Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast

Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast
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Founders Mindset Unfiltered dives deep into the real stories behind the startup grind. Hosted with honesty and curiosity, this podcast brings in early-stage entrepreneurs to share their unfiltered journeys,raw struggles, breakthrough moments, and the lessons learned while building their businesses from the ground up. Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in your startup hustle, each episode delivers relatable, no-fluff conversations that aim to inspire, educate, and connect founders who are in the trenches. This is the podcast for those who want the truth behind the headlines-straight

  1. Before You Waste Your Money: 3 Secrets to Finding a Quality Course | David Mercado | FMU

    5D AGO

    Before You Waste Your Money: 3 Secrets to Finding a Quality Course | David Mercado | FMU

    Sales Geek Offer:FMU has partnered with SalesGeek Manchester to offer a 90-minute online session for £60 designed to shift your sales mindset and build real confidence. This session is ISP accredited, ensuring you learn from real sales professionals REGISTER FOR THE COURSE NOW! https://form.jotform.com/fmustudios/intro-into-sales APPRENTICE OPPORTUNITY - APPLY NOW: https://linkly.link/2bgJd In this unfiltered episode of the FMU Founders Mindset Unfiltered podcast, we sit down with David Mercado , a seasoned sales leader and the driving force behind SalesGeek Manchester. David has built his successful career around changing the negative narrative associated with sales. He helps businesses implement structured, practical, and nononsense sales systems to drive revenue. David shares his incredible journey, starting with his competitive baseball career in 2003, where he was even scouted by the Atlanta Braves. After an injury tragically ended his athletic dreams, David faced a massive "identity shift". He explains how the discipline, consistency, and resilience learned from competitive sports became the foundation for his success in the business world. Follow David on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.mercado.61/ https://www.instagram.com/salesgeekhq/ https://www.instagram.com/salesgeekmcr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmercadosgm/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast 00:00:00 - Guest Introduction & Background Story 00:04:55 - Failing Early and Letting Go of the “Perfect Plan” 00:09:40 - Why Self-Education Beats Traditional Schooling 00:15:30 - Learning Skills That Actually Make You Money 00:22:10 - How to Teach Yourself New Skills Effectively 00:30:45 - Real-World Experience vs Classroom Knowledge 00:38:20 - Overcoming Fear, Doubt, and Starting Late 00:47:30 - The Role of Mentors and Learning From Others 00:55:40 - How to Build Skills Without a Degree 01:04:10 - Career Pivots, Reinventing Yourself 01:12:45 - Creating Opportunities Through Action 01:20:30 - Saying Yes to Growth Opportunities 01:26:00 - Final Advice on Lifelong Learning

    1h 27m
  2. Steve Levy on Filmmaking, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Storytelling

    JAN 28

    Steve Levy on Filmmaking, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Storytelling

    I’m Stephen Levy, award-winning filmmaker, content creator, keynote speaker, and mentor. I help people tell powerful stories, make confident choices, and turn ideas into impact through film, content, and personal development. Follow my journey for filmmaking insights, creative guidance, and life lessons that matter. In this captivating conversation, we sit down with Steve Levy, a multi-award-winning film director and producer with 25 prestigious film awards and 45 official selections, having directed and produced films that have received international recognition. He is also the founder of SLTV Studios, where he helps brands and organizations bring their ideas to life through visual storytelling and connecting with their emotions. Follow Stephen Levy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-i-levy Instagram: @sltvstudiosltd Website: http://sltvstudios.co.uk Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast 00:00:00 - Introducing Steve Levy: Award-Winning Filmmaker and Founder of SLTV Studios00:02:37 - The Head, Stomach, Heart Decision-Making Framework00:07:03 - Applying the Framework for Entrepreneurs (Logic, Instincts, and Passion)00:10:02 - Conflict in Decision-Making: Why You Need a Mentor and Wise Counsel00:12:22 - How to Know You’ve Made the Right Business Decision (The Fruits Test)00:12:40 - The Transition from Senior Corporate Role (KPMG) to Founding SLTV Studios00:14:12 - Why Values Matter: Turning Down Work That Doesn't Align with Your Principles00:16:32 - The Biggest Entrepreneurial Shift: From Creative Skill to Business Acumen and Networking00:17:38 - Building Rapport: Using Random Facts (Like Football) as a Gateway to Relationships00:21:11 - Attention Spans and Storytelling: Why the Narrative Keeps People Hooked00:25:00 - The True Story Behind the Award-Winning Short Film Epiphany00:28:28 - The Power of Listening: Giving Someone Time to Speak00:31:47 - Why Steve Decided to Help the Stranger in Brick Lane00:32:28 - Why Epiphany Succeeded: Craft and Audience Connection00:33:51 - Burnout and Resilience Culture: Striking a Balance and Protecting Your Health00:36:37 - Juggling Multiple Roles and the Power of Saying 'Not Yet'00:38:40 - Mindset: Why Failure is Just a Classroom and the Importance of 'Blinkers'00:42:17 - The Path to Becoming a Filmmaker (From Martial Arts to TV Extras)00:45:37 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Plan, Learn from Your Job, and Eliminate Debts00:48:50 - The Best Thing About the Creative Industry: The Introduction of AI00:49:53 - Is AI a Threat? It Comes Down to Intention and Adaptation00:53:47 - The Worst Thing About the Industry: Clients Knocking Down Pricing and Challenging Value01:02:02 - The Listening Test That Makes You A Better Listener

    1h 9m
  3. The Personal Branding "Deadline" Founders Are Ignoring: November 30, 2027

    JAN 14

    The Personal Branding "Deadline" Founders Are Ignoring: November 30, 2027

    Tariq Peters joins the FMU Founders Mindset Unfiltered podcast to deep-dive into why the pressure to build a personal brand is overwhelming entrepreneurs. As the creator of the P.H.A.S.E.S.® framework, Tariq provides a strategic approach to personal branding, ensuring it leads to tangible revenue and opportunities. Tariq reveals that his biggest frustration in building his brand was the "mindset element", specifically the paralyzing effects of imposter syndrome and lack of camera confidence.  Listen to Tariq's powerful advice, including: The 2027 Deadline: Tariq predicts the personal branding bubble will burst on November 30, 2027, five years after the launch of ChatGPT. This urgency means founders must act now.The P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework: P (Positioning), H (Hook), A (Amplification), S (Strategic Partnerships), E (Engagement), and S (Sustainability). Tariq explains this as a "credibility-driven visibility system".Expertise over Visibility: In a tough spot, Tariq argues that expertise is more important than visibility because you can still thrive in a niche without mass appeal.Authenticity in AI: In a world saturated with AI-generated perfection, unedited content highlights the fact that "you're human" and is the "diamond in the dirt". 0:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Branding0:00:18 - Overcoming the Fear of Mistakes0:00:41 - The Struggle with Imposter Syndrome0:00:55 - Does Not Editing Videos Drop Professionalism?0:01:09 - Welcome to the FMU Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast0:01:35 - Introducing Tariq Peters and the P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework0:02:33 - The Darkest Moment: Overcoming the Mindset Element 0:03:35 - How to Push Through the Hard Patch (Without Skydiving)0:05:43 - Becoming a Sponge and the 1% Better Principle0:06:58 - The Ultimate Goal: Reverse Engineering with AI Tools0:07:35 - Hardest Part of Running a Business with You as the Brand0:07:53 - Separating Your Personal Brand vs. Business Brand0:10:01 - The Benefits of Boosting Your Personal Brand0:10:29 - Building Your Tribe in the Era of Interest Media0:13:52 - The Importance of Expertise and an Evergreen Portfolio0:17:16 - Why Mainstream Personal Branding Strategies are Flawed0:19:39 - Why Corporate Branding Waters Down the Spark0:21:28 - The Power of Being True to Yourself0:22:28 - Personal Branding as Unlearning (It's Not Just About Influencers)0:24:04 - The Compounding Effect and Delayed Gratification0:25:36 - The Full Form of the P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework0:25:56 - Why the Framework is Named "P.H.A.S.E.S.®"0:29:52 - The P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework: A Credibility-Driven Visibility System0:32:09 - The Career Journey to Entrepreneurship0:32:41 - The Fear of Instability and Job Security0:35:49 - The Loneliness of Being Your Own Boss0:37:30 - The Personal Branding Bubble Deadline: November 30, 20270:37:47 - The Risk of Missing the AI and SEO Deadline0:40:50 - The Case for Unedited, Authentic Video Content0:42:36 - The Two Parts of Why Tariq Doesn't Edit0:45:39 - Top Two Tips for Overcoming Camera Fear0:47:26 - The 12 Days of Canva AI: Creating Memorable Digital Experiences0:50:38 - Visibility: Is it Just About Who Can Shout the Loudest?0:53:01 - Visibility vs. Expertise: Which Matters More?0:54:52 - How Skydiving Influenced Tariq's Decision0:58:07 - Being Named in PR Week UK 30 Under 301:02:05 - How to Shut Out the Quiet Voice of Imposter Syndrome Website: https://tariqpeters.co.uk/ Email: hello@tariqpeters.co.uk Substack: https://substack.com/@1mvisibilityblueprint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-peters-personal-branding-strategist/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tariqpeters_pr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tariqpeters_pr Follow us on Socials:Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG...TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast

    1h 18m
  4. Why Your Content Plan is Garbage! Shooting 20 Videos in One Day Is Easy, If You Plan Right | Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast | Heba Shaikh

    12/31/2025

    Why Your Content Plan is Garbage! Shooting 20 Videos in One Day Is Easy, If You Plan Right | Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast | Heba Shaikh

    Heba Shaikh, the founder of the media agency Seen Socially, joins us to discuss the unfiltered realities of building a business. Heba details how being made redundant after only three months at a job in the UK led her to launch a full-service media agency, offering social media marketing, content creation, graphic design, and more. Follow Heba Shaikh: Website: http://seensocially.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seensocially/ Email: contact@seensocially.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heba-shaikh-a57912143/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast 01:02 - Welcome & Introduction 01:28 - Introducing Heba Shaikh and Seen Socially 02:08 - The Journey from Redundancy to Business Owner 02:15 - Background in Fashion Design in India and Dubai 03:41 - Getting Made Redundant After Three Months 04:25 - Turning a "Stupid Hobby" (Editing Reels) into an Agency 05:34 - The Feeling of Achievement as a Founder 06:14 - The Worst Times Are a Blessing 06:56 - Explaining CAD Drawings and Tech Packs in Fashion 07:49 - Working with a Couture Fashion Brand in Saudi 08:30 - Family Background in Manufacturing for Primark & Dorothy Perkins 09:30 - The New Startup Package Idea (Pre-Launch Services) 10:33 - What Really Got Heba into Social Media: Creativity and Storytelling 11:11 - The "One Day, One Shoot, One Month of Content" Service Explained 12:00 - Instagram Demands Quality vs. TikTok Demands Quantity 13:38 - Why Startups Need Good Content 14:40 - The Core Difference Between Instagram and TikTok 15:38 - How to Film 20 Videos in One Day (Batch Content Strategy) 17:03 - Planning is Everything for Content Creation 17:42 - How Long Planning and Prepping Actually Takes 18:28 - The Importance of Props, Lighting, and Shot Lists 19:27 - Comfortably Filming 20 Pieces of Content in One Day 20:40 - Why Planning is Key and What You Pay the "Big Bucks" For 21:16 - The Long Process of Editing Content 22:38 - The Biggest Challenge: Hiring Employees in India 24:53 - The Account Manager Working for "Other Clients' Work" 25:23 - The Real Reason for Hiring Remotely: Money 26:45 - Why the Business Isn't Growing (Heba Does Most of the Job) 27:01 - Strategies for Hiring in the UK (Apprenticeships/Internships) 28:30 - What Heba Needs: A "Second Me" 29:58 - The Unfair Expectation of Hiring One Person for Two Jobs 31:55 - The Client Who Said, "You figure that out." 34:03 - The Importance of Open Communication in Client Relationships 35:15 - Pushing Through After Losing the Biggest Client 36:58 - Planning to Hire Her Husband for Finance and Sales 38:04 - The Fear of Losing a Client Due to Money 39:39 - The Need to Put Egos Aside and Grow the Business 40:32 - The Worst Thing About the Industry: Hiring (CVS, Firing, Not Being Able to Rely on People) 41:21 - Unfiltered Hiring Advice: Why Hiring Women from India Has Been So Hard 43:01 - Recommendation: Hire Men (Cultural Difference) 44:17 - The Best Thing About the Industry: Free Food and Gifts 45:16 - Why Your Social Media Image (Digital Footprint) Matters 46:53 - An Example of a Brand with an Amazing Digital Footprint: Odd Muse 48:15 - The Power of Showing Vulnerability and Behind the Scenes 50:46 - Dealing with Overwhelm and Crying 51:24 - What Services Cost: Why Social Media Management is £2,000-£3,000 53:19 - Aggressive Community Management for Brand Awareness 54:48 - Creating Custom Packages for Startups with Small Budgets 56:17 - Using a Social Media Calculator to Determine Pricing 57:35 - How to Start in the Industry Today (Learning, YouTube, Free Services) 58:56 - Equipment: Why a Smartphone is Better Than a Professional Camera 59:30 - Why Professional Content Performs Less Than iPhone Content 01:00:52 - Funding the Agency and Equipment 01:02:18 - Quitting the 9-to-5 to Focus on the Agency 01:03:49 - Is Batch Content a Creativity Killer or Multiplier? #foundersmindsetunfiltered #fmupodcast

    1h 13m
  5. Thank You For 1000 Subscribers! Lets Grow FMU Together

    12/24/2025

    Thank You For 1000 Subscribers! Lets Grow FMU Together

    Thank you to everyone who has subscribed. I appriciate you all for being part of our journey. Let grow together and build a strong community.More to come 2026! Subscribe!Follow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersmindsetunfiltered/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPGyltz7WTFOB6LyWF?si=b05c54cbf6184cbbTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foundermindsetpodcast#1000subscriber #thankyou #fmupodcast #foundersmindsetunfiltered #entrepreneurmindset #entrepreneurjourney

    2 min
  6. He Worked With Akon & Stormzy?! Riley Jubbie on Talent, Film & the Grind Behind Success | FMU Podcast

    12/10/2025

    He Worked With Akon & Stormzy?! Riley Jubbie on Talent, Film & the Grind Behind Success | FMU Podcast

    Today on Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we’re joined by Riley Jubbie, founder of SM Collectives Agency - a creative force in talent management, video production, and live events. Riley shares his journey from break dancer to producer and director, how he built his agency from the ground up, the reality of burnout, the grind behind success, and what he learned working with artists like Akon and Stormzy. He opens up about leadership, spotting talent, the pressure of doing everything yourself, and the power of relationships in the industry. A raw and inspiring conversation about passion, discipline, and creative resilience. Follow Riley Jubbie: Website: https://smcollectiveagencies.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.m_collective/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/rileydixon18/?hl=en-gb https://www.instagram.com/poledreams.uk?igsh=MXRyNG56cmRpend4Yg== Email: sdmbrum@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryamanjacob/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersmindsetunfiltered/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPGyltz7WTFOB6LyWF?si=b05c54cbf6184cbb TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foundermindsetpodcast 00:00 – Intro 04:42 – Building and trusting a team 09:36 – From dancer to agency founder 17:46 – Handling challenges in music video production 23:15 – Filming tricks and entertainment industry truths 25:45 – Networking and building industry relationships 29:36 – Music video production process 36:28 – Understanding and recognizing talent 44:24 – Managing client satisfaction and expectations 49:59 – Handling live event challenges 54:29 – Family support and early influences 01:00:01 – Support system and mindset 01:01:17 – Hiring criteria and attention to detail 01:04:31 – Letting employees go and leadership approach 01:06:49 – Learning business from family and early jobs 01:10:54 – Starting a business: preparation and flexibility 01:13:14 – Dealing with creative burnout 01:16:14 – Working with Akon and Stormzy 01:20:37 – Importance of persistence and networking 01:24:42 – Agency pitch and business overview 01:26:32 – Request for advice and audience engagement

    1h 30m

  7. 11/26/2025

    Design, Failure & Second Skin | Aryaman Jacob on the Real Life of a Founder

    Today on Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we sit down with Aryaman Jacob, design consultant and creator of the wearable tech project Second Skin. Aryaman opens up about inclusive design, the messy realities of the design process, why AI can’t replace human creativity, and the emotional rollercoaster of showing clients work they didn’t love. We also talk about the truth behind entrepreneurship, the challenges of being “your own boss,” and why he’s building tech to reduce pain for blue-collar workers. A candid conversation about creativity, resilience, and designing for real people. 🎧 Real stories. Real lessons. Unfiltered. Follow Aryaman Jacob:Website: https://design-kind.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryamanjacob/Follow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersmindsetunfiltered/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPGyltz7WTFOB6LyWF?si=b05c54cbf6184cbbTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foundermindsetpodcast 00:00 – AI, Design and Job Security00:32 – How Users React to Prototypes01:00 – Entrepreneurship Misconceptions01:27 – Introducing the Second Skin Project02:09 – Podcast Introduction and Guest Bio03:19 – Origin Story of Designkind04:29 – What Inclusive Design Means05:17 – Physical vs Digital Design Challenges06:10 – Hardest Projects and Problem-Solving07:09 – What an Interaction Designer Actually Does09:12 – Research, Ethics and Accessibility in Design10:04 – AI in the Design Workflow12:32 – Using AI in Research and Synthetic Users14:05 – Full Design Process: Research to Launch17:15 – User Testing Surprises and Feedback Loops19:22 – Emotional Detachment From Your Product20:20 – Why Aryaman Chose Entrepreneurship23:28 – Best and Worst Parts of Being an Entrepreneur26:23 – Past Startup Experience: Designer Sharet29:01 – Returning to Employment After a Startup31:03 – Deep Dive Into Second Skin33:35 – Real-World Insights: Pain, Weather and Injuries34:51 – Academic Backing and Conference Paper35:27 – How the Idea of Second Skin Started37:38 – Market Opportunity for Wearable Tech38:32 – Will Second Skin Be Affordable?40:00 – Why Big Tech Overcharges42:25 – How the Sleeve Works: Sensors, Heating, Cooling45:51 – Medical Backing and Physiotherapy Input46:50 – B2B vs B2C Strategy48:14 – Funding Second Skin49:04 – What Happens If Funding Fails51:44 – Risks That Could Kill Second Skin52:50 – Future Versions (Lower Limbs, Full Body Wearables)54:40 – How Designkind Works With Clients57:01 – Handling Bad Patches and Burnout59:10 – Maintaining Work–Life Balance01:00:09 – Aryaman’s 2-Minute Pitch01:01:46 – Aryaman’s Pain Points and Call for Support01:04:14 – How to Contact Designkind01:05:10 – Closing Message and Podcast Updates

    1h 6m

  8. 11/12/2025

    Chartered Physiotherapist Reveals the Truth About Pain & Recovery | Ammit Mistry

    This week on Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we speak with Ammit Mistry, a Chartered Physiotherapist and founder of Bodyform Physiotherapy. Ammit opens up about his path from the NHS to entrepreneurship — balancing patients, business, stress, and family. He shares what physiotherapy really is, how to prevent pain, the emotional rewards of helping others, and how AI is reshaping his field. A candid conversation about healing, growth, and the reality of running a one-man startup. 🎧 Real stories. Real lessons. Unfiltered. Follow Ammit Mistry:Email: ammit@bodyformphysiotherapy.co.uk Number: 07585 339096 Address: 19 Iveson Approach, Leeds LS16 6LJLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammit-mistry-82919410b/Follow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersmindsetunfiltered/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPGyltz7WTFOB6LyWF?si=b05c54cbf6184cbbTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foundermindsetpodcast

    1h 9m
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About

Founders Mindset Unfiltered dives deep into the real stories behind the startup grind. Hosted with honesty and curiosity, this podcast brings in early-stage entrepreneurs to share their unfiltered journeys,raw struggles, breakthrough moments, and the lessons learned while building their businesses from the ground up. Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in your startup hustle, each episode delivers relatable, no-fluff conversations that aim to inspire, educate, and connect founders who are in the trenches. This is the podcast for those who want the truth behind the headlines-straight

Information

  • Creator
    Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast
  • Show Website
    Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast