40 Minute Mentor

Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Thomas Plantenga, the CEO of Vinted - Europe’s largest secondhand marketplace and Lithuania’s first-ever unicorn.  What started as a small Lithuanian startup in 2008 has evolved into a fast-growth business with millions of users, 2,000+ employees and a €5 billion valuation.  In today’s conversation, Thomas shares the ins and outs of his journey with Vinted, how it became such a global success, the biggest leadership lessons he learnt along the way and what’s next for the business with the launch of Vinted Ventures.  If you’re a founder or operator navigating scaleup challenges, this episode is a masterclass in turnaround strategy, culture building and leading with humility.  📚Episode Chapters: ➡️ Early years & the call that changed everything  [07:30] ➡️ Realising Vinted was in trouble [16:00]  ➡️ Spotting the first signs of growth [20:00]  ➡️ The hardest leadership lessons [23:00]  ➡️ The art of hiring at scale & psychological safety [27:00]  ➡️ Launching Vinted Ventures [36:40]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-p-19651414/?originalSubdomain=lt  ✨ More about Vinted: https://www.vinted.co.uk/  ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? ⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Jevan Soo Lenox, the Chief People Officer at WRITER, a leader in agentic AI for the enterprise.    Founded in 2020, WRITER helps businesses launch products faster, run deeper financial research and clinical trials. The high-growth startup is backed by some of the best investors, including Balderton, Radical Ventures, ICONIQ Growth, Salesforce Ventures, Adobe Ventures, and many more.   Before joining WRITER, Jevan already held multiple CPO roles in hyper-growth businesses, including Blue Bottle Coffee, Stitch Fix and inistro. In today’s conversation, Jevan shares a masterclass on the modern people function - from building AI-first cultures and scaling people teams globally, to hiring with self-awareness and building high-performing cultures.  If you’re a Founder, Operator or People leader building a hypergrowth culture or looking for ways to embed more AI into your teams, this episode is packed with valuable insights for you.  📚Episode Chapters:  ➡️ From McKinsey to AI -  Jevan’s career path [03:00] ➡️ Finding a calling in People & Culture leadership [04:00] ➡️ What makes a truly great Chief People Officer [09:30] ➡️ How technology and AI are transforming the People function [16:45] ➡️ Inside WRITER: culture, values and what “AI-first” really means [18:40] ➡️ When to hire your first CPO [23:00] ➡️ How to hire exceptional leaders [34:40] 🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Jevan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevansoolenox  ✨ More about WRITER: https://writer.com/  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Season 14 of 40 Minute Mentor!  In today’s episode, we’re joined by Claire Davenport, a seasoned tech operator whose career spans investment banking at Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, Chief of Staff at Skype, CEO roles at VoucherCodes, HelloFresh UK and Not On The High Street, as well as board and angel investing.  Today, Claire is a prominent figure in the Tech world as a NED, COO at Multiverse and Angel Investor. She is also a staunch advocate for women leaders, having founded WITSEND, a fast-growing network for C-Suite women in tech.  In this conversation, Claire shares candid lessons on leading in a crisis, making the leap to CEO, landing your first non-exec role, retaining top talent, and the real state of gender balance in executive leadership.  📚Episode Chapters:  ➡️ From banking to ops - Claire’s pivots & biggest lessons [08:12]  ➡️ The hardest chapter [13:00]  ➡️ Becoming a CEO [16:00]  ➡️ How headhunters can help your career advancement [18:00]  ➡️ What great C-level leadership looks like [22:00]  ➡️ How to land your first board seat [24:13]  ➡️ Attracting & retaining top talent [29:30]  ➡️ The power of peer mentorship & community [33:00]  ➡️ Women in leadership roles - the progress & gaps [35:30]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Claire: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claire-davenport-online/en  ✨ More about Multiverse: https://www.multiverse.io/en-GB  ✨More about WITSEND: https://www.witsend.online/  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also like: Where Are They Now: Sophie Adelman On Building A Community For The Curious Levelling The Playing Field: A Social Mobility Special From TopGun to Boardroom with Chris Severson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Season 14 of 40 Minute Mentor!  We’re so excited to kick off the season this Wednesday, and with that, the launch of episode 300!  