Finance for Founders with Samuel Ajala

Samuel Ajala
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Welcome to "Finance for Founders," the premier podcast where entrepreneurship, startups, and scale-ups intersect with finance. Our show features in-depth discussions with distinguished guests, including CEOs, venture capitalists, CFOs, and industry experts, who share their insights on the financial strategies essential for building and scaling successful businesses. Each episode provides invaluable lessons and actionable advice, equipping founders with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the financial complexities of their entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to "Finance for Founders" and empower your startup with the financial acumen necessary for success.

  1. Building Trust in Property Finance | Scott Marshall | Episode 23 |

    05/08/2025

    Building Trust in Property Finance | Scott Marshall | Episode 23 |

    In this episode, we sit down with Scott Marshall, founder and managing director of Roma Finance, to explore his journey from engineering to becoming a trailblazer in the world of property finance. Scott unpacks Roma’s unique borrower-first approach, their innovative lending products like Roma Flow, Grow, and Pro, and how they’re using AI to streamline operations. We also cover the impact of rising interest rates, building long-term customer relationships, and Scott’s philosophy on leadership—why making yourself “redundant” is key to scaling a business. Whether you're a property investor, lender, or just curious about the future of finance and lending, this episode is full of practical insights. ------------------- Key Takeaways: - Roma Finance was built during a downturn to serve borrowers first. - Scott Marshall emphasizes the importance of resilience and relationships. - Lending decisions are made based on borrower stories, not just numbers. - Bridging finance is evolving—Roma is leading the innovation. - AI is helping the team deliver better, faster service. - Strong leadership means knowing when to step back and empower others. --------------------- Sound Bites: 🗣️ "Put the borrower first." 🧠 "Calculated risk, strategic growth." 📈 "Volatility creates opportunity." ------------------- 🔗 Connect with Scott Marshall 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmarshallromafinance/ 👉 RomaFinance https://romafinance.co.uk/ -------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with founders, leaders, and investors shaping the future. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546 --------------------- 📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter:  https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8 -------------------- 📱 Follow Samuel  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Samuel_Ajala LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/ --------------------- #FinanceForFounders #ScalingSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #StartupAdvice #PropertyFinance #RomaFinance #ScottMarshall #BridgingLoans #BusinessGrowth #FinancePodcast #AIinFinance #BorrowerFirst #Leadership #InterestRates

    45 min
  2. From Dog Walker to 7-Figure Exit | Kathryn Strachan | Episode 22 |

    04/29/2025

    From Dog Walker to 7-Figure Exit | Kathryn Strachan | Episode 22 |

    In this episode of Finance for Founders, host Samuel Ajala sits down with Kathryn Strachan, founder of Copyhouse, to dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, business growth, and scaling success. Kathryn shares her incredible journey — from walking dogs to building an award-winning agency — and offers powerful insights on the difference between growing fast and growing well. She highlights the critical role of strong leadership, company culture, and effective marketing strategies in navigating barriers to growth and building sustainable businesses. We also explore the impact of AI in business, how it’s transforming content creation, and why investing in team dynamics and leadership development is essential for long-term success. Kathryn discusses her acquisition journey, the signs of over-scaling, and her future focus on making a positive impact in the world. 🎯 Takeaways:The difference between growing fast and growing wellWhy strong leadership teams are essential to scalingHow operational complexity often reflects leadership mindsetThe role of AI in modern marketing and content creationHow company culture signals healthy (or unhealthy) scalingImportance of clear market positioning to attract the right clientsWhy early investments in your team drive sustainable growth🎤 Sound Bites:"I was an accidental copywriter.""You need people who say no.""You can just do stuff."------------------- 🔗 Connect with Kathryn Strachan 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-strachan/ 👉 Scaling for Success: How to Build a Brand that Breaks Barriers https://amzn.eu/d/hPQT52M -------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with founders, leaders, and investors shaping the future. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546 --------------------- 📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter:  https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8 -------------------- 📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/ --------------------- #FinanceForFounders #ScalingSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #StartupAdvice

    48 min
  3. The Pain, The Discipline, The Legacy – Building Big Red Cloud | Episode 21 | Marc O'Dwyer |

    04/22/2025

    The Pain, The Discipline, The Legacy – Building Big Red Cloud | Episode 21 | Marc O'Dwyer |

    In this episode of Finance for Founders, we sit down with Mark Dwyer, the accidental entrepreneur behind Big Red Cloud, a cloud accounting platform that has served over 75,000 customers. Mark shares hard-won lessons from building and scaling a business—from surviving tough markets to navigating acquisitions and maintaining financial discipline. We dive into his leadership style, his take on customer support as a market differentiator, and how he balanced family life while running a fast-growing company. 🎯 Key Takeaways: Why resilience is a non-negotiable trait for entrepreneursHow acquisitions can fuel strategic growthThe long-term value of cloud accounting and tech innovationWhat it takes to lead with integrity and build employee loyaltyMark’s thoughts on legacy, impact, and what comes next🔑 Keywords: entrepreneurship, cloud accounting, business acquisition, leadership, financial discipline, scaling business, customer support, market competition, work-life balance, legacy 👂 Sound Bites: "Cash is king in business." "Be careful what you wish for." "I got the number that I wanted." 🔁 Like, comment, and subscribe if you found this valuable. New episodes every week.

    49 min
  4. Unlocking Business Growth Through Acquisitions | Guy Bartlett | Episode 20 |

    04/02/2025

    Unlocking Business Growth Through Acquisitions | Guy Bartlett | Episode 20 |

    In this episode of Finance for Founders, host Samuel Ajala sits down with Guy Bartlett, a seasoned entrepreneur, M&A strategist, and founder of The Business Buyers Club. With over £146 million in closed deals, Guy shares powerful insights into business acquisition, SME growth, and scaling businesses the smart way. 🎯 From his military roots to becoming a leader in entrepreneurship and business coaching, Guy dives deep into the transition process, strategic acquisitions, funding options like vendor finance, and how to unlock hidden value in small to mid-sized businesses. 💡 Whether you're a founder looking to buy your first business, plan an exit, or simply want to understand how M&A strategies can fuel entrepreneurial growth, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. ------------------------- 📌 Key Takeaways Business acquisitions can solve growth bottlenecks Cash flow and people are critical success factors Simple shifts can transform employee satisfaction Vendor finance is a powerful (and often overlooked) funding tool Team dynamics are everything in post-acquisition success Business is ultimately about people and relationships ------------------------ 🔊 Quotes & Sound Bites: "You don’t need necessarily a lot of cash." "Business is people." "You can do it without any money." "It’s a hearts and minds campaign." "Money follows people." -------------------- 🔗 Connect with Guy Bartlett 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybartlettuk/ 👉 The Business Buyers Club: https://thebusinessbuyersclub.co.uk/ -------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for more founder-friendly finance insights every week. Like, comment, and share if this helped you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546 ---------------------  📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter:  https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8 -------------------- 📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/ ---------------------- #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #SMEGrowth #FinanceForFounders #ScalingBusinesses #MAStrategies #BusinessCoaching #CashFlow #VendorFinance #GuyBartlett #Leadership #StartupFunding #BusinessStrategy #Networking #BusinessGrowth #AcquisitionStrategy

    1h 4m
  5. £30M in Business Exits: Brutal Truths About Scaling, Trust & Leadership | Astan Morarji | Episode 19 |

    03/25/2025

    £30M in Business Exits: Brutal Truths About Scaling, Trust & Leadership | Astan Morarji | Episode 19 |

    In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala sits down with Astan Morarji — a serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and exited over £30M worth of businesses. Astan shares brutally honest insights on what it really takes to grow a business, build trust, and lead through chaos. You’ll learn:  ✅ Why trust beats authority in business ✅ How to scale fast without burning out ✅ The real cost of hiring top talent ✅ Why upselling existing clients is a growth cheat code ✅ How to avoid falling for common business myths ✅ What role luck, timing, and strategy play in exits and acquisitions From navigating legal challenges as an immigrant founder to mastering the mindset shifts from founder to CEO, Astan brings raw and practical advice for early-stage and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. 🔥 Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to Astan Morarji 06:02 – The Importance of Family in Business 11:55 – Growth Strategies That Actually Work 17:58 – Rapid Scaling Secrets 22:06 – Marketing & Market Positioning 36:55 – From Founder to Leader 43:47 – Building Trust, Not Just Authority 52:47 – Upselling for Smarter Growth 01:00:03 – The Role of Luck in Business 01:09:55 – Scaling Through Acquisitions 01:17:08 – Why Turnarounds Are Brutal 01:30:00 – Debunking Business Myths 01:34:38 – Legacy, Mentorship & Giving Back Follow Astan Morarji: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astanm/ 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews like this:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546  📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter:  https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8 📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/ #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #AstanMorarji #FinanceForFounders #StartupAdvice #ScalingBusiness #FounderMindset #Leadership #TrustInBusiness

    1h 39m
  6. How I built a Coffee Empire | Wyclef Sande | Episode 18 |

    02/25/2025

    How I built a Coffee Empire | Wyclef Sande | Episode 18 |

    🎙 Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Wyclef Sande, an inspiring Ugandan entrepreneur and the founder of Blue Trucco Coffee. From a humble upbringing in Uganda to building a business that champions Ugandan coffee on the global stage, Wyclef shares his remarkable journey of resilience, rejection, and passion. He discusses how coffee and travel can drive social impact, his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and why Uganda’s robusta coffee deserves global recognition. 🚀 Key Takeaways: ✔️ "Don’t rush it, but don’t delay." – Wyclef’s philosophy on growth and success. ✔️ He grew up happy despite financial hardships. ✔️ Rejection taught him valuable life lessons and fueled his drive. ✔️ Uganda is home to robusta coffee, yet it remains undervalued. ✔️ His mission is to elevate Ugandan coffee and empower local farmers. ✔️ Building a brand is about more than just a product—it’s about purpose. ✔️ Community development and giving back are central to his vision. ✔️ Transitioning from corporate roles at Nando’s and Nestlé to founding his own company. 🎧 Listen Now: 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5718cSZ79tVNRHaMJINBwt?si=h-KWNiGFRyOwlwYUjJDvOA 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000695858745 🔹 YouTube: https://youtu.be/qOV0LRlIOCo?si=dumouwF7irKMe9c9 📌 Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Wyclef Sande 07:11 - Wyclef's Early Life and Challenges 14:34 - Journey to the UK and Education 20:22 - Overcoming Rejection and Building Resilience 24:10 - Creating Impact through Travel and Coffee 25:39 - Maintaining Connections: The Importance of Relationships 26:12 - A Journey of Self-Discovery and Purpose 30:50 - Cultural Shock: Adapting to Life in the UK 32:27 - Navigating Corporate Life: From Nando’s to Nestlé 38:32 - The Birth of a Passion: Transitioning to Coffee 44:15 - Championing Ugandan Coffee: A Mission to Transform 54:50 - Building a Brand: The Vision Behind Blue Trucco Coffee 💡 Notable Quotes: 📢 "I was a very happy, poor child." 📢 "I felt it was my duty to change that." 📢 "Coffee is more than a drink—it’s a movement." 🔔 Subscribe & Follow: 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps bring more inspiring stories like Wyclef’s to light. 📲 Connect with Wyclef Sande: 🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueturacocoffee/ 🔹 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wycliffesande/ 🔹 Blue Turacco Coffee: https://blueturacocoffee.com/pages/our-coffee #WyclefSande #BlueTruccoCoffee #UgandanCoffee #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #Resilience #Travel #CommunityDevelopment

    59 min
  7. Breaking Barriers in Blockchain | Lavinia Osbourne | Episode 17 |

    02/10/2025

    Breaking Barriers in Blockchain | Lavinia Osbourne | Episode 17 |

    In this episode of Finance for Founders, we are joined by Lavinia, an award-winning blockchain consultant, international speaker, and founder of Women in Blockchain Talks. Lavinia is on a mission to introduce 50,000 women to the world of blockchain and web3 technology. Lavinia shares her journey, discussing her upbringing, the challenges she's faced in a male-dominated industry, and her passion for diversity and inclusion in tech. The conversation delves into Lavinia's personal story, her faith, and her vision for the future of blockchain. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, legacy, and the importance of representation in emerging tech industries. ----------- Tune in now and get inspired! 🔗: Apple Podcast 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000690768391 Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wNBBNtx1usxyAD8ZIon4M?si=kwYFZ2lFS3qdeyq8zc4JIw YouTube 📺: https://youtu.be/cZlmV6Iiu9Q?si=5aIVx-hgm6zsOR0a ------------ Women in BlockChain Talk: https://wibt.mykajabi.com/ Lavinia Osbourne: linkedin.com/in/laviniaosbourne Email: lavinia21@hotmail.com #Blockchain #Web3 #WomenInTech #Leadership #DiversityInTech #FinanceForFounders #Podcast ----------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:56 Quick Fire Questions 03:16 Lavinia's Mission and Passion 05:29 Personal Background and Challenges 13:03 Discovering Blockchain 16:52 Founding Women in Blockchain Talks 27:05 Preparation Meets Opportunity 27:48 Women in Blockchain Talks: Events and Opportunities 29:20 Challenges in the Blockchain Industry 36:31 Understanding Blockchain: A Simple Explanation 41:56 The Vision for 50,000 Members 44:30 Recognition and Imposter Syndrome 47:43 The Future of Blockchain and Women in Tech 51:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    52 min
  8. Unlocking Business Potential with Fractional CFOs | Ryan Chenier | Episode 16 |

    02/03/2025

    Unlocking Business Potential with Fractional CFOs | Ryan Chenier | Episode 16 |

    Summary In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Ryan Chenier, CEO of Mastery Fractional CFO Services. Ryan shares his journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of fractional CFO services for small and medium-sized businesses. He discusses the financial blind spots that many founders overlook and provides actionable advice for achieving financial clarity and business growth. The conversation covers the cost-effectiveness of hiring a fractional CFO, key financial focus areas for scaling businesses, and the significance of metrics in managing business performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Chernier and Mastery CFO Services 04:49 Ryan's Journey from Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur 10:19 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO 15:36 The Value of Fractional CFO Services for Small Businesses 21:15 Cost Considerations for Hiring a Fractional CFO 22:49 Revenue Generation and Business Development 26:43 Translating Vision into Financial Reality 29:26 The Importance of Metrics in Business 32:11 Case Study: Cash Flow Management Success 36:18 Tech Stack for Startups 37:56 Managing the CFO-CEO Relationship 40:48 Winning New Clients as a Fractional CFO 43:38 Initial Client Engagement and Goal Setting 47:26 Final Words of Wisdom 🔊 Listen now and take control of your financial future:  ApplePodcast 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000688473022 Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FjBxKFPYZrEvJFecl5YbD?si=J9ivguV4R8OZNcC31AU05g YouTube 📺 : https://youtu.be/vHibC0-HSNQ?si=aWuJzZ3jWT3oSAbu Keywords #FractionalCFO #financialstrategies #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #financialmanagement #smallbusiness #scaling #financialclarity #Ryan Chenier #MasteryFractionalCFOServices

    49 min
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About

Welcome to "Finance for Founders," the premier podcast where entrepreneurship, startups, and scale-ups intersect with finance. Our show features in-depth discussions with distinguished guests, including CEOs, venture capitalists, CFOs, and industry experts, who share their insights on the financial strategies essential for building and scaling successful businesses. Each episode provides invaluable lessons and actionable advice, equipping founders with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the financial complexities of their entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to "Finance for Founders" and empower your startup with the financial acumen necessary for success.

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