On The Up & Up

In this episode, I had an enlightening conversation with Aniket Kumar, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, HR leader, and mentor with a unique background as a child of Afghan refugees growing up in Germany. We explored his experiences navigating a multicultural identity and how his parents' guidance shaped his career choices. Aniket opened up about: 

Our discussion highlighted the power of empathy, mentorship, and the importance of community and accountability in overcoming societal expectations. Aniket's story is a powerful testament to resilience, the pursuit of passion, and breaking into unconventional paths. 

This episode is truly inspiring and offers valuable insights for anyone striving to carve out their own unique path.

Enjoy the Episode and Happy Listening!

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms:  (⁠https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io⁠)

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

00:00: Welcome, Reflection, and Aniket’s Introduction

03:36: Navigating Cultural Identities & Embracing it as a Superpower

07:21: Parental Advice, Influence, and Career Decisions

11:53: Dropping Out of University and Early Career Struggles

17:01: Freelancing and Learning the Hard Way

24:06: Building a Support Network and Mentorship

28:20: Overcoming Confidence Issues, Networking, and Personal Growth

31:44: Early Career Experiences, Venturing into HR,  and Entrepreneurship

42:34: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Future

Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms:  (https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io)

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Hey there Risers and Thrivers, 

We’re kicking off Season 3 with Sharlene Durfey François, an artist, entrepreneur, and connector that is on a mission to create a movement. During our conversation, we dive into: 

This was a live podcast where guests experienced the intimacy cards. 

We laugh, share personal stories, and emphasize the importance of community and meaningful conversations. This episode is a delightful mix of business insights and heartfelt discussions, encouraging everyone to embrace intimacy in all its forms.

Curious about your Intimacy IQ? Take the quiz here: https://intimacy-cards.involve.me/whats-your-intimacy-iq 

Happy Listening 

Follow Sharlene and Intimacy Cards: 

Instagram: @shhharlenedurfey @intimacycards @shhhroooms

Website: https://www.intimacy-cards.com

Telegram: https://t.me/beyondthesurface121

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharlenedurfey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intimacycards/

TikTok: @redefiningintimacy

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Introduction (00:00:00): Janine introduces herself, Sharlene, and prompts the audience to share their experiences from the earlier interaction

Sharlene's Experience with Intimacy Cards (00:04:00)

Sharlene discusses her inspiration for creating intimacy cards during the COVID-19 pandemic and its significance. Also, she explains her choice of the term "intimacy cards" and the intention behind redefining intimacy.

Building a Business Around the Cards (00:11:40)

Sharlene discusses her decision to turn the intimacy cards into a business, the support she received, her approach to gathering user feedback, and building a community.

The Types of Intimacy (00:18:50): Sharlene elaborates on the different types of intimacy, including the concept of energetic intimacy and its significance.

Kickstarter Experience (23:04): Sharlene shares her intense experience with fundraising through Kickstarter, her strategy to create excitement, and learning from the all-or-nothing funding model of Kickstarter.

Intimacy as Symbiotic (28:09): Sharlene discusses her belief in the symbiotic nature of intimacy and relationships, as well as her vision for the Intimacy Cards.

Audience Q&A (31:55): Janine invites the audience to ask questions or share insights. They discuss expanding into dating, other target audiences, favorite cards, and more. 

In this special live podcast recording and season finale, I sat down with Cephas Ndubueze, the man infecting Berliners, Muncheners, and New Yorkers with the fear of missing out through his FOMO Newsletters and Events. We dove into his journey creating FOMO, as well as the shameless tactics and fruitful collaborations that helped him to amass over 6.5k subscribers within a couple of months. 

This conversation is perfect for community builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in creating FOMO for their business or product! Happy listening 😉

Huge thank you to our partners that made this event possible: Lynk & Co Berlin, Verne, and Le Bar Berlin!

Also, follow On The Up & Up on Instagram &  LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest!  

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Introduction (00:00:16) Janine introduces herself, thanks the guest as well as partners that helped to realize the live podcast. Then, she introduces Cephas, the founder of FOMO Berlin.

Who’s in Cephas behind his online persona (00:03:33) Cephas shares personal details about his daily reading habit, his balance between attending events and taking time for himself, and his childhood dream.

Motivation behind FOMO (00:05:35) Cephas explains the motivation behind creating FOMO, citing challenges in finding events and the desire to bridge the gap between different cultural scenes.

Success and growth of FOMO (00:15:20) Janine highlights the success of FOMO, with 6.5k newsletter subscribers, and discusses Cephas's founder-market fit, the niche target audience, and activities in South Africa

Why Cephas does what he does (00:22:47) Janine questions Cephas about his motivations and driving force behind organizing FOMO events and ventures.

