Follow the Gradient

Follow the Gradient
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Follow the Gradient

Insider knowledge and real stories about how to build a scaleup in Europe while staying sane. Each week founders Melanie Gabriel and Christian Woese pick for you the latest startup news, dive deep into one specific question on a founder's or startup operator's mind and share how to solve the challenge together with an expert. Follow the Gradient and stay tuned.

  1. Mastering Startup Communication: Storytelling and Crisis Strategies with Ruth Barnett [REPLAY]

    3 DAYS AGO

    Mastering Startup Communication: Storytelling and Crisis Strategies with Ruth Barnett [REPLAY]

    As part of our most-listened replays this holiday season, we’re revisiting one of the standout episodes of the Follow the Gradient podcast. Mark your calendars—Season 2 returns on January 9th, 2025! In this episode, Ruth Barnett, a seasoned expert in startup communication, shares practical strategies every founder needs: Crafting Your Story: How to engage investors, customers, and team members with a compelling narrative. Building Reputation: Why perception matters and how to protect it. Crisis Management Tips: Lessons from real-world examples to help founders prepare and respond effectively. Storytelling for Technical Founders: Moving from the "how" to the "why" and "who" of your solution. Working with PR Agencies: Mistakes to avoid and how to get the most value. Whether you’re new to communications or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your startup’s presence. Read More: Curious about the two crisis communications examples referenced by Melanie in the introduction? Check them out here: Intuit asked us to delete part of this Decoder episode - We declined CrowdStrike Crisis Comms Case Study Connect with Ruth Barnett: 💼 LinkedIn 🌐 Website Connect with Us: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: @followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient Support Us: 💚 Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcast 💛 Got feedback or ideas? Reach us at team [at] followthegradient [dot] io.

    41 min
  2. From Doer to Leader: Top Startup Leadership Lessons with Stanislaw Grunstein [REPLAY]

    12/26/2024

    From Doer to Leader: Top Startup Leadership Lessons with Stanislaw Grunstein [REPLAY]

    As part of our most-listened replays this holiday season, we’re revisiting one of the standout episodes of the Follow the Gradient podcast. Mark your calendars—Season 2 returns on January 9th, 2025! In this episode, we explore the critical transition from being an individual contributor to becoming an impactful leader in fast-growing startups. Stanislaw Grunstein—founder of CNTRD and a renowned expert in leadership, organizational psychology, and behavioral change—delivers actionable advice on: Mastering the mindset shift required for leadership success Overcoming the fear of letting go and delegating with purpose Providing feedback that truly empowers your team Cultivating intrinsic motivation and building high-performing teams Whether you’re a founder scaling your company or a manager stepping into leadership, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you and your team thrive. Stanislaw also shared exclusive insights that he hasn't shared on the podcast, find them https://followthegradient.io/p/why-most-startup-leaders-fail-and-how-you-can-succeed CONNECT WITH STANISLAW: 💼 LinkedIn: Stanislaw Grunstein 🌐 Website: stay-cntrd.com CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter: followthegradient.io 🐦 X: @followgradient 📸 Instagram: @followthegradient 💼 LinkedIn: @followthegradient 🎵 TikTok: @followthegradient LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 Leave a review on Spotify 💛 Leave a review on Apple Podcast We’d love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for the future? Got a dream guest for Season 2? Let us know at team@followthegradient.io.

    46 min
  3. Mastering Media Outreach: Sifted's Editor Amy Lewin’s Essential Advice for Startups [REPLAY]

    12/18/2024

    Mastering Media Outreach: Sifted's Editor Amy Lewin’s Essential Advice for Startups [REPLAY]

    Before diving into this special replay, we’d love your feedback! As we prepare for an exciting Season 2 launching on January 9th, your input will help us create even more valuable content for you in 2025. Take just one minute to share your thoughts at bit.ly/follow-survey. Your feedback means the world to us! This week, we’re revisiting one of the standout episodes from Season 1 featuring Amy Lewin, Editor of Sifted, Europe’s leading media platform for startups. Amy delivers a masterclass in media engagement, covering: How to successfully pitch journalists and avoid common mistakes. The importance of knowing your purpose for media attention. Tips for managing negative press and crisis communication. Key tech journalism trends, including AI and climate tech. Whether you’re a founder looking to secure your first article or an operator refining your media strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your startup stand out. We’ll be sharing more of the best moments from Season 1 over the next three weeks, so stay tuned—and don’t forget to fill out the survey at bit.ly/follow-survey to help shape what’s coming next!

    32 min

  4. 12/11/2024

    End of Year Reflections: Staying Sane, Building Better, and What’s Next for 2025

    As we wrap up an incredible SEASON 1 of Follow the Gradient, join us - Melanie and Christian - in this reflective and deeply personal finale. In this episode, we share: Melanie’s Annual Life Review Technique: A structured, thought-provoking process to reflect on personal growth, failures, and success. Christian’s Weekly Write-Up Routine: A practical tool for accountability, clarity, and peace of mind amidst the chaos of startup life. What’s Coming in 2025: A sneak peek at the exciting next season, community collaborations, and why Europe has what it takes to build the next big thing. A PERSONAL ASK TO YOU We’re taking Follow the Gradient to the next level in 2025, and we need your input to make it even better! Please share 1 minute of your time to help us improve by filling out this quick survey. Thank you so much for taking the time and for being part of this journey! And if you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter with exclusive insights (such as the template we're talking about in this episode) and more at ⁠followthegradient.io⁠. HOW TO REACH US Reach out us on LinkedIn: ⁠Melanie⁠ and ⁠Christian⁠ 📬 Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠followthegradient.io⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 X:⁠⁠ ⁠x.com/followgradient⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠

    35 min
  5. Startup Hiring Masterclass: Building Exceptional Teams with Paddy Lambros from Atomico

    12/04/2024

    Startup Hiring Masterclass: Building Exceptional Teams with Paddy Lambros from Atomico

    What does it take to build and scale a successful startup team? Join us as Paddy Lambros, Talent Director at Atomico, shares invaluable insights from over a decade of experience working with early-stage companies and hyper-growth startups. In this episode, Paddy reveals actionable strategies for founders navigating the complexities of team building, including: Hiring for Success: Why strategic, thoughtful hiring decisions are key to long-term growth—and how to avoid costly mistakes. Instilling Accountability: The critical role of personal accountability in creating a resilient and motivated team. Navigating Growth and Change: Managing transitions, layoffs, and founder evolution while maintaining trust and morale. The Power of a Strong Onboarding Process: How to ensure new hires deliver value from day one. Aligning Team Culture with Goals: Building a cohesive team that shares your startup’s mission and values. Whether you're a first-time founder or an experienced operator, this episode offers practical advice to help you build and lead a team capable of thriving through startup challenges. 👉 Sign up for exclusive insights and more at followthegradient.io. Tune in now: 🎧 Apple: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast or 🎧 Spotify: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify CONNECT WITH PADDY: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklambros/ CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter:⁠⁠ followthegradient.io⁠⁠ 🐦 X:⁠⁠ x.com/followgradient⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: ⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠ LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ 💛⁠⁠ ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠ Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io

    44 min
  6. The Patent Playbook: Why Your Startup Needs A Patent Strategy - with Bastian Best

    11/27/2024

    The Patent Playbook: Why Your Startup Needs A Patent Strategy - with Bastian Best

    In this episode, European and German Patent Attorney Bastian Best unpacks why every startup needs a patent strategy—and why it’s never too early to start. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in software and AI patents, Bastian shares actionable advice for founders, including how to protect core innovations, attract investors, and turn patents into strategic business assets. Using real-world examples like Humane’s AI Pin and RobCo’s robotics journey, this episode is packed with insights to help startups build a defensible position in competitive markets. Why patents are essential even for early-stage startups How patents act as shields, magnets, and value generators Key steps for navigating freedom to operate and avoiding common pitfalls Bastian’s practical approach helps founders move beyond the myths of patenting to create lasting value for their startups. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at ⁠⁠followthegradient.io. CONNECT WITH BASTIAN: 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/bastianbest/ 🌐 Bastian’s patent law firm BESTPATENT: https://bestpatent.eu/ 💡fundingmagnet.de - Bastian’s AI-powered coaching program that helps European founders achieve their first patent-pending status with just a few hours of time. CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠followthegradient.io⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 X:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠x.com/followgradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Spotify⁠⁠⁠: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛⁠⁠ ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io

