In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Veronica Lee, the inspiring founder of Borderless, a global platform helping students from every corner of the world apply to and get accepted into their dream universities.Originally from Uzbekistan, Veronica shares her personal story of overcoming barriers to study abroad, how her journey led her to found Borderless, and why she believes access to education shouldn’t depend on geography or privilege.We explore:- Veronica’s journey from Uzbekistan to NYU Abu Dhabi- The challenges international students face when applying abroad- How Borderless is democratizing access to global education- The future of admissions in the age of AI- Why passion, confidence, and creativity matter more than everIf you’re a student, educator, or founder passionate about education and opportunity, this episode is for you.🌍 Connect with BorderlessWebsite: https://borderless.so/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borderless.so/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lk7AUc1b8473F468qI7WQ💼 Connect with Veronica LeeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikulyalee/🎧 Subscribe to the Produck Podcast to support the channel and help us bring on more inspiring founders, builders, and innovators across Asia and beyond.#ProduckPodcast #Borderless #StudyAbroad #EducationTechnology #StartupFounders #WomenInTech #EdTech #GlobalEducation #UniversityAdmissions #Entrepreneurship #AIinEducation #Uzbekistan #StartupsInAsia #FoundersJourney

In this episode of the Produck 🦆 Podcast, I sit down with Aimi Komeya, President of Japan Venture Academy (JVA) — a student-run organization empowering the next generation of Japanese entrepreneurs.Aimi shares her inspiring journey from sociology student to startup leader, why confidence and community are essential for young founders, and how JVA is bridging Japan’s startup ecosystems — connecting students, mentors, and investors across cultures.💡 Topics Discussed:- Aimi’s path into entrepreneurship and leadership at JVA- How JVA empowers students to build startup confidence- The rise of female entrepreneurship in Japan- Cultural and language barriers in Japan’s startup scene- The importance of bridging Japanese and international founders- Why ex-founders should join big companies to spark innovation🌐 Learn more about Japan Venture Academy:👉 https://www.japansventureacademy.com/🔗 Connect with Aimi Komeya on LinkedIn:👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimi-komeya-910095191/🎧 About the Produck PodcastThe Produck 🦆 Podcast explores the struggles and stories behind Japan’s startup and product management scene — giving founders, PMs, and innovators a voice to share their lessons and challenges.📢 If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and LIKE the video!Your support helps us grow the channel, expand production, and bring in even bigger and better guests from Japan’s startup ecosystem and beyond.#JapanStartup #Entrepreneurship #StudentFounders #JapanVentureAcademy #AimiKomeya #StartupJapan #ProduckPodcast #TokyoStartups #FemaleEntrepreneurs #InnovationJapan #JVA

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Uttam Dwivedi, CEO and Founder of Avete, the AI startup on a mission to make Japan’s construction sites safer, faster, and more efficient.A civil engineer turned entrepreneur, Uttam shares how his experience on construction sites in Japan led him to uncover a shocking truth — despite Japan’s reputation for precision and safety, over 300 construction workers lose their lives each year. Avete is using AI, computer vision, and real-time monitoring to prevent accidents before they happen and to create safer working environments for engineers and workers alike.In this conversation, we explore:- How Antler Japan helped Uttam launch and fund Avete- Why safety in construction is a data and communication problem- How Avete’s “ChatGPT for Construction” is breaking language barriers on site- The importance of co-founders with complementary skills- The challenges of building a startup in Japan’s traditional industries- His advice for foreign founders setting up a business in JapanIf you’re passionate about AI, startups, construction tech, or Japan’s innovation ecosystem, this episode is a must-listen.👉 Connect with Uttam Dwivedi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uttam-dwivedi-0bb447117/#AIStartup #ConstructionTech #StartupJapan #AntlerJapan #Avete #SafetyInnovation #PropTech #CivTech #JapanStartups #FoundersInJapan #LeeJean #ProduckPodcast #UttamDwivedi #AIBusiness #InnovationJapan #TechForGood #StartupEcosystem #DigitalTransformation #WorkplaceSafety #ConstructionAI

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Francisco Soares, founder of Furious Green and the community builder behind the Tokyo Startup Lunch Club.Francisco shares the inspiring story of how a casual lunch with a few founders grew into one of Tokyo’s staple startup communities—now attracting 30+ people weekly. We talk about the challenges of starting a business in Japan, why authentic community matters, and how AI will shape the way we work and connect in the future.Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just curious about Japan’s startup ecosystem, you’ll take away practical lessons on building community, leveraging AI, and staying focused as a founder.🔗 Learn more:👉 Furious Green: https://furiousgreen.co/👉 Connect with Francisco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciscodrsoares/👉 Tokyo Startup Lunch Club Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/startup-tokyo-lunch-club/👉 Tokyo Startup Lunch Club Website: https://www.startuplunch.club/📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy this episode.New episodes drop weekly featuring founders, product leaders, and community builders shaping the future.#startup #tokyostartup #entrepreneurship #communitybuilding #founderstories #lunchclub #japanstartups #AI #produckpodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Naman Garg, Founder & CEO of Youthyatra, an organization helping Indian students and young founders gain the skills, mindset, and opportunities they need to succeed on the global stage—starting with Japan.We talk about:- Why Naman chose Japan over the U.S. or Europe- How Youthyatra prepares students with startup bootcamps and real customer validation- The untapped opportunities in Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem- Why combining Indian speed with Japanese quality creates powerful co-founder partnerships- How Youthyatra is shaping future unicornsWhether you’re a student, founder, or curious about the India–Japan startup bridge, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and start messy.🔗 Connect with Naman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naman-garg-119662106/🌐 Learn more about Youthyatra: https://youthyatra.com/#Startups #IndiaToJapan #Entrepreneurship #Youthyatra #GlobalStartups #FounderJourney #ProduckPodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Maki Ozer, Community Manager at Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), to explore how she’s breaking language barriers, fostering inclusion, and pushing Tokyo’s startup hub to become truly global.We dive into her journey from co-working spaces to cosmetics to leading one of Tokyo’s most important innovation communities. Maki shares how she connects Japanese and international founders, builds partnerships, and creates a sense of belonging that goes beyond business.If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a global-ready ecosystem, this conversation is full of insights on community building, cultural challenges, and the future of Japan’s startup scene.🔗 Connect with Maki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maki-%C3%B6zer-14a6a0253/🌐 Learn more about Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB): https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/#TokyoStartups, #GlobalCommunity, #EcosystemBuilding, #StartupJapan, #Innovation, #CommunityBuilding, #TIB, #Entrepreneurship, #Networking, #Founders #community #produckpodcast #japan #tokyo

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Makoto Kern — founder of IIImpact, UX/product strategist, and host of the Make an IIImpact Podcast.We dive into:- How Makoto went from robotics and engineering to UX design and product strategy- Why most enterprise software fails without real user research- The “AI Competence Mirage” and why executives often misjudge AI’s true impact- How to de-risk product launches with the right processes- The role of UX in startups, innovation, and education in the AI era🔗 Connect with Makoto:🎙️ Make an IIImpact Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDthLmfF1NFjwedNTmv💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/productuxdesigner/📌 About the Produck Podcast:The Produck Podcast gives founders, product managers, and product teams a place to share real struggles, wins, and lessons from the front lines of building products.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/produck-podcast/👉 Follow us on Instagram: @produckpodcast#UXDesign, #ProductStrategy, #MakotoKern, #AI, #ProductManagement, #ProduckPodcast, #Startups, #DesignThinking

Entrepreneurship isn’t all glamour and billion-dollar exits—it’s sleepless nights, tough calls, and sacrifices no one talks about.In this episode of the Produck Podcast, Jordan Reiss shares the raw reality of startup life: going deep into debt, facing painful layoffs, selling his company (twice), and ultimately finding a path to success. From Wall Street to Astro Gaming to building a new life in Japan, Jordan reveals the lessons every founder needs to hear about conviction, traction, and when to pivot—or persevere.🎧 Tune in if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build and survive as a founder.Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanreiss/Follow the Produck Podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/produck-podcast/Follow us on Instagram: @produckpodcast#startup, #entrepreneurship, #founder, #startuplife, #pitching, #venturecapital, #business, #JapanStartups, #founderstory, #productmanagement, #produckpodcast, #scaling, #pivot, #persevere

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Sofian Meguellati, founder of DePitch Academy, three-time entrepreneur, and Solana enthusiast. Sofian has helped hundreds of Web3 founders refine their pitches and collectively raise over $1M+ in just months.We dive into:How Sofian built the first pitch academy for the Solana ecosystemThe unique challenges of pitching in Web3 and cryptoWhy storytelling, empathy, and preparation matter more than everLessons on serendipity, adaptability, and building communities abroadThe art of turning a pitch into a teaser that makes investors want to meet you againAs a fellow pitch coach, I loved this conversation. It was inspiring to trade insights, share best practices, and learn from someone who’s coaching founders at such a high level.🔗 Connect with Sofian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofianmeguellati/📌 Book me for pitch coaching and get a FREE audit call: stan.store/omnieltIf you’re a founder preparing to pitch investors, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can apply immediately.#startups, #pitching, #fundraising, #storytelling, #solana, #web3, #crypto, #entrepreneurship, #produckpodcast

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, host Lee Jean sits down with Maryam Fallah, the founder of Buddy, to explore her inspiring journey from Iran to Japan.Maryam shares how her own relocation experience led her to identify the struggles foreigners face when settling in Japan—and how she transformed those challenges into solutions. Backed by Mitsui and supported through Moon Creative Lab, Maryam is building a platform that bridges the gap between companies, HR teams, and international employees, making life in Japan smoother for newcomers.We discuss her transition from corporate life to intrapreneurship, the unique challenges of being a founder in Japan, and her vision for helping foreigners not just survive, but thrive.Connect with Maryam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-fallah-123180b1/Follow for early updates on new episodes: IG @produckpodcastConnect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/produck-podcast/#ProduckPodcast, #StartupJapan, #FounderJourney, #Intrapreneurship, #FemaleFounders, #ExpatLifeJapan, #GlobalTalent, #DiversityAndInclusion, #JapanStartups

What separates founders who ship, sell, and scale from those who stall? In this episode, former 500 Global leader and author of "The Funding Framework", Vijay Rajendran breaks down a practical system for building startups that last—from validating with customers (not code), to crafting investor-ready stories, to running a tight 10–12 week fundraise. We also dig into why teams really fail (spoiler: trust and communication), how to shift from Chief Everything Officer to Chief Enablement Officer, and the mindset that turns early traction into durable momentum.What you’ll learnThe Funding Framework: systems (not serendipity) for raising capital with confidenceHow to use the hero’s journey to make your customer the hero—and your product their superpowerFounder-led sales: listening for value cues that write your pitch for youWhen “customer education” is a trap—and what to do insteadThe three CEO phases: Everything → Enablement → ExecutiveLinks & resourcesVijay’s website: https://www.mystartupsystem.com/Ask Vijay’s AI Twin anything: https://askwizly.ai/vijay-rajendranBook — The Funding Framework: https://tinyurl.com/hmvetnfjVijay’s Substack: https://startupsystem.substack.com/Free bonus for Produck Podcast listeners — Vijay’s Founder-Led Sales presentation: https://www.sierraventures.com/ascend/founder-led-salesVijay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayarajendran/Want to be featured on the show? Email leesensei12@gmail.com.Follow for early drops and clips: Instagram: @produckpodcastConnect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/produck-podcast/#startupfunding, #founderstory, #venturecapital, #entrepreneurship, #pitching, #storytelling, #productstrategy, #foundercoach, #startuplessons, #produckpodcast, #founders, #scalingstartups, #fundraising

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, we sit down with Lindsay Liu — UX designer at a leading FinTech company and founder of the rapidly growing Tokyo Design Community.Lindsay shares her inspiring career journey from architecture to UX, the challenges of designing for Japanese users, and how she uses tools like Claude and Lovable to streamline the product development process. We also talk about the importance of product thinking, building community, and the future of design in the age of AI.🔥 Topics Covered:Transitioning from architecture to UX designWhat it means to design with purposeNavigating cultural nuances in user research in JapanBuilding MVPs using no-code tools and AIHow Tokyo Design grew from 3 to 600+ membersThe merging roles of UX, PM, and engineerDesigning products your mom would love ❤️🔗 Connect with Lindsey & Tokyo Design:Lindsey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lin-uxpedia/Tokyo Design Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tokyo-design-community/posts/?feedView=all💌 Subscribe to podcast.todayA free weekly newsletter curating the world’s best podcast episodes in tech, business, culture, and more.👉 https://podcast.today📱 Follow us on Instagram for early episode drops & behind-the-scenes content:@produckpodcast👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe to support the show!🛎️ Hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.#UXDesign, #ProductDesign, #DesignThinking, #TokyoTech, #WomenInTech, #NoCode, #AIandDesign, #ProductManagement, #Hackathons, #TechCommunity, #CommunityBuilding, #StartupJapan, #DesignWithPurpose, #ProduckPodcast, #podcasttoday

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with serial entrepreneur, former product manager, angel investor, and Founder Institute mentor Jet Son Tan to explore what it really takes to build meaningful products across cultures and continents.Jetson shares his journey from Malaysia to Silicon Valley, from launching a startup in Taiwan to navigating corporate innovation in Japan. We talk about:Why great companies are built around people, not just ideasThe unique challenge of building for Japan instead of trying to disrupt itWhat Japanese founders can learn from global startup ecosystemsHow to find the right co-founder and avoid early team breakupsWhy building something meaningful requires stepping into the unknownWhether you're a founder, product manager, or curious builder, this is your chance to hear unfiltered insights from someone who's helped shape ecosystems from Asia to America.🔗 Connect with Jetson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jetsont86/#produckpodcast #startups #japanstartups #productmanagement #founderjourney #serialentrepreneur #globalmindset #cofounders #startupwisdom #angelinvestor #crossculturalbusiness

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, we sit down with Evan Burkosky — serial entrepreneur, startup mentor, and CEO of Kimaru AI — to unpack the concept of Decision Intelligence and how it’s transforming the way businesses make high-impact decisions.Evan shares his journey from commercial fishing to founding multiple startups in Japan and the U.S., his insights from mentoring hundreds of founders, and how Kimaru is helping supply chains make smarter, faster, and more scalable decisions using AI.We dive into:What decision intelligence really means (and why dashboards are outdated)Japan’s late-mover advantage in AI and manufacturingHow Evan is building a global-first company from TokyoThe biggest mistakes founders make (and how to avoid them)Why "permission" might be the missing link in Japan’s startup ecosystem🔗 Connect with Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanburkosky/🌐 Learn more about Kimaru AI: https://www.kimaru.ai#ProduckPodcast, #DecisionIntelligence, #SerialEntrepreneur, #StartupMentor, #KimaruAI, #SupplyChainAI, #AIinBusiness, #StartupJapan, #GoGlobal, #TechLeadership, #StartupMindset, #B2BSaaS, #AIForDecisionMakers, #FoundersJourney, #StartupWisdom

What if your startup could enter new global markets without spending a fortune on consultants, lawyers, or endless research?In this episode of the #ProduckPodcast, we talk with #femalefounder and global operator Karen Onuma-Mielke, COO of GlobalDeal. She’s building an AI-powered platform to help startups scale smarter—not harder—across borders.From writing her thesis on tech in low-income countries to co-founding a company tackling #globalexpansion challenges head-on, Karen shares how she’s turning vision into reality. We explore:🌍 The reality of scaling a startup into foreign markets🤖 How #AIforbusiness is transforming go-to-market strategies👩‍💼 What it’s like being a female founder in Japan’s still male-dominated startup scene🌐 The power of #localization and cross-cultural communication🧠 The leadership challenges of managing a #remoteteam across bordersKaren also opens up about her multicultural upbringing (German-Japanese), her thoughts on #techforgood, and why she believes there’s never a perfect time to start—so just start.🔗 Learn more about Karen & GlobalDeal:🌐 www.globaldeal.io🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-onuma-mielke/#startup #entrepreneurship #leadership #scalingstartups #japanstartups #businessstrategy #aiinnovation #founderstory #internationalbusiness #crossculturalcommunication

In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Dan Ring, founder of Elevate, to explore the real people strategy startups need—not just when scaling, but from day one.From London to Singapore to Tokyo, Dan’s journey through corporate HR and into startup advisory work has given him a unique lens on leadership, hiring, and organizational design. We dive deep into:✅ The hidden cost of a bad hire (and how to avoid it)✅ Why founders should think in systems, not roles✅ The rise of fractional leadership and what it means for startups✅ How to build company culture before your first HR hire✅ What great leaders do differently—especially in the early stages✅ Modern org design and talent retention strategies that actually workIf you’re a startup founder, HR leader, or just obsessed with building better companies, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world stories.🎧 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with product leaders, founders, and startup builders.📍Guest: Dan Ring🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/📌 Check out Elevate: https://www.elevate.help/#StartupHR #OrgDesign #FractionalLeadership #LeadershipTips #Founders #StartupAdvice #CompanyCulture #HiringStrategy #ProduckPodcast #HRTech #PeopleOps #StartupScaling

In this episode, I sit down with Egil Østhus, the CEO and co-founder of Unleash, the leading open-source feature management platform. Egil shares his journey from a developer hacking computers in the 90s to scaling a global SaaS business serving hundreds of companies worldwide.We dive into:✅ Why culture starts with leadership✅ How to build products that solve universal problems✅ The challenges of scaling visibility against well-funded competitors✅ The future of software development in the AI era✅ What authentic leadership really meansWhether you’re a startup founder, engineering leader, or someone passionate about the future of software, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.👉 Connect with Egil Østhus on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/egilconr/👉 Learn more about Unleash:http://getunleash.io/💡 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with global entrepreneurs and product leaders.#Leadership #Startups #DevOps #SoftwareDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #FeatureFlags #SaaS #OpenSource #PersonalBranding

🎙️ In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with Nick Cawthon, a trailblazer at the intersection of UX design, technology, and product strategy. With over 20 years of experience working with Adobe, IBM, and the San Francisco Giants, Nick shares raw insights on staying relevant in a world being reshaped by AI.We explore:✨ The evolving definition of success in design and freelancing⚡ Why perfection is a trap that holds you back🤖 How AI is changing UX—and why you should be excited, not afraid🎯 The hard truth about staying adaptable when the ground keeps shiftingIf you’ve ever wondered how to thrive as a designer or entrepreneur in an era of rapid change, this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Nick Cawthon on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more conversations with innovators shaping the future of work.#UXDesign #ProductStrategy #AI #Freelancing #DesignLeadership #ProduckPodcast

In this episode of the Produck 🦆 Podcast, I sit down with Addo Bari, a Product Manager at Virtusize, to talk about his unconventional path into product management — from mechanical engineering in Indonesia to building product in Japan.We explore how Addo transitioned into tech, the communities that helped him grow, and the rising influence of AI on the role of junior PMs. He shares deep insights on trust, communication, learning in public, and why product managers might need to think more like entrepreneurs moving forward.💡 Whether you're a student curious about product roles, a junior PM trying to break in, or a founder navigating AI disruption, this episode will give you fresh perspective.🧠 Topics We Cover:How Addo discovered product managementThe difference between engineering and PM thinkingSkills every product manager needs in 2025Why trust is everything for juniorsThe future of PM roles in an AI worldBuilding a PM portfolio without a jobProduct Tank Japan & the power of communityGlobal product expansion and localization challenges📍 Connect with Addo:https://www.linkedin.com/in/addobari/📍 Connect with Lee:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-jean-61288087/🛍️ Coaching + Courses: https://stan.store/omnielt🎧 Follow the Produck Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/produck-podcast/✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you found value in this episode!📤 Share it with someone who’s thinking about becoming a PM or founder.

Everyone talks about co-founders, funding, and product-market fit...But no one talks about this one powerful hack: accountability partnerships.In this episode of the Produck Podcast, I sit down with my long-time accountability partner and friend Son Tra, who I met during the Antler program. While I didn’t walk away from Antler with funding, I did walk away with something far more valuable: a weekly partnership that’s helped me stay focused, energized, and sane on the entrepreneurial journey.🎙 What we cover:How our accountability partnership has worked for 18+ monthsWhy it’s helped us more than some co-founding relationshipsOur simple goal-setting structure (and how the “coffee fine” system kept us honest)What it really feels like to build solo, and how to avoid the emotional burnoutThe startup Son Tra is now building to help freelance English teachersWhy you might need an accountability partner, tooWhether you're bootstrapping, building alone, or trying to figure out what’s next—this conversation is for you.👇 Let’s connect:🔗 Lee Jean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-jean-61288087/✅ Follow Produck Podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/produck-podcast/If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this!#startup #founderlife #accountability #entrepreneurship #antler #produckpodcast #buildinpublic #founderstory #startupjourney #solopreneur #foundersupport #mentalhealth #startuplife #productivity #freelancer