Innotion Conversation: AI, Innovation, and the Future of Work — Insights from Mike Todasco

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Mike Todasco, seasoned innovator, former PayPal leader, and holder of over 100 U.S. patents, about the evolving nature of innovation and the transformative power of AI.

They dive into:

• Mike’s journey from startup founder to leading innovation at PayPal.
• The importance of fostering a culture of creativity and embracing failure to drive true innovation.
• How AI tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney are reshaping industries, including education and healthcare.
• Why customer feedback is critical for achieving product-market fit.
• How AI is transforming the future of personalized health management.
• Preparing for the future of work by focusing on critical thinking and adaptability.

Packed with real-world insights, Mike shares actionable strategies for founders, leaders, and innovators navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape.

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

🕒 Key Topics Covered

• Building a culture of innovation in tech companies.
• How AI is creating new opportunities and reshaping the future of jobs.
• The role of customer feedback in building successful products.
• How education systems must evolve to teach critical thinking and embrace AI.
• The future of personalized health management powered by AI.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Cultivating a culture that embraces experimentation fuels lasting innovation.
• AI technologies like ChatGPT and MidJourney are revolutionizing industries.
• Customer-centric thinking is the cornerstone of sustainable product development.
• Education must adapt to equip students for an AI-driven world.
• Personalized, AI-powered health management is the next frontier of healthcare innovation.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Entrepreneurship, Mental Resilience, and Staying Grounded — Insights from Rachel Murphy

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Rachel Murphy, seasoned entrepreneur and founder of The Grafter, about her inspiring journey from government roles, particularly in healthcare, to building successful businesses.

They dive into:

• Rachel’s transition from the public sector to entrepreneurship.
• Common pitfalls that founders face and how to navigate them.
• The importance of teamwork and staying grounded during the ups and downs of startup life.
• How mental health, exercise, and community support play vital roles in sustaining entrepreneurial resilience.
• Advice for young entrepreneurs just starting their journeys.
• Rachel’s personal inspirations and aspirations for the future.

Rachel shares practical, hard-won wisdom on balancing ambition with well-being in the demanding world of startups.

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 Rachel Murphy and Her Journey 05:50 — Common Pitfalls for Entrepreneurs 11:51 — Staying Grounded as a Founder 18:08 — Inspiration and Future Aspirations 23:47 — The Role of Exercise in Entrepreneurship 30:05 — Final Pearls of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs

💡 Key Takeaways

• Transitioning from public sector roles to entrepreneurship demands adaptability and grit.
• Teamwork is essential to building resilient businesses.
• Staying grounded and maintaining perspective helps founders navigate stress.
• Mental health and physical fitness are critical to entrepreneurial success.
• Community support provides the foundation for long-term resilience.
• Early-stage founders must prioritize self-care alongside business growth.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, and Innovation — Insights from Maria Andrianova

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Maria Andrianova, serial entrepreneur and angel investor, about her transition from corporate life in Russia to building businesses and investing in startups in Dubai.

They dive into:

• Maria’s journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship.
• How her innovative recruitment tool, Neuroframe, uses deep personality diagnostics to improve hiring outcomes.
• The importance of prioritizing mental health in workplace dynamics.
• How small changes can create major improvements in employee satisfaction.
• Building resilience to overcome the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.
• The value of following your passion and maintaining authenticity.
• Why building a strong, supportive network is critical for long-term success.

Maria shares practical lessons for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to build a meaningful career rooted in self-awareness and purpose.

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 Maria Andrianova 02:13 — Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 04:01 — Innovative Solutions in Recruitment 10:05 — Mental Health and Workplace Dynamics 14:11 — Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges 19:52 — The Importance of Following Your Passion 26:12 — Creating a Supportive Network 32:03 — Final Thoughts and Contact Information

💡 Key Takeaways

• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires courage and adaptability.
• Deep personality diagnostics can revolutionize recruitment and hiring.
• Mental health plays a vital role in workplace satisfaction and performance.
• Resilience and passion are core drivers of entrepreneurial success.
• Building supportive professional and personal networks is essential for growth.
• Self-awareness is a powerful tool in leadership and career development.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Startup Success, Fundraising, and Global Mindsets — Insights from Azahara Vera Cobos

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Azahara Vera Cobos, head of scouting and programs at Startupwise Guys, about what drives successful startups and how founders can better prepare for growth and exits.

