In this episode of The Startups Drive, I sit down with Robyn Clark — a Media and Communications student with a focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Robyn is an emerging talent, eager to learn and build her path in the startup and business world.

We talk about her journey through university — why she chose her degree, how her studies are shaping her perspective, and the real pros and cons of formal education versus hands-on experience. Robyn also shares her take on the power of networking for young professionals, how students can build real connections, and what she’s learned from working with tools in AI and social media marketing.

We wrap up by talking about balance and drive — including how her passion for running keeps her focused and motivated in life and work.

This is a must-listen for students, early-career professionals, and anyone looking to take their first steps in the business, startup and professional worlds.

Follow Robyn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynelizabethclark/

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https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

In this episode of The Startups Drive, I sit down with May Ku — founder of Reev, the upcoming dating app designed to move past swipes and algorithms. May talks about her background growing up in Korea, her path to Australia, and how she made the uncommon leap from a career in market research to entrepreneurship.

We get into the realities of modern dating apps — from their focus on superficial swipes to their reliance on algorithms — and why she believes authentic connection can’t be engineered that way. May shares her vision for Reev and what it takes to build something different in such a crowded space.

Whether you’re a founder curious about turning an idea into a startup, or just someone interested in where dating apps are headed, this episode offers insight into both love and entrepreneurship.

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow May and Reeve

http://www.reev.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhyunjiku/

In this episode of The Startups Drive, I sit down with Matt Ainsworth — a startup mentor with years of experience in Asia’s innovation scene. Having lived in Japan for nearly a decade, Matt brings unique insight into the country’s startup culture, its rapid pace of development, and what Australia can learn from one of the world’s most advanced ecosystems.

We explore Matt’s journey to Japan, the cutting-edge prototypes and ideas emerging from its startup community, and where Australia has opportunities to collaborate and grow. Matt also shares his work at Tekkon, a platform that connects founders with developers, and explains why technical talent is so critical to early-stage success. From understanding the developer’s role to exploring alternative tools for founders who can’t afford one early on, this conversation is full of practical advice and global perspective.

If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just curious about how Asia is shaping the future of startups, this episode offers valuable lessons and fresh inspiration.

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow Matt

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ainsworth-35a53522b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

In this episode of The Startups Drive, I sit down with David Kenney — a legend of Australia’s startup scene, mentor, investor, and author of the best-selling book Epic Execution.

We dig into David’s journey and the story behind his book, as he shares insights on founder mindset, building the right team, and truly understanding your market and customer. We also tackle key questions every founder should ask — like what to know before starting, how to connect with your audience, and how to stay open to learning even when you think you’ve got it all figured out. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or simply rethinking your next move, this episode is packed with sharp advice, hard-earned lessons, and honest conversation.

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow David

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkenneyofficial/

https://www.epicexecution.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-execution/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.startwithepic.com/

In this episode of The Startups Drive, I’m joined again by Nathan Linsley — CEO and Founder of NadoCo Interactive — who recently shifted into the music industry, building tools to solve real problems artists and creators face.

Nathan shares insights from his time exploring the startup ecosystems in South Korea and Japan, offering a unique perspective on how they differ from Australia’s startup scene, and what Aussie founders can learn from these global innovation hubs.

We also dive into the realities of startup negotiations — why equity isn’t always the best incentive, and how early-stage teams can find the right mix of rewards and motivation.

Plus, we explore the rising role of AI in startups, especially in the early stages where cost and speed matter most. But that doesn’t mean developers are out of a job — far from it. Nathan explains why developers still play a vital role as startups grow and scale.

Whether you’re a startup founder, software developer, or just curious about global startup trends, this conversation offers insights, strategy, and inspiration you can use.

Nathans Previous episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Jm8b29wWekoVrnIt1jG62

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https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/


Follow Nathan

http://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlinsley1

http://instagram.com/nadocodes

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Tran — a business and transition coach and former accountant and finance executive — who helps people navigate their career changes and business growth through her business, Transition With Purpose. With a unique blend of strategy, practical experience and thoughtful coaching, Natalie empowers individuals to make intentional, fulfilling shifts in their lives.

We cover everything from recognising when it’s time for a career change, to overcoming the fear and uncertainty that often comes with it. Natalie also breaks down the art of effective goal setting — sharing how to turn big dreams into small, achievable steps that actually stick.

Whether you’re considering a career pivot, feeling stuck in your current path, or just looking to set more meaningful goals, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help guide your next move.

Tune in for a grounded, eye-opening conversation that might just be the push you need.

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow Natalie

W: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne/**

Insta: @transitionwithpurpose

YT: @transitionwithp YouTube

Apple Podcasts: Transition With Purpose Podcast

Spotify: Transition With Purpose Podcast Spotify

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Nguyen—construction professional and founder of Master of Achievement, a business dedicated to helping others reach their goals.

We explore a wide range of topics, including the value of having a mentor, how to find the right one for you, and the power of building meaningful connections through networking. At the heart of our conversation is a key takeaway: the more you understand yourself, the more equipped you are to grow and succeed.

Whether you're looking to level up in your personal or professional life, this episode offers insight and inspiration to help you on your journey. Tune in for a motivating and thought-provoking conversation!

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow Stephanie

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanienguyenofficial/⁠⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterofachievement/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephanienguyenofficial⁠⁠

Website: ⁠www.masterofachievement.com⁠

Email: ⁠hello@stephanienguyen.com.au

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Do, a nurse turned consultant at Oracle and an entrepreneur passionate about the intersection of health, technology, and fitness. We dive into his journey from the medical field to the startup world, the power of meaningful conversations, and what you can learn just by listening. Peter also shares insights on his journey into his first accelerator program that kickstarted his journey into healthtech. He sees it as his biggest failure, but offers valuable insights into his start, middle, and finish of his accelerator coming in with just an idea.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on career transitions, networking, and making an impact in health and tech!

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow Peter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdonurse/

https://www.instagram.com/p3ter_theexplorer/