From Startup Chaos to Community Building: Tash Bristowe on Wellbeing & the Freelance Journey

Welcome to another episode of Startup Leaders Talk, a segment of the  @JustBeBetter_Podcast   where we dive into the minds of startup founders and executives shaping the ecosystem.

In this episode, I sit down with Tash Bristowe, a startup specialist, founder of Kimward Consulting, and community builder, to discuss the evolving landscape of startups, workplace well-being, and the freelance journey.

Tash shares her unexpected leap into freelancing, how she built her own consultancy, and why mental health in startups still has a long way to go. We also explore the challenges of scaling communities, the impact of DEI cuts and AI on HR, and why knowing when to leave a startup is just as important as knowing when to join one.

Plus, Tash takes on our Speedy Startup segment, answering rapid-fire questions like:
💬 Worst interview question ever?
💬 Most overrated buzzword in business?
💬 One mistake all founders make?

Topics covered:
✅ How startups are (and aren’t) improving mental health support
✅ The reality of freelancing after corporate life
✅ Building engaging and supportive startup communities
✅ The future of HR tech, DEI, and AI in startups
✅ Advice for professionals navigating the startup world

🔥 Don’t miss this candid conversation about the highs, lows, and lessons of startup life!

If you're a startup leader, founder, or just curious about navigating career pivots, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🎥 Watch now and get real insights from a startup leader shaping the future of tech.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Startup Leaders Talk episodes!

🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

📲 Connect with Vicky:
📌 Instagram: ‪https://www.instagram.com/justbebetter_with_vicky/
📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
📌 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/justbebetter
☕ Buy Vicky coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/justbebetter

Thanks for listening to the Just Be Better podcast!

We appreciate you tuning in to the Startup Leaders Talk segment. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who would enjoy our insights on startup leadership, growth, and culture.

Stay connected:

• Follow Vicky on https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
• Let us know who you’d like to see next on the podcast by reaching out

Keep building, keep growing, and don’t forget to just be better!

From Lifting Boxes to Leading Startups – Mark Fletcher’s Career Story

How do you go from lifting boxes for a removals company to leading high-growth tech startups? Mark Fletcher’s career journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of Just Be Better, Mark shares how his early days of hard labor shaped his work ethic, why he left academia for the fast-paced world of AI startups, and the biggest lessons he’s learned as a CTO and COO.

We cover:
✅ The moment he realised academia wasn’t for him
✅ What truly makes a great startup culture (and why most get it wrong)
✅ Why listening is the most underrated leadership skill
✅ The surprising challenges of leading AI-driven businesses
✅ Mark’s thoughts on the future of work, automation, and the role of AI

Plus, don’t miss our Speedy Startup round, where Mark answers rapid-fire questions on work, life, and leadership - including the weirdest job he’s ever had and the best advice he’s received.

If you're a startup leader, founder, or just curious about navigating career pivots, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🎥 Watch now and get real insights from a startup leader shaping the future of tech.

📲  Connect with Marc Fletcher
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpfletcher/

📲 Connect with Vicky:
📌 Instagram: ‪https://www.instagram.com/justbebetter_with_vicky/
📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
📌 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/justbebetter
☕ Buy Vicky coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/justbebetter

Thanks for listening to the Just Be Better podcast!

We appreciate you tuning in to the Startup Leaders Talk segment. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who would enjoy our insights on startup leadership, growth, and culture.

Stay connected:

• Follow Vicky on https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
• Let us know who you’d like to see next on the podcast by reaching out

Keep building, keep growing, and don’t forget to just be better!

From Teen Hacker to Startup Leader: Ivan Trufanov’s Story

How do you go from hacking dating sites as a teenager to leading a multi-million dollar startup? In this Startup Leaders Talk episode, Ivan Trufanov, CPTO and a Forbes 30 under 30 nominee, shares his unconventional path in tech and startups.

