After a three-month pause, host Olya Grovel returns with a raw five-minute reflection on how the show evolved—from Business Savages, a pilot celebrating the wild side of entrepreneurship, to Decision Factory, a space for decoding how high-stakes decisions really get made.
In this short solo episode, Olya opens up about:
Hitting her own “ugly phase” and what it taught her about direction and burnout
The realization that building tech wasn’t her zone of genius—building systems for thinking was
Why every founder eventually faces a decision that changes everything
If you’ve ever felt stuck between chaos and clarity, this one’s for you.
🎙 Every big bet starts with a decision.
Why are marketers always the first to go in a startup shakeup?
In this raw and revealing conversation, marketing advisor Oren Greenberg breaks down the harsh realities behind why growth leaders get scapegoated—and what’s actually broken under the hood of most early-stage companies.
With 20+ years in digital marketing and experience advising both scale-ups and global brands like Canon and BT, Oren unpacks:
🚩 Why most startup marketing hires fail (and it’s not what you think)
🧠 The psychology of founders under pressure—and how it warps decision-making
🎯 Why attribution, strategy mismatch, and unrealistic expectations kill momentum
⚔️ How to survive micromanagers, misaligned exec teams, and chaotic growth cultures
🛠️ The real work of being a fractional CMO (spoiler: it’s part therapist, part operator)
Whether you’re a founder, head of growth, or fractional leader navigating the chaos of startup life—this one’s for you.
💥 Bonus: Oren shares his framework for choosing the right clients, firing the wrong ones, and staying sane through it all.
— 👂 Like this episode? Follow The Ugly Phase for raw founder stories, smart strategy, and zero fluff.
📈 Keywords included: entrepreneur burnout podcast, how to pivot your startup, business growth plateau, startup psychology, leadership during business challenges, how to scale without burnout, stories from founders who pivoted, growth strategy for stalled businesses.
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Where to Find Oren:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orengreenberg/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase
Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
What does it really take to scale a B2B SaaS startup from 0 to $5M ARR—and keep your team aligned, your users happy, and your ego in check?
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Vuk, CMO of HeyReach, to unpack the tactical and leadership decisions that drove HeyReach’s breakout LinkedIn-led growth. From chaotic early-stage pivots to building a decentralized marketing org, Vuk shares a masterclass in go-to-market execution, team accountability, and marketing without fluff.
🎧 We cover: • How HeyReach nailed product-market fit by niching down before scaling up • The invisible tension between growth and marketing—and why Vuk leads both • Why decentralizing KPIs leads to stronger team ownership (and faster execution) • The simple hiring filter Vuk uses to find top marketers (hint: it's not experience) • How to launch a new product when you’ve got $0 in ad budget • What bad growth advice to ignore (and what to do instead)
👀 If you’re a founder, marketing lead, or growth operator navigating messy middle-stage growth, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.
🟢 Optimized for: entrepreneur burnout podcast, startup psychology, how to scale without burnout, stories from founders who pivoted, business growth plateau
🔥 Follow for more real startup stories and practical GTM insights—minus the vanity metrics.
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Where to Find Vuk:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vukasinvukosavljevic/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
What if your next business breakthrough isn’t another funnel, ad, or hustle tactic—but showing up more clearly on LinkedIn?
In this episode, I sit down with Fatima Khan—LinkedIn coach and top UK creator—to break down the truth behind personal branding, visibility, and growth on LinkedIn. From launching with zero audience to ranking in the top 5 UK creators, Fatima shares how she scaled her brand (and client base) through content that’s simple, strategic, and uncomfortably honest.
We also talk about:
The “ugly phase” of launching when nothing seems to work
How to grow on LinkedIn without faking authority or oversharing
Why imposter syndrome might actually be a good sign
The 3 lists you need to build a client-attracting network
Comments as growth strategy (and how Fatima gets 100k+ daily reach from them)
Using AI without sounding like a bot
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this is your permission to start messy and grow publicly.
