In this episode of the Inside Story of Building Businesses podcast, I sit down with Simone La Torre, Director of Business Development at Stellar, entrepreneur, and startup coach.
We dive deep into the real challenges of building companies, the importance of having the right co-founders, and why execution matters more than ever in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Simone shares lessons from building multiple startups, the pitfalls he’s seen founders fall into, and the traits that separate successful entrepreneurs from the rest.
💡 Some key takeaways from our conversation:
Entrepreneurship is tough — having a co-founder makes all the difference.
Founder alignment is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.
Obsess over your customers, not your idea.
The best founders know when to pivot.
Execution beats technology. Every. Single. Time.
🎧 Listen in for practical advice on how to validate ideas, attract investors, and build businesses that last.
🔑 Chapters:
00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
01:36 Traps and Challenges Founders Face
03:20 Lessons from Early Pitfalls
04:59 What I’d Do Differently Next Time
08:04 Why B2B Over B2C
10:19 Founder Mistakes and Blindspots
13:38 Delivering End-to-End Client Solutions
16:05 Traits of Successful Founders
17:50 Coaching That Transformed My Thinking
19:55 Solving Real Problems (Not Ideas)
22:26 Finding Product–Market Fit
25:01 What Makes a Startup Investable
28:53 Why Solo Founders Struggle with Investors
30:48 Choosing the Right Co-Founder
34:43 Investor Red Flags
36:59 The Future of Entrepreneurship
What does it take to build a startup that simplifies relocation, connects people with homes, and balances tech with a human touch?
In this episode, I sit down with Joao Mesquita(CEO) and Alec Hilbert (Chief Growth Officer), the co-founders of StaysCo, a tech-enabled service company based in Luxembourg. Their mission? Make relocation seamless for expats, HR teams, and business travellers by connecting them with trusted property managers and quality housing solutions.
🚀 In this episode, you'll learn:
✔︎ What they would do differently if starting again
✔︎ Why market understanding must come before building
✔︎ How they approached building and testing their MVP
✔︎ Why they chose not to raise external funding
✔︎ The power of focus, resilience, and filtering advice
✔︎ Why StaysCo is built as a service-first company powered by tech
Whether you're a founder, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in early-stage decision-making.
Chapters
00:00 Rebuilding the Startup: What We’d Do Differently
02:29 The Birth of Staysco: Identifying Market Gaps
04:06 Steps to Build an MVP and Join a Startup Incubator
06:34 Testing the MVP with Initial Customers
09:54 Business Model: How StaysCo Generates Revenue
12:36 Service Enabled Tech Company
14:26 The Vision Beyond Luxembourg
15:53 Why Not to Raise External Capital
19:32 The Cost of Commitment: Working Without Pay
23:35 Navigating Pivots: Adapting to Change in Startups
30:24 Struggles and Solutions: The Entrepreneurial Journey
🚀 What’s the #1 skill every founder needs to master but most ignore?
Sales.
In this episode of the Inside Story Podcast, I speak with Panos Meintanis, founder of DealsUp and Deelan, a sales acceleration platform built specifically for startups. Panos brings years of frontline experience - from closing deals at Talkwalker to helping founders transform their mindset around selling.
We talk about why sales is the foundation of any business, why founders must learn to sell before they scale, and how Deelan is changing the game by making elite, AI-powered sales training accessible to everyone.
Whether you're a startup founder, sales lead, or early-stage team member—this conversation is packed with practical lessons on sales strategy, personal growth, and how AI can level the playing field for startups with limited time and budget.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Sales Training
05:07 – Panos’ Sales Journey at Talkwalker
11:43 – Developing a Sales Persona and Philosophy
16:32 – Building Thought Leadership as a Salesperson
18:14 – Common Sales Mistakes Made by Startups
24:28 – Why Every Founder Must Learn to Sell
32:14 – What Really Motivates Entrepreneurs (Hint: It’s Not Money)
33:02 – Best Budget-Friendly Ways to Train Your Sales Team
37:47 – Using Sales as a Vehicle to Achieve Life Goals
🤔 Ever moved to a new country, started from scratch, and wondered how to make people see your value?
That’s exactly what Lisa Burke did — and not just once.
In this episode of the Inside Story Podcast, I speak with Lisa Burke: seasoned broadcaster, event host, and the powerhouse behind launching RTL Today’s English-language news in Luxembourg.
💬 We talk about:
✔︎ Reinventing yourself professionally in a new environment
✔︎ Why public speaking is a life skill, not just a stage skill
✔︎ The balancing act of career, family, and self-care
✔︎ Building credibility when no one knows you (yet)
✔︎ Why kindness—to yourself—is critical on the entrepreneurial journey
Lisa’s story reminds us that the path to confidence often starts with a single step and that every skill is learnable with time, patience, and self-belief.
🎧 Listen now on Inside Story wherever you get your podcasts.
👇 What’s one skill that’s helped you grow more confident in your career and business?
Chapter Titles:
00:00 – Lisa Burke on Career, Change & New Beginnings
06:45 – How to Build a Network in a New Country
10:25 – Coaching, Clients & Public Speaking Work
13:38 – Launching RTL Today in Luxembourg
21:52 – Building Credibility and Visibility from Scratch
29:47 – Gaining Confidence Through Small Wins
35:04 – Core Skills That Matter Most in Any Career
36:33 – Learning From Failure and Being Kind to Yourself
Meet Marco Houwen, the founder of Zentrapreneur and serial tech entrepreneur who sold it all to help leaders build businesses aligned with who they truly are. He joins Inside Story podcast to share how spiritual intelligence, failure, and inner clarity are the keys to lasting success in today’s fast-paced world.
After two decades building and scaling high-impact tech businesses like Datacenter, LuxCloud, and EuroDNS, Marco achieved outward success but felt disconnected on the inside. That led him to sell his companies and embark on a deeply personal transformation. He now helps leaders and organizations align their inner identity with outward success.
We discussed why,
You don’t have to go it alone - partnership matters.
Failure is the catalyst, not the end.
Aligning your business strategy with your authentic identity and purpose.
Bootstrap thoughtfully, delaying funding until it supports the mission, not derails it.
Rebranding starts from your values and spiritual clarity.
Spiritual intelligence (SQ) is the missing piece in the AI era of leadership.
Happiness and fulfillment aren’t side-effects - they’re core business metrics.
🎧 Listen now and let me know: How do you balance success with purpose?
Chapter Titles
00:00 — From Success to Spiritual Search: Marco’s Career Shift
01:59 — How Failure Paved the Way for Growth
03:29 — The Evolution from Tech Ventures to Purpose-Led Coaching
06:59 — Discovering Your Growth Identity & Mission
10:32 — Launching One Venture After Another
12:35 — Overcoming Key Entrepreneurial Challenges
16:23 — When to Bootstrap & How to Approach Fundraising
20:47 — Rebranding with Authentic Values & Spiritual Alignment
29:36 — Bringing Spiritual Intelligence into Business Strategy
36:30 — What Animal Reflects Your Entrepreneurial Path?
🎙️In this episode of Inside Story, I talk to Imeshi Weerasinghe, co-founder and CEO of WEO, a Luxembourg-based startup transforming satellite data into climate resilience tools.
🤔 Imeshi shares the journey of founding WEO with a clear mission: to create real-world environmental impact, not just chase profits. She opens up about the challenges of long sales cycles, resisting pressure to scale at all costs, and the financial balancing act of working with both grant funding and paying clients.
🤓 We also dive into the experience of being a woman founder, why WEO is committed to a family-friendly work culture, and what “balance” truly looks like when you're building a startup and raising a family.
‼️ This episode is a must-listen for anyone building purpose-led businesses, especially in climate, tech, or impact-driven sectors.
Chapters:
00:00 | Intro: WEO’s Mission and Vision
06:33 | Making Satellite Data Actionable for Clients
08:23 | Choosing the Right Clients in the Early Days
11:21 | Navigating Long Sales Cycles Without Burning Out
14:07 | Expanding WEO’s Work into the Humanitarian Sector
17:22 | Grants vs. Paid Projects: Finding the Right Funding Mix
21:37 | Why WEO Chose Not to Chase Exponential Growth
25:10 | Staying True to Your Mission While Scaling
30:05 | Being a Female Founder in the Climate Tech Space
33:29 | Building a Family-First, Flexible Startup Culture
35:46 | The Ongoing Challenge of Balancing Life and Leadership
What do investors really look for in startups?
And why do so many promising ventures still fail to scale?
In this episode of Inside Story, I speak with Daniel Biedermann, Investment Partner at NewSpace Capital and seasoned startup coach, about what it takes to grow and fund high-impact companies, especially in the fast-changing space industry. 🌍🛰️
From spotting the right investment opportunities to understanding why so many startups struggle with turning tech innovation into market value, Daniel brings an insider’s view into both entrepreneurship and early-stage investing.
We cover:
✨ Why innovation alone isn’t enough - founders must understand market demand
✨ What are the real deal-breakers and red flags for investors ✨ How public funding can sometimes make startups too comfortable
✨ Why failure is normal and should be encouraged, especially in Europe
✨ And how the space sector is becoming more open to smaller, agile companies.
This episode is packed with lessons for anyone building or backing early-stage ventures — in space or here on Earth.
🎧 Listen now and let me know:
👉 Which of these takeaways resonates most with your own journey?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Inside Story Podcast
03:17 The Biggest Opportunities Emerging in the Space Sector
09:18 How Investors Evaluate Scaleups in the Space Industry
14:24 What Makes or Breaks a Deal: Investment Red Flags
18:09 Investor Expectations: Where There’s Flexibility (and Where There Isn’t)
21:52 Common Startup Struggles: From Tech-Driven to Demand-Driven
27:59 The Startup Ecosystem in Europe: Optimism Meets Reality
34:13 Innovation vs. Market Need: Finding the Right Balance
🎙️In this episode of Inside Story, I sit down with Dorothy Germain, Managing Director of Spa Escape in Luxembourg.
Dorothy shares her inspiring journey from launching a home-based wellness business in Canada to building a successful spa in Luxembourg. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—navigating financial hurdles, adapting to a new market, and building strong customer relationships that fuel business growth.
💪 If you're a current or aspiring entrepreneur, especially in the wellness space, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and turning passion into purpose.
🎧 Tune in to learn how Dorothy turned her basement into a business—and her business into a brand.
Chapters
00:00 | Starting with Passion: Dorothy’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings
03:00 | Leaving the 9–5: Taking the Leap into Business
06:02 | From Basement Studio to First Wellness Brand
07:20 | A New Chapter: Relocating to Luxembourg
09:36 | Launching Spa Escape in a Foreign Market
14:10 | Tackling Financial and Administrative Hurdles
22:38 | Becoming Profitable: Turning the Spa into a Sustainable Business
29:26 | What I Didn’t Expect: Hard Truths of Entrepreneurship
31:41 | Building Loyalty: How Spa Escape Keeps Clients Coming Back
The fashion industry is evolving — and Vestis Labs is leading the charge. My guest, Fonny Bunjamin, founder & CEO of Vestis Labs, is on a mission to revolutionize how small and medium-sized fashion brands operate through technology, sustainability, and digital transformation.
🎙️ In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The biggest challenges fashion brands face — and how tech can solve them
✅ Why resilience, adaptability, and trusting your instincts are key to success
✅ The reality of startup life: co-founder struggles, pivots, and learning from failure
✅ How startup programs can provide structure and mentorship for founders
✅ The balance between passion and building a financially sustainable business
💭 Whether you're in fashion, tech, or building your own startup, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and making bold moves.
🔔 Follow and listen to the full episode!
Chapters
00:00 – The Vision Behind VESTIS LABS: Transforming Fashion with Technology
07:32 – From Finance to Fashion: Fonny’s Unconventional Journey
10:54 – Lessons Learned from Past Business Ventures
15:45 – Pivoting vs. Staying the Course: Finding the Right Balance
18:04 – Choosing the Best Startup Incubator: What Founders Need to Know
22:20 – The Co-Founder Dilemma: Challenges and Misaligned Visions
24:56 – The Unexpected Hurdles of Building a Startup
26:59 – The Mindset and Skills Every Entrepreneur Needs to Succeed
What does it really take to build a business while managing family, life, and all the doubts that come with it?
In this inspiring episode of Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with Katy Dyzewska, Founder of AMC Services, to talk about the real entrepreneurial journey — the highs, the lows, and the mindset shifts that make success possible.
Katy shares her personal story of starting a business in Luxembourg, navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the inner work needed to grow a business when confidence is low and challenges are high.
💡 If you're an entrepreneur (or thinking of starting something on your own), this episode will remind you that:
✔️ Confidence is built, not given.
✔️ Failure is part of growth.
✔️ Planning and patience are your secret weapons.
✔️ A positive mindset can change everything.
Whether you're struggling to believe in yourself or balancing a million roles, Katy's story will give you practical insights and motivation to keep going.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth
02:22 What is AMC Services and How It Helps Others
04:30 How to Balance Multiple Roles: Entrepreneur, Mother, Woman
07:23 From Employee to Entrepreneur: Katy’s Leap into Business
11:20 Motherhood Meets Business: Challenges of Raising a Family While Building a Company
16:02 The Shift from Employee Mindset to Consultant Mindset
20:22 Empowering Women: Why Confidence Coaching Matters
25:59 The Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship: Highs and Lows
27:32 The Power of Mindset and Gratitude in Business Success
What does it take to build a thriving marketing consultancy after working with global brands like LinkedIn and Nokia? 🤔
In this episode of Inside Story of Building Businesses, I sit down with Emi Orbán-Agg, founder of Do It Right Marketing, to uncover the realities of entrepreneurship, growth marketing, and making smart business decisions.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
✅ Growth marketing is about revenue, not just reach – A multi-channel approach is key.
✅ Selling is a must-have skill – Whether you're a founder or a marketer, you need to sell.
✅ Don't spread too thin – Small businesses should focus on channels that truly matter.
✅ Success takes time – Marketing isn’t an overnight win; patience and strategy are everything.
🚀 Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup founder, or marketing enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you scale smarter.
🎧 Tune in now & let me know: What’s your biggest marketing challenge? ⬇️
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Entrepreneurship & Growth Marketing
02:37 From Corporate to Consultancy: Emi’s Journey
03:55 What Is Growth Marketing & Why It Matters
05:33 Leaving LinkedIn & Nokia: The Leap Into Entrepreneurship
08:43 How to Set Up a Marketing Consultancy
12:40 Learning to Sell: A Critical Business Skill
14:06 Biggest Challenges of Entrepreneurship
19:01 Why Solopreneurs Need a Support System
22:23 Marketing Strategies Big Brands Use (That Small Biz Can Too)
24:19 The Most Common Marketing Mistakes Small Businesses Make
26:52 Marketing Tips That Actually Work for Small Businesses
28:54 Lessons from Running a Marketing Consultancy
🎙️I sat down with Chanukya Patnaik, founder of AI Planet, to explore the journey of making AI accessible to all.
From launching an AI marketplace and open-sourcing powerful LLMs to fostering a 300K+ global community, AI Planet is reshaping how AI is developed, learned, and adopted.
💡 What we cover in this episode:
✅ The challenges of building an AI-driven startup
✅ Why education & community are key to AI’s future
✅ How AI Planet is making AI more private, secure, and accessible
✅ The hard truths of fundraising & building a sustainable business
✅ Must-have vs. nice-to-have AI solutions: what really matters?
In a world where 85% of AI projects fail, AI Planet is changing the narrative—paving the way for AI to be a tool for everyone, not just a luxury for a few.
🎧 Tune in to hear Chanukya’s insights on entrepreneurship, AI, and building a business with impact.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Entrepreneurial Journey
04:01 The Inception of AI Planet
06:54 Community and Education in AI
10:03 AI Kitchen: Simplifying AI Solutions
12:31 Learning from Failures and Market Validation
15:15 Fundraising Journey and Business Sustainability
25:07 Building Autonomous Human-like Agents
30:49 Must-Have vs Nice-to-Have Innovations
🎙 In this episode of Inside Story of Building Businesses, I spoke with Monica Serban-Mantero, an environmental economist turned screenwriter, who’s on a mission to change how we think about climate change - through comedy!
Monica is the creative mind behind "Ten to Midnight," an environmental sitcom set to be filmed in Romania. In this episode, she shares her inspiring journey of turning her passion for sustainability into an award-winning screenplay.
💡 We dive deep into:
✅ The challenges of blending humor and science in storytelling
✅ Overcoming naysayers and staying motivated
✅ How to write characters that spark laughter while addressing real-life global issues
✅ Why ordinary people, not superheroes, are the key to saving the world
Monica’s story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in the creative arts and how storytelling can spark change.
🎧 Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
#EnvironmentalComedy #InsideStoryPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ClimateChange #StorytellingForImpact
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: From Environmental Economist to Screenwriter
03:44 - What Inspired Ten to Midnight and Its Goals
06:26 - Writing the Screenplay and Overcoming Naysayers
09:53 - The Journey of Rewriting and Improving the Script
12:50 - Why Comedy is a Powerful Tool for Serious Topics
15:25 - Monica’s Most Difficult Challenge in This Process
17:01 - The Voices and Characters That Stay with Her
19:05 - Creating Relatable Characters and Balancing Perspectives
20:54 - Blending Environmentalism and Humor in the Sitcom
25:48 - Tackling Climate Change Deniers with Comedy
29:07 - Realizing the Potential of the Project
31:08 - Expectations vs. Reality: Lessons from Monica’s Journey
33:30 - Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ten to Midnight
🌿 Can businesses change the world for the better?
🎙️In this episode of Inside Story of Building Businesses, host Dursun Halimova speaks with Virginie Ducommun, founder of Indoor Forest, about the journey of creating impactful and sustainable businesses. Virginie shares her insights on how smart technologies can transform buildings, the importance of sustainability, and the unique challenges of running a social impact company.
Key Takeaways:
✓ The importance of a solid business model for impact companies.
✓ Steps to start a social impact business.
✓ How social enterprises can collaborate with traditional businesses.
✓ The growing but still-small landscape of impact entrepreneurship in Luxembourg.
‼️ Don’t miss Virginie’s advice on how to combine purpose and profit to create a better future. 🌍
📌 Watch now and subscribe for more inspiring stories!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Meet Virginie Ducommun and Indoor Forest
04:06 Case Study: Transforming a School for Energy Efficiency
07:48 Social Impact vs. Regular Companies: Key Differences
09:45 Pros and Cons of Running a Social Impact Business
14:14 Exploring the Social Impact Landscape in Luxembourg
17:04 Why Business Models Are Vital for Social Impact Companies
21:33 How to Start a Social Impact Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
24:57 Social Impact or Traditional Business? Making the Choice
26:39 The Future Vision for Social Impact Entrepreneurship
30:51 Virginie's Favorite Song: A Soundtrack for Tough Times
#SocialImpact #SustainableBusiness #Entrepreneurship #InsideStoryPodcast #socialimpactbusiness #luxembourg
🎙️In this episode of the Inside Story podcast, Dursun interviews Keith Amoss, an experienced career coach and entrepreneur, to uncover the profound role values play in entrepreneurship and career decisions.
⚡️Keith shares his unique perspective as someone who transitioned from a stable public sector role to starting his own coaching business. Together, they explore the importance of self-awareness, fulfillment over fleeting happiness, and the value of mentorship when navigating professional changes. Keith provides actionable insights for anyone embarking on their own career or business journey.
Key Takeaways:
💡Know yourself before starting a business or career shift.
💡Fulfillment matters more than fleeting passion or happiness
💡Bravery, self-awareness, and trust are essential for success
💡The future of work is evolving with AI - stay prepared!
👉 Tune in to discover how values can unlock clarity, confidence, and fulfillment in your entrepreneurial journey.
Chapters
00:00 Meet Keith Amoss, a Career Coach
01:15 Why Values Are the Foundation of Entrepreneurship
06:26 What Career Coaching Really Entails
08:04 The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship and the Role of a Coach
11:13 From Public Sector to Entrepreneur: Keith's Transition
14:56 Guiding High Achievers Toward Continuous Growth
18:14 Navigating the Challenges of Leaving the Public Sector
20:08 Networking and Building Trust as an Entrepreneur
21:20 Why Integrity Matters in Business
22:20 Finding Your Niche and Defining Your Focus
25:20 How to Discover What Truly Fulfils You
29:24 The Future of Work: AI’s Impact on Jobs and Businesses
30:53 Staying Ahead of Technological Changes
In this episode of Inside Story, host we sit down with Isabelle Mattern, a talented visual and communication designer, to explore her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. From launching her business during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to mastering the balance between creativity and client demands, Isabelle shares invaluable lessons and insights.
✨ What You’ll Learn:
Whether you are a creative professional and want to venture out on your own or an existing entrepreneur wanting to hear some design and communication tips, this episode is for you!
Chapters:
01:15 - Meet Isabelle: Her Journey and Studio's Creative Mission
01:58 - Who Benefits from Isabelle’s Work? Exploring Her Clientele
03:13 - The Impact of Visual Identity: Branding Done Right
06:36 - Starting a Business During COVID-19: Challenges and Lessons Learned
09:28 - Developing Business Acumen as a Visual Communicator
12:12 - Visibility and Networking: Strategies for Attracting Clients
16:24 - Business Tactics: What Worked and What Didn’t
19:17 - Setting Priorities: Balancing Focus and Letting Go
21:30 - Juggling Creativity and Client Demands: Finding the Balance
23:18 - Staying Consistent When Results Take Time
26:22 - Looking Back: What Isabelle Would Do Differently
🎙In this episode, we explore how Schoolmait is redefining well-being in schools. Founders Bosmat and Yuval share their vision for a better future for students and how they built a startup focused on well-being from the ground up. Together, they share how Schoolmait empowers educational institutions with data-driven insights to identify and address well-being challenges.
Bosmat and Yuval discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the intricacies of creating a platform that fosters emotional, social, and physical wellness, and how they navigate their roles as co-founders and life partners.
From early funding choices to global expansion plans, discover what it takes to lead a purpose-driven startup making a difference in students’ lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Schoolmait and the Co-founders
03:36 The Vision and Mission of Schoolmait
07:32 Building the Platform: Surveys, Data, and Interventions
11:05 Schoolmait's Go-to-Market Strategy
16:21 Funding Schoolmait: Self-Funding and Future Plans
19:45 The Challenges and Rewards of Startup Life
25:58 Partnering for Impact: Collaborations and Market Entry
30:18 Balancing Love and Leadership: Navigating Dual Roles
In this episode of Inside Story, host Dursun Halimova sits down with Dr. Guy Schumann, CEO and founder of RSS Hydro, to dive into the world of disaster management, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As a leader in private-sector research, Dr. Schumann shares his unique insights on building a business around R&D and the essential role of hope and resilience in the face of setbacks. They explore the urgent need for innovation in the humanitarian sector, the financial realities of running an R&D-focused business, and the strategic advantages Luxembourg offers startups.
For anyone considering the leap from academia to the private sector, Dr. Schumann’s advice on navigating cash flow challenges, balancing research passion with profitability, leveraging R&D for business success and developing an exit strategy is invaluable.
Tune in for practical advice on building a business rooted in research, creating real-world impact, and planning for long-term success. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on entrepreneurship and innovation!
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Hope in Starting a Business
03:42 Introduction to RSS-Hydro
05:24 Disaster Risk Reduction in the Humanitarian Sector
09:42 Balancing R&D Projects with Paying Customers
13:30 Key Research Partners and Clients of RSS-Hydro
15:53 Why Launch a Research-Based Company
20:35 Meeting Client Expectations Under Pressure
23:43 Choosing Luxembourg Over the USA for Your Startup
28:02 The Importance of Commercializing Research
29:52 Planning an Exit Strategy
In this episode of Inside Story, host Dursun Halimova dives into the world of startup stories with Jacob Pichna, co-founder and CEO of sommify, an AI-powered wine sommelier startup. Learn how Jacob turned a simple business idea into a thriving tech company by focusing on real customer needs, applying Lean Startup principles, and raising funds to fuel his venture.
Jacob shares his experience of starting a business with friends, the challenges of building a startup in college, and how to overcome the odds when starting a business with no experience. He also discusses what it’s like to work with investors, secure partnerships with major retailers like Tesco, and scale a business in the competitive world of startup tech companies. He also shares the lessons learned from Silicon Valley and how they shaped sommify’s success.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: The Sommify Story – AI Meets Wine Selection
02:00 How Sommify is Helping Customers Choose the Perfect Wine
05:00 The Power of Wine Education in Retail
07:20 sommify's Integration into Major Retail Stores
11:56 Challenges of Launching a Startup with Childhood Friends
13:32 Pivotal Moments in Sommify’s Startup Journey
14:23 Building a Team of Experts: Why It Matters
23:03 How to Reach Decision Makers and Secure a Demo
25:55 Key Lessons from Silicon Valley for Startup Success
28:42 Thinking Big: Setting Ambitious Goals for Growth2
9:03 Perfecting Your Startup Pitch
31:19 Future Plans: What Happens After a Successful Exit
33:12 Entrepreneurship: The Fulfillment and Potential Ahead
Discover how Alexandra, a successful coach, transformed her passion for helping others into a fulfilling career.
In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Neves, founder of Mind Tree Coaching and the President of the International Coach Federation (ICF) in Luxembourg. She shares her insights on:
Building a strong foundation: Creating a clear vision and setting goals
Overcoming challenges: Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth
Attracting clients: Leveraging your unique skills and building a strong online presence
Balancing life and business: Juggling multiple roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Whether you're a budding coach or looking to scale your existing business, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Meet Alexandra, Coach and Comedian
01:34 Overview of Mind Tree Coaching
02:29 The Benefits of Coaching
04:02 Taking the First Steps Toward Fulfilling One’s Potential
06:40 Transitioning From Full-Time Employment to Entrepreneurship
09:51 Building Skills and Expertise as a Business Owner
10:32 Building Your Brand: Attracting Clients and Creating Visibility
11:17 Using LinkedIn to Attract Clients
12:08 Overcoming Challenges in Starting a Business
12:56 Balancing Act: Juggling Parenthood and Business
15:27 The Comedy Connection: How Humor Boosts Creativity and Communication
18:01 The Power of Authenticity: Building Genuine Connections
21:27 From Comedy Show to Stress Management and Corporate Training
22:59 The Power of Vision: Setting Goals and Achieving Success
27:14 The Value of Unrelated Hobbies in Professional Growth