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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Stephanie Sy, founder and CEO of Thinking Machines, to unpack her journey from Stanford and Silicon Valley to building one of the Philippines’ leading AI and data science companies. Stephanie shares how her early startup attempts and time at Google shaped her hustle, why she made the leap back home to start from scratch, and what it took to grow Thinking Machines in a market that was still new to data science. She also gets real about the challenges of building an AI team in a resource-constrained environment, the scrappy moves that helped them thrive, and how purpose-driven projects are helping shape the future of tech in Southeast Asia.
Learn more about Stephanie Sy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefsy
Website: https://thinkingmachin.es/
Links/Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Jake Go, Founder and CEO of Springboard Philippines, to trace his path from coasting through a dead-end dev job to running one of the country’s most resilient niche staffing firms. He shares how lessons from his grandma’s tiny Recto canteen stuck with him, the career-shaping mentorship he got at Kalibrr, and the leap into entrepreneurship that saw him earn back his first investment in six months—completely bootstrapped. Jake talks about winning boardroom deals as a baby-faced 23-year-old, how teaming up with his wife brought a much-needed dose of frugality, and why balancing “push” and “pull” has kept Springboard profitable for over a decade. He also opens up about teaching at La Salle, mentoring students, and the leadership shifts that turned him from a people-pleasing founder into a decisive, purpose-driven leader.
Resources:
Email: jake@springboardph.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaakego
Website: https://springboard.com.ph & https://speedregalo.com
Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Bimbo Adewoyin, founder and CTO of Doublesquare Networks Inc., to talk about how he went from installing DIY wireless setups in college to leading a nationwide tech company. Bimbo shares how growing up in Nigeria shaped his work ethic, how he adjusted to life in Bicol, and how he hustled his way into city-wide projects—all while figuring things out on his own. He also talks about building a team, learning the ropes of government procurement, and how PLDT Enterprise helped them grow through the toughest moments of the pandemic.
Resources:
Official Website:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimboblade
Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
PLDT Enterprise: https://pldtenterprise.com
- MSME Fiberbiz - https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-fiberbiz
- 5G SIM Only - https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-smart-postpaid
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jessica Ouano of Kinabuhi and Nikki Sevilla of EcoNest Philippines sit down for a real, no-frills conversation on building businesses that put people and the planet first. From crafting handwoven fashion with artisan weavers to producing cassava-based bioplastics for everyday packaging, they share how personal values—and frustrations—turned into sustainable ventures. With support from Villgro Philippines, they talk about the highs and lows of bootstrapping, what it really takes to get quality and pricing right, and why staying mission-driven matters when things get tough. It’s a story about making room for impact, one challenge at a time.
Resources:
LinkedIn (Jessica Ouano): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-ouano-433321180
Website (Kinabuhi): https://www.kinabuhi.com
LinkedIn (Nikki Sevilla): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkisevilla2018
Website (EcoNest Philippines): https://www.econestph.com
Links/Sponsors:
Villgro Philippines: https://villgrophilippines.org/
Paymongo: https://www.paymongo.com/
GoTyme Bank: https://www.gotyme.com.ph/
SeekCap: https://www.seekcap.ph/
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Alex de Leon, Group VP of Marketing at PropertyGuru, to unpack the wild journey that took him from tinkering with computers in Manila to working at Google in Silicon Valley—and eventually marketing for one of Southeast Asia's biggest proptech companies. Alex shares how growing up between cultures shaped his hustle, what working three jobs in college taught him about grit, and why it took 26 tries before he finally landed at Google. He also gets real about what it’s like starting from customer support, how being a generalist became his edge in tech, and why building from scratch in the Philippines was the most career-defining move he made.
Resources:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermdeleon
Website:
https://www.propertygurugroup.com/
Links/Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Juvien Galano of Dewaste Solutions and Pamela Mejia of PAMMÉ join the show for a heartfelt, funny, and no-holds-barred conversation on building businesses with real purpose. From growing up beside rivers filled with garbage and surviving private school on a tight budget, to turning plastic waste into fashion pieces that sell in Rockwell and building waste systems from the ground up—they share how their personal stories shaped their paths. With support from Villgro Philippines, they talk about winning grants, bouncing back from big setbacks, and why relationships matter. It’s a story of grit, growth, and going back to your roots to create real change.
Resources:
LinkedIn (Juvien Galano): https://www.linkedin.com/in/juvien
Website (Dewaste Solutions): https://www.dewaste.solutions
LinkedIn (Pamela Mejia): https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepamelamejia
Website (PAMMÉ): https://thepamme.com
Links/Sponsors:
Villgro Philippines: https://villgrophilippines.org/
Paymongo: https://www.paymongo.com/
GoTyme Bank: https://www.gotyme.com.ph/
SeekCap: https://www.seekcap.ph/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Gerard John Deriada and Kareen Grace Lacorte of Agri Exim Global Philippines to talk about how they helped grow an organic agriculture company from a small 10-person team in Davao to over 1,000 employees across the country. Kareen shares how she stumbled into HR and built a career on empathy, grit, and a willingness to figure things out on her own, while Gerard looks back on the scrappy early days of wearing multiple hats and helping build systems from scratch. They get real about the challenges of hiring and retention, scaling with purpose, and staying aligned with a bigger mission. We also dive into how PLDT Enterprise helped power their digital transformation and kept them connected through the toughest moments of the pandemic. If you’re in the thick of building something meaningful, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons you’ll want to hear.
Resources:
Official Website: https://agrieximorganic.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriexim/posts/?feedView=all
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agrieximorganic
This episode is brought to you by:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
PLDT Enterprise: https://pldtenterprise.com
- MSME Fiberbiz - https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-fiberbiz
- 5G SIM Only - https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-smart-postpaid
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jovy Gill of Altilium Green Energy and Cecilia Miranda of IslaTech sit down for a raw, inspiring conversation on building businesses that stay rooted in purpose. From turning pineapple waste into fabric to powering off-grid communities with smart batteries, they share how their paths—shaped by family, failure, and full-circle moments—led to ventures that serve both people and planet. They also talk about the slow, quiet grind before markets catch up and what it takes to juggle leadership. With backing from Villgro Philippines, they’re proving that you don’t have to leave to make a difference—and that the best solutions are built with community from day one.
Resources:
LinkedIn (Jovy Gill): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovygill
Website (Altium Green Energy): https://www.altiliumgreen.energy/
Website (Isla-Tek): https://isla-tek.com
Links/Sponsors:
Villgro Philippines: https://villgrophilippines.org/
Paymongo: https://www.paymongo.com/
GoTyme Bank: https://www.gotyme.com.ph/
SeekCap: https://www.seekcap.ph/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare – Emil Eriksen is the founder of &you—a digital health platform built to meet the everyday needs of Filipinos through online consultations, expert care, and discreet nationwide delivery. With a vision to build a fully localized, end-to-end healthcare system tailored for Southeast Asia, Emil shares how &you is redefining access to care—starting in the Philippines. From early startup wins in Europe to costly missteps with a legacy brand, Emil reflects on the highs and lows that shaped his journey. Discover why he walked away from partnerships, how he scaled fast as a solo founder, and what it takes to build a high-growth company designed for emerging markets.
Resources:
LinkedIn (Emil Eriksen) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileriksenandyou/
LinkedIn (&you): https://www.linkedin.com/company/andyouph/
Website: https://andyou.ph/
Links/Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Carlyn Gabon, founder and CEO of GetYourVisa, about how her personal struggles with immigration led her to build a startup tackling the visa process. From hustling barbecues as a kid in Quezon City to leading regional ops at Grab, Carlyn shares how her drive and clarity of purpose shaped her journey. She talks about losing her job during the pandemic, lining up at 5 a.m. outside immigration offices, and why she took the leap into entrepreneurship through the Antler program. If you’ve ever dealt with visa stress—or thought about building something global—this one’s for you.
“If this is already happening to me and to these people who have the good background and we still have to go through this, what about the rest of the people? That was when I told myself... I just want to make it easier for people coming after me.”
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyngabon
Website: https://getyourvisa.app
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getyourvisa.app
Links/Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Listen to our brand new podcast: Founders Only HERE
Diamond Supporters: Sarisuki, PayMongo, SeekCap, Shoppable Business, Qapita, GoTyme Bank, Sprout Solutions, UNO Digital Bank
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Gillian Santos, co-founder and CEO of AniTech, and Neil Kho, co-founder of Arka, join the Founders Only podcast to share how they turned research backgrounds and last-minute grant wins into real, working agri-tech startups. They talk about the hustle of building in a close-knit industry, earning trust from the ground up, and why working in agriculture isn’t just about deploying tech—it’s about solving real-world problems with people, persistence, and a whole lot of heart. With support from Villgro Philippines, they’re proving that collaboration—not competition—is what will move the industry forward.
"It all comes back to what you don't measure, you don't know. And what you don't know, you can't solve." – Gillian Santos
Resources:
LinkedIn (Gillian Santos): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-santos-3aa1ba115
Website (AniTech): https://www.anihan.tech
LinkedIn (Neil Kho): https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkho
Website (Arka Inc.): https://arka.asia
Links/Sponsors:
Villgro Philippines: https://villgrophilippines.org/
Paymongo: https://www.paymongo.com/
GoTyme Bank: https://www.gotyme.com.ph/
SeekCap: https://www.seekcap.ph/
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Listen to our brand new podcast: Founders Only HERE
Diamond Supporters: Sarisuki, PayMongo, SeekCap, Shoppable Business, Qapita, GoTyme Bank, Sprout Solutions, UNO Digital Bank
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Mr. Michael Sta. Maria, the dynamic President and CEO of Northeast Business Solution, Inc. — a company at the forefront of digital transformation and business optimization in the Philippines.
Michael shares the inspiring story behind Northeast Business Solutions, Inc.: how it grew from a promising concept into a trusted provider of software solutions for companies across various industries. With a strong focus on innovation, client service, and operational excellence, he walks us through the company’s evolution, its key milestones, and the challenges he faced as a leader navigating today’s fast-changing digital landscape.
This episode also explores how Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. has harnessed the power of technology — including strategic partnerships with digital providers like PLDT Enterprise — to deliver smarter, scalable, and future-ready solutions to clients. A must-listen for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and executives looking to lead with vision, agility, and purpose in the digital era.
This episode is brought to you by Onecfo PH and PLDT Enterprise.
PLDT Enterprise:
- MSME Fiberbiz - https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-fiberbiz
- 5G SIM Only - https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-smart-postpaid
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Dan Gonzales and Earl Valencia, co-authors of Startup Mindsets, to unpack the emotional and mental journey of building startups especially through the lens of the Filipino experience. Dan, a Filipino-American writer with a tech background, reflects on his path from tech skeptic to ecosystem builder, while Earl, a pioneer of the Philippine startup ecosystem and co-founder of IdeaSpace, shares how a billion-peso fund came to life after a bold pitch to MVP. They dive into the irrational realities of entrepreneurship, the truth about failure and regret, and why mindset—not just execution—is what defines success. Packed with grit, vulnerability, and decades of hard-won wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of starting something meaningful.
Resources:
Earl Valencia (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/earlvalencia
Dan Gonzales (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangonzales1/
Website: https://www.startupmindsets.com/book
Fullybooked: https://fullybookedonline.com/book-business-startup-mindsets-paperback-by-earl-valencia.html
Hustleshare Ep. 4 – The Hustle of Incubating Innovation: https://www.hustleshare.com/episodes/earlvalencia-ideaspace-podcast
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Luis Mesina and Marilen Yap, the visionary founders and owners of Cake2Go. A homegrown cake brand that redefined convenience and taste in the Philippines long before online delivery was mainstream. From humble beginnings in a side porch with a borrowed oven, to running 18 stores and pioneering the takeout cake model, Luis and Marilen share their incredible 20-year journey filled with grit, innovation, and heart. This episode also talks about thriving during the pandemic, passing the torch to the next generation, and how tech—especially digital solutions from PLDT Enterprise—has helped them grow in the digital era.
Resources:
Website: https://cake2go.com.ph
This episode is brought to you by Onecfo PH and PLDT Enterprise (MSME FiberBiz & %G SIM Only Plans)
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we talk with Ben Alderson—startup mentor, angel investor, and founder of BA Mentor, a platform supporting early-stage founders with practical, no-fluff guidance. With a career spanning engineering, management consulting, startup founding, and venture capital, Ben unpacks the uncommon path that gave him a uniquely grounded lens for helping founders succeed. He shares hard truths about fundraising in the Philippines, the difference between real traction and noise, and why execution—not theory—separates the winners. Candid, deeply tactical, and full of firsthand insights, this is a must-listen for any founder serious about making better decisions, faster.
“I don't promote burnout culture. You've got to have a little bit of an outlet and you've got to be able to stay healthy. But you have to be obsessed with the problem and you have to be obsessed with the customer. And you have to prioritize the most important activities at the right stage of your growth journey.”