🎧 Whether you're burned out from Instagram, plateaued in your business, or finally ready to build credibility that brings clients to you—this episode will show you how.
🔍 Keywords: entrepreneur burnout podcast, how to pivot your startup, personal brand strategy, LinkedIn growth, startup psychology, business visibility tips, growth strategy for stalled businesses, stories from founders who pivoted, how to scale without burnout
👇
Follow The Ugly Phase for more honest founder stories, mindset shifts, and strategy to grow without losing your mind.
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Where to Find Fatima:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-rasheed-khan/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
If your startup feels stuck, chaotic, or like it's silently crumbling from within, the solution might not be another strategy session—it might be psychological safety.
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I’m joined by Cynthia de Jager, expert in psychological safety and intercultural collaboration, to unpack the invisible forces quietly shaping (or breaking) your team’s culture, productivity, and resilience.
Cynthia shares powerful stories and actionable insights from her work with global teams, startups, and even elite sports teams on how psychological safety isn’t about being overly nice or blindly positive—it’s about creating an environment where your team can genuinely speak up, fail openly, and thrive under pressure.
🚨 What we dive into in this episode:
Why "culture fit" is often code for conformity—and how to fix it
The #1 leadership skill most founders overlook (hint: it’s about admitting what you don’t know)
Real-world examples of intercultural missteps that cost trust—and how to avoid them
Why oversharing or undersharing in tough times damages team trust
The subtle art of giving and receiving feedback across different cultures
How Cynthia transformed team culture at a professional sports club (and why their performance soared as a result)
💡 Key Quotes from Cynthia:
"Psychological safety isn’t about niceness; it’s permission to be candid when it matters most."
"Your people know something’s off before your metrics do—listen before it’s too late."
"The strongest leaders admit they don’t have all the answers."
📝 Your Homework: Grab a "talking stick"—when you hold it, speak freely. When you're done, the other person must first summarize your points before responding. It’ll revolutionize your team's communication.
If your startup is hitting a wall, if founder fatigue is real, or if your growth feels more draining than exciting—this episode offers the practical, human-centered shifts you need to break through the plateau.
🎧 Listen now and learn how psychological safety could be your secret growth hack.
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Where to Find Cynthia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-de-jager-08683110/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
If you’re feeling burned out by performative marketing, endless “hacks,” and business advice that sounds more like gaslighting than guidance — you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re just tired of bullshit.
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, Olya Grovel sits down with Louis Grenier — contrarian marketer, founder of Stand the F*ck Out, and author of the same brutally honest book — to talk about what actually works when you want your brand to stand out.
This is not another 3-step funnel or bro-marketing blueprint. Louis breaks down why most marketing advice is trash, how triggers (not just pain points) drive action, and why insight-foraging is the new unfair advantage.
What we cover in this episode:
Why most “problem-unaware” strategies are a waste of time
What founders get wrong about product-market fit (and what to do instead)
Why demand always comes before product — not the other way around
How to find insights that actually change your messaging (and your results)
The marketing lies we’ve normalized — and how they’re hurting us
The burnout that comes from trying to stand out in a sea of sameness
Why it’s not about chasing your passion — but doing what feels natural
Bonus: Louis shares his alter ego trick to stop self-sabotage and unlock real creativity (without pretending to be someone you’re not).
💡 Power Quotes:
“There are no secret sauces. If someone says there is, they’re gaslighting you.”
“Don’t market to people who’ve never shown a willingness to act. Follow the evidence.”
“Triggers drive action. Pain points alone don’t.”
“Marketing isn’t changing. Humans aren’t changing. Tools are.”
📝 Homework: Create your alter ego. Name them. Pick a symbol or item that represents them. Step into that energy before your next scary decision. (And no, you don’t have to be Lady Gaga to do this.)
🎧 Tune into this no-BS conversation if you’re done chasing tactics and ready to build something real.
