"If I ever get to roll the dice again, I’ll do it differently"Busuu co-founder Bernhard Niesner made that vow after a "mass walkout" left him with just 10 employees.
Having already survived launching in the 2008 financial crisis, this was the moment that changed everything. In this conversation, we trace the 15-year arc from near-bankruptcy to a €385M exit , exploring the "TEACH" Values (Trust, Effectiveness, Ambition, Curiosity, Happiness) that scaled the company—a journey that shows just "how the line between success and failure... is so thin"
Why this matters
- How a simple student idea turned into a global success story
- The near-collapse that almost ended it all — and what saved it
- Why culture beats strategy every single time- The mindset behind resilience, leadership, and letting go after success
Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
00:00 – Intro
02:00 – From student idea to Busuu’s first users
07:00 – Early mistakes and the pain of rebuilding
13:00 – Surviving crisis and running out of cash
21:00 – Losing 80% of the team — and the turning point
25:00 – How culture became the core of Busuu
34:00 – The €385M exit and what came next
40:00 – The truth about work-life balance
47:00 – Austrian entrepreneurship & taking risks
50:00 – The three Ps: Passion, Positivity, Perseverance
54:00 – How Bernhard wants to be remembered
This is the playbook for winning the AI decade. We're in the next Industrial Revolution, and the old rules for success no longer apply. This conversation is a practical and emotional guide to the new strategies that actually work.Your guide is Dr. Isabell Claus. After co-founding and successfully exiting one of Europe's fastest-growing cybersecurity companies, she started again from zero. She shares the actionable strategies she's using right now to build her new AI venture, Thinkers.AI, and compete on a global scale with a small, brilliant team.Inside the Playbook, You Will Discover:🚀 The 'Tiny Team' Thesis: How small, talented teams can now outperform giant corporations by building great products that scale with little capital.📈 From Data to Decisions: A look inside how Thinkers.AI uses public information and AI to create prediction tools for businesses in a dynamic world.🇪🇺 Europe's AI Opportunity: Dr. Claus's urgent call for a new mentality in European leadership and education to compete in the AI decade.🔥 Resilient Leadership: Why turning negative feedback into your greatest strength is a key secret to success.💼 Your Career in the AI Era: Why learning to "co-work with AI" is now essential for everyone, not just coders.GUEST: Dr. Isabell ClausLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-isabell-claus-5540a331/Company: https://thinkers.ai/CONNECT WITH USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/Podcast Website: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/starting-up/tools-resources/podcast-once-upon-a-student-the-raw-stories-behind-successHost (Maciej Pajak): https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciej-ryszard-pajak/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0at30mSSN8h6HyFMOpYshi?si=b4d3ec225d8749bb🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Once Upon a Student for more raw conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping our future.🎥 Video & IT by WUtvChapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:02:01 - Who is Dr. Isabell Claus?00:04:06 - The Hard Work Behind the Awards00:07:17 - An Entrepreneur from Childhood00:09:28 - The Detour into Academia00:11:27 - The Ignition for Starting Her First Company00:15:07 - How AI is Changing Entrepreneurship00:17:56 - Building & Exiting Radar Cybersecurity00:20:19 - Why Start All Over Again?00:22:17 - The Problem Thinkers.AI is Solving00:24:11 - Competing in the Global AI Race00:28:19 - How AI Will Change the Job Market00:33:37 - Why Europe is Lagging Behind in AI00:37:43 - The Best & Worst Case Scenarios for AI00:39:21 - The Most Important Skill for Success00:42:30 - Advice to Her Younger Self00:44:08 - The Legacy She Wants to Leave00:44:54 - A Call to Action for European Leadership00:48:04 - OutroCreditsGuest: Dr. Isabell Claus (Thinkers AI) • Host: Maciej Pajak (Once Upon a Student). Full transcript highlights in description are adapted from our interview.
“Discipline outlasts talent. Reinvention isn’t weakness—it’s courage.”
Vesela Dimova began dancing at six. By her teens she was a national champion; later, a TV star on Dancing Stars in Vietnam. Then the lights dimmed—and a new chapter began in a small dorm room at WU Vienna. No headlines. No stage. Just the quiet work of starting over.
In our 10th episode of Once Upon a Student, we trace the arc from spotlight to student to entrepreneur, and why Vesela now builds on a simple operating system: mind • body • spirit. If you’re a student, athlete, or founder standing at the edge of a new beginning, this conversation is for you.
Why this matters
• How a national title didn’t prevent an identity crash—and what rebuilt her confidence at WU
• Why discipline > talent (and how to train it when no one’s watching)
• Turning injuries, doubt, and comparison into a strategy you can live with
• Slowing down to go faster: gratitude, alignment, and better decisions for founders & students
Chapters
00:00:00 Official intro & premise00:02:20 Competitions, Discipline & early responsibility00:14:02 Leap abroad at 18 (Vietnam)00:24:06 Intuition, gratitude & Austria00:39:27 Communication through dance (reading energy)00:44:02 Injury → corporate detour (bank)00:47:03 Career pivot: Dancing Stars & new direction00:50:59 Principles & resilience (mind–body–spirit)01:03:31 Responsibility, education & entrepreneurship01:10:03 Legacy
Betting on yourself means stepping into uncertainty and building something anyway.In Episode 9 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Elias Aruna, WU-Alumnus and Co-Founder of Scale Energy, a bold startup that’s tackling one of Europe’s most urgent and overlooked challenges: our outdated, overloaded energy grid.From his early days as a student full of questions, to launching one of Europe’s most promising climate tech companies, Elias shares the truth behind entrepreneurship: the fear, the learning curve, and the purpose that makes it all worth it.You’ll hear the real story. Not just of batteries and infrastructure, but of someone who turned conviction into commitment, and built something that just might shape the future of Europe’s energy.----💡 Key Takeaways:- What most people misunderstand about Europe’s energy crisis- How Scale Energy is rethinking grid flexibility with no upfront cost- The emotional reality of going “all in” on your idea- Why clarity of purpose matters more than a perfect plan---00:00 - Intro: The Moment There Was No Turning Back 01:57 - Who is Elias Aruna? From WU Student to Energy Entrepreneur 05:20 - Farm Inspiration & First Steps 09:57 - Importance of decentralized Energy16:05 - SCALE ENERGY25:00 - The Start of the Journey & Business Case Challenge 29:50 - Committing Fully: The Day the Startup Became Real33:00 - Move to Berlin36:30 - What Austria has to learn from Germany41:15 - Elias Major Advice on Priorities48:37 - Pivoting, Learning, and Trusting the Process 50:37 - Final Reflections & Advice for Young Entrepreneurs---🎧 Tune in to Episode 9 of Once Upon a Student for a powerful conversation about vision, resilience, and building real-world impact from the ground up.---Elias Aruna🔗 LinkedIn: https: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-aruna/🌐 Scale Energy: https://www.scale-energy.comFollow Us:Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruendenMaciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify: 📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!🎥 Video & IT by WUtv
You don’t need investors, inventory, or hype to build a real brand. You need resourcefulness, trust, and relentless learning.In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Nino Pérez-Salado, a student entrepreneur who turned a small budget and a laptop into Plusgear Sports, one of Austria’s fastest-growing sportswear brands.Nino shares his raw journey from testing dropshipping ideas during university to building a trusted, customer-first business featured on Austria’s Dragons’ Den. Learn how experimentation, failure, and direct conversations with customers shaped his strategy and why he believes slow growth often leads to stronger businesses.Whether you’re a student founder, creative thinker, or someone dreaming of launching something real, this episode offers rare, honest insights from someone who's been in the trenches.Key Takeaways:- Why building a brand without product or inventory actually worked- How customer complaints became a growth strategy- Why storytelling is a powerful startup skill- The truth about scaling physical products as a student- What every founder gets wrong about feedbackTimestamp00:01:51 – Intro00:01:02 – The Student Side-Hustle: Making Money While Sleeping00:06:58 – Juggling University & Business: The Power of Practical Application00:11:18 – The Truth About Dropshipping: Beyond the Hype00:14:52 – Embracing Failure: The 5 Tries to Success00:17:44 – De-Risking the Dream: How to Test a Product Before It Exists00:21:43 – When Disaster Strikes: Leadership Through Crisis00:28:16 – The 97% You're Missing: Learning from Those Who Don't Buy00:30:51 – The Art of Customer Support: Turning Haters into Fans00:37:06 – From Online Ads to National TV: Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone00:44:12 – The Founder's Trap: Separating Your Self-Worth from Your Business00:47:14 – The €500 Startup: How to Start Building a Brand Next Week00:50:30 – The Storytelling Engine: Your Most Powerful Skill00:52:16 – AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch01:01:08 – The Inventor's "Why": Finding Fulfillment in Solving Problems01:08:21 – The Reality of Success: Preparation, Timing, and LuckNino Pérez-SaladoLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nino-pérez-salado-974a17158/Plusgear: https://plusgear.atIG: https://www.instagram.com/plusgear/?hl=enFollow Us:Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruendenMaciej Pajak (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciej-ryszard-pajak/📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!🎥 Video & IT by WUtv
Success isn’t always what it seems—and sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away from it.In Episode 7 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Marlene Johler, a former investment banker who left behind a “dream career” to pursue something far more meaningful: building a sustainable future for Europe.In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Marlene shares her journey of letting go—of prestige, of certainty, of who she thought she was “supposed to be.” What followed was a powerful transformation toward purpose, systems change, and circular economy.- From high finance to high impact- From shame and doubt to self-trust and clarity- From chasing success to redefining itWhether you’re a student questioning your career path, an early-stage founder battling burnout, or someone searching for alignment in a chaotic world—this episode will speak to you.Because growth doesn’t always come from climbing higher. Sometimes, it comes from climbing a different ladder entirely.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about safeguarding our freedom, our economy, and our future.
In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Christian Polster, a cybersecurity leader and visionary entrepreneur. Starting as a curious 3-year-old “hacker,” Christian grew to co-found and lead Radar Cyber Security, one of Europe’s top companies in the field.
For the first time, Christian shares his incredible journey, from rebooting frozen computer screens to building and selling a cybersecurity powerhouse—all while staying true to his values of purpose over profit.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast curious about the future of cybersecurity, an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of scaling a company, or someone looking for inspiration on aligning success with values, this episode has something for you. Video & Sound by WUtv
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about creating authentic relationships. In Episode 5 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Sophie Zechmeister, a leading voice in community building and personal transformation.
Sophie shares her journey from a self-described ‘lone wolf’ to becoming a TEDx speaker, author, and expert in fostering meaningful connections. Learn how curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity can transform your networking game and help you build thriving communities that truly matter.
Whether you’re an introvert struggling to make connections, an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, or simply someone searching for belonging, Sophie’s insights will inspire and guide you.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Why most people approach networking wrong
- How curiosity is the secret to building authentic relationships
- Practical tips for creating and nurturing strong communities
0:00 Introduction
1:54 From Introvert to Leader
8:41 How Perfectionism Hurts Relationships
11:38 The 3 R’s of Community Building
17:04 The Power of ‘Why’
18:48 The Friendzone
22:40 Feminine vs. Masculine Energy
27:45 Networking Done Right
37:30 Sophie’s Growth Story
41:30 The Dark Side of Community
44:15 Rapid Fire Questions
Tune in to Episode 5 of Once Upon a Student for a dose of inspiration, real talk, and practical advice from someone who’s been there.
Sophie Zechmeister:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-sophie-zechmeister/
The Friendzone: https://www.amazon.de/friendzone-friends-answer-questions-having/dp/B0D77XVWDZ
Instagram Global Shapers Vienna: https://www.instagram.com/globalshapersvienna/
LinkedIn Global Shapers Vienna: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-shapers-vienna-hub/
Follow Us:
Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/
WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruenden
Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/
📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
🎥 Video & IT by WUtv
In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Tamas Petrovics, former McKinsey consultant turned healthtech entrepreneur, who shares an honest and unfiltered look at his journey from university parties to building a company that’s transforming healthcare. Tamas opens up about the struggles of navigating life as a student, the challenges of the consulting world, and the moment he realized he was ready to step out on his own. Together, we dive into the pivotal decisions that took him from late-night studying (and partying) to launching a successful startup in a highly competitive industry. This episode is packed with insights for anyone questioning their path, considering a career pivot, or simply wanting to know what it takes to turn a big idea into reality. Join us as Tamas reflects on the importance of resilience, the power of having the right team, and why sometimes, it’s okay to take the road less traveled. 0:00 Introduction 1:06 The Early Days & Birth of XUND 7:33 Breaking Free from Consulting at McKinsey 12:32 Re-defining the Healthtech Vision: Why XUND? 15:38 Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Setbacks 17:50 How we got our first investment 24:25 From Security to Sacrifice: Facing Financial Struggles in Startups 32:18 Building a Team That Feels Like Family 40:13 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Whether you’re stuck in a corporate job, enjoying university life, or dreaming of your own entrepreneurial journey, Tamas’s story will leave you inspired to chase your dreams and overcome any obstacle in your way. Tune in to Episode 4 of Once Upon a Student for a dose of inspiration, real talk, and practical advice from someone who’s been there. Tamas Petrovics: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamas-petrovics/ XUND: https://xund.ai Follow Us: Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/ Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/ 🎧 Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UaY-j_TcjXo 📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations! 🎥 Video & IT by WUtv
In today’s conversation, I sit down with Hannah Wundsam, the Managing Director at Austrian Startups, Austria’s largest startup platform and think tank. In this episode, we explore: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 The Early Context: Shaping the Future 3:19 Discovering Social Entrepreneurship in Australia 5:54 Childhood Indicators and Early Motivations 7:51 The Spark for Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Reality 10:21 Balancing Startup Life and University 12:45 The First Funding and Early Wins 15:29 The Challenge of Developing a Business Model 17:42 Securing a Pilot and Learning from Failure 20:19 The Impact of COVID-19 on Startup Operations 23:12 Deciding to Close Down Refill: The Hardest Decision 24:40 The Importance of Talking About Failure 27:35 Building Resilience and the Entrepreneurial Mindset 29:48 The Emotional Struggles of Founders 31:25 The Role of Co-Founders in Success and Failure 33:12 Future Goals: Entrepreneurship in Schools and Beyond 36:01 Reflecting on the Journey and Connecting the Dots 37:45 Wisdom for Upcoming Founders 39:02 The Impact of Sharing Ideas Openly 40:33 The Pivotal Moments: What Could Have Been 42:00 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections Hannah’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Hannah’s insights provide valuable lessons on navigating the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode where we delve deep into the realities of building a startup, learning from failure, and creating a lasting impact. Follow Hannah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-wundsam/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=at Austrian Startups: https://austrianstartups.com Follow Us: Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/ Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/ Watch the episode on Spotify: Video & IT: WuTV
Today, we're honored to host Mahdis Gharaei, a pivotal figure in promoting female entrepreneurship. As the founder of one of the most successful female-focused networks, she has significantly impacted over 20,000 women across 75 countries, empowering them through education and professional opportunities. Mahdis is also renowned for her viral TEDx talk which addresses the systemic challenges women face in the economy today.
Join us as we uncover Mahdis's journey, her strategies for overcoming societal barriers, and her advice for women navigating the path to leadership and success.
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Early Influences & Societal Challenges
5:46 Cultivating Courage & Community
9:48 Strategic Decisions & Female Factor’s Evolution
11:51 Supporting Women in Entrepreneurship
13:25 Decision Making & Pursuing Authenticity
16:47 Balancing Life & Leadership
18:05 Continuous Learning & Adapting
19:24 Perfectionism in Entrepreneurial Pursuits
21:40 Reflections & Aspirations
25:10 Suprise Question
Don't miss this episode! Discover how Mahdis balances professional and personal challenges and gain essential tools for your own journey to success. Tune in for an enriching experience.
Follow Mahdis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahdisdis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdisgharaei Female Factor: https://www.femalefactor.global TEDx Talk Mahdis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj_TZ2QpCWk&t=774s
Follow Us:
Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/
WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/
Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/
Watch the episode on Spotify:
Video & IT: WUtv
In today's conversation, I sit down with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, the dynamic co-founder of Whatchado and a celebrated venture capitalist.
Join us as we delve into his journey, uncovering the principles and strategies that have guided him from being a student to the forefront of innovation and investment.
In this conversation, we delve into 👇🏽
Kambis's insights are a treasure trove for anyone navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, offering a unique blend of practical advice and profound wisdom.
Don't miss out on this episode where wisdom meets action, and learn how to master the balancing act of life with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JVLBH6TYORY
Video & IT: WUtv