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-alderson-mentor
Website: https://www.bamentor.online/
Links/Sponsors:
OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/
Lark: https://www.larksuite.com/referral/a/hello_zgw24t
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO, and Lark.
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Listen to our brand new podcast: Founders Only HERE
Diamond Supporters: Sarisuki, PayMongo, SeekCap, Shoppable Business, Qapita, GoTyme Bank, Sprout Solutions, UNO Digital Bank
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we talk with Joseph De Leon—partner at Gravitas Prime, founding member of MAIN (Manila Angel Investors Network), and a cornerstone of the Philippine startup ecosystem. JDL shares his fascinating path from global ad strategist to M&A advisor, and how his eclectic background helped him shape a uniquely sharp lens for evaluating startups. He breaks down the realities of angel investing, why most founders miss the mark on valuation and ambition, and what it really takes to build a world-class business from the Philippines. Packed with wit, frameworks, and brutally honest insights, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about turning hustle into lasting value.
Are you looking to learn more about your transactional superpowers?
https://quiz.influentialu.biz/
JDL negotiated a special rate for the Philippines for their self-guided training program (PHP 125/month instead of $125) https://influentialu.store/collections/courses
Are you a founder wanted to turn your idea into an investible startup?
Apply for the next Founder Institute Philippines cohort https://fi.co/philippines (early application deadline July 27, 2025)
Would you like to be part of making the Philippine startup ecosystem world-class?
- Join the Philippines largest and most active angel investor network as an investor https://www.main.ph/memberships
- If your startup has a Philippine nexus, paying customers and is ready for expansion, apply for our next pitch night https://www.main.ph/contact
Schedule a Discovery Call with JDL to help prepare your business for scale or sale https://www.bulletday.com/about.html
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
For show notes, go to Hustleshare.com
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we welcome Shumate Royo, a passionate educator-turned-ecosystem-builder whose journey redefines what it means to lead with purpose. From her humble beginnings as a history teacher with a heart for youth empowerment, Shumate takes us through her incredible transition into entrepreneurship—co-founding one of the Philippines’ first community-driven coworking spaces, The Office Project. Now a central figure in building the Philippine startup ecosystem, Shumate reflects on her time leading DevCon, contributing to national innovation policy, and mentoring future founders. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the unshakeable value of staying true to your mission. Whether you're a founder, educator, or advocate for innovation, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights and heartfelt lessons you won’t want to miss.
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
For show notes, go to Hustleshare.com
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Hustleshare, we welcome Nichel Gaba, the founder and CEO of PDAX, a groundbreaking cryptocurrency exchange in the Philippines. Nichel takes us on his remarkable journey from a risk-averse banking professional at HSBC to a trailblazer in the crypto space. He shares his insights on the evolution of the Philippine startup ecosystem, the importance of timing in entrepreneurship, and the unique regulatory landscape that supports innovation. With a passion for making crypto accessible to Filipinos, Nichel discusses the challenges of fundraising, building a resilient team, and navigating the complexities of the fintech industry. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a crypto enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of finance, this episode is filled with valuable lessons and inspiring stories that you won't want to miss!
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
For show notes, go to Hustleshare.com
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Josiah Go, Chairman of Mansmith and Fielders and a pioneer in business model innovation, shares his journey from hustling at a machine shop during college to building multiple successful businesses and training thousands of entrepreneurs. In this season premiere of Hustleshare, Josiah opens up about the lessons from his father that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, the power of sacrificing weekends for knowledge, and why understanding business models, not just marketing, is crucial for success. He dives deep into value chains, innovation, and avoiding the "law of foolish fellowship." Whether you're building your first startup, scaling a business, or simply curious about how true business mastery is forged, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
For show notes, go to Hustleshare.com
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
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Alwyn Rosel, the new Executive Director of IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Navotas to becoming a key builder of the Philippine startup ecosystem. In this episode, she reflects on her early hustle in the BPO industry, her crash course in startups through DOST and AIM, and the passion that fuels her work today. Alwyn opens up about the power of community and the importance of humility and relationships. If you’re curious about ecosystem-building, inclusive innovation, or what it really takes to lead with impact, this episode is filled with insights you won’t want to miss.
This episode is brought to you by OneCFO
For show notes, go to Hustleshare.com
Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
