From Spaghetti to Growth Seema Alexander

📌Today’s guest on the From Spaghetti to Growth podcast is founder Pramod Raheja.
Pramod is a trained pilot who now operates the emerging tech company Airgility, which produces autonomous drones.
In this insightful episode, we cover the important lessons Pramod took from his earlier aviation career into the world of entrepreneurship and what it takes to pivot into new and daring industries, even if your business plan isn’t quite fleshed out when you get going.
Sometimes the opportunities reveal themselves as you go along. We discuss the importance of knowing your target customer inside and out, raising money for emerging tech projects and how Pramod approaches the typical day to day ups and downs of being a founder. 

🌎Reach out to Pramod:
Airgility.co
LinkedIN
Twitter
Instagram

In this episode:
👉Pramod’s lessons from his years as a pilot and what he learned about leadership
👉Taking the first plunge into small business endeavours on the way to founding Agility
👉Operating a company in the field of emerginc tech
👉How to raise money to develop advanced technology
👉The importance of customer discovery to any business

Some key points:


(03:46) What led Pramod to go into business in the first place?
(05:03) Pramod started out as a pilot
(07:18) Lessons in leadership from a pilot's career
(09:06) As a pilot, many instinctive decisions are required
(13:24) If you are ahead of a trend, how do you build a business around that?
(15:42) Trying to convince your spouse to invest in a risky business
(17:49) Lessons from navigating a business in a competitive environment
(20:35) Pivoting into emerging tech and autonomous drones
(23:18) Getting grant funding for emerging tech projects
(26:09) Sometimes the technology emerges before the use case
(30:16) Trying to determine your ideal client within a brand new innovative space can be tricky
(38:27) Client paying up front for features that they desire
(40:55) New products can spawn off your foundational products. But how do you know which to pursue?
(42:58) Getting investors on board with cutting edge tech
(45:16) Expect the unexpected
(46:32) Pramod's proudest moment at Airgility
(48:30) Going from spaghetti to growth at Airgility
(50:14) Stressing the importance of knowing your customer when starting out

🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

Listen in to a recent talk I did on How to Prepare Your Business for Growth in the Midst of the AI Revolution.
Get ready to catapult your business into a future defined by artificial intelligence in this foundational workshop led by Seema Alexander, Founder of the Disruptive CEO Advisory, the creator of the UNIQUE Method™.
This is an invitation to not just observe, but engage actively in the forthcoming AI revolution, the most profound innovation cycle of our generation.
During her workshop, Seema helps you uncover the potential within your own business to adapt, innovate, and flourish amidst the dynamic landscape of AI-driven technologies.
This workshop isn't about fear of change; it's about embracing opportunities that lie ahead.
Her aim is to empower you to see the value and leverage the power of AI, while focusing on enhancing your brand and your business model in the process.
Whether you're a startup founder seeking a competitive edge, a CEO looking to pivot your services, or simply an entrepreneur wanting to stay ahead of the curve, this workshop is your key to gaining an understanding of the hype around AI revolution and the key strategies to ensure your business stays relevant, resilient, and ready for the exciting growth opportunities on the horizon. The future is here, and it's time to take charge!
About Our Presenter, Seema Alexander:
Seema Alexander is the founder of Disruptive CEO Advisory, a boutique strategic advisory firm specializing in shaking up businesses and powering them up with her U.N.I.Q.U.E Method™. This powerful proven 6-step strategic framework gives founders the tools to work on their business to help them move from spinning in circles to charting a clear, intentional path towards growth. Through her personal consulting and her high-impact 10-Week Business Growth Academy, Seema has given almost a thousand business owners and CEOs around the globe a road map to their breakout years.
A true community champion, Seema thrives on building up the entrepreneurial spirit across diverse platforms from DC Startup Week, LeadHers on Chain, Business Leaders Network and more. She's the voice behind the 'From Spaghetti to Growth' podcast, an internationally acclaimed speaker, and a trusted advisor to budding AI and Web3 startups.
In her world, your unique experiences, convictions, and results matter. But without taking the time to intentionally package, position, and amplify it—you're leaving your own potential and that of your company on the table. Seema's all about helping you unlock that potential, enabling you to create a business that stands out, scales up, and changes lives – making an #impactandprofit.