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Where to Find Louis:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisgrenier/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to build a team or culture that’s constantly letting you down—or if you’re a founder stuck hiring people who "look good on paper" but crumble under pressure—this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Nader Safinya, founder of Blackribbit and expert in employer and customer brand alignment, to unpack one of the hardest truths about building a startup: not everyone is built for this. And when you bring in the wrong people—or build the wrong culture—you’ll feel it everywhere.
We go deep into the invisible breakdown between marketing and culture, and why so many founders are fighting burnout not from doing too much—but from being surrounded by the wrong energy.
What we cover in this episode:
How to hire for reliability, not just skill—especially when you're scaling fast
Why values alignment is more powerful than a polished resume
The myth of hustle compatibility: who actually thrives in startups, and who never will
Why burnout culture is often disguised as “culture fit”
How to lead high-autonomy teams without micromanaging or burning out
The difference between true experimentation and scattered chaos
The one interview question that reveals more than any CV ever could
Why you can’t think outside the box unless you create the box
💡 Power Quotes from Nader:
“You can’t scale a company when your people aren’t built for the ride.”
“If you want true innovation, you have to create space for failure—and be clear on the box you’re breaking.”
“The best employer brands answer two questions: why would someone buy from you—and why would someone want to work for you?”
📝 Listener Homework: Forget your resume. Ask yourself this instead: What values are non-negotiable for you in any relationship—professional or personal? Then ask your team the same. The answers might reveal why things feel stuck.
This episode is for founders, leaders, and startup operators who are scaling something they believe in—but struggling to get the right people, structure, and culture to catch up.
🎧 Listen now and rethink how you hire, lead, and build your company’s soul from the inside out.
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Where to Find Nader:Instagram: @blackribbit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadersafinya/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
If you’re burned out from trying to force your business to work—even when you're doing all the “right” things—this episode is your permission slip to stop pushing and start aligning.
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Elisa Canali, a 7-figure entrepreneur, spiritual business coach, and human design expert, to talk about what really shifts when you stop building from pressure and start leading from who you actually are.
Elisa shares her journey from chasing success the “traditional” way to completely reimagining her business based on her own energetic blueprint. She dives into how human design helped her stop outsourcing her worth, rediscover her leadership style, and rebuild a business that finally felt like her.
What we cover in this episode:
Why most people are scaling strategies that don’t align with who they are
How human design reveals your true leadership style—and how to work with it
The hidden cost of forcing your business to “work”
Why knowing yourself is the most underrated growth strategy
How to shift from proving energy into magnetic energy
The role of nervous system capacity in how much success you can actually hold
Why alignment doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing what’s right for you
Key takeaways:
"You’re not flaky—you’re just trying to force yourself into someone else’s strategy." "Success doesn’t require more effort. It requires more alignment." "You can’t lead others authentically if you don’t know how to lead yourself first."
✨ Playwork:
Reflect on this: Are you building from desire or proving? What would it look like to run your business in a way that feels like you—even if it goes against everything you've been taught?
This episode is for founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are done with hustle and ready to lead in a way that feels real, resonant, and rooted in self-trust.
Listen now and learn what happens when you finally stop forcing it—and start leading like yourself.
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Where to Find Elisa:
Instagram: @theelicanali
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisacanalicoaching/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase
Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
What if everything you’ve been told about success is actually holding you back?
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Nicole Gueorguieva, a holistic well-being and productivity coach, to talk about breaking free from hustle culture, redefining success, and building a career that doesn’t come at the cost of your mental health.
Nicole’s journey—from corporate climbing to startup burnout to rebuilding her life and business on her own terms—is something so many of us can relate to. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of overwork, guilt, and burnout, this conversation will make you rethink everything.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why hustle culture is so addictive—and how to break free from it
How Nicole went from corporate HR to startup burnout to coaching women on sustainable success
The signs of a dysregulated nervous system and how to heal from chronic stress
Why productivity doesn’t mean pushing harder—it means working smarter and honoring your energy
How to let go of the “all-or-nothing” mindset and actually stick to good habits
Memorable Moments:
“Burnout isn’t just about how much you work—it’s about the misalignment between what you do and who you are.”
