In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Lina Gallagher joins us to share her inspiring journey from a career at Deloitte to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur and e-commerce consultant in Dubai. Lina reflects on the early days of e-commerce in the Middle East, her transition into entrepreneurship, and how adaptability and resilience have been key to her success.

She dives into the evolving e-commerce landscape, particularly the growing role of AI, and offers a candid comparison between the entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Middle East and Europe. Lina highlights Dubai’s digital-forward environment, while also addressing the realities of setting up a business, such as banking and regulatory hurdles.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, the importance of having a multi-plan strategy, and the significant role family offices play in Middle Eastern investment landscapes. Lina also shares her personal motivations, the lessons she's learned, and her commitment to continuous learning and staying curious.

🌟 Don't forget — join us at the Startup Summit in Lisbon this September, where leading entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world will gather. Secure your ticket today and be part of the future of entrepreneurship! 🚀

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Lina Gallagher and Her Ventures 02:14 — Lina's Entrepreneurial Journey and Transition to Dubai 11:39 — Challenges and Motivations in E-commerce 17:21 — The Evolution of E-commerce and AI Integration 24:30 — Business Landscape in the Middle East vs. Europe 25:49 — Entrepreneurship in Dubai: A Digital Oasis 32:02 — Investment Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities 41:08 — Navigating Struggles: The Power of Planning 46:41 — Connecting with Lina: The Best Ways to Reach Out

Innotion Conversation: From Burnout to Breakthrough — Building Resilience Through Health Tech with Oli Johnson

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Oli Johnson, a three-time startup founder, to explore his journey from burnout in the high-pressure world of finance to building a pioneering health tech startup focused on human resilience.

They dive into:

• The importance of mental health for entrepreneurs.
• How DNA and biomarker data are shaping the future of preventative health.
• The economic impact of burnout on organizations.
• Building an AI-powered human resilience platform with data privacy at its core.
• Essential advice for young founders on balancing startup hustle with wellbeing.

Tune in for practical insights on innovation, startup life, and the future of health tech.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Oli Johnson and His Journey 03:04 — From Burnout to Health Tech: A Personal Transformation 05:56 — Building a Human Resilience Platform 08:55 — Innovative Health Solutions: DNA and Biomarker Insights 11:51 — The Economic Impact of Burnout and Mental Health 14:56 — Preventative Health: A New Approach to Wellbeing 17:54 — Advice for Young Entrepreneurs: Prioritizing Health 20:46 — Market Response and Future Plans 24:03 — The Importance of Data Privacy in Health Tech 27:00 — Conclusion and Future Outlook

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: The New Faces of Entrepreneurship — Startups, AI, and Global Wealth with Anmol Goel

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual interviews Anmol Goel, a young fund manager and founder of GAC Symventures, who shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey and launching a global venture firm.

They explore:

• The rise of Indian-origin founders and their global success.
• How AI is reshaping startups and entrepreneurship.
• The critical importance of adaptability for startup survival.
• Risk management challenges for founders in today’s economy.
• The evolving pathways to wealth creation in a changing world.

Ricardo also shares his perspective on:

• The core traits of successful founders: self-belief, grit, and commitment.
• Why founders must validate ideas through self-investment.
• Key differences between the US and UK startup ecosystems.
• How education and access to capital can better support future entrepreneurs.
• Emerging markets like India and the Middle East as new frontiers for growth.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Anmol Goel and GAC Symventures 03:15 — Success of Indian-Origin Founders Globally 06:45 — The Impact of AI on Startups and Entrepreneurship 10:30 — Adaptability: The Key to Startup Success 13:55 — Risk Management Challenges for Entrepreneurs 17:20 — The Shifting Landscape of Wealth Creation 21:00 — Self-Belief, Grit, and Commitment: Founder Essentials 24:30 — US vs. UK Startup Ecosystems: Key Differences 28:15 — Improving Entrepreneurship Education and Capital Access 31:40 — Emerging Markets: India, the Middle East, and Beyond 34:00 — Closing Thoughts on the Future of Startups

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Fighting Infection with Innovation — Zonova’s Journey in Health Tech

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Dr. Georgia Fleet and Carla Southworth, co-founders of Zonova, about their mission to reduce hospital-acquired infections through groundbreaking antimicrobial technology.

They discuss:

• The global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
• Feedback from the healthcare market on infection control.
• Navigating regulatory hurdles and manufacturing plans.
• The realities of building investor relationships in early-stage startups.
• Broader applications of antimicrobial technologies beyond medical devices.
• Key advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in health tech.

Tune in to hear how innovation, persistence, and a clear mission are helping transform healthcare solutions.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Zonova and Its Founders 03:02 — The Problem of Hospital-Acquired Infections 05:52 — Founding Journey 09:01 — Market Feedback and Antimicrobial Resistance 12:14 — Regulatory Challenges and Manufacturing Plans 15:00 — Investor Relations and Startup Challenges 18:03 — Broader Applications of Antimicrobial Technology 21:02 — Personal Experiences and Advice for Entrepreneurs

💡 Key Takeaways

• Zonova aims to reduce hospital-acquired infections with novel antimicrobial technology.
• 75% of catheterized patients experience urinary tract infections.
• The founding journey is challenging but highly rewarding.
• Market feedback shows strong demand for effective infection control.
• Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating global health crisis.
• Regulatory pathways vary by region, complicating market access.
• Building investor relationships requires resilience and adaptability.
• Experienced advisors are essential for startup success.
• Antimicrobial technologies have potential beyond medical devices.
• Entrepreneurship demands patience and a long-term vision.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: The Authentic Entrepreneur — Building Bold FMCG Brands with John Stapleton

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with John Stapleton, known as the Authentic Entrepreneur, to explore his remarkable 30+ year journey building pioneering consumer brands in the UK and US.

John shares the inside story behind the creation of The New Covent Garden Soup Co., which introduced fresh soup to the UK market, and reflects on the operational hurdles of expanding to the US with Glencoe Foods Inc. He also dives into launching Little Dish, a brand that redefined toddler meals, scaling it to £15M in revenue before its successful exit.

This conversation covers:

• Real-world challenges of innovation and scaling new categories.
• The role of resilience and risk management in entrepreneurship.
• The importance of mentorship, advice, and learning from setbacks.
• Key traits that define successful entrepreneurs.

Today, John mentors startups, serves as an investor and NED, and supports emerging brands through accelerators like Mission Ventures and Redesdale.

Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling a brand, John’s insights are not to be missed.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to John Stapleton 03:54 — The Journey of New Covent Garden Soup Company 07:12 — The Concept of Fresh Soup and Market Challenges 11:44 — Investment and Growth Strategies 16:51 — Overcoming Operational Challenges 21:35 — Expanding to the US Market 26:30 — Reflections on Success and Failure 29:50 — The Journey of Entrepreneurship 34:00 — Navigating Challenges and Resilience 39:45 — Understanding Risk and Uncertainty 41:11 — Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs 47:04 — The Importance of Seeking Advice 52:13 — The Motivation Behind Entrepreneurship

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: From AI to Entrepreneurship — Building Startups and Communities with Sara Landi Tortoli

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Sara Landi Tortoli about her transition from an AI and machine learning product manager to becoming a solopreneur.

Sara shares:

• The challenges of moving into entrepreneurship and the importance of a strong distribution strategy.
• Why co-founders matter and how they can make or break a startup.
• Her startup idea: using AI companions to combat loneliness.
• Lessons from her journey into podcasting and communicating technology to a wider audience.
• Insights into Berlin’s vibrant culture, nightlife, and startup ecosystem.
• A comparison between startup support in Berlin and London.

Ricardo and Sara dive into resilience, motivation, adaptability, and embracing uncertainty — essential traits for any entrepreneur — while also exploring how AI can enhance critical thinking in today’s fast-moving world.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — From Product Manager to Solopreneur 02:57 — Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 05:58 — The Importance of Co-Founders 09:03 — The Birth of an AI Companion Startup 12:03 — Navigating Startup Challenges 15:00 — The Podcast Journey 18:09 — Communicating Technology to the Masses 25:12 — Navigating Berlin's Nightlife and Culture 26:52 — The Startup Ecosystem in Berlin 28:41 — Comparing Startup Support: Berlin vs. London 32:40 — Resilience and Motivation in Entrepreneurship 36:06 — The Importance of Stubbornness and Flexibility 40:20 — Embracing Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship 43:40 — The Role of AI in Critical Thinking 49:44 — Connecting with Sara Landi Tortoli

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Growth, Resilience, and Media Capital — Insights with Diana Florescu

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Diana Florescu, founder of Media for Growth, about her journey from tech to media capital investment and supporting emerging consumer brands.

They dive into:

• The cultural differences in business practices between the US and Europe.
• The challenges startups face when entering the US market.
• How a growth mindset differs between the US and UK.
• Why strategic adaptation is essential when expanding internationally.
• The evolving landscape of media capital investments.
• The resilience required for entrepreneurs navigating these complex markets.

Diana also shares practical advice for startups looking to scale across borders and optimize their marketing strategies for sustainable growth.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Media for Growth 03:01 — Diana's Journey and Background 05:52 — Cultural Differences in Business 09:11 — Challenges of Moving to the US 12:07 — Growth Mindset in the US vs. UK 14:53 — Advice for Startups Entering the US Market 17:52 — Investor Perspectives on European Companies 20:52 — The Need for Change in European Investment Culture 24:00 — Personal Resilience in Entrepreneurship 26:59 — The Future of Media Capital Investments 30:03 — Optimizing Marketing Spend 32:56 — Conclusion and Contact Information

💡 Key Takeaways

• Diana founded Media for Growth to support emerging consumer brands.
• Cultural differences impact business practices between the US and Europe.
• The US market moves faster and sees higher valuations.
• US investors are more open to innovative business models.
• Startups should approach the US market strategically, market by market.
• European companies often need to relocate to attract US investors.
• The UK offers beneficial investment schemes like SEIS and EIS.
• Resilience is critical for entrepreneurs facing expansion challenges.
• Media capital investments are evolving with new technologies.
• Optimizing marketing spend is vital for sustainable startup growth.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs — Insights from Prakriti Garb of Kickstart Global

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Prakriti Garb, a second-year management student at LSE and managing director of Kickstart Global, the UK’s largest student incubator.

They discuss:

• Prakriti’s journey into entrepreneurship and leadership at a young age.
• Kickstart Global’s mission to support and empower young founders.
• The unique challenges faced by student entrepreneurs.
• How mentorship and community play crucial roles in startup success.
• Insights into the investor landscape for young founders.
• Common mistakes early entrepreneurs make — and how to avoid them.
• The need for greater female representation in the startup ecosystem.
• How universities can foster stronger entrepreneurial communities.

Prakriti shares valuable advice for young entrepreneurs on navigating setbacks and building resilience during their startup journey.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Prakriti Garb and Kickstart Global 02:10 — The Mission and Impact of Kickstart Global 04:51 — Challenges Faced by Student Founders 06:13 — Investor Perspectives on Young Founders 09:18 — Common Mistakes Made by Young Entrepreneurs 10:58 — Support Structures for Student Founders 14:01 — Addressing Gender Disparities in Entrepreneurship 17:03 — Motivation and Community in Entrepreneurship 19:46 — The Role of Universities in Fostering Entrepreneurship 21:52 — Recommended Resources for Young Entrepreneurs 23:05 — Advice for Overcoming Bad Days as a Founder

💡 Key Takeaways

• Kickstart Global supports the next generation of startup founders.
• Student founders face unique challenges in funding and mentorship.
• Community and peer networks are vital for early-stage success.
• Female representation in startups is still lacking and needs support.
• Universities can play a bigger role in entrepreneurship development.
• Investors view young founders with both interest and caution.
• Avoiding early mistakes can significantly improve founder success rates.
• Motivation, resilience, and community are key to overcoming founder setbacks.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Reinventing Insurance — Customer-First Innovation with Ross McCarthy of Frugal

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Ross McCarthy, founder of Frugal, about disrupting the traditional insurance industry with a customer-centric approach.

They explore:

• How Frugal is addressing long-standing customer frustrations in insurance.
• The importance of loyalty rewards and cashback models.
• Challenges Ross faced launching a startup with a lean team.
• Fundraising strategies and navigating early-stage investor relations.
• Personal reflections on entrepreneurship, influences, and inspirations.
• Why the insurance industry is ripe for disruption — especially with AI and emerging technologies.

Ross also shares his vision for a future where insurance truly works for the customer, and why persistence and prioritization are critical in startup life.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Frugal and Ross McCarthy 00:58 — Customer-Centric Approach in Insurance 04:09 — Challenges and Growth of a Startup 06:49 — Fundraising and Investor Relations 10:09 — Navigating Bad Days as an Entrepreneur 11:52 — Influences and Inspirations 12:52 — Industry Challenges and Opportunities 17:54 — The Future of Insurance and Frugal's Vision

💡 Key Takeaways

• Frugal was founded to address common customer complaints in insurance.
• Loyalty rewards and cashback are central to Frugal’s model.
• Building a startup with limited resources requires smart prioritization.
• Fundraising is time-intensive but critical for growth.
• Professional market surveys are invaluable early on.
• Support networks among family and friends matter.
• Audiobooks and continuous learning fuel entrepreneurial growth.
• The insurance industry is ready for disruption, especially with AI innovations.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Urgency, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship — Insights with Stephanie Melodia

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Stephanie Melodia, entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and host of Strategy and Tragedy, about her journey from art school to founding a successful marketing consultancy.

They dive into:

• The importance of urgency and decisive action when starting a business.
• How prioritization and energy management fuel entrepreneurial success.
• The role of creativity and mentorship in navigating challenges.
• Lessons from her podcast on entrepreneurship, diversity, and resilience.
• How public speaking can be a powerful tool for founders and marketers.
• The value of leaning into discomfort and overcoming fear to drive growth.

Stephanie shares personal insights on balancing business demands with personal wellbeing and highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting diversity in entrepreneurship.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Marketing 05:11 — The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Art School to Business 08:54 — The Urgency of Starting a Business 11:01 — Mastering Prioritization in Entrepreneurship 17:27 — Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance 20:00 — Snowboarding and Life Lessons 22:59 — The Birth of a Podcast 25:52 — Diversity in Entrepreneurship 30:00 — Advice for Startups 37:02 — Public Speaking Journey

💡 Key Takeaways

• Urgency often catalyzes successful business launches.
• Creativity and entrepreneurial traits are universal qualities.
• Prioritization and energy management are critical for founders.
• To-do lists are endless; focus on high-value activities.
• Breaks and rest are essential for maintaining productivity.
• Comfort zones hinder growth — challenge them.
• Market validation is crucial for startup success.
• Public speaking is a strong marketing and personal branding tool.
• Diversity strengthens the entrepreneurship community.
• Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and breakthroughs.
• Building a personal brand opens up new opportunities.