Before we get into this new season, here is a short preview of the brilliant conversations we’ve got lined up for the coming 10 weeks.  If you’re new to 40 Minute Mentor, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you’re the first to hear about new episodes.  And don’t forget to dive into our archives of nearly 300 episodes of pocket-sized mentorship.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Adriana Restrepo, Co-Founder of crypto FinTech, Deblock.  Before building Deblock, Adriana spent 3 years at Revolut, overseeing People Operations and holding the COO role.  While she never expected to step into a Founder role, today, Adriana is building the world’s safest account for seamless management and exchange of crypto and cash, ensuring users truly own their money.  In this episode, you’ll hear more about the significant lessons she learned during her time at Revolut, the secret sauce that’s helping her build and scale Deblock, their impressive funding to date and what the future holds for Deblock and the Web3 space.  Episode Chapters:  ➡️ From Corporate life to fast-paced Revolut [04:30]  ➡️ Fundamental lessons from Revolut [11:30]  ➡️ Taking the leap into entrepreneurship [14:00]  ➡️ Building Deblock [17:00]  ➡️ More about today’s sponsor [20:00]  ➡️ Co-Founder dynamics & building a team [22:00]  ➡️ Celebrating wins [23:30]  ➡️ Fundraising & growing a diverse team [26:20]  ➡️ The impact of a great COO [35:00]  ➡️ The future of Deblock & Crypto [40:30]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Adriana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianarestrepo  ✨ More about Deblock: https://deblock.com/en-FR  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Foundation Partners, an Amplified People Group company.  Foundation Partners is reinventing how ambitious, early-stage companies access People & Talent support. They offer a fully flexible, fractional People & Talent team with specialist skillsets and hands-on delivery that starts driving impact in just 2 weeks.  As a 40 Minute Mentor listener, you can book a FREE 1-hour advisory call with a Managing Partner. Just head to www.foundationpartners.co.uk/contact and reference 40 Minute Mentor.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Zeynep Yavuz: Investing In Fintech, Crypto & Emerging Markets with General Catalyst Simone Maini: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & The Future Of Crypto with Elliptic Scaling Teams & Building a High Performing Culture – A Roundtable Discussion with Amplified Group’s Dr Andy Meikle, Anouk Agussol & Andrew Richardson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by the leadership team of Amplified People Group - Dr Andy Meikle, Anouk Agussol and Andrew Richardson.  Together, they answer some of the burning questions leaders ask them: from navigating the messy world of people, talent and culture to early-stage blind spots, the UK’s employment landscape and practical tips on embedding AI in your teams.  📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Common oversights when building culture [05:00]  ➡️ The importance of values and expectations [11:00]  ➡️ Building a transparent culture [12:30]  ➡️ Authenticity in leadership [16:40]  ➡️ More about today’s sponsors [18:00]  ➡️ Navigating employment law challenges [19:20]   ➡️ The difficulties of letting people go [22:00]  ➡️ Building high-performing cultures [29:00]  ➡️ Embedding AI [30:00]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ More about Amplified Group:  https://www.amplifiedgroup.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Foundation Partners, an Amplified People Group company.  Foundation Partners is reinventing how ambitious, early-stage companies access People & Talent support. They offer a fully flexible, fractional People & Talent team with specialist skillsets and hands-on delivery that starts driving impact in just 2 weeks.  As a 40 Minute Mentor listener, you can book a FREE 1-hour advisory call with a Managing Partner. Just head to www.foundationpartners.co.uk/contact and reference 40 Minute Mentor.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Andrew Richardson: Building high-performing businesses & leadership teams with Amplified Group Anouk Agussol: Why HR is dead  Tamara Lohan MBE: From idea to exit – the scaling story of the iconic Mr & Mrs Smith travel brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Tamara Lohan MBE, Co-Founder and CEO of boutique hotel travel specialists Mr & Mrs Smith.  Tamara founded Mr & Mrs Smith together with her husband James in 2002.  Since then, the pair have been on an incredible journey, including scaling the business to over 1.5 million members worldwide, growing their distributed team, being awarded with an MBE for their services to the British travel industry, getting B Corp certified and being acquired by Hyatt in 2023.  In today’s episode, you’ll find out what it takes to build such an iconic brand and lots of actionable mentorship on how Tamara transitioned from CTO to COO and CEO.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ Childhood influences and early aspirations [05:20]  ➡️ The idea that sparked Mr & Mrs Smith [08:00]  ➡️ Challenges in the early days [13:00]  ➡️ Transitioning from CTO to COO [19:30]  ➡️ Transforming Leadership & navigating Covid [20:00]  ➡️ Learn more about today’s sponsors [24:00]  ➡️ Building an iconic brand [28:00]  ➡️ Hiring lessons [32:00]  ➡️ Building a remote culture [35:00]  ➡️ The resilience of the travel industry [38:00]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Tamara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaralohan  ✨ More about Mr & Mrs Smith: https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Foundation Partners, an Amplified People Group company.  Foundation Partners is reinventing how ambitious, early-stage companies access People & Talent support. They offer a fully flexible, fractional People & Talent team with specialist skillsets and hands-on delivery that starts driving impact in just 2 weeks.  As a 40 Minute Mentor listener, you can book a FREE 1-hour advisory call with a Managing Partner. Just head to www.foundationpartners.co.uk/contact and reference 40 Minute Mentor.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Simon Franks: The truth behind exiting to Amazon and investing in hyper growth Startups with Redbus Ventures Radha Vyas: From £20m revenues to bankruptcy & rebuilding Flash Pack 2.0 Ben Stephenson: Building A Remote-First Startup Disrupting Travel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Simon Franks, multi-exited entrepreneur, Managing Partner of early-stage firm, Redbus Ventures and the Founder of Franks Family Foundation, the UK-based charitable organisation.  Simon’s career has been filled with building and scaling some of the most successful businesses in Europe, including as a Founder and now Investor.  Today, he doesn’t just back brilliant businesses like Perkbox and Cleo, but his main focus has been his philanthropic pursuits, through Franks Family Foundation, initiating and developing projects in South East Asia.  Tune in to today’s episode to hear Simon’s first-hand experience of building and scaling high-performing teams and hugely successful businesses, plus hear tons of advice on what sets great Founders apart.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ Early career reflections [06:30]  ➡️ Building the European Netflix with Lovefilm [09:45]  ➡️ The true feelings behind the exit to Amazon [15:20]  ➡️ More about today’s sponsors [17:10]  ➡️ Transitioning into VC [20:00]  ➡️ The pitfalls of generic business advice [24:00]  ➡️ Why you need to fail fast [27:00]  ➡️ Patterns in successful Founders [29:30]  ➡️ Making a real impact [34:50]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Simon: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/frankssimon  ✨ More about Redbus Ventures: https://redbus.uk/  ✨ More about Franks Family Foundation: https://www.thefff.org/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Foundation Partners, an Amplified People Group company.  Foundation Partners is reinventing how ambitious, early-stage companies access People & Talent support. They offer a fully flexible, fractional People & Talent team with specialist skillsets and hands-on delivery that starts driving impact in just 2 weeks.  As a 40 Minute Mentor listener, you can book a FREE 1-hour advisory call with a Managing Partner. Just head to www.foundationpartners.co.uk/contact and reference 40 Minute Mentor.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Nicky Goulimis & Nico Barawid: The serial entrepreneurs stopping scams & building Tunic Pay differently Lessons Of Resilience: Scaling Love Koffee To Exit and Living Through Made.com’s Collapse with Dimple Patel, CEO of Trouva Greg Marsh: A $200m+ exit with onefinestay to helping you save on household bills with Nous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Nicky Goulimis and Nico Barawid, the Founders of early-stage FinTech Tunic Pay, the only fraud vendor designed specifically for scams. Prior to building Tunic Pay, Nicky scaled Nova Credit, the credit infrastructure and analytics company that enables businesses to grow responsibly by harnessing alternative credit data. And Nico built Casai, which was Latin America's largest short-term rental operator.  With so much experience in building successful FinTech ventures, this episode is a great listen for anyone thinking about starting a FinTech, or for anyone currently in the thick of scaling.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ Entrepreneurial traits from an early age [12:00] ➡️ Why FinTech [16:20]  ➡️ Key lessons from early ventures [18:30]   ➡️ More about today’s sponsors [23:20]  ➡️ Building teams without the vanity metrics [26:00]  ➡️ Flipping the script on ‘failing’ [29:00]  ➡️ The future of Tunic Pay [32:30]  ➡️ Taking the time to find investors [34:40]   ➡️ Using AI in startups [39:00]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Nicky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickygoulimis?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ Connect with Nico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicobarawid?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ More about Tunic Pay: https://www.tunicpay.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Sho Sugihara: Financial Inclusion & Finding Your Purpose As A Founder Avion Gray: Raising the largest pre-seed round as a female Founder in EuropeDr Ben Maruthappu: Saving the UK Government £1 million every day by building Cera – the UK’s largest HealthTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Dr Ben Maruthappu, Founder and CEO of Cera - the UK’s largest HealthTech and one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe.  We’ve all come across the headline of increasing pressures on the NHS and especially hospitals.  Cera is revolutionising Healthcare, using technology and AI to shift care from hospitalisation to patients’ homes, creating a more sustainable model for an ageing population.  In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about Cera’s origin story, how they have implemented AI so early on and why they’re still just scratching the surface of what’s possible within Healthcare.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ From Medicine to Entrepreneur [04:45] ➡️ Innovation within the NHS & common misconceptions [08:30]  ➡️ The personal origin story behind Cera [12:30]  ➡️ Early challenges [17:00]   ➡️ More about today’s sponsors [21:50]  ➡️ Leveraging AI in Healthcare [23:15]  ➡️ Getting more people interested in a career in care [28:30]  ➡️ The importance of getting hiring right [33:00] 🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahibenmaruthappu?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ More about Cera: https://ceracare.co.uk/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Dr Sonia Szamocki: The Future of Collaborative Healthcare with 32Co James Collier: How modern diets are failing us and Huel’s incredible growth journey Where Are They Now: A Lesson in Resilience & Pivoting with James Lo, Co-Founder of Ethos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by James Collier, a registered Nutritionist, Co-Founder of Huel and author of his brand new book, ‘Well Fed: How modern diets are failing us (and what we can do about it)’’. In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Huel’s growth journey, James’ new book and plenty of simple nutrition advice for you to implement in your day-to-day, no matter how busy you are.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ From bodybuilding to nutrition [03:30] ➡️ Starting & growing Huel [09:00]  ➡️ Health challenges & bouncing back [18:00]  ➡️ More about today’s sponsors [24:20]  ➡️ Five pillars of nutrition & the benefits of eating together [25:00]  ➡️ Debunking diet myths [34:00]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescollierrnutr/?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ More about Huel: https://huel.com/  ✨ Grab your copy of ‘Well Fed’: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/well-fed-how-modern-diets-are-failing-us-and-what-we-can-do-about-it-james-collier?variant=53486729855355  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Rhiannon Lambert: The truth about diets & nutrition advice for busy execs  Dr Rupy Aujla: The accidental business that helps millions of people eat healthier every day Vivien Wong: Building Little Moons from a family business to a viral global brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vivien Wong, Co-Founder of Little Moons, the popular mochi ice cream brand.  Vivien started her career in banking before spotting an opportunity in 2010 to bring mochi ice cream to Europe with her brother Howard.  Fast-forward to today: Little Moons is a viral brand which launched in big retail brands in the UK and internationally, and has a team of over 200.  Tune into this episode to learn about Vivien’s journey from the early days of building Little Moons at the family kitchen table to the global brand it has become today.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ The origin of Little Moons [08:00] ➡️ Launching into retail [15:00]  ➡️ Tips for entering international markets [19:40]  ➡️ Find out more about today’s sponsor [21:00]  ➡️ Going viral on TikTok [22:00]  ➡️ The biggest leadership lessons [28:30]  ➡️ Hiring advice [32:00]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Vivien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivien-wong-07804123?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ More about Little Moons: https://littlemoons.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Adrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice Simmy Dhillon: From Google to building the fastest growing healthy meal subscription business with Simmer Deirdre O’Neill: Breaking taboos and transforming women’s health with Hertility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, the UK-based satellite company on a mission to monitor and combat climate change.  Founded in 2015, Open Cosmos delivered its first satellite in record time with a team of just five people. Since then, the business has scaled to over €100 million in satellite contracts, a team of over 130 employees in Spain, Portugal, Greece and the UK, and $50 million in Series B funding from leading Investors.  In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Rafel’s journey into entrepreneurship, lessons from scaling such a successful business and the important role of satellites in combatting climate change.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ A surprising route into aerospace engineering [03:15]  ➡️ The origin story of Open Cosmos [07:30]  ➡️ The huge impact of data [11:30]  ➡️ The decision not to fundraise straight away [14:15]  ➡️ More about today’s episode sponsors [18:30]  ➡️ Scaling the team & attracting high-performers [23:40]   ➡️ Spotting great talent & Rafel’s secret weapon [31:30]  ➡️ Using data to tackle climate change [39:50]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Connect with Rafel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaeljorda?originalSubdomain=uk  ✨ More about Open Cosmos: https://www.open-cosmos.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Steve Etherton: Building the NASA of the Ocean with DEEP Pierre Paslier: Making Packaging Disappear with Earthshot Prize Winners Nopla Adrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off 40 Minute Mentor’s Season 13, we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, leading wellbeing coach, podcast host and author.  Listed as one of the ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to watch’ by HSBC and UKBBS, Adrienne is a trailblazer inspiring individuals and organisations to reach their full potential.  In today’s episode, we won’t just explore Adrienne’s incredible career to date but also discuss her latest book ‘Decision That Matter’ in detail.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ The power of storytelling [04:50]  ➡️ Career milestones and pivots [12:00]  ➡️ Her new book: Decisions That Matter [21:20]  ➡️ Find out more about today’s sponsor [24:40]  ➡️ Understanding & unblocking analysis paralysis [25:40]   ➡️ Intentional decision making [27:30]  ➡️ Overcoming procrastination [34:15]  ➡️ Redefining success for every season [41:20]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ More about Adrienne: https://adrienneadhami.com/  ✨ Get a copy of “Decisions That Matter”: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460246/decisions-that-matter-by-adhami-adrienne/9781529925494  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.  Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.  If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Raj Kaur Khaira: How ethical AI will change the world  Helen Tupper: Building a squiggly career Elizabeth Uviebinené: Building the Headspace for Journaling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of launching Season 13 of 40 Minute Mentor next week, we thought we'd give you a preview of some of the pocket-sized mentorship you have to look forward to. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure you do so now to be the first to hear about our next episode launching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, our final episode of our VC feature series, we’re joined by Pooja Sikka, General Partner at KHP Ventures.  KHP Ventures is a collaboration between King’s College London, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The fund offers equity investments with Healthcare expertise for groundbreaking MedTech and digital startups.  In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Pooja’s squiggly career into Venture, and KHP’s brand new mental health immersion programme.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ A career in Healthcare  [04:00] ➡️ Pooja’s squiggly journey into Venture [08:30]  ➡️ Opportunities in Healthcare [14:35]  ➡️ Building strong relationships with Founders [20:00]  ➡️ The crucial skill of spotting talent [25:00]  ➡️ Launching a new Mental Health fund [30:00]  ➡️ Advice for Mental Health startup Founders [38:00]  ➡️ The importance of authenticity in pitching [44:00]  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Vegard Medbø: Building a portfolio valued at $4.8B with Antler  George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vegard Medbø, Co-Founder and COO at Antler, the global early-stage fund helping entrepreneurs go from zero to one.  Before founding Antler, Vegard spent his early career in the Coastal Ranger Command of the Norwegian Armed Forces and at McKinsey, where he worked with the world’s top energy companies, helping them apply machine learning to renewable and non-renewable energy. Since founding Antler, the team have invested in over 1,000 companies addressing meaningful challenges and opportunities across six continents. 📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ Lessons from the Military  [04:00] ➡️ The beginnings of Antler [09:00]  ➡️ More about Antler’s successful portfolio [12:00]  ➡️ Lessons from the beginning of Antler that still hold true today [15:00]  ➡️ The perfect Founder for Antler [18:00]  ➡️ International expansions [20:00]  ➡️ Why you need optimism as a Founder [25:00]  ➡️ Predictions for the next decade in Tech [31:30]  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraise George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final 40 Minute Mentor VC bonus episode, we’re joined by Corinne Thompson, Founder of Ecap Financial.  Today’s episode follows a slightly different format, with Corinne sharing a quick-fire checklist for you next fundraise.  From the key metrics and data points investors really care about, to the biggest red flags and crucial questions Founders should ask their potential investor - this episode will equip you with everything you need to keep in mind as you’re raising your next round.  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraise George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by George Robson, Partner at Sequoia, the fund helping daring Founders build legendary companies from idea to IPO and beyond.  From Investment Banking to Revolut and becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25, George’s CV is nothing but impressive and minutes into today’s episode, you’ll understand where his incredible drive and entrepreneurialism comes from.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ The impact of education  [03:30] ➡️ Foundations in Investment Banking [08:30]  ➡️ Joining Revolut & lessons learned [16:00]  ➡️ Navigating cultural fit [18:00]  ➡️ More about our sponsors [20:20]  ➡️ Joining Sequoia & investment approach [21:45]  ➡️ What makes a great Founder [28:30]  ➡️ Common mistakes during pitches [31:30]  ➡️ Sequoia’s Arc Program [33:45]  ➡️ The future of VC & the European ecosystem [36:00]  ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with George here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgerobson/ ➡️ Learn more about Sequoia: https://www.sequoiacap.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures Corinne Thompson: Preparing for your fundraise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Molly Alter, Partner at Northzone, the multi-stage fund partnering with Founders from Seed to Growth, across Europe and the US.  Molly started her career in VC in 2016, straight out of Harvard University. Since then, Molly has worked with some of the biggest funds in the industry, including Insight Partners and Index Ventures.  Now, at Northzone and back in New York, Molly focuses on vertical SaaS and AI, across early and growth stages.  In today’s episode, we dive into her career in VC and her transatlantic focus.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ A foundation in theatre & first entrepreneurial ventures [04:00] ➡️ Joining VC early on [09:00]  ➡️ Characteristics needed in VC [14:45]  ➡️ Advice for getting into VC [20:00]  ➡️ Why Northzone [21:30]  ➡️ Focusing on SaaS & AI [24:00]  ➡️ Advice for Founders currently fundraising [28:30]  ➡️ US vs European market [32:00]  ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Molly here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-alter-3ab1159a/ ➡️ Learn more about Northzone: https://northzone.com/  📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures Nicolas d’Audiffret: How To Build A $2 Billion Unicorn In Under 3 Years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices