Innovation Conversation: Leadership, Cybersecurity, and AI for Social Impact with Stefano Calvetti

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Stefano Calvetti, a leader with over 30 years of experience across the military, intelligence, IT, and coaching fields. Stefano shares his journey from leading tactical and strategic teams to pioneering leadership development and social impact initiatives.

They dive into:

• Lessons from a career spanning military leadership, intelligence operations, and IT.
• How to navigate leadership challenges in the digital age.
• The role of coaching in enhancing self-confidence, influence, and positive impact.
• The founding of Besage.ai, a company using AI and machine learning to foster deeper human understanding.
• Insights from When Leaders Talk, Stefano’s podcast focused on leadership across industries.
• How technology and coaching intersect to build better leaders and societies.

Tune in for a deep and insightful conversation on leadership, technology, and shaping a more empowered future.

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 and Background 04:02 — Lessons from Military, Intelligence, and IT Leadership 10:45 — Navigating Leadership in the Digital Age 15:22 — The Power of Coaching for Influence and Impact 20:18 — Launching Besage.ai: AI and Machine Learning for Social Growth 26:40 — Insights from the When Leaders Talk Podcast 31:55 — Merging Technology and Coaching for a Better Future

Innovation Conversation: Startup Health, Scaling, and AI-Powered Sales with Tomas Blacjak

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Tomas Blacjak from Leadspicker.comto discuss the company’s evolution, the personal challenges of running a startup, and how they’re planning for future growth with AI-driven solutions.

They dive into:

• The importance of taking care of your health and finding balance while building a startup.
• Why surrounding yourself with supportive people — and removing toxic individuals — is key to success.
• Lessons on investing in sleep, avoiding shortcuts, and maintaining a positive mindset.
• How hobbies and activities outside of work can help reduce burnout and improve well-being.
• Leadspicker’s future plans: scaling their user base, expanding into the US market, and leveraging AI agents for automated sales processes.

Tune in for a real-world conversation about the intersection of startup growth, leadership, and founder well-being.

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 and Company Background 08:05 — Dealing with Stress and Maintaining Balance 13:01 — Building a Supportive Team and Removing Toxicity 21:05 — Lessons Learned and Personal Well-being 27:53 — Future Plans for Leadspicker.com

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Roman Zomko, founder and CEO of Impressit.io, to talk about the journey of building a tech company through times of crisis and the role of resilience in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem.

They dive into:

• How shared values and teamwork shape a strong company culture.
• The realities and challenges of starting and scaling a tech company.
• Navigating unexpected challenges like COVID-19 and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
• The resilience and innovation powering the Ukrainian startup scene.
• The launch of AssistMe AI, Impressit’s new product that automates workflows for customer support companies.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, adaptability, and tech innovation even in the face of adversity.

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 and Background 07:27 — Challenges of Starting a New Business 15:16 — Impact of COVID-19 and the War in Ukraine 37:18 — The Ukrainian Startup Ecosystem and the Future

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Trevor Koverko, founder and CEO of Sapien.ai, to explore the challenges and opportunities of launching startups at the intersection of Web3 and AI. Trevor shares his experience building companies in the blockchain ecosystem and offers insights on navigating fundraising and scaling in the Web3 space.

They dive into:

• Key differences between building a Web3 startup and a traditional venture-backed company.
• Unique challenges and opportunities in crypto fundraising.
• Why human input and data labeling are critical to improving AI model performance.
• Best practices for building and managing a global, distributed team.
• The mindset founders need to survive and thrive in fast-evolving industries.

Tune in for a founder’s view on Web3 innovation, AI’s future, and what it takes to succeed in the next wave 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 and Background 09:42 — Sapien and the Role of Humans in AI 23:11 — The Importance of Location 27:17 — Building a Global Team 37:41 — The Magic Wand

Innovation Conversation: Growth Mindset, Testing Demand, and Startup Lessons with Hattie Willis

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Hattie Willis, founder of Guessworks, If We Raise, and Angel Syndicate, to discuss her journey through the startup world and the lessons she’s learned from launching multiple ventures. Hattie shares how she teaches early-stage innovation skills, helps founders assess fundraising readiness, and fosters new groups of angel investors.

They dive into:

• The importance of having a growth mindset and learning new skills as a founder.
• How to use a criteria-based approach for making better decisions — focusing on impact, financial sustainability, and personal enjoyment.
• Hattie’s unconventional entry into the startup world and how it shaped her entrepreneurial path.
• Why testing demand early is crucial to avoid building products no one needs.
• The value of building a strong network of co-founders, mentors, and supporters.
• Practical advice for first-time founders about risk, resilience, and decision-making.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with real-world startup advice and hard-won entrepreneurial insights.

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 and Background 07:44 — The Power of a Growth Mindset 14:07 — From Kicking a Man Out of a Bar to Startup Success 30:38 — Dealing with Doubts and Seeking Support 40:41 — Advice for First-time Founders

Innovation Conversation: Ethical Hacking, Cybersecurity, and Startup Survival with Enrique Serrano-Apparicio

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Enrique Serrano-Apparicio, founder and CEO of Hackrocks, to explore the critical role of hackers in modern society and the growing importance of cybersecurity training for companies. Enrique shares his experience building a cybersecurity startup and offers real-world insights into the challenges founders face today.

They dive into:

• The difference between white hat (ethical) hackers and black hat hackers — and why ethical hacking is essential for businesses.
• Challenges of being a founder, including talent retention, stress management, and financial discipline.
• The rising threats of state-sponsored hacking and the future impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity.
• Practical security tips, like using two-factor authentication beyond traditional passwords.
• Financial management strategies for startups, especially when navigating investor relationships.
• Differences in the startup and investment ecosystems between Spain and the US.
• Why networking at industry-specific events is more effective than generic startup events.
• How to make tough financial decisions to survive and scale in challenging environments.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on cybersecurity, founder resilience, and how to navigate today’s startup 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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 08:26 — Challenges of Being a Startup Founder 24:03 — Financial Management and Investor Relations 32:08 — Networking at Industry-Specific Events 41:31 — Overcoming Financial Difficulties

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Enrique Serrano shares how ethical hackers protect companies and how founders can survive and scale. Powered by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s top startup event in Lisbon.

Innovation Conversation: Personal Growth, Startup Success, and Raising Investment with Babita Devi

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Babita Devi, growth coach and startup advisor, to discuss the deep connection between personal development and business success. Babita shares her experience helping entrepreneurs align their businesses with their passion and purpose, and reveals the strategies she uses to guide startups through growth challenges.

They dive into:

• Why aligning your business with your passion and purpose is crucial for long-term success.
• How personal growth impacts business outcomes — and why entrepreneurs must understand what their business needs from them.
• Realistic advice on raising investment, dealing with rejection, and finding the right investors.
• The power of networking for gaining validation, strategic partnerships, and new opportunities.
• Babita’s seven-step growth process, covering pricing, branding, and promotion strategies.
• How internal factors like your relationship with money affect external business performance.
• Recognizing and addressing subconscious behaviors that can limit success.
• How childhood experiences and values shape entrepreneurial decision-making.
• The journey of entrepreneurship as a path of personal transformation, not just financial gain.

Tune in for practical advice, personal insights, and transformational lessons for any founder or startup leader.

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 and Background 02:15 — Passion and Purpose in Babita's Work 08:02 — Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 10:08 — Identifying Successful Entrepreneurs 12:02 — Validation and Market Feedback 15:18 — Challenges of Raising Investment 20:07 — The Value of Networking 22:04 — Babita's Seven-Step Process for Growth 24:28 — The Link Between Personal Growth and Business Success 27:39 — Getting Out of Your Own Way: Addressing Subconscious Behaviors 32:36 — The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Decision-Making 39:25 — The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Transformation and Connections 41:19 — Redefining Success: Beyond Financial Achievements

Innovation Conversation: FinTech Investment, Market Insights, and Fundraising Challenges with Nathalie Schwarzkopf

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Nathalie Schwarzkopf, a German investor focused on FinTech, to discuss the realities of startup investing in today's changing market. Nathalie shares her perspective on spotting real potential, navigating Europe’s investment climate, and building trust with investors and institutions.

They dive into:

• What investors in FinTech look for: strong product-market fit, traction, and a clear go-to-market strategy.
• Key differences between the investment climates of Europe and the US.
• How investment landscapes vary across European countries — with hotspots like the UK and France.
• Best practices for founders: building investor relationships early and maintaining consistent updates.
• Why raising Series A, B, and C rounds has become tougher and how to navigate the new environment.
• Differentiating hype from real potential in industries like AI and climate tech.
• The importance of preparing for fundraising long before capital is urgently needed.

Tune in for investor insights, practical advice for founders, and an honest take on what it takes to raise successfully in today's market.

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 and Background 01:17 — Getting Started as an Investor 05:26 — Differentiating Hype from Potential 08:26 — Differences in Investment Climate: Europe vs. US 10:42 — Investment Landscape in Different European Countries 13:08 — Size of Investment Rounds in Different Countries 14:07 — Investor Risk Aversion and Focus on AI and Climate Tech 16:06 — Best Practices for Reaching Out to Investors 21:02 — Building Trust with Large Institutions 23:04 — Disruption Potential in the FinTech Space 25:44 — Challenges in Raising Series A, B, and C Rounds 28:19 — Process of Reviewing Pitch Decks 31:03 — Advice for Founders 38:29 — Market Slowdown in Raising Series A, B, and C Rounds 42:17 — Opportunities in Challenging Times 42:52 — Contact Information

Innovation Conversation: Virtual Accelerators, Funding Equity, and Startup Mindset with Hotbed

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Perdie Alder and Em, founders of Hotbed, a virtual accelerator designed to create more equitable access to funding and opportunity for founders worldwide. They share how Hotbed identifies promising startups beyond major cities and their unique approach to supporting diverse founders.

They dive into:

• How Hotbed addresses funding imbalances and expands opportunities for global founders.
• Key traits of successful founders — user engagement, focus on key metrics, and strong salesmanship.
• The current funding landscape for pre-seed and seed-stage startups.
• How founders can build relationships with investors and navigate biases in the industry.
• The importance of resilience, tenacity, and a strong support network for entrepreneurial success.
• The role of diversity in reshaping the tech and investment ecosystem.
• Practical advice for founders on raising funds in different markets and overcoming challenges.

Tune in for a conversation on creating a more inclusive startup ecosystem and empowering the next generation of global founders.

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 Hotbed 00:14 — Identifying the Shift in the Market 01:36 — The Unique Strategy of Hotbed 03:57 — Challenges of Getting Started 06:13 — Defining Characteristics of Successful Founders 09:30 — The Funding Ecosystem 11:04 — Building with Limited Resources 12:09 — Diversity in the Tech Space 15:14 — Raising Funds in Different Markets 20:28 — Importance of Supportive Relationships 22:36 — The Origin of the Name Hotbed 23:45 — Changing the Funding Landscape 27:03 — Maintaining Resilience and Mindset 29:25 — Best Success Story 30:58 — Approaching Investors 32:07 — Contacting Hotbed

In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Alon Bochman to talk about his entrepreneurial journey, the rise of AI, and why market research is fundamental to building successful products. Alon shares his experience transitioning into AI, the potential impact and risks of AI technologies, and the importance of creating products that meet real market demand.

They dive into:

• Why building something people actually want is the foundation of entrepreneurial success.
• The incredible potential of AI to transform industries — and the dangers it poses without responsible development.
• The urgent need for international cooperation and regulation in AI advancement.
• How entrepreneurs should view AI — as a tool, not the end goal.
• Why rigorous market research and customer feedback are essential for validating ideas and improving product-market fit.
• The risk of ignoring customer needs and the waste it creates in startup ecosystems.
• Differences in raising investment in the US versus other countries — and advice for navigating global fundraising.

Tune in for a balanced conversation on innovation, AI’s role in startups, and how founders can stay customer-focused in a fast-moving tech 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

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 01:05 — Entrepreneurial Journey 04:26 — Transition to AI 08:19 — Early Experience with AI 13:13 — Impact of AI 16:14 — Concerns about AI 19:19 — Positive Impact of AI 23:13 — Dangers of AI 30:20 — Controlling AI Development 35:06 — Incorporating AI into Startups 38:47 — Raising Investment and Global Differences 44:07 — Advice for Entrepreneurs 10:15 — The Importance of Market Research 20:30 — Building Products Based on Market Demand 30:45 — The Role of Customer Feedback 40:00 — Conclusion and Contact Information