Founder’s Voyage

In this podcast episode, we delve into the journey of Spher, an impact tech company focused on women's safety. The co-founders, Jitte Sjösäter and Assiye "Assi" Süer, share their experiences, challenges, and successes in building their company, emphasizing the importance of diversity, communication, and resilience. We discuss the hurdles faced, such as the departure of their CTO and the need to rebuild their app from scratch. The conversation also highlights their strategic approach to recruitment, the significance of community support, and their long-term vision for Spher. The episode concludes with valuable insights into entrepreneurship and the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

In this episode, Shamyl Bin Mansoor, co-founder and CTO of Learner Bots, shares his entrepreneurial journey with host Nancy. The discussion covers the challenges of building an edtech company, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shamyl emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, persistence, and passion for founders. He reflects on the evolution of Learner Bots, the impact of the pandemic, and his changing leadership style. The conversation also explores the growing interest in STEM education, the difficulties of scaling a business, and the role of AI in education. Shamyl's insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this engaging episode, we welcome Lori, the head of drama at Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. Lori shares her journey and insights into the evolving landscape of education, particularly in the arts. She reflects on her early influences, the impact of the pandemic, and the evolution of teaching methods. Lori emphasizes the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and learning from mistakes. The conversation highlights the challenges students face in navigating modern information and the vital role of arts in fostering critical thinking. Lori concludes with inspiring words on embracing challenges and continuous learning.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Mónica Albarrán, founder of Muuk, a business and personal development platform. Mónica shares her transition from a tax consultant to an entrepreneur and investor, driven by a desire to create meaningful impact. We discuss with Mónica the importance of aligning business with personal values and the transformative power of mentorship. Monica emphasises self-awareness, client selection, and authentic leadership. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to find personal meaning in their work and commit decisively to their goals, encapsulating the essence of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

In this podcast episode, we explore the dynamic intersection of sports technology, entrepreneurship, and genetic testing in athletics. Spencer Walker-Fooks introduces the topic by highlighting Turkish Olympian Yusuf Dikec's success using unconventional equipment, sparking a discussion on the impact of advanced technology in sports. Nancy Nash delves into the mental and ethical implications of specialized gear and genetic testing, and the conversation covers controversial technologies like the Nike Zoom Vaporfly shoes. The conversation underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and thoughtful regulation to balance innovation with fairness and the core values of sportsmanship.

In this episode, we engage with Maca Botta, the co-founder and CEO of Brava, who shares her inspiring journey from Uruguay to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment. The discussion, guided by our host, delves into her experiences growing up, the challenges of being a female leader, and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. Another speaker adds personal reflections on entrepreneurship and family dynamics, highlighting the societal expectations faced by male entrepreneurs. The episode emphasizes the significance of diversity, personal growth, and redefining success on one's own terms, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths.

In this episode of the Founders Voyage podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Emily, a dynamic entrepreneur and software engineer at Capgemini. Emily shares her experiences from college to founding "Investing at Home" and "Zen Path Wellness." She discusses the challenges of taking over her mother's business during her illness, launching a gelato shop, and her focus on alternative investments and mental wellness. Hosted by Nancy, the conversation also touches on gender bias in venture capital, Emily's MBA pursuit at Oxford, and her innovative vending machine business. The episode highlights the importance of resilience, community, and continuous learning in entrepreneurship.

In this podcast episode, we interview Marwa Louati, a molecular biologist, biochemist, and entrepreneur from Tunisia. Marwa shares her inspiring journey from aspiring medical doctor to co-founding Mo, a company focused on investment management in Tunisia and Africa. She discusses her pivotal experiences in startups, the importance of precision medicine, and her involvement in various associations. Marwa also delves into her approach to work-life balance, team selection, and leadership. Her passion for science, entrepreneurship, and making a meaningful impact in healthcare and investment management is evident throughout the conversation.

We had the pleasure to talk with Tibor Zechmeister, an experienced entrepreneur in the healthcare and medtech sectors, who shares his journey and valuable insights. Tibor discusses his background in biomedical engineering, the inspiration behind his first startup, and the challenges he faced, such as raising funds and navigating regulations. He emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with projects, the significance of feedback, and the value of networking. Tibor also highlights the need for innovation in the medtech space and shares his expertise in regulatory affairs. His insights provide aspiring entrepreneurs with practical guidance and inspiration.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Bethanie Couri and Pierre Paul, the innovative minds behind We Hear You LLC. They shared their personal and professional journey of creating technology to enhance communication for the deaf community. They discussed the inception of their sign language translator, the challenges they faced, and the importance of community feedback and mentorship. Their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility shone through as they talked about their future plans to expand across Midwest universities. Bethanie and Pierre also imparted valuable advice on staying true to one's values and embracing discomfort for growth. Their story is a testament to the power of innovation and the impact of technology on creating a more inclusive society.