🚀 Productivity Mastery #244

In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes Tim Ringel, Founder & CEO at Meet the People.

A company builder at heart, Tim is a serial entrepreneur and start-up investor with a portfolio of over 50 companies mainly in the digital technology space in Europe, the US, and Asia. His pre-IPO investment track record includes well-known names like AirBnB (IPO), Klarna, Spotify (IPO), SpaceX, and many more.

Besides his operational passion in the Advertising Industry, Tim is a Director and Advisory Board Member in Late-Stage Venture Capital Fund Adit Ventures, Early Stage Syndicate Venture Fund Transatlantic Venture Partners, as well as his own Family Office.

Since 2021, Tim has spent the majority of his operational time as Founder and Global CEO of Meet The People LLC, driving the company’s growth and expansion, as well as the continued development of core capabilities, technology, and platforms.

Tim raised $150MM+ from Private Equity in 2021 to build his vision and has since acquired multiple advertising agencies in North America, building a business with 800+ employees working for Brands like Google, Moet Hennessy, IBM, Nespresso, Nike, and many more.

His goal is to create a global Advertising Agency Group with a billion-dollar valuation, combining 15+ businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia with more than 1,500+ people.

Chapters

00:00 Tim's Entrepreneurship Journey

05:04 Building an Agency: The Art of Collaboration

09:56 Navigating Acquisitions: Finding the Right Fit

15:04 Empowering Creativity: Balancing Structure and Freedom

19:57 Prioritizing Success: The Art of Delegation

24:55 The Future of Work: Adapting to Change

30:09 Meet the People: A Vision for Growth

33:33 Empowering CEOs: The Human Element in Tech

36:05 The Trust Factor: Building Relationships in Business

38:10 The Renaissance of In-Person Connections

40:51 Talent Acquisition: Seizing Opportunities in a Changing Market

47:42 Networking: Authentic Connections Over Structured Approaches

56:15 The Hustle: Building a Business from Scratch

01:01:13 Success by Design: The Importance of Networking

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289

Website:

https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #243

In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed David Homan, author of the USA Today bestselling book: 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.

Get a copy of his book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Orchestrating-Connection-Purposeful-Community-Tribal-ebook/dp/B0FL4KWN5K/

David Homan is the founder and CEO of #OrchestratedConnecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships.

He hosts a podcast called 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 focused on developing relationship value, is an active classical composer, and is a proud father of two.

From middle-class beginnings as the son of a college professor father and nonprofit-focused mother, he has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Homan and Tea Culture

02:59 Orchestrating Connection: The Composer's Approach

06:06 Building a Community of Connectors

08:57 The Importance of Double Opt-In Introductions

12:16 The Evolution of Networking and Community Building

15:08 Creating Value in Networking Events

18:00 Strategies for Effective Networking

21:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Networking

23:58 Authenticity and Trust in Connections

29:58 The Desire for Connection

30:45 Misconceptions in Networking

31:54 The Flawed System of Connections

35:04 Becoming a Super Connector

37:07 Building Trust with High-Value Individuals

39:09 The Power of Gratitude

42:23 Intentional Community Building

44:43 Understanding Connector Archetypes

51:15 Managing Connections Effectively

56:01 Creating a Better World Through Connection

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289

Website:

https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #242

In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Lubomir Nokov, Cofounder and CEO of one of the most beloved brands in Bulgaria -Harmonica. https://harmonica.bg

It all started with a simple question: “Why is it so hard to find real food?”

In 2006, Magdalena Maleeva - former world No. 4 tennis player, environmental activist, and entrepreneur - together with her husband, Lubomir Nokov, decided to take action. They founded Harmonica Foods | Organic & B-Corp with a clear mission: to bring back real food, made the right way.

Their journey began with organic yogurt - made from milk sourced from small Bulgarian farms, using traditional methods, live cultures, and nothing artificial. From there, Harmonica grew into a brand offering a full range of organic, clean-label foods - from eggs and cheese to chocolate, pretzels, and drinks.

Today, Lubomir Nokov leads Harmonica Foods | Organic & B-Corp as CEO, ensuring the company stays true to its values - supporting local farmers, promoting regenerative agriculture, and maintaining the highest EU organic standards. Harmonica products are now available in more than 1 500 stores across Bulgaria and in more than 20 other countries, and the company continuously pushes for sustainable packaging and responsible sourcing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Harmonica and Its Origins

08:49 The Journey of a CEO: Daily Life and Priorities

13:52 Leadership Lessons: Mistakes and Growth

18:30 Building a Strong Team: Hiring and Culture

24:48 Networking and Curiosity: The Key to Connections

30:31 Crisis Management: Navigating Challenges

36:45 Worry Management: Strategies for Entrepreneurs

39:05 Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion

42:12 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Struggles and Resilience

44:52 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Beyond the Highlights

49:00 Product Development: The Art of Quality and Integrity

56:00 Navigating Challenges in Food Production

01:02:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Patience and Connection

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289

Website:

https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #241, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Sarah Stone McDevitt, author of "THE ROUND TABLE: how relational intelligence will become your human advantage in the age of AI".

Get your copy here: https://shorturl.at/3i5oR

Sarah McDevitt is a TEDx speaker, author, and advocate for human-centered leadership in the age of AI. She's currently serving as Sr Director Partner Strategy, Operations & Capabilities at Hubspot. Drawing on her experiences growing up in Ireland, working across business, saas and marketing, and navigating leadership in increasingly digital workplaces, she explores how relational intelligence, empathy, and human connection are becoming the most valuable skills in the AI era.

In this conversation, Stoyan and Sarah delve into the concept of relational intelligence (RQ), particularly in the context of AI's rise. They explore how human connection, empathy, and understanding are becoming increasingly vital as technology advances. Sarah shares her personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped her understanding of communication and relationships. The discussion also touches on the importance of awareness and presence in interactions, the role of neurodiversity in communication styles, and the five signals of relational intelligence that can be developed to enhance interpersonal skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence (RQ)

03:07 The Importance of Human Connection

05:50 Developing Relational Intelligence

09:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Skills

12:01 Understanding Neurodiversity and Communication

14:52 The Five Signals of Relational Intelligence

35:26 The Role of Presence in Communication

39:44 Building Meaningful Connections

43:19 Empathetic Structuring in Organizations

48:05 Understanding Connection Capital

55:23 The Importance of Human Differentiation

01:06:31 Starting Your Journey to Relational Intelligence

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #240, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Marek Kesküll, Former Co-founder & CEO at Scorestars.

So much talk about success and glorifying entrepreneurship.

The reality is much different.

Every founder knows it. Despite raising €725K and scaling internationally, Marek and his team made the difficult decision to shut it down before the money ran out.

They didn't run out of cash. ❌

They ran out of emotional runway. ✅

Listen to a NO-BS conversation about entrepreneurship, navigating uncertainty and challenges, and having the guts to make the difficult decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Entrepreneurship

03:03 The Journey of Starting a Startup

05:52 Gaining Traction and Early Success

08:59 Challenges in Expansion and Market Understanding

12:01 The Pivot: Adapting to Market Needs

15:04 Fundraising and Investor Relations

18:12 Lessons Learned from Feedback and Iteration

20:54 Reflections on Business Model and Strategy

23:52 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship

26:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

33:06 Vision and Strategy: The Road to Success

36:27 The Decision to Shut Down: A Defining Moment

39:32 Navigating Investor Relationships: Communication and Transparency

42:05 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship

44:19 The Importance of Therapy: Managing Stress and Expectations

49:49 The Power of Community: Support Among Entrepreneurs

56:19 Perseverance in Fundraising: The Path to Success

01:01:52 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Mindset

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #239, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Amel Gaily, CEO at Cuckoo.

Amel Gaily is an entrepreneur and CEO of the health technology company Cuckoo Networks. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Amel worked in management positions as CEO of the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) and at Nordea. Amel serves on the boards of several different organizations. Amel is also known as the advisor on the Finnish version of the TV show: The Apprentice.

Connect with Amel Gaily on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelgaily/

And check out the Cuckoo app: https://cuckooworkout.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges

02:58 The Role of AI in Business

06:08 Becoming a CEO: Journey and Motivation

08:53 Navigating Workplace Complexity

12:01 Aligning Teams with Vision

15:10 Effective Communication Strategies

17:48 Creating a Culture of Breaks

21:03 The Importance of Breaks for Productivity

23:48 Implementing Effective Break Strategies

26:57 Building a Supportive Work Environment

29:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook

37:33 Designing Workplace Culture

40:27 The Importance of Breaks and Well-being

43:55 Redefining Work in the Age of AI

46:08 Creating a Fun and Productive Environment

49:41 Energy Management and Work-Life Balance

52:30 Linking Well-being and Performance

54:40 Cultural Insights from Finland

57:34 Lessons from Reality TV: Leadership Insights

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #238, we welcomed David Hanrahan, SVP, People Success at 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 David Hanrahan is coming back to the Productivity Mastery Podcast!

His career includes senior roles in HR/People Management, such as 👇

• 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 (SPV - People Success)
• 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 (Chief People Officer)
• 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 (CHRO)
• 𝐍𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐜. (People & Places)
• 𝐙𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤 (VP, People)
• 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 (Director, Human Resources)
• 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 (Director, Human Resources)
• 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 (HR Manager)

Connect with David on LinkedIn:   / davidhanrahan  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:54 Understanding Company Culture

05:58 Markers of a Healthy Culture

09:56 Culture Audits and Assessments

13:10 Aligning Values Post-Acquisition

24:11 Communicating Culture and Values Effectively

30:37 Cultural Sensitivity in Communication

34:56 Empathy Across Cultures

35:25 Protecting Organizational Culture During Growth

39:26 Understanding Candidates Beyond Interviews

42:43 Learning from Leaders and Influencers

46:43 Aligning HR with Business Goals

52:02 Future Skills for HR Leaders

56:23 Staying Updated in a Tech-Driven World

01:00:23 Building Alliances for AI Adoption

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #237, we welcomed Chris James, founder of Content To Clients, who helps coaches, freelancers, and finance professionals attract clients through organic content on Instagram and LinkedIn.With a strong background in B2B sales and marketing, working with brands like FedEx, Subway, and Jack Daniel’s, Chris now focuses on helping people turn their expertise into a client-generating engine.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Productivity Mastery Podcast02:41 Understanding Lifestyle Authority Brand07:55 Reverse Engineering Your Vision10:21 Building Your Personal Brand16:50 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs23:20 Turning Organic Content into Business32:06 The 4C Workflow for LinkedIn Success37:46 Understanding Diverse Communication Preferences41:09 The Importance of Touch Points in Building Trust43:29 Content Creation Strategies and Engagement54:37 Balancing Niche Focus and Authenticity in Content01:05:16 Defining Personal Success and Its Impact on Life01:06:50 Exploring Chris's C2C Program and ResourcesEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast :point_down:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #236, we welcomed Mikael da Costa, the founder and CEO of WP SEO AI, an AI-powered SEO platform that has scaled to 180 employees and serves over 1,500 companies across Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Prior to that, he scaled several companies to EUR millions in annual recurring revenue (ARR), raising funding to fuel their growth, and successfully leading 3 businesses to exits.

Throughout his journey, he has been recognized as a finalist for both Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Leader of the Year. He has also been featured on the cover of Myynti & Markkinointi magazine for his work in sales and marketing innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Entrepreneurship

03:02 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

06:00 Challenges and Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship

08:48 Building a Business Blueprint

11:49 Sales and Market Validation

14:33 Productivity and Prioritization Strategies

17:40 Books and Lessons Learned

30:49 Prioritization and Daily Practices

33:13 Building a Core Team

35:42 Values and Leadership Principles

38:19 Creating a Supportive Culture

42:40 Nurturing Relationships and Team Practices

48:30 Mindset and Resilience in Entrepreneurship

53:40 Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Focus

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to the Productivity Mastery Podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #235, we welcomed Marina Takacs, who is a forward-thinking and innovation-driven HR leader with over ten years of experience in the pharmaceutical and IT industries, helping organizations turn transformation into opportunity.

She is known for her sensible and human-centered approach to people, focusing on building high-performing teams and shaping cultures where leadership, creativity, and people-centric thinking drive real business impact.

In 2026, navigating change effectively is becoming more crucial than ever.

- AI Integration and Ethics

- Talent Retention and Recruitment

- Declining Engagement and Burnout

- Hybrid Culture and Communication

- Management effectiveness in times of change

- Compliance and regulations...

These are just some of the topics HR leaders need to deal with.

And it requires one to develop an entirely new mindset to succeed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:46 Sailing and Leadership: Navigating Change

05:49 The Evolving Role of HR in Uncertain Times

08:48 Building Resilience and Adaptability in Teams

12:06 Calm Leadership in Crisis Situations

15:09 The Importance of Preparation

18:00 Communication and Trust in Organizations

20:59 Developing Wartime Leaders

23:56 Creating Ownership and Purpose in Teams

33:24 Rethinking Job Descriptions

35:03 Core Values for Team Success

38:42 Embedding Culture in Recruitment

42:08 Navigating Burnout and Self-Care

45:29 The Role of Ego in Leadership

48:03 Sailing as a Leadership Tool

52:32 Leading Through Sustained Crisis

58:44 Prioritizing in Changing Times

Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!

__________

Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast :point_down:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289

Website:

https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/