Now We Build

In this conversation, Xaver Lehmann shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his initial foray into the startup world with E-Bot 7, a customer service automation platform, to his experiences with team building, product-market fit, and navigating the challenges of early AI technology. He discusses the importance of hiring for attitude, the strategies used for customer acquisition, and the decision-making process behind selling E-Bot 7. Following the sale, Xaver reflects on his health struggles and the launch of his second company, Fidlab 7, before transitioning to his current project, The Honest Founder, where he aims to support other founders through shared experiences and insights.Key takeawaysXaver initially aimed to be an investment banker before entering the startup world.E-Bot 7 was born from a desire to improve customer service.The AI landscape was challenging and underdeveloped in 2016.Finding product-market fit was a gradual process involving customer feedback.Building a team was difficult due to limited resources and experience.Hiring for attitude proved more effective than hiring based on resumes.Word of mouth and networking were key to acquiring customers.The decision to sell E-Bot 7 was influenced by market conditions and offers.Fidlab 7 was launched to explore the potential of video in AI.The Honest Founder was created to share experiences and support other founders.Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Investment Banking to Startups02:55 E-Bot 7: The Birth of an Idea05:50 Navigating Early Challenges in AI08:44 Validating the Product: Finding Market Fit11:37 Building a Team: Lessons in Hiring14:24 From Concept to Product: Collaborating with Customers18:26 Navigating Product-Market Fit21:51 Strategies for Customer Acquisition22:14 Deciding When to Sell25:04 The Journey of a Second Startup29:18 Building the Honest Founder Community33:10 Understanding Founder Burnout

In this conversation, Leo shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from the ideation phase of his first startup, AcceloWeb, through its acquisition, to launching CloudEndure and now Verax AI. He discusses the importance of frugality, structure, and building a positive company culture. Leo emphasizes the significance of partnerships and navigating the complexities of enterprise sales, especially in the AI landscape. He reflects on his experiences at AWS and how they shaped his approach to building successful companies.Key takeawaysThe ideation process is crucial for startup success.Frugality can be a key factor in survival during early stages.Building a strong company culture leads to employee retention.Partnerships are essential for navigating complex ecosystems.Understanding enterprise concerns is vital for sales success.The transition to a larger corporate environment can be challenging.AI presents both opportunities and challenges for startups.Data-driven decision-making is essential for growth.Maintaining a low burn rate is important in uncertain markets.Founders should be open to sharing their experiences with others.Chapters00:00 The Genesis of AcceloWeb04:39 Navigating the Ideation Process09:11 Frugality and Structure in Startups13:52 The Path to Acquisition18:28 Transitioning to CloudEndure23:05 Building for Growth and Scale24:27 Hiring for Culture and Respect27:01 Identifying Superstar Traits30:20 The Importance of Non-Technical Skills30:46 Crafting Successful Partnerships31:55 Experiences at AWS33:51 Launching Verax AI35:48 Navigating AI's Impact on Business37:14 Overcoming AI Adoption Challenges39:13 B2B Sales in the AI Landscape41:27 Fundraising Strategies for AI Startups

In this conversation, Oliver Hughes shares his remarkable journey from scaling Visa's operations in Russia to leading Tinkoff Bank and now TBC Bank in Georgia. He discusses the challenges of building a digital bank, the importance of fundraising, and the strategic decisions that have shaped his career. Oliver emphasizes the significance of company culture, the role of technology in banking, and the exciting opportunities in emerging markets. He also highlights the innovative use of AI in enhancing customer experience and the importance of understanding local markets for successful expansion.Key takeaways* Scaling Visa from $1 billion to $100 billion was a monumental task.* Building Tinkoff Bank involved navigating numerous existential crises.* Fundraising is crucial; without it, there is no business.* Cultural fit is essential when hiring for a growing company.* Understanding local markets is key to successful expansion.* AI can significantly enhance customer experience in banking.* The importance of a strong company culture cannot be overstated.* Strategic sequencing in product rollout is vital for growth.* Emerging markets present unique opportunities for digital banking.* Building a team with the right mindset is critical for success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Early Career Highlights02:46 Scaling Visa in Russia05:32 Transition to Tinkoff Bank08:21 Challenges and Existential Moments at Tinkoff11:02 Fundraising Strategies and Investor Insights14:00 Joining TBC Bank and New Opportunities16:43 Impact and Changes at TBC Bank18:29 Building a Profitable Digital Bank20:58 Strategic Sequencing in Product Rollout22:24 Cultivating Company Culture During Growth26:03 Market Entry Strategies and Considerations31:10 Innovations in FinTech and AI Solutions

In this conversation, Darren Goode shares his extensive experience in marketing, particularly at L'Oreal and in startups like Elvie and Zumper. He discusses the importance of innovation, understanding consumer needs, and building trust in marketplace businesses. The conversation highlights the transition from corporate marketing strategies to more agile and empathetic approaches in startups, especially in the FemTech sector. Darren emphasizes the significance of storytelling, product advocacy, and localization when expanding into new markets.Key takeawaysL'Oreal's focus on innovation was a key factor in its success.Understanding consumer needs is crucial for effective marketing.Brand storytelling can differentiate products in a crowded market.Startups require a different approach to marketing than corporates.Building trust is essential in marketplace businesses.Product advocacy can be cultivated through user experiences.Localization is important when expanding into new markets.Clear narratives help in connecting with target audiences.Empathy in marketing can lead to stronger customer relationships.Responding effectively to customer issues builds brand loyalty.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:12 Innovative Marketing at L'Oreal03:14 Brand Strategy and Product Launches05:53 Consumer Insights and Market Trends08:55 Transitioning from Corporates to Startups11:37 Joining Elvie: A Mission-Driven Approach13:18 Identifying Customer Segments14:46 Building Product Advocacy18:43 Expanding into New Markets21:01 Marketing Strategies for FemTech23:43 Key Questions for Founders26:18 Transitioning to Zumper28:43 Understanding User Needs30:43 Building Trust in Marketplaces33:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this conversation, Rory shares his journey through the marketing landscape, focusing on his experiences with disruptive brands like Gymbox and Gymnation. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the art of creating memorable campaigns, and the challenges of measuring success beyond financial metrics. Rory emphasises the need for creativity, especially when working with tight budgets, and the role of cultural adaptation in marketing strategies. He also touches on the impact of AI in marketing, advocating for a balance between technology and human curiosity.Key takeawaysRory's journey into marketing began with a passion for disruptive brands.Working agency side provided Rory with diverse brand experiences.Transitioning to client side allowed Rory to own brand narratives.Memorable campaigns often stem from real insights and community engagement.Disruption in marketing requires buy-in from senior leadership.Measuring success goes beyond financial metrics to include brand fame and community.Physical experiences in gyms can translate into engaging digital content.Budget constraints can foster creativity and innovative marketing tactics.Community engagement is crucial for brand loyalty and retention.Cultural differences must be considered when scaling marketing strategies.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:54 Career Path to Disruptive Marketing03:40 Memorable Campaigns at Gymbox09:23 The Art of Disruption in Marketing14:03 Measuring Campaign Success18:48 Bridging Physical and Digital Experiences23:26 Budget Constraints as a Creative Advantage28:22 Community Engagement and Brand Loyalty33:19 Joining Gymnation and Future Plans37:50 Cultural Adaptation in Marketing42:33 The Role of AI in Marketing

In this conversation, Alex Dirdin shares his journey from launching the e-commerce vertical at GeoPost to his role at AmmanPost. He discusses the challenges of navigating corporate politics, the importance of stakeholder management, and the differences between startup and corporate environments. Alex emphasizes the need for alignment among stakeholders, the significance of a unifying purpose, and the role of passion in rallying support for new ideas. He also reflects on the evolving landscape of e-commerce in the Middle East and the strategic decisions involved in operating within a governmental framework.KeywordsGeoPost, AmmanPost, e-commerce, corporate startups, stakeholder management, entrepreneurial journey, logistics, innovation, career development, Middle East, business development, product management, corporate ventures, AI in business, postal operations, strategy, entrepreneurship, tech knowledge, market validation, startup insightsTakeawaysAlex Dirdin launched the e-commerce vertical at GeoPost, transforming it into an industry leader.The journey into e-commerce began unexpectedly through a friend's idea.Launching a corporate startup involves navigating corporate politics and stakeholder management.Overcoming internal resistance is crucial for success in corporate environments.Aligning stakeholders with a common purpose enhances project support.In startups, fast validation from the market is essential; in corporates, validation is more complex.A strong MVP can help gain support and resources in both startups and corporates.Understanding different stakeholders' motivations is key to effective persuasion.Corporate environments often have slower learning loops compared to startups.Passion and storytelling are vital for rallying support for new ideas. Navigating political dynamics can make business more interesting.Balancing strategy and operations is crucial for success.Alignment fatigue can hinder progress in corporate ventures.Bypassing unnecessary validations can accelerate product development.Business development focuses on creating new revenue streams.Understanding technology is essential for product managers.Validating ideas is more important than personal opinions.AI can enhance product development but should not replace real-world validation.Effective product management requires both art and science.Working closely with founders can lead to more successful outcomes.Sound Bites"You're never the smartest person in the room.""In startups, you fail faster and learn faster.""Passion ignites people to support new ideas.""Do we need to be an operator or a regulator?""I love being both strategist and operator.""Alignment plays such a crucial role.""You bypassed necessary validations.""The founder's vision excited me."Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Alex's Career at GeoPost08:00 Navigating Corporate Politics: Stakeholder Management Insights12:00 From GeoPost to AmmanPost: Embracing New Challenges19:32 Navigating Political Intrigues in Business20:32 The Complexity of International Postal Operations21:55 The Balance of Strategy and Operations22:41 Challenges in Corporate Ventures23:49 Learning from Past Experiences26:14 Defining Business Development28:35 The Importance of Tech Knowledge29:41 Principles of Product Management32:33 The Role of AI in Product Development34:26 AI's Impact on Business Development37:26 Embracing New Opportunities at RSA Global

In this conversation, Yuri Misnik shares his extensive career journey from Microsoft to AWS and then to HSBC, discussing the evolution of technology, project management best practices, and the cultural differences between major tech companies. He emphasizes the importance of communication, leadership, and customer obsession in driving successful technology initiatives.KeywordsYuri Misnik, Microsoft, AWS, HSBC, technology leadership, project management, cloud computing, corporate culture, digital transformation, mission critical systems, leadership, innovation, banking, technology, AI, startups, vendor selection, cloud computing, digital transformation, agileTakeawaysYuri Misnik emphasizes the importance of being in the right place at the right time in one's career.He highlights the rapid evolution of technology in the early 2010s, particularly in cloud computing.Yuri discusses the significance of customer relationships in technology projects.He notes that Microsoft was perceived as a lower-cost alternative for mission-critical systems during his tenure.The need for modernization drove many organizations to migrate to Microsoft platforms.Effective communication and team collaboration are crucial for project success.Yuri reflects on the cultural differences between Microsoft and Amazon, particularly in customer focus.He believes that Amazon's leadership principles are embedded in daily operations, unlike many other companies.Yuri advocates for building capable leadership teams and empowering them to make decisions.He stresses the importance of transparency in communication when managing large teams. Your job as a leader is to remove obstacles.Trusting your team is essential for effective leadership.Innovation in banking requires a cultural shift.Balancing risk management with innovation is crucial.Controls should be treated as software products.Vendor selection should prioritize agility over tradition.Startups must understand large organizations' internal processes.AI is a powerful tool that requires proper training.Foundational knowledge is necessary for effective AI use.Being proactive in AI adoption is key to staying relevant.TitlesFrom Microsoft to AWS: A Tech JourneyNavigating Corporate Culture in TechLeadership Lessons from a Tech VeteranSound Bites"It's great to hit record.""I was lucky to be at the right time.""The trick was about the quality of people.""Amazon was known for its customer obsession.""My job is to remove obstacles.""AI is a very big thing, an amazing tool.""You will be fired if you're not using AI."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings02:51 Transition to Microsoft and Mission Critical Projects06:02 Best Practices in Project Management08:57 Joining AWS and Cultural Insights11:57 Cultural Differences: Microsoft vs. Amazon15:07 Leadership at HSBC and Managing Large Teams19:06 Empowering Leadership and Trust20:37 Innovation in Banking: A Cultural Shift22:31 Balancing Control and Innovation24:06 Vendor Selection: Agile vs Traditional25:30 Advice for Startups Selling to Enterprises27:25 Transitioning to the National Australia Bank30:08 The Excitement of AI in Technology33:25 Caution in AI Adoption and Development

In this conversation, Santi Rasanayagam shares his journey from CFO to CEO of the Sahara Group, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to change, understanding client needs, and the strategic role of acquisitions in business growth. Santi reflects on the differences between his roles as CFO and CEO, highlighting the importance of mindset and the need for leaders to engage with clients and their teams.KeywordsCFO, CEO, acquisitions, logistics, leadership, business growth, East Africa, Sahara Group, finance, strategy, business transitions, acquisition preparation, CFO role, CEO-CFO relationship, business growth strategyTakeawaysSanti emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances in business.He highlights the need for CFOs to be involved in strategy, not just financial oversight.Santi's journey from CFO to CEO involved significant personal sacrifices.Understanding client needs is crucial for business success.Santi believes that the right mindset is more important than industry experience.He discusses the challenges of managing a larger team as a CEO.Santi enjoyed the CFO role more due to its focus on growth and strategy.Acquisitions should align with the overall business strategy and goals.Santi stresses the importance of understanding the business being acquired.He shares insights on the cultural differences in business operations across regions. We let some customers go to bring in new ones.Acquiring businesses can leapfrog your business.CFOs must think about risk management.Preparation is key to a successful transaction.The CEO and CFO should be joined at the hip.Execution has to be flawless for business success.The price is an outcome of running a proper business.You need to have your finances in order before an acquisition.You can't just buy and forget about an acquisition.Founders should focus on solving client problems, not just getting acquired.TitlesFrom CFO to CEO: A Journey of GrowthNavigating Leadership in LogisticsThe Art of Strategic AcquisitionsAdapting to Change in BusinessSound Bites"I've never been a CFO before.""I was made the CEO in 2021.""Being a CEO can be a bit lonely.""We actually let some customers go.""You can't just buy and forget about it.""A CFO needs to think about risk.""You need to have your finances in order.""You have to be on the same page."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:58 Transition to CFO Role05:55 Becoming CEO and Leadership Challenges08:53 Acquisitions and Growth Strategy20:43 Navigating Business Transitions23:59 Preparing for Acquisition: Key Considerations28:17 The Role of CFO in Growing Businesses34:50 CEO and CFO: A Unified Vision for Success39:31 Final Thoughts on Business Growth and Strategy