This week I speak to Rian Ingrim from Washington State, USA. Rian completed an MBA at Durham University Business School in 2017 and since then has returned to the US, started a small business, and he's now running for Congress.

I had a great time speaking to Rian about running for office in America, as well as his time in Durham and experience of returning to full-time study. Rian was also an Officer in the US military for 11 years so we spend some time speaking about that, and it's clear throughout the impact this has had on his drive and thirst for new adventures ever since.

Rian is clearly an excellent communicator so listen out for some great and simple take-homes that I think really stand out in the conversation.

This week I speak to creative connector, entrepreneur and Durham alumna (and local!), Meryl Levington. Meryl is a good friend and mentor and I was delighted to welcome her onto the podcast to talk all things study, work, networking and (for the first time so far) Covid-19.

Through her consultancy company, Actif, Meryl works with businesses across the UK and we get some of her advice for dealing with the current pandemic, as well as some top tips for those thinking of starting a business in the future. We also talk at length about the value of your network and  this is something to listen out for whether you're in the classroom or the workplace.

As a personal highlight we discuss a phrase that I've heard Meryl say countless times and is probably partly to blame for this podcast!

Enjoy the conversation.

This week I speak to Kiran Ramakrishna, founder and CEO of Text Mercato. Based in Bangalore, India, Kiran completed his MBA at Durham University Business School in 2012 and went on to live and work in Paris and London before starting his company in 2015.

In this episode we get some valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs from someone that has been there and done it. From the things to think about when starting a business, to where to look for funding and what investors are looking for when they listen to your pitch. Kiran talks about the pros and cons (and myths!) of 'being your own boss' and gives an unexpected insight into the daily life of a Founder/CEO.

This is a must listen for anyone thinking of taking the plunge into entrepreneurship!

Listen to an insightful interview with Dr Larry Lee. Recorded internationally from his office in Hong Kong, I caught up with Larry about his life and career, from his "humble beginnings", to enrolling on an MBA at Durham University Business School, realising that being an employee wasn't for him and then starting his business, Avanti Media, in 2006. 

Larry went back to Durham in 2016 to complete his DBA and we discuss his successes (and failures!) along the way, with some advice for current students thrown in for good measure.

Enjoy!

I'm Chris Roberts and The Lemonade Principle is a podcast for students and anyone else that would like to hear from influential business leaders from around the world. 

The aim is to provide traditional Careers Insights in a way that's accessible to busy students and professionals and can fit around a hectic schedule.

Listen, enjoy, subscribe and share!