Fireside with Founders & Leaders

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Rafe Blandford, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in mobile strategy and product innovation.Rafe shares his journey from the telco industry to leading teams at prominent agencies, shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective teams. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on society, the challenges of measuring outcomes, and the evolving role of technology leaders in the age of AI and digital transformation. 

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert sits down with Sammie from Gains App to explore his remarkable journey from struggling with debt to becoming a prominent voice in financial education. Sammie shares how he transformed his passion for finance into a successful content creation and tech business, aiming to bridge the information gap in personal finance. Tune in to discover the innovative features of the Gains App and Sammie's insights on improving financial literacy and awareness.Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammieellardking/(00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (00:24) - - Welcoming Sammie to the Podcast (01:02) - - Sammie's Journey into Finance (01:46) - - Overcoming Debt and Finding Purpose (03:32) - - Transition to Financial Education (04:48) - - The Impact of COVID on Business Ideas (05:58) - - Building a Content Creation Business (07:38) - - The Importance of Financial Awareness (09:40) - - Discussion on University Debt (10:52) - - Understanding Good vs. Bad Debt (12:56) - - Shocking Financial Realities (14:13) - - The Advice Gap in Finance (16:40) - - Introduction to the Gains App (19:10) - - Features of the Gains App (21:40) - - Gamifying Financial Management (23:49) - - Pivotal Moments in Business Evolution (27:12) - - The Challenges of Building a Tech Company (29:26) - - Transition from Content to Tech (32:20) - - The Role of Content in User Acquisition (34:50) - - Hiring for a Tech Startup (40:39) - - Building a Collaborative Team Environment (43:25) - - Meeting and Working with Co-Founders (47:11) - - Effective Marketing Strategies (50:18) - - The Importance of Storytelling in Business (52:28) - - Navigating Noise on LinkedIn (54:04) - - The Future of AI in Content Creation (58:16) - - Balancing Life and Finances (01:01:52) - - Closing Thoughts and Messages

Summary:In this episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert speaks with Anthee Merichovitis, Chief Business Transformation & Operations Officer at a private equity-backed firm. Anthee shares her unique career journey, the challenges of private equity, and the importance of empathy in leadership. Chapters:0:09 Introduction to Fireside with Founders and Leaders0:23 Welcoming Anthee Merichovitis3:24 Anthee's Career Path9:13 Transitioning to the UK12:19 Embracing Curiosity in a New Culture15:37 The Allure of Private Equity16:50 What Makes PE Attractive?21:37 Understanding the Chief of Staff Role27:51 The Transformation Officer's Journey37:30 Navigating People through Change45:01 Advice for Career Elevationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthee-merichovitis/

Summary:In this engaging podcast episode, Gemma McCarthy-Maidment shares her career journey from product management to leading digital transformations in B2B data sales. She discusses the complexities of digital transformation, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the challenges of balancing sustainability with business needs. Gemma also emphasizes the significance of mentorship and advocacy for women in tech, highlighting the need for frameworks that support gender equality in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights on preparing for the future of product management in an ever-evolving technological landscape.Chapters00:00 Intro06:12 Navigating the Job Market and Career Shifts08:22 Digital Transformation Challenges13:31 Leading with Empathy in Leadership16:34 Creating an Empowering Environment19:44 Frameworks in Product Management22:50 The Personal Journey to Sustainability25:58 Balancing Sustainability and Business Needs29:31 Mentorship and Advocacy for Women in Tech33:44 Inspiring Future Generations35:33 Challenges in Supporting Women in the Workplace37:49 Navigating Maternity and Career Ambitions45:23 Aligning International Teams51:54 Preparing for the Future of Product Leadershiphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmamaidment/https://www.linkedin.com/company/esgbook/

Summary:In this episode, Rupert and Joel Gill explore the multifaceted journey of design, leadership, and the importance of community in the design industry. Joel shares his unique path from engineering to design, emphasizing the need for solid leadership and craft legacy in nurturing future designers. They discuss the significance of localization, the role of design tools, and the challenges of managing global teams. Joel concludes with his personal framework for success, emphasizing the need for continuous growth in experience, expertise, and enthusiasm.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:13 Journey into Design and Engineering09:08 Transitioning to Design and Career Challenges11:56 Design in Finance and Building Capabilities14:20 Establishing a CX Community at Shell17:38 Bridging the Gap in Design Education22:29 Craft Legacy and Leadership in Design27:19 The Role of AI in Design30:43 Elevating Design through Tool Access31:34 Navigating Pushback and Justifying Design Investments34:38 The Role of Design in Organizational Structure36:17 Design Maturity and Digital Ecosystems39:46 Managing Global Teams and Collaboration42:48 Creating Community and Culture in Design47:07 Career Pathways and Professional Development49:16 The Importance of Leadership in Design51:08 The Value of Experience in Design54:57 Business Design and Organizational Change57:49 Personal Frameworks for Professional Growthwww.joelgill.com/www.linkedin.com/in/joelgillfrsa/

Summary:In this episode, Tom discusses his journey from engineering to co-founding Innerworks, a startup focused on identity and authentication in the digital age. He shares insights on the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of bot detection, and the evolving landscape of online safety. Tom also reflects on the fundraising process, the significance of diverse skill sets in a startup, and valuable lessons learned along the way.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background10:34 Innerworks: The Vision and Product Overview18:36 Technical Approaches to Bot Detection21:58 The Future of AI in Cybersecurity27:50 Data Privacy and Compliance Challenges30:39 Fundraising and Business Growth Insights36:11 Key Lessons for Aspiring Foundershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-ryan-6a481b205/https://www.innerworks.me/

Summary:In this podcast episode, Ryan Lawrence discusses his journey from a young entrepreneur to the co-founder of Betmate, a social betting platform that innovates the traditional sports betting experience. He shares insights into the startup process, the importance of timing and relationships in fundraising, and how Betmate aims to engage younger audiences through peer-to-peer gaming. The conversation also touches on the B2B arm of the business, Engage, and the strategies for monetization while maintaining a fun and interactive environment for users.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background05:35 The Birth of Betmate12:08 Innovating in Sports Betting18:41 Monetization and Business Model23:54 Fundraising and Growth Strategies28:20 Advisory Networks and Future Planswww.linkedin.com/in/rl1997/betmate.app

Summary:In this conversation, Bobby Idogho shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and Ireland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of The RAD Consulting Group. He discusses the importance of risk-taking in entrepreneurship, the significance of building a people-first culture, and the challenges of navigating co-founder dynamics. Bobby emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and shares insights on coping with stress in high-pressure environments. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of mentorship in achieving success.Chapters:00:00 Bobby Idogho's Journey to Entrepreneurship04:29 The Leap into Entrepreneurship at 2507:28 Building a People-First Consultancy13:39 Navigating the Challenges of Consulting19:21 Championing Diversity and Inclusion25:27 The Co-Founder Experience and Business Dynamics31:32 Managing Stress and Maintaining Wellbeingwww.linkedin.com/in/bobbyidogho/https://wearerad.co.uk

Summary:In this episode, Phill shares his journey from a legal career to becoming co-CEO of Otto Car, discussing the importance of risk tolerance, the dynamics of co-leadership, and the lessons learned from his time at Bloom & Wild. He emphasizes the significance of brand building, sustainability, and the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, while also providing insights for those considering a transition into the startup world.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Phill's Journey04:19 Transition from Law to Startups07:32 Understanding Risk in Startups10:17 The Importance of Personal Circumstances13:37 The Role of Intrapreneurship16:31 Navigating Co-CEO Dynamics19:24 Lessons from Bloom & Wild22:43 Adapting to COVID-19 Challenges25:33 Brand Building and Customer Experience28:22 Sustainability and Values in Business31:39 Growth Strategies at Otto Car34:42 Advice for Aspiring Startup Professionalswww.linkedin.com/in/phillburton/www.ottocar.co.uk

Summary:In this conversation, Guy shares his journey as an entrepreneur, detailing his experiences with Atheon Analytics, the challenges of early failures, and the pivotal moments that led to the company's success in visual analytics. He discusses the importance of decision-making, the evolution of his business, and the recent acquisition that has reinvigorated his passion for the industry. Throughout the discussion, Guy reflects on the lessons learned from failures, the significance of leadership, and the impact of influential mentors in his career.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background07:50 The Journey of Atheon Analytics and Early Failures13:47 Pivoting to Visual Analytics19:35 Building Scootrack and Market Insights25:41 Funding Challenges and Growth Strategies28:33 The Journey of Scaling a SaaS Business32:05 Navigating Overscaling and Productivity Challenges36:34 Facing Tough Decisions in Business39:49 The Acquisition Journey and New Beginnings46:42 Reflections on Purpose and Influencehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/guycuthbert/

Summary:In this conversation, Madelin Snyder shares her journey into product management, discussing her background in the arts and how she transitioned into tech. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions in product roles, as well as the challenges and experiences of being a woman in the tech industry. The discussion also covers the evolution of design systems, the significance of diversity and inclusion, and the role of automation and AI in shaping the future of product management. Madelin highlights the need for effective team alignment and the importance of understanding user needs to drive product success.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Product Management Journey04:16 The Evolution of Roles in Product Management07:06 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Tech09:38 Understanding Design Systems12:30 The Role of zeroheight in Design Systems15:17 Adoption and Implementation of Design Systems17:41 The Impact of AI on Design Systems20:36 Aligning Teams in Product Management23:25 Future Trends in Product and Designwww.linkedin.com/in/madelin-snyder-a6945329www.zeroheight.com

Summary:In this conversation, David Sharp shares his journey from engineering to founding Kaikaku, a company that integrates AI and robotics into the restaurant industry. He discusses his experiences at Ocado, the concept of 10x innovation, and the balance between technology and hospitality in dining. David also highlights the role of 3D printing in their operations and the future of AI in enhancing customer experiences.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to David Sharp and His Journey04:45 The Evolution of Ocado: From Retailer to Tech Innovator07:36 10x Innovation: Transforming the Restaurant Experience10:18 Founding Kaikaku: Merging AI and Robotics in Hospitality13:33 Radical Innovation: The Concept of Kaikaku16:31 Balancing Technology and Hospitality in Restaurants19:37 The Role of 3D Printing in Restaurant Innovation22:35 Embodied AI: The Future of Human-Machine Interaction25:38 Generative AI: A Tool for Collaboration and Innovation28:26 The Future of Kaikaku and Scaling the Businesswww.linkedin.com/in/davidsharp/www.kaikaku.ai/

Summary:In this podcast episode, Leon Hurst shares his journey from the tech industry to the insurance sector, discussing his experiences at Nokia and Jaguar Land Rover. He highlights the potential for disruption in the insurance industry, particularly in commercial motor insurance, and how Flock is leveraging data and technology to enhance safety and efficiency. He concludes with insights on future trends in the industry and Flock's strategic direction.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Leon Hurst and Flock02:46 Leon’s Journey from Nokia to Insurance07:40 Transition to Automotive and Business Building11:18 The Shift to Insurance and Its Challenges13:11 Disruption in the Insurance Industry16:53 Flock’s Evolution and Market Focus21:58 Leveraging Data for Growth32:34 Innovation within Regulatory Constraints36:22 Future Trends in Insurance and Flockhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhurst/https://flockcover.com/

Summary:In this conversation, Mark Anand, Chief Creative and Executive Officer of Blueprint Partners, shares his journey from aspiring Hollywood director to leading a successful marketing and events agency. He discusses the importance of storytelling and engagement in both entertainment and corporate sectors, the value of building strong client relationships, and the significance of a values-driven team culture. Mark also delves into the role of technology and AI in enhancing client experiences and the philosophy of sustainable growth without external funding. He concludes with insights on future plans for Blueprint Partners, emphasizing the potential for expansion and innovation.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mark Anand's Journey04:26 Transition from Entertainment to Corporate Marketing07:22 Building Client Relationships and Brand Recognition10:14 Cultivating Talent and Company Culture13:10 Innovative Experiences: Merging Technology with Engagement16:10 The Role of AI in Business Transformation21:23 Funding Philosophy and Business Independence26:03 Future Plans for Blueprint Partnershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markanand/www.blueprintpartners.com

Summary:In this podcast, Richard discusses his career journey in product management, detailing his transition from product manager to Chief Product Officer at Mondaq. He shares insights on navigating organizational changes, the importance of understanding business models, and the future direction of Mondaq, particularly in leveraging data analytics. Richard also emphasizes the significance of retaining talent in a competitive market by providing opportunities for skill development and fostering a positive work environment.Chapters:00:00 Journey into Product Management06:26 Transitioning from Product Manager to CPO13:25 Navigating Large vs. Small Organizations19:31 Understanding Mondaq's Unique Value Proposition35:58 Future Directions for Mondaq39:35 Retaining Talent in a Competitive Marketwww.linkedin.com/in/richard-anderson-ldnwww.mondaq.com

