In this episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Alex Bard to today’s episode!

Alex started with nothing as an immigrant from Russia, and ended as a seasoned founder, operator, and investor with a remarkable track record in the tech world! From co-founding four enterprise software companies; three of which were successfully acquired, to leading Salesforce’s ServiceCloud to over a billion in revenue, Alex brings deep insight into building and scaling high-growth businesses. He’s also served as CEO of Campaign Monitor, taking it global in just three years. Now a partner at Redpoint Ventures, Alex shares his journey, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs and mavericks alike!

In the interview with Alex, you'll learn:

• • Introduction to his challenging beginnings and the sacrifices his family made (02:48)
  • Leaving the suffocating environment of the corporate world to become an entrepreneur (5:49)
  • How mistakes and sacrifice eventually led to exiting to a global tech company ( 7:00)
  • How venture capital works and the risks and rewards (8:10)
  • How to discern ‘good’ from ‘great’ to identify a billion dollar opportunity (9:58)
  • Why the root of the motivation in startup founding teams is crucial (12:50)
  • Why an entrepreneur needs to be inherently curious but open minded, and yet strongly
  • opinionated (15:46)
  • Understanding the size of the market opportunity (17:22)
  • The importance of being a great story teller? (18:36)
  • Why building momentum is important in business and life (21:30)
  • The different skills required for a start up versus a scale up (22:01)
  • Why measuring the right things in business matters (24:50)
  • What Alex has learnt from giants such as Richard Branson, Mark Cuban and Mark Benioff (27:02)
  • Personal growth, curiosity, and leveraging the tools such as ChatGPT (31:18)
  • Why is AI the most important technological wave of all times (33:50)

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Connect with Alex on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbard/?profileId=ACoAAAAAjYwBiHZS-uUz_0wdA-ZfZyRr6o06Vxs

Check out his company at:

https://www.redpoint.com/

Connect with Rick on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklowemaverick/

Podcast Soundtrack by ⁠NewLoud
https://linktr.ee/newloud

In this fascinating episode of Maverick Mindsets we welcome Enrique Navarro; a globally recognized expert in Bufo Alvarius medicine, with 14 years of experience and over 14,000 healing sessions facilitated. Originally from Mexico, he has dedicated his life to mysticism, shamanism, and holistic healing, integrating sacred medicines with modern therapeutic methods.

We also welcome Ema Korabska, a creative entrepreneur in the space of art, design, and photography who participated in Enrique’s life-changing healing sessions. Ema shares her personal experience with the medicine and uncovers her psychological wounds through vulnerability, integrity, and authenticity. 

In the interview with Enrique and Ema, you'll learn:

• ⁠ Introduction to Enrique's journey into being a shamanic healer  (03:16)

•  How the medicine freed him from addictions and depression (11:24)

•  What separates commercial drugs to spiritual medicines (13:38)

•  What benefits various psychedelics offer (18:30)

•  Why prioritising experienced practitioners and safety protocols is extremely important when taking Bufo Alvarius  (20:45)

•  How spiritual bypassing destroys authenticity, growth, and ultimate healing  (25:05) 

•  Who normally participates in taking the Bufo Alvarius medicine (30:00)

•  What are the main reasons and motivations behind taking this medicine (33:44)

•  Why Savior (or Messiah) complex becomes very dangerous during practitioner trainings  (41:36)

•  What Nirvana state means, and when we release DMT during the course of our lifetime (46:22)

• Which life-changing positive experiences the medicine leaves behind  (49:15)

• Personal & spiritual growth recommendations (52:17) 

The Kybalion book reference:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555130/the-kybalion-centenary-edition-by-three-initiates/9780143131687/

Bufo Alvarius Medicine book reference:

https://www.amazon.com/Tryptamine-Palace-5-MeO-DMT-Sonoran-Desert-ebook/dp/B003GDFRS8

Connect with Enrique on Telegram:

https://t.me/bufoalvarius66

Enrique’s Youtube account:

https://www.youtube.com/@Arise-Retreats

Connect with Ema on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emskyart/

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emakorabska/

Podcast Soundtrack by ⁠NewLoud
https://linktr.ee/newloud 

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets we welcome Dan D'souza, a leader in Corporate New Ventures and Startup Acceleration. Dan D'souza brings experience from current roles at L Marks, Founder Institute and others; delivering innovation for clients such as Sumitomo Corporation, Lloyd's of London, and Metro Bank. Together with Rick, they dive into all things entrepreneurship; artificial intelligence, personal development, and how self-awareness undoubtedly plays a big part in being a good leader in any work environment. 

In the open-ended conversation with Dan, you'll learn:

•⁠  Quick introduction to corporate innovation and start-up acceleration (00:40)

•⁠  A fresh perspective on what it means to be an entrepreneur (02:04)

•⁠  The challenges of being a curious entrepreneur in corporate environments  (05:10)

•⁠  The challenges of leadership in the corporate world (07:50)

•⁠  Benefits of investing in an entrepreneurship program (09:15)

•  Advantages of having side-hustles in 21st century (10:50)

•  Tips on how start-ups can accelerate growth, and pitch to corporate clients (14:23)

•  Ins and outs of businesses using AI (22:22)

•  Why seeing someone’s creative outlet is his biggest motivation (27:44)

In the open-ended conversation with Rick, you'll learn:

• How embracing failure in business is crucial in building resilience (30:26)

• Why scheduling an uninterrupted morning meeting with yourself is key to business discipline (31:30)

• A practical advice for long-term/short-term business planning (33:00)

• Why adaptability is your building blocks to a business mindset (34:31)

• Why self-awareness plays a critical role in making strategic business decisions (35:54)

• Why focusing on personal development could be the solution to better business risk outcomes (37:40)

• How to deal with difficult conversations using integrity (39:54)

• How combining emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills has the power to transform leadership into greatness (41:30)

• How to not loose on personal fulfilment in our busy work schedules (43:24)

•  What role does ethics and integrity play in business/life (45:00)

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandsouza/

Check out his involvement on powering corporate innovation:

https://lmarks.com/

Connect with Rick on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklowemaverick/

Podcast Soundtrack by ⁠NewLoud

https://linktr.ee/newloud

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets we welcome Shayamal Vallabhjee; with two decades of transformative coaching experience, he empowers business executives to achieve their highest potential. Shayamal fosters a culture of excellence within teams, organisations, and individuals, driving sustained success and innovation. Through a unique blend of strategic insight and personalised guidance, he helps leaders unlock their true potential, cultivate resilience, and inspire their teams to excel.

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Stuart Trevor, Part 2 of 1.

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Stuart Trevor!

A forward thinking brand genius, a unique creative, and a true eco-advocate in the polluting fashion world. In 1983, Stuart became the finalist in the Paul Smith/Mont Blanc competition and won designer of the year at The Smirnoff Fashion awards “Menswear Day”. Aged 19 he became the first designer and main buyer for REISS. At 28 he founded All Saints and many of the clothes that continue to feature every week in the top 10 bestseller list of the high-street brand today, were designed by Trevor himself over 20 years ago.

Stuart’s autobiography book recommendations:

Keith Richard

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Sheyi Liss Carew, the CEO and founder of Oculus Group, a consulting firm that works with large multinationals on big projects. Sheyi delivers unparalleled expertise, empowering businesses to unlock their full potential.

With a global impact in the energy industry and a solid educational background, Sheyi combines vision, leadership, and a results-driven approach to drive measurable success.

In this interview with Sheyi, you'll learn:

- Importance of sleep

- How to deal with noise and distractions

- Business skills, particularly how to empower those in your team

- The virtue of patience and why good things take time 

- How to nurture business growth through the world of gardening 

Tune in to hear a thought-provoking journey and discover ways you can develop your approach to business and life, to create real value, operate from a position of integrity, and play to your skill set.

Wishing you all the success you deserve,

Rick Lowe 

Connect with Sheyi on Linkedin 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/onliskcarew/

Soundtrack by ⁠NewLoud

https://linktr.ee/newloud

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Avi Lasarow who has spent most of his life in dedication to scientific and technological innovation. He’s driven to revolutionise science that, for so long, was unreachable, unexplainable and unaffordable. 

Avi is the founder of several companies including DNAfit and was more recently CEO of Prenetics International. Both companies have a joint mission to use genetics to transform the health and wellness outlook for millions of people. Together, they strive to reduce and prevent lifestyle-related health conditions, so that everyone can live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Avi is also Honorary Consul to South Africa and plays an active role in the political scene.

A seasoned entrepreneur, thought leader and powerhouse of ideas and action;

In this interview with Avi, you'll learn 7 key takeaways:

- The significance of integrity for you as an individual

- The importance of working with a sense of urgency

- How not to be afraid of giving up control to the right team  

- How to maximise your creativity to make a real difference to your business

- Why all entrepreneurs should be embracing AI 

- How to understand where to build value and apply your personal energy

- Why emotional intelligence is key to master as a leader 

Tune in to hear a thought-provoking journey and discover ways you can develop your approach to business and life, to create real value, operate from a position of integrity, and play to your skill set.

Wishing you all the success you deserve,

Rick Lowe 

Episode Resources

Avi’s podcast recommendation, listen on

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ysx8g1Iw42gESAtegrFaH

Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rest-is-politics/id1611374685

Connect with Avi on Linkedin 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/avi-lasarow-b2a0ba6/

Soundtrack by ⁠NewLoud

In this short and fun episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Rick himself!

While driving about in London, he answers some relevant questions worth thinking about as we head towards the new year. 😊

In this interview, you’ll have a deeper insight into Rick and his views on:

- How he started his maverick journey and why

- Economy, inflation, and its relevance to the licensing world

- Mental health, and the importance of time management

QUESTIONS ASKED:

1. Can you give me a 5 min summary of your maverick journey so far?

2. It is clear that AI is on the rise, but so is edutainment. How do you plan add the edutainment element into your upcoming podcasts? 

3. Coming from licensing world, what are your thoughts on the retail forecast recently mentioned in the economist, in which they explain that in 2024, we should expect a fading inflation, causing the sales to rise by 2%, about twice as fast as in 2023. 

4. In relation to retail again, it's said that the fastest rate of online-sales growth will be in India, where policymakers are pushing hard to promote financial technologies, fintech, and other forms of digitalisation. What can Britain learn from this? How can this be applied to the licensing world?

5. Health experts are warning the public about a likely chance of an upcoming mental health epidemic. What are you currently doing for your mental-health? how do you maintain a healthy balance? ...as we all know, the balance of that can have a domino effect on the entire workplace, so it is a critical piece of the puzzle. 

6. For the past 2 years, you've been on a rollercoaster journey with your first book. What has been the biggest takeaways and what is your goal with its release? 

7. In the space of public speaking, would you say that it is an important skill to master, when it comes to having that maverick mindset?

8. What was your worst business advice? and best? 

9. What has been your best decisions this year and what are you planning to do more of next year ?

Wishing you all the success you deserve,

Rick

Episode Resources:

Connect with Rick on ⁠Linkedin⁠

Soundtrack by NewLoud

In this episode of Maverick Mindsets, we welcome Stephen Page who is a founder and CEO of SFC Capital, formerly Startup funding club. An investor, fund manager, entrepreneur and a true maverick! With nearly 300 investments in pre seed and seed stage companies, SFC has a large portfolio of exciting businesses.

His company won numerous awards from the industry over the last few years; which includes Seed fund of the year 2021, Most Active Investor in the regions 2021, and Best Angel Syndicate. 

Join us as we explore the maverick journey of how someone with no traditional business  background made it to founding and selling one of the most successful software companies in the UK!

In this interview with Stephen, you'll learn:

- How luck and drive can lead to getting started in the business world

- Why it's important to have humility

- The value of the right team when raising investment

- How being teachable fuels your success

Tune in on this thought-provoking journey as we unlock the potential of software startups! 

With love and a hopefully enlightened mindset,

Rick Lowe 

Episode Resources:

Stephen’s book recommendation

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crossing-Chasm-3rd-Disruptive-Mainstream/dp/0062292986

Connect with Stephen on Linkedin 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenroypage/

Soundtrack by NewLoud