In this special episode, the tables turn as It’s Preeti Personal host Preeti interviews Krishana Agarwal, founder of Kasa Café & Kasa Connect, about her powerful journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship.
Krishana opens up about the emotional and practical realities of leaving a stable job, navigating loneliness, and learning to trust herself while building Kasa — a café and community hub in Fitzrovia, London, designed to bring together founders, creatives, and dreamers.
They discuss manifestation, representation, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. From almost selling the café to turning it into a thriving creative hub, this conversation explores what it really takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.
(00:00) Burnout & leaving corporate life
(00:33) Preeti introduces It’s Preeti Personal
(01:47) Shared experiences & South Asian representation
(02:20) Dreams of opening a café
(02:45) Krishana’s corporate path & Covid impact
(04:24) Manifestation & journaling her new vision
(06:13) Studying entrepreneurship at Imperial College
(07:58) Finding & transforming the Kasa Café location
(09:10) Family influence & early plans in India
(11:15) Barista training, licensing & renovations
(13:20) Team building & leadership lessons
(15:35) Gaining confidence as a solo founder
(17:04) The loneliness of entrepreneurship
(18:23) Early struggles & doubts post-launch
(20:31) Competition & emotional resilience
(22:58) Nearly selling the café
(24:34) Breakthrough: the event that changed everything
(25:15) Manifestation realised through Kasa events
(27:13) Community power & loyal customers
(28:27) Collaboration over competition
(29:43) Overcoming shyness & building confidence
(31:52) Creating Kasa Connect
(33:49) Growing the podcast into a platform
(34:10) Advice to her younger self
(36:14) Separating identity from business
(37:37) Building a home away from home
(38:03) Gratitude & closing thoughts
From Mumbai’s slums to managing $50M ad campaigns at Google — Danish Bagadia’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless growth.
In this episode of Kasa Connect, Danish shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Mumbai to becoming a senior marketing executive at Google. He opens up about the company’s culture, the meaning of “Googliness,” and how data-driven decision-making shaped his leadership style.
Now based in Dubai as the founder of Sooper Labs, Danish helps businesses and professionals harness AI to scale and adapt in the digital era.
This episode dives into lessons on risk-taking, overcoming fear, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, and embracing the future of AI — all while staying true to your passions and values.
(00:00) Growing up in Mumbai & Journey to Google
(01:08) First Impressions of Google’s Culture
(03:20) Managing $50 Million in Ad Spend
(04:59) What “Googliness” Really Means
(08:29) Risk-Taking & Lessons from the Hiring Process
(09:33) Inside Google’s Leadership and Feedback Culture
(13:17) Handling Failure and Turning It Into Growth
(16:09) Making Family Proud: His Biggest Achievements
(18:01) Why He Left Google & Moved to Dubai
(20:35) Starting Over as an Entrepreneur
(22:04) AI Consulting & Promoting AI Literacy
(22:55) Why Danish Chose to Focus on AI
(23:54) The Irreplaceable Power of Human Imagination
(24:42) How to Use AI Effectively (Like an Intern)
(27:37) Favourite AI Tools & Building a Personal Stack
(29:12) Redefining Work-Life Balance After Corporate
(31:33) Coffee Chat & Personal Connections
(32:54) POP: Passion, Optimism, Perseverance
(34:00) Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Asti Wagner, CEO & Founder of Invyted 💌 and RMI 30 Under 30.
Asti shares her journey from being a food influencer at university to launching a tech startup that’s making influencer marketing simple, authentic, and scalable.
We cover:
The origins of Invyted and how a frustration as a creator sparked the idea.
How she scaled from early influencer sign-ups to brand partnerships.
Lessons in fundraising, team growth, and expanding into New York.
The future of influencer marketing, from authentic content to AI-powered creation.
Asti’s honest take on burnout, standing out as a founder, and why backing yourself matters.
In this episode, Tegan Broomfield, founder of Evntful, joins Kasa Connect to talk about her mission to make dating safer, more meaningful, and genuinely enjoyable. After leaving her corporate career at PwC, Tegan founded Eventful — a new kind of dating app that focuses on real-life experiences rather than endless swiping and shallow conversations.
She opens up about her personal motivation for building Eventful, the challenges of being a female founder, and how the app’s safety features and community focus are reshaping modern dating culture.
We also discuss Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic, fundraising hurdles, and the power of shared experiences in creating authentic connections.
If you’ve ever felt burnt out by dating apps, this episode might just change your mind about what dating could look like.
(00:00) Dating App Frustrations & Safety Concerns
(01:03) Introducing Eventful: A New Approach to Dating
(01:42) How Eventful Differs from Other Apps
(02:22) The Decline of Real-Life Boldness
(02:58) How Dating Apps Profit from Keeping You Online
(04:01) What Inspired Tegan to Build Eventful
(04:32) Safety Features That Set Eventful Apart
(05:50) Partnering with Venues for Safety & Perks
(07:43) From PwC to Startup Founder
(08:41) Lessons Learned as a First-Time Founder
(09:40) How Eventful Matches People by Interests
(11:09) Dating App Stats & Gender Dynamics
(12:59) Reframing Dating Expectations
(13:56) Red Flag or Green Flag Game
(14:45) Early User Feedback & Event Highlights
(15:47) Media Exposure & Changing Dating Habits
(17:13) Why Activity-Based Dates Work Better
(18:17) Balancing Fun & Authenticity in Dating
(20:02) Fundraising & Challenges for Female Founders
(21:17) Building a Community Around Shared Interests
(22:27) Upcoming Features & Profile Sharing
(23:17) Making Dating Safe, Pressure-Free & Fun
(25:00) Finding Advisors & Networking for Growth
(26:47) Loneliness, Gen Z & Real Connection
(28:50) Expansion Plans & Listening to Feedback
(30:02) Coffee Preferences & Life Advice
(31:23) Slowing Down, Creativity & Final Thoughts
Can AI empower people instead of replacing them?
In this episode, Mahdi Shariff — Co-founder of Humble AI and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree — joins Kasa Connect to discuss how artificial intelligence can be made accessible, ethical, and truly human-centred. Mahdi shares his journey from corporate consulting to launching a startup that helps anyone — even without technical skills — build their own AI tools.
He opens up about:
Real examples of AI transforming education and business
Lessons from launching startups across Asia and Europe
The ethics and environmental impact of AI
Why rest, empathy, and generosity matter as much as code
Whether you’re a student, founder, or future innovator — this episode will reshape how you see AI’s role in creativity and collaboration.
(00:00) Introduction to AI Beyond ChatGPT
(00:37) Meet Mahdi Shariff: Founder of Humble AI
(01:00) Explaining Humble AI Using Lego
(01:27) Case Study: AI in Education
(02:12) AI in Venture Capital and Business
(02:32) Mahdi’s Journey into AI
(03:31) Startup Challenges and Market Timing
(04:26) Mahdi’s Daily AI Tools
(04:42) The Ethics of AI Misuse
(06:10) When AI Replaces Real Human Interaction
(07:22) Using AI as a Creative Medium
(08:28) Teaching AI at University
(09:09) How Mahdi Got Involved in Education
(10:10) Can AI Hurt Critical Thinking?
(10:44) Learning AI and Understanding Its Limits
(12:22) Common AI Myths
(14:00) Advice for Founders Using AI
(15:32) The Meaning Behind “Humble AI”
(17:43) Lessons from a Failed Startup
(19:01) Why the Market Wasn’t Ready
(20:31) Book & Podcast Recommendations
(22:02) Obsessive Work Habits and Growth
(23:13) Exciting New Projects at Humble AI
(24:30) The Process of Building AI Tools
(27:25) Reducing AI’s Environmental Impact
(29:46) Advice for Students and Professionals
(32:26) Tools for Learning AI
(33:00) Democratising AI Knowledge
(33:42) The Power of Connection and Giving Back
(35:54) How to Connect with Mahdi
(36:39) Coffee or Juice? Mahdi’s Preferences
(37:11) The Best Advice Mahdi Ignored
(38:41) Episode Wrap-Up
Relationship and divorce coach Natasha joins Kasa Connect to share her journey and professional insights on love, dating, and modern relationships. She opens up about her own divorce, the stigma surrounding it, and how she turned her experience into a mission to help others build healthier connections.
We dive into tough topics—from dating apps, prenups, and conflict to balancing feminine and masculine energy, navigating cultural pressures, and why money conversations are non-negotiable before marriage.
Whether you’re single, dating, or married, Natasha’s unfiltered advice will challenge the way you think about love and inspire you to build stronger, more intentional relationships.
(00:00) Introduction and Natasha’s story
(01:07) How Natasha became a relationship coach
(03:05) Dating apps, self-sabotage & “the ick”
(06:21) Judgment on apps vs meeting people organically
(07:39) Manifestation & intentional dating
(09:59) Why couples should seek professional support
(11:19) Relationship trends: then vs now
(13:29) Top issues that break relationships: money, sex, conflict
(15:01) How to have difficult conversations before marriage
(17:31) Divorce stigma & compassion in coaching
(19:04) Solo parenting & Natasha’s biggest personal challenge
(20:29) Vulnerability & breaking the stigma of divorce
(22:15) Dating after divorce & being unapologetic
(24:36) Prenups & relationship “insurance”
(27:19) Monogamy as a social construct
(30:09) Polyamory, throuples & modern love models
(31:42) Red flags, instant gratification & social media impact
(35:09) Who should pay on the first date?
(39:13) Feminine vs masculine energy in business & love
(40:08) How to connect with Natasha
(41:03) Coffee, culture & personal quirks
(41:44) Natasha’s best advice: start investing
(43:02) Closing thoughts & wrap-up
We sit down with Kiara Rao, the 22-year-old co-founder of Trove Jewelry. What started as a pandemic hobby inspired by her grandmother has grown into a thriving brand with collaborations from ASOS and Nike.
Kiara opens up about balancing university, internships, and running a business, while sharing the real challenges of burnout, time management, and staying authentic. From nearly giving up to receiving the game-changing ASOS email, Kiara’s story is a raw and inspiring look at what it really takes to build a creative, community-driven brand.
Whether you’re a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about how small ideas can turn into big opportunities, this conversation will give you both inspiration and actionable takeaways.
(00:00) Big Brand Breakthroughs: Landing ASOS & Nike
(00:35) Introduction & guest overview
(01:02) First workshop at Casa Café
(02:07) Starting jewelry making during COVID
(03:00) Trove’s evolving business model
(04:02) From workshops to brand collaborations
(05:05) How the ASOS & Nike deals happened
(06:08) Pricing & valuing their work
(07:08) Building a mission-driven brand
(07:51) Meeting co-founder Amber
(09:43) Balancing co-founder roles
(10:39) Time management challenges
(11:06) A day in Kiara’s life
(11:48) Burnout & support systems
(12:34) The ASOS turning point
(14:19) Trove’s future plans
(15:26) Volunteering in Nepal
(16:36) Engineering studies meet jewelry making
(17:16) Facing age bias as a founder
(18:24) Staying authentic in business
(19:08) Balancing university & Trove
(20:25) Identity tied to business
(21:13) Building a brand beyond the founders
(22:13) Lessons from a VC internship
(22:59) The meaning of ‘Trove’
(24:00) Building community online & offline
(25:52) Social media & mental health
(27:08) Sticking to brand values
(27:45) Community-driven product ideas
(28:28) Keeping products accessible
(29:02) Connecting with Trove
(29:47) Favorite drink & best advice
In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Joe Seddon, founder & CEO of Zero Gravity. From a single-parent household in West Yorkshire to studying at Oxford University, Joe shares how he turned £200 of his student loan into a mission-driven tech startup that has supported over 15,000 students and deployed £2.3M in scholarships.
Joe opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, self-teaching coding, and building Zero Gravity from his bedroom into a company backed by £6.5M in investment. We dive into the challenges of fundraising, leadership, and scaling a startup while staying true to your values.
If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, education, or social mobility, Joe’s story is packed with practical advice and inspiration.
(00:00) The impact of Zero Gravity & Joe’s motivation
(00:38) Joe’s background: West Yorkshire to Oxford
(00:59) How Joe got into Oxford & GCSE turning point
(03:10) Choosing PPE & battling imposter syndrome
(05:11) Founding Zero Gravity: the idea spark
(08:10) Teaching himself to code & building MVP
(09:20) Bootstrapping with £200 & early traction
(11:16) Finding first users & growth hacking
(13:42) Key insights: confidence & community
(15:11) Biggest challenges & PR breakthrough
(18:08) Leadership lessons & company culture
(20:52) Personal motivation & redefining success
(22:59) Metrics that matter: acquisition & retention
(26:06) Real impact stories from Zero Gravity students
(27:09) Social mobility & systemic change
(28:43) Oxford’s influence & elite networks
(32:00) Quickfire: coffee habits & northern roots
(32:34) Connecting with Joe & giving back
(33:40) The first investor who believed in Joe
(34:46) Advice regrets & leadership lessons
(36:28) Closing thoughts & thank you
In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Erika Tamayo, co-founder and CEO of Hermosa Protein, the brand powering Barry’s Bootcamp and fitness studios across the UK.
From selling hot dogs in Colombia to creating one of the most trusted protein brands in wellness, Erika shares her remarkable journey of resilience, family, and entrepreneurship. She opens up about overcoming adversity, launching Hermosa with her husband, and building a brand rooted in storytelling, values, and authenticity.
We dive into the realities of fundraising, scaling in the competitive protein market, and balancing motherhood with business growth. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn setbacks into strength and build a brand with heart, this episode is for you.
(00:00) Erika’s early struggles and mindset
(00:39) Podcast introduction & guest welcome
(01:17) How Erika and the host first met
(01:57) Erika’s entrepreneurial childhood in Colombia
(04:36) School life & early initiatives
(05:43) Transition to adulthood & business mindset
(06:04) Marketing at Barry’s UK & motherhood balance
(06:35) Becoming a full-time mom & launching Hermosa
(08:21) Hermosa’s growth & UK expansion
(08:53) What makes Hermosa unique
(09:25) Protein intake explained & nutrition advice
(11:40) Product design philosophy
(12:29) Biggest challenges in the protein industry
(13:35) Vision & future plans for Hermosa
(14:40) Erika’s fitness journey
(15:07) Working with her husband Sandy
(17:17) Personal growth & relationships
(20:22) The “meet cute” story with Sandy
(33:49) Advice for her son & aspiring entrepreneurs
(34:54) Planning vs. impulsiveness in business
(35:24) Maintaining a positive mindset
(36:32) Hermosa’s international expansion
(37:04) Product vs. founder story in marketing
(39:12) Raising investment & funding lessons
(41:05) Resilience & achievements at Barry’s
(43:24) Confidence, imposter syndrome & storytelling
(45:39) Coffee preferences & Hermosa Frappuccinos
(46:23) Life philosophy & advice she regrets not taking
(48:06) Happiness, smiling & wellbeing
(49:58) How to connect with Erika
In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Chris Crocker, founder of GOOD KOFFEE, a sparkling coffee brand bringing “feel good energy” to creators, performers, and entrepreneurs.
Chris shares his incredible journey from dancing on cruise ships and performing in The Lion King to launching one of the most innovative drinks on the market. Inspired by his travels in Vietnam, Chris turned his idea into reality, overcoming setbacks and building a mission-driven brand.
We talk about resilience, risk-taking, community, and why authenticity matters in both life and business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or just love coffee, this episode will leave you energised and inspired.
(00:00) Chris’s early life and adoption
(00:23) Welcome & intro to GOOD KOFFEE
(00:55) Tasting GOOD KOFFEE & branding inspiration
(02:41) Dance training & cruise ship performing
(04:29) Bollywood musical & cultural exposure
(05:24) Travel, identity & global influences
(06:41) Origin of GOOD KOFFEE in Vietnam
(08:26) Early product experiments & farmers market
(10:25) Business challenges & early growth
(11:18) Vision for GOOD KOFFEE globally
(12:20) Mission, collaborations & Lion King backstage
(15:19) Purpose, community & entrepreneurship
(17:32) Consumer education & market reception
(19:01) Stockists & London expansion
(19:53) Solo founder experience & building support
(20:33) Funding needs & export plans
(21:35) Risk-taking, instincts & emotions in business
(22:09) Setbacks, achievements & goal setting
(23:27) Chris’s personal coffee habits
(24:16) Advice & staying true to convictions
(25:22) Martial arts, yoga & “feel good energy” series
(26:41) Community, authenticity & outsider feelings
(27:21) Resilience & overcoming challenges
(28:14) How to connect with Chris & GOOD KOFFEE
(29:07) Closing & thanks
Nathaly Ortega’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and relentless ambition. From facing a traumatic childhood in South America to building a new life and career in Europe, Nathaly has carved her own path as an architect, model, master’s student, and founder of Founders Club London.
In this episode of Kasa Connect, she opens up about overcoming dyslexia, balancing multiple passions, and creating a supportive community for entrepreneurs. Nathaly shares insights on resilience, visualization, work-life balance, and the importance of building authentic networks.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a student juggling big dreams, or someone seeking inspiration to push through setbacks, Nathaly’s story will give you the tools and motivation to keep moving forward.
(00:00) Nathaly’s family tragedy & childhood challenges
(00:26) Introduction & Nathaly’s journey overview
(01:00) Moving to Europe & her mother’s reinvention
(02:46) Overcoming dyslexia & building perseverance
(05:00) Architecture ambitions & career purpose
(05:38) Launching Founders Club London
(06:29) The founder mindset & struggles
(07:26) Bikini modeling & lessons in discipline
(08:31) Master’s studies, Saudi projects & big ambitions
(09:27) Burnout, relationships & balance in life
(11:15) A day in Nathaly’s life
(12:53) Growing Founders Club community
(15:39) Work-life balance & prioritisation
(17:21) Family as a priority & future vision
(18:27) Biggest challenge: finding focus & goals
(20:36) Women in male-dominated spaces
(22:14) Confidence & self-belief
(23:11) Vision boards & manifestation
(26:15) Focus, meditation & productivity habits
(28:29) The value of range & multiple interests
(29:47) Advice for aspiring founders
(30:56) Overcoming financial barriers
(32:00) Coffee talk & Founders Club invitation
In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Jamie, a horror filmmaker who left a finance career to pursue his passion for storytelling. Jamie opens up about the sacrifices required to succeed in film, from funding projects independently to battling rejection from distributors.
He shares insights on writing and producing horror, the realities of getting features distributed, and why persistence is the most powerful tool for any filmmaker. Jamie also reveals his creative process, his fears, and the entrepreneurial mindset it takes to survive in such a competitive industry.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in film, this conversation is packed with lessons on storytelling, networking, and pushing through setbacks.
(00:00) Initial Film Distribution Challenges
(00:33) Introduction & Jamie’s Background
(01:02) Passion for Storytelling
(01:44) Sacrifices for Filmmaking
(02:52) Short Films vs. Feature Films
(03:29) Making Money in Film
(04:31) First Feature Film & Distribution
(05:29) Writing and Producing Process
(06:32) Starting in the Horror Genre
(07:27) Favourite Actors & Inspirations
(07:49) Plot of “Isabelle”
(08:05) Supernatural Writing Experiences
(10:51) Co-writing and Loss
(12:15) Current Stage of “Isabelle”
(13:13) Transferable Skills from Finance
(13:58) Motivation and Flow State
(14:34) Biggest Fears in Filmmaking
(15:37) Relationship with Horror Genre
(16:13) Future Projects & Genre Expansion
(16:52) Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
(17:46) Regrets and Lessons Learned
(18:17) Rapid-Fire Questions: Film Preferences
(19:51) Animation and Guilty Pleasures
(20:50) Dream Collaborations & Adaptations
(21:40) Film Festival Experiences
(23:51) Networking and Follow-Up
(24:11) Persistence and Rejection in Film
(25:30) Risk-Taking and Entrepreneurial Moves
(26:45) Closing & Contact Information
We sit down with Dr. Aanya Hirdaramani, a scientist, nutritionist, and founder of The Nourish Method. With a PhD in Molecular Endocrinology from Imperial College London, Aanya breaks down the science behind weight loss drugs like GLP-1, busts popular nutrition myths, and shares how evidence-based, personalised nutrition can truly transform your health.
We cover everything from sugar addiction to realistic meal planning, the importance of sleep, and the truth about “healthy” foods. Aanya also opens up about her own wellness journey, the sacrifices of doing a PhD, and her dream of starting a biotech company.
If you’ve ever been confused by conflicting health advice, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need to approach nutrition and wellness with confidence.
(00:00) The dangers & promise of weight loss drugs
(00:59) Dr. Aanya’s PhD & GLP-1 research explained
(02:37) Side effects & misuse of weight loss drugs
(05:02) Why Dr. Aanya chose molecular nutrition
(06:25) PhD challenges & personal growth
(07:46) Launching The Nourish Method consultancy
(08:36) Evidence-based nutrition vs. intuition
(09:56) Integrating fitness & nutrition
(11:03) Building community through fitness
(12:01) Productivity, sacrifice & sleep habits
(14:17) Meal planning & flexible eating
(15:07) Coping with imperfection & self-compassion
(16:18) Returning to research & future goals
(18:02) Toxic trends, myths & social media influence
(19:40) Recommended nutrition influencers
(20:02) Rapid fire: carbs, fasting & supplements
(23:20) Hidden sugars & “healthy” food myths
(25:22) A day in Dr. Aanya’s eating routine
(29:03) Protein bars & sweeteners
(31:09) Fitting in fitness with a busy life
(34:31) How to connect with Dr. Aanya
(35:34) Career advice & planning your next steps
How do you turn nostalgia into a modern startup?
In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Jordan Abrahams — Head of Growth, marketing veteran, and co-founder of Neat Sweets, a low-sugar candy brand with a cult following.
Jordan shares how he went from corporate FMCG to fintech and then into sweets — breaking down viral TikTok moments, lessons from failed startups, and what it really takes to lead growth at a unicorn company.
Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or dreamer, you’ll get practical insights into building a brand, going viral, choosing the right co-founders, and keeping your sanity while juggling multiple ventures.
00:00 – The Viral TikTok Hook & Unicorn Startup
00:55 – Introducing Neat Sweets
01:17 – Entrepreneurial Beginnings
01:48 – Lessons from E-commerce Failures
02:32 – Transition to Fintech
02:57 – Viral Marketing in Fintech
04:36 – Managing at a Unicorn
04:54 – Delegation & Leadership Skills
05:15 – Neat Sweets Product Development
06:05 – Co-founder Dynamics & Decision Making
06:26 – Competitive Landscape
07:13 – Flavor Innovation & Team Pitches
07:37 – Brand Personality & Dream Collaborations
08:04 – Go-to Snacks & Cultural Favorites
08:22 – Founder Myths & Realities
09:05 – Motivation & Family Influence
10:03 – Dealing with Overcommitment
10:48 – Passion for Marketing & Blurred Roles
11:11 – Consumer Goods Marketing Tips
12:28 – Neat Sweets’ Future Vision
13:29 – Omnichannel Strategy & Brand Building
14:06 – Founder-Led Marketing Debate
15:04 – Viral Buckingham Palace TikTok
15:43 – Marketing Failures & Lessons
16:02 – Planned vs. Authentic Content
16:53 – Startup vs. Unicorn Marketing
17:47 – Landing a Unicorn Role
18:55 – Personal Branding & Networking
20:31 – Working on Multiple Projects
22:40 – Work-Life Balance & Passion
24:14 – Solo vs. Team Entrepreneurship
25:32 – Choosing Co-founders & Team Dynamics
26:52 – Essential Co-founder Qualities
27:54 – Favourite Café Drink
28:25 – Connecting with Listeners
29:13 – Best Advice Not Taken
What does it really mean to stay human in a world dominated by AI?
In this powerful episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Shae O. — Harvard PhD candidate, historian, and founder of Analog Social. From her unconventional journey through law, politics, and ballet to founding a startup incubated at Harvard’s Innovation Lab, Shae unpacks what it means to build human-first systems in a tech-saturated age.
We talk about AI ethics, community building, redefining productivity, and how to stay grounded in your own rhythm while navigating the digital noise. If you’re an entrepreneur, student, or just overwhelmed by tech — this episode will reframe your thinking.
00:00 – Staying Human in an AI World
00:48 – From Historian to Entrepreneur
02:06 – Discovering Entrepreneurship and Harvard Innovation Labs
02:54 – Nontraditional Founders in Tech
04:08 – Founding Analog Social
05:39 – Phone Stacking and First Events
06:37 – Dinner Salons and Defining Love
08:02 – Diversity and Community at Analog Social
08:44 – Childhood Influences and Love for History
11:05 – Daydreaming, Deep Thinking, and Digital Distraction
12:03 – Balancing Technology and Human Connection
13:22 – Supporting Founders with Social Media Balance
13:58 – AI Industry Curiosity and the Renaissance Manifesto
15:10 – Nontraditional Founders and the Startup Ecosystem
16:57 – The AI Bubble and Gold Rush Analogy
18:21 – AI Tools and Generative Agents
19:22 – Potential and Risks of AI Agents
19:55 – Legal and Ethical Questions for AI Agents
21:08 – Need for Human-Centric AI Ethics
22:30 – The Human Kill Switch Concept
24:53 – US vs. UK/EU AI Regulation
26:22 – AI and Children: Regulation and Education
28:42 – Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
32:13 – Educating on AI’s Limits and Nuanced Messaging
33:54 – Personal Approach: Solutions First
35:21 – Defining What It Means to Be Human
36:30 – Life in Seasons and Human Operating System
38:21 – Call to Educate Yourself on AI
39:45 – Favorite Café Drink
40:19 – Advice: Make the Most of Every Season
Why is it so hard to sell expensive art in India? In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Eirini M., New York-based art advisor and founder of MeSo Ventures, to explore the barriers and breakthroughs in the Indian art market. From working with collectors and interior designers to building bridges between India and the global scene, Eirini opens up about her journey from startup life to founding an art acquisition fund.
This episode unpacks:
What really drives art valuation
How cultural gaps affect collecting in India
Her mission to make art accessible to the middle class
Why passion matters more than profit in art acquisition
Whether you’re an art lover, collector, or just curious about the market, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of the challenges — and opportunities — in modern art.
We’re joined by Amardeep Parmar, co-founder of Bae HQ, a thriving community for British Asian entrepreneurs. From interviewing tech icons like the founders of Netflix and Twitter to building one of the most authentic founder communities in the UK, Amardeep opens up about the journey behind the headlines.
He shares how he transitioned from corporate consulting to writing, podcasting, and launching Bae HQ—especially after the passing of his father reshaped his purpose. We discuss the power of vulnerability, building brands that outlive you, creating systems that scale, and what successful founders reveal off-air that the public never hears.
If you’re building something bigger than yourself, this episode will resonate deeply.
00:00 – The emotional reality behind “success”
00:42 – Introducing Amardeep Parmar
01:37 – Hosting advice from a veteran podcaster
02:53 – Booking Netflix & Twitter founders
05:16 – Off-air lessons from billionaires
07:07 – His unexpected path into entrepreneurship
08:01 – Writing virally & quitting his job
11:38 – Creating Bae HQ to fill a community gap
13:21 – The impact of his father’s death
15:25 – Why Bae HQ isn’t about him
17:56 – Building systems that outlast founders
20:43 – Emotional honesty as a founder
22:39 – Naming Bae HQ & its inclusive mission
25:36 – Rapid-fire insights: tools, lessons, regrets
28:49 – Advice, AI tools & what he’d do differently
30:05 – LinkedIn messages that miss the mark
33:10 – Picking guests: experienced vs new voices
35:33 – Cutting false or controversial clips
36:35 – Advice he regrets not taking
37:14 – The dream for Bae HQ’s future
38:24 – Wrap-up & final thoughts
Running a business is hard. Raising three kids? Even harder. Doing both at the same time? That’s exactly what Yami, founder of Yummy by Yami, is doing—and her story is one every entrepreneur and parent needs to hear.
In this episode of Kasa Connect, Yami opens up about building her Colombian frozen food brand in the UK, juggling motherhood, and staying true to her roots. From overcoming grief to finding strength in community, Yami shares an honest look at resilience, business growth, and choosing collaboration over competition.
🚀 In this episode:
• How Yami balances raising three sons with building her food brand
• The reality of launching a business after being laid off
• Turning cultural pride into entrepreneurial success
• The honest struggles behind growing a food business as a mum
• Building a supportive global food entrepreneur community
If you’ve ever wondered how mums, founders, and dreamers juggle it all—this episode is for you.
(00:00) – Intro & Yummy by Yami waffles
(01:40) – Balancing motherhood, work & business
(04:06) – Why Yami started Yummy by Yami
(05:46) – Resilience & entrepreneurial spirit
(06:55) – Challenges of growing a food brand
(07:59) – Laid off & embracing full-time entrepreneurship
(08:33) – Grief, positivity & strength
(10:18) – Her husband’s support & partnership
(13:30) – Advice for aspiring mum entrepreneurs
(16:33) – Networking, community & real connections
(17:14) – Future plans for Yummy by Yami
(18:01) – Moving abroad & keeping the business going
(19:03) – Advice for young entrepreneurs
(20:44) – Seeing competitors as peers
(22:07) – Coffee break & Colombian coffee love
(23:17) – Staying positive & connecting with Yami
(25:01) – Handling negativity & embracing emotions
(26:18) – Building a global food founder community
(27:23) – Final message: collaboration over competition
At just 15, Nicole launched her first business. Today, she’s shaking up the £9 billion beauty market with Minky Lash, an innovative at-home lash solution that’s easy, quick, and salon-free.
In this episode of Kasa Connect, Nicole opens up about building businesses from scratch in two countries, the lonely reality of solo entrepreneurship, the role of AI in growing Minky Lash, and her mission to simplify beauty routines for women everywhere.
🚀 In this episode:
• How Nicole went from jewellery to lashes, and why she sold her first business
• The retail dream: Breaking into major stores like Boots & Superdrug
• Using AI to run lean, market smart, and stay connected
• Overcoming the fear of starting over in a new city
• The honest truth about work-life balance and solo founder burnout
Whether you’re a beauty founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love hearing unfiltered startup stories — this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
(00:00) – Nicole’s journey from Canada to Minky Lash
(01:16) – Product demo & unboxing Minky Lash
(04:17) – The problem with traditional lashes
(05:20) – Nicole’s first business at 15
(07:05) – Balancing school & entrepreneurship
(08:00) – Launching Boutique Fiend jewellery
(09:47) – Moving to London & starting over
(10:40) – Challenges of solo entrepreneurship
(11:43) – Prototyping & manufacturing the lashes
(12:42) – Retail goals & beauty impact
(13:42) – Pop-ups & in-person sales
(14:35) – Selling the jewellery business
(16:17) – Scaling Minky Lash
(17:14) – Marketing & educating customers
(19:15) – Rapid fire round
(23:31) – The importance of ‘why’ & family support
(24:41) – Using AI to streamline business
(26:57) – AI vs environmental concerns
(27:57) – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
(29:16) – Founder mindset & key qualities
(30:17) – Setting boundaries & avoiding burnout
(31:14) – Favourite coffee & advice to her younger self
(33:26) – Final thoughts on entrepreneurship
Rita Kastrati isthe founder of Pioneering People, a socially responsible fintech platform shaking up the temporary staffing space.
Rita’s journey took her from working hospitality jobs to launching a platform connecting companies with temp staff, all while championing fair pay, inclusivity, and founder wellbeing. Her story is packed with lessons on building a business with purpose, storytelling without a marketing budget, and navigating the realities of burnout, fundraising, and leadership as a young female founder.
🚀 In this episode:
• Why founder-led marketing and storytelling matter
• How to embed social good into your business model
• The reality of burnout and how to avoid it
• When passion drives success—and when it’s not enough
• Finding co-founders, mentors, and resilience as a first-time founder
(00:00) – Intro & Rita’s mission
(00:29) – From hostess to founder
(01:01) – First job in hospitality
(01:42) – Learning resilience
(02:53) – Pioneering People explained
(03:55) – Building the founding team
(04:44) – Meeting co-founders on LinkedIn
(05:35) – Entrepreneurial beginnings
(06:32) – Lessons from 20+ jobs
(07:24) – Earning respect as a young founder
(08:06) – Finding mentors on LinkedIn
(09:00) – Standing out in a competitive market
(10:08) – Fundraising & attracting female investors
(11:03) – Building the team
(11:40) – Leadership & tough conversations
(13:12) – Red flag or green flag segment
(15:28) – UN Women delegate experience
(17:04) – Embedding social good in business
(18:06) – Expansion beyond hospitality
(18:42) – Founder-led marketing & storytelling
(21:02) – Paying interns & avoiding burnout
(22:03) – Managing burnout & balance
(24:08) – Is passion essential in business?
(24:37) – Defining success with Ikigai
(26:04) – Mindset shifts & networking
(27:28) – Women leaders & resilience
(28:27) – Knowing when to quit
(30:20) – Bootstrapping, quitting & impact stories
(31:22) – Building community & supper clubs
(33:07) – Celebrating wins & vulnerability
(35:03) – Coffee break & staying connected
(36:11) – Best advice not taken
(38:05) – Wrap up & farewell