Perception Paradox with Zivile (Zivi) Ein

What happens when two German cousins send 1000+ cold emails to build their dream startup?Meet Eric Garsleitner and Benjamin Buthmann, the founders behind Koalo (formerly Whyzer), who turned a Silicon Valley inspiration into a creator community platform. Their journey includes landing a Hollywood actress as an early investor and strategic partner, expanding into the Brazilian market, and now closing their seed round while approaching the US market.In this episode, they reveal:The exact cold email strategy that finally worked after 1000+ attemptsWhy they pivoted from biographical content to community buildingHow family dynamics work in high-pressure startup environmentsTheir brutal lessons from countless rejections before breakthroughWhy "sell first, perfect later" changed their entire approachAbout Eric and Benjamin: Eric Garsleitner & Benjamin Buthmann are German cousins and co-founders of Koalo, a platform enabling creators to launch and grow their own communities. Eric is a product-focused entrepreneur with experience building and scaling digital platforms, turning ideas into products and leading teams through execution. Benjamin brings operational leadership and business strategy expertise, skilled in growing teams and driving strategy from early stage to scale. Together, they've navigated pivoting from biographical content to creator communities while maintaining their partnership as both co-founders and cousins.Learn more about Koala App: https://www.koalo.app/ 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction02:10 The Birth of Whyzer and Cold Outreach05:42 Building Partnerships and Networking08:26 The Pivot to Koala: A New Direction12:54 Understanding the Mission Behind the Business15:04 Navigating the Creator Economy18:49 Building Community and User Engagement22:25 Engaging with Sports Fans and Clubs24:31 Building a Master Platform for Creators27:51 The Role of AI in Content Creation30:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life36:31 Challenges in Scaling a Startup39:18 Navigating Tech Events Effectively42:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Feeling stuck? Like you're running in place? What if the key to unlocking your potential isn't about more effort, but something far more powerful...your imagination? Prepare for a truly mind-bending conversation with Yoad Mick, a visionary imagination coach and founder of IMAGYM. This conversation happened during the TechChill 2025 in Riga, Latvia.In this episode, we explore why so many people feel trapped in their routines, and how imagination can rewire your thinking, leading to the life you're meant to live. We dive into:The crucial role of psychological safety in fostering real change.Practical strategies to break free from limiting systems and routines. 🔓The powerful distinction between visualization and true imagination.Transforming fear into courage and failure into exponential growth. 🚀Daily techniques to supercharge your imagination like a muscle.The impact of collective vision on creating meaningful success.How to start a ripple effect of imagination and innovation.Yoad's insights are bold, practical, and will completely reframe how you approach personal transformation. If you're feeling uninspired, stuck, or ready for real change – don't wait. Your transformation starts here.About Yoad: Yoad Mick trains people’s imagination to achieve what once seemed impossible. He shows leaders and teams how to shatter their mental blocks, imagine the change they want, and take bold action to turn those possibilities into reality. With his proven methodology, Yoad transforms mindsets, unlocking untapped potential and empowering leaders to inspire by example. The result? Explosive growth, innovation, and a shift in how teams operate. Yoad has worked with hundreds of founders, executives, and researchers across accelerators, academia, and corporate environments, helping them break through barriers and create a lasting impact.Connect with Yoad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoadmick/🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction00:52 Exploring the Power of Imagination03:19 The Nonlinear Career Path of Joad Nick06:12 Understanding Change and Its Challenges09:10 The Role of Psychological Safety in Change11:47 Imagination vs. Visualization14:40 Courage, Fear, and Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs17:19 Goal Setting and Maintaining Change22:30 The Infinite Mindset: Vision and Purpose25:02 Collective Imagination: The Power of Teamwork26:42 Mission vs. Intent: Understanding the Bigger Picture28:45 Always Be Giving: The Mindset of Opportunity31:30 Imagination as a Muscle: Training for Growth34:19 Defining Success: Beyond Outcomes37:14 Creating Opportunities: The Cycle of Intent and Reflection41:04 Lighting Candles: Inspiring Change in the World

What actually separates the 0.1% of founders from everyone else?In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile Einikyte sits down with Petter Made - co-founder of SumUp and Partner at EWOR - to explore the deeper mechanics behind exceptional entrepreneurship.After co-founding an €8.5B fintech and now reviewing 40,000 founder applications a year, Petter has a rare perspective on what truly makes founders succeed.We discuss:why "spiky founders" outperform well-rounded oneshow AI is changing what a company even looks likewhy resilience and personal energy management matter more than strategyand why building a company is ultimately a journey of learning, not perfectionAbout Petter: Petter Made is an entrepreneur and angel investor with 25+ years of experience in fintech, building platforms, products, and teams. He co-founded SumUp, a fintech empowering 5M+ SMBs across 37 countries with POS solutions and payment acceptance. Today, he is a full-time Partner at EWOR, the accelerator built by founders for founders, giving the brightest minds an unfair advantage in building companies that matter on a global scale.Follow Petter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pettermade/Learn more about EWOR: https://www.ewor.com/ Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) Einikytehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation02:47 The Impact of AI on Development06:35 Identifying Outlier Founders10:12 The Unstoppable Gene in Founders14:38 Building with AI: A New Era19:09 The One-Person Billion-Dollar Company24:26 Personal Development and Productivity30:07 Balancing Life and Entrepreneurship

In this birthday solo episode, Zivile reflects on a year of bold decisions and hard-earned lessons. From why the highest-paying job isn't always the right one, to why regret weighs heavier than failure - this is an honest look at what it takes to design a life you actually mean. No guests, no script. Just real talk.Chapters00:00 Reflections on a Year of Growth02:39 Living in the Present05:18 The Importance of Relationships08:00 Health and Well-being10:26 Navigating Change and Identity12:47 Embracing Failure and Regret15:35 The Value of Community and Connection

In this short episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile Einikyte reflects on the rise of the “individual empire” — and why personal content is becoming more powerful than company accounts.After hosting a startup fundraising event in Vilnius and reflecting on her own journey creating content since 2018, Zivile shares lessons from building visibility, community, and opportunities through authentic communication online.In a world increasingly filled with AI-generated content and digital noise, authenticity and personal perspective are becoming the real differentiators.This episode explores:• Why individual creators often outperform company pages• Lessons from Zivile’s LinkedIn journey• Authenticity vs AI-generated content• Why building community matters more than going viralA reminder for founders, creators, and professionals:Own your story. Share your perspective. Start before you feel ready.Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) EinikyteChapters00:00 Introduction and Event Highlights02:32 The Individual Empire Concept05:51 Content Creation Journey08:35 The Power of Authenticity in Content11:18 Cultural Experiences and Sharing Stories

Recorded from India, this episode of Perception Paradox is a reflection on community - and the kind of connection that makes people cross continents for each other.We first met in Poland.Reunited in Japan.And months later, half of us flew across the world to celebrate a wedding in India.Why do some communities dissolve after the program ends — while others grow stronger?Through tuk-tuk chaos, wedding rituals, and spontaneous conversations, this episode explores shared values, curiosity, and the power of cultural celebration in building lasting international friendships.Would your community fly for you?And would you fly for them?Thank you Maxim & Shilpi for the beautiful celebration.And thank you Jonas Nitschke and Cristian Paska for sharing your reflections.Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters00:00 Celebrating Friendship and Culture at an Indian Wedding05:34 The Power of Community and Connection08:03 Cultural Experiences and Shared Adventures10:35 Celebrating Together: A Wedding Experience11:29 The Power of Shared Values in Community12:08 The Power of Shared Values and Curiosity13:33 Building International Communities14:44 The Importance of Community in Modern Times

What does it mean to be a super-connector — in a way that actually creates value?In this episode, Vincent Weir (Nordic Science Capital, Growth Minds) breaks down the mechanics behind strong networks, why rituals and commitment matter more than “networking”, and how storytelling can move people - and markets.We also go big: Europe’s cycles of rise/fall, why AI could enable a Renaissance 2.0, and why the next chapter depends on turning vision into weekly traction.Connect with Vincent:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-weir/Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Super Connecting and Personal Background02:58 The Art of Remembering Names and Building Connections05:38 The Influence of Storytelling in Personal and Professional Life08:30 Historical Perspectives on European Civilization and Its Future11:17 Opportunities for a Renaissance 2.0 in Europe14:10 Growth Minds: Building a Community for Leaders17:00 The Importance of Commitment in Relationships19:43 Final Thoughts on Vision and Traction

What does it mean to build in 2026 - when AI can do the work and humans orchestrate the system?Ethan Pierse joins Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte to break down a clear, grounded model of AI-first entrepreneurship - and why the job market is already shifting toward AI-powered builders.Ethan is the Founder of Borderless Ventures and author of the upcoming book The AI Solopreneur Economy. With experience building companies since 1996 across the US, Europe, and Asia, he offers a "no-bullshit" roadmap for the new era of work.In this episode, we talk:Solo founders vs. small teams: Why headcount is no longer the default ambition.How work is reorganizing around agents and AI-first architecture.Why the real moat is community and distribution - not code.Energy management vs. productivity: Staying human in a hyper-accelerated world.A practical, no-hype conversation for builders who want leverage and a life.Connect with Ethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanpierse/https://thesolopreneureconomybook.com/Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:12 AI First Entrepreneurship: The New Paradigm05:18 The Impact of AI on Employment and Human Resources08:22 Investment Landscape in the Age of AI11:17 The Rise of Sustainable and Revenue-First Businesses14:21 The Changing Dynamics of Capital and Equity17:09 The Future of Development and AI Integration19:59 The Evolution of AI Tools and Their Implications27:54 The Evolving Workforce Landscape33:20 AI's Impact on Job Availability38:15 Philosophical and Economic Implications of AI44:10 Harnessing AI for Personal Efficiency50:19 Embracing AI: A Call to Action

What does it mean to sell in 2026?In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile sits down with Simon McDermott, Head of Sales at Talentpilot and a go-to-market leader with 25 years of experience across enterprise and startups - including Cisco, Intel, and high-growth tech companies like Brandwatch and Supernova.Simon shares how AI is reshaping sales workflows, why narrative and product-market fit still define success, and where human judgment becomes the real competitive advantage.A thoughtful conversation about selling, motivation, and staying human in an AI-driven world.Connect with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/startandscale/ Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/ChaptersChapters00:00 Introduction Trailer01:02 Opening03:01 Sales Journey and Experience06:14 Sales Strategies and Team Dynamics08:59 The Role of Technology in Sales12:03 AI Tools and Their Impact on Sales14:55 Human Connection in Sales18:06 Motivation and Personal Insights21:05 Advice for New Founders24:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Oisin Lunny is one of those rare people who can slow a room down — presence, kindness, curiosity… and serious craft behind it.In this episode of Perception Paradox, we talk about:how Oisin moved from corporate life in the UK to living off-grid in Spainwhy events are a “petri dish for serendipity”the real, unseen work behind being a great MC (prep, time discipline, speaker care)meditation, creative practice, and staying healthy while constantly on the movewhy AI makes human connection more important, not lessIf you’re an MC, founder, event organizer, or someone building a life around creativity + freedom — you’ll take notes.👇 Connect with Oisin / listen to his work:https://oisinlunny.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/oisinlunny/Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikytehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Oisin Lunny and His Journey04:26 The Power of Positivity and Mindfulness07:11 Meditation and Self-Regulation Techniques10:27 Understanding Serendipity in Life and Business13:34 Balancing Goals with Serendipity16:24 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance Life19:23 The Shift to Off-Grid Living22:35 The Role of Music in Oisin's Life25:22 Maintaining Creativity and Balance29:28 The Joy of Continuous Learning31:46 Preparation: The Key to Successful Events37:45 Post-Event Reflections and Energy Management40:48 Podcasting Journey and Insights44:44 Health and Lifestyle in a Busy World48:31 Finding Opportunities in the Event Space

In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile sits down with longtime friend Egita Polanska, investor and partner at Latvia-based Outlast Fund, to unpack what it really takes to build a startup that lasts.They discuss Egita’s path from accelerator and ecosystem roles to launching a fund across the Nordics and Baltics, what she looks for in founders, and why 2026 is pushing everyone back to fundamentals—solving real problems, building with resilience, and outlasting the hype (including the next phase of AI).A conversation about long-term thinking, founder psychology, and the truth behind early-stage investing.About Egita: Egita Polanska is a Founding Partner at Outlast Fund and a long-time builder of the Baltic and Nordic startup ecosystem. With over a decade of experience, she has worked hands-on with early-stage founders across Europe, leading accelerator programs and supporting companies from first traction to scale. Previously, Egita held leadership roles at Startup Wise Guys, Startup House, and Techstars Seattle, and has been deeply involved in shaping Latvia’s startup landscape through TechHub Riga, TechChill, and national innovation initiatives.Connect with Egita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egitapolanska/ Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/ Chapters00:00 Welcome to Perception Paradox04:47 The Birth of Outlast Fund10:43 Investment Strategies and Trends12:45 Current Trends in the Startup Ecosystem15:46 Identifying Resilient Founders20:03 Balancing Data and Emotion in Investment20:19 Why Stay in the Startup Scene?22:33 Looking Ahead: Trends in Startups and AI26:39 Challenges Faced by Investors29:31 Differentiating in a Competitive Market32:53 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Fears

Recorded live at Slush, this episode of Perception Paradox dives into the reality behind longevity-  far beyond supplements, trends, and Instagram biohacks.I’m joined by Erika Paule, founder in the longevity and biotech space, who started long before longevity became a buzzword. We talk about why most people get health optimization wrong, why longevity must be personalized, and how coming back to basics — sleep, nutrition, movement, mental health, and data — matters more than chasing the latest hack.We also unpack:Why biotech is still early at tech conferencesThe pyramid of supplementation (and where most people fail)Women’s health, cycles, and why “one template fits all” doesn’t workLongevity as healthspan, not lifespanA grounded, honest conversation from the Slush meeting area — for anyone curious about living better, not just longer.🎧 Recorded live at Slush 2025Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikytehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters00:00 Introduction00:23 Live from Slush: why Erika is here & what she’s building01:10 Why longevity wasn’t “cool” when she started02:15 From personal health needs to founding a longevity company03:55 The supplementation pyramid: nutrition first, always05:15 Blood tests, DNA tests & personalization06:40 Why longevity influencers get it wrong07:55 The five pillars of longevity explained09:10 Women’s health, cycles & why research is finally catching up10:20 Longevity = healthspan, not lifespan11:35 AI, data & the future of personalized longevity12:45 Final thought: there is no universal longevity protocol

In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile (Zivi) sit down with Sem Verbeek, a professional tennis player whose journey challenges everything we think we know about talent, timing, and success.Sem didn’t grow up as the most gifted junior. He wasn’t “the obvious one.” Instead, he built his career slowly - through discipline, emotional work, and a deep curiosity about life beyond sport. They talk about what happens when your identity becomes performance - and how to separate your self-worth from results in a world that constantly measures you.This conversation explores:Why nerves and excitement are the same in the brain — and how to use themThe underdog path of becoming a late bloomer in pro tennisDiscipline as emotional regulation — not punishmentHow routines and breathwork (4-7-8, double inhale) support mental healthDoubles tennis as a lesson in trust, communication, and letting go of controlWhy you are not your ranking — and never wereWhether you’re an athlete, founder, or high performer, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look loud - and that freedom often comes from structure.Key takeaway: You are enough. You belong. And new habits don’t need a new year to begin.About Sem: Sem Verbeek is a professional tennis player from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He has a career-high ranking of 29 in the world on the ATP Tour and won the 2025 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles title alongside Katerina Siniakova. Sem spent 3 years at he IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from ages 14-17 before pursuing a degree in Health and Exercise Science. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in that degree from the University of the Pacific in 2016.Instagram: www.instagram.com/semverLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sem-verbeekTwitter/X: www.x.com/semverbeekNLHosted by: Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/ Chapters00:00 Introduction01:42 The Underdog Nobody Expected06:42 When Tennis Became Serious10:50 Choosing Between Studies and Sport14:48 Discipline, Priorities, and Growing Up Early17:55 A Day in the Life of a Pro Athlete23:37 Why Nerves Are Actually Excitement30:50 Doubles Tennis Trust Over Control34:30 Communication Under Pressure39:53 Losing, Failure, and Self Worth42:33 Staying Grounded While Always on the Road47:38 Breathwork, Mental Health, and Performance52:42 Discipline Creates Freedom58:56 New Year Goals You Don’t Have to Wait01:03:44 Final Thoughts and Closing Message

Most events aren’t failing because the speakers were bad or the afterparty was weak.They’re failing because the architecture is wrong - and the revenue model underneath is outdated.Recorded at Slush, this episode with Ben Constantini goes behind the curtain of the event industry: the consolidation happening at the top, the rise of smaller curated formats, and the quiet shift toward founder-first design (meetings, segmentation, and outcomes - not stage hype).Ben also shares a sharp take: everyone talks about “AI for events,” but most organizers are still running on infrastructure that wasn’t built for modern pricing, forecasting, or startup realities. If you’ve ever wondered why some events feel magnetic and others feel like expensive noise… this will click.We also zoom out into the founder angle: what it’s like to raise, how real FOMO is, why ghosting hurts, and why you need a thicker skin than you think.For builders, operators, and anyone who cares about designing rooms that actually move people - and markets.About Ben: Ben Costantini is the CEO of Sesamers, the event copilot for startups. He hosts the Selected podcast, where thought leaders from all walks of life, offer invaluable insights and foresight into the future of innovation.Connect with Ben on LinkedIn and check out Sesamers.Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) EinikyteChapters00:00 Slush energy + Ben intro01:00 From music tours to tech/science events03:05 What “event architecture” actually means05:30 Why the sweet spot is mid-size (and why Slush caps scale)07:45 The real trend: smaller, curated gatherings inside big events09:10 Consolidation + “geo-cloning” big brands11:50 What attracts great startups (and the money tension behind it)17:00 Events and revenue: why most models don’t work18:40 The pivot: selling exhibitor inventory + what it revealed21:30 “AI in events” vs broken infrastructure underneath24:00 BNPL for booths + why timing matters for startups26:45 Founder life: fundraising, FOMO, ghosting, thick skin33:55 Final thought: events can reset the knowledge imbalance

Europe once led consumer technology.Today, it mostly rents it.In this episode of Perception Paradox, I sit down with Tariq Krim - founder and long-time technologist - to explore what sits beneath the AI boom: power, ownership, and infrastructure.We talk about why Europe stopped building consumer tech, how regulation replaced ambition, and why the current AI moment feels more fragile than revolutionary.This isn’t about tools.It’s about who controls the stack — and who doesn’t.Tarik also shares how he uses AI in his own work, why cognitive autonomy matters, and why passion - not capital - may decide what comes next.For builders, thinkers, and anyone questioning the systems they rely on.Connect with Tariq: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariqkrim/Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) EinChapters00:00 Paris, AI & Europe’s turning point02:10 From consumer tech leaders to digital tenants04:47 Why enterprise-first thinking failed Europe06:39 Scaling isn’t cultural - it’s structural08:08 Regulation as a symptom, not a solution09:07 Browsers, OS, and the power of small teams10:30 The AI bubble & the coming infrastructure crunch13:24 How Tarik actually uses AI (and what he avoids)15:09 Why tech needs passion again (the 90s lesson)

What happens when someone has spent 35 years asking questions - and actually listening?Recorded live at Slush, this conversation with Allan Davidson explores how media, technology, and human attention have changed - and what we’ve lost along the way. From the early days of BBC and CBS News to AI, startups, and today’s fractured attention economy, Allan shares why listening is a skill, why morality matters in tech, and why truth still has a way back.This is a calm, reflective conversation about curiosity, mistakes, vision - and choosing depth over noise.About Allan Davidson:Allan Davidson is an internationally recognized executive strategic advisor, global connector, and founder of SoundBytes, an award-winning CBS News technology program and podcast with over 9,000 episodes across 170 countries.With a career spanning media, technology, and entrepreneurship, Allan has interviewed many of the people who shaped the modern tech industry. He also founded and built patented software later acquired by Google and advised global companies including Apple, Cisco, SAP, Intel, and American Express.At heart, Allan is a lifelong listener - deeply curious about people, ethics, and the stories that actually matter.Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) EinikyteChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Event Experience03:06 Journey into Media and Technology05:59 The Evolution of Media and Interviewing08:58 Listening and Empathy in Conversations11:55 Moral Responsibility in Technology14:45 Finding Authenticity and Learning from Mistakes17:48 Adapting to Changing Media Landscapes20:47 Content Consumption and Personal Interests23:43 Creating and Letting Go of Startups24:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

At Slush 2025, I met someone who made me pause - Daniel Guest. He’s 17, he brought his dad (his CTO) to the conference, and he speaks with the kind of clarity most people only find after a few “career pivots” and a mild existential crisis.Daniel started building businesses at 14, scaled a six-figure reselling operation, and then built a SaaS platform for resellers because tax returns and admin nearly stopped his growth. This episode isn’t “overnight success.” It’s the unglamorous side of momentum: discipline on the days you don’t feel it, the loneliness of building when your peers don’t relate, and the hunger to create freedom - not just money.If you’re building something (or trying to), this is a grounded reminder: your mindset matters more than your age, your resources, or your starting point.What you’ll take from this conversation:Why networking + mentorship can compress years into one conferenceThe real cost of ambition: sacrifice, discipline, and lonely seasonsHow Daniel turned personal pain into product: reselling → SaaSWhy staying grounded is about roots, people, and perspectiveThe simplest founder advice that still works: take the risk — just startRecorded live at Slush 2025.Connect with Daniel Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guest-1a002b329/Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters00:00 INTRO - Setting the scene at Slush 202501:27 Introduction to Slush 2025 and Daniel’s Journey04:27 Daniel’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Early Experiences07:29 Building a SaaS Startup: Solving Real Problems10:29 Motivation and the Importance of Environment13:28 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges16:22 Networking and Seeking Mentorship19:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Take Risks

What makes someone a real founder in 2025 - and who’s just riding the AI wave?In this Perception Paradox episode, recorded live at SLUSH, Zivile talks with Andra Bagdonaite, Partner at FIRSTPICK VC, a pre-seed fund backing Baltic founders at day zero.They break down how AI has changed who can build, why “vibe coding” isn’t enough, and how Andra and her team actually evaluate founders, rounds and markets. They also dive into the rise of builder communities like Based Space and the new wave of Gen Z operators entering the ecosystem.In this episode you’ll learn:How AI tools changed the founder profile - and why that’s both exciting and riskyThe red & yellow flags FIRSTPICK sees in early founder callsWhy LPs and global funds are suddenly paying attention to the BalticsWho shouldn’t go down the VC-backed pathHow an abundance mindset helps avoid FOMO and burnoutHosted by Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte, creator of Perception Paradox.Chapters00:00 – Host Intro00:35 – Intro Music00:58 – Slush 2025: Energy, Chaos & First Impressions03:26 – The New Founder Profile: Builders in the AI Era07:49 – Vibe Coding: Useful Test or Dangerous Illusion?09:05 – Builder Communities (Based Space, Roam, Latvia): Why They Matter11:29 – How FIRSTPICK VC Evaluates Founders (Step-by-Step)16:11 – Red Flags: How VCs Spot Tourist Founders19:28 – Why People Become Founders (And Why Some Shouldn’t)21:09 – Abundance vs Burnout: A VC’s Inner Philosophy23:00 – How VCs Use Conferences Like Slush24:41 – The Baltic Ecosystem: Hype, Momentum & LP Perspectives27:21 – What Makes a Founder Truly Fundable?28:54 – Thought to Ponder: Lead From Abundance29:31 – Outro

In this SLUSH 2025 special, Zivile sits down with Aru nas Vismantas (Callsy.ai) to deliver a radical founder reality check:Why ego kills more businesses than failure, and why you must SELL BEFORE YOU BUILD to survive. Arunas, a three-time founder, reveals the principles that move companies forward, including aggressive validation and his experience scaling rapidly through 500 Global.You’ll also hear his sharp, essential takes on:Co-founder red flags nobody talks about.Why Baltic founders are wired differently (and why perfection doesn't win).How accelerators like FirstPick and 500 Global shaped his approach.The math behind AI voice agents recovering abandoned e-commerce carts.Why nothing works unless you first bet on yourself.If you’re building, fundraising, or figuring out your next move—this episode is the reality check you need.Connect with Arunas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunas-vismantas/Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/Chapters:00:00 Trailer00:21 About the Guest: Arūnas Vismantas (Callsy.ai)01:22 Life at SLUSH & Founder Energy03:50 The Reality of Building a Startup05:37 Solving Real Problems in E-commerce07:03 Why Online Buying Behaviour Has Shifted09:22 AI in Customer Service (Callsy.ai)10:47 Performance Marketing in 202512:54 Lessons From Previous Ventures15:13 The Baltic Founder Advantage17:17 Validating a Startup From Zero19:40 Finding Co-founders & Red Flags20:33 Funding: Accelerators vs. Bootstrapping22:33 Experiments, Systems & Structure24:37 The Role of Ego in Entrepreneurship26:05 Final Thoughts: Betting on Yourself

Recorded live at SLUSH 2025, this episode dives into the unvarnished reality of the tech media landscape—from structural layoffs and newsroom pressure to the fundamental misconceptions founders have about the press.Featuring:Cate Lawrence - Senior Reporter, Tech.euAndrii Degeler - Podcast Producer & Tech JournalistWhat You Will LearnThe Media Crunch: Why shrinking newsrooms, burnout, and bandwidth issues are reshaping tech journalism—and what it means for getting your story covered.The Founder Mistakes (That Everyone Makes): The biggest misconceptions about PR vs. journalism, and why AI-generated pitches and generic subject lines get ignored instantly.The Future Is Human: Why authenticity, clear storytelling, and real relationships outperform polished, "sanitized" messaging-and how to adapt.Hosted by: Zivile (Zivi) EinikyteChapters:00:00 Trailer00:24 IntroductionThe State of Journalism: A Critical Overview01:42 Media Landscape at Slush 202508:00 Trends in Tech Journalism and Reporting13:08 Challenges Facing Tech Media Today19:03 Misconceptions About Media and Journalism26:03 The Role of Journalists in Media27:32 Challenges in the European Media Landscape30:45 The Evolution of Media Consumption34:05 The Rise of Podcasting and Alternative Media40:15 Navigating the Crowded Media Market45:12 The Relationship Between PR and Journalism49:44 Authenticity in Media Communication