    40 min
  7. Startup Rebranding 101: When, Why, and How to Get It Right

    11/20/2024

    Startup Rebranding 101: When, Why, and How to Get It Right

    Rebranding is more than a new logo or fresh name—it’s about reshaping how the world sees your startup and setting the stage for future growth. In this episode, we dive into the art and science of rebranding with insights tailored for founders and startup operators. 💡 What you’ll learn: When and why startups should rebrand (and why timing is critical). How to convince stakeholders and overcome resistance to change. What makes a name stick, using Alexandra Watkins’ Smile & Scratch framework. Success stories like Wise and ConvertKit—and cautionary tales like Twitter’s transition to X. Practical steps for planning, executing, and sustaining a rebrand. Plus, Melanie shares behind-the-scenes insights from Yokoy’s transition from Expense Robot, and our guest, Andrea von Kaenel, offers a corporate perspective on rebranding at scale. 🎙️ Tune in for actionable tips and candid discussions about what it takes to redefine your startup’s identity—without losing your audience or your momentum. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at ⁠⁠followthegradient.io⁠⁠. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION: Free Name Evaluation Test by Alexandra Watkins, Founder at Eat My Words and Author of “How to Create Brand Names That Stick”. “Rebranding in Public: ConvertKit to Kit” - watch the full video series CONNECT WITH ANDREA: 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/andreavonkaenel/ CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠followthegradient.io⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 X:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠x.com/followgradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠⁠ LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Spotify⁠⁠⁠: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛⁠⁠ ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io

    37 min
  8. How To Find Real PMF: Rob Snyder’s Playbook for B2B Startups

    11/13/2024

    How To Find Real PMF: Rob Snyder’s Playbook for B2B Startups

    In this episode, Harvard Innovation Labs Fellow Rob Snyder reveals his no-BS approach to finding product-market fit for early-stage B2B startups. After spending two years in the ‘pain cave’ without traction, Rob developed four essential frameworks that have since helped numerous founders scale from $0 to $1M ARR and beyond. You’ll learn: How to define and track PMF for your startup Four key frameworks to escape the ‘pain cave’ and build traction Tips for developing a ‘Minimum Viable Sales Process’ and engaging ‘Hell Yes’ customers Rob’s insights go beyond typical startup advice, offering actionable steps to help you reach sustainable PMF. Sign up for exclusive content from this episode and more at ⁠followthegradient.io⁠. CONNECT WITH ROB: 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠/rsnyder1/ 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://reframeb2b.com CONNECT WITH US: 📬 Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠followthegradient.io⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 X:⁠⁠ ⁠x.com/followgradient⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@followthegradient⁠⁠⁠ LEAVE US A VIRTUAL HIGH-FIVE 💚 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Spotify⁠⁠⁠: bit.ly/FTG-Spotify 💛⁠⁠ ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠: bit.ly/FTG-Podcast Plus: We would love to hear from you! How did you like this episode? What should we improve for future editions, do you have any suggestions, ideas or dream podcast guests? Please let us know: team at followthegradient dot io

    34 min
See All (16)

Trailer

About

Insider knowledge and real stories about how to build a scaleup in Europe while staying sane. Each week founders Melanie Gabriel and Christian Woese pick for you the latest startup news, dive deep into one specific question on a founder's or startup operator's mind and share how to solve the challenge together with an expert. Follow the Gradient and stay tuned.

Information

  • Creator
    Follow the Gradient
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Follow the Gradient
  • Show Website
    Follow the Gradient

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada