Founders-Meeting

Helga Osk | SERIOUS.BUSINESS
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This is the Founders-Meeting podcast—your Monday morning "snack" to kickstart the week with positivity, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial drive. Every week, we dive into the minds of founders from around the globe, uncovering the strategies and stories behind their biggest wins and toughest challenges. Whether you're just starting out or scaling to new heights, this podcast is your weekly dose of motivation and insight. Hosted by Helga Osk Hlynsdottir, Spiritual Leader and co-founder of SERIOUS.BUSINESS, with over a decade of experience in building stronger teams, driving business growth, and crafting premium brands. Tune in every Monday for fresh inspiration—subscribe now and get inspired by your new favourite entrepreneurs.

  1. 31 | Benjamin / Every: Why the Future of Food Starts in Your Freezer

    MAR 2

    31 | Benjamin / Every: Why the Future of Food Starts in Your Freezer

    Founders Meeting | Benjamin / Every: Reviving Shared Mealtimes Through Plant-Based Innovation What if frozen food wasn’t a compromise — but the future of healthy, sustainable eating? In this Founders Meeting episode, we sit down with Benjamin, co-founder of Every, a Berlin-based company redefining convenient food with chef-crafted, plant-based frozen meals. Every isn’t just building a food brand — they’re rebuilding trust in the frozen aisle. Benjamin shares the journey of starting Every with his lifelong friend Casimir, the challenges of sourcing high-quality ingredients, and how shock-freezing technology preserves nutrients, flavour, and integrity. We explore how transparency, sustainability, and shared mealtimes sit at the heart of their mission — and why frozen food deserves a rebrand. This conversation goes beyond product. It’s about culture, connection, and building a food company rooted in values. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: Why Every exists — and the problem with modern convenience food The cultural importance of shared mealtimes Building a plant-based brand for everyone, not just vegans The sourcing challenges within the food industry How shock freezing preserves nutrients and reduces waste Transparency in packaging and building consumer trust Launching a company with a lifelong friend Financing and early-stage decisions Community-driven growth and customer feedback Reframing frozen food as premium, sustainable, and delicious 🧠 Key Takeaways: Healthy eating should be effortless and enjoyable. Shared mealtimes foster connection in a fast-paced world. Shock freezing locks in nutrients and quality. Transparency builds trust in a sceptical food market. Plant-based food can appeal to a broad, mainstream audience. Building a business with a friend requires clarity and shared values. Sustainability and quality sourcing are long-term competitive advantages. Community engagement strengthens both brand and product. 💬 Sound Bites: “The future of frozen food is sustainability.” “Shared mealtimes foster connections.” “Trust in the food industry is essential.” “Healthy eating should never feel like a compromise.” 📍 Chapter Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Every and Its Mission 02:21 – Healthy Eating & Convenience 05:23 – Childhood Influences and Food Heritage 08:04 – Starting Every 11:10 – Sourcing & Sustainability 14:17 – Packaging & Direct-to-Consumer Strategy 17:02 – Shock Freezing Explained 20:18 – Challenges in Frozen Goods 23:01 – The Future of Frozen Food 26:06 – Plant-Based Market Perceptions 29:14 – Building a Company with a Friend 48:52 – Early Challenges & Decisions 50:41 – Financing the Journey 51:44 – Strategic Partnerships 55:04 – Shared Values 55:54 – Branding Evolution 01:07:36 – Core Market Focus 01:09:39 – Customer Education 01:20:07 – Shared Mealtimes 01:24:16 – Community Engagement 🔗 Links & Resources: 🥦 Every → https://every-foods.com/ 📍 Berlin, Germany 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you’re building a mission-driven brand — especially in a competitive, trust-sensitive industry — this episode is packed with insights. Benjamin shares what it really takes to challenge category assumptions, build with integrity, and create a product that aligns convenience with quality. It’s a powerful reminder that food isn’t just fuel — it’s culture, connection, and community. 📣 Connect with Us: This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If your brand is growing but your positioning, messaging, or differentiation isn’t as strong as your product — we+ll fix that. 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    1h 16m
  2. BONUS 02 | SALES: Why Selling Isn’t About Selling — Mic Drop (#GoldenNugget)

    JAN 26 · BONUS

    BONUS 02 | SALES: Why Selling Isn’t About Selling — Mic Drop (#GoldenNugget)

    🎙️ BONUS Episode 2 with sales coach Matt Essam: Transforming Sales into Connection Are you approaching sales as a transaction—or as a conversation that transforms your business? In this second BONUS episode, we’re joined by Matt Essam, business coach and author, to rethink how founders approach sales. Rather than a numbers game, Matt reframes sales as a process of helping clients make decisions through curiosity, compassion, and courage. Throughout our discussion, we explore the psychology behind buying, the importance of active listening, and why reframing the stigma around sales can unlock transformative conversations. Matt shares insights from his journey, practical strategies for founders, and the mindset shifts that allow sales to become both effective and human. Whether you’re running a startup, scaling a creative agency, or just navigating client conversations, this episode will help you see sales as a relationship-building tool rather than a necessary evil. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: Why sales is fundamentally about communication and decision-makingOvercoming the stigma around sales and reframing it as serviceThe role of curiosity, compassion, and courage in client conversationsDifferentiating your offerings in a crowded marketEmotional intelligence and the psychology of buyingBalancing sales automation with personal connectionThe Traffic Light Method for understanding client readinessHow transformational sales conversations build brand equity 🧠 Key Takeaways: Sales isn’t coercion—it’s facilitation. Helping clients make informed decisions is the goal.Courage is essential: asking the hard questions builds trust and clarity.Emotional intelligence drives buying decisions—understanding your client matters.Differentiation reduces competition and increases demand.Sales conversations can be transformational, benefiting both the founder and the client.Automation is helpful, but human connection remains irreplaceable.Founders can reframe sales from a dreaded task into a relationship-building practice. 💬 Sound Bites / Quotes: “Sales is about curiosity and compassion.”“Sales is not something you do to someone.”“Sales is a transformational conversation.”“The courage to ask difficult questions builds trust.”“Helping clients make decisions is the real art of selling.” 📍 Chapter Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Sales and Coaching 02:42 – The Importance of Communication in Sales 05:46 – The Evolution of Sales Perspectives 08:41 – Mastering Sales: A Personal Journey 11:38 – Understanding Sales Conversations 14:22 – Emotional Drivers in Sales 17:10 – The Shift from Marketing to Coaching 19:56 – Finding Purpose in Coaching 22:53 – Courage in Sales Conversations 25:49 – Asking Difficult Questions in Sales 35:28 – Launching vs. Selling: Understanding the Difference 38:13 – Selling Before You Build: The Importance of Validation 41:09 – The Value of Free Time: Sharing Your Expertise 42:47 – Learning from Experience: The Role of Mentorship 45:43 – Challenging Conversations: The Art of Sales 56:00 – The Future of Sales: Automation and AI 58:55 – Differentiation in a Crowded Market: The Courage to Stand Out 🔗 Links & Resources: 🌐 Creative Courage Podcast → https://creativecouragepodcast.podbean.com/ 🌐 Matt Essam | Creative Life Website → https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ 🌐 Matt Essam on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Companies mentioned: Serious Business | Creative Life | Creative Courage | Daniel Priestley | Key Person of Influence 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode: This BONUS episode is a masterclass in reframing sales for founders. Matt shows that sales isn’t about pressure or persuasion—it’s about empathy, curiosity, and connection. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by selling or struggled to make your offer heard, this episode will transform how you think about client conversations, helping you create relationships that last and grow your business. 📣 Connect with Us: This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If you’re scaling fast but your messaging, your story, your brand haven’t caught up—let’s fix that 👇🏻 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    54 min
  3. 30 | Ahana Banerjee / Clear: Vulnerability as a Superpower in Tech — LinkedIn Top Voice

    JAN 19

    30 | Ahana Banerjee / Clear: Vulnerability as a Superpower in Tech — LinkedIn Top Voice

    🎙️ Vulnerability as a Superpower in Tech with Ahana Banerjee What does it take to build a tech startup in a crowded market—while staying authentic, visible, and resilient? In this episode, Helga sits down with Ahana Banerjee, founder of Clear, a skincare-tracking app designed to cut through the noise of an oversaturated beauty industry. From growing up across the UK, India, and Singapore to teaching herself how to code, Ahana’s journey reflects the power of discipline, vulnerability, and intentional personal branding in entrepreneurship. Together, we explore what it means to be a young female founder in tech, how vulnerability can become a competitive advantage, and why building both a product and a personal brand requires consistency, resilience, and belief—especially when facing bias in fundraising. Ahana also shares how Clear balances a dual business model, serving both consumers and global skincare brands through data-driven insights. This episode is an honest look at startup life behind the scenes—rejections, resilience, and the long game of building something meaningful. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: Growing up across cultures and how it shaped Ahana’s entrepreneurial mindset The personal skincare struggles that inspired the creation of Clear Teaching herself to code and transitioning from academia to startups Using vulnerability as a strength in personal branding Building credibility as a young female founder in tech Navigating bias and rejection in fundraising Balancing consumer value with brand monetisation Why discipline matters more than motivation in content and growth Scaling a startup while protecting team culture 🧠 Key Takeaways: Vulnerability can be a powerful tool for trust and connection. Personal branding requires consistency, not perfection. Fundraising resilience means expecting rejection—and continuing anyway. Strong team culture is critical as startups begin to scale. Understanding both user and brand needs unlocks sustainable growth. Entrepreneurship is a long game built on discipline and belief. 📍 Chapter Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Ahana and Clear 02:34 – Growing up across cultures 12:35 – Discovering coding and technical confidence 15:31 – The moment that sparked Clear 26:13 – Committing fully to the startup journey 28:06 – Vulnerability and personal branding 31:56 – Credibility challenges as a young founder 33:03 – Consistency and content creation 36:21 – Authenticity on social media 46:16 – Personal support systems 53:16 – Facing bias as a female founder 59:00 – Navigating fundraising realities 01:10:00 – Resilience and leadership 01:20:58 – Balancing consumer and brand needs 01:24:17 – Scaling Clear and future growth 🔗 Links & Resources: 📱 Clear App → getclearapp.com 👤 Ahana Banerjee → LinkedIn 🌍 Companies mentioned: Clear, L’Oréal, Beiersdorf, Unilever, Y Combinator, Forbes 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode: This conversation is a powerful reminder that building a startup isn’t just about technology or traction—it’s about identity, resilience, and showing up honestly. Ahana’s story offers inspiration for founders navigating self-doubt, bias, and the pressure to prove themselves, while still building with integrity and intention. 📣 Connect with Us: This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If you’re scaling fast but your messaging, your story, your brand haven’t caught up—let’s fix that now👇🏻 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    1h 11m
  4. 29 | Georg Molzer / Shadowmap: Where’s the Sunny Side of Life and Why Authenticity Is Exhausting

    JAN 12

    29 | Georg Molzer / Shadowmap: Where’s the Sunny Side of Life and Why Authenticity Is Exhausting

    x What happens when technology, self-discovery, and environmental awareness collide? In this episode, we sit down with Georg Molzer, founder of Shadowmap, a groundbreaking platform that visualises sunlight and shadows in three dimensions. What begins as a conversation about sunlight, urban planning, and innovation quickly unfolds into a much deeper exploration of authenticity, personal growth, and the often exhausting work of becoming yourself. Georg shares how living in dense urban environments sparked the idea behind Shadowmap, a tool now used by architects, urban planners, and individuals who want to better understand their relationship with sunlight. Alongside the technical journey, Georg opens up about his inner journey — from making mistakes and seeking forgiveness, to embracing authenticity as an ongoing, imperfect process. This episode bridges the worlds of entrepreneurship, self-discovery, spirituality, and impact, offering listeners both practical insights and reflective depth. 🔑 In this episode, we explore:Why authenticity is a lifelong process — not a destinationThe emotional and spiritual work behind entrepreneurshipHow Shadowmap tracks sunlight and shadows in 3DDemocratizing access to sunlight in dense urban spacesMaking mistakes, taking responsibility, and asking for forgivenessWhy self-discovery can be deeply exhausting — and necessaryIntegrating personal growth with leadership and businessThe role of awareness and consciousness in innovationBuilding community around shared values and wellbeing 🧠 Key Takeaways:Authenticity is encouraged by the universe — but it requires effort.Self-discovery is a continuous and often uncomfortable journey.Making mistakes is a natural and essential part of growth.Asking for forgiveness is a vital step in becoming more authentic.Being true to yourself does not mean being perfect.Authenticity can unintentionally cause friction or harm — awareness matters.Personal growth demands commitment, courage, and reflection.Embracing your true self is foundational to meaningful work and life. 📍 Chapter Highlights:00:00 – Introduction and Insights from Georg 00:32 – Exploring Modern Health Myths (Full chapter expansion can be added once final timestamps are locked) 🎧 Sound Bites:“This is the work, which is exhausting.” “This is a process as well.” “You will make mistakes.” 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode:This episode goes beyond tactics and tools. It’s a raw, thoughtful conversation about what it really means to build something meaningful — both externally and internally. Georg’s reflections on authenticity, forgiveness, and growth offer rare honesty, while Shadowmap stands as a powerful example of how personal experience can inspire impactful innovation. If you’re a founder, creative, or someone navigating their own path of self-discovery, this conversation will resonate deeply. 🔗 Links & Resources:🌞 Shadowmap → https://shadowmap.org/ 📣 Connect with Us:This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If your business is growing but your brand, positioning, or story no longer reflects who you truly are — it’s time to realign. 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    1h 25m
  5. 28 | Zhuoyan Jin / Halmos: Embracing Endings: The Founder's Guide to Moving Forward with Halmos

    12/15/2025

    28 | Zhuoyan Jin / Halmos: Embracing Endings: The Founder's Guide to Moving Forward with Halmos

    🎙️ From Heartbreak to Healing: The Halmos Journey with Yin, Founder of Halmos How do you transform one of life’s most painful experiences into a source of healing, innovation, and community? In this episode, we sit down with Yin — founder of Halmos, a beautifully designed app built to support people navigating heartbreak. After experiencing a profound emotional loss, Yin found herself searching for tools that could guide her through grief, self-discovery, and rebuilding her identity. When she realised those tools didn’t exist, she decided to create them herself. Through our conversation, Yin shares the deeply personal story that sparked Halmos, her transition from life in Singapore to entrepreneurship in the Nordics, and the emotional resilience required to build something meaningful from the ashes of heartbreak. We explore how Halmos blends digital rituals, journaling, community, and self-love to create a safe emotional container for anyone experiencing loss. Whether you’ve lived through heartbreak, are building something from a deeply personal place, or simply want to understand the emotional journeys that shape founders — this episode will stay with you long after listening. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about:How heartbreak sparked the creation of HalmosThe emotional realities founders rarely talk aboutWhy digital rituals help create closureBuilding resilience through loss and uncertaintyThe loneliness of being a solo founder — and how to navigate itRebranding Halmos and crafting a brand rooted in healingCultural shifts: from Singapore to the NordicsThe power of community during emotional transitionsB2C challenges in the app market and growth strategiesHow journaling, self-reflection, and AI support emotional recovery 🧠 Key Takeaways: Every ending is a new beginning.Heartbreak can be a catalyst for creativity, clarity, and reinvention.Digital rituals help users process grief and find emotional closure.Community support is essential when navigating emotional pain.Branding that mirrors the healing journey builds trust and resonance.Solo founding requires resilience, mentorship, and a strong network.Halmos’ organic growth reflects the universal nature of heartbreak.Tools like journaling and AI-insights give users emotional grounding and self-awareness. 📍 Chapter Highlights:00:00 – Introduction to Halmos and Its Founder 02:29 – Yin's Journey: From Childhood to Entrepreneurship 05:48 – The Birth of Halmos: A Solution to Heartbreak 08:38 – Navigating the Startup Landscape 11:31 – Rebranding and the Vision for Halmos 14:51 – Building Resilience Through Heartbreak 17:38 – The Role of Community in Healing 20:27 – Pitching and Presenting: Lessons Learned 23:34 – Goals and Aspirations 42:00 – Building Halmos: The Journey Ahead 43:43 – Tools for Healing: Rituals, Journaling & Support 46:43 – The Importance of Community in Heartbreak 49:32 – Understanding Emotional Loss 51:25 – Data Insights: The Reality of Heartbreak 54:36 – Organic Growth and Market Response 01:00:20 – The Challenge of B2C 01:02:58 – Funding Strategies: Angels vs. VCs 01:04:45 – The Future of Halmos 01:10:07 – Embracing Life Experiences 01:12:19 – The Impact of Dating Apps 01:15:12 – Navigating Relationships and Breakups 01:18:56 – Building Resilience Through Heartbreak 01:22:29 – The Journey of Self-Love 01:25:52 – Lessons from Love and Heartbreak 01:32:20 – Finding Value in Emotions 01:33:55 – The Importance of Support Systems 🔗 Links & Resources:🌿 Halmos → https://www.halmos.co/ 🎧 Sound Bites:“Every ending is a new beginning.” “I want to empower broken hearts.” “I am tougher than tough situations.” 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode:This conversation is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is not weakness — it is the birthplace of innovation, resilience, and human connection. Yin shows us how a deeply personal experience can evolve into a meaningful product that helps thousands heal, reflect, and grow. Whether you’re a founder, a romantic, or someone rebuilding after loss, this episode offers comfort, courage, and creativity. 📣 Connect with Us:This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If you’re scaling fast but your messaging, your story, your brand haven’t caught up — let’s fix that. 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    1h 15m
  6. 27 | Joseph Nimoson / Wolve: Building and utilising lasting Loyalty for your brand

    12/08/2025

    27 | Joseph Nimoson / Wolve: Building and utilising lasting Loyalty for your brand

    🎙️ Building Loyalty That Lasts with Joseph Nimoson, Founder of Wolve What does it take to turn a simple coffee shop stamp card into a scalable loyalty platform now used by businesses across the Nordics? In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Nimoson, founder of Wolve, to explore the evolution of modern loyalty programs—and the entrepreneurial journey that started behind a café counter in Norway. From the quiet coziness of Nordic winters to the complexities of venture capital, Joseph shares how curiosity, resilience, and customer obsession shaped Wolve into a powerful B2B tool for driving retention and long-term growth. Through our conversation, Joseph opens up about the real challenges of being a first-time solo founder, the importance of team culture, and why customer loyalty will increasingly depend on digital experiences, creativity, and genuine relationships—not just discounts. Whether you're an operator, founder, or someone fascinated by the future of retention, this episode sheds light on how loyalty is being redefined for both B2B and B2C businesses. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: How Nordic winters shaped Joseph's entrepreneurial mindsetThe unexpected moment in a coffee shop that sparked the idea for WolveEvolving from a physical stamp card to a fully digital loyalty platformThe importance of team culture and shared values in early-stage startupsNavigating investor expectations and the VC landscape as a first-time founderWhy loyalty is about building relationships, not running promotionsB2B vs. B2C loyalty: what actually works and whyThe decline of third-party cookies and what it means for customer engagementCreative loyalty strategies that go far beyond points and rewardsLessons Joseph learned as a solo founder building from scratch 🧠 Key Takeaways: “Nordic winter brings a unique cosiness.” The environment shapes how Joseph thinks about customer experience and simplicity.Loyalty is shifting from transactional to relationship-driven.Creativity is becoming a competitive advantage in customer retention.Building a strong internal culture is one of the biggest predictors of startup success.B2B businesses can unlock massive value with smart loyalty strategies—not just consumer brands.The future of loyalty is fully digital, integrated, and personalised.First-time founders learn fast—especially through mistakes.Founders must adapt as consumer tracking shifts away from cookies.Before fundraising, you need conviction, clarity, and persistence. 📍 Chapter Highlights: 00:00 – Nordic Winter Excitement 02:57 – Journey into Entrepreneurship 05:45 – The Evolution of Wolve 09:07 – Building a Team and Technical Background 11:59 – From Prototype to Venture Capital 14:58 – Understanding Customer Loyalty 17:49 – Diverse Loyalty Programs 20:36 – Innovative Loyalty Strategies 23:36 – Sustainability and Customer Engagement 26:45 – Real-World Examples of Loyalty Programs 33:00 – Retaining Customers in Subscription Models 39:24 – Building Relationships: The Heart of Customer Loyalty 45:14 – The Future of Loyalty & Digital Transformation 53:01 – Creative Loyalty Programs Beyond Discounts 01:07:07 – The Loyalty Game: Consumer Perspectives 01:09:27 – Modernising Loyalty Programs 01:11:14 – The Importance of Consumer Awareness 01:13:14 – Building a Community Around Loyalty 01:16:33 – Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape 01:19:42 – Challenges of Being a Solo Founder 01:21:57 – Cultural Foundations in Startups 01:28:14 – Incentivising Team Members for Success 🔗 Links & Resources: 🌍 Wolve → https://wolve.ai/ Joseph Nimoson on LinkedIn 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode: This conversation shines a light on what loyalty really means today—not points, not promos, but genuine long-term relationships. Joseph brings a rare blend of humility, creativity, and practicality as he shares what it takes to turn customer experience into a growth engine. If you’ve ever wondered how a small idea can evolve into a scalable platform—or how loyalty is being reimagined for the next decade—this episode is for you. 📣 Connect with Us: This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If you’re scaling fast but your messaging, your story, or your brand hasn’t caught up—let’s fix that 👇🏻 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄🎙️

    48 min
  7. 26 | Ann-Sophie / ChangePath: Navigating Career Change with Self-Reflection & AI

    11/24/2025

    26 | Ann-Sophie / ChangePath: Navigating Career Change with Self-Reflection & AI

    🎙️ Navigating Career Change & Purpose with Ann-Sophie Czech, Co-Founder of ChangePath How do you navigate career changes, doubt or uncertainty, find meaningful work, and build something that helps others do the same? In this episode, we sit down with Ann-Sophie Czech, co-founder of ChangePath, a digital career-orientation platform helping young professionals understand their values, strengths, and aspirations. After climbing the corporate ladder at global companies like Publicis, MasterCard, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble, Ann-Sophie hit her own moment of questioning: Is this the life I want? That pivotal reflection ultimately sparked her journey into entrepreneurship. Through our conversation, Ann-Sophie opens up about the emotional complexity of career crises, the role of mental health in professional fulfilment, and why self-reflection should sit at the centre of every career transition. We delve into how ChangePath combines AI with human insight to create personalised career recommendations, explore how work-life balance varies across cultures, and discuss why community support is crucial for navigating significant change. Whether you’re exploring a career shift, building a company, or simply questioning what's next, this episode will help you rethink your path with greater clarity, courage, and compassion. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: Ann-Sophie’s multicultural upbringing and early entrepreneurial influencesHer journey up the corporate ladder — and what triggered her transitionWhy career crises often start with subtle emotional signalsThe role of mental health in career satisfactionHow work-life balance differs across European culturesThe origin story of ChangePath and its missionHow AI and self-reflection combine to deliver personalised career guidanceReal client stories and the psychology behind career decisionsWhy networking and community matter during periods of transitionThe realities of startup life: co-founders, scaling, and resilienceRemote work, founder dynamics, and the pressures of being “on”Celebrating small wins to maintain motivation as a founder 🧠 Key Takeaways: Self-discovery is the foundation of career clarity. You can’t choose the right path without understanding yourself first.“Change is super hard.” But it becomes easier with community, reflection, and support.AI can enhance—not replace—the human side of career orientation. Insight + technology = powerful guidance.Work-life balance is cultural. Where you live shapes how you work, rest, and thrive.Resilience is essential in entrepreneurship. The lows teach as much as the highs.Celebrate small wins. Progress becomes visible only when you acknowledge it. 📍 Chapter Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Ann-Sophie Czech and ChangePath 02:52 – Early influences and entrepreneurial sparks 05:47 – Climbing the corporate ladder: lessons from global brands 08:34 – The pivotal moment: transitioning to ChangePath 11:42 – Understanding career crises and mental health 14:39 – Work-life balance and cultural differences 17:17 – ChangePath: A digital solution for career orientation 20:17 – The role of self-reflection in career development 23:09 – Ikigai: finding joy and purpose at work 25:45 – Success stories and real-world applications 50:14 – Understanding workplace realities 53:04 – The Career Path Simulator 58:34 – Celebrating achievements in the workplace 01:00:54 – Navigating co-founder relationships 01:08:55 – The dynamics of remote work 01:19:38 – Challenges of startup founding 01:23:35 – Scaling ChangePath 01:27:06 – Advice for aspiring founders 🔗 Links & Resources: 🌍 ChangePath → https://www.changepath.ai/en 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode: This is an episode for anyone standing at a crossroads. Ann-Sophie brings extraordinary clarity to the emotional and practical challenges of changing careers—and offers a new, human-centred way to think about professional fulfilment. Her blend of honesty, vulnerability, and strategic insight will help you rethink where you’re headed, why it matters, and how to take the next step with confidence. 📣 Connect with Us: This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If your startup is growing fast but your story, your brand, your messaging haven’t caught up—let’s fix that 👇🏻 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    1h 22m
  8. 25 | Sharon Klaver / Builders: 25 | Sharon Klaver / Builders: Shaping startups that last in 10 weeks

