Professor Mat Hughes Podcast

Professor Mat Hughes Podcast

Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Listed as one of the Top 25 UK Innovation Podcasts by Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_innovation_podcasts/

  1. How Venture Capitalists Really Evaluate Founders: Story, Momentum, and Not Wasting Rejection

    4 DAYS AGO

    How Venture Capitalists Really Evaluate Founders: Story, Momentum, and Not Wasting Rejection

    Professor Mat Hughes speaks with venture capitalist, seasoned investor, and author of "Founder Unfriendly", Charlie O'Donnell, about the often-misunderstood relationship between founders and venture capitalists. Drawing on two decades in New York’s start-up ecosystem, Charlie breaks down why fundraising is less about being judged and more about telling a memorable, momentum-filled story. From “show beats tell” to turning rejection into real insight, this conversation demystifies what investors actually listen for — and how founders can approach venture with clarity, confidence, and promise.

    42 min
  2. Innovation, Convergence, and Responsible Growth: Michael A. M. Davies on Technology’s New Reality

    2 MAR

    Innovation, Convergence, and Responsible Growth: Michael A. M. Davies on Technology’s New Reality

    Professor Mat Hughes interviews strategy and innovation expert Michael A.M. Davies, Chairman and Founder of Endeavour Partners and a Senior Lecturer at both MIT and London Business School, on how leaders can stay ahead in a world shaped by technological change. Michael breaks down why strategic acuity and audacity now separate the winners from the rest, drawing on examples like Schneider Electric’s early adoption of machine learning and Apple’s synthesis of existing technologies to create innovative products. This episode also tackles the ethical side of innovation, exploring how to lead responsibly when technology moves faster than regulation. Michael Davies reveals how modern leadership requires a balance of analytical logic and authentic values to attract talent and ensure long-term relevance.

    31 min
  3. Generational Branding and the Reputation of Family Businesses

    30 JAN

    Generational Branding and the Reputation of Family Businesses

    Explore how family businesses can turn legacy into a strategic advantage. In this episode, Professor Mat Hughes speaks with brand strategist Meghan Lynch, CEO of Six-Point Strategy and a trusted advisor to multigenerational family enterprises, to break down the power of generational branding. She explains why reputation is one of a family business’s most valuable assets, how brand identity evolves through succession and generational transitions, and the key elements that make a generational brand strong, resilient, and future-ready. If you’re part of a family business or support one, this conversation offers practical insights on protecting heritage and legacy while building a brand that lasts.

    28 min
  4. The Habits you Need to Think Like a Futurist

    13 JAN

    The Habits you Need to Think Like a Futurist

    Futurist Bob Chernow joins the Professor Mat Hughes to explore what it truly takes to think beyond the immediate and anticipate the forces shaping tomorrow. Drawing on decades of trend forecasting and insights from his new book Reflections of a Futurist, Bob breaks down the habits that strengthen long‑term thinking, why shifting our time horizon is so challenging, and how to spot meaningful “weak signals” amid today’s information overload. A sharp, thoughtful conversation for anyone who wants to navigate the future with more clarity, curiosity, and confidence

    23 min
  5. From Student Entrepreneur to Tech Pioneer: Growing a New Business with Dami Hastrup

    18/09/2025

    From Student Entrepreneur to Tech Pioneer: Growing a New Business with Dami Hastrup

    Professor Mat Hughes speaks with Dami Hastrup, founder of MOONHUB, in a compelling conversation about turning a student idea into a tech success story. From launching a VR training start-up straight out of university to being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and securing major funding from Google, Dami shares the highs, challenges, and lessons of building a high-growth business. Listeners will gain insights into scaling a start-up, navigating the tech landscape, and the future of immersive learning. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.

    24 min
  6. From Sold to Start-up: The Leap into a New Venture

    11/08/2025

    From Sold to Start-up: The Leap into a New Venture

    Professor Mat Hughes speaks with leading, serial tech entrepreneur Ed Johnson, recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for Social Impact in 2022, and CEO and Co-Founder of uRoutine. We look at look at the journey to becoming a serial entrepreneur, from starting a venture to selling it and then starting another business straight away.

    31 min
  7. Business with Purpose: The Social Enterprise Journey with Dorothy Francis MBE

    01/07/2025

    Business with Purpose: The Social Enterprise Journey with Dorothy Francis MBE

    Professor Mat Hughes interviews Dorothy Francis MBE about her experience as a social enterprise pioneer and thought leader. Dorothy Francis MBE has dedicated 38 years to the cooperative and social enterprise sector, driven by a passion for transforming lives and communities through social business, being named Business Woman of the Year twice, honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Leicester, and an MBE.

    43 min
  8. How to Think Like a Futurist

    17/02/2025

    How to Think Like a Futurist

    Professor Mat Hughes speaks with Bob Chernow, the former vice chairman of the World Future Society created to ignite the exchange of ideas about the future to understand and respond to our changing world. A stockbroker for 49 years, Bob managed 750+ million USD in assets until his retirement in 2023, and was named seven times by Barron’s Magazine as one of the top 1,200 financial brokers. Bob successfully predicted events and trends that have had a major impact on business and society. Bob is an avid supporter of the valuable insights that can be gained from thinking like a futurist and works to help individuals and organizations become more visionary in their approach and try to anticipate what could happen in the future.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Listed as one of the Top 25 UK Innovation Podcasts by Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_innovation_podcasts/

Information

  • Creator
    Professor Mat Hughes Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Professor Mat Hughes Podcast