Millennial Masters

Millennial Masters

By with Daniel IonescuBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Millennial Masters episodes

  • Self-awareness beats hustle every time 🏁 | Kamal Ellis-Hyman (Aim A Little Higher)

    This week’s Millennial Master is Kamal Ellis-Hyman — a speaker, entrepreneur, and mentor who’s redefining success for young professionals through his business Aim A Little Higher. From a childhood of side hustles to building a business that empowers the next generation, Kamal’s journey proves one thing: self-awareness is the real game-changer.

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    🔗 Find Kamal on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Kamal Ellis Hyman03:42 The Journey to Motivational Speaking07:38 The First Steps in Speaking11:20 The Role of Mentorship13:24 Giving Back: Mentoring the Next Generation15:29 Transitioning from Personal Branding to Business Growth17:31 Hiring for Solutions, Not Positions21:16 Understanding Red Flags in Hiring25:53 Mindset Challenges in the Younger Generation28:38 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Awareness32:36 Awareness of Opportunities and Local Markets37:37 The Journey to Success: Patience and Persistence42:15 Job Hopping vs. Long-Term Careers47:45 Finding Passion in Industries, Not Just Roles50:10 Improving Communication Skills for Success54:20 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt56:38 Navigating Career Opportunities and Self-Doubt01:01:08 Unlocking Potential in Young People01:08:18 Faith, Religion, and Personal Transformation01:16:31 Sacrifices and Life Lessons01:18:59 Advice to My Younger Self

    Takeaways from Kamal Ellis-Hyman’s interview:

    1️⃣ Self-awareness is the real key to successMost people chase job titles instead of industries, or hustle blindly without knowing what truly drives them. The real power comes from understanding your strengths, values, and what actually excites you.

    2️⃣ Build your business like you don’t want to do it foreverIf your company can’t run without you, it’s not a business, it’s a job. The sooner you put systems and people in place, the sooner you unlock real growth.

    3️⃣ Your career isn’t about you, it’s about impactKamal learned the hard way that a business built around “me, me, me” is a trap. Scaling meant shifting the focus from himself to a method that could be taught, repeated, and delivered by a team.

    4️⃣ Your first hire shouldn’t be a carbon copy of youKamal made the mistake of hiring people to replicate his exact style, instead of bringing in different strengths. Growth happens when you find the right people to complement you, not copy you.

    5️⃣ Patience beats hype every timeThe biggest reason people fail? They quit too soon. Kamal has been building his business for over a decade — no shortcuts, no viral overnight success. The lesson? Give it time, keep improving, and let it cook.

    📖 Kamal’s book recommendations

    The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson — A small shift today can change everything tomorrow. Kamal read this at 16, and it completely transformed his mindset. It’s all about how tiny, consistent actions, good or bad, compound over time. For him, it was the wake-up call that success isn’t about one big leap, but daily habits that stack up.

    Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley — A recurring one among Millennial Masters, this book reshaped how Kamal saw business, moving from being a solo act to building a brand that could scale beyond him. It gave him the tools to turn his passion into a system that works without him in the spotlight 24/7.

    The Bible — Kamal started reading the Bible properly as an adult and found a rock-solid foundation for personal growth, humility, and purpose. It shifted his perspective, helping him focus less on ego and more on impact, service, and long-term legacy.



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    1 hr 26 min
  • Why fair tax isn’t just charity, it’s good business 📈 | Kieran Jones (Freethought Group)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    This week’s Millennial Master is Kieran Jones, CEO of Freethought Group, who’s proof that success doesn’t always come from rapid-fire growth. Starting his first business as a teenager in Scotland, Kieran built his career on sustainable scaling and ethical values. Today, he runs a global hosting business with thousands of happy clients, a remote team spanning three continents, and a reputation for exceptional service.

    🔗 Find Kieran on LinkedIn

    Takeaways from Kieran Jones’ interview

    1️⃣ Slow and steady wins the raceKieran proves that ethical, sustainable growth can still lead to incredible success — no shortcuts required.

    2️⃣ Exceptional service is a differentiatorIn a crowded hosting industry, Kieran’s team stands out with “above and beyond” customer care.

    3️⃣ Remote-first is the futureWith a team spanning continents (and some in active war zones), Kieran explains how flexibility and trust drive success.

    4️⃣ Ethics and profit aren’t enemiesBy paying fair tax and prioritising staff wellbeing, Kieran shows how doing the right thing builds trust — and a loyal customer base.

    📖 Kieran’s book recommendation

    The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson — This modern classic challenges you to rethink how you approach challenges and setbacks. Kieran particularly resonated with the idea that while you’re not to blame for everything that happens, you are responsible for how you choose to respond. It’s a lesson in ownership, resilience, and taking control of your journey.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Kieran Jones

    03:19 The Teenage Entrepreneur

    06:04 Scaling the Business: From Side Hustle to Success

    08:46 Navigating Industry Giants: The Unique Selling Proposition

    11:06 The Merger: Strength in Numbers

    14:00 Building a Remote Team: Challenges and Solutions

    16:27 Ethical Business Practices: The Importance of Doing Right

    19:52 Taxation and Business Competitiveness in the UK

    23:25 The Future of Innovation: Where Will It Happen?

    30:34 AI's Impact on Everyday Life

    37:14 Balancing Work and Family Life

    39:55 Productivity and Delegation Strategies

    45:35 Leadership Lessons and Accepting Mistakes

    49:14 The Importance of Continuous Learning

    53:56 Navigating Board Dynamics and Accountability

    58:53 Trust and Responsibility in the WordPress Ecosystem

    01:05:44 The Dilemma of Business Resilience

    01:06:53 Personal Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship



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    1 hr 12 min
  • Scaling smart, selling big 🎺 | Nick Telson (Trumpet)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    This week’s Millennial Master is Nick Telson, an entrepreneur, angel investor, and podcaster who’s rewriting the rulebook for startup success. After scaling Design My Night to a $30m+ exit, Nick has continued to make waves, backing 54+ startups globally and co-founding Trumpet, a sales SaaS transforming the buyer journey.

    In this episode, Nick unpacks his playbook for scaling businesses, investing wisely, and finding the grit to succeed. Plus, he shares what makes a startup worth betting on and the traits every founder needs to thrive.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Nick Telson

    03:00 The Birth of Design My Night

    05:51 Navigating the Early Challenges

    08:21 Scaling the Business

    10:53 Hiring for Culture and Fit

    13:07 The Shift to Remote Work

    17:35 The Exit Strategy and Earn-Out

    23:48 Transitioning to Trumpet

    28:31 The Importance of Sales in Startups

    31:02 Finding the Right Co-Founder

    34:08 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding

    37:32 Revenue Generation vs. Growth Potential

    40:32 The Role of AI in Business

    44:40 Investing in Startups: What Matters Most

    48:16 The Hands-On Investor

    50:03 Lessons from Pitch Deck Podcast

    53:42 The Habits and Routines for Success

    56:38 Sacrifices on the Entrepreneurial Journey

    Takeaways from Nick Telson’s interview:

    1️⃣ Build sustainably, not just fast

    Nick believes in smart growth, balancing ambition with a foundation that lasts.

    2️⃣ Invest in people, not just ideas

    As an angel investor, Nick looks for founders who bring vision, resilience, and execution power.

    3️⃣ Understand your exit strategy

    Nick shares how thinking long-term helped him maximise Design My Night’s acquisition.

    4️⃣ Know your customer journey

    Trumpet’s success stems from solving real pain points in sales processes and buyer experiences.

    5️⃣ Hard work beats glamour

    Nick reminds us that behind every success story is relentless effort and determination.

    📖 Nick’s book recommendations

    Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – The inspiring memoir of Nike’s co-founder, packed with lessons on perseverance and vision.

    Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson – A candid look at the ups and downs of building the Virgin empire.

    Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – A deep dive into the life and mind of one of the most iconic entrepreneurs of our time.Subscribe free on MillennialMasters.Net for weekly episodes on Sundays, the Book Club on Wednesdays, and special features on Fridays.



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    1 hr
  • Build fast, launch fast, fail fast ⏩ | Thibault Louis-Lucas

    This week’s Millennial Master is Thibault (Tibo) Louis-Lucas, a serial entrepreneur who turned setbacks into stepping stones. From his early ventures and failures, to the breakthrough success and multi-million acquisition, Tibo has perfected the art of solving real problems and building products with impact.

    In this episode, Tibo shares his journey of rapid iteration, finding product-market fit, and scaling startups with unconventional strategies. He shares how he launched 11 products in four months, navigated platform challenges, and used personal branding to grow his businesses. You’ll also get his insights into the power of distribution, the future of AI, and how building in public is invaluable for any aspiring founder.

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:

    * Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service

    * Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Thibault Louis-Lucas

    03:19 The Entrepreneurial Journey With Ups and Downs

    05:34 Learning from Failure: The First Startups

    08:04 The Birth of Tweet Hunter: Finding Product-Market Fit

    10:35 Innovative Growth Strategies: Influencer Partnerships

    12:57 Navigating Changes: The Impact of Elon Musk's Acquisition

    15:12 The Acquisition Experience: From Startup to Acquisition

    18:07 Building Towards Success: Growth Strategies Post-Acquisition

    20:52 Personal Branding: The Double-Edged Sword

    23:28 The Shift to Newsletter Platforms: A New Venture

    31:03 Navigating Revenue Models in the Digital Age

    33:07 Building in Public: The Power of Transparency

    35:43 The Future of Twitter: Is It Dying?

    39:45 AI's Impact on Entrepreneurship

    44:03 Essential AI Tools for Entrepreneurs

    48:03 Europe's Tech Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

    51:50 Productivity Habits for Entrepreneurs

    53:20 Lessons from Startup Failures

    54:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    54:50 Influential Books for Personal Growth

    56:43 Remote Team Management: A New Approach

    Takeaways from Tibo Louis-Lucas’ interview:

    1️⃣ Fail fast, learn faster

    Tibo and his co-founder launched 11 products in four months, testing ideas rapidly until they found one that stuck — Tweet Hunter.

    2️⃣ Distribution beats product

    A great product isn’t enough; you need a strong distribution strategy to succeed. Tibo’s focus on personal branding and content creation helped drive growth.

    3️⃣ Use AI early

    Tibo explored AI tools to streamline processes and enhance his products, quickly adapting to new tech trends.

    4️⃣ Iterate with purpose

    By constantly refining Tweet Hunter based on user feedback, Tibo ensured it stayed relevant and valuable in a crowded market.

    This was episode 11 of Millennial Masters, which means you have 10 other inspiring episodes to catch up with on my website, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Let’s crush 2025! 💪🏻



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    1 hr 1 min
  • Culture will make or break your business 💎 | Gemma Price

    This week’s Millennial Master is Gemma Price, founder of HubGem.

    From taking the leap into self-employment to scaling a niche business into a global success, Gemma explains how she navigated challenges with resilience and a culture-first mindset.

    In this episode, she shares her secrets for building a thriving remote team, mastering personal development, and redefining work-life balance as a parent and entrepreneur.

    🔗 Find Gemma on LinkedIn

    Takeaways from Gemma’s interview

    1️⃣ Culture is king: Hiring for culture fit is more important than experience.

    2️⃣ Mindset matters: Journaling, meditation, and self-reflection are non-negotiables for success.

    3️⃣ Scaling smart: Staying niche and saying no to distractions helped HubGem stand out.

    4️⃣ The power of vulnerability: Authentic leadership creates trust and connection.

    5️⃣ Imposter syndrome: Embrace it as part of self-growth, not a flaw to fix.

    📖 Gemma’s book recommendations

    Dear Female Founder by Lu Li — A collection of letters written by successful female entrepreneurs, offering heartfelt advice, reality checks, and inspiration.

    The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters — A powerful guide to understanding and managing your inner “chimp” for better emotional control and resilience.

    The Emotional Overdraft by Andy Brown —A deep dive into the emotional challenges of running a business and strategies for managing them effectively.

    Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss — A practical guide for implementing change quickly and effectively in business, with actionable insights.

    Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat — A life-changing book on achieving happiness and emotional resilience through engineering principles and mindset shifts.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Intro to Gemma Price

    03:17 Taking the leap into entrepreneurship

    12:47 How the pandemic became a turning point

    22:56 Scaling through culture-first leadership

    33:12 Lessons in building a positive work environment

    42:56 The values behind HubGem’s hiring

    47:50 Why culture fit beats credentials

    54:25 Personal growth routines that work

    01:00:48 How motherhood reshaped her leadership

    01:05:13 The unseen sacrifices of founders

    01:07:43 Becoming an intuitive psychology coach

    01:12:29 Rethinking imposter syndrome



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    1 hr 23 min
  • Why curiosity and people are the ultimate business hack 🦾 | Ryan Carruthers (AI Response Lab)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:

    * Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service

    * Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    Ryan Carruthers is a serial entrepreneur whose journey spans trading PlayStation games as a teenager, scaling a Betfair tips empire, and building communities that thrive. But what really sets him apart is his bold leap into AI androids.

    Ryan’s latest venture combines tech with human ingenuity, using AI androids to take the grind out of sales processes, freeing up teams to focus on what they do best.

    In this episode, we unpack his lessons on business partnerships, risk-taking, and how being a dad reshaped his view on work and life.

    We also explore the future of AI in sales, and how Ryan sees it transforming industries while empowering people.

    📖 Ryan’s book recommendations

    Traction by Gino Wickman — A practical guide to structuring and scaling a business using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Ryan highlights the importance of the level 10 meeting framework and understanding your role as either a visionary or integrator.

    Profit First by Mike Michalowicz — A revolutionary approach to managing business finances, putting profit at the forefront. Ryan credits this book for transforming how he runs his business.

    The Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander and Iben Dissing Sandahl — A refreshing take on raising confident, resilient, and happy children, which Ryan applies in his journey as a dad.

    Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss — A collection of life and business lessons from high achievers across various fields, which Ryan revisits every year for inspiration.

    Company of One by Paul Jarvis — This book challenges the notion of “bigger is better” in business, encouraging entrepreneurs to set clear limits on growth and design a life aligned with their personal values.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Ryan Carruthers

    02:58 The Early Entrepreneurial Spirit

    05:21 Family Support and Business Foundations

    06:33 Navigating University and Early Ventures

    10:22 The Betfair Journey Begins

    14:34 Building a Community Around Betting

    16:31 Exploring Property Ventures

    21:34 Lessons from a Business Partnership

    24:15 Finding the Right Business Partner

    30:19 Influential Books and Life Lessons

    34:44 Life Changes and Risk Profiles

    39:12 Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded People

    43:51 Maintaining Focus and Productivity

    46:35 Remote Work Dynamics

    49:01 Sacrifices and Gains in Business

    50:33 The AI Revolution in Sales

    56:46 The Future of Education and AI

    59:32 Leveraging AI for Marketing and Copywriting

    01:04:07 Advice for the Younger Self



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    1 hr 8 min
  • The power of self-belief and overcoming the anticlimax of success 🌟 | Francesca McClory (FutureCloud Accounting)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    Francesca McClory is a dedicated stay-at-home mum turned entrepreneur, who transformed her life through sheer self-belief.

    In this episode, Francesca shares her experiences of scaling her business, FutureCloud Accounting, and the inevitable anticlimax that follows major successes.

    She offers valuable insights on how maintaining self-belief and resilience can help you navigate the less glamorous aspects of success.

    Tune in to learn how Francesca turned challenges into opportunities and stayed true to her vision.

    🔗 Find Francesca on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

    📖 Francesca’s book recommendations

    The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters — This book explores the inner workings of the human mind by introducing the concept of the “Chimp,” an emotional and impulsive part of our brain. Dr. Peters provides practical strategies to manage this inner chimp, helping individuals gain control over their emotions and reactions.

    The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber — Debunking common myths about starting and running a small business. Michael E. Gerber highlights the importance of working on your business, not just in it. The book outlines a framework for building scalable and sustainable businesses by developing systems and processes that allow the business to run smoothly without the constant presence of the owner.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 From Stay-at-Home Mom to Accountant

    08:21 The Leap to Entrepreneurship

    12:39 The Power of Partnerships

    16:15 Scaling Up: Lessons Learned

    22:19 Personal Branding in Business

    26:58 Common Financial Mistakes in Business

    31:59 Myths in Business: The Cost of Cheap Solutions

    34:56 Balancing Work and Family: Strategies for Success

    41:33 Sacrifices on the Path to Success

    43:24 Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work Environments

    46:18 Influential Reads: Books That Shaped My Journey

    49:46 Role Models and Vulnerability in Sharing Personal Stories

    📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on [email protected].

    🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on [email protected]



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    1 hr 1 min
  • Fatal startup mistakes and what entrepreneurs need to succeed 🛡️ | Michael Buckworth (Buckworths)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:

    * Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service

    * Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    Michael Buckworth is a seasoned mergers and acquisitions expert turned entrepreneurial powerhouse. He traded the high-stakes of top law firms for the gritty realm of startups.

    With over a decade of experience navigating billion-pound deals, Michael decided to flip the script and focus on what truly ignited his passion: empowering startups to scale and thrive.

    From setting up his own law firm, Buckworths, to becoming the go-to legal guru for unicorns and emerging businesses, Michael is transforming the legal landscape for entrepreneurs.

    Some takeaways from Michael’s interview:

    1️⃣ Avoid legal pitfalls early

    Startups often stumble on legal issues like improper documentation and unclear contracts. Understanding these risks from the outset will prevent costly mistakes.

    2️⃣ Establish founder agreements

    Having a business prenup is essential. Clear founder agreements outline roles, equity distribution, and conflict resolution, safeguarding your startup from internal disputes and potential disasters.

    3️⃣ Maintain work-life balance

    Entrepreneurship demands long hours, but maintaining balance is crucial. Michael shares his strategies for setting boundaries and staying productive without burning out.

    4️⃣ Strategic personal branding

    Personal branding has its ups and downs. While it builds trust and attracts clients, it can also lead to overwhelming personal attention. Michael is now promoting his team’s strengths to create a strong, cohesive firm identity.

    5️⃣ Execute and embrace luck

    What separates good entrepreneurs from great ones? Execution and a bit of luck. Michael believes in meticulous planning, strategic execution, and adaptability, combined with seizing favourable opportunities to achieve lasting success.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Michael Buckworth

    03:24 The Journey From Law to Entrepreneurship

    05:44 The Startup Landscape: Key Differences and Challenges

    09:32 Navigating Legal Tools: AI and Precedent Platforms

    15:44 Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

    20:03 Founders Agreements: The Business Prenup

    25:06 Writing a Book: Sharing Knowledge with Entrepreneurs

    27:46 Investor Relations: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

    31:58 Be Wary of Investments From These Countries

    34:27 Offshoring and Tax Strategies: Pros and Cons

    38:59 The Importance of Personal Branding in Business

    42:17 The Impact of Remote Work on Legal Practices

    44:28 How To Hire The Right Fit

    46:43 Routines and Habits for Success

    49:14 Sacrifices and Challenges of Entrepreneurship

    52:32 Lessons Learned: Advice for New Entrepreneurs

    54:52 Books That Inspired Michael

    56:45 Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on [email protected].

    🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on [email protected]



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    59 min
  • How a train ride led to a healthier beer, and why community is the secret sauce 🍻| Harvey Armstrong & Sam Holmes (Prime Time)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack

    Sam Holmes and Harvey Armstrong’s journey from a chance train encounter to launching Prime Time is a masterclass in friendship, resilience, and the power of building in public.

    Known for their stint on Made in Chelsea, Sam and Harvey brought their entrepreneurial journey to life on-screen and social media. This authenticity not only earned them a loyal fanbase, but also helped them raise over £1 million through crowdfunding, turning fans into investors.

    It all started on a train with a shared 24-pack of beers. Years later, motivated by a love of beer and a vision for a sustainable lifestyle, they launched Prime Time, a low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan beer with a caffeine kick. But the path wasn’t easy. Just as they were gearing up for a major festival, their first brewery partner went bust. Instead of folding, they quickly pivoted, found new partners, and kept the dream alive.

    Today, Prime Time is available in pubs, bars, and Waitrose supermarkets across the UK, proving that with the right mix of grit, collaboration, and community, even the boldest dreams can become reality.

    🔗 Find Harvey on LinkedIn, Instagram and Sam on LinkedIn and Instagram

    Some takeaways from Harvey & Sam’s interview:

    1️⃣ Embrace serendipity

    Great ideas often come from the unexpected. Sam and Harvey’s chance meeting over a 24-pack of beers on a train proves the power of being open to new connections and opportunities.

    2️⃣ Innovate with purpose

    To stand out, solve real problems. Prime Time isn’t just another beer — it’s crafted for today’s health-conscious drinkers, offering low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan, and caffeine-infused options that hit the mark.

    3️⃣ Stay resilient

    Challenges are part of the journey. When their brewery partner collapsed during the pandemic, Sam and Harvey quickly pivoted, secured new partners, and kept Prime Time on course.

    4️⃣ Build in public

    Transparency builds trust. By sharing their story on reality TV, social media, and involving their community in crowdfunding, Prime Time transformed fans into loyal supporters and brand advocates.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Sam Holmes and Harvey Armstrong

    03:16 A Chance Encounter: How It All Began

    05:10 Crafting a Healthier Beer: The Vision Behind Prime Time

    07:24 From Idea to Product: The R&D Journey

    09:34 Overcoming Setbacks: The Production Challenges

    12:50 Scaling Through Outsourcing: Lessons Learned

    14:35 Navigating Fundraising: Bootstrapping to Crowdfunding

    18:09 The Differences in Funding: Private vs. Crowdfunding

    21:41 Marketing and Activations: The Co-Founders' Approach

    23:26 Defining Roles: The Co-Founders' Dynamic

    25:29 Building the Team: Hiring for Culture and Fit

    30:18 Work Culture: Balancing Office and Remote Work

    32:35 Expanding into Supermarkets

    34:42 Navigating the Supermarket Landscape

    36:24 Facing Competition and Imitators

    38:05 Learning from Industry Giants

    39:50 Maintaining Focus and Productivity

    44:21 Continuous Learning and Networking

    48:23 Sacrifices on the Entrepreneurial Journey

    51:04 Vision for the Future

    53:40 Advice to Younger Selves

    📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on [email protected].

    🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on [email protected]



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    56 min
  • Don't chase your dreams, just follow them until they get tired and lie down 🎯 | Yehong Zhu (Zette)

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack

    Yehong Zhu’s story is a blend of journalism, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. A Harvard graduate, she began as a business reporter at Forbes, uncovering market trends, before transitioning to Product Manager at Twitter, where she bridged media and tech.

    Now, as the founder of Zette, a Silicon Valley startup tackling paywall fatigue, Yehong is reimagining how we access quality journalism. Backed by $3 million in funding, Zette is on a mission to make premium content simple to access and pay for — benefiting both readers and publishers alike.

    Some takeaways from Yehong’s interview:

    1️⃣ Solve real problems with innovation

    Yehong tackled digital media’s toughest challenge — monetisation — by creating Zette, a win-win solution for publishers and readers.

    2️⃣ Resilience drives success

    Launching Zette during a global pandemic wasn’t easy, but Yehong’s adaptability and grit kept her vision on track.

    3️⃣ Iterate, refine, repeat

    Yehong champions an iterative approach in product development and pitching, ensuring continuous growth and market fit.

    4️⃣ Think global, hire global

    Building an international team gave Zette access to diverse skills and perspectives, fuelling its growth.

    5️⃣ Leadership with balance

    Yehong’s leadership style prioritises team well-being and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for long-term success.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Yehong Zhu

    03:14 The Intersection of Media and Technology

    07:50 The Birth of Zette During the Pandemic

    10:43 Fundraising Insights and Challenges

    17:22 The Importance of Resilience in Startups

    23:09 The Future of Media Consumption and Paywalls

    33:38 Subscription Fatigue and the Future of News

    37:45 The Role of Google in the Publishing Industry

    42:00 Challenges in User Adoption of Zette

    46:13 AI's Impact on Search and Google's Future

    50:57 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Personal Sacrifices

    01:00:07 Books That Shape an Entrepreneur's Mindset



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
    1 hr 5 min

About Millennial Masters

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Conversations with founders and leaders about the decisions shaping modern businesses