Founders Podcast

Hosted by Ash Lonare

Business Education

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Episodes

178

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Founder's Podcast, This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your business.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 538 min

How a Worship Pastor Built a $3M Business From $0

October 20, 2026Episode 426 min

Why 80% of Businesses Fail in 5 Years

Most businesses don’t fail because the founder is lazy - they fail because the founder stops learning. Peter Boolkah explains why the real danger isn’t bad luck or lack of hustle, but building a company without the skills, systems, and habits to make it work.Ash and Peter dig into the hard truth behind the 80 percent of businesses that fail in their first five years, and why “working harder” is often just a disguise for missing knowledge. Peter shares the story of a founder who spent 15 years trapped in chaos, the four places businesses get stuck, and why cash flow is the constraint that can kill everything if it’s ignored.You’ll discover:Why education fatigue leaves so many founders unprepared to run a businessThe four business breakdown points Peter sees again and again: strategy, people, execution, and cashHow one entrepreneur went from seven-day chaos to a successful exit after changing his habits and learning the right thingsWhy founders often create businesses in their own image, and how that shapes profit, hiring, and systemsThe marketing mistake digital founders make when they obsess over product and ignore messagingPeter also explains why he wrote Your Business Sucks, how coaching and book-writing fit into his transition toward keynote speaking, and why the title was designed to wake people up, not flatter them. He also breaks down why LinkedIn, YouTube, and your website matter more than ever, and why resilience is non-negotiable if you want to survive the pressure of entrepreneurship.If you’re a founder, aspiring business owner, or anyone stuck working in the business instead of on it, this conversation is a wake-up call. Essential listening if you want clearer thinking, stronger systems, and a business that doesn’t own you.

October 13, 2026Episode 343 min

How One E-Commerce Brand Cut Costs 30% Before Spending More on Ads

EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publishE-commerce brands do not fail because of bad ads alone - they fail because the numbers, supply chain, and retention system are broken long before scaling begins. Cem Atik reveals how he spots the hidden leaks that keep brands stuck, and the exact playbook he uses to turn messy operations into profitable growth.From a retailer doing 18 to 20 million a month to a business scaling faster and more profitably after major cost cuts, Cem shares how fixing packaging in China, renegotiating supplier terms, and shifting spend to the right products can transform the economics of a brand. He also explains why the first 10 million is not the real game, and why many founders are dangerously overconfident once growth starts.You'll discover: Why ego and emotion quietly destroy decision-making in business The CLTV to CAC metric Cem uses to expose weak subscription businesses How to evaluate a brand on the first call by digging into P&Ls, COGS, fulfillment, and margins Why retention marketing and conversion rate optimization matter just as much as acquisition The supply chain changes that can cut fixed costs by 25 to 30 percent How a brand can spend less on marketing and still become twice as profitable Cem also breaks down how he approaches SaaS founders who want traction but do not yet know if the market truly wants their product. His advice is blunt: before you raise, build proof. Talk to the exact ICP, test for real pain, and use the channels where your audience is already talking about the problem. If you are waiting for permission to validate your idea, this part alone could save you months.This episode matters because most founders are optimizing the wrong thing. They chase more traffic, more spend, and more growth, while ignoring the fundamentals that actually make a company scale. Cem shows what happens when you start with clarity, not hype.Essential listening if you are building an e-commerce brand, a SaaS product, or any business that needs sharper execution, better numbers, and less guesswork.

October 6, 2026Episode 230 min

Why 84% of Retail Is Still Winning Offline, and What Founders Are Missing

September 29, 2026Episode 144 min

Why Many Startups Burn Money on Ads Without Seeing Results And How to Fix It

September 22, 2026Episode 1046 min

This Founder Grew From $300K to $1.9M in a Pandemic

September 15, 2026Episode 950 min

From $0 to $100M: How One Channel Grew My Business

September 8, 2026Episode 845 min

The Mobile App That Changed a $100M Business

September 1, 2026Episode 735 min

How To Transform AI from a Threat into a 40% Faster DevOps Framework

August 25, 2026Episode 649 min

How a Tiny Dublin Startup Sold for $425M

Most founders overlook a simple but powerful secret—protecting their ideas with the right legal strategies can turn a modest startup into a multimillion-euro exit. In this episode, Phil Crowley reveals how a Dublin-based AI startup turned a $500 million acquisition, sharing the tactical legal moves that fueled their journey from code to collapse and rebirth.You'll discover how early-stage founders can leverage intellectual property, patents, and strategic legal protections to safeguard their innovations without breaking the bank. Phil breaks down the true value of patents versus trade secrets in software, explains why a limited liability company setup is critical, and offers practical advice on avoiding personal liability traps that could derail your startup.We also explore the often-missed legal vulnerabilities that even successful founders regret ignoring—like improper IP assignments or neglecting formalized agreements with collaborators. Phil shares real-world anecdotes, including a $425 million sale, and distills crucial lessons on building a legally resilient business foundation.Why does neglecting legal infrastructure cost startups millions in lost value or legal trouble? Because in today’s fast-moving tech landscape, protecting your "secret sauce" isn’t just good practice—it's a game changer. If you're an early-stage founder or planning your next fundraising round, this episode arms you with the knowledge to shield your innovation and accelerate your growth confidently.Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to unlock legal strategies that build lasting value, or for anyone curious about how legal foresight can turn a modest idea into a thriving, protected business—this is your blueprint to avoid common pitfalls and claim your rightful share of success.Phil Crowley is Managing Partner at Crowlew Law, known for guiding tech startups through complex legal terrain from Dublin to New York, and for helping them secure millions through strategic IP and legal protections.

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