“We glorify overworking, but at what cost? Joy, rest, and balance are just as important as achievement.”
“If success costs you your well-being, is it really success?”
Homework for Listeners:
Joy Challenge: Do one thing this week just for fun—no productivity, no end goal, just pure enjoyment.
Narrative Awareness: Next time something stressful happens, pause and notice what story you’re telling yourself about it. Is it helping you or holding you back?
This episode is for high achievers, recovering hustlers, and anyone looking to redefine what success truly means.
What’s one thing hustle culture has made you believe that you now question? Let’s talk.
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Where to Find Nicole:
Instagram: @soulfullynicole_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gueorguieva/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase
Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
What if the career, routine, and comfort zone you thought defined you were actually holding you back?
In this episode of The Ugly Phase (Business Savages), I sit down with Jarrod Evanyshyn, aka The Next Day Nomad, to discuss reinvention, resilience, and creating a freedom-based life. Jarrod walked away from the film industry, faced constant rejection, and realized he needed more control over his future. That led him to pivot into recruitment, remote work, and entrepreneurship, ultimately designing a career that fuels his love for travel and flexibility.
But this episode isn’t just about career changes—it’s about taking control of your life, work, and mindset to create something truly fulfilling.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🎯 Why leaving a “dream career” isn’t failure—it’s often the smartest move.
🎯 How rejection in acting prepared him for success in recruitment & business.
🎯 Are you built for a 9-to-5 or something different? How to know for sure.
🎯 The real future of work: Will traditional jobs even exist in 10 years?
🎯 How to know when it’s time to pivot—and why waiting for the ‘right time’ is a mistake.
🎯 Why getting comfortable with discomfort is the key to personal growth.
Memorable Moments:
✨ “Rejection is the best training you’ll ever get. You either let it break you or build you.”
✨ “There’s no perfect time. The perfect time was yesterday.”
✨ “If the thought of your obituary scares you, that’s your sign to start living differently.”
Action Step for Listeners:
Write your own obituary as if you died today. What would people say about you? Are you living the life you actually want? If not, what needs to change?
This episode is for entrepreneurs, career changers, and anyone feeling stuck or uninspired, wondering if there’s a better way to live and work. If you’ve ever thought about breaking free from the traditional career path, this conversation will give you the mindset shifts and strategies to make it happen.
Where to Find Jarrod
Instagram: @thenextdaynomad
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrodevanyshyn/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase
Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
What happens when the career you thought defined you gets taken away? Do you shrink back—or do you reinvent yourself?
In this episode of Business Savages, I sit down with J2—artist, speaker, coach, and videographer—who turned his biggest loss into his greatest opportunity. After getting fired from a job people would kill to have, J2 found himself at a crossroads. Instead of letting it break him, he used it as a chance to chase his real purpose.
From rebuilding confidence to pushing past fear, J2 shares what it really takes to own who you are—instead of trying to fit into someone else’s version of success.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
💡 Why losing his “dream job” was the best thing that ever happened to him
💡 The real reason you can’t stay stuck in one lane (even when people tell you to focus)
💡 How faith, purpose, and service fuel real confidence
💡 The power of just starting—before you feel “ready”
💡 Why helping others is the fastest way to find your own path
And some mic-drop moments you don’t want to miss:
✨ “Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting that you’ll figure it out.”
✨ “You can’t lead others if you don’t first believe in yourself.”
✨ “Nobody else can give you self-worth—you’ve got to claim it.”
This episode is for anyone who’s felt lost, doubted their path, or wondered if they have what it takes. J2 keeps it raw, real, and unfiltered—because sometimes, the only way forward is to stop overthinking and start doing.