    11/03/2025

    25 | Sharon Klaver / Builders: 25 | Sharon Klaver / Builders: Shaping startups that last in 10 weeks

    🎙️ Building Lasting Companies with Sharon Klaver: Data, Design, and the Human Side of Venture Building How do you build enduring startups that balance structure and freedom—while staying true to your humanity? In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Klaver, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Builders, a Rotterdam-based venture studio that turns early ideas into impactful, scalable companies. With over 17 years of experience across diverse tech ventures, Sharon shares how she’s mastered the art of blending data-driven precision with deep human insight to create startups that truly last. From launching her first company at 16 to building Builders into a thriving ecosystem for founders, Sharon’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. She opens up about the lessons learned from both successes and missteps, offering a raw look at the realities of entrepreneurship—from navigating partnerships to balancing motherhood with leadership. Together, we explore what it really takes to create companies with purpose—why validation should come before building, how founders can design structure without stifling creativity, and why authenticity remains the strongest foundation of all. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: Sharon’s journey from teenage founder to serial entrepreneurThe origins and vision behind Builders, and what makes its venture model uniqueWhy data-driven decision-making is vital for startup successBalancing creativity and structure in fast-moving venturesThe importance of celebrating small wins along the entrepreneurial pathHow motherhood reshaped Sharon’s approach to leadership and work-life integrationBuilding “mini brands” to establish early trust and validationRethinking unicorn culture—why lasting companies matter more than hypeThe Builders model: working in-house with founders to accelerate quality and impactLessons on collaboration, curiosity, and staying grounded through the journey 🧠 Key Takeaways: “First sell, then build.” Validation is the most powerful form of focus.Lasting beats unicorn. True success is building something sustainable and meaningful.Structure fuels creativity. Boundaries empower founders to innovate with clarity.Personal brand = trust. Every founder is also the face of their venture.Celebrate small wins. Progress compounds through appreciation and reflection.Authenticity builds connection. The best brands start from genuine human stories. 📍 Chapter Highlights: 00:00 – The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur 08:54 – Building Lasting Startups 15:49 – Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 22:44 – Childhood Influences on Entrepreneurship 29:46 – Diversity in Business Ventures 31:06 – The Spark of Entrepreneurship 35:30 – Data-Driven Decision Making 39:20 – The Crowdfunding Experience 45:44 – From Spark to Champagne: The Journey 48:58 – Finding the Right Founders 53:17 – Creating a Mini Brand 57:44 – Ongoing Brand Development 01:02:23 – The Importance of Marketing in Startups 01:08:33 – Understanding the Builders Model vs. Traditional Accelerators 01:17:08 – The Role of Founders and Team Dynamics 01:23:53 – Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Founders 🔗 Links & Resources: 🌍 Builders → builders.studio 📚 Related themes: entrepreneurship, startups, venture building, branding, motherhood, data-driven strategy, innovation, sustainable growth 🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode: This episode is a masterclass in how to build with intention. Sharon Klaver brings a refreshing honesty to the world of startups—reminding us that the best companies are built not just with ambition, but with empathy, validation, and heart. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, her perspective on balancing data and humanity will inspire you to rethink how you build, lead, and live. 📣 Connect with Us: This podcast is brought to you by SERIOUS.BUSINESS. If you’re scaling fast but your story, strategy, or brand haven’t caught up—let’s fix that 👇🏻 👉 Apply for your FREE Brand Masterplan 🦄

    1h 21m
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About

This is the Founders-Meeting podcast—your Monday morning "snack" to kickstart the week with positivity, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial drive. Every week, we dive into the minds of founders from around the globe, uncovering the strategies and stories behind their biggest wins and toughest challenges. Whether you're just starting out or scaling to new heights, this podcast is your weekly dose of motivation and insight. Hosted by Helga Osk Hlynsdottir, Spiritual Leader and co-founder of SERIOUS.BUSINESS, with over a decade of experience in building stronger teams, driving business growth, and crafting premium brands. Tune in every Monday for fresh inspiration—subscribe now and get inspired by your new favourite entrepreneurs.

Information

  • Creator
    Helga Osk | SERIOUS.BUSINESS
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Helga Osk | SERIOUS.BUSINESS
  • Show Website
    Founders-Meeting