Learning from mistakes (00:25:21) Cephas discusses the mistake of not overcommunicating with event applicants and the importance of learning from it and strategies for growing an audience, including overdelivering, networking, and shameless promotion.

Vision for FOMO's future & Audience Questions (00:35:18) Cephas discusses his vision for FOMO, including increasing subscribers, expanding to other cities, and focusing on culture and tech communities. Additionally, they open the round for audience questions.

Hey there Risers & Thrivers, 

In this uplifting episode of "On the Up and Up," Janine had the pleasure of chatting with Alain Missala , the inspiring founder of Zula and Black Dads Germany. We delved into Alain's journey of creating a supportive community for Black fathers in Germany, driven by his own experiences and the lack of role models. Alain shared how his grandparents' values of love, resilience, and faith shaped his entrepreneurial path and fatherhood. We emphasized the importance of creating positive memories and fostering a supportive environment for the next generation. It was a heartwarming conversation filled with insights and inspiration.

This episode is filled with subtle lessons for both personal and professional applications. Happy Listening 🎧

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Acknowledgements

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Alain's motivation for creating Black Dads Germany (00:01:29) Alain's journey with building Black Dads Germany and the challenges he faced as a black father in Germany.

Influence of role models and the lack thereof (00:02:42) The impact of role models, the absence of a father figure, and the role of resilience in Alain's experience.

Isolation within the black community (00:05:08) The isolation experienced by black fathers within the community and the challenges of defining black experiences in Germany.

Microaggressions and the need for community (00:07:11) The common experience of microaggressions and the importance of finding a supportive community for black fathers.

Navigating challenges and setting priorities (00:12:01) The importance of setting priorities as a father, dealing with challenges, and finding happiness in the journey of fatherhood.

The responsibility of being a role model (00:12:54) The significance of being a role model for children and the impact of personal experiences on parenting.

Vulnerability and deconstructing mindsets (00:17:58) The acceptance of vulnerability, deconstructing traditional mindsets, and the importance of spending quality time with children.

Forgiveness and self-discovery (00:19:03) Alain's personal journey of forgiveness, self-discovery, and separating himself from past pain.

Fatherhood and Entrepreneurial Journey (00:20:08) Discussion on the impact of fatherhood or the lack thereof on entrepreneurial journey, influenced by the Alain's grandfather.

Leadership and Love (00:21:23) Lessons on leadership and love learned from the Alain's grandfather, emphasizing the importance of love and resilience in projects.

Hustle and Resilience (00:23:14) Alain's grandmother's influence on hustle and resilience, shaping the speaker's approach to managing time and work ethic.

Role Models and Deficit Perception (00:27:42) Exploration of the impact of role models on Alain's life and the perception of deficit due to the absence of a father figure.

Importance of Father Figures (00:30:50) Discussion on the significance of father figures in children's lives, emphasizing the impact on leadership and overall well-being.

Creating Memories and Faith (00:34:46) Reflection on the importance of creating memories and the influence of faith and resilience in shaping Alain's mindset and experiences.

The Influence of Role Models (00:39:07) The importance of creating memories, faith, and the role of being a positive role model are discussed.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io

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Hey there Risers & Thrivers, 

In this riveting episode, you’ll meet Moroccan-born 2x founder turned investor, Zakaria Jaiathe. Here’s what you can expect in this episode: 

This episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and valuable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and investment. Tune in to learn from Zak's experiences and get motivated to pursue your own dreams with resilience and strategic planning.

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Acknowledgements

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Zak's Childhood and Dream of Traveling (00:02:14) Zak shares his childhood dream of flying and his journey from a small city in Morocco to France.

Adapting to Life in France (00:06:47) Zak discusses his unexpected experience of encountering many Moroccans and familiar cultural elements in France.

Motivation to Move to Germany (00:08:04) Zak explains his desire to move to Germany and his analytical approach to choosing the country.

Transition from Employment to Entrepreneurship (00:11:16) Zak reflects on his decision to leave a comfortable job at SAP to pursue entrepreneurship and the catalyst for making that choice.

Facing Deportation in Germany (00:15:09) Zak recounts the experience of facing deportation in Germany and the stress and uncertainty it caused.

Challenges for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Germany (00:26:09) Zak and Janine discuss the difficulties faced by foreign entrepreneurs, particularly in obtaining visas and funding in Germany.

Challenges of Being Taken Seriously as a Founder (00:30:30) Zak shares his experience of not being taken seriously as a founder.

Pivoting and Fundraising Challenges (00:34:36) Zak discusses the challenges faced while pivoting his company and the difficulties in fundraising, particularly when focusing on African markets.

Investor's Perspective on African Markets (00:39:29) Zak sheds light on the lack of understanding and investment in African markets, particularly from the perspective of German investors.

Early Mistakes and Founder Pitfalls (00:42:01) Zak provides insights into the early mistakes made in building startups and shares an investor's perspective on common pitfalls for founders.

The Dangers of Rushing to Investors (00:50:01) Zak advises founders to thoroughly prepare before approaching VCs, highlighting the common mistakes and wasted time in fundraising due to lack of preparation.

Importance of Homework in Fundraising (00:52:56) Zak emphasizes the need for founders to do their homework before speaking to investors, including understanding the investors' focus and being selective in approaching them.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io

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Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this special Mother's Day episode of "On the Up & Up," host Janine Vanessa Heinrich engages in a heartfelt conversation with her mother, Sussie. They delve into various topics that showcase their unique mother-daughter relationship. Sussie shares her experiences growing up in Ghana, her journey to American citizenship, and her personal views on motherhood, illustrating the stark contrasts between her life in her 20s and Janine's current experiences. The episode highlights: 

Throughout the episode, Janine and Sussie explore their similarities and differences, shedding light on the enduring bond and mutual respect that define their relationship. Curious about their relationship? Listen to their conversation now for all the tea ☕

Happy Listening 🎧

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

00:00- 07:35- Happy Mother’s Day and Introduction to Janine’s Mom, Sussie 

07:36-20:00- Sussie shares insights into her young adult years, her marriage, the struggles of motherhood, and working for the first time at 35 years old 

21:22- 32:00- Exploring the challenges of balancing making ends meet and single parenthood in a foreign country 

32:30-41:00- Reflecting on our regrets, changes over the years, and hopes for the years to come

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io

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Hey there Risers and Thrivers, 

In this episode, we take a deep dive with Cosima Richardson, a pioneer in the hair and beauty industry, who is transforming the way we think about and use synthetic hair extensions. Cosima discusses the alarming presence of toxic chemicals in traditional hair products and shares her journey towards creating Kynd Hair, Europe's first plant-based, skin-friendly, and biodegradable hair extension brand. Through her story, listeners will uncover: 

This episode is a must-listen for hair enthusiasts, (aspiring) entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in beauty, health, and environmental sustainability. Tune in now and join the conversation! Happy Listening!

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Social Media Channels

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyndhair/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyndhair/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyndhair?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kynd-hair/

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

(00:00- 06:42) Meet Cosima Richardson, founder of Kynd Hair! Cosima and Janine discuss their childhood experiences with hair, highlighting the challenges and emotions related to hair care for people of color.

(06:42-16:27) Discover the harmful effects of synthetic hair products, dive into the disproportionate impact of beauty products on people of color, explore the lack of innovation in the hair extension market and the absence of sustainable alternatives

(16:27-24:13) Understanding synthetic hair vs. human hair, usage, and the global market potential and the cultural significance of braids.

(24:14- 36:15) Cosima shares her journey of developing Kynd Hair and the sense of obligation to those who trust in the venture

(36:15- 42:41) Discussion about the emotional challenges and pressures of being a solopreneur. Acknowledging personal milestones and the importance of celebrating achievements.

(42:41- 49:59) Building a community around Kynd Hair, Cosima's vision for Kynd Hair in the next five years and ways for listeners to support Kynd Hair

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io

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Hey there Risers and Thrivers, 

Meet Daniel Hanemann, a growth-driven entrepreneur and business angel. A graduate of WHU, he is currently the CEO of wundertax, the tech startup he co-founded in 2016 and returned to as CEO in 2022. wundertax is an online tax tool to submit your German tax return easily! 

In this episode, Daniel takes us on a journey forged by a series of “yes man” decisions, starting from trying out a finance role, which saw him become a CFO at just 23, and later founding and building fast-growing ventures in six countries.

Here’s what we cover: 

The discussion also touches on the personal aspects of entrepreneurship, such as dealing with transitions, the role of privilege and mindset, as well as the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities with an open heart and mind, which ultimately shaped his successful career as an entrepreneur and business leader.

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Getting Started with wundertax (00:01:22) Daniel talks about the origins of wundertax, starting with student tax returns and its viral success.

Early Entrepreneurial Influences (00:06:07) Daniel's upbringing in Hong Kong and the influence of innovation and technology on his early entrepreneurial interests.

Moving to Germany for Studies (00:07:32) Daniel's decision to move to Germany for studies and the cultural and personal factors influencing the choice.