What’s something you thought was a loss, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise? Drop it below in the comments! 👇
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Where to Find J2:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NhgY6AHxrWW1VaUSiKpPd?si=5C-dxVG3TaehddBWQuZApg
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/j-2/1552534612
Follow me on IG@olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
Website:https://olyagrovel.com/
In this episode ofBusiness Savages, I sit down with Niamh Donnelly, co-founder of Akara Robotics, to talk about her journey as a woman in mechanical engineering and robotics—two of the most male-dominated industries out there. From being one of only two women in her college class to pioneering robotic disinfection technology for hospitals, Niamh shares the challenges, wins, and lessons she’s learned along the way.
We dive into how growing up with an engineer father shaped her early curiosity, why embracing discomfort became one of her greatest assets, and how she’s navigating the startup world while advocating for more diversity in STEM.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
🔑 Why being one of the only women in the room became Niamh’s superpower
🔑 The real challenges women face in engineering & how to push through them
🔑 How mentors (even unofficial ones) play a role in career growth
🔑 Why diversity in engineering & robotics is still a challenge—and how to change it
🔑 The surprising struggles of bringing robotics into healthcare
But this conversation isn’t just about STEM—it’s about resilience, growth, and redefining what’s possible:
✨ “Being uncomfortable became my advantage—it prepared me for entrepreneurship.”
✨ “Women in engineering are often subtly guided toward ‘easier’ fields. That needs to change.”
✨ “I spent six months in a nursing home testing our robot—turns out, older adults love technology.”
From tackling imposter syndrome to breaking into industries where women are underrepresented, Niamh’s insights are both eye-opening and inspiring.
Homework for Listeners:🔍 Research a woman in STEM from your local area or country. Learn about her contributions, and take a moment to appreciate the impact of women in science and engineering.
Where to Find Niamh & Akara Robotics:
🌐 Website: akara.ai
📩 Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-donnelly-akara-robotics/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
Website:https://olyagrovel.com/
Think LinkedIn is just a job board or a platform for endless self-promotion? Think again. In this episode of Business Savages, I sit down with Abbey Naylor, a LinkedIn personal branding coach who helps professionals transform their relationship with the platform.
Abbey shares her journey from HR and recruitment to coaching entrepreneurs, and she gets real about what it takes to build a sustainable personal brand. Whether you’re starting a side hustle, growing a business, or simply trying to stand out, this episode is packed with actionable tips and powerful insights.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
🔑 Personal branding doesn’t mean sharing your entire life—it’s about intentional storytelling (05:21).
🔑 You can’t be for everyone—if you try, you’ll be for no one
🔑 How to align your LinkedIn content strategy with your goals
🔑 Your LinkedIn headline isn’t just a title—it’s your first chance to stand out
🔑 Why mindset work is the foundation of personal and professional growth
But it’s not just about strategy—Abbey gets real about the struggles behind the scenes:✨ “Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means you care about getting it right.” ✨ “Motherhood redefines you—but so does entrepreneurship.” ✨ “Stop trying to fix yourself—start understanding why you are the way you are.”
From tackling imposter syndrome to understanding the power of your own story, Abbey’s candid advice will inspire you to stop chasing algorithms and start focusing on what truly matters: building a personal brand that feels like you.
Follow Abbey on IG @_boldmood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-naylor/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavagesWebsite:https://olyagrovel.com/
Get ready for an honest and empowering discussion with Alexis Charkiw, founder of Right Click Accountancy and a mom of twins.
In this heartfelt episode of Business Savages, Alexis shares her transformative journey from a corporate career to launching her own thriving accountancy firm. What started as a business born out of necessity became a pathway for rediscovering herself, especially after navigating the challenges of IVF, postpartum depression, and balancing motherhood.
Through candid reflections, Alexis opens up about losing and rebuilding her identity, integrating her love for finances with her role as a parent, and finding purpose through her business. Together with Olya Grovel, they dive into the realities of being a working mom, the importance of financial confidence, and the value of a strong community for personal and professional growth.
This episode is for anyone juggling life’s complexities, especially moms and entrepreneurs, offering relatable insights and practical advice for creating a life you truly love.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to transition from a corporate identity to rediscovering your personal and professional purpose.
