Perception Paradox with 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

In this Perception Paradox episode, futurist Carsten Beck joins Zivile Einikyte to explore why the future isn’t something to predict — but to imagine.Together, they unpack how AI, diversity, and foresight are reshaping the way we think about progress, power, and human agency.This conversation isn’t about crystal-ball predictions — it’s about designing futures worth living in.About CarstenCarsten Beck is a futurist at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies (CIFS) — a non-profit think tank working globally with foresight and scenario processes. CIFS collaborates with both public and private organizations, from the UN and Fortune 500 companies to local schools and communities.With over 30 years of experience across 30+ countries, Carsten has been helping organizations make sense of change and shape better futures.Learn more about CIFS here: www.cifs.dk.Connect with Carsten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-beck-7519211/ Perception Paradox — where innovation meets introspection.🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 The Concept of No Future02:14 AI and the Future of Foresight03:48 The Role of AI in Foresight04:01 Evolution of Foresight Practices06:41 The Importance of Foresight in Today's World08:43 Diversity of Voices in Foresight Discussions11:09 Navigating Polarization and Finding Common Ground12:57 Optimism Amidst Challenges: A Global Perspective#Foresight #AI #FutureStudies #PerceptionParadox

When your company starts scaling, it’s not the product that breaks — it’s the people.In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile Einikyte sits down with Jarek Owczarek, co-founder of Contractbook and now Head of Contract Management & AI at Scrive, to unpack the untold truths behind building, merging, and evolving startups.From co-founder dynamics to product obsession, from cultural clashes to the emotional toll of growth — Jarek opens up about what technology can’t fix: people, culture, and the constant reinvention required to lead.Together, they explore:How to build companies that grow without losing their soulThe paradox of automation vs. authenticity in leadershipWhy company culture is both a product and a processWhat happens when startups merge — and founders must merge tooHow mentorship and curiosity keep founders sane during chaosWhether you’re building your first MVP or navigating post-acquisition integration, this conversation reveals the human operating system behind every great startup story.Perception Paradox — where innovation meets introspection.🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins03:53 Finding Co-Founders and Building Teams06:12 Values and Conflict Resolution in Entrepreneurship08:38 Navigating Growth and Challenges11:04 The Evolution of Product Development13:30 Leveraging Technology in Product Building16:16 The Role of AI in Business Processes18:45 The Importance of Obsession in Product Development21:29 Coping with Challenges and Burnout24:00 The Drive Behind Entrepreneurship32:16 Understanding Customer Needs in Product Development38:05 Strategic Mergers and Their Impact44:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching53:11 The Overlooked Aspects of Entrepreneurship56:11 Navigating Cultural Integration Post-Merger

In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile (Zivi) sits down with Rishabh, Venture Partner at Hoxton Ventures — a London-based early-stage VC firm backing some of Europe’s most ambitious startups.Before joining Hoxton, Rishabh co-founded Belong, an HR tech platform backed by Sequoia Capital, scaling it from a raw idea to one of India’s fastest-growing enterprise startups. Today, he invests in founders across Europe, the US, and India, while also leading Svagat, a thriving community of Indians in tech across Europe.Together, they unpack:– Why timing is the most underrated factor in startup success– How hustle culture is evolving in the age of AI– The founder traits VCs actually look for (and the red flags they don’t talk about)– The cash flow and identity crises every startup faces– How community and culture can shape a founder’s resilienceThis is a candid conversation about ambition, awareness, and the paradox of building while becoming.Rishabh is a Venture Partner at Hoxton Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm based in London. He previously co-founded Belong, an enterprise HR tech platform backed by Sequoia Capital. He’s an active angel investor in over 25 startups in Europe, US and India and runs Svagat - a community of Indians in tech in Europe.Chapters00:00 The Hustle Culture: 996 vs. Work-Life Balance06:21 Key Characteristics of Successful Founding Teams08:56 Identifying Red Flags in Startups14:35 The Journey of a Founder: Challenges and Triumphs23:22 Current Trends in the Startup Ecosystem31:07 Essential Skills for Founders in the AI Era34:31 Pondering the Future of Education and Skills🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when AI stops being just a tool… and starts becoming your friend, your boss, or even your government?In this special episode, I sit down with Walter Pasquarelli — one of the world’s leading voices on AI strategy who’s advised Fortune 100 CEOs, governments, and even royalty — to unpack the hidden shifts AI is already driving in our lives.We dive into:Why AI companions and “digital therapy” are exploding right nowThe risks of outsourcing decisions and critical thinking to machinesHow AI is reshaping jobs, education, and the entry-level marketWhat governments are missing about the real impact of AIThe future paradox: will AI replace human connection, or deepen it?Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or just someone who uses ChatGPT every day — this conversation will make you rethink the boundaries between humans and technology.Subscribe for more bold conversations on AI, startups, and the future.Walter Pasquarelli is an internationally recognized advisor, speaker, and expert on AI strategy, generative AI, data governance, and synthetic reality. He led advisory and editorial programs at The Economist Group, shaping global perception of emerging technologies. Walter developed the first global “AI Index,” benchmarking national readiness for emerging tech. He’s worked with major tech firms (Google, Meta, Microsoft, Coca-Cola), consulted for governments worldwide, is a member of the OECD AI expert network, and is a research affiliate at the Bennett Institute, CambridgeConnect with Walter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-m-pasquarelli/🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Its Evolution06:01 The Role of AI in Society and Government10:02 AI Companionship and Emotional Impact12:45 AI's Impact on the Job Market16:47 Data Privacy and Ethical Concerns in AI19:23 The Future of AI in Workflows23:20 Personal Use of AI and Decision Making26:48 Future Trends in AI Technology

Mariama Boumanjal works with Google for Startups across EMEA, partnering with VCs, governments, and ecosystem operators to support founders through programs like the Black Founders Fund. In this conversation, we discuss why diversity drives innovation, how AI is changing startups, and what characteristics separate successful founders from everyone else.Key topics we cover:What major tech companies look for in foundersWhy diversity is a competitive advantageHow AI is reshaping the startup landscapeBuilding strategic partnerships globally🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Human-Centric Approaches in Technology02:46 Diversity and Inclusion in Entrepreneurship05:33 The Journey into Entrepreneurship08:18 Empowering Underrepresented Founders10:53 The Impact of AI on Startups13:30 Characteristics of Successful Founders15:55 Google for Startups: Differentiation and Value18:50 Supporting Local Businesses and Community Impact

Two years ago, Anisah Osman Britton was my very first podcast guest when this was just a crazy idea. Now she's back for a raw conversation about what's really changed. We dive into how she built Brown Bodies from a newsletter into a movement tackling love and relationships in the South Asian diaspora, why she refuses to call it a "media company," and her honest take on why dating apps are failing us.What we discuss:Building a business around taboo topics without losing authenticityWhy partnerships, not followers, grew her communityThe real future of dating (hint: it's not more apps)How she copes when building gets hardWhy your business partnerships should align with your valuesThis conversation gets personal about resilience, relationships, and the courage to build something that matters.About Anisah: Over the last decade, Anisah has become a well-respected voice in the tech industry, working at the intersection of technology, impact and capital. She was awarded an MBE in the UK's King’s 2023 New Year’s honours for services to diversity in tech, is a Forbes 30 under 30 honouree and is listed in the Financial Times’ 100 most influential BAME leaders in tech.Three years ago, Anisah began to explore her relationship with sex and intimacy. Her journey with therapy, faith, culture and relationships led to her starting Brown Bodies where she explores sex in the South Asian diaspora.Follow Anisah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisahob/Subscribe to her Brown Bodies Newsletter: https://www.brownbodies.co/ 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Celebrating Milestones: The 100th Episode05:18 The Evolution of Brown Bodies: From Newsletter to Community07:40 Breaking Taboos: The Journey of Love and Relationships09:35 Navigating Partnerships: Building Credibility and Community12:11 The Changing Landscape of Media and Content Creation14:41 The Future of Dating: Trends and Community Connections15:05 Human-Centric Technology: The Shift from Apps to Real Life17:26 The Role of Arranged Marriages in Modern Dating20:05 Vision for Brown Bodies: Expanding Horizons22:58 Harnessing Technology: Tools for the Modern Entrepreneur25:11 Coping with Challenges: Personal Growth and Resilience27:50 Finding the Right Coach: Guidance for Entrepreneurs30:41 Values in Business: Aligning Work with Personal Beliefs