They dive into:

• Key factors that contribute to successful startup exits.
• The importance of building strong, complementary founding teams.
• Fundraising strategies that help founders attract the right investors.
• Why having a global mindset is crucial for modern startups.
• Legal considerations early-stage founders must keep in mind to protect their ventures.
• Navigating the European startup ecosystem and emerging trends in the global market.

Azahara shares practical advice for founders who are serious about scaling and securing long-term success.

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 Startupwise Guys and Azahara Vera Cobos 06:04 — Identifying Trends in Startup Success 11:48 — Building a Strong Founding Team 16:28 — Navigating the European Startup Landscape 22:28 — Legal Considerations for Startups

💡 Key Takeaways

• Successful exits depend on strong teams, market understanding, and smart fundraising.
• Founders must prioritize building diverse and complementary founding teams.
• Choosing the right investors goes beyond money — it's about strategic alignment.
• Global thinking from day one increases a startup’s competitive advantage.
• Legal preparation early on can save startups from costly mistakes later.
• The European startup ecosystem offers unique opportunities for globally minded entrepreneurs.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: AI Matchmaking for Startups — Building Chainvest with Ediris Mohammed

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Ediris Mohammed, CEO and founder of Chainvest, an AI-driven platform connecting startups with investors.

They dive into:

• Ediris’ journey from frustrated investor to tech founder.
• How Chainvest is revolutionizing startup-investor matchmaking using AI.
• The emotional and practical challenges of balancing personal life with the demands of entrepreneurship.
• How accelerator programs can significantly impact startup growth and success.
• Best practices for managing investor relationships and navigating the fundraising process.
• Why loving the process — not just the idea — is crucial for entrepreneurial resilience.
• Real advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on handling bad days and staying open to feedback.

Packed with firsthand insights, Ediris shares what it really takes to build a meaningful startup that serves founders and investors alike.

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 Chainvest and Its Mission 02:49 — The Journey of an Entrepreneur: From Frustration to Innovation 05:58 — Building a Platform for Startups and Investors 09:04 — Balancing Personal Life and Startup Life 12:05 — Fundraising and Growth Challenges 15:03 — Managing Investor Relationships 18:02 — Coping with Bad Days as an Entrepreneur 21:08 — The Impact of Accelerators on Startup Success 24:13 — Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 26:51 — Conclusion and How to Connect

💡 Key Takeaways

• Solving real problems often stems from personal frustration and insight.
• AI is transforming how startups and investors connect and collaborate.
• Work-life balance is critical but challenging for founders.
• Accelerator programs can be game-changers for early-stage startups.
• Strong investor relationships require transparency and consistency.
• Entrepreneurship demands resilience and a genuine love for the process.
• Being open to feedback helps founders refine their ideas and grow faster.

Innotion Conversation: Entrepreneurship Across Borders — Insights from Giulio Zecca

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Giulio Zecca, experienced entrepreneur and innovation leader, about his work across Europe and Africa and the diverse factors that shape entrepreneurial success in different regions.

They dive into:

• Cultural differences in business practices between Europe and Africa.
• Bureaucratic hurdles startups face and their impact on entrepreneurial growth.
• The entrepreneurial mindset rising in emerging markets like Kenya and Nigeria.
• How technology and innovation are accelerating progress in Africa.
• The need for revitalizing Italian industries beyond traditional sectors like tourism and food.
• The role of mentorship, advisory boards, and overcoming imposter syndrome for founders.
• Why emerging markets are poised to lead the next wave of entrepreneurship.

Giulio shares firsthand insights on the hidden challenges startups encounter and how founders can navigate cultural and structural obstacles to build resilient, innovative businesses.

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 Giulio Zecca and His Journey 02:07 — Cultural Differences in Business Across Europe 06:04 — Bureaucratic Challenges in Starting a Business 10:06 — The Impact of Cultural and Bureaucratic Factors on Entrepreneurship 13:51 — Entrepreneurial Mindset in Africa vs. Europe 18:03 — The Rise of Technology and Innovation in Africa 22:07 — The Future of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets 27:34 — Revitalizing Italian Industry 30:20 — The Role of Mentorship in Startups 34:53 — Navigating Imposter Syndrome 41:00 — The Importance of Advisory Boards 49:02 — Identifying Hidden Challenges in Business

💡 Key Takeaways

• Cultural and bureaucratic environments deeply impact startup ecosystems.
• Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is surging, with technology driving innovation.
• Europe’s startup landscape faces challenges from bureaucracy and tradition.
• Emerging markets are becoming key players in global entrepreneurship.
• Italy needs revitalization beyond tourism — innovation and infrastructure are critical.
• Mentorship and advisory boards are essential for scaling startups.
• Imposter syndrome is common but manageable with the right support network.
• Identifying hidden business challenges early improves chances of success.

Innotion Conversation: Building Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem — Insights from Uche Aniche

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Uche Aniche, founder of Startup South and partner at Rebel Seed Capital, about the evolution and future of Nigeria’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

They dive into:

• Uche’s journey supporting startups through Startup South and Rebel Seed Capital.
• How Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has evolved over the years.
• The importance of government support, legal frameworks, and education in fostering innovation.
• Key challenges faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs, from funding to infrastructure.
• The critical role of building a stronger local investment network to attract foreign capital.
• The unique entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria and the cultural perceptions shaping it.
• Sectors with high growth potential and promising Nigerian startups to watch.
• Why optimism remains strong for the future of Nigeria’s innovation economy.

Uche offers a rare, inside look at one of Africa’s most exciting startup markets — with lessons for founders and investors alike.

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 Uche Aniche and His Ventures 02:58 — The Evolution of Nigeria's Startup Ecosystem 06:02 — Government Support and Legal Framework for Startups 08:56 — Challenges Faced by Startups in Nigeria 11:46 — Investment Landscape: Local vs. Foreign Investors 14:53 — Education and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria 17:45 — Cultural Perception of Entrepreneurship 20:57 — Funding Landscape for Startups 24:07 — Future Prospects of the Nigerian Startup Ecosystem 27:13 — Highlighting Promising Startups in Nigeria

💡 Key Takeaways

• Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is maturing, with government support playing an increasing role.
• Local investment is critical for unlocking greater foreign funding opportunities.
• Nigerian entrepreneurs demonstrate exceptional resilience and adaptability.
• Education reforms are necessary to foster a stronger entrepreneurial pipeline.
• Cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship are shifting positively.
• Key sectors like fintech, healthtech, and edtech show significant growth potential.
• The future for Nigeria’s innovation economy looks bright, with many rising stars.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Entrepreneurship, AI, and the Power of Community — Insights from Tom Lorimer

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Tom Lorimer, founder of Passion Lab, about his entrepreneurial journey and his mission to make AI and machine learning more accessible to businesses.

They dive into:

• Tom’s path through various startups and the lessons learned along the way.
• How Passion Lab is helping businesses navigate and adopt AI technologies.
• The critical need to demystify AI, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
• The importance of resilience, flexibility, and a customer-centric mindset in entrepreneurship.
• How mentorship and community support play key roles in a founder’s success.

Tom offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders eager to embrace technology and innovation in a fast-changing 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 — Introduction to Tom Lorimer and Passion Lab 09:00 — Navigating the AI Landscape for Businesses 18:59 — Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption 26:53 — Lessons from Entrepreneurship and Future Aspirations

💡 Key Takeaways

• AI and machine learning are becoming essential tools for business growth.
• Education and demystification are critical for broader AI adoption among SMEs.
• Flexibility and customer focus are key to successful entrepreneurship.
• Mentorship and community networks offer vital support along the entrepreneurial journey.
• Founders must embrace resilience to overcome inevitable challenges.
• AI presents significant opportunities for businesses willing to innovate and adapt.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Mental Health, Ethics, and Impact Investing — Insights from Daria Reutovich

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Daria Reutovich, venture capital investor and advocate for mental health in the startup world, about her journey from Belarus to the Netherlands and her mission to drive ethical, impactful investing.

They dive into:

• Daria’s cultural transition and how work mentalities differ between Eastern Europe and the Netherlands.
• The importance of balancing mental health with business success in the startup ecosystem.
• Why understanding the motivations behind entrepreneurship matters for founders and investors.
• How ethical considerations — especially the source of funding — are shaping the future of venture capital.
• Daria’s investment focus on mental health, education, and ethical AI to drive positive global impact.
• The need for a supportive ecosystem that fosters diversity, well-being, and sustainability alongside profit.

Daria offers deep insights for founders, investors, and anyone interested in building businesses with both purpose and profitability.

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 Daria Reutovich and Her Journey 03:17 — Cultural Transition: From Belarus to the Netherlands 06:00 — Work Mentality: Eastern Europe vs. Dutch Culture 09:08 — Impact Investing: Merging Profit with Purpose 12:06 — Mental Health in Startups: A New Approach 15:12 — Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Founders 18:02 — Navigating Challenges: Balancing Business and Well-being 21:10 — Diversity in Startups: Supporting Underrepresented Founders 23:59 — Motivations Behind Entrepreneurship: A Deep Dive 27:09 — Ethics in Venture Capital: The Source of Funding 29:53 — Investment Focus: Key Verticals and Future Trends

💡 Key Takeaways

• Mental health must be a priority in the entrepreneurial journey.
• Cultural differences shape how founders approach work and success.
• Impact investing aligns financial return with meaningful social change.
• Ethical sourcing of venture capital is increasingly critical for investors and startups.
• Diversity and inclusion strengthen the startup ecosystem.
• Future investment trends include mental health tech, education, and ethical AI solutions.
• A founder’s motivation deeply impacts their long-term resilience and company culture.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Spain’s Startup Landscape — Challenges, Culture, and the Road Ahead with Gonzalo Martín Rocañin

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Gonzalo Martín Rocañin about the current state of Spain’s startup ecosystem and what needs to change to foster a more vibrant entrepreneurial environment.

They dive into:

• Key challenges facing startups in Spain, from funding gaps to cultural barriers.
• How cultural attitudes impact entrepreneurial ambition and risk-taking.
• The critical role of education in shaping the next generation of innovators.
• How government programs and financial support can help — and where they fall short.
• Legal and administrative hurdles that hinder startup growth.
• Regional differences in startup viability across Spain.
• The transformative impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on the Spanish economy.
• Systemic changes needed to unlock Spain’s full entrepreneurial potential.

Gonzalo offers a candid and insightful look into the future of entrepreneurship in Spain, and the lessons other ecosystems can learn from its evolution.

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 Innovation in Spain 02:58 — Challenges in the Spanish Startup Ecosystem 06:01 — Cultural Attitudes Towards Entrepreneurship 09:12 — The Role of Education in Fostering Innovation 11:59 — Government and Financial Support for Startups 15:01 — Legal and Administrative Barriers 17:53 — Regional Differences in Startup Viability 20:52 — The Impact of Immigrant Entrepreneurs 23:56 — Future of Entrepreneurship in Spain

💡 Key Takeaways

• Spain’s startup ecosystem faces cultural and structural challenges.
• Risk aversion and conservative attitudes hinder entrepreneurship.
• Education reform is key to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Government support must evolve to better serve early-stage founders.
• Legal and administrative processes remain significant obstacles for startups.
• Regional disparities affect startup viability across Spain.
• Immigrant entrepreneurs bring dynamism and growth to the Spanish economy.
• Systemic change is necessary to build a thriving entrepreneurial future.