S6 Ep7 – Maryna Steger is the dynamic CEO and co-owner of Watch Advisor, a leading digital media house based in Switzerland and a major voice in the luxury watch industry. With a background in international relations, law, and digital marketing, Maryna brings a unique approach to entrepreneurship in the luxury sector. In this engaging episode, Maryna shares her journey from growing up in Belarus to building a highly-engaged, global community of watch collectors and enthusiasts. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of building a niche digital brand, key strategies for social media growth, and the complex balance between maintaining independence and generating revenue in the luxury sector. Maryna also offers candid advice on leadership, resilience, and harnessing new technologies like AI to drive future growth for Watch Advisor. 🎙️ Key Topics: Strategies for building an authentic, high-engagement digital brand in a niche market Diversification of revenue streams and balancing independence in B2B and B2C partnerships Social media tactics: the power of long-form video, regular content, and platform selection Adapting to digital transformation and the role of AI in the luxury industry Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Maryna Steger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryna-steger-emba-a6b6b079/ WatchAdvisor - https://www.watchadvisor.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6 Ep6 – Don Stewart is the President & CEO of PlantForm Corporation, a pioneering Canadian biotech company revolutionising pharmaceutical manufacturing using plant-based technology. In this engaging episode, Don shares firsthand insights into his entrepreneurial journey, shedding light on disruptive innovations in biopharmaceuticals, the challenges of breaking into the conservative pharmaceutical industry, and strategies for building effective global partnerships. The conversation explores the wide-ranging applications of PlantForm’s technology—from cancer treatment to emergency preparedness—whilst giving us a candid look at the realities of leading a startup through crises such as COVID-19 and navigating legal battles. 🎙️ Key Topics: Bringing disruptive plant-based pharmaceutical technology to market Overcoming industry resistance and regulatory hurdles Strategic partnerships and global expansion in Latin America and Asia Leadership lessons: persistence, focus, and the art of delegation Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Don Stewart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-stewart-canada/ PlantForm Corporation - https://www.plantformcorp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6 Ep5 – Sam Dunning is a dynamic founder, B2B marketing specialist and host of the Breaking B2B podcast, joining us from the UK with a wealth of experience in SEO, content marketing and scaling tech agencies. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from web development to launching his own B2B agency, discussing the seismic shifts in online search, the rise of AI, and strategies for standing out in a crowded marketplace. He offers candid insights into the realities of starting and growing a business, from managing cash flow and building a lean, skilled team to navigating cross-Atlantic client expectations. Sam also explores the evolving balance between tech-driven solutions and the enduring value of traditional human connections in business. 🎙️ Key Topics: The impact of AI and LLMs on SEO and modern search behaviour Lessons learned from niching down and scaling a B2B agency Building and managing a small, effective team in a bootstrap startup Navigating cultural differences between UK, US, and international markets Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Sam Dunning - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdunning/ Breaking B2B - https://www.breakingb2b.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6 Ep4 – Hanim Dogan-Jain is a partner at Prime Advantage Capital Partners, as well as an  advisor, board member and passionate advocate for female founders. She has a rich international background spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia. In this compelling episode, Hanim shares her journey from humble beginnings in Turkey to entrepreneurial success and venture capital leadership. The conversation dives deep into the harsh realities of fundraising in today’s climate, the unique challenges faced by female founders, and the importance of impact-driven investment. Hanim offers candid insights, practical advice, and heartfelt anecdotes that highlight both the obstacles and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. 🎙️ Key Topics: Navigating the tough fundraising landscape for startups in 2025 Persistent gender disparities in startup funding and the lack of real progress for female founders The powerful influence of culture and international perspectives on entrepreneurship Practical advice for founders: knowing when and why to seek funding, and the value of asking for support Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube.  We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Hanim Dogan-Jain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanim-doganjain/ Prime Advantage Capital Partners - https://pa-capitalpartners.com/ Hanim Dogan-Jain @ PA - https://pa-capitalpartners.com/partner-profiles/hanim-dogan-jain/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6 Ep3 – Noah Faro and Samir Dutta are the dynamic co-founders behind Farsight AI, a cutting-edge startup at the forefront of “Agentic AI” for financial services. Alongside their third co-founder Kanal Tangri, they are reimagining how AI drives productivity in the world’s most traditional industries. In this thought-provoking episode, Noah and Samir share first-hand insights from building a pioneering technology business, delving into their journey from MIT friends to raising $16 million in Series A funding. The hosts explore Farsight’s mission to help financial professionals do more and better work, the evolving human-AI relationship, and the importance of ruthless prioritisation in startup life. The episode also tackles questions around AI’s impact on jobs, adoption in legacy industries, and the vital need for human oversight as intelligent agents become mainstream. 🎙️ Key Topics: How Farsight AI's proprietary agents go beyond ChatGPT to automate complex financial workflows The real impact of AI on junior and senior roles in financial services – disruption or opportunity? Strategic lessons in fundraising: building organic investor networks and perfecting your story The critical role of human training, oversight, and education to ensure safe AI implementation Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Farsight AI - https://www.farsight-ai.com/team Samir Dutta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-dutta-106730107/ Noah Faro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahfaro/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6 Ep2 – Sarah Woodhouse is a dynamic PR strategist, co-owner and Director of Ambitious, a Bristol-based public relations agency in the UK renowned for supporting fast-growing businesses with strategic comms, content, and innovation-led campaigns. In this episode, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from launching her PR career in London to building an agency in Asia, scaling it across Greater China and Singapore, and returning to the UK to drive growth at Ambitious. She unpacks the evolution of PR in today’s digital and AI-driven world, offers invaluable insights into managing brand reputation, and explores the impact of culture, gender, and technology on the industry. The conversation also delves deep into the power of networking and storytelling for founders. 🎙️ Key Topics: How to craft measurable PR strategies for startup growth Navigating crisis communications and reputation management Embracing AI and the transformation of digital PR and content The influence of culture and women’s leadership in global business Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-j-woodhouse/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6 Ep1 – Scott Bok is a former CEO, investment banking trailblazer, and author of “Surviving Wall Street: A Tale of Triumph, Tragedy and Timing.” Having taken his boutique New York firm from its entrepreneurial roots all the way to a multi-billion-dollar IPO, Scott brings a wealth of experience and authentic insights from the dynamic world of financial services. In this thought-provoking episode, Scott shares the realities of leaving a secure, prestigious career at Morgan Stanley to launch a new kind of investment bank—one that defied the era’s trend for financial "supermarkets" and instead focused on personal, client-centric advisory.  He discusses navigating five major crises, flourishing in the face of fierce competition, and handling the unpredictable personal and emotional challenges that come with leadership. Scott and Shelley explore entrepreneurship on both sides of the Atlantic, including the contrasting attitudes towards risk and failure in the UK and US, and look ahead to key trends in fintech and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. 🎙️ Key Topics: The leap from Wall Street stability to startup uncertainty Steering a firm through five economic crises and fierce industry competition Building international teams and managing UK vs US cultural differences The power of authentic leadership, humility, and team-building in scaling a business Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. If you liked this episode, please rate us and leave a review. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse DeCosta is a creative entrepreneur, artist, and founder of DeCosta Global, a leading branding and marketing firm working with some of the world’s biggest names, from Hollywood stars to global corporations. In this insightful episode, Jesse shares the unvarnished truth behind his journey – from drawing caricatures at a theme park to building a multi-division business with decades-long partnerships in the entertainment industry. The conversation touches on the realities of starting up with no clear plan, the challenges of constant reinvention in the face of technological change (including the rise of AI), and the delicate balance between creativity, efficiency, and reputation management.  Jesse also reflects on the importance of humility, resilience, and treating people with respect, offering rich lessons for founders and creatives alike. 🎙️ Key Topics: Breaking into the entertainment industry and working with names like Will Smith, Kevin James, the Jacksons, and more The three pillars of DeCosta Global: product development, creative services, and marketing Crisis and reputation management for high-profile clients in the age of social media The impact (and heartbreak) of AI on creativity, job roles, and the future of creative businesses Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Jesse DeCosta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-decosta-021557141/ DeCosta Global - https://www.decostainc.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep11 – Ted Elvhage is a pioneering Swedish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Expansion Aerospace Ventures, one of Europe’s largest space and defence-focused VC funds. In this enlightening episode, Ted joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to unpick the accelerating world of space technology, revealing how “space” is already an essential part of our daily lives. From his own transformative journey—from Harvard Medical School to leading pan-European investment in aerospace—Ted discusses the seismic changes in rocket and satellite tech, the pivotal role of software, and the challenges unique to building and funding startups in this frontier sector. Expect candid insights into everything from pan-European collaboration to the real qualities investors seek in founders. 🎙️ Key Topics: The evolution of Europe’s commercial space and defence sector Cultural differences in entrepreneurship and investment across Europe and the US The unexpected ways satellites and space tech support climate action, agriculture, and telecoms Top mistakes founders make when pitching for investment and how to rectify them Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Ted Elvhage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedelvhage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep10 - Marta Emerson is a dynamic Spanish entrepreneur, renowned for her influential YouTube presence and her dedication to empowering solopreneurs and small business founders through online education and mentoring. In this insightful episode, Marta shares her personal journey from humble beginnings and navigating the early Spanish startup environment, to building a thriving personal brand that now supports over 20,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. She discusses the key differences between scaling startups and building smaller, lifestyle businesses, and offers practical advice on personal branding, business modelling, and sales strategies.  Marta also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she generates multiple streams of passive income, the importance of authenticity on social media, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the Spanish and wider Spanish-speaking startup ecosystem. 🎙️ Key Topics: Building a personal brand and business as a solopreneur in the Spanish-speaking market Practical steps for creating and optimising sales funnels for consultants and small businesses Strategies for generating passive income streams, from YouTube to affiliate marketing The evolving entrepreneurial landscape in Spain and navigating change in a world shaped by technology and AI FOLLOW this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Marta Emerson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martaemerson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep9 – Michelle Blieberg is a seasoned HR leader, executive coach, and architect of leadership programmes, whose career spans global giants such as Charles Schwab, UBS Investment Bank, and Time Warner, as well as nimble startups. In this practical and insightful episode, Michelle joins Shelley and Bulent from Connecticut in the US to unpack the real-world contrasts of leading HR in large versus small companies. She also discusses the evolving landscape of work post-pandemic. The discussion ranges from navigating resource constraints in startups to the enduring importance of trust and psychological safety, the nuances of leadership development, and actionable advice for founders and aspiring leaders alike. Michelle illuminates the cultural differences between the US and UK workplace environments, shares powerful anecdotes from her career, and casts a thoughtful eye over the promise and pitfalls of AI in business. 🎙️ Key Topics: The realities of HR in startups vs. established corporations Building workplace trust and psychological safety post-Covid Creative approaches to leadership and talent development The impact of AI and the critical importance of inspiring leadership Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep8 -  Mike Turner, co-founder and Managing Director of Bird and Blend Tea Company, shares his journey from starting out with his ex-wife to building a thriving tea company with now 25 stores across the UK. Mike discusses a wide range of topics, from the company's unique approach to creating innovative tea blends and spreading happiness to the challenges of growing a business amid changing economic climates. He opens up about the significance of maintaining company culture, the insights gained from the pandemic, and managing an evolving business structure. Mike also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building a lasting, impactful enterprise. 🎙️ Key Topics: Bird and Blend: From Concept to Community-Sourced Success Resilience and Adaptation: Managing Growth and Economic Challenges The Power of Culture: Keeping 250 Staff Passionate and Engaged Insights on Balancing Online Presence and Physical Stores in Retail Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Mike Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeajturner/ Bird & Blend Tea Co. - https://www.birdandblendtea.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep7 - Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, joins us to share insights from his journey in the podcast industry. Recognised as a titan in British podcasting, Tony, along with his co-founder, Gary Lineker, the former professional footballer and TV host, is behind some of the UK’s most successful podcasts like The Rest Is History. In this engaging episode, Tony discusses the podcasting landscape in the UK versus the US, the evolution of media with on-demand content, and his personal journey from television to the world of podcasts. He also explains the intricacies of building a business without traditional marketing, the importance of community-building, and offers advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the podcast world. 🎙️ Key Topics: The UK vs. US Podcast Advertising Market Transition from TV Production to Podcast Dominance Building an Audience: Marketing Strategies and Organic Growth Engaging with a Community for Long-Term Podcast Success Follow the show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Tony Pastor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-pastor-a910a610a/ Goalhanger  - https://www.goalhanger.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Ep6 - Jeff Wallace, a prominent figure in the world of startups, is an expert in accelerating businesses with his initiatives, Silicon Valley in Your Pocket and The Batchery. Joining the conversation from New Zealand, Jeff brings valuable insights from his extensive experience across continents. In this thought-provoking episode, Jeff Wallace shares his journey from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, detailing his seamless transition from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Together with hosts Bulent Osman and Shelley Bays, Jeff explores the pervasive impact of AI on startups, the unique challenges of global entrepreneurship, and the innovative ecosystem in New Zealand, providing listeners with a rare inside look at the dynamics of starting up internationally. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Evolution of Entrepreneurship and the Role of AI Insights on Creating Global Accelerator Programmes Navigating Cultural Differences in International Startups A Look into New Zealand's Vibrant Startup Ecosystem Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Jeff Wallace - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwallace913/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep5 - Carrie Osman is the founder and CEO of Cruxy, a growth intelligence specialist company based in London. With a background from Mars and an entrepreneurial mindset nurtured from childhood, Carrie has built a dynamic business serving high-growth B2B tech sectors globally. In this engaging episode, Carrie shares her journey from the early challenges of starting Cruxy to the successes she enjoys today. The conversation delves deep into the nuances of sales across different cultures, the importance of building strong, systematic processes, and the balance required in leadership to inspire and support a high-performing team. Her insights into the ‘Trust Equation’ in sales and her approach to motivating her team offer valuable takeaways for budding entrepreneurs. 🎙️ Key Topics: Navigating Cultural Differences in Sales The Trust Equation: Intimacy, Reliability, and Credibility Leadership Insights: Balancing Strength with Support Scaling a Business with Systematic Processes Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Carrie Osman -https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-osman-7570a216/ Cruxy - https://cruxy.co.uk/ Our thanks to this week’s sponsor, Curvo.ai - https://curvo.ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep4 - Tommaso Trionfi is an Italian serial entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Noro, a company revolutionising the business travel experience with life-size immersive portals. In this engaging episode, Tommaso shares his journey from being a curious young man in Rome to becoming a pioneering force in the tech industry across multiple continents. He discusses the inception and evolution of Noro, which aims to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person meetings with innovative technology. The conversation also explores the entrepreneurial environment in the US compared to Europe, offering insights from Tommaso’s extensive international experience. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Origin and Mission of Noro Navigating Business Across Different Cultures Advantages and Challenges of Entrepreneurship in the US Overcoming the Constraints of Traditional Video Conferencing Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Tommaso Trionfi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trionfi/ Noro - https://www.noro.co/ Our thanks to this week’s sponsor, Curvo.ai - https://curvo.ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep3 - Leo Rogers is the innovative co-founder and CEO of Curvo, a burgeoning tech startup leveraging AI to revolutionise sales enablement and coaching. In this invigorating episode, Leo divulges his entrepreneurial journey, from dropping out of university to founding Curvo, which aims to provide real-time coaching to sales representatives using artificial intelligence. He opens up about the initial challenges of starting his new venture, funding strategies, and the technology behind Curvo. Leo also offers invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs and paints a vivid picture of the realities behind startup life, including both the highs and the inevitable challenges. 🎙️ Key Topics: The inception and mission of Curvo in the sales enablement space Leveraging AI and machine learning for real-time sales coaching Overcoming early-stage startup challenges, including funding and team dynamics The entrepreneurial mindset: resilience, learning, and thriving in discomfort Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep2 - Fabrice Marquet is an accomplished entrepreneur and the innovative Co-Founder of Monaco Foundry, a venture dedicated to fast-tracking access to market for innovation and revolutionising the fundraising process for startups. In this fascinating episode, Fabrice shares his journey from being a scientist to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing his impressive academic background and his enriching experiences in both Europe and the US. He delves into why Monaco Foundry was founded, the challenges they faced, and the crucial pivot that has now positioned them to support a wider range of creators and entrepreneurs. With discussions ranging from the inefficiencies in the venture capital space to the future prospects of AI and intellectual property, this is a conversation brimming with insights for any startup enthusiast. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Inception and Evolution of Monaco Foundry Challenges in the Venture Capital Space and the Importance of Pivoting Differences Between European and American Entrepreneurial Cultures The Disruptive Potential of AI and the Future Landscape for Startups Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep1 - Kyle Whitehill, CEO of Avanti Communications, reflects on his career, personal values and experiences with the startup community. In this insightful episode, Kyle joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to delve into the nuances of transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurial ventures. Kyle shares wisdom from his career, discusses the impact of personal values, and explores the challenges and opportunities within the business landscape. The conversation covers the evolving dynamics of sales, the importance of education and communication, and Kyle's future ambitions, including his plans to buy a farm in Scotland. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Evolving Nature of Business Interactions and Sales Cycles Balancing Personal Values with Career Objectives Insights on the African Market and Avanti's Strategic Expansion Advice for Entrepreneurs Navigating Corporate Sales FOLLOW the show on your favourite podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Kyle Whitehill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-whitehill-9b8469/ Avanti Communications - https://www.avanti.space/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep5 - Phill Robinson is the founder of Boardwave, a networking community connecting CEOs and founders of software companies across Europe. With his belief that access to knowledge, skills, and experience is critical to success, Phill provides a space for software leaders to share best practices and ideas.  In this conversation with Bulent and Shelley, he discusses why it is important we create a community of start-up businesses to help with business growth and provide peer support when needed. This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Phill Robinson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillrobinson/ Boardwave - https://www.boardwave.org/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices