What does it actually take to build something from nothing?

Not in theory — but in reality.

In this episode of Catch The Upswing, Jessica Espinoza speaks with Jana Degrott and Gosia Kramer about what it really means to take risks, move through doubt, and build something when there is no clear path — and no external validation.

From navigating self-doubt and the fear of judgment to making bold decisions — like selling your house to start a business — this conversation goes beyond inspiration and into the lived reality of entrepreneurship.

Jana reflects on identity, confidence, and the internal barriers that hold people back, while Gosia shares what it looks like to build from nothing — facing skepticism, financial pressure, and the day-to-day realities of turning an idea into something real.

This is a conversation about building — and what it actually demands.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore:

• Why fear of judgment is one of the biggest barriers to starting• The difference between inspiration and actually taking action• How self-doubt shapes decisions — and how to move beyond it• What it really looks like to build something from nothing• Taking financial and personal risks as a founder• The reality of cash flow and long-term vision• Why most people don’t start — and what it takes to do it anyway• Finding the right people — and thinking beyond your immediate environment

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🔗 Check out Jana & Gosia’s work:

Jana Degrott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-degrott-b15646114/Instagram: @janadegrott

Gosia Kramer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gosia-kramer-08a29ba0/Instagram: @gosiakramer

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Episode Start

00:01 Intro

01:20 Welcome Jana Degrott & Gosia Kramer

03:10 “Mini Jana” — Growing Up Without Confidence

07:30 The Fear of Judgment (And Why It Holds People Back)

12:40 “People Don’t Really Care” — The Mindset Shift

16:30 From Self-Doubt to Taking Action

21:10 Selling a House to Start a Business

26:00 “Nobody Believed in It”

30:40 Building From Nothing — No Windows, No Electricity

35:20 When Things Go Wrong: Failure & Hard Lessons

40:10 Cash Flow, Pressure, and Founder Reality

45:30 Why Inspiration Is Not Enough

49:20 Finding the Right People (And Leaving the Wrong Ones)

54:10 Building Something That Doesn’t Exist Yet

58:30 What It Really Takes to Keep Going

1:02:00 Final Reflections

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📺 Watch more episodes:

Catch The Upswing is a business and leadership podcast exploring how people build, lead, and navigate complexity in a rapidly changing world.

Subscribe for conversations with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging voices shaping today’s economy.

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