Now We Build

In this conversation, Hubert Behaghel shares his journey from a young coder to a prominent tech leader, discussing his experiences at Sky, Marks and Spencer, and Typeform. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in corporate environments, the often-overlooked value of internal tech optimization, and the challenges of leadership in tech. Hubert also reflects on his transition to a startup environment and the lessons learned in motivating teams and fostering a culture of collaboration. In this conversation, Hubert Behaghel discusses his journey through midlife and the entrepreneurial mindset he developed while working in large tech companies. He shares insights on scaling challenges, tech debt, and the importance of strong leadership in startups. Hubert emphasizes the need for hands-on leadership, the significance of a solid technical foundation, and the evolving role of AI in decision-making processes. He also addresses the complexities of the CTO role and the impact of inflation on job titles in the tech industry.

Takeaways

• Started coding at 10 years old, driven by passion.
• Innovation in large companies often comes from small teams.
• Internal tech optimization is crucial but often overlooked.
• Leadership is about serving the engineers and enabling them.
• Building a strong foundation is key to success in tech.
• Understanding the value chain is essential for tech investment.
• Creating space for teams to innovate is vital.
• Breaking down problems into smaller tasks enhances productivity.
• Motivating teams requires authenticity and connection.
• Transitioning to a startup brings new challenges and opportunities. Finding a balance between personal life and entrepreneurial aspirations is crucial.
• Scaling challenges are common across companies of all sizes.
• Tech debt can hinder growth and needs to be managed effectively.
• Budgeting and cost management are essential for startup success.
• Hands-on leadership is necessary for navigating growth stages.
• A strong technical foundation is vital for long-term success.
• The role of the CTO is evolving and requires strategic thinking.
• AI tools can enhance decision-making and learning processes.
• Understanding team dynamics is key to effective leadership.
• Inflation of job titles can create credibility issues in startups.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Journey

02:55 Innovation in Corporate Environments

06:00 The Importance of Internal Tech Optimization

08:47 Leadership Challenges in Tech

11:51 Transitioning to Marks and Spencer

15:05 Building Teams and Motivating Engineers

17:59 Joining Typeform and the Startup Experience

25:19 Navigating Midlife and Entrepreneurial Aspirations

26:11 Scaling Challenges in Tech Companies

27:09 Understanding Tech Debt and Company Growth

28:59 Cost Management and Budgeting in Startups

30:20 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Startups

31:23 Building Strong Foundations for Growth

34:40 The Role of the CTO in Startups

41:14 AI's Impact on Technology and Decision Making

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In this conversation, Ziyaad Ahmed shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the founding of Spotii, a FinTech company in the UAE, and the challenges faced in building a startup in a developing ecosystem. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior, the fundraising landscape in the UAE, and the unique dynamics of being co-founders with his sister. Ziyaad also reflects on the acquisition of Spotii by Zip and the subsequent transition to a new venture focused on AI.

Takeaways

• Spotii was founded to address a gap in the MENA region's payment industry.
• The UAE's startup ecosystem has evolved significantly in recent years.
• COVID-19 accelerated the shift towards online shopping in the region.
• Fundraising in the UAE is dominated by family offices and government funds.
• Sibling co-founders can leverage their trust to navigate challenges effectively.
• Acquisition offers can be both flattering and strategically beneficial.
• Transitioning to a capital-light business model can mitigate risks.
• AI is seen as a transformative force in various industries.
• Building a strong tech stack is crucial for startup success.
• The journey of entrepreneurship is often filled with emotional highs and lows.

Chapters

00:00 The Founding Journey of Spotii

02:56 Navigating the UAE Startup Ecosystem

05:55 Impact of COVID-19 on Business

08:48 Fundraising Landscape in the UAE

11:56 Sibling Co-Founders: A Unique Dynamic

14:58 Acquisition Journey of Spotii

17:50 Transitioning to AI and Future Prospects

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In this conversation, Sam Marchant interviews Paul Staples, exploring his journey from launching his first business in the oil and gas sector in 1999 to creating one of the world's first carbon credit platforms. They discuss the challenges of navigating industry skepticism, the investment landscape during the dot-com boom, and how Paul maintained his entrepreneurial spirit while working in large corporates. The conversation also delves into leadership styles and the importance of fostering innovation within teams. Paul discusses the importance of creative problem-solving in teams, the strengths and challenges of the UK FinTech ecosystem, the traits of successful FinTech founders, and the exciting innovations currently shaping the industry. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment, particularly in the context of financial services and technology.

Takeaways

• Paul launched his first business in oil and gas in 1999.
• He had a background in the New Orleans gas industry.
• The initial business model was a mix of eBay and Rightmove for oil and gas.
• Security was a major concern for clients in the early internet days.
• The first online auction of oil drilling licenses was completed on their platform.
• Investment was easier during the dot-com boom with less scrutiny.
• Paul transitioned to the carbon credit space after working at Goldman Sachs.
• He identified a need for transparency in carbon credit transactions.
• Maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit in corporates requires finding innovation functions.
• Leadership should encourage problem identification and solutioning. Creative problem-solving thrives in collaborative environments.
• The UK FinTech ecosystem benefits from a mix of regulation and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Successful founders exhibit self-awareness and the ability to build strong teams.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership in startups.
• The UK is a safe market for launching new business propositions.
• Workflows in banking are evolving with new technologies.
• AI should be used thoughtfully in financial services.
• Compliance remains a significant area of innovation in FinTech.
• Founders should be open to giving up equity for the right talent.
• The ability to adapt and learn quickly is essential for success. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:52 Navigating Industry Skepticism

12:02 Transition to Carbon Credits

18:04 Leadership and Team Dynamics

24:27 The UK FinTech Ecosystem: Strengths and Challenges

30:59 Traits of Successful FinTech Founders

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In this episode, Andy Shovel and Sam discuss the founding journey of Andy's meat alternative brand and the flash of insight that led to its creation. They explore the process of developing the product and the challenges of finding a manufacturer. Andy shares his controversial views on consumer testing and the importance of familiarity in product development. They also discuss the branding strategy and the educational aspect of introducing a new product to consumers. Andy provides insights into the international growth plan and the fundraising experience, including the challenges of working with institutional investors. In this conversation, Andy, the founder of a successful FMCG company, discusses his experiences and insights as a startup founder. He challenges conventional norms in the startup world, such as the concept of needing a lead investor and founder vesting. Andy also shares his thoughts on the future of FMCG, including the potential for more meat alternatives and the development of new protein delivery options. Additionally, he introduces his new charity, A Bit Weird, which aims to question and scrutinize societal norms regarding animal welfare.

Takeaways

• The founding journey of a meat alternative brand involves a deep understanding of the market and a flash of insight to identify a unique opportunity.
• Developing a meat alternative product requires extensive research, testing, and iteration to achieve the desired taste, texture, and quality.
• Consumer testing may not always be necessary for meat alternative products, as the target is to create a seamless substitution that is familiar to consumers.
• Branding plays a crucial role in differentiating a meat alternative brand and attracting mainstream consumers.
• International expansion should be approached cautiously in the FMCG industry, as it requires significant resources and expertise.
• Working with institutional investors can be challenging, and founders should educate themselves on investor relations to effectively manage stakeholders. Questioning conventional norms in the startup world can lead to innovative approaches and strategies.
• The FMCG industry has a slumbering demand for plant-based products, and there is an opportunity to tap into this market by offering new and improved options.
• The future of FMCG may involve the development of clean label, highly nutritious, and whole food-based products.
• Societal conditioning and cognitive dissonance contribute to the acceptance of harmful practices, such as the mistreatment of animals.
• Andy's new charity, A Bit Weird, aims to challenge societal norms regarding animal welfare and create a world where not caring about animal welfare is seen as abnormal.

Chapters

00:00 The Founding Journey and Flash of Insight

06:29 The Role of Branding in Differentiation

39:44 The Future of FMCG: Tapping into Slumbering Demand

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In this conversation, Sam Marchant and Naomi Fitzpatrick delve into the intricacies of product management, particularly focusing on the integration of AI in product development. Naomi shares her experiences at Intercom and Typeform, discussing the evolution of AI, the importance of customer-centric solutions, and the challenges of product retention. They explore the significance of collaboration within product teams, the necessity of building great user experiences, and the common pitfalls in AI product development. Naomi emphasizes the characteristics of great product people and the importance of aligning teams towards shared goals to drive success.

Takeaways

• Naomi Fitzpatrick is recognized for her expertise in product management.
• AI was initially viewed with skepticism but has become essential in product development.
• Customer support use cases were prioritized for AI integration at Intercom.
• Understanding user engagement is crucial for product retention.
• Creating a seamless user experience is key to product-led growth.
• Collaboration among product teams enhances overall effectiveness.
• Great product people balance data analysis with user research.
• Shared goals among teams foster alignment and productivity.
• AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not a replacement for human roles.
• Building a product that users love leads to organic growth. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Product Leadership

03:01 The Evolution of AI in Product Development

06:00 Customer-Centric AI Solutions

08:58 Navigating Product Retention Challenges

12:06 Understanding User Engagement and Value

14:55 The Role of Collaboration in Product Teams

17:59 Building a Great User Experience

21:06 AI Integration in Product Design

24:01 Common Pitfalls in AI Product Development

27:06 Characteristics of Great Product People

30:01 Aligning Teams Towards Shared Goals

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In this conversation, Adam Spector shares his extensive experience as a four-time founder and angel investor, discussing the evolution of AI and machine learning, the challenges of building startups, and the importance of focus and delegation. He emphasizes the need for founders to measure the value they provide, control their narrative, and recognize when to pivot or move on. Adam also highlights the significance of obsession in successful founders and the power of compounding in entrepreneurship, while contrasting the journeys of bootstrapped versus VC-funded startups.

Takeaways

• Having a larger base of investments reduces risk.
• AI's impact on business should be considered but not overemphasized.
• Founders should focus on delivering delightful outcomes for customers.
• Measuring the value provided by a product is critical for success.
• Control your narrative to ensure clients recognize your value.
• Delegation is key; focus on what only you can do.
• Successful founders are often obsessed with their vision.
• Compounding is essential for long-term success in entrepreneurship.
• Don't jump jobs too often; build your skills and network.
• Bootstrapping can lead to contentment and ownership of your journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Adam Spector

01:43 The Evolution of AI and Machine Learning

04:28 Building LiftIgniter: Challenges and Lessons Learned

07:48 Trends in B2B SaaS and Founder Focus

10:42 Measuring Value in Product Offerings

12:25 Controlling the Narrative for Founders

14:40 The Importance of Delegation and Focus

18:00 Key Traits of Successful Founders

21:31 The Power of Compounding in Entrepreneurship

23:42 Contentment in the Founder Journey

26:51 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding

30:52 Compounding Skills in Startup Careers

34:15 Hacks for Building a Successful Startup

36:47 Obsessive Founders: A Case Study

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In this conversation, Chris Wickson shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the launch of his first business, RMP, during university. He discusses the challenges and successes of scaling the business, the transition to a new venture, Akkroo, and the lessons learned along the way. Chris emphasizes the importance of focus, iteration, and leveraging experience as a repeat founder. He also introduces his latest venture, ReelFlow, which aims to revolutionize B2B marketing through interactive video content. The conversation highlights key strategies for growth, the significance of team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of go-to-market efforts.

Takeaways

• Starting a business in university offers unique advantages.
• Building a team with complementary skills is crucial.
• Focus on a specific market to drive growth.
• Iterate on go-to-market strategies based on customer feedback.
• Investing in video content can enhance marketing efforts.
• Repeat founders have an advantage in networking and experience.
• Understanding your customer is key to product development.
• Early-stage startups should avoid chasing too many tools.
• Consistency in sales and marketing efforts leads to success.
• Engaging with the right personas can accelerate growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Launching RMP

03:04 Scaling and Team Dynamics

05:58 Transitioning to Akkroo: Identifying New Opportunities

08:52 Raising Capital: The Growth Journey

11:59 Strategies for Growth: Achieving 100% Year-on-Year

14:58 Lessons Learned: Focus and Iteration in Go-to-Market

18:06 Real Flow: A New Venture in Video Marketing

21:09 Building on Experience: The Advantages of Being a Repeat Founder

23:55 Navigating the Market: Finding the Right Customer Fit

26:52 Conclusion: Connecting with Chris Wickson

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In this episode, Mike Soutar discusses the challenges of building a founding team and the importance of complementary skills. He shares his experience as the CEO of the Evening Standard, a business that was losing 30 million pounds a year, and explains why he took on the challenge. Soutar emphasizes the need for clear strategy and purpose when leading a company through change. He also discusses the ability of large organizations to adapt quickly and offers advice on how to instigate and structure change. Soutar shares insights on hiring individuals who are open to change and operate with speed, and he highlights the importance of having a blend of different skills within a team. Lastly, he talks about working with founders who are going through pivots and offers guidance on embracing change.

Takeaways

• During a financial crisis, it is crucial for startups to stay lean and make every penny count.
• Establishing strong relationships with advertisers is essential for survival during tough economic times.
• Mistakes to avoid include allowing the cost of sales to rise too quickly and not defining the values of the organization early on.
• Having a strong co-founding team with complementary skills is important for the success of a business.
• Scaling internationally can be achieved through partnerships with market-leading publishers who see the value in the business model. Building a founding team requires individuals with complementary skills.
• Clear strategy and purpose are essential when leading a company through change.
• Large organizations can adapt quickly with proper planning and a clear narrative.
• Hiring individuals who are open to change and operate with speed is crucial for success.
• Embracing change and being willing to pivot can lead to new opportunities and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:35 Shortlist Media and the 2008 Financial Crisis

02:37 Staying Lean and Focused

08:15 Mistakes to Avoid

12:32 The Importance of a Strong Co-founding Team

16:13 Scaling Internationally through Strategic Partnerships

20:04 Building a Complementary Founding Team

21:32 Leading Through Change: Strategy and Purpose

23:09 Adapting Quickly in Large Organizations

25:26 Hiring for Change and Speed

27:21 Embracing Change and Pivoting for Growth

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In this episode, Mark Walker, the former head of growth at Eventbrite, shares insights on his experience and strategies for driving growth. He emphasizes the importance of building a great product as the ultimate moat and believes that distribution alone is not enough. Mark highlights the need for resonant content that is relevant, valuable, timely, consistent, and actionable. He advises founders to have a point of view, identify gaps in the market, and choose the right distribution channels. Mark suggests starting small and leveraging long-form video content in collaboration with experts to create a content flywheel. The conversation explores the importance of content in B2B SaaS marketing and the role it plays in building brand awareness and generating pipeline. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach between corporate brand identity and individual content creation. The use of AI in content creation is also discussed, with the importance of using AI responsibly and focusing on creating value. The conversation concludes with a discussion about RevvedUp, a tool that helps organizations create resonant content and have meaningful conversations with prospects throughout their buying cycle.

Takeaways

• Building a great product is the ultimate moat for a company.
• Resonant content is relevant, valuable, timely, consistent, and actionable.
• Founders should have a point of view and identify gaps in the market to create valuable content.
• Start small and leverage long-form video content in collaboration with experts to create a content flywheel.
• Distribution alone is not enough; a holistic go-to-market strategy is essential. Content is a crucial component of B2B SaaS marketing, helping to build brand awareness and generate pipeline.
• A balanced approach is needed between corporate brand identity and individual content creation.
• AI can be used in content creation, but it should be used responsibly and focused on creating value.
• RevvedUp is a tool that helps organizations create resonant content and have meaningful conversations with prospects throughout their buying cycle.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:46 Joining Eventbrite and Early Growth Strategies

05:29 Building Eventbrite's UK Presence and Exporting the Blueprint

07:39 Effective Strategies and Notable Failures at Eventbrite

13:43 Distribution as the New Moat: Counter View

17:03 Prioritizing Product, Distribution, and Commercial Model

19:29 Building a Content-Driven Demand Engine

23:36 Creating Resonant Content and Implementing a Sustainable Strategy

25:10 Content Strategy Beyond Conversion: Trust and Proximity to Customers

25:29 The Power of Content in B2B SaaS Marketing

28:36 Balancing Corporate Brand Identity and Individual Content Creation

35:05 Using AI Responsibly in Content Creation

43:40 RevvedUp: Creating Resonant Content and Meaningful Conversations

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In this episode, Mark Ryan, co-founder of Pavlov, shares insights on being a founder and the importance of curiosity in product development. He discusses his experiences at Intercom and Shopify, highlighting the emphasis on customer-centricity and the power of direct communication with customers. Mark also emphasizes the value of aligning the team around a common goal and the challenges of product messaging. He concludes by offering his contact information and willingness to help others.

Takeaways

• Being a founder requires curiosity and a passion for building things.
• Environments and experiences shape entrepreneurial tendencies.
• Intercom and Shopify prioritize direct communication with customers and a customer-centric approach.
• Product messaging should be personal, respectful, and focused on helping customers.
• Aligning the team around a common goal is crucial for success.
• Building a product that solves a real problem is the foundation for success.
• Curiosity and empathy are essential qualities for product people.
• Data and customer conversations should inform product decisions.
• Product strategy should guide the direction of the company.
• Hiring people with diverse perspectives and experiences is valuable for problem-solving.
• Effective product messaging requires simplicity and a focus on value.
• Helping customers achieve value is key to product success.
• Collaboration and support from others are essential for personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Founder

03:05 The Importance of Direct Communication with Customers

06:34 Aligning the Team Around a Common Goal

11:44 Product Messaging: Personal, Respectful, and Helpful

14:19 Building a Product that Solves Real Problems

17:08 The Role of Curiosity and Empathy in Product Development

23:05 Data and Customer Conversations in Product Decision-Making

25:08 The Guiding Role of Product Strategy

28:18 The Value of Diverse Perspectives in Problem-Solving

33:47 Driving Customer Success and Achieving Value

37:35 The Power of Collaboration and Support in Growth

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