On The Up & Up

Hosted by Janine Vanessa Heinrich

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Apr 2025

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About the show

On the Up & Up is a podcast created to encourage critical conversations in the startup ecosystem, amplify the untold stories and achievements of the underrepresented and underestimated, and inspire visionaries to take the next step into entrepreneurship. The three core pillars are representation, conversation, and education.

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30 recent

April 14, 20251 hr 1 min

29. Pitching Pleasure: What It’s Really Like to Be a Founder in a Taboo Industry

Hey There Risers & Thrivers, In this episode, host Janine introduces the new series format called The Taboo Table, bringing together founders in the pleasure and sex tech industry to discuss the challenges and nuances of building businesses in this stigmatized space. Guests: Yasmin Stokinger- Founder of heyyoli,Rosanna Bandomer- Co-Founder of LubeLab,Avelina de Ment- Co-Founder of LubeLab, andLex Gillon- Pleasure Researcher & Founder of Modality GroupTalk about the societal taboos surrounding pleasure, the lack of funding for pleasure products, and their personal motivations for entering the industry. They share their experiences with investors, the importance of education about pleasure, and tips for new founders in this space. The conversation emphasizes the blend of professional, personal, and social challenges they face, while also highlighting the supportive community and opportunities within pleasure and sex tech.Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the Taboo Table02:25 Redefining Pleasure in the Startup World07:14 The Intersection of Pleasure and Health Tech18:36 Personal Journeys and Motivations33:23 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Advice37:53 Challenges with Investors and Funding39:01 Exploring Alternative Funding Options46:08 Dealing with Sexualization in Business53:48 Positive Experiences and Community Support59:27 Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders--Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcastAcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Jane and the Jam, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠.

March 16, 2025Episode 244 min

28. The Dark Truth Behind Your Morning Coffee – And How You Can Make a Difference | Maura Oerding

In this episode, Maura Oerding, CEO of Kaffee Kooperative joins the podcast to talk about driving change and sustainability in the coffee industry. Maura outlines the challenges faced by coffee farmers, particularly women, and how the Kaffee Kooperative’s model is fostering economic independence and equitable trade practices. The discussion delves into: The coffee industries colonial rootsThe importance of community, collaboration, and consumer responsibility, The concept of “Fair Chain”Mara also shares her backstory as an inventor and the journey that led her to becoming a CEO. The episode emphasizes the power of informed consumer choices and collective efforts in bringing about systemic change.--Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcastAcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Factory Network, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠. --Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Maura Oerding02:10 Challenges in the Coffee Industry07:12 Fair Trade vs Fair Chain 07:40 Empowering Women in Coffee through the Kaffee Kooperative10:45 Consumer Responsibility and Impact25:11 The Role of Cooperatives

March 2, 2025Episode 11 hr 2 min

27. Redefining Black Excellence: Inspiration or Impossible Standard?

In this powerful episode of On the Up & Up, host Janine is joined by Shani St. Louis (Founder, MindHyrst), Adeola Ogunwale (Senior Manager, Amazon), and Sally Osei (Social Media Marketing Manager, AiDiA Pitch) to unpack the complex realities of Black Excellence.The discussion explores: The mental and emotional toll of striving for excellence The systemic and cultural expectations shaping Black success Whether "Black Excellence" should be redefined, retired, or celebrated as it isThrough personal stories and professional insights, they delve into navigating corporate spaces, media representation, and higher education while sharing practical mental health strategies and the importance of community support. They also reflect on healing generational trauma and redefining success on one’s own terms.A conversation for anyone striving for success—no matter your background. Listen now!–Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast--AcknowledgmentsIntro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠--Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Defining Black Excellence01:33 Introducing the Panelists04:37 Debating the Term 'Black Excellence': Retire it, Redefine it, or Leave it? 09:03 Personal Stories of Pressure and Representation14:28 Mental Health and Coping Strategies30:12 Creating Our Own Spaces34:20 Supporting Black Entrepreneurship37:55 Role Models and Personal Growth46:45 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A

December 22, 2024Episode 953 min

26. Disrupting Beauty Standards: Building a Haircare Brand from Scratch | Hloni Romdhani

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,In this episode, we're joined by Malehlohonolo (Hloni) Romdani, a trailblazing lawyer turned entrepreneur and founder of Zamata Cosmetics. Hloni shares her inspiring journey of creating clean, organic haircare products designed specifically for Afro and curly hair—a mission born from personal struggles and the lack of safe, effective options in the market.We explore: The challenges of starting a side hustle while working full-time How to navigate the complexities of product development and manufacturing The importance of finding the right partners in business. Hloni also dives into the realities of marketing as a startup, the struggles of balancing perfectionism with progress, and why self-acceptance and embracing natural hair are central to her mission.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, navigating the early days of building your business, or just passionate about clean beauty and self-empowerment, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and a dose of inspiration to fuel your dreams.–Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcastAcknowledgmentsIntro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠--Timestamps00:00 Introduction 03:46 The Mission Behind Zamata Cosmetics, Personal Experiences, and the Drive to Innovate11:50 Finding the Right Manufacturing Partner19:59 Navigating the Early Stages of Business29:08 Balancing Perfectionism and Market Needs40:18 Challenges of Marketing and Selling46:41 Future Aspirations for Zamata51:52 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

December 8, 2024Episode 850 min

25. Inside the Investor’s Mind: Lessons & Insights on Navigating the Startup World | Jag Singh

Hey there Risers and Thrivers, In this episode of On The Up & Up, we’re joined by Jag Singh, a charismatic serial entrepreneur, investor, and former political strategist turned angel investor. Jag takes us on a journey through his unconventional path—from building tools for political campaigns to becoming one of Europe’s most active early-stage investors. We dive into the realities of startup life, exploring the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what investors really look for in founders, and how resilience and customer-centricity are critical for success. Jag also offers candid insights into the challenges of founding a company in Germany, how to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, and why understanding the "rules of the system" is key to thriving in any startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder looking for guidance, an aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the leap, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in the world of startups, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. – Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast⁠) – Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps 01:56 Jag Singh's Political Beginnings 03:31 From Politics to Entrepreneurship 08:29 Lessons from Early Startups 14:20 Challenges in the German Startup Ecosystem 21:48 The Bureaucratic Hurdles 25:02 Challenges for Non-EU Founders 28:02 The Reality of Startup Failure 30:28 Navigating the German Business Ecosystem 43:41 Connecting with Investors and Final Thoughts

November 24, 2024Episode 754 min

24. The Privilege Divide: Launching Without a Financial Safety Net with Agnieszka Walorska

Hey there Risers & Thrivers, In this episode of On the Up & Up, host Janine sits down with Agnieszka Walorska, a two-time founder, Ironman finisher, and the visionary behind Mika—an AI co-pilot designed to simplify accounting and tax management for entrepreneurs. Together, they tackle the profound impact of socioeconomic privilege on entrepreneurial journeys, drawing from Agnieszka's personal experiences overcoming significant financial and bureaucratic hurdles in Germany. The conversation explores: The resilience required to overcome financial and bureaucratic barriers The challenges of starting a business in Germany The realities of navigating without a financial safety net Agnieszka also shares her unique perspective on fundraising as a solo, migrant, and female founder, offering valuable insights for underprivileged entrepreneurs and advocating for a more inclusive startup ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders, particularly those starting with limited resources, as it sheds light on the grit and strategies needed to succeed against the odds. -- Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast) -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:58 Guest Introduction: Agnieszka Walorska 02:09 Challenges of Socioeconomic Privilege in Founding 05:21 Personal Background and Early Struggles 07:40 Starting the First Company 11:38 Navigating Bureaucracy and Taxation 19:41 Building Mika: An AI Co-Pilot for Accounting 24:41 Fundraising as a Solo Founder 30:11 Challenges of Funding for Founders 30:49 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Risks 32:24 Navigating Health Insurance as an Entrepreneur 33:40 Personal Experiences and Coping Mechanisms 39:46 The Importance of Conviction in Founding 41:27 Addressing Privilege and Diverse Founders 52:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Founders

November 3, 2024Episode 634 min

23. The “Keith” to Success: How a Fake Male Co-Founder Changed the Game!

Hey there, Risers & Thrivers! In this episode, Janine sits down with Conny to unpack the unique challenges that female founders encounter in the startup landscape. We dive into the compelling story of Penelope Gazin and Kate Dwyer, who, back in 2016, invented a male co-founder named "Keith Mann" to navigate gender biases that often blocked their pathwhile building Witchsy. With "Keith" in the mix, they saw firsthand how doors that were previously closed to them suddenly opened, and respect came more readily. We discuss: The obstacles Penelope and Kate faced and how the invention of "Keith" helped them level the playing field Insights from Janine’s own research and interviews with other founders about creative strategies to combat bias Practical tips and tools for women entrepreneurs to help navigate and mitigate bias in their journeys This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience required of underrepresented founders and the urgent need for systemic change in the business world. Tune in and get inspired! -- Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast) -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps Introduction and Context (00:00:00) Discussion of a meeting where a female CEO was overlooked, setting the stage for gender bias in entrepreneurship. The Witchsy Story (00:01:32) Conny reflects on the significant events of 2016 and introduces Keith Man, a fictional male co-founder created by female entrepreneurs to navigate biases. Challenges Faced by Witchsy’s Founders (00:07:16) Exploration of the challenges faced by Keith’s co-founders, such as how external partners often dismissed the female founders due to their gender. Bittersweet Triumph (00:18:40) The success of the platform is overshadowed by the need for a male figure to gain respect. Research Insights on Gender Bias (00:21:13) Janine shares insights from her research and narratives of female founders facing biases during investor meetings and their coping strategies. Understanding Prevention vs. Promotion Questions (00:26:58) Explanation of different types of questions and strategies for female founders to navigate them. The Importance of Leaning into Strengths (00:28:47) Encouragement for women to embrace their unique strengths and assertiveness in professional settings. Closing Remarks and Future Topics (00:33:45) Teasing future discussions on unconventional fundraising methods for women founders.

October 20, 2024Episode 51 hr 13 min

22. Overcoming the Odds: Unspoken Struggles in Fertility, FemTech, and Family

Hey there Risers & Thrivers, In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Lynae Brayboy, an esteemed physician-scientist specializing in reproductive health, and the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Ovom Care. The discussion highlights Dr. Brayboy’s personal and professional triumphs in the field of reproductive medicine, despite the insurmountable challenges she faced along the way. During this conversation, we explore: Her inspiring story of resilience, from her early college years to navigating unintended parenthood during medical school. The broader issues of accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in IVF, and how Ovom is at the forefront of solving some of the most pressing challenges in reproductive health. A candid discussion on the societal pressures career-driven women face, and valuable insights into the world of Egg Freezing This heartfelt and insightful conversation is for anyone interested in reproductive health, women's empowerment, or simply looking for inspiration on overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers. Tune in, and prepare to be inspired! Happy Listening 🎧 -- Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast) -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps Introduction & Early Career Reflections (00:00:00) Navigating an Unintended Pregnancy in Medical & Coping with Naysayers (00:10:00) Going From Having No Idea About Entrepreneurship to Raising a €4.8mn Seed Round (00:26:13) The Frustrating Lack of Innovation in IVF, Infertility, and Ovom’s Mission (00:36:23) Janine Share Concerns Around the Misalignment Between the Career & Biological Clock. Deep Dive into Egg Freezing as an Option (00:50:08) Top 3 Things To Keep in Mind Before Egg Freezing (01:00:22) The Costs Associated with Egg Freezing (01:04:34) Ovom’s Vision & Ways to Get in Touch (01:09:51)

September 29, 2024Episode 440 min

21. What's Next? One Year of Wins and Lessons

Hey there Risers & Thrivers, In this episode, I step away from the usual interviews to reflect on the first year of On the Up & Up. I dive into some key lessons and memorable moments, including: My not-so-worth-it investment in podcast equipment How pre-recording too many episodes caused unexpected challenges The surprising question that consistently caught my guests off guard Why mental health is crucial for sustainable podcasting The struggles I’ve faced with being open and vulnerable Beyond podcasting, I also share my personal and professional journey over the past year, and outline my goals moving forward. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or a dedicated listener of On the Up & Up, this episode offers something for everyone. -- Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast⁠⁠) -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps Introduction and Celebrating One Year of Podcasting (00:00:00) Janine introduces the podcast and reflects on the podcast's first anniversary and her desire to share lessons learned. Inspiration Behind the Podcast (00:02:56) Janine shares her personal journey, motivations for starting "On the Up and Up", and the meaning behind the name Lesson One: Equipment Spending (00:08:13) Janine’s experiences with overspending on podcasting equipment when starting out. Lesson Two: Pre-recording Episodes (00:12:07) Janine reflects on the pitfalls of pre-recording too many episodes in advance. Lesson Three: Emotional Readiness for Recording (00:14:08) Janine emphasizes the importance of being in the right emotional state for recording. Lesson Four: The Question That Confused Every Guest (00:16:31) Janine discusses the challenges of asking guests to introduce themselves and suggests alternatives. Lesson Five: Being Personal in Interviews (00:19:23) Janine reflects on the need to share more personal insights during interviews. The Highlights (00:21:52) Marketing support, live podcasts, and more! The Dual Reality of Life (00:27:46) While things appear to be going well, she acknowledges the exhaustion that comes with the achievements and commitments. Taking a Bet on Herself (00:34:20) She shares her readiness to focus on her projects, despite fears of instability and loneliness. Looking Forward to the Next Year (00:37:52) Janine outlines her hopes for more interaction with listeners and improving podcast quality in the coming year.

September 15, 2024Episode 344 min

20. From Zero to 50M: How Personal Branding Became Basant's Secret to Success

Janine chats with Basant Shenouda, a prominent career content creator with a rich Coptic Egyptian heritage who has built an impressive following of over 130k on LinkedIn and garnered 50 million views on her content. Together, they reminisce about their time studying in Germany and explore how those shared experiences shaped their personal and professional journeys. Basant candidly discusses: Her path from enduring numerous rejections to landing coveted roles at tech giants like LinkedIn and Google The transformative shift from a fixed to a growth mindset How content creation became a powerful tool in achieving her dreams This candid conversation is filled with personal anecdotes and actionable insights. Basant offers practical advice on building a personal brand, staying resilient in the face of setbacks, and harnessing the power of a positive mindset. A perfect blend of old friends reconnecting and practical career wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating studying abroad or advancing their career. -- Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io⁠⁠) -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps Introduction (00:00:18) Janine introduces Basant, highlighting her achievements and resilience in overcoming challenges. Basant shares how her Coptic Egyptian heritage influences her motivation Privilege in the Experience (00:08:21) Janine discusses the privilege she had compared to Basant in navigating their studies in Germany. Basant recounts her challenges in securing internships and learning how to present herself professionally Building a Personal Brand (00:12:56) Basant shares how she realized the importance of personal branding for achieving her career goals, her approach, and experiences with backlash Creating Content You Want to Consume (00:19:46) Basant shares advice around content creation, stresses the importance of consistency for growth and community building, and highlights how “scapiness” can be effective Understanding Mindset in Success (00:33:51) Basant discusses the importance of a positive mindset for problem solving, mental state, and self-perception Treating Yourself with Kindness (00:40:08) Janine discusses the importance of self-compassion and understanding personal values and Basant encourages listeners to help others and maintain a positive mindset for personal growth.