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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/4c0BOHv

Today, we have a riveting conversation with Andy Budd, a seasoned design leader and former founder who takes us through the exciting trajectory of his life.

From learning HTML in a hostel in Singapore to pioneering one of the first UX agencies in the UK, Andy shares his insights on embracing self-reliance, breaking the mold, and the transformative power of design in building brilliant products.

We also delve into his experience with venture capital, where he helps other entrepreneurs navigate their journeys. Join host Kyle Hudson as he unpacks the elements of risk, curiosity, and problem-solving in entrepreneurship with Andy Budd, and discover how you can tap into the design world to inspire your own business journey.

Whether you're a current founder or someone just starting out, this episode has something for everyone who aspires to grow and innovate in today's fast-paced environment.

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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/41VfkDh

Kyle sits down with the inspiring young entrepreneur, Erifili Gounari. Starting as a digital-savvy Gen Z, Erifili turned her passion for building online communities into a groundbreaking venture—a social media agency called the Z Link, aimed at bridging the gap between brands and Gen Z consumers.

At just 19, she navigated the challenges of university, part-time jobs, and launching a business, ultimately making it onto the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Kyle and Erifili dive into the origin story of the Z Link, the significance of authenticity in marketing to Gen Z, and how content creation and entrepreneurial drive propelled Erifili's journey from a hobbyist to a successful founder.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or just fascinated by the dynamics of Gen Z marketing, this conversation is packed with insightful perspectives and actionable advice. Tune in for an engaging chat that explores the intersection of creativity, innovation, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.

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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/3QPuHaW

Ever wondered how creativity meets entrepreneurship? Dive into this conversation with Kyle Hudson and Will Taylor on "Zero to Umm..." where they chat about Will's journey from a physicist in a creative family to launching startups.

Get ready for some raw insights as Will reveals his experiences with a CV writing service, on-demand dry cleaning, and solving logistics with tech-driven solutions. They talk about the ups and downs of risk-taking, the grind of starting from scratch, and why failure is just another chapter in the entrepreneurial story.

Plus, hear about the tech behind Will's current venture, Workflow, where simplicity meets power in creative collaboration tools. The conversation covers the importance of validating ideas with real users and the charm of maintaining a small, effective team.

So if you're into creativity, startups, or just need a push to venture into the unknown, this episode's packed with relatable stories and valuable lessons. Don't miss out—catch the full episode now!

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*Episode Stack:* https://stackl.ist/43dFyTt

🚀 From Zero to ClickUp: Chris Cunningham's Startup Journey

In this incredible episode, Chris Cunningham shares the fascinating story of how he and his co-founder Zeb Evans built ClickUp from the ground up!

*Key highlights:*

📍 Early Beginnings:
- Started by managing a rapper in college
- Built an internal project management tool called "Mission Control Center"
- Pivoted from a social media app after Snapchat copied their concept

💡 Startup Secrets:
- Stayed scrappy and looked for unique opportunities
- Weren't afraid to pivot and ignore traditional advice
- Focused on shipping fast and improving continuously

🌟 Breakthrough Moments:
- First customer from Accenture in 2016
- Acquired customers from a competing app shutting down
- Closed deals with Home Depot and Randstad

🎯 Future Vision:
- Aiming to go public
- Expanding features with AI
-Committed to building an exceptional product

Chris's advice? Be scrappy, focus on your product, and always be looking for opportunities!
#Startup #SaaS #Entrepreneurship #ClickUp

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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/3Xg2EoG

I sat down with Jesse Lakes, Co-Founder and CEO of Geniuslink. Jesse shares how he identified a big gap in the affiliate marketing sector and ended up building the preeminent affiliate link solution.

This episode was a fun one. We did have some technical difficulties, a bunch of laughs, and one of the best stories of the 10+ year journey of a startup.

• Discussion of early influences and entrepreneurial roots
• Exploration of how GeniusLink was born from a recognizable market gap
• Insights into the challenges faced during the startup phase
• The significance of team dynamics and established core values
• Reflections on overcoming setbacks and learning from adversity
• Future aspirations for expanding GeniusLink's offerings and impact

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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/4307tpO

Summary

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rick, a seasoned entrepreneur with a fascinating journey. We kicked things off by discussing the essence of entrepreneurship—how sometimes you just have to dive in headfirst, even if it feels a bit daunting. Rick emphasized that real learning often comes from being thrown into the deep end, which I totally agree with.

Rick shared his early experiences, starting from his time at Radio Shack and how that laid the groundwork for his understanding of business. He talked about how he quickly moved up the ranks and learned the importance of financials, which became crucial later on. It was interesting to hear him reflect on how the landscape of education and job qualifications has changed, especially in tech. He pointed out that today, experience often trumps formal degrees, especially in fields like cybersecurity.

One of the standout moments was when Rick recounted how he launched his first business, "Business PC Help," right after his twins were born. He was motivated by necessity and the encouragement of his wife and a supportive client. He made a great point about the importance of speed over perfection when starting out—he just needed to get something up and running to put food on the table.

As we dove deeper, Rick shared how he transitioned from being a solo entrepreneur to hiring his first employee, Ryan, who he had previously trained at Geek Squad. Their partnership was built on a solid foundation of trust and shared vision, which I found really inspiring. Rick also highlighted the importance of outsourcing tasks that could bog you down, allowing him to focus on growth and sales.

We wrapped up the conversation with Rick's insights on sales techniques, particularly the "assumptive sale" approach, which he learned from his time in fast food. He believes that being consultative and genuinely passionate about what you offer can make all the difference in building relationships with clients.

Overall, it was a rich conversation filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Rick's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of learning through experience. If you're looking to get inspired about entrepreneurship, this episode is definitely worth a listen!

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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/4hxGPJu

Summary

In this episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vicki, the founder of Joy of Mom, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting mothers through the ups and downs of parenting. Our conversation delved into the evolution of her journey, from her early career in sales and advertising to her passion for creating a safe space for moms to connect and share their experiences.

We began by discussing the intimate and personal nature of the connections formed within communities like Joy of Mom. Vicki shared her insights on the importance of authenticity in a world often dominated by curated perfection. She emphasized that her approach has always been about being real and relatable, which resonates deeply with her audience.

As we explored her background, Vicki recounted her early career in television and radio, her transition into writing children's books, and the challenges she faced while developing her first software product aimed at validating children's feelings. This journey was marked by a lack of resources and experience, yet fueled by sheer determination and a desire to make a difference.

A pivotal moment in her journey came when she realized the need for mothers to have a platform where they could share recommendations and support one another. This led to the organic growth of Joy of Mom, where Vicki engaged directly with her audience, responding to their needs and fostering a sense of community. We discussed the challenges of maintaining that authenticity while navigating the complexities of social media and the pressures of commercialization.

Throughout our conversation, Vicki highlighted the significance of shared experiences and the power of connection. She shared anecdotes about her interactions with moms who felt seen and heard through her content, reinforcing the idea that community is built on trust and genuine relationships.

As we looked to the future, Vicki expressed her excitement about expanding Joy of Mom into new areas, including micro-groups and curated resources that address the specific needs of mothers today. We touched on the importance of creating a safe and nourishing environment for moms to thrive, especially in a world filled with noise and distractions.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, community, and the journey of building something meaningful from the ground up. Vicki's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the impact of connecting with others on a shared journey. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the strength found in community.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Connections
Discussion about shared needs and interests, and the personal nature of connections.

00:01:17 - Meeting and Family Moments
Casual conversation about family, pets, and personal anecdotes.

00:02:22 - Travel Experiences
Sharing experiences from a recent trip to Manhattan and the hospitality received.

00:03:14 - Authenticity in Podcasting
The hosts discuss the importance of authenticity in conversations and content creation.

00:05:14 - Improv and Life Lessons
Exploration of improv as a metaphor for life and the beauty of being present in the moment.

00:07:06 - Background and Journey
Introduction of the guest and a brief overview of their background leading to the creation of Joy of Mom.

00:08:35 - Early Career and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Discussion about the guest's early career and the transition into entrepreneurship.

00:12:32 - Creating a Software for Kids
The guest shares their experience in developing a software product aimed at childre

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Episode Stack: https://stackl.ist/4gIAREB

Summary

In this episode, Simon shares his unconventional journey as an entrepreneur, starting from his diverse upbringing in Peru, Australia, and Spain to launching multiple businesses. He discusses the challenges and learning experiences that shaped his approach to building companies, including his first venture, an app development service called Get Appy.

Simon dives into the early stages of his latest project, Vera, which aims to simplify administrative tasks for small and medium-sized businesses by organizing and sharing information more efficiently. He explains the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting to market demands, emphasizing that constraints can lead to innovative solutions.

You’ll gain insights into the realities of starting a business, the significance of having a clear vision, and the evolving nature of product-market fit. Simon also touches on the role of funding in business growth and the strategies he employs to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. This conversation offers practical advice for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or looking to streamline their business operations.