Pivotal Moments in Career (00:14:47) Daniel reflects on pivotal moments in his career, including saying "yes" to opportunities and the impact of early work experiences.

Taking on Finance Role at FoodPanda (00:18:31) Daniel's experience of taking on a finance role at FoodPanda and the opportunities that followed at a young age.

Becoming CFO at FoodPanda (00:19:14) Daniel's rapid rise to CFO position at a young age and the chaotic but fun experience at FoodPanda.

Privilege and Safety Nets in Germany (00:21:25) Discussion on privilege, safety nets, and government support in Germany for entrepreneurs, and the impact of privilege on mindset.

Starting Wonder Tax (00:27:24) Daniel's decision to start wundertax and the initial stages of the company's development.

Co-Founder Split and Moving On (00:31:46) Daniel's departure from wundertax, the amicable split with his co-founder, and the commonality of co-founder splits.

Transition to a New Venture (00:35:04) Daniel's quick transition to a new venture after leaving wundertax and the urgency of the decision.

Maintaining Momentum and Passion for Learning (00:36:18) Daniel's approach to keeping momentum, his fascination with learning new things, and the excitement of understanding new business models.

Scaling Spaces and Temporary Move to Amsterdam (00:38:54) Discussion on the challenges of scaling physical spaces and a temporary move to Amsterdam for a new business opportunity.

Transition to Freelancing and Reconnecting with Investors (00:42:10) Transitioning to freelancing, reconnecting with old investors, and the eventual return to wundertax.

Bringing Wonder Tax Back and Reuniting the Team (00:44:39) Reuniting with former colleagues, reviving wundertax, and the excitement of restarting the business with the original team.

Building and Maintaining Relationships (00:45:30) Reflecting on the importance of building and maintaining relationships in business and personal success.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io

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Hey there Risers and Thrivers, 

In this episode, Darya Kamkalova, the founder of the Venturing Woman Lab and Venturing Women Podcast, an incubator for women aspiring to delve into entrepreneurship. Darya, a tech enthusiast and angel investor, discusses her journey from feeling stuck in her corporate career to launching an initiative aimed at supporting women in tech entrepreneurship. The conversation covers: 

We touch on themes of creative freedom, the fallacy of job security in employment, and the transformative mindset shift required when transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur.

Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think! Happy Listening!

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Introduction and Overview (00:17 - 01:16): Introduction to the podcast and guest Darya Kamkalova, focusing on her mission with the Venturing Woman Lab and podcast.

Concept and Inspiration Behind Venturing Woman (01:16 - 02:08): Kamkalova discusses the foundation of Venturing Woman Lab as an incubator for aspiring female tech entrepreneurs, sparked by her own experiences and the Venturing Woman podcast.

Personal Journey to Entrepreneurship (02:29 - 04:11): Darya shares her transition from a fulfilling career in the tech industry to recognizing the need for change and aspiring towards entrepreneurship.

Challenges in the Corporate Environment (04:11 - 08:19): Discussion on limitations within corporate structures, including creative freedom, career progression, and the pursuit of personal growth.

Power, Responsibility, and Entrepreneurial Catalysts (08:19 - 12:37): Exploration of motivations behind seeking entrepreneurial ventures, including desires for creative freedom, impact, and confronting the reality of corporate limitations.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: Financial and Personal Considerations (14:19 - 20:06): Kamkalova talks about the financial and psychological aspects of leaving a secure job for entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of trust in oneself and planning.

Entrepreneurship vs. Employment: Risks and Realities (20:06 - 26:42): A comparison between the perceived security of employment and the actual risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Social Conditioning (28:00 - 30:48): Addressing the societal and internal barriers that deter women from embracing entrepreneurship.

Creating a Supportive Environment and Community (37:11 - 39:20): The importance of crafting a conducive work environment and the role of communities in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mindset Shift and the Path Forward (43:55 - 46:37): Reflections on the necessary mindset shifts for successful entrepreneurship, and how to connect with Venturing Woman Lab for support.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io

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Hey there Risers & Thrivers, 

In this episode, we’re diving into a journey of discipline and intention with Sufyan Osamah, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of HonestDog.  Born in Pakistan, Sufyan moved to the UK at the age of 11 and then back to Pakistan at 15. In 2016, he moved to Germany, where he completed a bachelors at ESB Business School, and masters at our alma mater WHU- Otto Beisheim School of Management. Over the years, he has gained a ton of experience in  fast-growing start-ups, consulting, corporate, and venture capital, such as Amazon, McKinsey, and Picus Capital.

During our conversation, we: 

Listeners will learn tactics for increasing odds for luck and enjoy an inspiring story of determination. 

Happy Listening!