Why starting a business out of necessity can spark unexpected passion and opportunity.
Realistic ways to balance work and family life without striving for perfection.
The fundamentals of financial confidence for small business owners, from bookkeeping to cash flow.
How to find and cultivate a supportive community that aligns with your values and goals.
Follow Alexis on IG @alexis_rightclick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charkiwalexis/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
Website:https://olyagrovel.com/
In this episode ofBusiness Savages, Olya Grovel interviews Gary Rankin, a life and mindset coach, about his transformative journey from depression and self-doubt to becoming a thriving entrepreneur. Gary shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from hitting rock bottom after a breakup to finding his calling through a self-help book. They discuss the importance of physical health, emotional resilience, and living in alignment with core personal values. Tune in to hear Gary’s honest and inspiring story, as well as actionable tips for designing a fulfilling life and business.
Learning Takeaways:
The Power of Rock Bottom as a Catalyst:Understand how hitting rock bottom can ignite a journey of self-discovery and change.
Physical Health as a Foundation for Success:Explore how prioritizing physical well-being impacts mental clarity, energy, and overall resilience.
Discovering Your Core Values:Learn how identifying personal values helps shape a meaningful and fulfilling life and career.
The Importance of Flexibility and Self-Care:Recognize how self-discipline balanced with self-compassion leads to sustainable progress.
Overcoming Challenges as an Entrepreneur:Gain insights into navigating self-doubt, societal expectations, and personal struggles while growing a business.
Homework:
Define Your Core Values:Spend 20–30 minutes reflecting on what matters most to you. Write down your top five core values and consider how they align with your current lifestyle and goals.
Create a Vision Aligned with Your Values:Envision a fulfilling life centered around your core values. Outline specific steps to integrate these values into your daily habits and professional goals.
Reframe Priorities:Reassess your time management by replacing the phrase “I don’t have time for this” with “I’m not prioritizing this.” Notice how it shifts your perspective and decision-making.
Introduce Flexibility to Your Routine:Identify one habit or routine where you can adopt a more balanced and flexible approach. For example, adjust your dietary habits to focus on sustainability rather than strict perfection.
Reach Out for Support:If coaching interests you, research or connect with a coach who aligns with your goals. Use the opportunity to gain clarity and actionable steps toward your vision.
Follow Gary on IG @garyrankin_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rankin/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
Website:https://olyagrovel.com/
In this episode of Business Savages, Olya Grovel is joined by Olga Zippa, founder of Next Day Executive, who shares her transformative journey from aspiring actress to a globetrotting entrepreneur specializing in business operations and systems. Olga delves into the lessons she learned from years of resilience-building, overcoming rejection, and finding clarity in chaos. She provides actionable strategies for solopreneurs and business owners to create efficient systems, reduce overwhelm, and achieve true work-life balance. Discover how Olga has helped businesses save time, boost efficiency, and regain control of their lives without sacrificing success.
Learning Takeaways:
Building Resilience through Rejection: Olga shares how years of rejection in her acting career built the resilience that drives her success in business today.
Efficient Systems for Business Growth: Learn how implementing project and client management systems can save hours each week and improve work-life balance.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Understand the role of preparation and mindset shifts in battling imposter syndrome and regaining confidence.
Delegation and Automation: Olga explains the importance of identifying tasks you dislike and either automating or delegating them to focus on impactful work.
The Power of Intentionality: Discover how being intentional with time and resources leads to sustainable growth and personal fulfillment.
Homework:
Audit Your Tasks: Write down your weekly tasks and identify what brings you joy and what doesn’t. For tasks you dislike, brainstorm ways to automate or delegate them.
Track Your Time: For one week, track how you spend your working hours. At the end of the week, identify areas where time could be used more efficiently.
Plan Ahead: Set aside 30 minutes to outline your tasks for the next week, ensuring you prioritize impactful activities and prepare adequately for upcoming challenges.