🔹 The tough decision behind selling his first company
🔹 The reality of rebuilding after immigration
🔹 AI’s impact on startups - will it replace junior devs?
🔹 The biggest hiring mistake every founder should avoid

Plus, don’t miss the Speedy Startup segment, where Ivan answers rapid-fire questions on startup culture, leadership, and the future of AI!

🎥 Watch now and get real insights from a startup leader shaping the future of tech.

📲  Connect with Ivan Trufanov
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-trufanov/

📲 Connect with Vicky:
📌 Instagram: ‪https://www.instagram.com/justbebetter_with_vicky/
📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
📌 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/justbebetter
☕ Buy Vicky coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/justbebetter

Thanks for listening to the Just Be Better podcast!

We appreciate you tuning in to the Startup Leaders Talk segment. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who would enjoy our insights on startup leadership, growth, and culture.

Stay connected:

• Follow Vicky on https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
• Let us know who you’d like to see next on the podcast by reaching out

Keep building, keep growing, and don’t forget to just be better!

Can AI Replace Recruiters? 

In this unusual episode of Just Be Better, I’m joined by Boardy, an AI superconnector that’s revolutionising how we build meaningful professional relationships.

After just a minute on the phone with Boardy, you’ll forget you're not talking to a real person - it’s almost creepy how human it feels. 

I ask Boardy about the future of recruitment and how AI is becoming a major player in shaping careers. We explore the delicate balance between technology and humanity, and how AI is transforming the hiring process from the ground up.

If you enjoy the conversation, feel free to show some love by grabbing me a coffee via the link in the description - it’s a great way to support the podcast and keep these conversations going. Let me know if you’d like more AI-related questions answered, and I’ll keep the good stuff coming!

📲 Connect with Vicky:
📌 Instagram: ‪@JustBeBetter_with_Vicky‬
📌 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justbebetter
📌 LinkedIn (Company): linkedin.com/company/justbebetter
☕ Buy Vicky coffee: buymeacoffee.com/justbebetter

Thanks for listening to the Just Be Better podcast!

We appreciate you tuning in to the Startup Leaders Talk segment. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who would enjoy our insights on startup leadership, growth, and culture.

Stay connected:

• Follow Vicky on https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
• Let us know who you’d like to see next on the podcast by reaching out

Keep building, keep growing, and don’t forget to just be better!

Scaling Success in Startups: Insights from Tom Richardson | Startup Leaders Talk

In this inaugural episode of Startup Leaders Talk, host Vicky sits down with Tom Richardson, an angel investor and seasoned operator, to discuss his journey from venture-backed software companies to leading international teams. Tom shares lessons learned from scaling businesses, building cultures, and navigating high-growth environments. From his early sales experience to managing the chaos of startup life, Tom offers valuable insights for anyone in or entering the startup world.

Key topics discussed:
- The importance of adaptability in fast-paced environments
- How to build and maintain a company culture
- Navigating leadership roles and managing change
- The rise of AI in startups and its future impact
- Managing work-life balance as a high-level leader

🎧 Subscribe now and turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!

📲  Connect with Tom Richardson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrichardsonuk/

📲 Connect with Vicky:
📌 Instagram: ‪@JustBeBetter_with_Vicky‬
📌 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justbebetter
📌 LinkedIn (Company): linkedin.com/company/justbebetter

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Startup Leaders Talk
01:28Early Career and First Job Experiences
03:00 Path to Current Role and Career Journey
06:03 Challenges in High-Growth Environments
09:07 Work-Life Balance and Family Dynamics
10:34 Company Culture at Personio
13:17 Trends and Shifts in the Industry
16:01 Learning from Mistakes in Leadership
18:29 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry
20:45 Rapid-Fire Questions and Insights
24:10 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Thanks for listening to the Just Be Better podcast!

We appreciate you tuning in to the Startup Leaders Talk segment. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who would enjoy our insights on startup leadership, growth, and culture.

Stay connected:

• Follow Vicky on https://www.linkedin.com/in/justbebetter/
• Let us know who you’d like to see next on the podcast by reaching out

Keep building, keep growing, and don’t forget to just be better!