Peer Effect

What is the true cost of a bad hire for your company?

In this episode, we’re joined by Akbar Karenga, founder of Maarusi, a talent and people consultancy driven by his passion for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Akbar is an expert in high-stakes hiring and shares powerful tips for founders who need to hire fast without skipping steps.

Together, we discuss:

• The key difference between hiring to grow versus hiring to simply keep up.
• When to bring in pro recruiters and how to create an effective, unbiased hiring process.
• The hidden financial and cultural costs of a bad hire—and how to avoid them.

Connect with Akbar Karenga on LinkedIn for more hiring strategies and insights.

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What does it really take to scale beyond the early wins? 

For founders who’ve already seen a degree of success, reaching the next level means facing new challenges, and Keven Lavelle, founder of Harbor and Mizzen + Main knows all about it.

He’s taken both companies to impressive heights, from securing a spot on Time Magazine’s 2024 Best Inventions list to hitting hundreds of millions in revenue!

Together, we dive in:

• How joining a founder forum can offer you unmatched support & accountability– and where to find them!
• The differences between founding your first and second startup—and why experience doesn’t always mean an easier road ahead.
• Lessons learned in building a peer network that challenges you to make better decisions, see blind spots, and avoid common scaling mistakes.

Stay updated on Kevin's journey of building Harbor by following him on LinkedIn.

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Ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of starting and scaling a business? 

In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Bowdon, founder and CEO of VidaFair, a pay-per-stream video platform. Bob has worked as a reporter and producer for companies such as Bloomberg, Choice Media, and PBS.

Together, we explore:

• How leveraging your immediate network can make all the difference in hiring.

• The importance of embracing a sustainable growth mindset for long-term success.

• Knowing when it's time to pivot in your entrepreneurial journey.

For more insights connect with Bob Bowdon on LinkedIn and explore his work at VidaFair.

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In this special mashup episode of Peer Effect, we bring together insights on mental health, well-being, and sustainable performance from leaders who are making it happen! 

Michael Matania, Sam Rosen, and Dan Brownsher share real experiences on cultivating a workplace culture that prioritises authenticity, trust, and sustainability.

Learn about:

• Creating psychological safety and fostering open feedback
• Moving from high-intensity performance to sustainable, balanced growth
• Practical strategies for building a resilient culture remotely

Links:
Follow Michael Matania on LinkedIn!
Follow Sam Rosen on LinkedIn!
Follow Dan Brownsher on LinkedIn!

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In this special mashup episode of Peer Effect, we’ve gathered insights from four tech founders who have successfully scaled their companies.

From navigating the complexities of AI integration to finding balance between innovation and operations, these founders reveal the critical strategies that propelled their companies forward.

Links:
Follow Eric Daimler on LinkedIn!
Follow Richard White on LinkedIn!
Follow Chuck Rinker on LinkedIn
Follow Kirsten Lum on LinkedIn!

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Ever thought that Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are just for the big names with endless cash? 

In this episode, ex-Goldman Sachs sailor and ‘Forbes 30 under 30’, Matt Bodnar explores how founders can leverage acquisition strategies without needing a massive war chest. 

Together we explore how you can use M&A to scale your business, by understanding these key insights:

1. Creative structuring and resourcefulness can open doors to acquisition opportunities earlier in your business journey than you might think.

2. Whether through hiring, partnering, or advisory roles, bringing in knowledgeable individuals can help you navigate M&A effectively.

3. Think Outside the Box! Small acquisitions can be a strategic growth strategy and offer valuable assets, talent, or customer bases while requiring minimal upfront investment.

For more weekly insights on acquisitions and growth strategies, connect with Matt Bodnar on LinkedIn and check out his podcast, The Science of Success.

More from James:

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Does character and trust matter more than high performance? 

In this episode, of Peer Effect, we’re joined by Logan Naidu, Founder and Group CEO of Kernel Global. He’s successfully scaled his company to $50 million in revenue and today, he’s sharing his #1 tip on how other founders can do the same by focusing on who they surround themselves with.

Together we, uncover key insights for founders, like:

1. How character and trust can outweigh even the highest performers.
2. Why surrounding yourself with the right people can be the key to scaling your success!
3. The art of relationship building relationships, both in professional and personal environments.. 

Connect with Logan Naidu on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Kernel Global.

More from James:

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What does it take to keep a team aligned, motivated, and moving towards a shared mission, even when things get tough?

In this episode, Alice Olafare shares her insights as an ex-founder and her experience working with more than 120 founders.

Together, we explore:

• The concept of aligning a common "North Star" vision to maintain cohesion, improve performance, and avoid misunderstandings.
• The power of having ongoing, open conversations, as well as external facilitation.
• The process of knowing when to step down when your vision no longer aligns with your business or your co-founder.

Connect with Alice Olafare on LinkedIn to stay updated on her insights and expertise in entrepreneurship and leadership.

More from James:

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Are you hiring the fans of your company, and the people who already love your business’ product?

In this episode of Peer Effect, Richard White, Founder and CEO of Fathom, offers valuable insights from his lessons learned in scaling his team from 15 to 50 this year and securing a $17m series A. 

Together, we uncover:

• How to build a motivated and efficient team early on, allowing founders to focus on strategic, high-impact work.
• Why delegating small tasks is crucial for founders to avoid burnout and focus on long-term goals and growth.
• Bottom-up hiring strategies that prioritise skill-based assessments and the right hires for tactical tasks, helping you scale without unnecessary executive overhead.

Learn more about Richard White’s work at Fathom AI, the world's #1 AI Meeting Assistant, or follow Richard White on LinkedIn for more AI and founder insights.

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The future of AI in business? It’s already arrived.

Eric Daimler, a titan in the AI space with over 20 years of experience, joins Peer Effect to show you why. With a background that spans advising the White House, co-founding over 6 tech startups, and leading Conexus AI, Eric brings some incredible insights into the transformative power of AI.

Together, we dive into:

• The importance of timing and adaptation, and why philosophies like "Blitz Scaling" and "Failing Fast" may not always apply to your business.
• How getting specific will help your business avoid inefficiencies, enhance collaboration, and leverage AI technologies more effectively.
• The value of learning from a variety of real-life experiences and being selective about the advice that founders should incorporate into their business.

Discover more about Eric Daimler's work at Conexus AI or follow him on LinkedIn for more exciting insights.

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