Peer Effect

In this episode of Peer Effect, Nigel Thomas, founder of David to Goliath, shares his profound journey of transformation from facing life's darkest moments to rising with a new vision;  turning personal challenges into a source of inspiration for others facing their own "Goliaths."Together, we dive into:Nigel's decision to leave a secure corporate job to pursue a risky but rewarding entrepreneurial path. The profound impact of meaningful relationships on happiness and resilience.Leadership insights and encouraging personal and professional growth among teams through relationship building.Explore how Nigel is not only documenting his growth but also helping others navigate their challenges through the strength of vulnerability and the power of community. For more about Nigel Thomas's journey and insights, follow him on LinkedIn.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Dean Seddon, founder and CEO of MAVERRIK, steps into the Peer Effect spotlight to share his innovative approach to marketing and the undeniable power of personal branding.With a decade of steering MAVERRIK to success, Dean has mastered the art of utilising his personal brand to propel his business forward. His journey reveals the critical role of a founder in not only shaping a company's strategy but also its public perception and internal culture.In this episode, we delve into:Dean's strategic insights on using personal branding as a tool for business growth and customer engagement.The balance required to transition from hands-on involvement to strategic leadership without losing the personal touch that characterises founder-driven businesses.Practical advice for founders on maintaining their role as a central figure in their companies without risking burnout.For more on how Dean Seddon harnesses personal branding for business success, follow him on LinkedIn and discover how MAVERRIK is redefining marketing strategies.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Daniel Solomon, co-founder and CEO of OMNINGAGE, steps into the Peer Effect spotlight to share his journey of transitioning from a corporate role to the thrilling uncertainties of startup life. With his rich experience, Daniel brings to the table deep insights on fostering innovation, scaling operations, and managing a globally dispersed team effectively.In this episode, we explore:Daniel's strategic move from a secure position at Cisco to identifying market gaps and launching OMNINGAGE, a SaaS solution revolutionising contact centres.Strategies for bootstrapping a startup, leveraging offshore development for cost efficiency, and securing anchor customers.Building and nurturing a global team, from the practicalities of remote management to cultivating a shared vision and culture.For further insights and inspiration, follow Dan on LinkedIn and explore how OMNINGAGE is making waves as the world’s most innovative customer engagement platform for Amazon Connect!More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Kirsten Lum, CTO and co-founder of Storytellers.ai, brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. With a background as unique as starting with an English literature degree and transitioning into a leader in the tech industry, Kirsten's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Before co-founding Storytellers.ai, her experience spanned significant roles at Amazon, where she led data science, econometrics, software engineers, data scientists and business intelligence, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of machine learning and AI within small business segments.Today, Kirsten joins "Peer Effect" to unfold her narrative and discuss the democratisation of AI and machine learning for startups and small businesses. We covered:Kirsten's unconventional path into data science and AI, and how these technologies are not just for the elite tech companiesThe value of leveraging your distinctive experiences to innovate and navigate the challenges of your industry.Tips and strategies for finding balance amidst the hustle of startup life to sustain creativity and productivity.Discover more about Kirsten Lum’s work at Storytellers.ai or follow her on LinkedIn for more exciting insights.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

As 2023 is coming to an end, so is season 2 of Future Fit Founder Podcast.Today, I am taking a moment to reflect on what I learned from the guests on this podcast.Ultimately, it all starts with you as a founder.Here are my top 5 ways to help yourself:Be patient with yourself, as a founder, the journey you are embarking on will be longer than you are planning forBe kind to yourself, the pressure you are feeling is often self-inflicted. Be fair to yourself, comparison is the thief of joy and grass is always greener on the other side. Water and take care of your garden first.Prioritise yourself, you will survive longer and enjoy the journey more.Trust yourself, your gut instinct will serve you more than listening to outside opinions.Tune in and listen to the last episode of 2023, as I share my thoughts on how you can get more out of your business and create more sustainability in your day-to-day life, as a founder.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Sharath is the Founder of Intrinsic Labs. Sharath is a recognised author and trainer on inflection points, coming up with a new book in January called “Inflection”.Sharath is no stranger to navigating tough leadership moments.He has dedicated his career to guiding organizations through inflection points.Sharath focuses on the inflection points, to guide leaders towards making informed decisions.He shares his expertise on how to anticipate these moments and start prepping for them well in advance.Sharath argues that the best leaders are those who can see these moments coming and start preparing for them in advance.In today’s episode, we also talk about:The cost of inactionThe power of reflection momentsUsing the threat of the future to shift the present Tune in and listen to Sharath Jeevan share his expertise and offer a roadmap for turning these challenging moments into opportunities for growth and transformation. This episode provides a valuable resource for leaders seeking to navigate their own inflection points, whether you're in the midst of a crisis or simply curious about the concept.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Tim is the Founder of EchoMany. In its first year, they secured 45 blue-chip clients in the first year.But Tim had dark times aheadIn February 2018, the Cambridge Analytica scandal happened. Facebook clamped down on all data access which led to lost clients and campaign struggles.He was all in but with no way to deliver his product.He’d shut a successful tech development agency to focus on this big potential product which had gained insane traction.What could he do now?In today’s episode, we also talk about:Difficult decisions to make when things are going wrongMaking the best of a negative situationThe importance of an exit strategyTune in and listen to Tim Redgate’s inspirational story. He provides a firsthand account of navigating a start-up through a major crisis and making difficult decisions. This episode offers valuable insights and lessons that entrepreneurs and business leaders can apply to their journey.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Eli is the Founder of Instafloss. His company has $2.7m of pre-orders and  $1.3m in equity, with a product launch happening soon.But Eli is no stranger to big mistakes.In 2014, Eli made one of the worst decisions of his career.He believed hiring from the top down was the right move. But he was wrong…Backed by the confidence of a successful crowdfunding campaign, he made two hires that cost the company he was building $1m.After making peace with his mistake, Eli took a step back and hired a marketing executive. This decision helped his business more than the big-name hires.Eli and I discussed his process to build a committed team, which not only helped bring the product to life but also ensured its effectiveness in solving a real problem.He soon understood that building a great team doesn’t happen by chance, but is backed by strategy and making difficult decisions.In today’s episode, we also talk about:The reality of big-name hires and building a team from the top downThe right approach to a probation periodThe necessity of making tough decisions and letting people go.Tune in and listen to Eli’s journey with Instafloss. Eli provides powerful takeaways for any aspiring entrepreneur who is looking to build the right team. He offers a practical approach to scaling, and an alertness to potential pitfalls and how to turn a start-up into a thriving, successful business.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Matt is the Co-Founder of Omneky. His company raised $11m and presented at Techcrunch Disrupt in 2022 (before the generative AI wave!)In August 2021, Matt joined Omneky as a Chief Business Officer.The first month went well. Working side by side with the founder Hikari they hit record numbers.The second month he took full responsibility. And sales crashed…The calendar was nearly empty, leads weren’t inquiring and he started to worry.But he quickly fell back on his years of experience at AT&T and worked hard to uncover the reasons for this.Matt and I discuss short-term fluctuations in lead enquiries, and what the best strategies are to make sure you are networking properly and building trust with your contacts.He soon understood that short sprints of pressure can stimulate innovative thinking, but it is crucial to allow for periods of rest to prevent burnout.In today’s episode, we also talk about:Understanding short-term fluctuations and how to combat themThe importance of networking and the power of reconnecting with old contactsThe impact of generative AI on the content landscapeTune in and listen to Matt’s journey, a lesson about the unpredictability of market fluctuations and the importance of testing different messaging strategies consistently.This discussion is a humane, insightful, and personal exploration of the world of startups, sales, networking, and AI technology.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Christoffer is the Co-Founder of KiteX.tech, the first truly affordable wind turbines for off-grid housing & rural homes. KiteX.tech has recently done a successful Kickstarter campaign and is about to do their product launch. In March 2020, Christoffer was navigating a challenging time. He and his co-founder Andreas were about to close down their business.He sat down with Andreas and the team, they discussed the closing down situation and ended up brainstorming.This led them to shift their vision, take their failures and turn them into lessons.The potential of their game-changing wind turbine technology inspired the team to continue their work, even in times of uncertainty. In this episode, Chris shares the importance of taking small steps and having the right people around you to create a sustainable business. In today’s episode, we also talk about:The idea of failing and succeeding as a teamFocusing on the internal goals rather than the outside pressureThe importance of choosing the right investorsToday’s podcast is a lesson, in which we learn that after a major setback, Chris and his team turned their crisis into an opportunity, channelling their passion for technology and prototyping into creating a game-changing wind turbine. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about strategic growth and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Veronika is the CFO of Everphone, a one-stop solution for corporate smartphones and tablets, with over 300 employees and over 350k devices out in the market.Looking back at her journey, Veronika can confirm being a CFO is more than meets the eye.Veronika opens up about the vital role of trust in her relationship with the founder of Everphone. With her financial insights, see how marketing strategies and operations decisions can be informed and directed. In this episode, Veronika and I take a deep dive into the world of a CFO and the value they bring beyond the balance sheet.In today’s episode, we also talk about:The importance of involving the CFO in key business decisionsWhen a founder should consider hiring a CFOThe broader scope of a CFO’s responsibilities.Veronika also shares some valuable advice for future founders. Building and retaining the right team, fostering trust, and maximising resources are essential for success. Involving the CFO in key decisions can help founders make the best use of their resources and reach their goals.This podcast episode is a testament to the unseen value of the CFO, providing a fresh perspective on the pivotal role they play in business success.Tune in and listen to Veronika explain that CFOs are not just number crunchers, but strategic powerhouses shaping the success of businesses.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Dimitar is the VP and General Manager of CrossBeam, the world's first and most powerful partner ecosystem platform. Dimitar is also a two-time Founder, has been on Exec teams 3 times and is also an Angel Investor.Looking back, in the summer of 2019, Dimitar was in a different headspace.At the time, he had two young kids at the time and a company under two years old.Dimitar was juggling a lot of responsibilities.This led him to feel as if he wasn’t doing 100% in either place: at home or at work.Later on, the challenges and responsibilities of being a founder, a husband and a father caught up with him, as he tried to overcompensate and ended up feeling burned out.In this episode, Dimitar and I are going through the struggle of measuring success when your identity is inextricably tied to your company. This was a struggle Dimitar faced head-on and had to navigate the fog of failure and make the tough call between perseverance and letting go.In today’s episode, we also talk about:The importance of the right balance between family time and growing your business The difficulties of having an “Olympic athlete mindset”Understanding when it’s time to push harder and when it is time to back awayLastly, we explored the significance of benchmarking and assessing growth, and how founders can navigate their choices when faced with formidable decisions.Dimitar's journey taught him the paramount importance of self-care and understanding individual priorities, which can be instrumental in making informed decisions for one's business.Tune in and listen to Dimitar as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and invaluable advice, serving as a compass not only for those currently grappling with similar challenges but also for aspiring entrepreneurs.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Bryan is the CEO and Co-Founder of GreenPal, a self-funded app. Today, there are over 300,000 people using it to get their lawns mowed and it has $30M of revenue through the platform.Bryan’s platform is a real success now, but it wasn’t always the case.Looking back, around 10 years ago, things were looking a lot different.Brian had a great idea and was determined to succeed.But that was not enough. He followed his initial plan and spent 50k on development, and 50k on door hangers.Despite all this, around 100 people signed up and 10 transacted.A year passed and that was what he had to show for it.He didn’t have enough money left, or any data to go by. He even asked for a close friend to help by using the app, but he didn’t.Bryan was left feeling disappointed in the people close to him and not knowing what to do about his platform.But he has always been intrinsically motivated, so his enthusiasm didn’t fade despite all of the challenges that came along the way.In this episode, Bryan and I are going through the reality of building a business from scratch, how to take negative customer feedback and turn it into a positive outcome, and staying passionate about the vision you had when you first started.In today’s episode, we also talk about:The importance of using customer feedback to your advantage The critical role co-founders make in the success of your businessThe change in mindset and actions that follow when you need to wear multiple hatsTune in and listen to Bryan as he walks us through the highs and lows of his journey and how he managed to keep going and enjoy every step of the way.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Kene is a co-founder of Millicent Labs who recently won the prestigious G20 Techsprint 2023 held by The Bank of International Settlements and Reserve Bank of India. He was struggling to drive interest in his business. People were caught up in the idea of 20% interest rates with Luna Crypto — when the concept behind Millicent Labs was the opposite. It wasn’t feasible. Traditional. And quite contrary to what crypto was. Shortly after Luna crashed, and then FTX — but instead of the industry going in Kene's favour.  All trust was gone. But he was clear on his mission, and trusted that the narrative would change.In this episode, Kene and I discuss the battles of being a founder, striving to believe in your idea... when it seems like no one else does.We talk aboutChallenging hustle culture and understanding prioritiesWhat helped him to stay in the habit of carving out time for loved onesThe validating turning point in the industry that helped Kene to get where he is nowKene’s story is packed with setbacks, balanced out by signs that he was going in the right direction — that was all just a year ago! Tune in to hear where he is today. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Dan is the CO-Founder of LinearB, which has raised $71M ($50M Series B in 2022). Dan also hosts the Dev Interrupted Podcast, the most popular show designed explicitly for software engineering leaders.Today he takes us to December 2021.Dan and his Co-Founder met and decided to do a clean slate exercise.They quickly came to a few conclusions...More competition was coming…There was a lot of potential for growth…But Dan started wondering about what differentiates their business from others.At this moment, Dan and his Co-Founder were facing an intriguing decision:a) Risk all they'd built for a chance at something more B) Maintain course in a market growing more crowded.At this point, he was already excited about option A).After taking a while to think about this decision, Sam went home and consulted with his wife.He took into consideration the extra time he will need to work…The talent he needed to find and hire...And he took a while to assess both the personal and professional impact of this key decision. And after a month they went for it…In this episode we discuss,The value of validation and due diligenceThe power of coaching in decision-makingThe increased competition and how to stay relevant in a crowded market.As today’s episode wraps up, we are left with a powerful note on the importance of striking a balance between taking calculated risks and maintaining stability in a competitive market. Tune in and listen to Dan Lines as he walks us through a difficult decision-making process that followed a make-or-break moment for his company, LinearB.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Sam is the Founder of Kurogo, which has built over 100 personal brands for Founders and CEOs. Sam built a 12-person agency by 24.Today he takes us to June 2022.Sam was taken by surprise when a key team member announced their departure from the agency he spent years building.That was the first time a moment of crisis happened since Sam started his business.This led to questioning his capabilities and fear for his business's future.Through this crisis, Sam learned to pivot from an emotional response to acceptance and strategic action, a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs.In this episode we discuss,Living up to your achievements Transitioning from one business to anotherThe importance of seeing challenges as opportunitiesAs today’s episode wraps up, it leaves us with a lesson about the importance of seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.Sam emphasised that developing this mindset can empower entrepreneurs to detach their value from business performance. It also underscores the importance of honesty and transparency during business transitions, providing real-world advice and inspiration for anyone facing a daunting challenge in their entrepreneurial journey.Tune in and listen to Sam Winsbury as he offers a wealth of insights and lessons for entrepreneurs. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Bob is the CEO and Co-Founder of Crossbeam, which has raised over $100m and 15k companies use. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Bob already built and sold 2 businesses.Today he takes us back to a board meeting in January 2016. The subject of discussion is a company he started with his Co-Founder, Jake, in 2008.The business was a hot startup in the 2011/12 era and raised a lot of VC money. But technology changed. The market moved. And suddenly the forecasts were falling behind what they needed.It left them with 3 options.Do you go and try to raise more money?Do you try and sell the business?Do you trim expenses and turn the business into something more self-sustaining?Bob and his Co-Founder, Jake Stein had to navigate the daunting task of making critical decisions in a capital-constrained scenario. They realised that their early success was fleeting and the market, a moving target, was drifting away from their product.But what Bob and his partner did was turn failure into a lesson, and build a different business.Despite facing a lot of rejection, they resiliently worked toward the future of a product they knew would ultimately be successful.Their experience emphasises the importance of continuous innovation in technology. In this episode we discuss,The importance of continuous innovation in technologyThe crucial role of optionalityThe importance of transparency, honesty, and continuous self-evaluationAs today’s episode wraps up, it leaves us with a lesson about the importance of always being able to value your business higher than anyone else. This mindset helped Bob and his partner navigate their challenges and emerge stronger.From fundraising, and pivoting the business, to laying off employees, Bob is sharing the mindset of valuing the business higher than anyone else, a belief that carried them through the most challenging times.Learn from the ups and downs of Bob Moore and Jake Stein’s journey and how they applied these lessons to their business.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Ash is the creator of Rebel Meetups, organising 100 events, in 21 cities, 9 countries with over 5k people a year and six times angel investor.Today he takes us back to 2019.At the time, Ash was the type of entrepreneur who wanted to take on every challenge.Later on, he understood no matter what opportunity he undertook, it was going to present its unique challenges and stresses. As he walks us through his journey and outlines the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, he dispels the romanticised notion of going 'all in' without a second thought. This decision requires a certain level of privilege, not necessarily available to everyone.Entrepreneurs also face a plethora of opportunities and must decide where to focus their attention. This decision-making process becomes even more intricate when emotional needs and financial stability are factored in.How do you make significant changes without causing emotional harm? How do you value your own time and capabilities?In this episode we discuss,The paradox of choiceThe concept of delayed gratificationHow we can balance customer affordability with business scalabilityAs today’s episode wraps up we learn to enjoy the challenges of entrepreneurship.With the right guidance, support, and a well-balanced approach to emotional and financial stability, it's a journey that can lead to immense personal and professional growth. Tune in to this inspiring episode and listen to Ash, as he provides us with a roadmap for navigating this journey, making it a must-listen for all budding and seasoned entrepreneurs.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Jeremy is the Founder of Marketplace Risk, which runs the largest marketplace conference in the world.Today he takes us back to January 2015.At the time, Jeremy was attending a business class, working towards his MBA.Jeremy was going through a professional identity crisis and kept wondering what his next move would be.Between working full-time whilst adding value to people’s lives he created something bigger than he could have ever imagined.Jeremy recounts how finding his North Star guided him through his journey and helped him imbibe the importance of enjoying what you do and doing it well. In this episode we discuss,●   Focusing on adding value and stepping away from the money-making mindset●   The importance of finding personal success and satisfaction.●    Enjoying the journey rather than focusing on the destination. Jeremy's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our professional lives with personal happiness. Join today’s episode where Jeremy’s reflection provides a fresh perspective on the meaning of success, emphasising the need to follow a life that brings happiness and adds value to the world. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Rajeev is the Founder of Collude. He built a 300-person business in 1.5 years, he is the host of the Plan B Success podcast and has helped 4 VC-backed companies through exit. We can safely say, Rajeev has been keeping himself busy.Today he takes us back to 1994.He began his career in India, navigating through rejection and self-doubt, only to emerge stronger and more determined than ever.At the time he found himself wanting to give up on the first day..Rajeev felt culturally looked down on.One of the pivotal moments in Rajiv's journey was the profound pep talk from his coach, which served to change his perspective and fueled his determination to succeed.He climbed the ranks from being a door-to-door salesman in India to becoming a successful business leader with a team of 300 people in just eighteen months.Rajiv’s journey didn't come without its share of challenges, but his resilience and conviction became his lifeline in the face of adversity.In this episode we discuss,The tight-rope walk between success and uncertainty in businessThe importance of understanding your product's valueThe transformative power of coaching.Rajis’s journey serves as a reminder that with unshakeable determination we can overcome adversity and reach our goals. Today, Rajiv shares his story with us and inspires us to persist, believe in ourselves, and embrace the transformative power of resilience and conviction.Tune in to this episode as Rajiv extends an invitation to listeners interested in exploring coaching, underscoring his belief in its potential to open up new insights and areas for exploration.More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com