Some of the biggest unicorns started as “bad ideas.” In this episode, I sit down with Raimonds, co-founder of Bad Ideas Fund, live at TechBBQ in Copenhagen — to unpack why betting on unconventional founders and community-driven VC could beat traditional venture capital.We dig into:Why the Scandinavian ecosystem is shifting from Stockholm to CopenhagenThe rise of founder-to-founder VC and why community is the ultimate startup edgeHow AI is reshaping startups (and why the next unicorns will be built with fewer than 100 people)What Europe still doesn’t get about backing founders compared to the USIf you’re a founder, investor, or just curious about the future of venture capital, this conversation will challenge how you think about building and backing companies.About Raimonds Kulbergs: 3x founder, 1 early exit, alumn of 500Startups in SF. Building BADideas.fund, investing in startups ’22.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raimondskulbergs/More about the fund: https://www.badideas.fund 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Exploring the Scandinavian Ecosystem03:19 The Founder-to-Founder Approach05:57 Reinventing Venture Capital08:30 The Future of Startups and AI13:31 Identifying Opportunities in AI16:09 Final Thoughts on Innovation and Process

Most entrepreneurs are told to start young and move fast. Aron Gelbard did the opposite - and built Europe's leading gifting platform.While others rushed to launch, Aron deliberately waited years to start Bloom & Wild. That patience allowed him to raise €150M, expand across 8 European markets, and become a certified B Corp.In this conversation, you'll discover:Why "start now" advice can destroy your chances of successThe supply chain innovations that disrupted a traditional industryHow to scale profitably across multiple European marketsWhy becoming a B Corp actually accelerated their growthThe question every leader should ask: "How can you care more wildly?This isn't typical startup advice. It's a masterclass in strategic patience and intentional scaling.Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs, anyone in traditional industries looking to innovate, leaders interested in sustainable business models.Aron Gelbard is Co-founder & CEO of Bloom & Wild Group, Europe's leading gifting platform with €150M revenue across 8 markets. He's raised over €150M from top investors including General Catalyst and Index Ventures while maintaining B Corp certification. Aron represents strategic entrepreneurship - prioritizing sustainable growth and values alongside financial success.Connect with Aron: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gelbard/⁠ Check out Bloom & Wild: ⁠https://www.bloomandwild.com/⁠ 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bloom and Wild02:32 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins05:03 Innovating the Flower Industry07:28 Technology and Supply Chain Efficiency09:59 Scaling the Business in Europe15:58 Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility21:37 Building Community and Customer Relationships28:46 Core Values and Company Culture32:39 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

After her own brutal postpartum experience, Nanna Schultz realized something shocking: no one talks about what really happens to mothers after birth. So she built Momkind - a company breaking the silence around motherhood's hardest truths.In this raw conversation, Nanna reveals why 'Instagram motherhood' is dangerous, how she's scaling a business while protecting her mental health, and why asking 'how are you really feeling?' might save a mother's life.Key insights:The isolation crisis hitting new mothers worldwideHow to build a business while managing postpartum mental healthWhy investor alignment matters more than moneyThe 30-hour work week philosophy for sustainable scalingPerfect for: Mothers feeling isolated, entrepreneurs building community-focused businesses, anyone interested in honest conversations about mental health and work-life balance.About Nanna:Nanna Schultz is the founder and CEO of Momkind, a company born from her own isolating postpartum experience. As a mother of two, she felt unprepared for the physical and emotional challenges of early motherhood.That experience sparked Momkind - creating products and community where mothers feel seen and less alone. Nanna is passionate about breaking the silence around postpartum realities and supporting mothers through honest conversations about the messy, beautiful contradictions of motherhood.Connect with Nanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nannaschultz/ Learn about Momkind: http://www.momkind.dk 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to MomKind and Conference Experience04:04 The Journey into Motherhood and Its Challenges06:32 Building a Community and Product Development09:42 Mental Health and Work-Life Balance as a Founder12:17 Vision for MomKind and Future Aspirations15:01 Finding Balance Between Business and Personal Life17:47 Closing Thoughts and Reflection on Motherhood

Philip’s story is not your typical startup highlight reel. After chasing success at all costs, he hit burnout — and it forced him to rebuild everything: his identity, his leadership, and even how he defines success.In this raw and practical conversation, Philip opens up about:Discovering his ADHD and how it reshaped his leadership.Why therapy and coaching are the real growth hacks.The dangers of hustle culture (and how to escape it).Building purpose-driven companies (that don’t break their founders).Rethinking philanthropy as authentic human connection.👉 If you’re an entrepreneur questioning the hustle, a leader battling burnout, or simply curious about the future of work & purpose, this episode will change the way you see success.About Philip:Philip Wylonis is an entrepreneur and former CMO who has spent over 12 years scaling startups and advising founders. Today, he is building Beyond, a venture that connects travel with meaningful impact, while sharing his journey of presence, family, and purpose with a growing audience on LinkedIn. His work challenges hustle culture and explores how founders can build with humanity at the core.Connect with Philip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wylonis/🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction01:41 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Identity03:26 The Role of Coaching and Therapy in Growth06:25 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact09:09 Motivation vs. Discipline in Entrepreneurship12:00 Shifting Perspectives on Success and Failure15:09 Building a Business with Inner Purpose18:06 Reflecting on Past Entrepreneurial Experiences21:04 Learning from Failures and Moving Forward29:28 The Importance of Self-Care for Peak Performance33:17 Reflecting on Past Hustles and Social Anxiety36:45 The Journey of Authenticity on LinkedIn43:14 The Therapeutic Power of Writing and Reflection45:53 Building a Purpose-Driven Nonprofit Initiative54:03 Navigating Challenges in Startup Culture01:00:09 Embracing a New Work Paradigm01:05:23 Defining Success Beyond Traditional Metrics01:09:25 The Value of Authentic Partnerships

Maria Therese from Quiet Space reveals why meditation isn't just self-care—it's world-changing. Discover the simple 10-minute practice that transforms suffering into wisdom, and learn why the busiest people need meditation most. Recorded live in Copenhagen during a TechBBQ conference, this conversation explores how to pause, breathe, and find humanity in our hyper-connected world.About Maria Therese:Maria Therese founded QuietSpace in 2018. QuietSpace is a bridge to the inner foundation that connects us all—our hearts. It’s an invitation to step into stillness, embrace our shared humanity, and navigate life with greater clarity, purpose and ease. Facilitating both physical and energetic spaces for others to experience stillness in our fast-paced, noisy world, is a sacred privilege and a deeply transformative gift.Through QuietSpace, Maria facilitates: - 3 minute Arrival Meditations at large corporate events.- Implements QuietSpace rooms in organisations, curated for deep listening and improved performance.- 1:1 meditation sessions.- 1:team meditation sessions.- Weekly meditation sessions for expats women. - Co-hosts transformative retreats for young founders and CEO's.Maria has a BA in Interior Architecture and is a certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher. She has had her own meditation practice since 2015.Please visit www.quietspace.dk for more info. 🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quiet Space and Mindfulness03:41 The Importance of Grounding in a Fast-Paced World06:49 The Journey into Meditation09:51 Defining Meditation and Its Misconceptions10:12 Understanding Meditation Practices14:40 Quiet Space Concept and Its Importance20:37 Meditation as a Habit and Its Challenges

What happens when a philosophy student decides to disrupt an entire industry?Matias went from studying abstract concepts to building GoMore - a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that's changing how millions think about car ownership. This isn't just another startup story.Key insights:Why the sharing economy still has massive untapped potentialCultural patterns that determine which markets adopt car sharingHow accepting failure became their competitive advantageThe team dynamics that scale startups to $100M+The twist: Philosophy training might actually be the secret weapon for entrepreneurial thinking.Perfect for: Entrepreneurs questioning their background, anyone interested in the sharing economy, founders building marketplace businesses.Connect with Matias:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matias-m%C3%B8l-dalsgaard-8035181/🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters:00:00 The Birth of GoMore: A Philosophical Journey02:36 The Evolution of Car Sharing: From Concept to Reality05:13 Navigating Challenges: The Road to Success07:44 The Shift to Peer-to-Peer Car Rental10:21 Identifying Market Opportunities and Growth Strategies13:03 Cultural Patterns in Car Sharing Adoption15:14 The Importance of Team Dynamics and Company Culture17:52 Lessons Learned: Accepting Failure and Focusing on Success20:21 Future Growth and Technological Innovations23:15 Final Thoughts: The Journey of Entrepreneurship

Non-technical manager → Applied AI expert → 500+ automations → 1M users. Here's the exact blueprint.Vykintas Glodenis went from zero coding skills to Chief AI Officer at Mindvalley. In this conversation, he reveals the simple system anyone can use to automate their life and business with AI.What you'll learn:The one thing you must do daily with AIWhy "just start building" beats any courseHow to prototype million-dollar ideas in minutesThe biggest AI mistake everyone makesSimple tools that replace entire teamsKey quotes: "The most important thing is to kick off" "You can prototype with AI right now" "Stop overthinking prompts"Perfect for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone ready to 10x their productivity without learning to code.Connect with Vykintas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glodenis/ 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:10 Transitioning to No-Code Development07:44 The Power of AI Tools10:41 Common Misconceptions About AI13:27 Enhancing Workflows with AI16:09 AI Agents and Their Limitations18:52 Choosing the Right AI Tools21:35 Daily Integration of AI in Workflows22:06 Integrating AI into Daily Workflows24:47 Voice Interactions and Prompt Engineering27:29 AI as a Thought Partner30:10 Navigating AI in Business32:43 Evaluating Risks and Opportunities with AI35:43 Prototyping and Startup Insights38:32 Learning and Mastering AI Tools41:13 Community and Accountability in Learning AI#AI #NoCode #Automation #Productivity #Startup

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Soulaima Gourani, Silicon Valley-based CEO and VC-backed founder of Happioh Inc., recorded live at TechBBQ conference. Discover her game-changing approach to entrepreneurial mental health, energy management, and authentic leadership. Learn why she treats her mind like a gym, views challenges as projects (not problems), and believes energy is your most valuable currency. This episode delivers actionable insights on strategic networking, embracing serendipity, and building resilience in high-pressure tech environments. Perfect for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone looking to optimize their mindset for both personal and professional growth.Connect with Soulaima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soulaima-gourani-e-mba-8a77b/More about happioh.com: happioh.com🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Opportunities and Collaborations04:27 Coping with Pressure and Mental Health07:01 Mindset and Energy Management10:02 Strategic Networking and Conference Navigation12:43 Trusting Life and Embracing Change15:47 Transitioning from Struggles to Success18:40 Entrepreneurship and Mental Challenges21:32 Mind Gym: Training Your Thoughts24:06 Honesty and Self-Reflection26:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile Einikyte sits down with Andy Bruckschlöegl, whose entrepreneurial path started selling backpacks on eBay at age 12 and led him to co-found Ryte—recently acquired by Semrush—and Europe’s largest founders’ festival, Bits & Pretzels.Andy shares:How humble beginnings turned into ambitious venturesThe secret sauce behind designing events that foster real community and serendipityNavigating acquisitions, co-founder dynamics, and the grind of balancing multiple venturesWhy the toughest moments taught him more than the highs—and why persistence is everythingWhether you’re building a startup, a community, or just want to crack open authentic founder wisdom—this one delivers.Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruckschloegl/ More about Bits & Pretzels: https://www.bitsandpretzels.com/ 🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:36 The Birth of Bits and Pretzels06:58 From Breakfast to Oktoberfest: The Evolution of an Event09:54 Networking Challenges and Solutions12:41 The Importance of Community in Entrepreneurship15:29 Attracting Big Names: The Secret Sauce18:30 The Shift Towards Business Value21:26 Building an International Audience23:42 The Role of Founders in Shaping Events26:28 The Future of Bits and Pretzels29:40 Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs36:21 The Importance of Role Models in Entrepreneurship37:57 Finding Community and Support39:54 Balancing Personal Problems with Market Needs43:46 The Value of Co-Founders46:25 Navigating Conflict in Co-Founder Relationships50:27 Managing Multiple Ventures52:05 Reflecting on Past Decisions57:51 Transitioning After Acquisition59:42 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

What if AI could run on human brain cells instead of energy-hungry chips?Meet Dr. Fred Jordan, the Swiss scientist who ditched traditional computing to grow living human neurons in his lab—and they're learning to compute with 1 MILLION TIMES less energy than current AI systems.In this mind-bending conversation, Fred reveals: - How he creates "brain organoids" from human stem cells- Why biocomputing could solve AI's massive energy crisis- Applications for Mars missions and personalized medicine- The ethical questions of using human neurons as processorsThis isn't science fiction—it's happening right now in Switzerland.Ready to have your mind blown about the future of computing?Abut Fred Jordan:Fred Jordan is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a proven track record of building successful and profitable businesses. With a strong background in innovation, computer science, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, he combines technical expertise with strategic leadership. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics and a Ph.D. in Signal Processing.Fred is the co-founder of AlpVision, a leading provider of technologies and smartphone solutions for the automatic detection of genuine and counterfeit products, and FinalSpark, a pioneering startup leveraging biological neural networks to advance the development of Artificial General Intelligence.More about AlpVision: https://alpvision.com/More about FinalSpark: https://finalspark.com/🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:46 The Concept of Biocomputing05:28 Creating Brain Organoids07:56 Training Living Neurons10:42 Real-Time Neuron Activity13:23 Vision for Bio Cloud Computing15:48 Ethical Considerations in Biocomputing18:18 Applications in Medicine and Space Exploration20:46 Challenges and Future Directions23:34 Personal Journey and Entrepreneurial Insights26:10 Inspiration and Closing Thoughts

What if the future of fashion lies not in excess, but in regeneration? Meet Marci Zaroff, the visionary who invented “ECOfashion” in 1995, and has been pioneering a path toward conscious, regenerative design ever since.In this episode, Marci unwraps how a deep commitment to ethics and ecology became the blueprint for sustainable style. You’ll learn:How she coined and trademarked “ECOfashion” and launched Under the Canopy, proving elegance and ethics can coexist.Why regenerative agriculture and circular economic models are the keys to healing both fashion and the planet.Her rallying cry: “cooperation is the new competition,” and other insights transforming industry mindsets from scarcity to abundance.Tune in & let us know what you think.About Marci: Marci Zaroff—who coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995—is an internationally recognized ecolifestyle pioneer, educator, and serial entrepreneur. For over 35 years, she has been transforming fashion, food, and lifestyle into powerful forces for positive change.She is Founder & CEO of Ecofashion Corp—a “Greenhouse of Brands” spanning regenerative/organic cotton farming (RESET), lifestyle brands Farm to Home, Mission Statement, and YesAnd, and a turnkey B2B apparel and home manufacturing platform. Marci also Founded BeyondBrands, Under the Canopy, and The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). And as Co-Founder/Board Chair of Textile Exchange, she has been instrumental in establishing sustainability standards for the global textile industry.An award-winning innovator, author of ECOrenaissance, and Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow, Marci’s work has earned her numerous honors including the WWD ESG Leadership Award, Entreprenista 100 Award, Real Leaders Impact Award and NY Power Woman Award, among many others. World-recognized as a conscious business visionary, Marci continues to lead with passion, and purpose—bridging style, sustainability, and social impact worldwide.Follow Marci:@marcizaroffhttps://www.marcizaroff.com/🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction and Serendipitous Meeting04:12 Visionary Mindset and Early Influences08:11 The Journey into Eco Fashion13:03 Challenges and Persistence in Sustainability18:53 The Evolution of Conscious Consumerism25:19 Current Projects and Collaborations29:14 Staying Energized and Aligned31:15 New Beginnings and Personal Reflections35:55 Starting Points for Conscious Sustainability39:45 The Future of Regeneration and Sustainability43:37 Final Thoughts 

In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile sits down with Ada Mockutė Jaime, Chief Marketing Officer at Nordcurrent, who walks us through an extraordinary journey—from customer intelligence in finance to building viral campaigns in gaming. You’ll hear how Ada fuels global growth using data, authenticity, and cultural storytelling—from bootstrapped scaling to “pink soup” marketing that generated millions of installs and shares. Expect deep insights on using AI strategically, empowering communities, and rethinking leadership in a fast-moving creative industry.Key TakeawaysTransferable skills win: Cross-industry experience brings fresh perspectives to innovation.AI as ally, not adversary: Use tech to amplify human creativity and efficiency. TechFinitiveStories forge connection: Embedding culture into campaigns drives both loyalty and massive scale—as seen in the 'pink soup' success. TechFinitiveBootstrapped growth is possible: Nordcurrent thrived without external funding by marrying adaptability and community feedback. pursuitofscrappiness.coTest fearlessly: From A/B testing to player feedback loops, innovation thrives on experiments.Leadership in flux: Future marketing demands agility, empathy, and data-led storytelling.Connect with Ada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamockute/ 🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 Music by Luca Nioi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Leadership in a Changing Landscape: Bridging Generations and Technology03:45 The Gaming Industry: Breaking Stigmas and Embracing Diversity06:02 Marketing Strategies: Engaging Casual Gamers07:58 Community Engagement: The Key to Retention09:52 The Role of Social Media: Connecting with Gamers11:53 Cultural Integration: Using Gaming to Promote Heritage13:46 The Future of Gaming: Trends and Opportunities15:58 Navigating Challenges: The Resilience of Game Development17:55 Leadership Values: Empowering Teams and Fostering Growth19:59 The Impact of AI: Enhancing Marketing and Development21:54 Sustaining Success: The North Current's Approach23:51 Work Culture: Balancing Hustle and Well-being25:56 The Evolution of Gaming: From Casual to Integral28:06 Courage in Leadership: Embracing Change and Learning29:57 Final Thoughts: Trading Attention in the Gaming Industry