-consumer healthcare solutions for managing PMS and related conditions. By emphasising symptom tracking and proactive care, her work is transforming accessibility and understanding in women’s health.
Emile also discusses the paradox of Gen Z’s mental health struggles, the role men can play in supporting women’s health awareness, and the importance of challenging longstanding misconceptions about women’s bodies.
As a female founder, she shares insights on navigating the investment landscape, balancing the pressures of leadership, and staying authentic. Throughout, Emile’s gratitude and determination to drive positive change shine through, making this an inspiring and thought-provoking episode.
00:00 Introduction to Amile Radiate and Samphire Neuroscience
02:45 Growing Up in Lithuania: A Cultural Perspective
06:06 Education and the Journey to the US
08:50 Navigating Life at Harvard: Challenges and Opportunities
12:02 Cultural Differences and Identity in America
14:50 Reflections on Systemic Issues in Healthcare
17:52 Transitioning to the UK and Pursuing Further Education
21:10 The Importance of Mental Health Innovations
31:08 Cultural Shifts and Adaptation
39:34 Navigating Women's Health Challenges
45:54 Understanding Mental Health and Gender Differences
52:09 The Importance of Proactive Mental Health Solutions
56:30 Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare Innovations
01:02:36 Understanding Women's Health Through Tracking
01:04:01 The Paradox of Gen Z's Mental Health
01:05:20 Men's Role in Women's Health Awareness
01:06:42 Challenging Misconceptions About Women's Bodies
01:09:30 The Importance of Education in Women's Health
01:12:13 Navigating the Investment Landscape as a Female Founder
01:18:44 The Pressure of Leadership and Authenticity
01:24:00 Building a Community Around Authenticity
01:27:14 Scaling Solutions for Women's Health
01:30:06 The Societal Impact of Addressing Women's Health Issues
01:32:21 Gratitude and Reflection on the Journey
...more
1h 36min
January 15, 2025 Seven Start ups, One Vision: Scott McKenna’s Playbook for Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Immigrants Building Companies, Scott McKenna shares his entrepreneurial journey from South Africa to the UK, detailing his early aspirations in hospitality, the influence of his family, and the various businesses he has launched. He discusses the importance of luck, risk, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his ventures. Scott emphasises the significance of accountability and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, particularly in the fashion industry. In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of his agency, HypeSight, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in talent. He explores the transformation of content creation in the creator economy, the shift to remote work, and the value of in-person interactions. Scott shares insights on navigating the insurance industry with his new venture, Careless, and the need for disruption in traditional industries. He reflects on lessons learned and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of trusting one's instincts and embracing risks.
Hosted by Asim Amin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/asimamin/)
00:00 Introduction to Scott McKenna and His Journey
03:13 Early Entrepreneurial Aspirations and Education
06:00 Transitioning to the UK and Initial Career Choices
08:53 The Influence of Family and the Move to Entrepreneurship
12:07 Navigating the UK Business Landscape
15:01 The Role of Luck and Risk in Entrepreneurship
17:54 The Evolution of Scott's Business Ventures
21:13 Lessons Learned from Multiple Businesses
24:03 The Importance of Failure in the Entrepreneurial Journey
26:53 Insights into the Fashion Industry and Brand Strategy
46:18 Building an Inclusive Agency
49:57 The Evolution of Content Creation
52:24 The Shift to Remote Work
54:08 The Value of In-Person Interaction
01:01:09 Navigating the Insurance Industry
01:12:06 Disrupting Traditional Industries
01:18:49 Future Aspirations for Careless
01:27:43 Lessons for the Younger Self
...more
1h 33min
January 08, 2025 Mastering LinkedIn Growth: Lara Acosta’s 200K Follower Blueprint

In this episode of the Immigrant Founders Pod, Lara Costa shares her inspiring journey from Mexico to the UK, her experiences with personal branding on LinkedIn, and how her fitness journey has shaped her confidence and discipline in business. Lara discusses the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the impact of education on her mindset, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. She emphasizes the connection between physical fitness and business success, highlighting how discipline in the gym translates to resilience in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Lara discusses the evolution of social media, particularly LinkedIn, and how individuals can adapt to changes in content consumption. She shares her personal journey of manifestation and the opportunities that arose from her commitment to posting consistently on LinkedIn. Lara emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections and community, as well as the impact of her online courses in helping others navigate their professional paths. She reflects on her aspirations for personal growth and the significance of emotional intelligence in her experiences.

Follow the host, Asim Amin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/asimamin/), and our guest, Lara Acosta (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/), on LinkedIn to dive deeper into the conversation and discover more inspiring insight

00:00 Introduction to Lara Costa and Her Journey
02:14 Lara's Move to the UK: A New Beginning
06:31 Finding Home: Lara's Experience in England
14:39 Education and the Shift in Mindset
22:12 Fitness Journey: Building Confidence and Discipline
31:07 Discovering LinkedIn: A Path to Opportunity
35:36 Adapting to Change in Social Media
38:30 The Power of Manifestation and Opportunity
41:45 Building Connections Through LinkedIn
45:26 Creating Impactful Online Courses
55:01 The Importance of Community and Support
01:05:19 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

...more
1h 13min
December 17, 2024 From Crypto to AI: How to Successfully Pivot Your Business
What happens when life forces you to pivot? When failure knocks you down, but you refuse to stay there?
In this episode of the Immigrants Founders Pod, Michael Houghton takes us from his childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, to building two businesses in the UK – with AI and security at the core. From the challenges of a fractured home, boarding school in rural South Africa, and arriving alone at Edinburgh University with just two suitcases, Michael shares the moments that shaped him: heartbreak, resilience, and unexpected success.
We dive into his journey of uncomfortable growth, the turning points that changed everything, and the serendipitous “mistakes” that opened doors he never imagined. Michael reveals how a failed crypto venture led to the birth of D-Box, his entry into the AI world, and how a simple text message sparked Wolf, a community-driven safety solution powered by WhatsApp.
This conversation is about more than success. It’s about moving forward, trusting yourself when everything feels uncertain, and how leadership, kindness, and relationships can change the course of your life.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or wondered if your decisions matter, this episode will show you: every moment counts

00:00 The Journey of an Immigrant Founder
07:40 Navigating Life in Scotland
15:10 Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth
20:24 Building a Network and Finding Identity
29:15 Serendipity and Career Opportunities
31:57 The Impact of Decisions on Life's Trajectory
36:18 Discovering AI: A Journey of Interest and Opportunity
41:08 The Role of Leadership in Career Development
46:20 The Ripple Effect of Caring Leadership
52:42 The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
57:43 The Exponential Growth of AI and Its Implications
01:03:42 The Future of AI: Cost and Accessibility
01:06:07 Navigating Pivots: From Crypto to AI
01:10:47 Building Trust: The Importance of Relationships in Business
01:13:31 D-Box: Evolution from Consulting to Embedded AI Solutions
01:19:26 Introducing Wolf: A Community-Driven Safety Solution
01:28:40 The Power of Distribution: Scaling Ideas Effectively
...more
1h 36min

FAQs about Immigrants Building Companies:

How many episodes does Immigrants Building Companies have?

The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.