In this podcast, we talk to some of the greatest founders and leaders about their journey to where they are as well as discuss their companies and many other subjects depending on the guest. We are aiming to create meaningful content that everyone can get value from. We hope you enjoy 😁
In this episode of "Fireside with Founders & Leaders," host Rupert McSheehy sits down with David Burns, the CTO of TLC Worldwide. David shares his extensive journey through the technology landscape, from his early days as a developer on PlayStation games to advising private equity and venture capital firms on transformative technology strategies. With a rich background spanning Europe, the US, and…
In this episode of Fireside with Founders and Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy sits down with Chris Storey, the Technology Director at Travelopia, to discuss the transformative journey of the company in the realm of artificial intelligence. With over 11 years of experience at Travelopia, Chris shares insights into how AI has revolutionized their operations and enhanced customer experiences. The…
In this insightful episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Punit Goyal, the Technology Director at a prominent private equity firm. Punit shares his impressive journey from starting as a software engineer to holding a pivotal role in technology due diligence and transformation within the private equity landscape. With over two decades of experience in…
In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes James Ferguson, affectionately known as Fergo, Director of Experience Design at OVO Energy. With over two decades of experience in design leadership roles across various industries, Fergo shares his insights on the evolution of design, the impact of AI on the industry, and the essential skills designers need in…
In this episode of Fireside with Founders and Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Carlos Granda, an experienced operating advisor with a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the technology sector. Carlos shares his journey from being a chief customer officer at leading companies like Google, Salesforce, and SAP to transitioning into an advisory role within the private equity (PE)…
In this engaging episode, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Buzz Pearce, a seasoned leader in the design industry with nearly three decades of experience. Buzz reflects on his journey from a young, curious child inspired by his architect father to his current role as a design leader at TEM. He shares valuable insights into the evolution of design, the importance of leadership, and the shift from being…
In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Rafe Blandford, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in mobile strategy and product innovation. Rafe shares his journey from the telco industry to leading teams at prominent agencies, shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective teams. The conversation delves into…
In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert sits down with Sammie from Gains App to explore his remarkable journey from struggling with debt to becoming a prominent voice in financial education. Sammie shares how he transformed his passion for finance into a successful content creation and tech business, aiming to bridge the information gap in personal finance. Tune in to…
Summary: In this episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert speaks with Anthee Merichovitis, Chief Business Transformation & Operations Officer at a private equity-backed firm. Anthee shares her unique career journey, the challenges of private equity, and the importance of empathy in leadership. Chapters: 0:09 Introduction to Fireside with Founders and Leaders 0:23 Welcoming…
Summary: In this engaging podcast episode, Gemma McCarthy-Maidment shares her career journey from product management to leading digital transformations in B2B data sales. She discusses the complexities of digital transformation, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the challenges of balancing sustainability with business needs. Gemma also emphasizes the significance of mentorship and…
Summary: In this episode, Rupert and Joel Gill explore the multifaceted journey of design, leadership, and the importance of community in the design industry. Joel shares his unique path from engineering to design, emphasizing the need for solid leadership and craft legacy in nurturing future designers. They discuss the significance of localization, the role of design tools, and the challenges of…
Summary: In this episode, Tom discusses his journey from engineering to co-founding Innerworks, a startup focused on identity and authentication in the digital age. He shares insights on the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of bot detection, and the evolving landscape of online safety. Tom also reflects on the fundraising process, the significance of diverse skill sets in…
Summary: In this podcast episode, Ryan Lawrence discusses his journey from a young entrepreneur to the co-founder of Betmate, a social betting platform that innovates the traditional sports betting experience. He shares insights into the startup process, the importance of timing and relationships in fundraising, and how Betmate aims to engage younger audiences through peer-to-peer gaming. The…
Summary: In this conversation, Bobby Idogho shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and Ireland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of The RAD Consulting Group. He discusses the importance of risk-taking in entrepreneurship, the significance of building a people-first culture, and the challenges of navigating co-founder dynamics. Bobby emphasizes the need for…
Summary: In this episode, Phill shares his journey from a legal career to becoming co-CEO of Otto Car, discussing the importance of risk tolerance, the dynamics of co-leadership, and the lessons learned from his time at Bloom & Wild. He emphasizes the significance of brand building, sustainability, and the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, while also providing insights for those considering a…
Summary: In this conversation, Guy shares his journey as an entrepreneur, detailing his experiences with Atheon Analytics, the challenges of early failures, and the pivotal moments that led to the company's success in visual analytics. He discusses the importance of decision-making, the evolution of his business, and the recent acquisition that has reinvigorated his passion for the industry.…
Summary: In this conversation, Madelin Snyder shares her journey into product management, discussing her background in the arts and how she transitioned into tech. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions in product roles, as well as the challenges and experiences of being a woman in the tech industry. The discussion also covers the evolution of design systems, the…
Summary: In this conversation, David Sharp shares his journey from engineering to founding Kaikaku, a company that integrates AI and robotics into the restaurant industry. He discusses his experiences at Ocado, the concept of 10x innovation, and the balance between technology and hospitality in dining. David also highlights the role of 3D printing in their operations and the future of AI in…
Summary: In this podcast episode, Leon Hurst shares his journey from the tech industry to the insurance sector, discussing his experiences at Nokia and Jaguar Land Rover. He highlights the potential for disruption in the insurance industry, particularly in commercial motor insurance, and how Flock is leveraging data and technology to enhance safety and efficiency. He concludes with insights on…
Summary: In this conversation, Mark Anand, Chief Creative and Executive Officer of Blueprint Partners, shares his journey from aspiring Hollywood director to leading a successful marketing and events agency. He discusses the importance of storytelling and engagement in both entertainment and corporate sectors, the value of building strong client relationships, and the significance of a…
Summary: In this podcast, Richard discusses his career journey in product management, detailing his transition from product manager to Chief Product Officer at Mondaq. He shares insights on navigating organizational changes, the importance of understanding business models, and the future direction of Mondaq, particularly in leveraging data analytics. Richard also emphasizes the significance of…
Summary: In this podcast episode, Emilia De Stasio discusses her unique journey from finance to the art world, highlighting the intersection of technology and art investment through her company, Artscapy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding art as an asset class, the challenges of forecasting in business, and the innovative solutions Artscapy provides for collectors. The conversation…
Summary: In this conversation, Kieron shares his journey through the design and product landscape, discussing his transition to contracting, the importance of UX, and the dynamics of leadership within design teams. He emphasizes the intrinsic link between design and product management, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of clear objectives for career growth. Kieron also highlights the role…
Summary: Bryan Charter discusses his journey in founding SuSy, a company focused on improving energy efficiency in homes. He shares insights on the barriers to sustainable housing, the importance of return on investment, and the role of technology in facilitating energy efficiency. Bryan emphasizes the significance of a diverse founding team and the impact of awards on business recognition. He…
Summary: In this episode, David Vilf shares his journey from Germany to London and now to Google, discussing his experiences in product management across various companies. He emphasizes the importance of passion in career choices, the diverse roles of product managers, and the significance of understanding both technical and business aspects. David also delves into his current role at Google, the…
Summary: In this podcast episode, Dawn Bebe shares her journey from a successful media career to founding Crowdfunder, a platform that has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs raise funds. She discusses the evolution of media, the impact of the pandemic on crowdfunding, and the importance of community support. Dawn highlights the unique advantages of crowdfunding, especially for women and diverse…
Summary In this podcast episode, Matthew Collings, head of product at Krotos, shares his unique journey into product management from a background in sound and music. He discusses the evolution of Krotos as an audio technology company, its mission to innovate sound design, and the importance of user experience. Matt also explores the role of AI in sound design, the dynamics of remote work, and…
Summary: In this conversation, Rupert discusses the intricacies of influencer marketing with Georgia, the founder of Digital Voices. They explore the evolution of influencer marketing, the importance of data-driven strategies, and the role of empathy in leadership. Georgia shares her journey from traditional advertising to leading an independent agency, emphasizing the need for authenticity in…
Summary: In this podcast episode, Rupert hosts Ioannis Brilakis and Kyriakos Kantarakias, discussing their startup Didimi, which aims to solve interoperability issues in the construction industry. They share their backgrounds, the inspiration behind Didimi, and the challenges they faced in building a collaborative platform for engineers. The conversation covers their growth journey, funding…
Summary: In this episode, Harriet Bridgeman CBE shares her journey in the art publishing industry, detailing the evolution of Bridgeman Images since its inception in 1972. She discusses the impact of the digital revolution on image licensing and copyright challenges, the importance of building a strong team, and how AI is reshaping the art industry. Harriet emphasizes the significance of passion…
Summary: In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Basset shares his journey from a dairy farm in Australia to becoming the founder of Super Benji, a sales automation platform. He discusses his extensive experience at Unilever, the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the innovative solutions his company has developed to enhance sales processes through automation and personalization.…
Summary: In this conversation, Matt shares his journey from a tech industry veteran to the founder of Arwen AI, an AI-driven platform aimed at moderating social media content to create a safer online environment. He discusses the challenges of toxicity on social media, the balance between freedom of speech and online safety, and the importance of educating the next generation about media literacy.…
Summary: Zvezdin shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early curiosity in technology to founding Outdid.io, a company focused on combating online fraud through innovative cryptographic solutions. He discusses the challenges of securing funding, the pivotal moments that shaped his business, and the importance of mindset in investor relations. Zvezdin emphasizes the need for a new approach to…
Summary: In this episode, Tim shares his unique career journey from a localised Coast Guard to becoming the CEO of Spark Commodities, a company focused on transparency in the energy market. He discusses the importance of problem-solving, the value of being a generalist in leadership, and the significance of building a strong team culture. Tim emphasizes the need for transparency in the energy…
Summary: In this podcast episode, Rupert interviews Oliver King-Smith, the founder of SmartR AI, discussing his journey from consultancy to creating a product-driven business. They explore the capabilities of SCOTi an AI tool designed to simplify data management, and how AI can enhance operational efficiency and create new job opportunities. Oliver emphasizes the importance of understanding…
Summary: Matias Szarfer, co-founder and CTO of Trialing, shares his journey from a creative child in Barcelona to a tech entrepreneur in the healthcare sector. He discusses the origins of Trialing, a platform designed to connect patients with clinical trials. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating regulations in healthcare, the collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, and…
Summary: In this episode, Rupert interviews Hero Brown, the founder of Muddy Stilettos, a local lifestyle platform that connects communities with the best local experiences. Hero shares her journey from journalism to creating a successful brand that emphasizes community engagement and authenticity. The conversation explores the challenges of growing a business, the impact of COVID-19, the role of…
Summary: Matt Loveday shares his journey from a technical project manager to Chief Product Officer at Zinc Systems. He discusses the company's transition from a digital agency to a product-focused organisation, the challenges faced during this shift, and the importance of leveraging data for risk management. Matt emphasizes the significance of client communication, agile practices, and continuous…
Summary: In this insightful conversation, Carlos discusses his journey in the AI field, starting from his academic background to the founding of Malted AI. He shares experiences from the Alexa Challenge, the importance of data in AI, the risks and ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies, and the disruption AI is causing across various industries. Carlos also elaborates on building and…
Summary: In this conversation, Marcus Seoighe shares his journey from working at Shopify to becoming the CEO of Clean Canvas, a company specializing in Shopify themes. He discusses the evolution of Clean Canvas from a multi-service agency to a niche specialist, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a specific area to achieve success. The discussion also touches on the significance of market…
Summary: In this episode, George Frodsham, founder and CEO of MediSieve, shares his journey in creating a deep tech company focused on innovative blood filtration technology. He discusses the personal experiences that inspired him, the complexities of developing new medical technologies, the challenges of securing funding, and the importance of building a dedicated team. George also emphasizes the…
Summary: In this conversation, Jules discusses the evolution of workspaces during COVID and the strategies for building a tech-focused team at Tally Workspace. The discussion also covers the future of hybrid work models, the importance of sustainability in workspace solutions, and the anticipated growth of co-working spaces. Jules emphasizes the need for flexibility in work arrangements and the…
Summary: Greg discusses his journey from sales engineering to product management at Sprout AI, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs while balancing innovation. He shares insights from his experience in a rapidly growing startup and the challenges faced in the insurance industry, particularly in implementing AI solutions. He also touches on cultural differences in business…
Summary: Chris Jefferson, CTO and co-founder of Advai, discusses the founding of his company, which focuses on validating AI systems. He shares insights on the importance of having trustworthy co-founders, the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic, and the significance of understanding AI's limitations. Chris emphasizes the need for organizations to validate their AI systems,…
Summary: In this episode, Paul Lehair, a partner at AlbionVC, shares insights into his journey from tech and finance to venture capital. He discusses the unique structure of Albion's evergreen fund, the current market trends in early-stage investments, and strategies for startups looking to expand globally. Paul also provides valuable advice for founders aiming to transition from seed funding to…
Summary: In this conversation, Richard Rutter, co-founder of Clearleft, discusses the evolution of UX design, the importance of typography, and how design can influence business strategy. He emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of user experience and the role of research in effective design. Richard also shares insights on building a successful design consultancy and integrating design…
Summary: Kristin Dorsett, Chief Product Officer at Viator, shares her journey from managing call center agents to leading product and engineering teams. She discusses Viator's growth post-COVID, the challenges and benefits of remote work, and the importance of building a diverse and dispersed team. Kristin emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach in product development and the…
Summary: Tom shares his journey from a corporate recruitment background to launching his tech startup, Koios. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from large organisations to a startup environment, the intricacies of global recruitment, and the innovative use of psychometrics in understanding human behavior. Tom emphasizes the importance of building a lean team,…
Summary: Alan shares his journey from starting in IT to becoming the CTO of LeftBrain, a workplace technology consultancy. He discusses the importance of empathy in technology, the evolving role of AI in business, and how LeftBrain aims to be a strategic partner for its clients. Alan also opens up about his experiences with imposter syndrome and the culture at LeftBrain that fosters growth and…
Summary: Dan Roberts, founder of Nayms, shares his unique journey from starting consumer goods businesses to creating a blockchain-based insurance platform. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning industries, the importance of building a strong team culture in a remote work environment, and the evolving landscape of fundraising. Dan also highlights the future of blockchain…