This week’s hot take: Most people don’t plan to become founders—and even fewer are ready for what it actually takes.

In this solo(ish) episode, we flip the mic and put Lottie in the hot seat. She’s joined by Brand Hackers’ own Social Media Executive, Dani, for a behind-the-scenes chat on everything from Shakespeare to startups.

Lottie shares how she accidentally fell into marketing, the culture shock of moving from P&G to startup life, and what it actually means to be a CEO when you never planned to be one. Expect stories involving fragrance hauls, rejection emails, retail hustle, and her slightly chaotic path to founding three businesses.

We talk about learning on the job (with zero formal training), how building community started with one dinner, and the painful but powerful moments that shaped her leadership style. Plus, the honest truth about what she’s still figuring out, and what’s next for Brand Hackers.

If you're early in your career, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or building something from scratch, this one’s for you.

Let us know what you think, and if you're feeling bold - maybe send this to a fellow founder who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Your Host

Lottie Unwin founded Up World, Brand Hackers, and Up Talent with a simple goal: helping startups grow. She's learned a thing or two about building brands that people genuinely care about, and now she puts that knowledge to work supporting ambitious startups who want to make their mark. She loves nothing more than seeing brands find their confidence and voice - and she's not afraid to share the real ups and downs of her own journey along the way.

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