This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Lizzie Ens, an embodiment of determination and resilience that beautifully contrasts with her humble Amish origins.

She is the trailblazing founder of 'UnDiet Yourself', a significant challenger in the health and wellness industry. As a board-certified nutritionist and personal trainer, Lizzie's comprehensive approach to wellness demystifies the path to holistic health.

Her innovative platform prides itself on promoting gut health, hormonal balance, and a newfound relationship with food. Lizzie's extensive experience and expertise radiate through 'UnDiet Yourself', underscoring its authenticity.
She shared a lot of insights on her journey on how to find your niche, embody it in your platform that is uniquely yours, and how to use passion to drive your actions every step of the way.

In this episode, we discuss: 
👉The importance in being authentic to yourself when it comes to personal branding
👉Personal relationships in business and how you can’t do it all alone
👉How an unorthodox background can give you a unique edge in business
👉What it takes to grow a successful social media following and engage with your audience
👉Some misconceptions in the health, nutrition and dieting space 
Some key points:
(03:30) - the driving force behind starting a business, 
(06:23) - from personal training to "Undiet Yourself", 
(09:26) - finding your platform, 
(14:39) - going back to basics, 
(17:26) - standing out in the market, 
(18:36) - being authentic, 
(28:57) - growing a following on instagram, 
(32:30) - finding the right platform, 
(34:40) - feeling lonely in business, 
(37:56) - getting unstuck from your spaghetti
(39:02) - proudest moment in business, 
(43:26) - closing thoughts and how to reach out to Lizzie


🌎Reach out to Lizzie Ens📌 Are you suffering from adrenal fatigue? Check out Lizzie’s free resource for getting your adrenals under control here
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/undietyourself/?hl=en
Undiet Yourself https://undietyourself.live/
LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-ens-58708b122
Homepage https://www.lizzieens.com/escaping_my_reflection



🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting



 

Fintech pioneer and seasoned entrepreneur Aditya Kurjekar shares his insights on building a successful business, emphasising the importance of a support system; making use of mentors, wherever you can find them; and having the courage to take calculated risk.

Aditya makes the case that it’s not necessary to leave your large company to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions, it’s possible to do great things within larger organizations as well. There are pros to pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions within a larger organisation: the path of going out on your own can be lonely for business owners.

If you do take the plunge, however, you have to be prepared for various challenges, such as the necessity to completely pivot or even rebrand your business. Tune in to hear Aditya’s tips for how to go about this.

In this episode, we discuss: 
👉Critical insights on entrepreneurship within the Fintech and content creation space
👉How to create a winning industry conference - story of Money 20/20
👉 The importance of a dependable support networks and mentorship for sustained business growth.
👉The skills needed to develop a winning product that captures the market.
👉 The pros and cons of entrepreneurship inside vs outside big companies

About Aditya Khurjekar

Aditya Khurjekar is a serial entrepreneur and industry leader in FinTech, having founded MEDICI (formerly LTP — Let's Talk Payments) and served as its CEO. With it recently being sold and aquired by Prove, Aditya now contributes his expertise to integrate MEDICI's capabilities and drive new product innovation in the realm of identity solutions for the emerging internet. Previously, Aditya was a founder of Money20/20 (largest fintech conference worldwide),and  held a number of leadership positions at Verizon Wireless, , Lucent Technologies, Bell Laboratories and more.
Some Key Points:

(05:06) Aditya’s initial reason for starting a business
(06:48) initial steps in the corporate world
your family and support structure are invaluable as a founder
(08:51) you don't have to be outside of the corporate world to show entrepreneurial spirit
(12:18) Getting involved with Fintech when it was still a new arena, building the money 2020 conference
(15:43) Running a profitable conference and charging what you are worth
(18:39) Sponsorships are critical, how does one find good ones?
(22:13) Let's Talk Payments and creating content as a business
(24:36) Pivoting to a new company: Medici Global
(28:35) Some tips for rebranding your business
(32:40) Making an exit from Medici Global
(33:33) Being a CEO can be lonely, but you should follow your conviction anyway
(36:15) The transition period between different businesses
(38:20) The future for Aditya
(39:11) Aditya's advice for founders in the spaghetti phase

🌎Reach out to Aditya Khujekar
LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurjekar
Twitter https://twitter.com/khurjekar?lang=en



🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

“Everything is figureoutable. Trust that you can figure it out”
Whatever business you have today is going to look different in six months, in a year. Get creative.”
Heidi DeCoux is a serial entrepreneur who’s built four businesses with 50%+ profit margins, sold 3 of them, including a 7-figure exit, and has appeared in magazines and websites like Forbes.  She’s become known as “The Optimizer” because she’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs optimise their businesses and life. She’s now gearing up to launch her newest company, Alchemized Teams, designed to help small businesses build winning teams.

In this episode:
👉Acquire invaluable insights for thriving as an accomplished serial internet entrepreneur.
👉Learn to pinpoint and capitalize on market gaps for unparalleled business success.
👉Uncover the importance of personal evolution in separation from the entrepreneurial pack.
👉Realize the power of tending to mental health for both personal and professional gains.
👉Experience the effects of coaching and consulting on your business' rapid growth.

The entrepreneurial journey is marked by a multitude of ups and downs, from successes to failures and learnings. As entrepreneurs navigate their path, they develop valuable insights, skills, and knowledge that can help them refine their approach, mindset, and business strategy.

Reflecting on one's own journey can provide a wealth of lessons that can help entrepreneurs make more informed decisions and set more realistic expectations for their businesses.
During her conversation with Seema, Heidi DeCoux shares her personal experiences, including the importance of being adaptable, identifying under-served markets, and creating businesses that align with personal values and strengths.
Throughout her journey, Heidi has created serveral internet business, utilized resourcefulness, and has learned to pivot and build momentum throughout each opportunity.

She offers practical lessons and priceless wisdom that can serve as guidance for entrepreneurs looking to navigate their own paths to success.
Some key points

(04:28) -  Heidi’s early entrepreneurial journey 
(07:18) - creating the fast filing method, 
(13:15) - Heidi’s journey in the very early days of online marketing
(14:43) - scaling through internet practices, 
(18:51) - challenges in running an agency, 
(21:01) - launching a business in a box, 
(28:08) - pitching your ideas, 
(33:16) - niche marketing strategies
(37:33) - the reality of entrepreneurship, 
(39:13) - building a winning team, 
(41:32) - investing in yourself, 
(42:30) - taking a sabbatical, 
(45:25) - streamlining the hiring process, 
(50:01) - taking time off for mental health, 
(54:31) - importance of alignment,

🌎Reach out to Heidi DeCoux
Website https://heididecoux.com/
LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/heididecoux/
IG https://www.instagram.com/heididecoux/?hl=en



🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

“There is an infinite amount of stuff we don't know about space. There is an infinite amount of things we have not and never will actually explore.“

Eric Ingram is a trailblazing entrepreneur with extensive experience in the space industry. As the founder and CEO of Scout Space, a company focused on developing groundbreaking orbital products and services, he has become a notable figure in promoting space safety and transparency.

Apart from his work with Scout, Eric is also a board member of the Space Frontier Foundation and an active ambassador for Astro Access, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering disability inclusion in space exploration.

His journey as a CEO has been filled with invaluable lessons on pivoting and self-awareness, making him an inspiring guest for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode
👉Discover the intersection of entrepreneurship and space exploration and its impact on the future.
👉Learn why pivoting plays a crucial role in business success and longevity.
👉Uncover the importance of self-awareness in identifying and pursuing your true passions.
👉Explore various funding opportunities available for groundbreaking businesses.
👉Delve into the immense potential of the growing space industry for innovation and expansion.
 
Some key points
 
(03:04) - driving force for starting a business 
(06:07) - interest in space 
(09:18) - scout’s mission in space 
(14:07) - eric's background, 
(16:08) - Scout's early days 
(18:05) - market research
(22:19) - Scout's mission
(25:51) - the importance of diversity and inclusion
(28:25) - grants and government contracts 
(32:04) - success story: launching payloads into space
(36:09) - scout's dual use focus 
(37:06) - exciting things on the horizon for Scout 
(42:15) - importance of pivoting in business 
(42:46) - lack of awareness in the space industry 
(43:19) - be curious and learn
(44:30) - final thoughts

🌎Reach out to Eric Ingram
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsingram
Scout https://www.scout.space/about
Twitter https://twitter.com/eric_ingram?lang=en




🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.