Reflect on Resilience: Recall a recent challenge you overcame and write about how it has strengthened your ability to face future obstacles.
Start with One System: Choose one area of your business (e.g., client onboarding, email responses, or project tracking) and research a tool or system to simplify it. Implement it this week.
Follow Olga on IG @nextday.executive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgazippa/
IG: @olyagrovelofficial
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
Website: https://olyagrovel.com/
In this episode of Business Savages, host Olya Grovel welcomes Pavlo Pedenko, co-founder of the STEM tutoring platform Mathema.me. Pavlo shares his journey from Ukraine to building a thriving ed-tech startup, revealing the unexpected hurdles of scaling a business in different cultural and economic landscapes. They discuss the importance of emotional and financial runway for entrepreneurs, the highs and lows of startup life, and the lessons learned from navigating crises like the war in Ukraine. Pavlo also explores his nonlinear career path and how his diverse experiences shaped his resilience as a founder.
Learning Takeaways:
Understanding Your Runway: Learn why maintaining a personal and emotional runway is as critical as securing a financial runway for your business.
Scaling Across Cultures: Pavlo shares lessons from expanding into new markets and the unexpected challenges of addressing local needs.
Impact over Busyness: Discover why true progress matters more than appearing busy in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.
The Value of Gratitude: Pavlo’s exercise of daily gratitude offers a mental reset, even amidst high-stress environments.
Commitment as a Superpower: The importance of persevering through the tough moments without searching for shortcuts.
Homework:
Emotional Check-In: Assess your personal and emotional runway. Write down what’s fueling your energy and what’s draining it, then make one change to prioritize your well-being.
Gratitude Practice: For the next week, write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Reflect on how this shifts your mindset.
Impact Audit: Track your daily activities and assess if they’re leading to meaningful progress or just keeping you busy. Eliminate at least one task that doesn’t contribute to your goals.
Cultural Exploration: Research a market or audience you’re unfamiliar with and write down three unique characteristics or needs that could shape your approach.
Follow Pavlo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlo-pedenko-7a02061b/
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In this episode of Business Savages, Olya sits down with Alberto Zandi, co-founder of Emerald Hospitality Group, to discuss his journey from a young strategy consultant to establishing a thriving hospitality business with his twin brother. Alberto opens up about the unexpected hurdles of the restaurant industry, the importance of adaptability, and the unique dynamics of co-founding a business with family. He also shares key insights into finding purpose, embracing failures as learning experiences, and building resilience in a high-stakes environment. This conversation uncovers the gritty realities of scaling a hospitality group while staying true to personal happiness and purpose.
Learning Takeaways:
Family as Business Partners: Working with a family member, especially a twin, can streamline decision-making but requires clear role separation to avoid conflicts that may affect both business and personal relationships.
Balancing Stubbornness and Open-mindedness: Alberto shares the importance of striking a balance between perseverance and flexibility to respond to market feedback, which he views as crucial for any entrepreneur.
Failing Forward: Early failures, from missteps in business model alignment to underperforming locations, taught him invaluable lessons about customer psychology and market adaptability. Embracing these failures paved the way for long-term success.
Building Confidence for Resilience: Alberto emphasizes that self-confidence is key, especially in challenging industries, and that physical exercise is a practical method to cultivate this mindset.
Focus on Core Strengths: Success doesn’t come from doing everything. Zandi advises prioritizing tasks that truly drive growth rather than simply staying busy—a lesson he believes every founder should internalize.
Homework:
Start Small with Exercise for Confidence: Dedicate a few days a week to consistent physical exercise to build confidence, which can translate into business resilience.
List Your Interests and Potential Market Gaps: Spend 30 minutes jotting down personal interests, then brainstorm how these could fill a market gap. Choose one idea to explore further.
Empower Someone on Your Team: If you manage others, identify a person who may benefit from more responsibility. Grant them creative freedom on a small project and offer supportive guidance.
Practice Focused Efforts: Choose one task or project to pursue deeply this week rather than multitasking. Track its progress and assess how focusing impacts quality and results.
Assess Purpose in Your Projects: Evaluate whether current projects or goals are genuinely fulfilling. If they aren’t, consider ways to pivot towards work that aligns better with your sense of purpose.
Closing Reflection Question:Reflect on this: Are you mistaking movement for progress? Remember to focus on quality and meaningful results over mere activity to avoid burnout and achieve true growth.
Follow Alberto's here:
https://www.instagram.com/30tofficial/
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https://olyagrovel.com/https://www.instagram.com/olyagrovelofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages
In this episode of Business Savages, Olya Grovel hosts Neyla Merheb, a venture capitalist with global experience across New York, Dubai, and Paris, to discuss navigating the male-dominated finance and investment industries. Neyla shares her journey from trading floors to venture capital, emphasizing the importance of confidence, boundary-setting, and resilience. She dives into the unique dynamics women face in the workplace, the need for empathy in leadership, and the thin line between confidence and ego in founders. This insightful conversation offers an honest look at the challenges and advantages of being a woman in high-stakes finance, with practical advice for all entrepreneurs.
Learning Takeaways:
Confidence vs. Ego in Leadership: Neyla explains the importance of discerning between confidence and ego, especially in founders, as a predictor of sustainable business growth and team cohesion.
Boundary-Setting in Professional Relationships: Neyla highlights how setting personal and professional boundaries, such as limiting personal contact through work platforms, can protect one’s peace and maintain professionalism.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Learn how women in leadership can leverage empathy to create healthier workplaces and foster constructive feedback dynamics.
Self-Evaluation in Gender Dynamics: Neyla challenges listeners to examine whether the challenges they experience are truly external or if internalized narratives may be holding them back, urging listeners to adopt an empowered mindset.
Workplace Competition and Empowerment: Neyla and Olya discuss intra-gender competition, highlighting the need to shift from a competitive to a collaborative mindset in women-dominated spaces.
Homework:
In this episode of Business Savages, I interview Tom Cullen, founder of Zoplo, a Gen Z opinion-sharing app. Tom candidly shares his path from a career in investment banking to launching a startup, highlighting the crucial lessons from failure that no one talks about. He opens up about the personal challenges of being an entrepreneur, the fear of quitting his stable job, and how embracing failure helped him find success. Tom also dives into his growth strategies, including leveraging humor in branding and organic growth through TikTok, as well as how personal relationships shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. This episode sheds light on what it really takes to build a successful business, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures.
Learning Takeaways:
1. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone: Tom emphasizes that failure isn’t the end, but a critical part of the journey to success. Learn why failing first can often be the best lesson.
2. Finding Success Through Authenticity: Discover how Tom uses humor and authentic communication in his marketing to build a connection with his Gen Z audience.
3. The Fear Factor: Learn how to overcome the fear of leaving security behind and taking risks for your startup dreams.
4. Building Without Burnout: Tom shares how focusing on personal relationships and balance is key to long-term success and fulfillment in the startup world.
5. Organic Growth on a Budget: Get insights into how Tom grew his app to 76,000 downloads without a marketing budget
Homework:
1. Take Action on an Intimidating Goal:
Identify a big goal that feels overwhelming. Break it down into small, achievable steps, and commit to taking action on the first step this week.
2. Post a Piece of Content:
Whether it's on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok, post something you've been hesitant to share. Don't worry about perfection—focus on getting it out there.
3. Call Your Parents:
Take time today to call your parents or someone close to you and thank them for their support. Let them know how much you appreciate their presence in your life.
4. Help a Fellow Entrepreneur:
Find a small business or startup you admire and support them in a tangible way. Whether it’s by purchasing a product, sharing their work on social media, or offering advice, your support can make a big difference.
5. Reflect on Fear of Failure:
Take a few minutes to write down one of your biggest fears when it comes to pursuing your goals. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Then list reasons why that fear might not be as scary as it seems.