Summary:In this podcast episode, Emilia De Stasio discusses her unique journey from finance to the art world, highlighting the intersection of technology and art investment through her company, Artscapy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding art as an asset class, the challenges of forecasting in business, and the innovative solutions Artscapy provides for collectors. The conversation also touches on the future of art investment, the role of data in valuation, and the cultural significance of supporting artists.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Art World and Personal Journey08:36 Transitioning from Finance to Art Investment16:43 Understanding Art as an Asset Class20:33 Artscapy: Bridging Passion and Investment31:45 The Future of Art Investment and Technologywww.linkedin.com/in/emilia-de-stasiowww.artscapy.com

Summary:In this conversation, Kieron shares his journey through the design and product landscape, discussing his transition to contracting, the importance of UX, and the dynamics of leadership within design teams. He emphasizes the intrinsic link between design and product management, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of clear objectives for career growth. Kieron also highlights the role of humor in leadership and the importance of having supportive leaders throughout one's career.Chapters:00:00 Intro and The Journey into Contracting11:32 Building Teams and Structures17:16 Bridging the Gap Between Design and Engineering23:45 Transitioning to Product Leadership30:24 The Importance of Mentorship and Leadershipwww.linkedin.com/in/kieronscott

Summary:Bryan Charter discusses his journey in founding SuSy, a company focused on improving energy efficiency in homes. He shares insights on the barriers to sustainable housing, the importance of return on investment, and the role of technology in facilitating energy efficiency. Bryan emphasizes the significance of a diverse founding team and the impact of awards on business recognition. He also explores future trends in sustainable housing and the need for economic drivers to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-efficient solutions.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Bryan Charter and SuSy02:20 Bryan's Career Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit04:19 The Birth of SuSy: Addressing the Climate Crisis05:42 Challenges in Energy Efficiency and Consumer Engagement09:36 Understanding ROI in Sustainable Home Improvements12:34 The Role of Heat Pumps and Market Dynamics16:02 Enhancing Energy Efficiency Ratings with Data19:06 The Importance of Small Steps in Retrofitting21:51 Building a Diverse Team for Business Growth26:23 Hiring and Scaling the Business30:08 Impact of Awards on Business Credibility32:32 Future Trends in Sustainable Housing and Green Technologywww.linkedin.com/in/bryan-charter/www.susy.house/

Summary:In this episode, David Vilf shares his journey from Germany to London and now to Google, discussing his experiences in product management across various companies. He emphasizes the importance of passion in career choices, the diverse roles of product managers, and the significance of understanding both technical and business aspects. David also delves into his current role at Google, the challenges of in-car technology, and the balance between data-driven decisions and intuition. He concludes with insights on mentorship and the importance of enjoying the journey in one's career.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to David Vilf's Journey06:35 Career Path and Product Management Insights11:25 The Role of a Product Manager16:31 Working at Google and Android Automotive21:26 Navigating the Interview Process at Google26:26 The Future of In-Car Technology31:48 Balancing Data and Intuition in Decision Making36:46 Mentorship in the Tech Industrywww.linkedin.com/in/davidvilfhttps://about.google/

Summary:In this podcast episode, Dawn Bebe shares her journey from a successful media career to founding Crowdfunder, a platform that has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs raise funds. She discusses the evolution of media, the impact of the pandemic on crowdfunding, and the importance of community support. Dawn highlights the unique advantages of crowdfunding, especially for women and diverse founders, and provides valuable tips for launching successful campaigns. The discussion also touches on future trends in crowdfunding and the role of corporates in supporting community projects.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:07 Dawn's Journey in Media07:31 The Evolution of Media12:10 Transition to Crowdfunding15:42 The Growth of Crowdfunder21:04 Crowdfunding in Economic Context23:41 The Power of Community in Crowdfunding25:08 Validation and Confidence through Crowdfunding27:25 Diversity and Inclusion in Funding28:58 Democratizing Funding: The Crowdfunding Advantage31:09 Creative Approaches to Crowdfunding33:58 Corporate Engagement in Crowdfunding40:17 Key Tips for Successful Crowdfunding Campaignswww.linkedin.com/in/dawn-bebe/www.crowdfunder.co.uk/