Betting on yourself means stepping into uncertainty and building something anyway.In Episode 9 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Elias Aruna, WU-Alumnus and Co-Founder of Scale Energy, a bold startup that’s tackling one of Europe’s most urgent and overlooked challenges: our outdated, overloaded energy grid.From his early days as a student full of questions, to launching one of Europe’s most promising climate tech companies, Elias shares the truth behind entrepreneurship: the fear, the learning curve, and the purpose that makes it all worth it.You’ll hear the real story. Not just of batteries and infrastructure, but of someone who turned conviction into commitment, and built something that just might shape the future of Europe’s energy.----💡 Key Takeaways:- What most people misunderstand about Europe’s energy crisis- How Scale Energy is rethinking grid flexibility with no upfront cost- The emotional reality of going “all in” on your idea- Why clarity of purpose matters more than a perfect plan---00:00 - Intro: The Moment There Was No Turning Back 01:57 - Who is Elias Aruna? From WU Student to Energy Entrepreneur 05:20 - Farm Inspiration & First Steps 09:57 - Importance of decentralized Energy16:05 - SCALE ENERGY25:00 - The Start of the Journey & Business Case Challenge 29:50 - Committing Fully: The Day the Startup Became Real33:00 - Move to Berlin36:30 - What Austria has to learn from Germany41:15 - Elias Major Advice on Priorities48:37 - Pivoting, Learning, and Trusting the Process 50:37 - Final Reflections & Advice for Young Entrepreneurs---🎧 Tune in to Episode 9 of Once Upon a Student for a powerful conversation about vision, resilience, and building real-world impact from the ground up.---Elias Aruna🔗 LinkedIn: https: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-aruna/🌐 Scale Energy: https://www.scale-energy.comFollow Us:Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruendenMaciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify: 📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!🎥 Video & IT by WUtv

You don’t need investors, inventory, or hype to build a real brand. You need resourcefulness, trust, and relentless learning.In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Nino Pérez-Salado, a student entrepreneur who turned a small budget and a laptop into Plusgear Sports, one of Austria’s fastest-growing sportswear brands.Nino shares his raw journey from testing dropshipping ideas during university to building a trusted, customer-first business featured on Austria’s Dragons’ Den. Learn how experimentation, failure, and direct conversations with customers shaped his strategy and why he believes slow growth often leads to stronger businesses.Whether you’re a student founder, creative thinker, or someone dreaming of launching something real, this episode offers rare, honest insights from someone who's been in the trenches.Key Takeaways:- Why building a brand without product or inventory actually worked- How customer complaints became a growth strategy- Why storytelling is a powerful startup skill- The truth about scaling physical products as a student- What every founder gets wrong about feedbackTimestamp00:01:51 – Intro00:01:02 – The Student Side-Hustle: Making Money While Sleeping00:06:58 – Juggling University & Business: The Power of Practical Application00:11:18 – The Truth About Dropshipping: Beyond the Hype00:14:52 – Embracing Failure: The 5 Tries to Success00:17:44 – De-Risking the Dream: How to Test a Product Before It Exists00:21:43 – When Disaster Strikes: Leadership Through Crisis00:28:16 – The 97% You're Missing: Learning from Those Who Don't Buy00:30:51 – The Art of Customer Support: Turning Haters into Fans00:37:06 – From Online Ads to National TV: Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone00:44:12 – The Founder's Trap: Separating Your Self-Worth from Your Business00:47:14 – The €500 Startup: How to Start Building a Brand Next Week00:50:30 – The Storytelling Engine: Your Most Powerful Skill00:52:16 – AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch01:01:08 – The Inventor's "Why": Finding Fulfillment in Solving Problems01:08:21 – The Reality of Success: Preparation, Timing, and LuckNino Pérez-SaladoLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nino-pérez-salado-974a17158/Plusgear: https://plusgear.atIG: https://www.instagram.com/plusgear/?hl=enFollow Us:Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruendenMaciej Pajak (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciej-ryszard-pajak/📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!🎥 Video & IT by WUtv

Success isn’t always what it seems—and sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away from it.In Episode 7 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Marlene Johler, a former investment banker who left behind a “dream career” to pursue something far more meaningful: building a sustainable future for Europe.In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Marlene shares her journey of letting go—of prestige, of certainty, of who she thought she was “supposed to be.” What followed was a powerful transformation toward purpose, systems change, and circular economy.- From high finance to high impact- From shame and doubt to self-trust and clarity- From chasing success to redefining itWhether you’re a student questioning your career path, an early-stage founder battling burnout, or someone searching for alignment in a chaotic world—this episode will speak to you.Because growth doesn’t always come from climbing higher. Sometimes, it comes from climbing a different ladder entirely.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about safeguarding our freedom, our economy, and our future.

In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Christian Polster, a cybersecurity leader and visionary entrepreneur.

For the first time, Christian shares his incredible journey, from rebooting frozen computer screens to building and selling a cybersecurity powerhouse—all while staying true to his values of purpose over profit.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast curious about the future of cybersecurity, an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of scaling a company, or someone looking for inspiration on aligning success with values, this episode has something for you.

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about creating authentic relationships. In Episode 5 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Sophie Zechmeister, a leading voice in community building and personal transformation.

Sophie shares her journey from a self-described ‘lone wolf’ to becoming a TEDx speaker, author, and expert in fostering meaningful connections. Learn how curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity can transform your networking game and help you build thriving communities that truly matter.

Whether you’re an introvert struggling to make connections, an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, or simply someone searching for belonging, Sophie’s insights will inspire and guide you.

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Why most people approach networking wrong

- How curiosity is the secret to building authentic relationships

- Practical tips for creating and nurturing strong communities

0:00 Introduction

1:54 From Introvert to Leader

8:41 How Perfectionism Hurts Relationships

11:38 The 3 R’s of Community Building

17:04 The Power of ‘Why’

18:48 The Friendzone 

22:40 Feminine vs. Masculine Energy

27:45 Networking Done Right

37:30 Sophie’s Growth Story

41:30 The Dark Side of Community

44:15 Rapid Fire Questions

Tune in to Episode 5 of Once Upon a Student for a dose of inspiration, real talk, and practical advice from someone who’s been there.

Sophie Zechmeister:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-sophie-zechmeister/

The Friendzone: https://www.amazon.de/friendzone-friends-answer-questions-having/dp/B0D77XVWDZ

Instagram Global Shapers Vienna: https://www.instagram.com/globalshapersvienna/ 

LinkedIn Global Shapers Vienna: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-shapers-vienna-hub/

Follow Us:

Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ 

WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruenden

Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/

📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

🎥 Video & IT by WUtv

In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Tamas Petrovics, former McKinsey consultant turned healthtech entrepreneur, who shares an honest and unfiltered look at his journey from university parties to building a company that’s transforming healthcare.

In today’s conversation, I sit down with Hannah Wundsam, the Managing Director at Austrian Startups, Austria’s largest startup platform and think tank.

Today, we're honored to host Mahdis Gharaei, a pivotal figure in promoting female entrepreneurship. As the founder of one of the most successful female-focused networks, she has significantly impacted over 20,000 women across 75 countries, empowering them through education and professional opportunities. Mahdis is also renowned for her viral TEDx talk which addresses the systemic challenges women face in the economy today.

Join us as we uncover Mahdis's journey, her strategies for overcoming societal barriers, and her advice for women navigating the path to leadership and success.

0:00 Introduction

1:30 Early Influences & Societal Challenges

5:46 Cultivating Courage & Community

9:48 Strategic Decisions & Female Factor’s Evolution

11:51 Supporting Women in Entrepreneurship

13:25 Decision Making & Pursuing Authenticity

16:47 Balancing Life & Leadership

18:05 Continuous Learning & Adapting

19:24 Perfectionism in Entrepreneurial Pursuits

21:40 Reflections & Aspirations

25:10 Suprise Question

Don't miss this episode! Discover how Mahdis balances professional and personal challenges and gain essential tools for your own journey to success. Tune in for an enriching experience.

Follow Mahdis:

Follow Us:

Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ 

WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/ 

Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/ 

Watch the episode on Spotify: 

Video & IT: WUtv

In today's conversation, I sit down with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, the dynamic co-founder of Whatchado and a celebrated venture capitalist. 

Join us as we delve into his journey, uncovering the principles and strategies that have guided him from being a student to the forefront of innovation and investment.

In this conversation, we delve into 👇🏽

Kambis's insights are a treasure trove for anyone navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, offering a unique blend of practical advice and profound wisdom.

Don't miss out on this episode where wisdom meets action, and learn how to master the balancing act of life with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JVLBH6TYORY

Video & IT: WUtv